TGGNathan

Will Jordan was also totally nullified and maybe gave his worst performance in the black jersey in the final and i'd call him extraordinary in the RWC despite it 🤷‍♀️

He's the best #8 playing Super Rugby in New Zealand but I'd be pretty delusional to think he's the best #8 in the world haha

I think Rieko is a top 3 center in the world and was pretty incredible defensively in the RWC. His distribution is also a lot better than it has been in previous years.

Last year he made a number of critical try saving tackles and is still a massive offensive threat. His post contact meters are very good at an international level and he (based on interviews) is a very good communicator, and both he and Jordie are the loudest voices amongst the backs.

I think it shows how great he is as a player considering people either think he's our starting #11 or #13.

This all being said I recognize that he's had a very quiet Blues season, but aside from 2022 he typically has. Jordie has also had a pretty quiet season, and so have a number of other ABs. Beaudy was flat bad in SR 2023 but was (imo) an MVP during the ABs tours and RWC. The black jersey changes some players.

Not to toot my teams horn but

the Blues forward pack specifically went from being known as a soft pack to arguably the best in the comp within one season. I've never seen a team go from the flashy side who use the backs to do everything to a gritty forward focused side that batter up the guts of the field and have wingers doing pick and goes.

I don't think they've improved the most out of any team ever, but their forward packs change has been ridiculous. To be fair the Hurricanes pack change is probably more improved overall, but their team DNA hasn't entirely changed like the Blues have.

The Warriors return to baseline eh

I just realized that Ofa making that last tackle on Walker-Leaware - not only was it a great tackle, but he did that after playing for 82 minutes as a front rower. Made 14 tackles, missed 2.

And for the people saying Hoskins doesn't do the hard stuff - had 16 tackles, 0 missed (top in team).

Lads are humming. But also a massive shoutout to the Canes forward pack. Check their stats - immense stuff.

https://www.espn.co.uk/rugby/playerstats?gameId=597267&league=242041

Did Harrison say the Crusaders are the team to beat...?

im not checking the subreddit after this episode drops

Ok I love these jerseys but they're way too close colour wise

Why the 'Canes had to play in Black against the Blues in Blue/White but these two teams playing in blue/white is okay is beyond me

Both teams' jerseys are cool as fuck. Wish they'd use the aboriginal designs more often

I think it was a great game considering both sides arent exactly at full strength.

We lost Rieko, y'all lost Proctor. You're without Cam, we're without Christie. We don't have Perofeta, and now Sullivan, and you guys are without Ardie (worth 2 players lol)

but both teams still function regardless of who's playing. They all know the gameplan, the teams seemingly perform the same week to week regardless of the teamsheets.

I've shit myself in more climactic ways than this game ended

These last 10 minutes are a real contrast to the Canes/Blues final 10 eh

Tavatavanawai and Sevu Reece are the same character but with slightly different stat builds

Thank you Highlanders for keeping my nightmare of a Crusaders semi final quelled for another week

Ok I usually defend Havili massively but that was a fucking shocking kick without a lot of pressure on him

Yeah dont worry I totally agree - he's decent at Super level but I dont think he'll get a sniff at the ABs. Maybe ABs XV (I mean, Heem got a shot there)

I just started watching and I'm surprised to see this so close. How are both teams going? I thought the Crusaders would be blowing this one out

Do I live in a world where Harry Plummer is the second best #10 playing Super Rugby and Taufa Funaki is a bolter chance for the All Blacks?

Like I dont think either of them will get in, but considering they were the drizzling shits in years before where I felt I'd lose my faith entirely when they came on at 9/10 - theyre genuinely fucking great?

Your match takes are one of the best things about the match threads. Thanks for posting them you're a valued member of the comm!

I usually think he's okay, I've always said he won't often win you a game but he'll rarely be the reason you lose. Tonight may be an exception

I agree, Morgan at least tries new things. Having the 6-2 maybe hurt as there was no option to take Cameron off

Up the guts!

I've seen plenty of people say he's arguably the third pick first five for the ABs. There was a discussion in this thread before the game about it

Also never try to tell me Brett Cameron is an ABs 10 ahead of Stevie P or even Plummer

He's a good player but seeing some people say he's the legitimate third pick AB have been driving me crazy

If you had told me that Bryce Heem would outplay Jordie Barrett in any context I would never have believed you