last to leave, please turn off the lights

Ab · 10th May 2008, 15:24

Hot on the heels of Evans to Harlequins and Ranby to Bath, looks like Carter's joining Umaga, Oliver, Mehrtens, and Taumopeau at Toulon.

http://rugbyheaven.co.nz/4518436a22363.html

MaZeR · 10th May 2008, 15:35

Yeah, so I'm no big Rugby fan, but it's all pretty much over then for NZ Rugby? Bad luck having the WC here next time

Chrono · 10th May 2008, 15:37

The end is already here, so many of my rugby-head mates and I just don't feel it anymore. That doesn't really mean much but I hear similar things from other people.

Pretty gutting, guess a lot of factors come into play. Just seems like such a massive chunk of me is gone, we'd usually spend every weekend watching the game together at this time of year

Ab · 10th May 2008, 15:56

I must confess... me too. I blew gigs and gigs of bandwidth downloading games last year, and this year I haven't watched a single one. I just kinda don't care.

Spoon1 · 10th May 2008, 16:50

It's cyclic IMO.

But anyway, who cares if player X fucks off overseas? There are plenty of other talented players who need their break. Now's the time to bring them in and build them up for the next WC.

Rince · 11th May 2008, 09:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spoon1

who cares if player X fucks off overseas? There are plenty of other talented players who need their break. Now's the time to bring them in and build them up for the next WC.

I agree, but for a "2 sides to every story" check this link: http://www.rugbyheaven.co.nz/4484758a25501.html

ZoSo · 11th May 2008, 14:09

Somewhat amusing.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/4521543a1823.html

Helious · 11th May 2008, 14:56

You're all still in mourning :p

Ab · 11th May 2008, 18:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZoSo

Somewhat amusing.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/4521543a1823.html

I find the fact that NZ rugby is flat broke somewhat NOT amusing

blur^ · 11th May 2008, 19:01

maybe the NZRU can auction off the RWC? haha

leadinjector · 11th May 2008, 19:06

jeez, it really does sound like the ABs are fucked now.

and yeah i havent watched a game this year because i pretty much just follow the league now. far more appeal.

Ab · 11th May 2008, 20:33

Fewer high-profile players playing in NZ equals less interest in the games.

Less interest in the games equals fewer attendees at games and fewer people watching the games on television.

Fewer attendees and viewers equals less revenue.

Less revenue equals less money to pay players.

Less money to pay players equals more players heading overseas.

More players heading overseas equals fewer high-profile players playing in NZ.

GOTO 10

Interface-7 · 12th May 2008, 10:50

I've always said the NZRFU shouldn't have done the Super 12/14/18/etc but instead focused on making the NPC the rugby equivalent of the English Premier League.

Attract the best players, coaches, etc from around the world and basically you can't go wrong. Instead, you've got a bunch of 'isolationist' running the show with crazy clauses like 'you must play in NZ to qualify for the All Blacks'.

Ab · 12th May 2008, 10:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Interface-7

'you must play in NZ to qualify for the All Blacks'.

"* except Daniel Carter"

Painty · 12th May 2008, 10:59

*yawn*..has rugby started then?

btw me and the mrs used to watch every game we could every weekend, and yeah now its only if we can be bothered and only "our team" (go hurricanes)

JiggaRoll · 12th May 2008, 13:45

Now the NZRFU knows what the Island teams felt like when we raped and pillaged them for players without giving anything in return except for token matches every now and then.

The NZRFU has had since at least the 99WC to come up with some kind of plan to keep players interested in staying in NZ. Nearly all their thinking has been reactionary.

They might have to take a leaf out of league's book and start letting overseas based players play for the national team, although that'll probably start a mass exodus but wtf they are already leaving and people want to see nz's best players in their team not whoever we can scrape up from what is left.

mr selfdestruct · 21st May 2008, 17:37

Can't believe what I'm hearing. I love Rugby. I really couldn't give a stuff who leaves. I still love watching every game no matter what's going on. Sure it sucks to lose good players but there will always be new ones replacing them. A new generation will come through soon and like someone said, it's all cyclic. We think it's so devastating that we're losing some class players but in 2 or 3 years we'll be wondering what the hell we were worrying about 2 or 3 years ago. We lost the last WC at the Quarter final, it's not like we can do any worse next time anyway. I love watching new players take the field in the black jersey for the first time. It's time some other guys had their shot anyway.

Ab · 21st May 2008, 17:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr selfdestruct

I love watching new players take the field in the black jersey for the first time.

So you loved every AB game last year then? Is there a senior grade player in NZ who didn't play for the All Blacks last year?

Still, SD, I see your point. I love rugby and I love watching rugby. Hell, last weekend I stood on the sidelines in the rain watching club rugby in Adelaide. The thing is, I've just given up on rugby that is administered by the NZRFU.

ePi · 24th May 2008, 10:39

http://www.stuff.co.nz/4559215a1823.html

Springboks lift ban on overseas players. Wow, it's going to be interesting to see the results of this.

