Rene Ranger to leave Super Rugby for France ?

[Amobokoboko]

The Blues might loss another great player;

Former All Black and Blues centre Rene Ranger has been linked with a move to France after the Super Rugby season.
Ranger made his All Black debut in 2010 and has won three caps but has not played for New Zealand at international level since then.
The twenty-six year old has been linked to French Top 14 Rugby club Montpellier and a move to Europe could happen at the end of the 2013 Super Rugby season according to Sky Sport's Reunion.
"It's a big loss, again, for New Zealand Rugby," says former All Black Jeff Wilson.
"It's just another player with Super Rugby experience, I mean, so close to the All Blacks (and) has a certain skill set that we'd like to see stay in New Zealand but when the big clubs in France start calling it's always difficult to turn it down.

 

[Aedaphon]

It's a shame for the Blues, he's a class act and been one of their better performers through a serious rough patch. Come to think of it, I've no idea why he was never included more regularly in the All Black set up. I guess there's just too many top flight wingers in NZ <_< (at least some are moving to Scotland now...)

That said, I'd love to see him come out for Montpellier. Trinh-Duc's a favourite of mine and I'd love to see Ranger picking up a couple of cross-field kicks against Toulouse XD

 

[nickdnz]

He's actually been used more as a centre, which I think is actually his better position as he looks like all the muscle he has gained over the last few seasons has slowed him down somewhat. Just needs to work a little on distribution.

 

[admartian]

What ARE the French offering SH players? 1 million per year, a harem of virgins, plus a gift voucher?

 

[Larksea]

Will be missed at the blues for sure, should really note that this year will be his best chance to make the All Blacks since his three tests in 2010. Could be no Kahui or Conrad Smith later this year.

 

[Darwin]

He would certainly be a big loss for he Blues if this is true. It will be unfortunate if he does leave as you get the feeling he has never really reached his full potential. To me he is a guy with phenomenal talent - in my opinion the reason he hasn't been able to become a regular All Black is more mental than physical. He tends to drift in and out of games, often losing interest when he doesn't have his hands on the ball. He also makes far too many basic errors, both on attack and defense. He often tries to do too much with ball in hand, and on defense often becomes a bit obsessed with making the big hit, often drifting out of line (and leaving a gaping hole) in defense if there is a chance he can smash someone.

Personally I still think he is a better wing than a centre, but he does have the potential to be a quality centre too. To me he is very much a finisher. Indeed close to the line I can't think of anyone in world rugby who finishes better - I have never seen someone so determined to get over that tryline! Though he isn't express pace I think he is still easily quick enough for a wing, as he seems to have no trouble beating players on the outside. The biggest issue I have with him at centre is his distribution skills (or lack there-of). He can actually pass fine when he wants to, but it is often as a last resort - if he thinks he can make a few metres himself there is no way he is letting go of that ball! He offloading is a real asset though and if he could continue to develop his decision making on attack he could develop a top quality 13.

 

[austingtir]

He would certainly be a big loss for he Blues if this is true. It will be unfortunate if he does leave as you get the feeling he has never really reached his full potential. To me he is a guy with phenomenal talent - in my opinion the reason he hasn't been able to become a regular All Black is more mental than physical. He tends to drift in and out of games, often losing interest when he doesn't have his hands on the ball. He also makes far too many basic errors, both on attack and defense. He often tries to do too much with ball in hand, and on defense often becomes a bit obsessed with making the big hit, often drifting out of line (and leaving a gaping hole) in defense if there is a chance he can smash someone.

Personally I still think he is a better wing than a centre, but he does have the potential to be a quality centre too. To me he is very much a finisher. Indeed close to the line I can't think of anyone in world rugby who finishes better - I have never seen someone so determined to get over that tryline! Though he isn't express pace I think he is still easily quick enough for a wing, as he seems to have no trouble beating players on the outside. The biggest issue I have with him at centre is his distribution skills (or lack there-of). He can actually pass fine when he wants to, but it is often as a last resort - if he thinks he can make a few metres himself there is no way he is letting go of that ball! He offloading is a real asset though and if he could continue to develop his decision making on attack he could develop a top quality 13.

I think its a pitty that he might leave just as he's looking a chance to get some real game time for the AB's at centre. IMO Conrad has played his best rugby and we should be looking for a genuine replacement for the next world cup. Conrad to me is failing consistently against players like tuilagi and ranger (not many will stop ranger when he's really trying though) who are powerful with a good step when given enough space. While i dont think ranger is the best long term solution id like to see him get a game or two against England to dent their confidence more than anything.

 

[TRF_heineken]

What ARE the French offering SH players? 1 million per year, a harem of virgins, plus a gift voucher?

Dude, seriously, he's going to Europe...

Anyways, he's now only 26!! I thought he was 30+... let him go, he can still come back and have a great All Black career...

Just look at how Frans Steyn matured after his 2 year stint at Racing Metro

 

[Hulk Hogan]

What ARE the French offering SH players? 1 million per year, a harem of virgins, plus a gift voucher?

To be honest the gift voucher is $50 at Bed Bath & Beyond... seriously could you pass that up?

 

[Amobokoboko]

I think he just loves tarte tartin

 

[austingtir]

Dude, seriously, he's going to Europe...

Anyways, he's now only 26!! I thought he was 30+... let him go, he can still come back and have a great All Black career...

Just look at how Frans Steyn matured after his 2 year stint at Racing Metro

Its the opposite with NZ players they are in nearly every case useless when they come back as their standards drop and we always have someone younger coming though with that bit extra spark.

 

[TRF_heineken]

Its the opposite with NZ players they are in nearly every case useless when they come back as their standards drop and we always have someone younger coming though with that bit extra spark.

***** Please

 

[austingtir]

Yeah Brad might be one of the exceptions.... but **** he has not played yet so thats not proven. Should still be a beast i expect.

 

[TRF_heineken]

Yeah Brad might be one of the exceptions.... but **** he has not played yet so thats not proven. Should still be a beast i expect.

Okay then...

What about Dan Carter?

 

[austingtir]

Okay then...

What about Dan Carter?

Did those frenchies not bugger his leg up?

He hasnt been the same player since he came back either. He's still great but not as good.

 

[Hulk Hogan]

Luke McAlister will always that that same about to cry look on his face.

 

[Dizzy]

Yeah when he leaves I think these young guys will push him right out of contention if he ever tried to come back. He'd be better off going to Japan after his French stint.

Jason Emery and Bundee Aki are ones to watch in the coming years.

 

[Aedaphon]

Interesting commentary about his workrate in there.