Tag Archives: Ngani Laumape

Which All Blacks pushed their cases for a test call up after the French XV game?

Now may be the the time land psychological blows for the Northern sides playing the All Blacks.

Beauden Barrett has been named as All Blacks captain for their clash against the Barbarians on Saturday.

Rugby league sensation Roger Tuivasa-Sheck could make a shock bid for All Black World Cup team

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. …

Steve Hansen has named his team for Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash against Argentina in New Plymouth. After back to back wins against Australia in the first two rounds of the tournament, the All Blacks coach has made lots of changes to his matchday squad. Tongan-born Hurricanes forward Vaea Fifita is handed his first start at blindside flanker in his second …

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, …

As the British and Irish Lions reflect on the last seven weeks, they can take immense pride in what they have achieved. Many people didn’t give them a prayer when they left home soil at the end of May but they came together brilliantly and played a key role in a truly epic series. They may not have managed to …

As the dust settles after a titanic battle at Eden Park, leaving the series locked in a stalemate, we ask: which Lions and All Black players enhanced their reputations during the tough New Zealand tour? We take a look at the performances of the Test players on each side in the drawn series. ______ Lions Stock Rising: Jonathan Davies Deservedly …

British and Irish Lions winger Anthony Watson has revealed that he has accepted an apology from Sonny Bill Williams after the Kiwi’s horrendous shoulder-charge into his head. The most physical inside-centre in world rugby, the 6-foot-4, 17 stone star was sent off in last week’s thrilling second Test which saw the Lions earn a famous 24-21 win in Wellington. As …

The first two Tests of the Lions tour of New Zealand have been decided by the team that asserted physical dominance, and the decider is unlikely to be any different. While many have rushed to describe Steve Hansen’s back-line selection as bold and daring, it is in fact nothing of the sort. He has simply identified a clear way for …

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 …

For a week-day fixture sandwiched between two Tests, there was a lot on the line at Westpac Stadium. Could Courtney Lawes and CJ Stander push for Test positions? Would Julian Savea vent his All Black non-selection rage on the Lions backs? Would Jordie Barrett and Ngani Laumape show enough poise for them to enter the Test starting line-up? Here are …

After a pulsating first Test in which the All Blacks out-Warrenballed the Lions 30-15, will we see any changes in tactics employed by coaches Warren Gatland and Steve Hansen for the second Test in Wellington? Will Gatland drop his captain, Peter O’Mahony? How will the All Blacks approach the game tactically? Here are the five biggest questions which need answers …

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 …

As anticipation increases towards the 2017 Lions tour, attention has turned to Steve Hansen’s selection strategy with the All Black squad. While it is generally expected that Hansen’s loyalty to his test regulars will be reflected in the run on 15, there is a real possibility that the electric young stars of New Zealand rugby may be introduced as ‘finishers’ …

The Lions tour of New Zealand could be a disaster if the tourists fail to match the All Blacks and the five New Zealand Super 18 sides’ pace, strength and skills. One statistic highlights the daunting challenge in front of Warren Gatland’s men: in nine rounds and 44 games, the five New Zealand Super 18 sides have only lost once …