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Watch: Japanese rugby to boost Currie Cup

Currie Cup looks set for a chop

A recent decision by Japanese rugby to put a strong focus on the development of its national team for the 2019 World Cup, looks likely to benefit the Currie Cup.

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The move will likely mean less South Africans will take up short-term deals in the Japanese Top League, during the Currie Cup window.

Japanese rugby will scrap the Top League entirely for the 2019 season to best prepare for the 2019 World Cup and this is where the Currie Cup stands to benefit.

The 2019 season being pushed back, means no South African players will sign any Top League deals for the 2019 season.

For the 2018 season, it means that the longest deal on the table will realistically be a one year deal, which potentially could push players towards committing to their local unions and the Currie Cup.

Credit: SuperSport

 

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Comments on RugbyPass

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TokoRFC 8 minutes ago
Why ‘the curse of the Bambino’ is still stronger than ever at Leinster

Good work getting some proper analysis out so quickly Nick, enjoyed this! But what do you mean by “vertical axis”?


Their attacking channel of kickoffs and phase play?

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JO 17 minutes ago
URC teams aren't proving Stephen Donald wrong

BREAKING: NZ Rugby Launches National "Rebuilding Era" Hotline for Devastated Fans Calls triple after another loss to a Tier 1 nation with a functioning lineout.

In a bold move aimed at tackling a growing national crisis, New Zealand Rugby has unveiled a new 0800-REB-UILD hotline to offer emotional support to fans still trying to cope with the fact that the All Blacks are no longer the indestructible force of yesteryear.

Following yet another "promising" performance that ended in tears and post-match excuses, the hotline will be staffed by former All Blacks who’ll gently whisper “It used to be better” and play reruns of Richie McCaw highlights to soothe callers through the pain.

From Dynasty to "Developing Nation"?

Once feared like a Haka in a silent room, the All Blacks have now become the international equivalent of a banana peel — occasionally threatening, but mostly stepped over by teams with better coaching and a functioning scrum.

Rugby pundits are beginning to ask the real questions:

Should New Zealand be classified as a Tier 1.5 nation?

Is “We’re building for 2027” the new national anthem?

And most importantly: How many more assistant coaches do they need before they stop blaming the weather?

Fans Feeling the Burn

Die-hard Kiwi fans, long used to smugly reminding the world of their World Cup count, now find themselves angrily Googling the phrase "how to handle sporting mediocrity." Even the most loyal supporters have been caught muttering the unthinkable: “Maybe South Africa is just better now.”

In response, social media has been flooded with support messages like:

“At least you’re not Australia.”

“Remember 2011?”

“Hey, there’s always the Crusaders... oh wait.”

A Look to the Future (Or Just the Past Again)

New Zealand Rugby has reportedly asked Peter Jackson to create a new fantasy trilogy titled "The Return of the Glory Days," with Sam Cane playing Frodo — a brave but slightly out-of-depth hero wandering through the Northern Hemisphere hoping someone still respects him.

Meanwhile, the NZRU has committed to innovation, announcing a new strategy based on ancient Maori wisdom: when the canoe is sinking, blame the oars.

Conclusion: Still Dangerous, But Not Scary

Let’s be clear — the All Blacks can still turn up on their day. But these days, "on their day" feels more like a national holiday than a regular occurrence. Until then, enjoy the trolling, stay humble (unlike them in 2015), and remember — world rugby is more fun when New Zealand isn't always winning.

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GrahamVF 20 minutes ago
New Zealand and South Africa crowned SVNS Series champions in LA

Absolutely agree - I have no doubt that they will make a much bigger thing of the end of the league results next year and hopefully have a proper Sevens’ Shield presentation, then go to the winner takes all between the top eight teams. It also gives smaller teams the possibility of winning the big one. In South Africa, the Currie Cup used to be decided on who finished top of the log - then the marketing guys saw the potential in a winner takes all semis/final. So in those comps as in the Super Rugby league table you can finish fourth in the round robin and still win the ultimate prize - and that’s where a lot of top sides come short. Knock out rugby has a different mindset as is evidenced by Leinster in the 15’s game. NZ had the same problem. They swept everything in front of them but took 24 years to win their second WC.

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Pablo King 25 minutes ago
Don't get out over your skis on the Highlanders

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SF 36 minutes ago
'Devastating': Stephen Donald weighs in on the next All Black 10

Now why the heck would you like to see a “fish out water” in the 10 jumper for the AB’s?

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Alex 42 minutes ago
New Zealand and South Africa crowned SVNS Series champions in LA

I'd say the shield should be given greater weighting then.

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Alex 43 minutes ago
New Zealand and South Africa crowned SVNS Series champions in LA

Sevens is very unique though. More like golf where a team can have a storming tournament and then not so much the next tourno. The nature of it really means (which is great for the sport) that it's very unpredictable. Kenya could get silver one week, then not make last 8 the next. As a result, it doesn't feel right that one tournament result defines the sevens season.

