Super 15 2014

[TerenureJim]

So who are people following, what are the big stories, what do we make of Sky's coverage, who going to emerge as a talent to watch out for in the run up to RWC'15 etc. etc.

[JB1973]

I want to see how that benji marshall does, he has all the skills but can he make it in the 15 man game?

[johng]

More importantly can he make it as a 10. MASSIVE difference there. Decision making. Game management. The fact that you can't run into contact and retain possession.

Most successful league converts stay out wide on the wing away from the technical positions.

[Morf]

More importantly can he make it as a 10. MASSIVE difference there. Decision making. Game management. The fact that you can't run into contact and retain possession.

Most successful league converts stay out wide on the wing away from the technical positions.

Apart from SBW that is? Or Thorn?

W La Roux showing some poor lack of concentration and then some class for the assist. Enjoyable so far!

[johng]

I suppose I meant backs. SBW was reasonably young and had a season or so in France to hone his craft. But yes he was deffo an exception.

[Morf]

SBW mentioned the difference in weight/shape of the ball when it came to offloading the ball out of one hand and it being much easier in league.

I think Marshall has the talent. Whether he has the drive and persistence to put up with a big knock to his ego as he will inevitably struggle with the transition.

Rumour is that his performances in RL had gone a bit downhill the last 18 months. He did admit he had been a bit lacking in motivation in the Rugby Club interview.

[Morf]

I spotted a Leinster jersey in the crowd in Christchurch . . .

[TerenureJim]

Cracking game this morning between Highlanders and Blues, some fantastic tries.

[BlueStreak]

Cracking game this morning between Highlanders and Blues, some fantastic tries.

How did Benji get on?

[Dave Cahill]

Cracking game this morning between Highlanders and Blues, some fantastic tries.

How did Benji get on?

He went on the missions leaving maggie behind

[leinster4life13]

Cracking game this morning between Highlanders and Blues, some fantastic tries.

How did Benji get on?

He was washed up for the Tigers and so far looks washed up for the Blues, playing him at ten certainly isnt helping though, he should be at 13 or full back.

[Darce]

He was okay at 15. Had a hand in one try

[John23]

Jeez, this guy is having no luck!

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,2588 ... 87,00.html

[Donny B.]

Jeez, this guy is having no luck!

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,2588 ... 87,00.html

I'm struggling to remember when he was last actually fit. A bit of the Ferris about him now, world-class player but constantly injured.

[Lar]

Same knee or other knee? Article was not clear. Would be very concerned for him if it was the same knee.

[Peg Leg]

Jeez, this guy is having no luck!

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,2588 ... 87,00.html

I'm struggling to remember when he was last actually fit. A bit of the Ferris about him now, world-class player but constantly injured.

Lads like Pocock and Brussow don't get the same protection from the refs in the SH than they would in the NH.
Some of the clear outs down there are just bloody dangerous. Too much league influence. Burger has lasted longer because he's made of rubber!

[ceemec]

I wonder if how the game is officiated affects breakdown specialists in the S15 in terms of injuries. They are allowed to compete on the deck far more and take a serious amount of punishment when they get in over the ball. From watching the Cheetahs and Reds this morning, guys were never releasing, going straight for the ball and being obliterated from all angles. There were a number of turnovers that I would have thought would be 100% penalties in Europe.

[TerenureJim]

Brad Thorn coming back for the Highlanders at the weekend, what a legend.

[leinster4life13]

Sky rugby show
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dwEO4Ngzw0

[leinster4life13]

Just after catching up with a few of the games I had recorded and hadnt watched. The intensity and ferocity at the breakdown is far and above what the 6 nations has had on display, in most of the games I have watched. Some serious clean outs and hits going on, SH rugby looks to have upped things a notch, its going to be a long summer tour for NH teams.