Podcasts about Sevu Reece

On Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier wrap up the 2024 All Blacks season and hand out some awards from the campaign and get out their red pens and mark the season that was. We dig into the eligibility saga as it continues to rage around New Zealand rugby, ask whether Joe Schmidt will stay in charge of the Wallabies beyond the Lions series and also flag a potential job he could take up if not and give our thoughts on the Sevu Reece saga.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In relation to what happened in the Christchurch District Court yesterday, I could be telling you right now how outraged I am about All Black Sevu Reece getting a discharge without conviction for causing damage to a car and a garage after he was kicked out of a party for being a drunken pain in the backside. I could be thumping the table, going on about All Blacks being role models and how they should know better, and how —if they do break the law— then, because people look up to them, they should face the full consequences of their actions. I could be banging on right now about Sevu Reece only caring about what he did that night after Cup Day last year because a conviction could mean an end to his rugby career. Or, put limits on it, anyway. I could be accusing him of crying crocodile tears about his apparent drinking problem. I could be saying: “oh yeah, is the drinking only a problem when it gets you in strife with the cops and you end up in court?” I could be saying all of those things, but that wouldn't be strong enough. I'd be sugar-coating it. Because this is not just about what happened in court yesterday, this is about someone who I think, in my honest opinion, is taking the mickey. One discharge without conviction I could probably accept. But two? Forget about it mate. And for me, that's a far bigger deal than what he did on that one particular occasion last year. I agree with the judge who said yesterday that the consequences of a conviction for that particular offence would far outweigh the seriousness of what he did. Yes, he was obviously a clown at that party last year, which is why the guy hosting him asked him to leave in the early hours of the morning. Yes, he was a muppet to get into that car outside the party, accelerate up the driveway and crash into the guy's garage. And yes, I get that it had implications for the victims. And, yes, I accept that the way the justice system works, the judge yesterday could only consider things from the perspective of that one incident. But the audacity to even ask for a discharge without conviction when he got the exact same thing back in 2018 after admitting a charge of common assault on his then-partner. That's what I'm thumping the table about. Because a discharge without conviction is the ultimate ‘get of jail' card, isn't it? It's a ‘don't even bother going to jail card'. And it's something to be respected. I know if I committed an offence and managed to get the same thing, there'd be no second time. I'm pretty confident that I would see a discharge without conviction for the second chance that it is, and I'm pretty confident that you wouldn't see me trying to get it a second time around. That's because I'm not another arrogant elite sports person who thinks the world revolves around my career. And that's the problem I've got with Sevu Reece. When he turned up at court yesterday, he wasn't saying: “I'm a man fronting up and dealing with the consequences of my actions.” He wasn't saying: “Look at this kids - this is what it's all about. This is about being accountable.” In my honest opinion, what Sevu Rece was saying yesterday was: “I'm a celebrity, get me outta here”. And that's exactly what he did. For the second time. And that, for me, speaks volumes about the man. It says to me that nothing's changed. That there is still this thinking that if you represent your country in sport or whatever, then you are owed something. That you deserve special treatment. And, if I had my way, there's no way the courts would have even entertained the idea of giving him a discharge without conviction. Because once is lucky enough. Thinking you can get it a second time, is arrogant and taking the you-know-what. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Blacks star Sevu Reece has been revealed as the sports star guilty of wilful damage, after his name suppression order lapsed in Christchurch today. Sports reporter Jamie Wall spoke to Lisa Owen.

There's confidence All Black Sevu Reece was not given special treatment after charges against him ended in a discharge without conviction. The 27-year-old Crusader crashed a car into a garage door after being asked to leave the post-Christchurch Cup Day party last year. Reece initially pleaded not guilty before admitting a reduced charge of wilful damage yesterday. Rugby Players' Association chief executive Rob Nicol told Mike Hosking we have to trust the judicial system. He says anyone with a high profile is held to account when police are involved, as there's pressure on officers to get it right. Reece was granted a discharge without conviction in 2018 after he admitted a single charge of common assault following an incident involving his then-partner. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Details of the criminal charges against All Black winger Sevu Reece have emerged - ending today in a discharge without conviction. The 27-year-old initially pleaded not guilty to taking a car 'dishonestly and without claim' and intentionally damaging a property. But he's admitted a reduced charge of wilful damage - and lost name suppression today. Herald crime reporter Anna Leask says it took place after a post-Christchurch Cup Day party last year. "He was getting a bit disruptive and he was asked to leave - and then next minute, he was sort of behind the wheel of a car and he drove it into a garage. And then he sort of took off on foot." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Finance Minister has indicated charities could be subject to tax changes in the next Budget. Is this the right move? All Black Sevu Reece has admitted to a charge of wilful damage after a party in Christchurch last year. The judge discharged him without conviction. Should he still be allowed to play for the All Blacks? The Defence Minister says the Defence Force's major spending blueprint release has been delayed until next year, because of escalating global tensions. Are we surprised by this warning? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Black Sevu Reece has avoided conviction a second time after damaging a Christchurch property. The 27-year-old crashed a car into a garage door after being asked to leave a post-Cup Day party last year. The Crusader's been discharged without conviction after admitting a reduced charge of wilful damage. In 2018, Reece was granted a discharge for assaulting his then-partner. Rugby Commentator Tony Johnson told Ryan Bridge that being well-paid to play sport is a privilege. He says a responsibility comes with that, and twice now, he's fallen below the line. Johnson says he'll have to stay true to his commitment to stay away from alcohol. He says it's already cost him one job overseas, so another repeat could have major impacts for Reece in the game. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE!James McOnie joins ACC Head G Lane to review another humiliating loss for the ACC XI and who is to blame (0:00)...  Then the fellas discuss the worst game of rugby ever seen between the All Blacks & Italy, and why Same Cane & TJ Perenara's final game in the black jersey will be remembered for Sevu Reece and his sock hands (6:51).Plus, is the Test between Australia & India proof that the Black Caps are the best Test team in the world (17:00)? Before wrapping up with Max Verstappen winning the F1 (25:37) and Auckland FC setting records the Phoenix could only dream of (26:51)... Brought to you by Export Ultra!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rugby: Stut Ethan de Groot, vleuel Caleb Clarke en heelagter Beauden Barrett is terug in die All Blacks se begin-15-tal vir Saterdag se eerste Bledisloe-beker-wedstryd in Sydney. Afrigter Scott Robertson het vier veranderings aangebring vir die toets teen Australië. Will Jordan skuif na regtervleuel, Sevu Reece is reserwe, terwyl Barrett na die heelagterposisie skuif. Die Nieu-Seelanders spog sedert 2003 met die Bledisloe-beker en is die gunstelinge om vanjaar weer die trofee te wen. Robertson verwag ʼn taai kragmeting.

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has made a few changes ahead of Saturday's Rugby Championship rematch against the Springboks. Beauden Barrett and TJ Perenara have been benched, Sevu Reece and Cortez Ratima will be starting and Wallace Sititi will take the number 6 jersey. ZB sports commentator Elliott Smith says Razor is focused on getting the last 20 minutes of the match right - an error that cost the All Blacks last week's game. "Very much about getting the experience in the last 20-25 minutes of the test match to try and close it out - this is what the Springboks have done very well." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks have made a few changes ahead of the second test against the Springboks. Beauden Barrett and TJ Perenara have been benched, Sevu Reece and Cortez Ratima will start, and Wallace Sititi will be starting in the number 6 jersey. Assistant coach Jason Ryan spoke to D'Arcy Waldegrave on Sportstalk. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Multiple guests join the lads this week as we dissect the latest happenings in the rugby world. Simon Strachan from Gainline Analytics helps lend some insight into the next generation of talent and Sevu Reece talks about his old mate Richie Mo'unga. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The All Blacks have named six debutants in their 23 to face Fiji at San Diego on the weekend. Billy Proctor starts at centre with five more uncapped players on the bench - George Bell, Pasilio Tosi, Sam Darry, Wallace Sititi and Noah Hotham. Only captain Scott Barrett, number eight Ardie Savea, first-five Damian McKenzie and right wing Sevu Reece start in the same jerseys from last week. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This was a very good test match.I watched the Wallabies play Wales last night when I got back to my room, and the intensity, skill level and ferocity of the contest was nowhere near what we saw in Dunedin.England are a proper rugby side, one that came within a point of reaching the Rugby World Cup final, that beat Ireland in the Six Nations, and that very nearly beat the All Blacks in New Zealand last night for just the third time in their history, and the first time in 21 years. We knew what their strengths were -close, combative, one-off rugby with ball in hand, and a smothering defence designed to deny the All Blacks any space to weave their magic in midfield.That leaves gaps out wide and certainly Sevu Reece's try came from the tactic designed to combat that, the cross-field kick. But England were also expansive when the occasion presented itself, way more than I expected them to be.I was so impressed with the general play of England first-five Marcus Smith, he's a true triple-threat with ball in hand - he can kick, pass or run as the fancy takes him.The only blot on his copy book last night was his goal kicking, he left 8 points out there, and in a 1-point game, that is obviously not great. Maro Itoje was also excellent for England, a good try and a constant physicality around the field that caught the eye. Best on park for the All Blacks for me was Patrick Tuipulotu. It's incredible to think he was in major doubt for this series, but his all-round play, accuracy in his core roles, ball carries, lineout takes and strong tackling was just excellent. The obvious talking point though is Damian McKenzie's penalty attempt being timed out. The rule is that from the moment you signal your intent to take a kick at goal; you have 60 seconds for the kick to be taken.I think we're probably all OK with the rule. It's designed to stop time wasting, especially late in the games. But surely there needs to be a shot clock on the big screen, a visual cue for the kicker and for us in the crowd.Every other sport that uses shot clocks of varying degrees- basketball with its 24 seconds to take a shot, tennis for serves, cricket for DRS reviews, anything where there is a time limit for something to happen - has a visual demonstration of that on the big screen at the venue.Why wasn't there one there last night? There simply must be a visual indicator for the 60 seconds it's an absolute no-brainer. Don't be surprised to see a shot clock on the screen at Eden Park next weekend.To give Damian McKenzie his due, he didn't complain afterwards. He owned it, and said he has to make adjustments.I've watched it back and timed it, and the referee is bang on with his timing, from the moment he points to the posts to indicate the kick, it's exactly 60 seconds before he blows again for the timed-out call. It took about 20 seconds to get the tee out, and Damian McKenzie doesn't have the ball on the tee until 40 seconds. From there, he was also up against the clock, and so it proved. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ya Welcome Wednesday... Ardie Savea, Sevu Reece and Scott Barrett join us to help choose the best from the North and the South to form the greatest All Blacks team of all time... We catch up with the man who is making waves around the music world, Cyril Riley... What were some things that were forbidden in your household growing up and Mens Den thanks to Speights Summit Ultra... helping mates, be better mates... Get those school nominations in to be a part of the BNZ Kiwi Hoops programme! https://www.bnz.co.nz/about-us/sponsorships/bnz-kiwi-hoops-nominations Hit that link below to stay caught up with anything and everything TMS. https://www.facebook.com/groups/3394787437503676/ We dropped some merch! Use TMS for 10% off. Heres the link: https://youknow.co.nz/collections/tms-merch-v2 Thank you to the team at Chemist Warehouse for helping us keep the lights on, here at The Morning Shift... https://www.chemistwarehouse.co.nz/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam's brother played against Sevu Reece over the weekend! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have All Blacks prop, George Bower, and Springbok World Cup Winner, Butch James, head to head. George has been in the All Black camp throughout the World Cup, he lets us into the mindset of the squad ahead of the final. He also takes us through sharing a flat with Sevu Reece, being an All Black body double and meeting his idols Richie McCaw and Dan Carter. Butch thinks the battle hardened Boks can still go again in final despite New Zealand's “easy” route to Rugby's showpiece event

