Official Super Rugby 2016 Thread

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/...ncis-to-make-debut-for-blues-against-jaguares

Blues make four changes, Jaguares leave 10 players at home for Saturday's match

The English-born Counties Manukau first five-eighth has been handed the No 12 jersey for Saturday's assignment against the Jaguares in Albany. He starts inside Rene Ranger to form the Blues' third midfield pairing in five matches this season.

After injuring his foot in the preseason Francis is back following two club games. His selection sees George Moala demoted to the bench after a poor defensive performance in the draw against the Reds in Brisbane, while Japanese international Male Sa'u has been dropped altogether.

Umaga has also sent Ofa Tu'ungafasi a message by promoting loosehead prop Nic Mayhew, who celebrated by bench pressing 185kg this week. Joseph Edwards replaces injured blindside Jerome Kaino and James Parsons assumes the captaincy.

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The Blues have been handed a surprise leg up, with the Jaguares leaving 10 front-line players in Argentina. The visitors have made nine changes - five in the forwards and four in the backs - to the team that lost to the Stormers at home last week.

Pumas first-five Nicolas Sanchez is dropped to the bench and captain Agustin Creevy has not made the trip, suggesting they are taking the Blues lightly.

"I suppose it could be perceived that way but there's some top notch players they're bringing in," Umaga said. "They change names but with the amount of experience and the way they play they're sure to bring excitement."
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The Jaguares are only bringing the players in when they play the Hurricanes. This match can still go either way...
 
Anyone else watched this week's episode of The Breakdown? Much better quality rugby show compared to our local ones. Also really like the fact that they actually spend time properly discussing and even praising Saffer/Aussie teams/players/stadiums.
 
Bloody hell. It's because I've got money on the game that the Highlanders suck so much today.
 
I wonder if weirdly, the game of the weekend could be the Kings vs Sunwolves. Both teams probably identifying that game as their only realistic shot at victory and will be going hammer and tongs at each other to achieve that. Should be a good spectacle.
 
http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-rugby-union-super-sunwolves-pisi-idUKKCN0WY3K5

Sunwolves lose influential flyhalf Pisi to Bristol

Fledgling Super Rugby outfit the Sunwolves were dealt a big blow after Samoa flyhalf Tusi Pisi announced he would leave Japan and join English second tier club Bristol at the end of the season.

Pisi, who had also played for Japan Top League side Suntory Sungoliath, was one of the few foreign internationals signed by the Sunwolves for their debut Super Rugby campaign, which has begun with four defeats.

The 33-year-old, who has featured in 28-tests for his country, has also played in New Zealand with the Hurricanes and Crusaders and in France with Toulon and was keen for a new challenge.
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Bristol is currently leading the championship so they have a good chance to return to the Aviva Premiership. I expected Pisi to exit Super Rugby this year… Pisi is then also done with Suntory Sungoliath, and I guess with Samoa.

By next year the Japanese will have much more options available as other Top League clubs may open their gates to have access to their player rosters. The issue is not the position, but the tactical kicking. Tatekawa and Tamura is good enough to hold this position next season.
 
Not exactly Super Rugby news, but I hold this man in high regard.

http://www.bathchronicle.co.uk/Bath...-wants-Japan/story-29021670-detail/story.html

Amanaki Mafi wants to go back to Japan.

Bath Rugby have started talks with the all-action number eight and his agent, but Mafi has told the club he would like to return to the Far East next season.

However, all is not lost. According to forwards coach Neal Hatley, he could still return to the Rec when he doesn't have commitments to play in the Japanese league.

Hatley said: "We've obviously been in discussions with him for the last three or four weeks.

"It's a bit complicated because of the contract he's got back there. He wants to go back to Japan and play there, so we're going to see if we can do some sort of job share role with him.

"He's a wonderful player and someone we'd like to bring back in the near future if it all pans out."

Mafi has been a sensation since arriving at the beginning of February on a short-term contract. In his first four matches he scored four tries and he is favourite to start at number eight against Saracens on Friday night.
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I’m sure that Bath will do their best to retain him over the long-term to play in season, however should he return to Japan I’m sure due to the current Super Rugby structure that either the Sunwolves or Austalasian teams may want to have a discussion with his agent and Top League club.
 
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