New Zealand Teams Proving to Be the Ones to Beat in Super Rugby This Year

It is nothing new for New Zealand to have a handful of the top teams in Super Rugby. Even since the conference system came into play in 2011, multiple New Zealand teams have been at the top or in the vicinity come playoff time, despite having a tougher draw. This year’s crop is looking especially strong, with four teams emerging as genuine playoff contenders. Indeed, you could argue the Hurricanes,... 

Chiefs Prop Ben Afeaki Retires Due to Concussion Fears

Chiefs prop and one-time All Black Ben Afeaki has announced his retirement from rugby after suffering multiple concussions in recent years, as was reported by the New Zealand Herald. At just 27 years old, Afeaki‘s decision is not insignificant, as he had plenty of rugby left in him. It comes just weeks after NFL player Chris Borland retired for similar reasons after his rookie season. Afeaki... 

Super Rugby: Crusaders Coming into Form After Slow Start

The Crusaders are well-known for their slow starts. Every year, they sputter along for the first month of Super Rugby, before igniting and embarking on a run that ends in making the playoffs. Yet it seems that every year, we all still question them after some ordinary performances in the first few weeks. Indeed, even with all the doubters out in full force, the Crusaders have a record of four wins... 

Charles Piutau Move to Ulster Sign of the Times for New Zealand Rugby

All Blacks outside back Charles Piutau’s decision to sign a two-year deal with Irish club Ulster is, while unexpected, a sign of the times for New Zealand rugby. At 23, he remains a great prospect who has his best rugby ahead of him. Unfortunately for the All Blacks, they will not see any of that over the next two years. Everyone has their price, and for a 23 year old, a million-dollar contract... 

Super Rugby: Is This Hurricanes Team the Real Deal?

Is 2015 going to be the year of the Hurricanes? It seems as though we ask that same question every year and while they always hold promise, they never fully deliver. So is this year going to be any different? They are 4-0 to open the season. They have been to South Africa, winning games against the Bulls and Lions on the high veldt. They did not slip on the banana skin that is the Force in their stopover... 

O’Driscoll, Hammett Spot On: Skill and Aerobic Fitness Need More Emphasis

Brian O’Driscoll believes more emphasis needs to be placed on skill rather than size in the training of rugby players in the modern game. As was reported by Daniel Schofield of The Telegraph, O’Driscoll remarked that too many players are focused on weight training in the gym as opposed to developing their skills. It is a culture he believes has become inherent, particularly in European... 

Will Ma’a Nonu Leave New Zealand as an All Black Great?

No one has worn the No. 12 jersey for the All Blacks more than Ma’a Nonu. Despite having played at outside centre and on the wing at various stages of his career, Nonu has undoubtedly made the All Blacks No. 12 jersey his own in recent years.  But is he an all-time great? Having signed on to play for Toulon after next year’s World Cup, the end is now in sight for Nonu’s All Black... 

All Blacks Dominate Major Categories at New Zealand Rugby Awards

The All Blacks swept the three major awards at last night’s New Zealand rugby awards, claiming player, team and coach of the year. It is rarely a surprise to see All Black success in the world of rugby, but this was perhaps an instance where they picked up a few more awards than expected. That is not to say they did not deserve the awards they received. As a team they were again outstanding in... 

Sonny Bill Williams Must Perform for All Blacks Against England

Sonny Bill Williams needs a big performance after being named to start for the All Blacks against England this weekend. His selection in the No. 12 jersey sees veteran Ma’a Nonu and in-form youngster Malakai Fekitoa both left out of what is arguably the biggest game of New Zealand’s end of year tour. It is rare to see surprises in this day and age, particularly in a big Test less than a... 

All Blacks Rack Up 70 Points at Soldier Field Against USA

It was a case of too skilful, too clinical and simply too good as the All Blacks beat the USA 74-6 in their historic match at Soldier Field in Chicago. The on-field result was to be expected, but the off-field result is one of huge value to the sport of rugby, promoting the game in front of a crowd of 61,500 to help grow the game in what could be a huge market. The difference in ability between the... 

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