We catch up with All Black Sevu Reece at the NZFW Jockey show. Join the Whānau on Instagram, Facebook & Tik Tok.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's better than having one Crusader and All Black legend on the podcast? Thats right, having two of them and for  this episode we have just that, with Sevu Reece and George Bower coming on together. Both Sevu and George have just had major knee surgery which will rule them out for the the year including the RWC. So disappointing for them and all that fans that we won't get to see them on the biggest stage, however it was awesome to hear both of their mindsets and plans for the 9months recovery. Both men have incredibly cool stories on how they got to the All Black jumper too. Sevu who lived in Fiji until moving to Hamilton Boys on a rugby scholarship burst on to the scene with an incredible debut season with the Crusaders which saw him make his All Black debut the same year. While George battled away in the Taita College 2nd XV and played many years in the Dunedin Club scene before eventually getting his chance at Super Rugby winning the competition in his first season. I loved this episode, two great Fijian lads who have had incredible careers and plenty of good stories and advice for you to enjoy.

QUICK LISTEN | “Based on that, there's no excuse not to get him in there if there's a few injuries about.” Ben Strang on the ready-made replacement for injured All Blacks wing Sevu Reece Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Panel with Ben Strang & Brendan Bradford on Sevu Reece injury, Mark Reason call's Super Rugby a bore-fest, NRL breaking crowd records, Warriors v Sharks, Eddie Jones signing an NRL winger, IOC to reinstate Russian & Belarussian athletes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bula and welcome to TeivovoRugby.com – “Breakafast Bites” – a wrap of the daily sports news for Friday 10 June 2022! Watch out for the flying Sevu Reece in the first Super Rugby Pacific semifinal at 7.05pm tonight, and especially keep an eye out for the key match-up between Brodie Retalick and the Crusaders Captain Scott Barrett. The aging Chiefs warrior is in the fight of his life against the young gun and tallest Barrett Bro, to see who will partner Sam Whitelock in the All Blacks this international season. As they say in rugby league – money talks and right now the NRL is flush with cash! Every State of Origin player in ORIGIN I on Wednesday made A$30,000 match allowance just for making the game-day 17. And for all the players NOT in the State of Origin series, the NRL announced a boost in their Club's salary cap from the current A$10Million ceiling to $10.5M next season, with an annual increase of A$100,000 each subsequent year during the next broadcast cycle. Sad news in boxing, the South African boxer who became disoriented during a fight and threw punches in the direction of an empty corner has died. You may have seen the video of Simiso Buthelezi on Youtube, well he passed away yesterday after being induced into a coma following the fight on 5 June in Durban. He was 24 years old. RIP bro. Finally today, Tiger Woods turned down nearly US$1Billion to join the Saudi-backed LIV Tour, CEO Greg Norman told The Washington Post. The first LIV Invitational tournament teed off in London yesterday with US$25Million in prize money of which US$4M goes to the winner. For their troubles, all 17 PGA-ranked players who entered this tournament – including Phil Mickleson and Sergio Garcia, have been suspended by the US PGA, who see the Saudi-backed tour as a big threat. Geez and I thought golf was a gentlemen's game! For TeivovoRugby.com – I'm Culden Kamea. Malo, vina'a and thank you! Please hit the “subscribe” button below if you'd like to receive more Breakfast Bites, and thank you for your support! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/teivovo-rugby/message

Crusaders and All Blacks winger Sevu Reece joined the programme, to discuss their upcoming playoff game against the Reds. LISTEN ABOVE 

We chat to George and Sevu about their journeys to the black jersey. Story of perserverence, seeing where they started to where they are now with all details in between. Some stories never before told including the first time they met Richie.

It's laughs aplenty as Dane Coles, Sevu Reece and Luke Jacobson take over the All Blacks podcast.

The All Blacks begin their Bledisloe Cup title defence on Saturday night at Eden Park with the hosts looking to maintain their nearly 20 year long stranglehold on the trophy. The Wallabies haven't won the Bledisloe since 2002 and haven't beaten the All Blacks at their Auckland fortress in 35 years. All Blacks coach Ian Foster has made three changes to the starting XV from the one that beat Fiji last month, with lock Brodie Retallick, loosie Dalton Papalii and winger Rieko Ioane coming in, while Sevu Reece switches from the left to the right wing and Ardie Savea moves from number eight to openside. Foster says defending their Eden Park record, where they haven't lost to the Wallabies since 1986 or to anyone since 1994, isn't putting any more pressure on the team than they normally feel. Susie Ferguson spoke to rugby reporter Joe Porter.

Crusaders coach Scott Robertson says his team is "disliked immensely" – but he hopes the 2021 Sky Super Rugby champions are respected.The Crusaders - who were down to 13 men at one stage during the second half of the final - showed all of their class to overcome a spirited Chiefs side by 24–13 in the New Zealand showdown.It was their fifth consecutive title under Robertson, who was controversially overlooked for the All Blacks job."I was nervous – I know how good they are," Robertson said after the final in Christchurch."We had to be at our best – at times we were against the ropes and all the leadership stuff we do, making the right calls and saying present, showed tonight."We're still hungry, we know we're not liked, teams are desperate."I know we're disliked immensely, but I'd like to think we're respected for what we've done."You have to stay hungry for so long, and put your body through it for so long and turn up every day."We have to get better as a team to keep winning."I'm really proud to coach this team – but it's only half the season done."Robertson said the coaches' plans to stay calm during the game didn't work out. But they pulled themselves together in time to make clear calls when they were needed."There was a lot of emotion in the box…we were in all sorts for a bit," he said."I think the players were a bit calmer."We just couldn't finish anything, we created so much in the first half, played some great footy."But at the end of sets we'd turn the ball over or the ball would go out on the full, or there was a knock on. Then we just found a way."They (the Chiefs) are the best in the country at the break down – it feels like they've got 14 loose forwards."We let them back in the game…thank goodness Damian (McKenzie) was off radar (with his goalkicking)."A pivotal moment in the match came when Richie Mo'unga fielded a deep Chiefs kick and launched a brilliant counterattack.Robertson said: "What a play, what a player, freakish. He's special."Robertson had no problem with the yellow card on Codie Taylor, for tackling McKenzie in the air. But he appeared to think the call on Sevu Reece for a high tackle was more marginal.

The Wallabies have made another bombshell selection for the final Bledisloe Cup test - handing the No 10 jersey to Reece Hodge, a position he's only played in at the highest level twice before.Hodge comes into the starting XV off the bench after the Aussies' 43-5 thrashing in Sydney last weekend - the biggest Bledisloe Cup defeat in history and one that secured the trophy for the All Blacks for an 18th year.Hodge is one of several changes to the 23 for the clash in Brisbane, and replaces Kiwi-born Noah Lolesio, who debuted in the ANZ Stadium, but now drops to the pine with regular first-five James O'Connor yet to recover from an MCL injury.Hunter Paisami replaces another Sydney debutant in Irae Simone at second-five, with Simone left out of the 23 altogether.Brumbies outside backs Tom Banks and Tom Wright, who will play in his first test, replace Dane Haylett-Petty and Filipo Daugunu, respectively.Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Ned Hanigan miss out to veteran Rob Simmons and Lachie Swinton in the pack."Lachlan, Tom and Angus [Bell, replacement tighthead prop] have been excellent over the past seven weeks and have earned their first jersey for Australia through hard work and good performances," Wallabies coach Dave Rennie said."As a whole group we were really disappointed after last weekend and we get a chance to show our character on Saturday in Brisbane."Meanwhile, the All Blacks made a whopping 10 changes to their starting XV - including two positional switches. Four newbies - Akira Ioane, Will Jordan, Asafo Aumua and Cullen Grace - are set to mak their test debuts.Beauden Barrett returns to the All Blacks' 10 jersey for the first time in more than a year. Barrett gets the nod at first five for the Brisbane test, with brother Jordie to take the fullback role as Richie Mo'unga takes a rest.Akira Ioane starts at blindside flanker, three years after his debut in a tour game against a French selection.Rieko returns on the left wing this week, with Sevu Reece recalled on the right while Asafo Aumua, Cullen Grace and Will Jordan are potential bench debutants. 

