Big trouble in the windy City

[Larksea]

interesting news now that nonu is more likely to leave NZ than go to the chiefs. I tend to think he is still a chance to stay because he values the black Jersey but the fact that the chiefs have now put a big offer in for Sonny Bill suggests that Nonu is set to go overseas.

personally for the chiefs I'd rather they put a big effort into lureing Ryan Crotty away from the Crusaders rather than Sonny Bill.

the next huge rock to hit the canes is the News that Cruden has a clause in his contract that would allow him to leave the Hurricanes for the chiefs under his turbos mentor... and quotes from him recently make that seem like a likely scenario.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/5133274/First-five-Aaron-Cruden-looks-set-for-Chiefs

Jason Eaton also being linked with the chiefs in this article.

And the bad news hasn't ended yet with word spreading that Hammett wants Vito to captian the Hurricanes but Vito isn't keen because of his friendship and loyalty to Nonu.

And the fact that this mess is surely affecting Cory Jane's decision to either stay in NZ or go overseas. One would also have to wonder what guys like Weepu, Gear and Conrad smith are thinking about the whole sutiation as well.

Coming home from work with such instability at the office only to find contracts with big numbers on them sitting on their coffee tables.

 

[nickdnz]

What is also interesting, is who will be the All Blacks 2nd 5/8th after the RWC or 2012. Nonu looks to be going overseas (and I can see why), while SBW hasn't yet commited. In terms of 2nd 5/8th depth, I think the next in the line for the position would be Benson Stanley (who is no Nonu/SBW). The Hurricanes are free falling. I agree with putting Vito as captain though. Hore is a good player, but I've never thought much of him as a captain (since So'oialo stopped being captain the Hurricanes have performed poorly).

I hope Gear, Weepu, Smith, Jane and Eaton stay. Cruden I'm not too fussed about but it'll be good to continue developing a 1st 5/8th in the franchise. Part of me would rather see them go overseas then play for another franchise, but at least they'll still be able to play for the All Blacks.

 

[Larksea]

I think Ryan Crotty and Richard Kahui would make a great mid field for the AB's looking towards 2015. Or Kahui at 12 and Fruen at 13.

 

[Feicarsinn]

What does any of this have to do with Chicago?

 

[Larksea]

the other windy City >.<

 

[Cacambo]

Cruden I'm not too fussed about but it'll be good to continue developing a 1st 5/8th in the franchise. Part of me would rather see them go overseas then play for another franchise, but at least they'll still be able to play for the All Blacks.

Is Beauden Barrett sticking around for next year?

 

[Amobokoboko]

Wow, it still hasn't ended. Why do the Chiefs need SBW?

 

[Larksea]

Beauden Barrett is an awesome prospect. A lot of good young 10's coming through with Barrett, Slade, Cruden, Gareth Anscombe, Sopoaga

But Barrett in particular looks like an awesome player.

 

[William18]

I would not be fussed if Cruden left at all. He can go. We would just get Sopoaga back. I think Barrett could replace Jane at fullback as there are just too many young first fives in this country. I think if we can keep Weepu, Gear and Smith then we will still have a good backline next year.

 

[ranger]

I would not be fussed if Cruden left at all. He can go. We would just get Sopoaga back. I think Barrett could replace Jane at fullback as there are just too many young first fives in this country. I think if we can keep Weepu, Gear and Smith then we will still have a good backline next year.

It doesn't make alot of sense to switch Barrett out of his best position just because there are other guys that play there in other franchises..

 

[Darwin]

I would not be fussed if Cruden left at all. He can go. We would just get Sopoaga back. I think Barrett could replace Jane at fullback as there are just too many young first fives in this country. I think if we can keep Weepu, Gear and Smith then we will still have a good backline next year.

Sopoaga is signed with the Highlanders till the end of the 2012 season, so you won't be getting him back next year.

 

[Gtown]

Wow, it still hasn't ended. Why do the Chiefs need SBW?

Chiefs need all the help they can get mate. But yea SBW's not the answer. Dont see Cruden coming to the Chiefs. And Sopoaga's horrid. Barretts like a James O'connor type player. One to watch.

 

[William18]

Sopoaga is signed with the Highlanders till the end of the 2012 season, so you won't be getting him back next year.

Oh,that is disappointing. I still think that if Barrett and Kirkpatrick were the only options at 10 then we would sign up someone from elsewhere. Maybe Berquist or Blyendaal. BTW, do we know what Treeby is doing in 2012? I guess that Hobbs is another option.

It doesn't make alot of sense to switch Barrett out of his best position just because there are other guys that play there in other franchises..

It would if we had someone better than him at first five and no quality fullback. Barrett is a good fullback and, as you can see from the U-20's right now, he may find that there is too much competition to ever be an All Black first five.

 

[Darwin]

Oh,that is disappointing. I still think that if Barrett and Kirkpatrick were the only options at 10 then we would sign up someone from elsewhere. Maybe Berquist or Blyendaal. BTW, do we know what Treeby is doing in 2012? I guess that Hobbs is another option.

Berquist has signed for Leinster, and Blyendaal is signed with the Crusaders until the end of 2012. I think Treeby is signed with the Highlanders until the end of next season as well. Hobbs would be an option if he ever recovers from his back injury.

 

[Logorrhea]

the other windy City >.<

Since when were there two windy cities. You can just rob someone elses nickname. Get your own I say.



Rename this thread!

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I nominate "The Breezy City"
or "The Gusty City"

 

[nickdnz]

Wellington is estimated by most to be the windiest city in the world. In actual fact, Chicago is called "The Windy City", however Dodge City in Kansas is significantly windier. The reason Chicago is called the Windy City is argued; some claim it was an advertisment because the winds from the lakes were a tourist attraction while there is also talk about it being coined by a journalist in regards to politics. Another claim is that it came about due to the World's Fair being hosted there. None of which give it the ***le of "Windy City". I use this forum as a platform to educate...

 

[ranger]

It would if we had someone better than him at first five and no quality fullback. Barrett is a good fullback and, as you can see from the U-20's right now, he may find that there is too much competition to ever be an All Black first five.

Well for one they don't have anyone better at 1st 5 now and for another there are very few players in the nation who actually are better than him at in that position at all.
Barrett is doing a pretty good job at fullback for someone that doesnt play there, but there is no reason at all to make that switch permanently. He has one of the finest passing games going, which would completely go to waste at fullback. His biggest asset is the way he is able take the ball to the line, size up all his options and then create indecision amongst defenders to break the line, much like Conrad Smith is able to do. He is unique in the fact that unlike most players that require space and time to do anything special, he thrives when he has a host of other options calling for the ball and a huge glut of defenders clogging up his space. The closer he is to the defensive line, the more indecision he can cast on the defenders, so in effect, he needs the lack of time and space to do his thing.
Also, he doesnt really have a step on him at all, he doesnt have the positonal awareness at the back that comes with years of experience in the position. Basically this is a long winded way of saying he is an out and out 10 who can cover 15 but really shouldnt.

As for the under 20s situation, he looks like he was moved from 10 purely for the sake of this tournament because Anscome cant play anywhere else. Just because Anscome has no versatility doesnt mean he is the best 10.. You do realise that the Blues scouts looked at both players and offered Barrett a fulltime contract and a spot in the match day 22 and only gave Anscome a wider training spot..
Its the same sort of situation as having both Matt Berquist and Carter in the same side. Berquist cant cover anywhere else but Carter can. Does this mean that Carter should give up first five forever? no.