Tag Archives: Anton Leinert-Brown

The Rugby Championship has passed the midway point and results have generally gone par for the course with the All Blacks far out in front, Australia and South Africa evenly matched and the Pumas petering out after a bright start.  So, who makes our Rugby Championship combined team so far? ________ 15. Israel Folau Folau might be causing controversy on …

The All Blacks machine changed up a few gears and ran over the Springboks in North Harbour with a record 57-0 hiding.  So now that the smoke has cleared and we can talk again, what is there to say about this incredible result? 1. Have the All Blacks found their back three for the 2019 World Cup? Damian McKenzie, Rieko …

An eight-try All Black masterclass smashed records against South Africa and virtually secured the Rugby Championship for 2017. So who glittered brightest among the stars in the 57-0 thrashing on the North Shore? All Blacks 15 Damian McKenzie 7 A nervy beginning under the high ball but gradually grew into the game. Superb touch-finder in the second half and lots of …

Steve Hansen has named an exciting All Black squad to face Argentina on Saturday which sees the return of one of the stars of the 2015 World Cup. Hansen has characterised the game as one of ‘taking opportunities.’ Here are five talking points which might give an insight into what the master coach will be looking for against the Pumas. …

The All Black backs showed moments of brilliance against the Lions without ever fully igniting into the form of the previous two seasons. With Ben Smith’s decision to go on sabbatical, and Aaron Cruden’s departure for Europe, All Blacks boss Steve Hansen has a chance to experiment with combinations and positions with an eye on the 2019 World Cup. So, …

After the Lions gave up a late 14-point lead to draw 31-31 with the Hurricanes, there are a number of questions surrounding Warren Gatand’s side. From key men not playing well to other talented players seemingly unfancied by the selectors, there are issues that have to be resolved. And with the second Test fast approaching, the Lions don’t have a …

How about those ‘Canes? Steve Hansen is obviously a fan of the lethal Hurricanes backline. No fewer than five players from the Windy City made Hansen’s All Blacks squad which boasts 1164 caps of experience but sprung a few surprises in naming two new players. So what what were the talking points as the All Blacks named his squad for …

The All Blacks squad for the 2019 World Cup could double as a family reunion tour party as more and more siblings rise into selection contention. The latest brother to catch the eye is 18-year-old Kini Naholo, brother of All Black wing, Waisake. In his last first XV game Naholo scored a mere 6 tries in one half. So how …

Steve Hansen has a lot to contemplate before he names his All Blacks squad to face the Lions in June. In the forward pack, he is facing an injury crisis, while in the backs he has a treasure chest of talent to choose from. Will he select conservatively and stay loyal to his experienced but more injury prone All Blacks …

Following Paul Wassell’s article on England’s unprecedented (that’s how you spell it, Donald) squad depth, we take a look at the only team in the way of Eddie Jones’ marauding men: the All Blacks. How does their player depth measure up heading into 2017? _______ Loosehead Props 1. Joe Moody 2. Wyatt Crockett 3. Ofa Tu’ungafasi Bubbling under: Daniel Lienert-Brown, …

The Lions hit All Black shores in June next year and will be the obvious highlight of the 2017 season. But while the build-up to the Lions tour will rise to fever pitch, we’re already feeling a few tingles of anticipation about other All Black developments in 2017. Here are the five biggest reasons to look forward to a bumper …

The All Blacks have been battered and almost bettered on the rugby pitch by Ireland while their squad’s been depleted by injuries and potential suspensions. The All Blacks backline being without their rock of consistency, Ben Smith, means there is a strong case for moving World Player of the Year Beauden Barrett to fullback. Will Steve Hansen roll the dice? If …

The All Blacks’ heavy artillery will return next weekend in Dublin and aim for the sweet taste of revenge against a buoyant Irish side. So who is likely to run out in black against the greens on Saturday? The All Black backline will be decidedly different from that which faced the Irish in Chicago. The All Blacks lost their continuity …

All Blacks boss Steve Hansen has made twelve changes to the team that was overwhelmed by Ireland in Chicago. Will an injection of young talent and energy be enough to overcome the Italians in Rome? With an average age of 25, and average of number of caps at 22, Steve Hansen has backed his up-and-coming stars to get the All …

The All Blacks were battered by Ireland in their 40-29 loss and their midfield stocks were depleted by serious injuries to Ryan Crotty and George Moala. With Malakai Fekitoa’s patchy form, we ask – is it time to test 19-year-old Rieko Ioane’s mettle in the test arena? Since he scored a try with his first touch of the ball as …

The All Blacks will be looking to extend their winning streak against Ireland, Italy and France. After beating a path through the Rugby Championship, the All Blacks will be looking to underline their global dominance by claiming wins over Ireland, Italy and France next month. To that end, Steve Hansen has named a squad filled with exciting players who have the …