The two teams for the Saturday's North v South match at Sky Stadium in Wellington have been named and as expected it will see a battle between Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo'unga.The two All Blacks first five-eighths will face off while Beauden will also be up against his brother Jordie who has been named at fullback for the South.The North side features five Blues players in the pack including number eight Hoskins Sotutu who impressed early in the Super Rugby season. Former Hurricanes pairing Beauden Barrett and TJ Perenara will link up with Aaron Smith named on the bench.Barrett's Blues teammate Rieko Ioane has been named at centre alongside Anton Lienert-Brown while the side features a dynamic back three of Caleb Clarke, Sevu Reece and Damian McKenzie.The South is dominated by Crusaders with Chiefs prop Nepo Laulala the odd one out in the tight five.The South side also have pace and skill in a back three of George Bridge, Will Jordan, Jordie Barrett with Jack Goodhue and Braydon Ennor in the centres. Brad Weber has been named at halfback inside of Mo'unga.North Head Coach John Plumtree said: "It's an exciting squad that we've picked for this special match. There's a huge amount of lot of talent in the side. There's some real power in the forwards and some speed in the backs."The North has gelled together really well this week and the players are having a lot of fun. They're really excited at the challenge against the South and certainly not lacking in any motivation. There will be a real intensity to the match with two really good teams going toe to toe," Plumtree added.The Head Coach of the South team, Brad Mooar, said the South side had some strong combinations, with additional strength and pace thrown in as well."It's always hard to pick those in the 23 and all 28 in our squad could've been selected. We have a fantastic group of men who have all made the most of this week, building relationships and having fun with each other as well as learning new things and formulating our game plan. There's been lots of good-natured banter between the teams and a lot of parochial rivalry.""The only thing missing at the stadium will be the fans and we're really disappointed we can't share the experience there with them. We know there will be a huge audience watching at home so we hope they'll enjoy what's shaping up as match for the history books," Mooar said.The teams are as follows:The North teamForwards: 1. Karl Tu'inukuafe 2. Asafo Aumua, 3. Ofa Tuungafasi, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (captain), 5. Tupou Vaa'i, 6. Akira Ioane, 7. Ardie Savea, 8. Hoskins Sotutu.Backs: 9. TJ Perenara, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Anton Lienert-Brown, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Sevu Reece, 15. Damian McKenzie.Replacements: 16. Ash Dixon, 17. Ayden Johnstone, 18. Angus Ta'avao, 19. Scott Scrafton, 20. Dalton Papalii, 21. Aaron Smith, 22. Peter Umaga-Jensen, 23. Mitchell Hunt.The South teamForwards: 1. Joe Moody, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Nepo Laulala, 4. Samuel Whitelock (captain), 5. Mitchell Dunshea, 6. Shannon Frizell, 7. Tom Christie, 8. Tom Sanders.Backs: 9. Brad Weber, 10. Richie Mo'unga, 11. George Bridge, 12. Jack Goodhue, 13. Braydon Ennor, 14. Will Jordan, 15. Jordie BarrettReplacements: 16. Liam Coltman, 17. George Bower, 18. Tyrel Lomax, 19. Manaaki Selby-Rickit, 20. Dillon Hunt, 21. Finlay Christie, 22. Josh Ioane, 23. Leicester Faingaanuku.

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Liam Messam is the latest high profile addition to this year's Mitre 10 Cup campaign.The 45-test former All Blacks loose forward will rejoin Waikato, five years after last appearing for the province, after returning from France.Messam will bolster a Waikato team already featuring All Blacks Damian McKenzie, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sevu Reece and Luke Jacobson.The 36-year-old continues the trend of All Blacks returning home amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Sam Whitelock and Nehe Milner-Skudder, who is expected to turn out for Manawatu this season after linking with the Highlanders, fall into this bracket while Julian Savea may also return to the provincial competition, possibly with Wellington.Before the test season commences with the Bledisloe Cup series All Blacks are expected to play the first three rounds of the Mitre Cup season.Since leaving New Zealand, Messam has played for the Toshiba Brave Lupus in Japan and he spent the last two seasons alongside Savea with French club Toulon.Messam has 85 provincial caps over his 12 seasons for Waikato, who open their season at home to Wellington on September 12. He also made 179 appearances for the Chiefs, winning two titles.Waikato coach Andrew Strawbridge was excited to have Messam onboard."Messam is a very talented and vastly experienced player, who can play a range of positions in the loose forwards. He is another one of these players that cares deeply about the jersey, his teammates and is well respected by the province, so we are very fortunate to have him back in the colours."

Crusaders 40Highlanders 20The Highlanders waited two years for the chance to host their southern neighbours. Two years too long after this instant classic under the Dunedin roof.Southern derbies always cultivate an extra edge. This breathless match, in which the Highlanders were overrun after leading 17-14 at the break, was no different.Five years to the day since their first and only Super Rugby title, the Highlanders threw everything and more at the Crusaders.So often that is not enough, though. Just ask the Chiefs who did likewise in Christchurch last week. To take down the Crusaders opposition must reach near perfection; nail all their chances and even then hope a slice of luck and the referee is on their side.The final quarter of this game the Crusaders came into their clinical own, controlling the possession, pace and tempo to grind out their third straight Super Rugby Aotearoa victory, with Richie Mo'unga kicking 15 points.Once again the Crusaders showed all the hallmarks we've come to expect from the three-time defending champions – a level of composure that sets the bar for others to match.Highlanders wing Jona Nareki will regret his decision to throw the dummy with two men unmarked outside him midway through the second half. It was a movement that would have given the Highlanders the lead – instead the Crusaders did enough to snuff it out and the home side had to settle for three points.There were other defining moments, of course, but with the Crusaders prevailing five-tries-to-two thanks to twin Tom Christie second-half strikes, Nareki's decision was a key turning point.The other came from Crusaders halfback Mitchell Drummond, who fired a brilliant cutout pass that gave Sevu Reece just enough space to score the game's decisive try.Aaron Smith led the Highlanders out as captain and he was then their spark all night. His passing, kicking, running, organisation and defence – one bootlace tackle on Codie Taylor in particular – was a class above. On this occasion, the All Blacks halfback could do no wrong and it was a surprise to see him replaced for the closing stages. Smith had great support from former All Blacks blindside Shannon Frizell, Pari Pari Parkinson and Dillon Hunt who all carried and attacked the breakdown relentlessly.For the Crusaders, Will Jordan continues to light up the New Zealand derby competition. Despite moving from fullback to the wing Jordan was equally involved and influential as in recent weeks, popping up all over the park and finishing the match by claiming his brace with another runaway try.Taylor, the All Blacks hooker, also delivered another standout display.The brutal nature of these derby games claimed further casualties with Crusaders fullback David Havili limping off after a break, while the Highlanders lost lock Josh Dickson, who has been influential in running their lineout this season, to a serious ankle injury.The Crusaders brought more poise to the initial exchanges and they were rewarded when Jordan snuck over in the corner for the opening try. The visitors' scrum did the damage early with several huge shunts – the Highlanders not helped in this department by losing Dickson.The Highlanders needed to settle and they did just that with a double strike. Frizell stepped up with three telling carries in the same movement. With the final one, he burst through Michael Alaalatoa's tackle to power his way to the line.That try turned the tide with the Highlanders enjoying a run of possession. From their overthrown lineout Smith swooped with his speed and anticipation to break the line and the Crusaders could then not stop quick hands sending Ngane Punivai over to give the Highlanders the lead.Discipline was an issue for the Highlanders as they conceded a 13-7 penalty count – many of these infringements at the breakdown – but they had every right to take umbrage with referee Mike Fraser after he missed an obvious forward pass from Taylor in the lead up to Mo'unga's...

Chiefs coach Warren Gatland says the disputed lineout call from referee James Doleman was the "difference" as his side went down to the Crusaders in Christchurch.Gatland said the Chiefs camp was "furious" at the time of the Crusaders second try, feeling they had been denied a penalty.That so-called fury was significant, as it distracted the Chiefs from defending a quick lineout after the Crusaders' All Black wing Sevu Reece jogged some distance to retrieve the ball.The quick throw from Reece created a Will Jordan try to put the home side in a winning position they were able to protect in the tough conditions.The Chiefs had been caught short, with players apparently trying to cajole a penalty out of Doleman for a Jack Goodhue ruck infringement.After the Crusaders' 18 - 13 win, Gatland said: "I thought it was a certain penalty to us. Goodhue made a tackle and ended up rolling into our side, slowed the ball down."We eventually ended up getting it and Aaron Cruden tried to flick it on (but into touch)."Those things sometimes happen…then the Crusaders have taken advantage and thrown the ball in quickly. That was one of the moments in the game."Gatland said he was glad to see a reduced penalty count after the avalanche of rulings in the first two rounds of Super Rugby Aotearoa.In round one, the two games produced a combined total of 58 penalties. In round two it was 49. The Blues v Highlanders and Crusaders v Chiefs games over the weekend contained 33 penalties.The Chiefs are the least penalised side, averaging under 10 a game. The Blues are the highest, at over 13."The penalty count was significantly down from both sides - the players have adjusted (to rule interpretations). Conditions weren't easy," Gatland said."We lost the kicking battle. They were smart in their kicking game."Take the quick lineout throw - that was the difference between the two teams."To me it was just a tough decision that, and then to take the quick throw in and for us not to react to it."Gatland said the Chiefs "tried to play some rugby"."I think there was nothing in it between the two teams." 