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Alex 45 minutes ago
New Zealand and South Africa crowned SVNS Series champions in LA

Real winners were Argentina! The WHOLE season shouldn't be defined by one tournament. This is not one tourno but a SERIES of tournos. I just feel that's different to the playoffs of a SR/EPL/URC/Top14 season.

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JD Kiwi 49 minutes ago
Why ‘the curse of the Bambino’ is still stronger than ever at Leinster

Good theory SK.


Super Rugby and the northern comps have different strengths and weaknesses and I'm not saying one is better than the other. However the length of the northern season means that you have to either rest your best players a lot or run them into the ground, which leads to the issue you've described.


One of the things I like about SR is that the test players get a longer off/preseason and only have miss a couple of games. So they are match hardened without being overworked.

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JD Kiwi 1 hour ago
Why ‘the curse of the Bambino’ is still stronger than ever at Leinster

Agreed, but I think he was saying that taking the kick for goal was 50/50, not picking Jordie.

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Ed the Duck 1 hour ago
Why ‘the curse of the Bambino’ is still stronger than ever at Leinster

Now that’s a match up that’s way too close to call, other than it’s gonna be a cracker, but Saints absolutely have a great shot at the title here!

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Ed the Duck 1 hour ago
Why ‘the curse of the Bambino’ is still stronger than ever at Leinster

Absolutely smacked of rotation, it definitely wasn’t appropriate and they totally underestimated Saints. All the commentary beforehand was entirely dismissive of Saints and it was poetic to see things play the way they did. RTE describing Saints as a mere “speed bump”, Kearney stating Pollock “had a target on his back coming to Dublin” and he would be better served “keeping his head down and learning his trade”, Horgan saying Leinster only needed to be at 80%. Jeez they even turned down the 3 to level and go again, with player advantage, and that’s despite having been taught the same lesson in previous tight CC losses! Didn’t you mention something similar in the Irish team attitude about a lax attitude pre France in March?


Now, what was Einstein’s definition of madness again? Ah yes, something about doing the same thing over and over and still getting the same result!


Ps not sure at all Saints are best side in England and doubt they even win the 24 final without Obano’s 22nd minute red card. 2nd best, absolutely.

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Ed the Duck 1 hour ago
Why ‘the curse of the Bambino’ is still stronger than ever at Leinster

Ryan hasn’t been starting ahead of McCarthy for a while, either for Leinster or Ireland and RG was bought in for these games, so unlikely he would have made the XV, even without the complacency in selection.

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Sophie Mulller 1 hour ago
Jorja Miller and Luciano Gonzalez crowned world’s best on SVNS Series

i know a tech expert who can aid you in recovering any crypto currency,reach her (infocyberrecoveryinc@gmail.com and telegram:marie_consultancy)

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F
Frans 1 hour ago
Why former All Black believes the Wallabies will beat the B&I Lions

Current record is 52-40 for the Springboks, with 6 wins in the last 10 matches. The old adage holds - test matches are won up front…

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Cantab 1 hour ago
'Devastating': Stephen Donald weighs in on the next All Black 10

Interesting article. Love certainly had impact at 10 against a very strong Chiefs side. His vision, goal kicking and general play enabled his team to beat them comfortably. If he can continue that form he would be an asset for the ABs so should at least be in the squad.

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TC 1 hour ago
Why former All Black believes the Wallabies will beat the B&I Lions

Pretty well? The wallabies have a good record against the springboks.

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NB 2 hours ago
Elegant or turbulent? Can Les give the Wallabies the Kiss of Life?

Ther has been some talk of ‘good cop bad cop’ with Joe playing the tough love role A, but Joe won’t be there for at least one year. So it is not clear what the plan is, esp with Les slated to finish one year after a WC in 2028?


I think the choice reflects the current battle for power between Waugh and Dan Herbert, and you’re point of comp with Ewen McKenzie may turn out ot be all too accurate.


It is not a chocie which will lead to unity of purpose in the long run, it will simply expose the flaws at the time of making it.

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NB 2 hours ago
Why ‘the curse of the Bambino’ is still stronger than ever at Leinster

The next idea to try might be fornting up with the first XV on those tough tours of SA pre-Champions Cup semi. Get them battle hardened upstairs for the tests ahead.

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NB 2 hours ago
Why ‘the curse of the Bambino’ is still stronger than ever at Leinster

Previous games with Lienster showcased the full range of his abilities though Tim, just have to give him the full 80 not half a bleedin hour.

63 Go to comments
LONG READ
LONG READ Why ‘the curse of the Bambino’ is still stronger than ever at Leinster Why ‘the curse of the Bambino’ is still stronger than ever at Leinster
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