Ab · 26th May 2008, 15:34

Jerry's gone.

http://stuff.co.nz/4561000a10.html

JERI · 27th May 2008, 16:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ab

Jerry's gone.

http://stuff.co.nz/4561000a10.html

Fuck no!

pig · 27th May 2008, 17:11

Wow i know he's missed some games but Henry says he wouldn't have been picked for the early part of the AB season. Bit gutted tbh, will miss seeing him in the black jersey. Who are they looking at for 6 then - Kaino ? Masoe ?
The Waikato up & comer ?

badassmofo · 27th May 2008, 19:04

guessing we may see Masoe at 6.

vorlon · 27th May 2008, 19:26

They are looking at Reid from Canterbury...

I'm hoping that Jerry will be back before the next world cup..

Spidey · 28th May 2008, 01:00

Why on earth would Henry be such a prick to Jerry and say a comment like that, I mean he put his body on the line for every game in that Black jersey, and to have someone say that about you when you are standing down is just bad taste imo.
I use to like Henry but after a comment like that I hope Robbie Deans smashes his ugly face.

Ab · 28th May 2008, 01:59

^^^
My thoughts exactly. Fuck that cunt. Go Robbie, Wallabies for the Bledisloe this year.

pig · 28th May 2008, 11:16

Fuck that, im pissed off with Henry for saying that but im not that pissed off.
Seems like there is gonna be several new faces - i haven't watched enough Super 14 to know who the form players are but hopefully Brett, Tuitavake, Kaino/Messam get given a crack.

fobski · 28th May 2008, 12:38

fuck this shit

we are so screwed

Ab · 28th May 2008, 14:12

Nick Evans not even in the AB training squad?? Are we all of a sudden overflowing with such phenomenal first-fives that the best first five in New Zealand for two years running can't get a tracksuit?

http://stuff.co.nz/4562871a1823.html

darkness · 28th May 2008, 14:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ab

Nick Evans not even in the AB training squad?? Are we all of a sudden overflowing with such phenomenal first-fives that the best first five in New Zealand for two years running can't get a tracksuit?

http://stuff.co.nz/4562871a1823.html

that is the biggest loss IMO. he played out of his skin for the AB's last time.

pig · 28th May 2008, 14:48

Masoe & Eaton not in there either ?
Have i missed an announcement regarding Leon McDonald - he's not there ?
Either way its a big cleanout, wonder if Weepu will go to the UK or NRL.

ePi · 28th May 2008, 15:34

Go the All Blacks.

ePi · 28th May 2008, 15:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ab

Nick Evans not even in the AB training squad?? Are we all of a sudden overflowing with such phenomenal first-fives that the best first five in New Zealand for two years running can't get a tracksuit?

http://stuff.co.nz/4562871a1823.html

He's leaving, why have him in there.

Ab · 28th May 2008, 16:02

Because he's available and the best in his position...?

ZoSo · 28th May 2008, 16:28

Wow. Shit treatment and interesting calls. Can only hope these early wobbles get sorted out fast before it turns into another farce. The first few games will (again) be very interesting.
Look for more signs of: dropped ball, bad passes, intercepts and lack of finishing to see how ontrack these guys are.

Kolta · 28th May 2008, 16:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by pig

Masoe & Eaton not in there either ?
Have i missed an announcement regarding Leon McDonald - he's not there ?
Either way its a big cleanout, wonder if Weepu will go to the UK or NRL.

McDonald is not in the training squad because Canterbury players have not been included. The final 26 should be quite different on Sunday after the super 14 final I would assume. Be interesting to see if Adam Thompson makes it from the Highlanders.

mr selfdestruct · 28th May 2008, 18:13

I'm pretty amazed that Evans won't be considered either. He can fill the fly half and full back spots pretty comfortably at test level even if he has had a pretty shit house super 14. Donald only had a few stunning games, he was really rank at the start of the season and he can only play one position. Still, I think he's got great guts and I'd love to see him in the AB's, I just didn't think it would be at the expense of Evans. Mills looks like he's been groomed as the permanent centre now which I would have thought would have opened the door for Cory Jane to be the bench full back if McDonald can't play.

Ab · 2nd June 2008, 11:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spidey

Why on earth would Henry be such a prick to Jerry and say a comment like that, I mean he put his body on the line for every game in that Black jersey, and to have someone say that about you when you are standing down is just bad taste imo.
I use to like Henry but after a comment like that I hope Robbie Deans smashes his ugly face.

NH writers are gobsmacked too:

Quote:

The comment that Jerry Collins would not have made the All Blacks is shocking, that Collins showed the uncommon decency of formally ending his NZRU contract before opening formal negotiations with another party indicates that Jerry is a class act. Graham Henry’s conduct is nowhere near the same level.