The All Blacks' youthful attacking group, who are mentored by a coach in Ian Foster that Steve Hansen believes is at the top of his game, ripped the Irish to shreds in their quarter-final here in Tokyo but most of the credit has been handed to the black pack for allowing them to do so.The Irish, the No 1 team in the world earlier in the year and backed by a noisy, exuberant support, had no answer and their search for a World Cup knockout win continues.It's the All Blacks who once again progress; this time to a semifinal against England in Yokohama on Saturday, a game that Hansen was wary about discussing until this 46-14 win has been celebrated.Fair enough, too, because there was quite a bit of good stuff to reflect on."We've had a really good week and the guys have had a bounce in their step," Foster said."It wasn't a heavy week and they wanted to play. We had to play well up front against Ireland – if you don't it's really hard to do some of those special things happening out wide."We won the forward battle and that was where the battle overall was won."Hansen, who began by paying credit to retiring Ireland captain Rory Best and coach Joe Schmidt, added the All Blacks got an edge with their defence: "When you're doing that teams can second guess themselves and psychologically you can get an edge."Hansen also paid credit to his fellow coaches – particularly Foster whom he said was coaching as well as he ever has - and skipper Read, whom he said had received some "flak" at home for his form following his return from a back injury but was now playing better than ever.Read, wearing an ice pack on his right knee, said: "Our first half probably set up the game. We put plenty of pressure on. They're a strong forward-oriented team who can attack as well… we were able to score some tries which gave us an opportunity to go in front."It was a very tough test match. The score probably flattered us. We had to make a lot of tackles."Hansen said in the build-up to this match he only wanted the right for his team to training on Monday. He certainly has that. England are lurking in what is likely to be an epic encounter and another clash of styles. Rest assured that young men such as George Bridge, Sevu Reece, Jordie Barrett and Richie Mo'unga will once again be backed to deliver."I'm looking forward to playing them too now that we've earned the right to," Hansen said. "They'll be a massive challenge but I don't think tonight's the night to be talking about that."You've got to take time to step off the merry-go-round and relax. We'll do that and enjoy our moment. It was a special test match, one the All Blacks and New Zealanders can be proud of."We won't think about England until tomorrow."It couldn't have gone much better for the All Blacks against an Irish side who were always going to struggle chasing the game.Scott Barrett replaced Sam Cane at halftime and then went to lock when replacing Brodie Retallick after 57 minutes. Retallick, who has had only 30 minutes of game time at this tournament following a return from a dislocated shoulder, appeared exhausted. He had definitely emptied the tank.Sonny Bill Williams replaced centre Jack Goodhue at about the same time and played his part, too. The threats kept coming; Dane Coles, TJ Perenara, Jordie Barrett. It was relentless.The kicking to width and in behind the Irish, the quick switches of play by Mo'unga and Beauden Barrett, the directness of the forwards in the first quarter and at the start of the second half - the men in green didn't know what had hit them. The All Blacks appeared to have all the answers even before the Irish knew what the questions were."I'd like to publicly acknowledge Rory Best and Joe Schmidt," said Hansen, who spoke to his rival at length in the middle of the pitch before kick-off."They've both had magnificent careers in their respective roles for Ireland. They've been fundamental in transforming Ireland into the No 1 team in the world...

NIGEL YALDEN AND D'ARCY WALDEGRAVE ANALYSE THE TEAM ABOVE. BELOW, PATRICK MCKENDRY SHARES HIS TAKES ON THE TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT. If we can take anything from the demeanour of All Blacks coach Steve Hansen and his players put before the media today, it's that they have a quiet confidence they have prepared for everything Ireland will bring in their Rugby World Cup quarter-final.That's reflected in the selection of the matchday 23, too. The only minor surprises are at hooker, where Codie Taylor starts ahead of Dane Coles in what Hansen has described as a "one-two" punch combination, and Jordie Barrett on the reserves bench ahead of Ben Smith; primarily for his long-range goalkicking ability.You could call it a horses for courses approach – extra relevant because Hansen has a horse running in a $14 million race in Australia on Saturday, too – but what comes through strongly is how settled this line-up looks and how much faith Hansen and company have in those fortunate players tasked with the job in the biggest game for the All Blacks since the World Cup final four years ago.The trump card perhaps, and one that Hansen touched on, is the quality sitting on the reserves bench, including Coles, Scott Barrett, TJ Perenara and Sonny Bill Williams. That quartet, plus loose forward Matt Todd and the middle Barrett have the potential to quickly take this game away from Ireland in the final quarter."We've got the ability to inject some fresh legs into the game at some point, whether it's [for] Sam [Whitelock] or Brodie [Retallick], we'll wait and see," Hansen said. "Those extra fresh legs could be the difference maybe. We're very fortunate with our bench, it's strong and has been for a long time. When you look at the experience that's on that bench, it does give you a bit of confidence."He added of Retallick starting at lock despite playing only 30 minutes of rugby over the past three months: "Brodie's a bit of a freak when it comes to fitness. He's got what we call a big motor and has the ability to play off long breaks or short breaks. He's put the work in, there's no question mark around that, it's just how long we have to play him or want to play him. He can play 80 minutes… but we're very fortunate we've got a young man called Scott Barrett who's a very good player in his own right."Hansen said the Taylor/Coles call was essentially a roll of the dice, but it would have been deliberate. The bigger Taylor will be used to soak up the high-impacts early on while the up-tempo Coles will provide the spark."We could have played them either way around really because we've got a good one-two punch there," Hansen said. "Both of them are world class players. We felt that Codie starting would be good to have a bit more of Colesy's energy at the back end of it. Either way it's a one-two punch. We're pretty fortunate to have such world class players in that position."The Jack Goodhue/Anton Lienert-Brown midfield combination was a near given, as was the outside back combination of Sevu Reece, Beauden Barrett and George Bridge. They're all in form and will be backed to take risks as they see fit in order to run the Irish all over the park."They're tenacious," Hansen said of Ireland. "They play a pretty structured game and they're pretty good at what they know they're good at. They don't wander too much off the script. They're not a team that give you a lot of opportunities through mistakes."It's a cool and calculated approach from Hansen and his selectors which should provide confidence to those of a New Zealand persuasion. Lose this and Hansen's All Black coaching career is over, but a little bit of understated humour from the boss should serve to calm the nerves at home."Watch out for his sense of humour," Hansen said when asked how his players should operate under referee Nigel Owens. "He's pretty good with the one-liners."He's not the only one 

In the end the selection of Ryan Crotty and Anton Lienert-Brown in the midfield for the All Blacks against Tonga was easy for coach Steve Hansen and his fellow selectors because they were the only pair fit and available.Sonny Bill Williams' tight calf ruled him out and Jack Goodhue's hamstring strain suffered against Australia in Perth accounted for him. For them and the All Blacks it's an unfortunate state of affairs because they both need game time and the big question for Hansen now will be whether he can gamble on selecting them – and in particular Goodhue - against the Boks in Yokohama in a fortnight.Goodhue must now be doubtful, but Williams, given his big-game temperament, must be firmly in the frame for second-five for that World Cup opener.That would suggest Lienert-Brown, who has shouldered a fair bit of work lately in playing 80 minutes in the last two tests against Australia, must be the favourite to wear the No 13 jersey against the Boks should he remain fit, an honour that will be fully deserved given his recent form.Crotty's return from a broken thumb also comes at just the right time and the Crusaders and Canterbury midfielder, leaving to go overseas at the end of the year, is not surprisingly a fan of Lienert-Brown's work."I watched him a lot in Super Rugby," Crotty said. "He's just taken his game to another level - he's just continued to get a little bit better each year and it's just awesome to see him on that incline. The thing about Anton … I love how mindful he is – he's almost wise beyond his years. He's still a young guy but he's got a lot of experience. He's a deep thinker."In what threatened to turn into a meeting of a mutual admiration society in Hamilton ahead of the test against Tonga on Saturday, Lienert-Brown returned the compliment to a player who is almost as adaptable as he is.Lienert-Brown, still only 24, has played so well in both midfield positions this year it's difficult to know what his best position is. The same applies to Crotty to a slightly lesser extent; he's probably a better No 12 but it's his experience, reliability and distribution skills which set him apart."I guess I've been around for a while now and have played a few tests, which I'm very lucky to have been able to do," Lienert-Brown said. "It's not your age [which is important], it's probably the years you spend in here. Every year you learn a lot and I've been really lucky to have been under Sonny and Crotts, they're very wise men themselves.""He's very detailed … and always keeps you honest," Lienert-Brown said of Crotty. "That's made me better as a player and person."We're always challenged to be honest … and there's no hierarchy. We just want the best for each other."All Blacks side to face Tonga:Joe Moody (40)2. Codie Taylor (44)3. Nepo Laulala (19)4. Patrick Tuipulotu (24)5. Samuel Whitelock (111)6. Ardie Savea (38) 7. Matt Todd (20)8. Kieran Read - captain (121)9. TJ Perenara (58)10. Beauden Barrett (77)11. George Bridge (4)12. Ryan Crotty (44)13. Anton Lienert-Brown (37)14. Sevu Reece (2)15. Ben Smith (79)Reserves:Liam Coltman (5) 17. Ofa Tuungafasi (29) 18. Angus Ta'avao (7) 19. Scott Barrett (30) 20. Luke Jacobson (1)21. Aaron Smith (86) 22. Josh Ioane *23. Jordie Barrett (11) 

