Auckland Blues: Welcome to Eden Park, Coach Kirwan

In their first game at Eden Park following a season that Blues fans would love to forget, Auckland destroyed their arch-rivals, the Crusaders, 34-15. This was not just a win. It was a statement. The Blues crossed the chalk five times while keeping the Crusaders try-less (with a bit of help from TMO Ben Skeen). They dominated the seven-time champs in almost every facet of the game, controlling territory... 

New Zealand Rugby: A Quick Look at Steve Hansen’s First Test Squad

After a long break following the World Cup, test season is on its way back for New Zealand rugby fans, a month earlier than usual. The All Blacks will play a test series against Ireland during the Super Rugby season and all eyes will be on Steve Hansen as the squad tries to show they aren’t still hungover from last year’s World Cup victory.  He is in arguably the most high-pressure... 

Rugby Union: Power Ranking Dan Carter’s Potential Backups

New Zealand’s favourite underwear model makes his way back to a starting XV for the first time since his injury during the World Cup this Sunday against the Lions. Although he and New Zealand’s other favourite son, Richie McCaw, have both re-signed with the NZRU until 2015, at 30 years old, it is time for Steve Hansen and his crew to groom his replacements. Last year during the World Cup,... 

Super Rugby: Gareth Anscombe Impresses in Starting Debut for Blues

The Blues dug themselves a bit of a hole in the first two weeks of the season. They lost two games that they were more than capable of winning against the Crusaders and the Chiefs. The first was close, but the second was a total disaster. It seemed to get harder from there, with a two-game tour of South Africa against the Bulls and the defending South African conference champions, the Stormers, to... 

Otago Rugby and New Zealand Rugby’s Need to Go Commercial

If you live in New Zealand, you may have heard that one of the more storied unions in the country is currently in debt and is struggling to stay active and avoid liquidation. Otago, the union that has produced the likes of Josh Kronfeld, Jeff Wilson, Clarke Dermody, Adam Thomson and even Richie McCaw in the age-grades, may be on its last legs. The futility of the Razorbacks and the Highlanders over... 

Super Rugby: Blues Are Rugby’s Version of the Philadelphia Eagles’ Dream Team

It’s only been two weeks, but the Blues have already lost two games that they could’ve and probably should’ve won. They began by losing to the Crusaders at home despite having two tries to their one. They almost won it in the final seconds with a drop goal, and their overall performance was not bad. They even managed to beat the Crusaders’ scrum and run the ball well. You can... 

Super Rugby: A Positional Breakdown of Chiefs vs. Blues

On Friday, the Chiefs will be hosting their northern neighbours at Waikato Stadium for what should be a great matchup. The two teams are known for playing exciting rugby, despite not always succeeding in the win column. Last week was similar for both sides. The Blues lost to the Crusaders after having an early lead and almost won, had it not been for Israel Dagg’s fingertips. The Chiefs lost... 

Super Rugby: Highlanders Talented Roster Could Lead Them to Super Rugby Playoffs

For a long time, the Highlanders have been at the bottom of the New Zealand Super Rugby hierarchy. But last year, they had their first non-losing season since 2005, managing to finish third in the New Zealand conference. Their improvement under Jamie Joseph and the influx of talent has Highlanders fans optimistic that they can finally make the playoffs. In recent years the deep south has become a destination... 

Super Rugby: Even Without AMI Stadium, the Crusaders Can Go All the Way

2011 was a tragic year for the Canterbury region of New Zealand. It was hit by an earthquake in February as well as a number of aftershocks. These hardships made the Crusaders’ trip to the Super Rugby final last year all the more amazing. AMI Stadium still hasn’t been repaired so the Crusaders will be playing their home games at the much smaller Rugby League Park. But that shouldn’t... 

Super Rugby: Mark Hammett and the Hurricanes Have a Tough Season Ahead

Last year, Mark Hammett took over the coaching duties for a team which, under the previous coach Colin Cooper, had made the playoffs five times in eight years. It did not turn out very well. The Hurricanes, while boasting a team that included World Cup winners Andrew Hore, Victor Vito, Aaron Cruden, Conrad Smith, Hosea Gear and Cory Jane, and IRB Player of the Year candidates Piri Weepu and Ma’a... 

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