Super Rugby 2018

The Sharks look like they are doing everything so slowly. The Sunwolves are at least showing some passion.
 
Is it just me, or are those signs painted on the field not really there,,, as sometimes I'm seeing straight through the player or only half the sign????? :wtf:
 
faniebraai said:
Is it just me, or are those signs painted on the field not really there,,, as sometimes I'm seeing straight through the player or only half the sign????? :wtf:
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Virtual yep and naturally, awfully implemented. Between that and the stream breakup, the irritation levels are not lekker :(
 
I must say, these Sunwolves are a disappointment for the competition. The commentating of how much Jamie Joseph improved the team is heresy. Mark Hammett made systematic improvements, Filo Tiatia made systematic improvements... They are rebuilding each year, the inability to negosiate with the Top League shareholders resulting in the JSRA which is turning this into a foreign contingency for centralised contracting purposes.

My prediction is too low, Sharks may double the score.

They must give the Sunwolves to the Top League, allow the top clubs to run the franchise. Panasonic already has player development plans in place with the Crusaders and Highlanders, they had two players playing for the Highlanders Bravehearts and one for the Crusaders Knights today.
 
It's a shame that they are such a disappointment. You've been backing them so long and I know of no one who knows that team as well as you do. I was hoping they'd come through for you this year.
 
Solitude said:
It's a shame that they are such a disappointment. You've been backing them so long and I know of no one who knows that team as well as you do. I was hoping they'd come through for you this year.
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There are 16 tier 1 clubs in the Japanese Top League. They have the depth, keeping the top 8 clubs as the core are more than enough to supplement the Sunwolves. Continuety isn't a rarity, tall players are a rarity where foreign players are suitable for coverage.

Look at their coaching setup, between those clubs they have Robbie Deans, Jake White, Jimmy Stonehouse* and excellent Japanese coaches at Suntory and Yamaha. They have the Japanese player base and coaching expertise and vision to pump out a competitive Super Rugby contender and to feed the JRFU for the national team.

The JRFU don’t have the money, the Top League clubs cover the salaries and it is only Panasonic which pays their players an ‘competitive’ salary in Super Rugby terms. Iirc, the JRFU only pays the players $20 per match and the JSRA has made money available towards centralised contracting…

Filo Tiatia walked, because of the JSRA... I didn't rate him highly, but he made progress and with the same squad as last year he would have been in a much better position today.

*Did Jimmy Stonehouse come back to SA?

Japan has other issues, development-wise, they don't look after their youth. Junior Japan demolished Tonga A this weekend, but none of the juniors are up for contract... None of the All-Japan University Rugby players are up for contract, Tokai University has superb players... Japan desperately needs professional rugby, the same apply for the 'amateurs' excelling at the game in the Top League.

EDIT:

They also have Allister Coetzee now :whistle:
 
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Very nice from the Wolves. When they get it right, they do look good. Unfortunately, it's too little too seldom
 
Agent_Smith said:
Very nice from the Wolves. When they get it right, they do look good. Unfortunately, it's too little too seldom
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The issue with rebuilding, every season, is the inability for practice makes perfect. For this tour it is hardly a conditioned squad, many still in recovery were forced back into the squad due to their extensive list of injuries and lack of depth in fitness.

Leitch and Matsushima were only to be made available after this tour. Yu Tamura is fortunate enough to be 'too' injured for forced return.

The Lions are going to run them over next week.
 
Mapimpi and Nkosi really growing in stature. With Ruan Combrinck hopefully back soon, our wings stocks are looking in good health (as long as Rhule stays away from the green and gold jersey!).
 
I fear this is going to be a rout. Blues looking listless and lethargic.
 
Akira Ioane looks like the only Blues player making any effort. He's having a blinder!
 
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