Ben Smith admits that he hasn't been playing his best rugby but doesn't want to look back on his last three tests, saying he is comfortable with where he is at after a good week's training which has allowed him to look forward to the Rugby World Cup with genuine excitement.The 33-year-old outside back, who has played 79 tests, remains an integral part of the All Blacks and his reliability under the high ball in particular will allow the coaches to sleep a little easier before the knockout matches in Japan.After badly tearing a hamstring while playing for the Highlanders this season, and making it back on to the field a month later to start in the Super Rugby quarter-final against the Crusaders, Smith didn't look himself against Argentina, South Africa and Australia in Perth, a form slip which was made to look worse when compared with the performances of George Bridge and Sevu Reece against the Wallabies at Eden Park.But he's not finished yet. After playing an important role for the All Blacks in the World Cup final against Australia at Twickenham four years ago (yellow card notwithstanding) Smith will leave for a contract in France next year after doing everything he can for his side to win another one."Obviously I've got to play some better footy, but I'm comfortable with what I've done over the last week and a half training-wise and I'm excited about what's coming up and the challenge that brings," Smith told the Herald.When asked about his recent form, he repeated: "I definitely could be playing better rugby, but for me there's no point looking back on those games. I have to concentrate on what I can contribute going forward."Starting with the All Blacks' first game of the tournament against the Springboks in Yokohama on September 21, the hard grounds of Japan and the often claustrophobic pressure associated with World Cups seem ideally suited to someone with Smith's experience and calmness under fire and while some keyboard warriors lost their heads a little in calling for Smith's, there's no way the selectors would have been so rash.Bridge and Reece took their chances brilliantly in the humiliation of Australia at Eden Park as their side retained the Bledisloe Cup, but time was never going to run out on Smith and the same goes for Rieko Ioane, who is undergoing a similar slippage in form.The selectors named their 31-player squad based on form, class and ability to contribute to a gameplan. Smith and left wing Ioane certainly have the latter two qualities."It was good to see Bridgey and Sevu get their chance against Aussie," Smith said. "They nailed it, they performed really well. That's the beauty of the black jersey - you see people get a crack and jeez they take it."You've heard Steve [Hansen] say World Cups bring pressure so there's the big challenge of walking towards that. As a group I know we'll be really excited about that. From being a part of the squad in 2015 I know whichever team fronts on the day and plays the best footy – especially in those playoff games – they get to progress. If you don't, you go home."Obviously I was glad to hear my name called out. But at the same time … to see a guy like Owie (Owen Franks) who has given so much to the All Black jersey – his name wasn't called out and that hit home, I think." 

World rugby has reacted with disbelief at the naming of the All Blacks squad for the World Cup in Japan - with many leading media organisations and fans expressing shock at the decision to exclude 108-cap veteran Owen Franks.Franks, Liam Squire and Ngani Laumape were the most noticeable absentees from the 31-man squad named in Auckland this afternoon, with Fox Sports calling the trio's omission "ruthless" under the headline All Bl-axed! 144 caps gone as ruthless NZ run a knife through World Cup squad.The site also suggested head coach Steve Hansen was taking a risk by including only two specialist first-fives in Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo'unga."There are just two specialist five-eighths named, with Hansen banking on Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo'unga enjoying an injury-free run," Fox Sports reported.AFP and the roar.com.au called Franks' axing a "shock omission", while the former expressed some surprise at the inclusion of seasoned utility back Ben Smith despite some recent poor form.AAP's line was about "sentimentality being cast aside in the name of speed", as Franks was replaced by the more mobile Atu Moli, with the Syndey Morning Herald describing it as a "major bombshell".The mass interest in the squad was evident when the All Blacks' official website crashed shortly after the announcement and the hashtags #RWC2019, #AllBlacks and #NewZealand soared to the top of Twitter's trending topics.Unsurprisingly, fans took to social media to voice their opinions on the selections - with Franks' absence a hot topic."No Owen Franks!" one user wrote with a shocked face emoji. "Understandable but you have to feel for the man, cruel game this.""Incredible that the @AllBlacks have deemed 108-cap Owen Franks surplus to requirements. He'd probably start for just about every other country, yet won't be at the @rugbyworldcup this autumn," another wrote.Many fans were equally puzzled by No 12 Laumape missing the cut with Jack Goodhue, Sonny Bill Williams, Ryan Crotty and Anton Lienert-Brown all preferred in midfield."I Understand Franks & Squire, But Seriously How Did Ngani Laumape Miss Out?""Stoked Luke Jacobson made the @AllBlacks squad for #RWC2019, but gutted for Ngani Laumape. Couldn't have done anything more to make the squad. Would have liked impact from a player of his calibre off the bench," wrote another.All Blacks legend Dan Carter was quick to congratulate the selected team while offering his sympathy for those who didn't."Rugby World Cups are where dreams are made. A special congratulations to all the boys selected for the @allblacks RWC squad. Commiserations to the guys that missed out. The work starts now #letsgooo #allblackeverything," he wrote on Twitter.The All Blacks will play South Africa, Canada, Namibia and Italy in pool matches starting on September 21, before heading into the knockout rounds.All Blacks squad: Joe Moody, Nepo Laulala, Angus Ta'avao, Ofa Tuungafasi, Atu Moli, Dane Coles, Codie Taylor, Liam Coltman, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Scott Barrett, Luke Jacobson, Matt Todd, Ardie Savea, Sam Cane, Kieran Read (captain), Aaron Smith, TJ Perenara, Brad Weber, Richie Mo'unga, Beauden Barrett, Sonny Bill Williams, Ryan Crotty, Jack Goodhue, Anton Lienert-Brown, Rieko Ioane, Sevu Reece, George Bridge, Jordie Barrett, Ben Smith 

Highlanders loose forward Liam Squire has been picked in the All Blacks World Cup after declaring himself available for selection. The powerful blindside flanker had a self imposed exile after Super Rugby, saying he wasn't ready for test rugby after spending much of the season on the sidelines. His inclusion in the loose forward mix means there is no place for the likes of Vaea Fifita or Jackson Hemopo. Lock Brodie Retallick has been included despite only likely to be available for the latter stages of the tournament. Powerful second five Ngani Laumape has missed out on selection with the returning Ryan Crotty joining Sonny Bill Williams, Anton Lienert Brown and Jack Goodhue. Canterbury's Brayden Ennor has been squeezed out of an outside back spot with rookie wings Sevu Reece and George Bridge both included. Simon and Phil shared their thoughts on the selection, and what we can expect from this side during the Rugby World Cup.  LISTEN ABOVE

The Rugby World Cup is fast approaching and we have a new side at the top of the World rankings. Congratulations to Wales for overtaking New Zealand and for their win against England in Cardiff which propelled them to the top of the list amongst rugby's elite. Former Wales and Lions prop Adam Jones joins the show to talk about the new found pressure on Warren Gatland's side heading into the World Cup this autumn. Former England and Fiji sevens coach is alongside Brian in studio, he runs his eye over Eddie Jones 31 man squad and says Owen Farrell should be wrapped up in cotton wool until the tournament starts, because England have no chance of winning it if he is not playing outhalf. France have a habit of peaking before the World Cup and their former coach Phillipe Saint André joins the show to reflect on their impressive win over Scotland and also about the story behind his new academy https://www.psaacademies.com/ New Zealand silenced a few doubters with a convincing win over Australia to retain the Bledisloe Cup, former All Black winger Scott Hamilton gives us his verdict on Sevu Reece and George Bridge after both players impressed in the win. And we discuss the fate of the Pacific Island nations heading into the World Cup and whether more can be done to help develop the sides after it emerged that 18% of the global professional rugby population come from Pacific Island descent.

Former Wallaby and outspoken media commentator Peter FitzSimons has stoked the fires of trans-Tasman rivalry on the eve of Bledisloe II, firing a number of shots at the 'sad declining All Blacks.'Speaking to Newstalk ZB, FitzSimons took aim at All Black veterans for their sluggish play last weekend, labelling the loss a sign the defending World Champions were on the decline.FitzSimons also suggested the 'dramatic changes' the All Blacks made to their starting lineup tomorrow night reflected a coach who had lost confidence in his team."Sonny Bill Williams is 34, how's Sonny Bill going to go up against James O'Connor?" Fitzsimons said. "The All Blacks just looked a bit old and slow."The Wallabies simply outclassed the All Blacks. They humiliated those poor All Blacks and it was good for rugby."I thought it was going to be an absolute slaughter, the sad decline of New Zealand rugby I said to myself, when will they come good?"FitzSimons' comments come just days after the Daily Telegraph poked fun at the All Blacks using Faceapp to publish photos which turn current New Zealand stars into old men.Sam Whitelock and Kieran Read as mocked by the Daily Telegraph via FaceApp.Sonny Bill Williams, Sam Whitelock and captain Kieran Read all got the photo treatment, under a headline "Wallabies warned not to take All Blacks' senior citizens lightly".Meanwhile, two inexperienced wings, Sevu Reece and George Bridge, were named yesterday to start against the Wallabies as part of Steve Hansen's radical plan to bounce back and retain the Bledisloe Cup.It was just two of five changes Hansen made in what has been regarded his most dramatic reaction to a loss, as the All Blacks look to double down on their gamble to test which players are capable under pressure ahead of next month's World Cup."Obviously we'd like Ben, Owen and Rieko playing better, but we've made decisions because we've got to find out more about these other people in big pressure-cooker situations," Hansen explained at a press conference in Auckland yesterday."To win a World Cup we've had to roll the dice a bit."Steve Hansen with Sevu Reece during training. Photo / GettySurprised by Hansen's selections, however, FitzSimons said the changes reflected a head coach who had lost confidence."Throwing them into the furnace five weeks out from the World Cup seems an extraordinary move to me," he said."It looked to me like the coach had lost confidence in his team … I suppose he knows what he's doing but it seems very odd to me."FitzSimons voiced his confidence for the Wallabies to claim a back-to-back victory over the All Blacks on Saturday, crediting the potential of Wallabies coach Michael Cheika.The two sides will meet tomorrow night at Eden Park.