Collins played amazing rugby for Henry and I think that’s a very poor way of saying thank you to a true rugby hero.

http://www.rugbyheaven.co.nz/4564822a22459.html

buckies · 3rd June 2008, 14:05

Henry should be sacked in light of the JC fiasco. I laugh at all the stupid New Zealanders who whined and said we should retain Henry after the last world cup. Thanks to you fucking idiots feeding the media, who in turn influenced the NZRFU (as they want to please the public), we're now stuck under this fascist git again.

Henry is a smug egotistical prick. He obviously hasn't learnt his lessons from the last world cup that he isn't the be all and end all, and has failed to properly digest his humble pie.

We should have booted him out of NZ last year and had Robbie Deans at the helm when we had the chance. I hope the Wallabies steal the silverware off us this year and show up Henry for the cock he is.

ipee · 3rd June 2008, 17:40

Are you like 5 or something?

You have every right to be pissed off at Henry, but to wish New Zealand to lose (especially to Aus) because of a dislike for the coach is BS. Grow the fuck up.

10th May 2008, 15:24	#1
Ab A mariachi ogre snorkel	last to leave, please turn off the lights Hot on the heels of Evans to Harlequins and Ranby to Bath, looks like Carter's joining Umaga, Oliver, Mehrtens, and Taumopeau at Toulon. http://rugbyheaven.co.nz/4518436a22363.html

12th May 2008, 13:45	#16
JiggaRoll For the Horo	Now the NZRFU knows what the Island teams felt like when we raped and pillaged them for players without giving anything in return except for token matches every now and then. The NZRFU has had since at least the 99WC to come up with some kind of plan to keep players interested in staying in NZ. Nearly all their thinking has been reactionary. They might have to take a leaf out of league's book and start letting overseas based players play for the national team, although that'll probably start a mass exodus but wtf they are already leaving and people want to see nz's best players in their team not whoever we can scrape up from what is left. Last edited by JiggaRoll : 12th May 2008 at 13:47.

21st May 2008, 17:37	#17
mr selfdestruct The Deliverator	Can't believe what I'm hearing. I love Rugby. I really couldn't give a stuff who leaves. I still love watching every game no matter what's going on. Sure it sucks to lose good players but there will always be new ones replacing them. A new generation will come through soon and like someone said, it's all cyclic. We think it's so devastating that we're losing some class players but in 2 or 3 years we'll be wondering what the hell we were worrying about 2 or 3 years ago. We lost the last WC at the Quarter final, it's not like we can do any worse next time anyway. I love watching new players take the field in the black jersey for the first time. It's time some other guys had their shot anyway. __________________ My real signature is not nearly as legible as this one.

28th May 2008, 18:13	#37
mr selfdestruct The Deliverator	I'm pretty amazed that Evans won't be considered either. He can fill the fly half and full back spots pretty comfortably at test level even if he has had a pretty shit house super 14. Donald only had a few stunning games, he was really rank at the start of the season and he can only play one position. Still, I think he's got great guts and I'd love to see him in the AB's, I just didn't think it would be at the expense of Evans. Mills looks like he's been groomed as the permanent centre now which I would have thought would have opened the door for Cory Jane to be the bench full back if McDonald can't play. __________________ My real signature is not nearly as legible as this one.

10th May 2008, 15:35	#2
MaZeR	Yeah, so I'm no big Rugby fan, but it's all pretty much over then for NZ Rugby? Bad luck having the WC here next time

10th May 2008, 15:37	#3
Chrono User Awaiting Email Confirmation	The end is already here, so many of my rugby-head mates and I just don't feel it anymore. That doesn't really mean much but I hear similar things from other people. Pretty gutting, guess a lot of factors come into play. Just seems like such a massive chunk of me is gone, we'd usually spend every weekend watching the game together at this time of year

10th May 2008, 15:56	#4
Ab A mariachi ogre snorkel	I must confess... me too. I blew gigs and gigs of bandwidth downloading games last year, and this year I haven't watched a single one. I just kinda don't care.

10th May 2008, 16:50	#5
Spoon1 Mmm... Sacrilicious	It's cyclic IMO. But anyway, who cares if player X fucks off overseas? There are plenty of other talented players who need their break. Now's the time to bring them in and build them up for the next WC.

11th May 2008, 14:09	#7
ZoSo	Somewhat amusing. http://www.stuff.co.nz/4521543a1823.html

11th May 2008, 14:56	#8
Helious	You're all still in mourning :p

11th May 2008, 19:01	#10
blur^	maybe the NZRU can auction off the RWC? haha

11th May 2008, 19:06	#11
leadinjector	jeez, it really does sound like the ABs are fucked now. and yeah i havent watched a game this year because i pretty much just follow the league now. far more appeal.

