Tag Archives: Steven Luatua

The best forward pack in the world made up of players in International Exile

Julian Savea faces his home country as the Barbarians name a strong team for tomorrow's game.

Details have emerged regarding the salary that Charles Piutau will earn at Bristol in the 2018/19 season. It was confirmed on Thursday that the former All Black would be heading to the Championship next year, leaving Ulster after two seasons to join up with former Connacht coach Pat Lam. According to the Telegraph, meanwhile, Piutau will be paid £1m per …

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 …

An epic battle on Wednesday was decided by a brilliant second-half try by substitute Ihaia West, which gave the Blues a deserved 22-16 over the Lions at Eden Park. The Lions forward pack were strong and several All Black contenders made huge impressions. So how did the players rate? ________ British And Irish Lions 15. Leigh Halfpenny (Wales) 6 Solid …

As the Lions finally put boot to grass tomorrow against the New Zealand Barbarians, anticipation is rising about the All Black squad to be named on June 8 and which players will be kitted out in black.  Here we have five key questions for the selectors to contemplate. ________ 1. Is Form Temporary And Class (And Experience) Permanent? This shapes …

The All Blacks’ injury woes worsened on Saturday with the news that All Black captain Kieran Read is now in doubt for the Lions series after breaking his thumb in the Crusaders versus Cheetahs Super 18 game. With Jerome Kaino also in doubt, will this mean explosive flanker Ardie Savea will start at No. 8? If Read and Kaino are …

With just 38 days until the Lions tour kicks off in New Zealand, the All Blacks should be nearing their peak in form and fitness. But, are they all fit? In this article, we take a look at the players from last year’s squad who could pull on a black jersey tomorrow and those who may be wrinkling the forehead …

After months of circling the drain, Bristol’s fate was sealed at the weekend with a 36-21 defeat to Wasps at Ashton Gate. The Premiership side’s 17th defeat all season, with just three wins, was enough to confirm that they will finish bottom of the table and be playing in the Championship next season. (An Ealing victory in the Championship playoffs …

Bristol have had a terrible season and after their heavy 32-14 loss to Gloucester on Friday night they look condemned to the Championship. Despite the awful form, they have not struggled in attracting some star names to join the ranks at Ashton Gate including current Connacht coach Pat Lam. All Black Steven Luatua is one such name, the blindside flanker …

The Chiefs defeated the Auckland Blues this morning in the Super Rugby championship in New Zealand but the main talking point of the game will be about the red card brandished to Blues flanker Steven Luatua. The 41-26 victory for the Chiefs was made all the easier in the first half in Hamilton as Luatua went high on Chiefs winger …

What a weekend it was for Bristol. Rooted to the bottom of the table with relegation becoming an increasingly likely prospect, an inspired performance from Gavin Henson might have just given them a new lease of life in their quest for survival. The Welsh playmaker kicked three penalties and landed a drop goal to give the Premiership’s bottom side an …

Round one in Super Rugby is traditionally a time when teams shake off any pre-season rust and give onlookers a good chance to assess fitness and form. With the British and Irish Lions tour looming, we look at which players bounded out of the blocks to catch the selectors’ eyes. ________ 1. Rieko Ioane (Blues) Watching Ioane, selectors might’ve needed …

After confirming the capture of Steven Luatua earlier this week, Bristol are now looking to bring two further All Blacks to the Ashton Gate next season. According to the Bristol Post, the relegation-threatened club are lining up moves for Ryan Crotty and TJ Perenara, regardless of whether or not Bristol find themselves playing in either the Premiership or Championship next season. While …

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 …