Super Rugby 2017

Sharks lost and my Bru is a bit wonky already but man, doesn't it feel good to have weekends filled with rugby games again ......
 
OrbitalDawn said:
Hurricanes went to sleep in the last 20. Glad the Sunwolves could get some tries, though.
Click to expand...

I am worried about the plan the JRFU have with the Sunwolves. They have 53 players in their squad, many whom are talented in the Top League and though a lower ranked tier competition they are exposed to world-class players. Suntory, Panasonic, Yamaha… these teams would have had a much better game than the Sunwolves today. Now, okay, I know that many players were unavailable to be selected, but to select 7 non-Japanese players… come on, this is going back to the John Kirwan days where he played 3rd string islanders and New Zealanders… Eddie Jones brought back Japanese rugby and now Jamie Joseph is doing what Kirwan did. I have no issue with the islanders raised or schooled in Japan and so on, but they are pushing it too much now.

Not to take too much away, the Sunwolves played against the champion side which shocked our teams in 2016. So, what did improve, this were an overall inexperienced side? They won their scrums and they did win their balls in the lineouts though there were a mistake or two, their set-pieces are an improvement over 2016 and that is it. Poor communication remains, the Sunwolves threw two tries early into the game where the centres were unable to connect with the wingers.

Forwards, they have that now and have won turnover balls. I also must give it to Yu Tamaru’s little brother, Hikaru Tamaru, which impressed in some capacity as a debutant at no. 10.

At the end, to lose by that huge margin is still terrible and Filo Tiatia was completely unfazed by what happened in play as it were to be expected. They need to get their attitude right or else they should leave the competition.
 
I can't watch the game but I see there are no tries scored so far which is very surprising.
 
So a knock on is now classified as 'carried back'. Okaaaay then...
 
Players must always adapt instantly to new laws but the refs can carry on making stupid calls. That knock on, the high tackle calls that haven't been, the usual shyte missed, etc etc ..... same old
 
Harsh calls made against the Cheetahs, some derserved. Not a good win by the Lions, but a win nonetheless. Rhule should have never made that grubber at the end. One thing is clear, the Lions buckle under pressure.
 
Relieved the Lions scraped a win.

Why the downgraded budget studio at SuperSport? Is Super Rugby just a fringe sport/tournament for them?
 
Doubt the Lions will produce the same impact they made last season. Early days, but the next few games will tell if they will be able to make the playoffs
 
What phone app are you guys using for scores, updates and stats? I'm looking for something proper, like a ESPNcricinfo for rugby.
 
So they trimming teams for 2018 right? Game will benefit to lose teams like the Kings and Sunwolves going by the opening outings. Hopefully they can show improvement but I doubt it
 
Mephisto_Helix said:
So they trimming teams for 2018 right? Game will benefit to lose teams like the Kings and Sunwolves going by the opening outings. Hopefully they can show improvement but I doubt it
Click to expand...

Yes, many options are considered.

At this stage SANZAAR is pushing to drop 3 teams and the ARU themselves are pro to dropping 2-3 Aussie teams. Nothing is conclusive, but it is likely that we will see a 15 or 16 team setup between 2018-2019. Sunwolves and Jaguares are likely to stay put up to 2019 (the RWC). 2020 onwards will be interesting, they are talking expansion, but with a more manageable setup. SANZAAR is presenting their options next month on the 9th iirc.

Pro Rugby (PRO) also has some bid on entering the competition, that is North America. The Argentines wants to include the Pampas. Then there is the Warriors debacle…
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X