SuperRugby: Highlanders v Hurricanes. 12/05/2012

[TRF_Cymro]

Ye, Glen Jackson.

 

[munstermuffin]

Cool fair play to him, Has he been doing Super 15 much, I knew he was doing ref course just didn't know he'd be getting up to this standard. Great to see ex players like that who can really understand both sides (ref & player)

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

Yeah he's been very good, though hasn't been around for too long yet.

 

[cyRil]

Turns out Savea is a player then?!!

 

[nickdnz]

Great game. Few points though.

Andre Taylor looked like he was carrying a bit of an injury, but I certainly think you can't rule him out yet. His defense was pretty good through out the match, and other than a kick where he slipped and a knock on after recieving one of the worst hospital passes of the season, he did alright. Not his best game, but considering how he was the only bright light against the Chiefs and Crusaders, I think it would be very harsh to take away an AB's spot that he's earned every other week of the season.

Julian Savea was fantastic however. He had a rubbish miskick, but other than that he was brilliant. I love the classical super fast and strong wingers, and Julian Savea really looked the part. The turn of pace from the goose-step was lightening. He's starting to play like everyone knew he could. In my opinion I'd chuck him on the EoYT. He out Hosea Gear'd, Hosea Gear.

I thought Beuden Barrett also looked pretty good. Some very good clarences in a tight spot and still very good decision making. Though that was one of the differences between the two on the day. Also very good goal kicking with 5/6.

 

[austingtir]

Ben smith is a better all round player than andre taylor. Taylor has a bit of that dagg x factor to him but he's inconsistent and imo poor on defence especially compared to smith. Smith should be the number 1 choice as AB's fullback this year imo but i can already see that hanson is going to pick mostly last years players and hope they perform for him which I think is going to work as a bit of a disaster.

Savea should also be put in ahead of gear. Gear has had his chance and played his best rugby like A LOT of other players that will be selected for the AB's this year.
Did you see during savea's try Gear just seemed to be loping back in defence and then just gave up pretty pathetic for an AB winger.

Honestly if READ is not fit i can see NZ really struggling through the internationals.

 

[William18]

Ben smith is a better all round player than andre taylor. Taylor has a bit of that dagg x factor to him but he's inconsistent and imo poor on defence especially compared to smith. Smith should be the number 1 choice as AB's fullback this year imo but i can already see that hanson is going to pick mostly last years players and hope they perform for him which I think is going to work as a bit of a disaster.

Savea should also be put in ahead of gear. Gear has had his chance and played his best rugby like A LOT of other players that will be selected for the AB's this year.
Did you see during savea's try Gear just seemed to be loping back in defence and then just gave up pretty pathetic for an AB winger.

Honestly if READ is not fit i can see NZ really struggling through the internationals.

So you would drop Dagg?!!!!! I can't believe how many people agree with you, given Dagg's form last year and the fact that he is still a young player whom we haven't seen the best of yet.

 

[Aedaphon]

Turns out Savea is a player then?!!

Excellent... After a shaky first season one of my predictions for a future AB has finally come true

 

[Dizzy]

Ben smith is a better all round player than andre taylor. Taylor has a bit of that dagg x factor to him but he's inconsistent and imo poor on defence especially compared to smith. Smith should be the number 1 choice as AB's fullback this year imo but i can already see that hanson is going to pick mostly last years players and hope they perform for him which I think is going to work as a bit of a disaster.

Savea should also be put in ahead of gear. Gear has had his chance and played his best rugby like A LOT of other players that will be selected for the AB's this year.
Did you see during savea's try Gear just seemed to be loping back in defence and then just gave up pretty pathetic for an AB winger.

Honestly if READ is not fit i can see NZ really struggling through the internationals.

You CAN'T be serious..... The only way we are going to struggle in the Internationals is if Ireland make us struggle... and I honestly can't see it... Especially if Victor Vito is the fill in.

 

[Cave Dweller]

Cool fair play to him, Has he been doing Super 15 much, I knew he was doing ref course just didn't know he'd be getting up to this standard. Great to see ex players like that who can really understand both sides (ref & player)

Good example of his knowledge what funny things a good old rugby ball can do just check the Stormers vs Blues match.

 

[austingtir]

All im saying is this AB's team is going to be carrying alot of out of sorts players. You cant tell me that every single one of these guys that is playing like crap atm is going to be in pre WC form come the Ireland tests?

Has Dagg played with anything like form he had last year? If he has i sure havent seen it.

We are playing three matches against Ireland... unless the first test is a total whitewash we will deff be pushed in one of these tests. Although i havent heard what sort of team ireland is bringing over..... If they come here with the majority of the players from the WC they will be coming here with quite alot to prove imo.