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New Zealand 2 will deal a massive blow to NZ rugby

Wb1234

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41,901
Talk of Tannah 7 and TMM 6, that combo got the nsw cup team humming.
This would push CHT to 14 which I think he’s a better option than TMM as he’s a much better hooker option.
As much as I want RTS at fullback I think Webster will go with Taine, Wing we literally have no options and although he did ok there once teams attacked his height disadvantage it was all over. I fear Kosi will stay on the wing but the guy should’nt be anywhere near first grade ever again he’s just not up to it.
My preference would be to push Pompey out to the other wing and have Berry and Ali(once fit) in centres- maaaaybe EIT if he’s ready for first grade.
It’s a tragedy the key injuries have struck and it’ll be tough to overcome but at the start of the year I would have seen a place in the 8 as a success.
Club really needs to recruit some quality wingers with some speed and X factor, is our main weakness at the moment
Harris Tevita out of the starting team makes me happy

Haven’t seen much of tmm but you guys seem to rate him so I’ll keep an eye out

Tupiki can play wing he’s too small for fullback imo when you’ve got shek there

Websters stubborn refusal to play him at fullback is weird

Shecks best position is fullback it’s such a shame he’s wasted
 

Wb1234

Immortal
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41,901
Ideally you’d probably want both Wellington AND Christchurch in the long run but as stand alone a they’re both probably about 75% there Geographically just too far apart to have any real chance of any sort of joint effort.
Despite what some say that have likely never been there the stadium is fine, ideally would be rectangular but it’s more circle than anything and quite raised so you’re not than far from the ground as you are at other ovals.
Got a great location right downtown and next to central station for transport and I’ve never had a bad view when I’ve been there- weather can be an interesting experience though
16k in that stadium still looks awful on tv and can only imagine what the atmosphere is at the ground

It’s the shape, lack of a roof and capacity is a bit big

Leaving Wellington as neutral territory for now gives good separation between warriors catchment and Christchurch (assuming they don’t play games at Wellington which they shouldn’t)

With the stadiums at Christchurch and Dunedin Wellington shouldn’t get any games anyway
 
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flippikat

First Grade
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5,662
16k in that stadium still looks awful on tv and can only imagine what the atmosphere is at the ground

It’s the shape, lack of a roof and capacity is a bit big

Leaving Wellington as neutral territory for now gives good separation between warriors catchment and Christchurch (assuming they don’t play games at Wellington which they shouldn’t)

With the stadiums at Christchurch and Dunedin Wellington shouldn’t get any games anyway
Part of the problem with Wellington's stadium is the uniformly yellow seats.

Small crowds stand out because the seats expose them. Put a decent pattern in, and that issue is mitigated.

The oval layout isn't ideal, BUT it's a relatively small oval.. and views are pretty reasonable from everywhere.

One of the real big issues with the stadium IMO is that it's not covered - with the wind of Wellington, water just lashes into the stands.

From what I gather the cost of retro-fitting a roof would be shockingly expensive - so we basically have to wait it out until the end of it's lifespan (whenever that is) to get a covered venue.
 

Wb1234

Immortal
Messages
41,901
Part of the problem with Wellington's stadium is the uniformly yellow seats.

Small crowds stand out because the seats expose them. Put a decent pattern in, and that issue is mitigated.

The oval layout isn't ideal, BUT it's a relatively small oval.. and views are pretty reasonable from everywhere.

One of the real big issues with the stadium IMO is that it's not covered - with the wind of Wellington, water just lashes into the stands.

From what I gather the cost of retro-fitting a roof would be shockingly expensive - so we basically have to wait it out until the end of it's lifespan (whenever that is) to get a covered venue.
If Christchurch wasn’t building such a good stadium then Wellington would probably be more favoured as nz2 given the larger population base

That stadium puts mt smart to shame too to be fair
 

Matiunz

Juniors
Messages
1,135
If Christchurch wasn’t building such a good stadium then Wellington would probably be more favoured as nz2 given the larger population base

That stadium puts mt smart to shame too to be fair
Yeah Mt Smart has a good atmosphere when full but it a pain in the arse to get to and to be honest pretty dated.

Christchurch is good for a clear division but in reality the South Island is pretty rural by Aus Standards (as is much of the north island but they have much closer sizeable population bases)
 

Gobsmacked

Bench
Messages
3,912
Frank Endacott saying his bid has joined forces with David Moffetts bid …and things are happening behind the scenes…mentions they are working on putting out a “statement “ in a months time…

Still hasn’t spoken to PVL though ..lol

That was always on the cards
 

Wb1234

Immortal
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41,901
When’s the earliest ? PNG and Perth will keep them busy for a while
Once the tv deal, salary cap and club funding is sorted

Next year when the warriors play the Anzac Day game at a sold out te kaha stadium and the nz bidders host Pvl in the corporate section.

Also depends on what happens with the nz tv rights and the winning bidders desire for more content
 

Wb1234

Immortal
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41,901


“The Post reports that Super Rugby Pacific broadcast numbers in NZ have been “flat” during the regular season, with the total audience on Sky Sport and Sky Go actually falling from 1.94 million in 2024 to 1.83 million this year.

The drop in audience may have been smoothed over by a 19% increase in digital viewership on Sky Go and Sky Sport Now”
 

flippikat

First Grade
Messages
5,662
New tv deal likely 2032 so I’d expect club 20 either 2031 or 2032.
With PNG added as team 19 in 2028, then 2031 for team 20s debut would mean 3 years with 19 teams (2028-30) and 2032 would be 4 years with that weekly bye ( 2028-31).

That kinda time-frame makes sense, given that about 5 years is the longest an odd numbered competition size lasts.
 
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1,141


“The Post reports that Super Rugby Pacific broadcast numbers in NZ have been “flat” during the regular season, with the total audience on Sky Sport and Sky Go actually falling from 1.94 million in 2024 to 1.83 million this year.

The drop in audience may have been smoothed over by a 19% increase in digital viewership on Sky Go and Sky Sport Now”
So, despite the supposed ratings increase Nine couldn`t even wait until the end of the super rugby season to drop their weekly match from the main channel to a secondary one, and then compound it by not even having it on fta at all next year as part of the new deal.
Something doesn`t add up.
 

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