11th May 2008, 20:33	#12
Ab A mariachi ogre snorkel	Fewer high-profile players playing in NZ equals less interest in the games. Less interest in the games equals fewer attendees at games and fewer people watching the games on television. Fewer attendees and viewers equals less revenue. Less revenue equals less money to pay players. Less money to pay players equals more players heading overseas. More players heading overseas equals fewer high-profile players playing in NZ. GOTO 10

12th May 2008, 10:50	#13
Interface-7	I've always said the NZRFU shouldn't have done the Super 12/14/18/etc but instead focused on making the NPC the rugby equivalent of the English Premier League. Attract the best players, coaches, etc from around the world and basically you can't go wrong. Instead, you've got a bunch of 'isolationist' running the show with crazy clauses like 'you must play in NZ to qualify for the All Blacks'.

12th May 2008, 10:59	#15
Painty	yawn..has rugby started then? btw me and the mrs used to watch every game we could every weekend, and yeah now its only if we can be bothered and only "our team" (go hurricanes) __________________ Don't mind me, I'm sleep deprived

24th May 2008, 10:39	#19
ePi	http://www.stuff.co.nz/4559215a1823.html Springboks lift ban on overseas players. Wow, it's going to be interesting to see the results of this.

26th May 2008, 15:34	#20
Ab A mariachi ogre snorkel	Jerry's gone. http://stuff.co.nz/4561000a10.html

27th May 2008, 17:11	#22
pig	Wow i know he's missed some games but Henry says he wouldn't have been picked for the early part of the AB season. Bit gutted tbh, will miss seeing him in the black jersey. Who are they looking at for 6 then - Kaino ? Masoe ? The Waikato up & comer ?

27th May 2008, 19:04	#23
badassmofo	guessing we may see Masoe at 6.

27th May 2008, 19:26	#24
vorlon	They are looking at Reid from Canterbury... I'm hoping that Jerry will be back before the next world cup.. __________________ I've always been here

28th May 2008, 01:00	#25
Spidey	Why on earth would Henry be such a prick to Jerry and say a comment like that, I mean he put his body on the line for every game in that Black jersey, and to have someone say that about you when you are standing down is just bad taste imo. I use to like Henry but after a comment like that I hope Robbie Deans smashes his ugly face.

28th May 2008, 01:59	#26
Ab A mariachi ogre snorkel	^^^ My thoughts exactly. Fuck that cunt. Go Robbie, Wallabies for the Bledisloe this year.

28th May 2008, 11:16	#27
pig	Fuck that, im pissed off with Henry for saying that but im not that pissed off. Seems like there is gonna be several new faces - i haven't watched enough Super 14 to know who the form players are but hopefully Brett, Tuitavake, Kaino/Messam get given a crack.

28th May 2008, 12:38	#28
fobski	fuck this shit we are so screwed __________________ He sleeps. Sock. Bar of soap. Bang bang bang! Brain damage. Corn field. Gun. pchew Funeral

28th May 2008, 14:12	#29
Ab A mariachi ogre snorkel	Nick Evans not even in the AB training squad?? Are we all of a sudden overflowing with such phenomenal first-fives that the best first five in New Zealand for two years running can't get a tracksuit? http://stuff.co.nz/4562871a1823.html

28th May 2008, 14:48	#31
pig	Masoe & Eaton not in there either ? Have i missed an announcement regarding Leon McDonald - he's not there ? Either way its a big cleanout, wonder if Weepu will go to the UK or NRL.

28th May 2008, 16:02	#34
Ab A mariachi ogre snorkel	Because he's available and the best in his position...?

28th May 2008, 16:28	#35
ZoSo	Wow. Shit treatment and interesting calls. Can only hope these early wobbles get sorted out fast before it turns into another farce. The first few games will (again) be very interesting. Look for more signs of: dropped ball, bad passes, intercepts and lack of finishing to see how ontrack these guys are.

3rd June 2008, 14:05	#39
buckies	Henry = cockknocker Henry should be sacked in light of the JC fiasco. I laugh at all the stupid New Zealanders who whined and said we should retain Henry after the last world cup. Thanks to you fucking idiots feeding the media, who in turn influenced the NZRFU (as they want to please the public), we're now stuck under this fascist git again. Henry is a smug egotistical prick. He obviously hasn't learnt his lessons from the last world cup that he isn't the be all and end all, and has failed to properly digest his humble pie. We should have booted him out of NZ last year and had Robbie Deans at the helm when we had the chance. I hope the Wallabies steal the silverware off us this year and show up Henry for the cock he is.

3rd June 2008, 17:40	#40
ipee	Calm the fuck down Are you like 5 or something? You have every right to be pissed off at Henry, but to wish New Zealand to lose (especially to Aus) because of a dislike for the coach is BS. Grow the fuck up.