Dual playmakers, a new loose trio and now two inexperienced wings Sevu Reece and George Bridge starting against the Wallabies – the All Blacks are doubling down on their gamble of investigating just what their players are capable of ahead of next month's World Cup defence.A quick evaluation. The Richie Mo'unga/Beauden Barrett double act has been a qualified success and will remain for the short-to-medium term; certainly for the big games in Japan.It was harder to get a read on how Ardie Savea, Sam Cane and Kieran Read could potentially combine because all three were compromised once Scott Barrett was dismissed in Perth last weekend, but that too looks promising.And the feedback will be immediate on Reece, who made his Super Rugby debut only in February, and Bridge, two inexperienced young Crusaders who base their games around remaining in perpetual motion and making the most of every opportunity.Mo'unga, who will again navigate the All Black ship from No 10 alongside fullback Barrett, has got to this position via hard work and perseverance. That is less applicable for the 22-year-old Reece, but his form was such in scoring 15 tries in 13 matches for the Crusaders – many of them spectacular – that he couldn't be ignored.And neither could the below-par form of Ben Smith and Rieko Ioane, although the dropping of the latter was more of a surprise."Probably how witty he is," was Mo'unga's tongue-in-cheek reply about what Fijian-born Reece brings. "His eagerness to learn. His knowledge of the game can be underestimated and he brings a lot of value. His energy on the ball is awesome and the fact he can turn something from nothing is what has given him the year that he has had."He's a humble kid and works really hard and just wants to learn. I'm really impressed with him."Bridge, 24, built a reputation in Christchurch of being a player who inevitably makes the right decision and being in the right place at the right time; sort of a younger Ben Smith, in fact."George is someone who just performs every week," Mo'unga said. "As a high-performance athlete that's sometimes hard to do but he's shown that he has a mature head and is able to do his role consistently and with a lot of effort. I love that about George and I love how hard he works around the park."Beauden Barrett said: "It's exciting. Seeing Sevu and George go on Saturday will be great to watch. I haven't always enjoyed watching them play for the Crusaders but they've gone well and I love how they back their instincts."Asked about Smith's absence on the right, he replied: "With Ben not being there you lose a lot of experience and a very calm head, but on the other hand you have a very excited Sevu Reece, so … look, Ben is a class player and he will be back in no time, but I'm excited about seeing Sevu go."Bridge, no slouch himself with or without the ball, said: "We've all seen what Sevu can do this year so that's pretty exciting. It's just another game, there's obviously a lot of pressure on us but we just want to bring the energy and get our hands on the ball."The message all week is that the All Black pack was humbled by the Wallabies a week ago, and All Blacks coach Steve Hansen went further by saying a "200 per cent" improvement was required by his big men.Barrett, asked how confident he was that his backline could create difficulties should they get their fair share of possession, replied: "Extremely. I've got so much faith in what we're doing and the desire we have to play for each other."His try in combination with Mo'unga at Optus Stadium in Perth was another piece of evidence that the All Blacks could be building something worthwhile."That was one of the few passages we had where we built some pressure and looked after some ball," Barrett said. "Obviously doing that was a challenge with 14 men on Saturday. If we can get more ball with 15 men in our structure I'm excited about what we can do."

On the face of it, the dropping of Owen Franks, Ben Smith and Rieko Ioane before the most important Bledisloe Cup test in four years must qualify as one of the most dramatic reactions to a loss ever made by All Blacks coach Steve Hansen.And yes, they have been dropped. Hansen was happy to confirm that in front of a packed press conference at the All Blacks hotel today, perhaps to reinforce a message to all of his players that no one is safe only five weeks from the start of the World Cup.The performances of tighthead prop Franks and outside backs Smith and Ioane have not been of an acceptable standard, and Hansen and his fellow selectors couldn't keep rewarding mediocrity.And yet, for all the "panic" headlines dreamed up by media outlets across the ditch reveling in the All Blacks feeling a little discomfort for a change, there is every chance the experienced trio would have sat out this test at Eden Park on Saturday even had Hansen's men won at Perth last weekend rather than slipping to a 47-26 defeat.Hansen wants to expose Nepo Laulala and inexperienced Crusaders pair George Bridge and Sevu Reece to something approaching the white-hot atmosphere of a World Cup knockout match. A positive side effect is that every one of his players – especially those within his pack – is on notice a week after they were too easily pushed around at Optus Stadium."Obviously we'd like Ben, Owen and Rieko playing better, but we've made decisions because we've got to find out more about these other people in big pressure-cooker situations and you don't get much bigger than this one – it's why we've got so many people here this week," Hansen said, regarding a big media turnout. "Everyone's excited about it and it's a challenge we have to face up to."Asked whether the trio had been dropped, Hansen replied: "Well, they're not playing, so you can say they've been dropped."Big call? "It's not that big a call because as I've just said to you, we've got to find out more about these other people. To win a World Cup we've had to roll the dice a bit. That's the No 1 priority, but we wouldn't be doing it if we didn't think the other guys weren't good enough to do the job on Saturday if we play well."What happens if we get to the World Cup and Ben Smith blows a tyre, or Rieko blows a hamstring, and we've got put a young guy in there who has never faced pressure like this before? It's ideal."Bridge has played three tests, all as a substitute. Reece, a revelation for the Crusaders this year, has played one – a start against the Pumas in Buenos Aires.Both have big workrates, are used to playing with No 10 Richie Mo'unga, and will look to provide a spark with their pace and ambition that has been sadly lacking for the All Blacks this year. The only question will be how they react to a high-ball bombardment; Bridge is very good in this area but the much shorter Reece may be a target for the Wallabies."We've seen [from them] probably more than we saw from Rieko when we put him in against the Lions [in 2017]. And everyone said 'you can't do that', but how did that go?"Hansen, about to take charge of the All Blacks in his 100th test, was business-like today but was brooking no nonsense. In that he provided a template for how the All Blacks must react to the hole they've found themselves in because a first Wallabies win against New Zealand at Eden Park since 1986 will allow them to reclaim the Bledisle Cup for the first time since 2003.The "neck roll" question was raised – last week the Wallabies were guilty of using the illegal tactic of twisting an opponent's neck to clear him from a breakdown at least 14 times – by an Australian reporter, who asked, "Have you told the boys to cut out the neck rolls?"Quick as a flash, Hansen replied: "Well, I haven't spoken to Australia."He added: "We didn't do any … we may have done one. All you want from the ref is consistency and if there's foul play that he'll deal with it. Are neck rolls foul play? I supp...

A trio of All Blacks incumbents could find themselves on the outer for the Bledisloe Cup decider in Auckland this weekend.Rugby Editor Nigel Yalden says these All Black selectors aren't prone to panic, but they are pragmatic.They have asked for more mobility and work rate from their props and despite his best endeavours to get around the park more, Owen Franks is in the firing line.All signs point to George Bridge starting but for who as Ben Smith and Rieko Ioane have been well below their best.Yalden believes its not beyond the realms of possibility that both could be droppedIf that were to happen two of Sevu Reece, Jordie Barrett and Braydon Ennor come into the equation; one as a starter, the other on the bench.

Karl Tu'inukuafe, the All Blacks' moustachioed cult hero, was one of five players who missed the cut in this morning's Bledisloe Cup test squad announcement – possibly spelling a cruel end to one of rugby's feel-good stories.Tu'inukuafe, affectionately nicknamed Big Karl by fans, rose from relative obscurity and a job as a club bouncer to the bright lights of test rugby within the space of a few months.But the powerful prop has struggled to replicate the form he enjoyed towards the end of last year – where he showcased his scrum motor and running ability during the All Blacks' end of year tour – after his Super Rugby season was spoiled by a virus.Meanwhile, loosehead Atu Moli, who has been on the All Blacks' radar for a while now, has risen up to claim Tu'inukuafe's spot after bouncing back from a horrific leg injury.With the All Blacks needing to cut the number of props in the squad to six for the Wallabies tests, Tu'inukuafe became the unfortunate casualty."It's not that he's (Tu'inukuafe) done anything wrong," said All Blacks coach Steve Hansen."We've said that we want mobile ball playing props who can also do their core roles."We've been on Atu Moli for quite some time. Apart from when he got that nasty injury that kept him out, which was Karl's opportunity."We're still pretty keen on Atu and I guess there's only room for six [props] there and we can't take seven so when we get to the World Cup we can only take five, so we've still got some culling to do."Hansen admitted that mobility, which he said wasn't a strength of Tu'inukuafe, was a factor in the decision."When you talk about mobility you talk about people's ability to get back up off the ground, to fend and get back into it and to be a ball player."In today's game you need props that can do more than just scrum and lift in the lineout. So that's been our challenge in the last 12 months that we've put to our front-rowers and some of them are progressing really well with it and others are still struggling with it."While it seems unlikely that the five casualties in the squad – which also include hooker Asafo Aumua, loose forwards Shannon Frizell and Dalton Papalii, and first-five Josh Ioane – will be able to wrestle their way back into World Cup consideration, Hansen left the door open."They can jump back in the mix but it's obviously getting harder because we're trying to narrow it down. We've got two big games coming up, then we'll reflect and get it down to 31."They'll take the opportunities they get through Mitre 10 Cup and play particularly well. [There] might be injuries. There's a number of things that could arise."All Blacks squad for Bledisloe CupForwardsHookers: Dane Coles, Liam Coltman and Codie Taylor.Props: Owen Franks, Nepo Laulala, Joe Moody, Atu Moli, Angus Ta'avao and Ofa Tuungafasi.Locks: Scott Barrett, Jackson Hemopo, Patrick Tuipulotu and Samuel Whitelock.Loose forwards: Sam Cane, Vaea Fifita, Luke Jacobson, Kieran Read, Ardie Savea and Matt Todd.BacksHalfbacks: TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith and Brad Weber.First five-eighths: Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo'unga.Midfielders: Jack Goodhue, Ngani Laumape, Anton Lienert-Brown and Sonny Bill Williams.Utility backs: Braydon Ennor and Jordie Barrett.Outside backs: George Bridge, Rieko Ioane, Sevu Reece and Ben Smith. 

