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The big rugby news this week was the announcement of the 41 players that will form the British and Irish Lions. Those named will face what is certain to be a very tough task as they travel to face a three Test series against the All Blacks.
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Alongside this they will be tested against the best that New Zealand has to offer around the country as they face the Super Rugby franchises and NZ Maori. We take a look this week at the in-form players they could face in All Black or in their franchise colours. Sign up for Fantasy Rugger for all the latest stats here
FB Damien McKenzie Chiefs $6.2m
McKenzie has been in scintillating form this season for the Chiefs. The threat he poses coming into the attacking line out the back is second to none. Whilst he has also shown his aptitude at slotting into first receiver more often at times this year. Against the Force this weekend there should be plenty of space for him to attack and add to his already impressive tournament score of 106.40. He must surely be seen in black this June against the Lions but he faces stern opposition from around the country for the full back jersey.
W George Bridge Crusaders $4.8m
The Crusaders have had an impeccable run to start the Super Rugby season. They are yet to lose a match so far in 2017 and relatively unknown winger has been particularly impressive. Bridge is another in a long line of young players to be produced by the Crusaders and New Zealand Rugby factory line. They simply cannot stop producing top class rugby players. The Crusaders are excelling at the moment through team performances but Bridge stands out above the rest in terms of points on the board scoring 60.10 so far.
SH Aaron Smith Highlanders $7.5m
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This man will be giving British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland nightmares. He just continues to get better and better. Despite a well-publicised off the field incident last year, Smith has hit the pitch looking more dangerous than ever. Whilst the Highlanders are under-performing this year, he has excelled once again. With plenty of rugby left to play his side have the chance to get themselves back into contention for the Finals and Smith will undoubtedly be spearheading the charge. The fiery scrum half has racked up 84.70 points this season.
C Ngani Laumape Hurricanes $5.1m
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There are plenty of candidates in the Hurricanes side to go on this list. With Laumape being one of two players to have scored over 100 points in seven games of Super Rugby. The centre has an impressive 121.90, thanks to his efforts in attack as he tops the competition with eight tries. Playing outside a player of the calibre of Beauden Barrett, there is always going to be space to exploit but it is the manner in which Laumape has done it. He must surely be a contender for the All Blacks especially if he can continue his rich vein of form.
The Blues have the bye this weekend but they certainly have a number of players in contention for the All Blacks. Whilst they will also have an eye on a win over the touring Lions when they meet up in Auckland.
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SH Augustine Pulu Blues $4.5m
It is hard to see Pulu taking the All Black jersey from Aaron Smith or TJ Perenara but he is a man in form. He has been causing defences havoc all season and will be pivotal in potential win over the British and Irish Lions. Before all that though the Blues need to focus on keeping themselves in contention for the Finals. Pulu edges Matt Duffie as the most in form player for the franchise by 0.30 with a score of 76.30. His willingness to attack from anywhere has given the Blues plenty of front ball whilst his kicking game has given them a new edge.
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Comments on RugbyPass
100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
1 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
7 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
7 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
8 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
7 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
12 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
7 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
8 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
8 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
12 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
12 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
7 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
8 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
12 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
12 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
7 Go to commentsSome dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
7 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
12 Go to comments