Super Rugby 2019

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/...d-on-bench-for-sunwolves-clash-with-reds.html

Amanaki Mafi named on bench for Sunwolves' clash with Reds
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The Sunwolves on Thursday named Amanaki Lelei Mafi in the 23-man match-day squad for their upcoming Super Rugby clash with the Queensland Reds.

The 29-year-old No. 8, who is undergoing criminal proceedings for assault in New Zealand, has been named on the bench for Saturday's match at Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground.

His selection follows his call-up to Japan's extended Rugby World Cup training squad.

The Japan Rugby Football Union has previously avoided picking anyone involved in ongoing legal proceedings for a representative side.

"While keeping our eyes on the progress of Mafi's case, we've been staying in conversation with the lawyer," a JRFU spokesman told Kyodo News.

"Since he satisfactorily reflected on his behavior and there has been no progress in his case, we made the decision on the timing (of his call-up) after we had a consultation with the lawyer."

Mafi was charged with intent to injure former Melbourne Rebels teammate Lopeti Timani following a game against the Highlanders last July.

Reports in the Sydney Morning Herald say the mediation process between the two players fell through last year and the case is back in the District Court in Dunedin, with the next hearing set for March 27. Mafi, who has pleaded not guilty to the charge, has been excused from appearing.

The Hanazono University graduate, who has been capped 22 times by Japan, was initially banned by his Top League side NTT Communications Shining Arcs.

But after complying with the punishment doled out by the Shining Arcs -- such as temporary home confinement and releasing a letter of apology -- he was allowed to resume playing for the Top League side in November.

The JRFU said they will revisit the decision once progress is made in the legal proceedings, though it is understood his legal team is now seeking to have the matter delayed until after the World Cup in September.

Mafi will be joining a side that shows six changes and one positional switch from the team that started last week's 28-20 loss to the Blues in Auckland.

In the forwards, Uwe Helu joins Tom Rowe in the second row, while Ben Gunter is set to make his Super Rugby debut in the back row alongside Dan Pryor, who is promoted from the bench, and Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco.

In the backs, Hosea Saumaki makes his long-awaited return to the side following an extended layoff due to a knee injury. Hayden Parker returns at flyhalf, outside center Sione Teaupa gets his first game of the season and Jason Emery moves from jersey No. 13 to No. 15.

Sunwolves squad:
1. Pauliasi Manu, 2. Atsushi Sakate, 3. Hiroshi Yamashita, 4. Uwe Helu, 5. Tom Rowe, 6. Ben Gunter, 7. Dan Pryor, 8. Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco, 9. Jamie Booth, 10. Hayden Parker, 11. Hosea Saumaki, 12. Michael Little (c), 13. Sione Teaupa, 14. Gerhard van den Heever, 15. Jason Emery.

Replacements: 16. Jaba Bregvadze, 17. Sam Prattley, 18. Asaeli Ai Valu, 19. James Moore, 20. Amanaki Lelei Mafi, 21. Keisuke Uchida, 22. Rikiya Matsuda, 23. Semisi Masirewa
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This is a good Sunwolves selection, only poor discipline should cost them the match against the Reds. The heavy weight, Godzilla, Saumaki is also back.

From next week Jamie Joseph will be sending in his world cup rugby players into the Sunwolves squad in a rotation. They will have the continuity and depth, and Tony Brown will return as head coach. Not to mention, they have never had more than 3 specialised locks, by next week they will have 7-9 (2 utilities).
 
https://m.sport24.co.za/Rugby/SuperRugby/bulls-to-cut-more-than-100-contracts-20190314

The Bulls’ contracting model of trying to buy up the best junior talent in the country is dead in the water, so much so that the Pretoria-based union may recruit less than a handful of schools stars this year as they try and offload up to 100 players off their books.
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Good, i don't think paying that many junior players not to play rugby was ever a good idea.

What happened to the u/19 competitions? That's still hi-school level.
 
I see the Reds are resting their Wallabies due to obligations and the Sunwolves are essentially playing their best available team. First time ever that the bookies are going with the Sunwolves.
 
Good win by the Stormers. Depth looks good and peaking at the right time.

If they can at least win 2 of the 4 away games it would make their playoffs easier
 
I see that the Highlanders / Crusaders game was canceled due to yesterday's horrific attacks.
 
Mephisto_Helix said:
Bit silly to cancel the game .... you're letting the dregs of society win
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This is also true. Maybe a better option would've been to play it and then donate the proceeds to the Christchurch community. I was wondering what happens with the points? Do they consider it a draw and split them 2 a piece?
 
Agent_Smith said:
This is also true. Maybe a better option would've been to play it and then donate the proceeds to the Christchurch community. I was wondering what happens with the points? Do they consider it a draw and split them 2 a piece?
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Yes, they will share the two competition points. The two sides and New Zealand Rugby agreed to this, and SANZAAR stated that there will be no reschedule.
 
KOPITE said:
Good win by the Stormers. Depth looks good and peaking at the right time.

If they can at least win 2 of the 4 away games it would make their playoffs easier
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I wouldn't get too carried away if I were you!! Good win, no doubt but the Stormers are notoriously poor on the road..
 
Eish. I hope there's loadshedding in heaven so Fanie can't see this horror show from the Lions...
 
It's all Lions now. I'll be surprised if the rebels hold on here for the win (or even a draw). Lions making a mistake in not going for poles.
 
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