Steve Hansen has his thoughts below, but All Black legend Murray Mexted tells Martin Devlin above what he makes of the first test match of the yearIt wasn't pretty, but the All Blacks got the win against Argentina in Buenos Aires. Now, it's time to move ahead.Missing a host of their usual starters, there were questions over how the New Zealand side would front against an Argentinean team in which 20 of 23 played alongside each other for the Jaguares. Those questions were answered with a far from perfect, but victorious performance.The All Blacks were missing all of their Crusaders players, apart from debutants Sevu Reece, who started on the right wing, and replacement back Braydon Ennor, and that lack of quality and experience showed in the second half as the visitors were held scoreless.But All Blacks coach Steve Hansen found many positives from the match, including the tense test-match experience gained by the rookies."When you take all the leadership we've taken out with all the Crusaders not here...to have the opportunity for this group to go through with what they went through today is like winning the Lotto," said Hansen."Our accuracy and combinations weren't there but they stayed in the moment and trusted themselves. We left four or five (tries) out there. We've learnt a lot about a lot of people this week...both new and old."Hansen said the All Blacks got "exactly what they expected" in the 20-16 win."You can't just snap your fingers and get the end result just like that," Hansen said. "It takes time and timing and time together. It's the same with defence, we tweaked a few things there and once you go past that, what you want from them is them to be able to show you that they can get out there in the heat of the battle and do that job that you ask them to do."First-half tries to Ngani Laumape and Brodie Retallick, along with a flawless kicking performance from Beauden Barrett gave the All Blacks a 20-6 lead at half time, but the side was held scoreless in the second period as their attack staggered.The All Blacks were loose at times with their handling and concession of silly penalties, and it almost cost them at the end as the Pumas had the ball inside the All Blacks' 22 when the final hooter sounded, but were not able to capitalise.It was arguably the best chance the Pumas had ever had to score an upset over the All Blacks, but instead remain without a win over the Kiwi side in their 29-match history."You leave eight or nine of your top line players out, your second group comes together and plays for the first time in 4, 5, maybe 6 weeks, had a couple of weeks to try get ready for the test match – so at times we were a bit rusty," Hansen said. "But we did a lot of good things and I thought one of the greatest things we did was at the end with all the young fellas on, we showed a lot of mental fortitude so I was really pleased with that."The side now turns their attention to a date with South Africa in Wellington next weekend, which could see the coaches play the strategy game in their team selection, with the two meeting in the opening game of the rugby World Cup later this year.South Africa started their Rugby Championship campaign with a dominant 35-17 win against Australia in Johannesburg. 

Just when does the punishment end if you are Sevu Reece? What exactly is it we are wanting from him, or expecting him to do? Is the problem that he's too successful? Should people who, in some way shape or form end up involved in indiscretion, operate under a code where by the punishment of the judiciary, is only part one?Part two is the lifelong penalty in which they're allowed to somehow repair their damage or put their issues behind them, but to only a limited point, and being an All Black is way too successful? We angst over the recidivism rate, we worry and debate the fact that so many who end up in jail, end up going back to jail. This is seen as a failure of the system. And yet when you have a Sevu Reece who aspires to better himself, we don’t want that either. Why not? Steve Hanson suffered the obligatory pile-on as well.He made the simple statement that people need to face their wrongs and look to move on. And it isn't the All Blacks' way to simply penalise people forever. I would have thought that was a good, clean, clear simple piece of common sense most of us would have welcomed  and agreed with. He perhaps made the mistake of suggesting domestic violence isn't a gender thing.If you listened to the comments the way they were intended, backed up of course by the fact he has seen this first hand so has an element of expertise in the area, then you would understand what he was trying to say. The fact he had to clarify them, was made up in part by the fact that a lot of people these days in sensitive matters don’t want to see anything with logic, they want to score points.And to be fair, he might have been able to make the point with a touch more eloquence. But be that as it may, the fundamental driver here is that people like Reece should be seen as examples of what is possible if you want it to be. And the All Black culture is not about perfection, and nor has it ever been claimed it is. What it's about, is being a good person. About being more than just a rugby player.It's about being an example, and is Reece not an example of a person who is trying to improve. To see his faults and fix them, to not repeat mistakes, to not be another recidivist. If we listened and acted on the advice of the angry and aggrieved, what would happen to the Reeces of this world? And why would we be remotely surprised it might not necessarily be good?Both Hansen and Reece are trying to do the right thing. That’s to be encouraged, and supported because that’s the way forward and it’s a solution to a problem, or are we not really all that interested in solutions?  

This week on the Monday Agenda Panel Daniel McHardy is joined by the New Zealand Hera;d's Chris Rattue and Steven Holloway to discuss the big topics of the weekend. These included..The Women's Football World Cup.Sevu Reece and his All Blacks selection.The Crusaders 10th Super Rugby title and Scott Robertson's future.The Bunker and NRL controversy. And Blackcaps angst. 

It's a full house at ERB HQ, as Ben (whose feeling a bit fluey), Alex (whose attention is demanded by Taniela Two-Poo), Matt (whose going to sleep after 12am) and Adam (who never listens to a full pod) chat about the Super Rugby final, Steve Hansen's comments surrounding Sevu Reece, the ABs squad, give their End of Season Awards straight from the hip, and listen to Ben as he drops another Big Idea. Adam gets blamed, immense issues of law are discussed, Matt speaks about props, Alex goes on a well-considered diatribe and Ben liked the Lions' Spiderman jersey this season. Just another day in the ERB Universe. Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show.

There's been a buzz around the Crusaders' camp this week with their eyes on a third consecutive title and a couple of freshly minted All Blacks in the squad.Impressive backline duo Braydon Ennor and Sevu Reece were among the 39 players named in the first All Blacks squad of the year, hearing their names called out for the first time.But while excitement levels were high, coach Scott Robertson has implored them to keep their eyes on the prize."The old Whatsapp groups have been fired up; love hearts and fist pumps over the last few days," Robertson told Radio Sport's D'Arcy Waldegrave. "[But] we moved on pretty quickly because we've got a job to do."The Crusaders will welcome the Jaguares to OrangeTheory Stadium in Christchurch tomorrow night as they look to lock away the Super Rugby title for another year. It's a match up that Robertson admits he didn't expect when the season started, but one that is likely to be a very physical encounter.The Jaguares impressed all season to finish on top of a tightly contested South African conference and showed they were more than capable of getting the job done at home or on the road."There aren't many guys who would have said you'd be playing them [in the final] at the start of the season. You've got to give it to them. You've got the ability to front up when they do travel," Robertson said of the Jaguares."We're really impressed with them. It's going to take all of, probably more, effort than against the Hurricanes."Robertson described last weekend's semifinal against the Hurricanes as "anything but a final", with the high-intensity affair going down to the wire.The side will be without star duo Ryan Crotty and Scott Barrett for the final, with Ennor replacing Crotty in the midfield and Mitchell Dunshea deputising for Barrett at lock alongside Sam Whitelock. Young outside back Will Jordan joins the bench.Crusaders: David Havili, Sevu Reece, Braydon Ennor, Jack Goodhue, George Bridge, Richie Mo'unga, Bryn Hall, Kieran Read, Matt Todd, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Sam Whitelock, Mitchell Dunshea, Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody. Reserves: Andrew Makalio, George Bower, Michael Alaalatoa, Luke Romano, Jordan Taufua, Mitchell Drummond, Mitchell Hunt, Will Jordan.Jaguares: Emiliano Boffelli, Matias Moroni, Matias Orlando, Jeronimo de la Fuente, Ramiro Moyano, Joaquin Diaz Bonilla, Tomas Cubelli, Javier Ortega Desio, Marcos Kremer, Pablo Matera, Tomas Lavanini, Guido Petti, Santiago Medrano, Agustin Creevy, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro. Reserves: Julian Montoya, Mayco Vivas, Enrique Pieretto, Juan Manuel Leguizamon, Tomas Lezana, Felipe Ezcurra, Domingo Miotti, Sebastian Cancelliere

The Super Rugby final is coming back to Christchurch.The Crusaders will host the Jaguares next weekend looking for the final result to seal their trifecta, after ending the Hurricanes season with a 30-26 win on Saturday.In a clash between the two sides with the most points on the table this season, the Crusaders showed just how hard they can be to beat on their home turf.A lack of discipline ultimately cost the Hurricanes, who conceded more than twice as many penalties than the Crusaders; two of which resulted in points from the boot of Richie Mo'unga.The hosts broke out to a fast start, going up by three points in as many minutes, before a brilliant cross kick from Ryan Crotty found winger Sevu Reece in the corner for the opening try of the match in the 13th minute.The Hurricanes did well to stem the flow of the Crusaders points despite having very little of the ball early on. It wasn't until the 34th minute that the visitors found some room to move when Jordie Barrett went flying down the sideline on the counter attack.Ultimately deciding not to pass to either of the players flanking him in support, Barrett's run did put the Hurricanes in position to get on the board which they did through Ngani Laumape who stood up Reece to get over the try line.The Crusaders outran Hurricanes by 100m in the first half, with the Hurricanes making far more tackles. However, the Crusaders kept the door open – with 12 turnovers conceded in the first half.It was a different story in the second half as the game opened up and both sides played fluid, attacking football.Ben Lam put the Hurricanes within one point just minutes into the second half, before Mo'unga answered right back.Laumape and Reece then traded tries, before TJ Perenara stretched out late in the piece to give the Hurricanes a great chance to steal the win.However, a late penalty gave the Crusaders the chance to push their slim lead out to four points, and the Hurricanes were unable to find another try to take out the win.With two minutes on the clock, the Hurricanes were in position to launch an attack, but a knock on called against Perenara put an end to their hopes. What made matters worse for Hurricanes fans was that it appeared Crusaders lock Sam Whitelock had reached over the breakdown and swiped the ball from Perenara's grasp.The Crusaders will now await the arrival of the Jaguares, who will run out in their first ever Super Rugby final after demolishing the Brumbies in Argentina.Result aside, both Reece and Laumape continued their terrific seasons and put their hands up for a spot in the All Blacks World Cup squad later this year. Laumape continued to show he's the country's form midfielder, and while Reece's deficiencies on the defensive end were exploited by the Hurricanes, what he offers in attack could well land him a black jersey later this year.Crusaders 30 (Sevu Reece 2, Richie Mo'unga tries; Richie Mo'unga 3 cons, 3 pens)Hurricanes 26 (Ngani Laumape 2, Ben Lam, TJ Perenara tries; Beauden Barrett 3 cons) 

FBR Crew all together again this week and in fine form. We tackled the news around rugby at the moment including: Will Jordan Re-signing. Sevu Reece the bolter? South African contract changes. Then we focussed on our pre-tournament predictions and how they stack up before the final round this coming week. Then usual Super Rugby chat and the Quiz! Thanks for listening. Recorded 11th June 2019 and uploaded 12th June 2019 Intro from Six60 - Forever. We do not own the rights to this track.

The Hurricanes secured their fifth straight win in Super Rugby with a 22-12 victory over the Blues at Eden Park.The Auckland side failed to capitalise on having 60 percent possession and territory throughout the match.The Blues were particularly dominant at scrum time with Hurricanes prop Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen repeatedly penalised and eventually sin binned.Hurricanes coach John Plumtree is extremely proud of his side who were up against it throughout the match."It was difficult condition and we knew we were playing against a side that was really desperate, and they showed that, so it was physical."Meanwhile, the Crusaders produced a clinical 45-13 Super Rugby victory in Pretoria against the Bulls.First five Richie Mo'unga scored two tries, and wing Sevu Reece three as the Crusaders played an up tempo game the Bulls just couldn't compete with.Assistant coach Ronan O'Gara says the free flowing style was no mistake."The plan was to run with the Bulls, and I think the boys did that really well. They played with a high tempo and really pushed their fitness levels and as a result they had plenty of space to show off their skills."Elsewhere, the Chiefs have had to dig deep to record an important 29-23 Super Rugby win over the Sharks in Hamilton.The home side led 17-13 at the break, before the Sharks bounced back to have a 23-17 advantage midway through the second half.However, unanswered tries to Anton Lienert-Brown and Brad Weber swung the momentum back in the Chiefs favour, and they hung on for a fourth win of the season.Chiefs coach Colin Cooper says they have a lot of fight are well led by the senior players.He says when they were defending in certain moments they showed attitude and character to hold the Sharks out.Meanwhile, the Highlanders picked up an important 32-27 Super Rugby win over the Jaguares in Dunedin.The Southerners led 26-13 at half-time, before hanging on to record their fifth win of the season.

Watching Beauden Barrett and little brother Jordie give the opposition the sort of treatment they developed years ago when they lived on the family farm in Pungarehu and nobody could get the ball off them would have gladdened the hearts of the All Blacks selectors, if not the coaches and supporters of the Chiefs.The pair were so dominant for the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday night in a 47-19 victory, there seemed to be more than just the pair of them on the pitch at times.Jordie looks a bit like Beauden after being put through a copier at 125 per cent, but there were also elements of the physicality of their sibling Scott, a Crusaders and All Blacks lock, in their performance as their side cemented their position as New Zealand's second-best franchise behind the high-flying red and blacks.Jordie, 22, looked so at home at fullback, he might as well have been back in his favourite corner of Taranaki along with his four brothers and three sisters. If there was any doubt about his best position after being selected in the midfield and on the wing for the Hurricanes this season, it is over now.He is a fullback, and while the Chiefs defending in the first quarter against the Hurricanes was perhaps as poor as that seen by any Kiwi team this season, Jordie's two tries in three minutes, the second from 50m out, were a fitting reward for how he would play for the remainder of the match.If the All Blacks selectors decide that this World Cup in Japan, only 10 hours' flying time from New Zealand, is a tournament for specialists, which they have hinted at, then Jordie must be selected as a fullback along with Ben Smith.Crusaders outside back George Bridge, a player looming as a big chance to make the squad, can also cover fullback, so, with Rieko Ioane a bolted-on certainty on the left wing, the selectors may decide on rolling the dice on someone a little different on the right wing — a bit like Nehe Milner-Skudder four years ago.This brings us to Sevu Reece, the 22-year-old wing who is going places in a hurry as proven once again in his side's 36-10 victory over the Lions in Christchurch. Fortunately for the Crusaders, one of those places is not Irish club Connacht after they ripped up his contract following a well-documented off-field incident with his partner.Reece makes things happen whether he has the ball or not and his two tries against the Lions were freakish: the first when knocking international No 8 Kwagga Smith out of the way to score in the corner, and the second when, under extreme pressure, he sped past defenders in a kick chase.Reece has played only five Super Rugby matches but must be on the national radar, although the selectors will want to reserve judgment to see how he performs under the pressure of the playoffs.David Havili must also be in the frame as an outside back utility, but unfortunately for him, he was poor against the Lions.Afterwards, Crusaders coach Scott Robertson tried to dampen the hype building around Reece but the young Fijian's actions speak louder than anyone's words."Look, it's pretty special form, isn't it? I could chuck in that speculation myself, but it's not for me to do that. He just needs to keep playing well," Robertson said."When we lost Seta [Tamanivalu after last season], a big, powerful wing, we were really going to miss him, which we do, then Sevu comes in," Robertson said."He's little but powerful and explosive and creates a lot. It's a really good get for us. I'm just really proud of him, what he's achieved on and off the field. He's a pretty good Crusader, isn't he?" 

The laws of physics were bent by Sevu Reece on Saturday, but have no fear since Ben, Matt and Adam are here. With Alex in India, the Three Ruckerteers (?) fill the time chatting about Alex's love of George Bridge, segues, Rudolph Straeuli being silly, the week's game, Fantasy rugby, and doing it all interrupting each other. We are on Soundcloud, Stitcher, iTunes, Spotify and aCast. Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show.

Bruce, Mossman and Smiddy talk through all the talking points for Super Rugby and Fantasy Rugby Draft. FRD News Update - Folau, DMak, Sevu Reece and the Lions. Feature Segment The lads select 3 "buy low" players and 3 "sell high" players by position for the rest of the season. Fantasy gold to arm you with the tools to finish the season strong.   @fantasyrugdraft Fantasy Rugby Draft Hall of Fame Facebook Group

Owen Franks' stop-start Super Rugby season has hit another judder-bar.The Crusaders and All Blacks prop has been left out of the squad to play the Highlanders on Friday in Christchurch due to a shoulder injury.Franks has played just once in the last month, clocking 40 minutes against the Brumbies last week.Crusaders coach Scott Robertson says Franks will go for a scan and they'll take their time with him."He'll get a scan ... see how things are going with his shoulder," said Robertsons. "And the best thing for him, we just realise that we'll take our time with our players because we've got the depth in the squad, something we're really fortunate to have."We're rolling and trusting our squad and it's really important that we've got as many bodies available by the end of the competition and by trusting the players now."Fellow All Blacks Codie Taylor and George Bridge are also nursing minor injuries and weren't considered, while Sam Whitelock, Bryn Hall, Jack Goodhue and Brayden Ennor return to the side.Despite missing some big names, Robertson said they were determined to pick their best team against what will be a tricky southern derby against the Highlanders."We've picked the best team for this week. We needed to. We know how desperate the Highlanders are, the position they're in and they've certainly mentioned how important this game is to them."Crusaders: David Havili, Braydon Ennor, Jack Goodhue, Ryan Crotty, Sevu Reece, Richie Mo'unga, Bryn Hall, Kieran Read, Matt Todd, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Sam Whitelock (captain), Scott Barrett, Michael Alaalatoa, Andrew Makalio, Joe Moody. Reserves: Ben Funnell, Harry Allan, Oliver Jager, Quinten Strange, Jordan Taufua, Mitchell Drummond, Mitchell Hunt, Will Jordan.

Sevu Reece is set to make his Super Rugby debut for the Crusaders, just five months after having his overseas contract torn up due to a court appearance on an assault charge.Reece, who had a stellar Mitre 10 Cup season with Waikato, had inked a two-year deal with Irish side Connacht, but it was ripped up in October, after his involvement in a domestic violence incident in July.Reece was seen grabbing his partner and pulling her down to the ground, after the pair got into an argument. The woman suffered injuries to her face and bruising to her waist and knee. The judge granted Reece a discharge without conviction and fined him $750.It was enough for Connacht to end their association with the Waikato winger, and initially, Reece was not named in any Super Rugby squads.However, Reece was called into the Crusaders' camp for pre-season training, and has now been named in the defending champions' starting lineup for their clash against the Chiefs on Saturday. He is also likely to be named a full-time replacement for Manasa Mataele, who is set to miss the entire season after suffering a knee injury against the Hurricanes.When Reece was called in for their pre-season training, Crusaders assistant coach Brad Mooar argued that while Reece had made a "serious mistake", he deserved a second chance."We can see the genuine remorse and his acceptance that he's done wrong and is working to fix it. And improve as a person."He's with his partner and he has great support from her."Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson spoke from a similar songsheet today."I've never had any concerns. He's a quality young kid, he's gone through that process with the incident ... and he's come down here. He's a great human - I don't think there's a guy who has worked harder in our group."[He's] extremely humble and I'm glad that we can play a part in his life and help him be the best he can."Reece's talent has never been in question, and he is likely to impress against a Chiefs side who never called him up despite his stellar showings for Waikato."He's broken a few ankles at training, he can step, he can create. He asks a lot of questions, he's very diligent," said an enthused Robertson.Reece and Braydon Ennor will start on the wing this weekend for the Crusaders, with George Bridge on his manadatory All Blacks rest week, as are Owen Franks and Matt Todd.With Sam Whitelock and Kieran Read also still resting, the Crusaders forward pack looks weaker than their usual high standards, but Codie Taylor is set to make his return off the bench.Ryan Crotty also returns to the side, as captain, while halfback Ere Enari is set to make his first start.Crusaders: Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Jack Goodhue, Ryan Crotty (captain), Braydon Ennor, Richie Mo'unga, Ere Enari, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Billy Harmon, Jordan Taufua, Scott Barrett, Mitchell Dunshea, Michael Alaalatoa, Andrew Makalio, Joe MoodyReserves: Codie Taylor, Harry Allan, Giorgio Bower, Luke Romano, Ethan Blackadder, Bryn Hall, Brett Cameron, David Havili