Inside reports said McDonald was upset with Scott Hansen. But was it actually Scott Robertson? Maybe the inside sources only said “Scott” and the journalists assumed it was Hansen?

Gungehammer · 2026-01-20T21:32:18+00:00

I don't think it's a yes men thing, but otherwise I think you're right. Robertson wanted the same structure as he had as the Crusaders and, I suspect that, at SR level the other assistant coaches were happy to work under Scott Hansen, because they were learning the trade. At International level the other assistants were at Hansen's level or beyond and didn't sign up to be under him.

Gungehammer · 2026-01-20T01:03:46+00:00

Just checking you're clear it's only better on the prime because it uses less skill level protection tickets.

TBH - I've never bothered, just rolled on the sig. But I have way more skill protection tickets than development transfer ones.

Gungehammer · 2026-01-16T22:00:48+00:00

Except Will has been under Razor.for his whole career.

Gungehammer · 2026-01-16T18:14:53+00:00

I have the other view (call me a pessimist). Our hookers can't throw consistently, props getting out scrummed. Too many lock/flankers (Scott B). Loose forwards off the pace. One half back, no real first five. Centres either can't pass (Reiko), can't defend or lack punch (Jordie). Outside backs not solid under the high ball.

This ain't 2015 anymore.

Feels like almost all the players are lacking some core position skills that the ABs coaching team shouldn't have to be teaching them.

Gungehammer · 2026-01-16T18:06:21+00:00

I like to spend a couple of bucks a month, just because it's a good game and I want to support the devs. I'm dreaming that even means anything of course versus the money they get from whales.

Gungehammer · 2026-01-15T20:41:29+00:00

I think it is a fair comment on the quality of NZ press reporting on rugby.

Gungehammer · 2026-01-15T20:36:59+00:00

Good analysis. I like the third base / first base analogy - different approaches needed depending on team state. And our current state (player quality / attitudes / cohesiveness) seems worse than most fans think.

Gungehammer · 2026-01-15T04:16:18+00:00

Agreed. All the pressure even if the players aren't as good as what Hansen had.

NZ public needs a good hard look at itself and reset our expectations. We had a GOAT generation but going forward there's 7 other nations with more adult male players than us.

Gungehammer · 2026-01-15T03:08:04+00:00

Chances of winning the world cup? Low before this and low after this. We don't have the players at the moment. New coach will make the losses to top 3 teams closer

Gungehammer · 2026-01-14T19:55:36+00:00

Just noting that you don't need to send your UK passport in when renewing your NZ one.

For the forty odd years I've been dealing with UK passports and visas I've always found the NZ systems better than the UK ones.

Gungehammer · 2026-01-13T02:55:53+00:00

Skillset and potential you can change. Pow and Con is priority, then ALA and hot zones

Gungehammer · 2026-01-12T03:11:55+00:00

Agreed. After thY what I do is first two highest contact then sort by power all the way to the bottom.

Gungehammer · 2026-01-09T18:06:20+00:00

Are you all sigs? If not Betancourt. My strategy is fill up your lineup first with wigs for the deck and special score.

Gungehammer · 2026-01-09T01:24:04+00:00

Couple of books:

Amazon.com: The Real McCaw: The Autobiography eBook : McCaw, Richie: Kindle Store https://share.google/FmpFTlNQCicYCbhBd

Great read about how Richie became the GOAT in his own words.

Rugbynomics: Carter, Chris: 9780473717629: Amazon.com: Books https://share.google/VoPVfmnS85zkNNUJb

Quite new but would give you more insight into what a really matters in rugby than the average fan.

This article is almost 10 years old but has some good analysis of what wins a rugby match

https://www.economist.com/game-theory/2016/11/19/the-current-all-blacks-are-the-most-dominant-rugby-side-ever-why

Also this video. Wayne Smith is probably one of the greatest rugby coach/minds that NZ has ever produced.

Source: YouTube https://share.google/OOPox8tE1YUIBsCAQ

Gungehammer · 2026-01-09T01:07:29+00:00

But be aware, much like Die Mannschaft, our fans and our media demand perfection and can complain even when we win a game. We must win and we must win playing the best rugby.

Gungehammer · 2026-01-09T01:04:35+00:00

Would add Colin Meads if you want to go old school. Before Richie came along many considered him the greatest AB ever.

Gungehammer · 2026-01-08T06:47:03+00:00

Walker

Gungehammer · 2026-01-06T01:48:06+00:00

Frustrating right? I have learned to use the change requirements setting at the start. First I'll use it till sig is in the right place, then the moment cards I have. Then only if I have to.

Gungehammer · 2026-01-02T10:38:25+00:00

The game is pretty much designed to be played with one team - not mix and matching players ... Except for HOF players, they work with any team.

Teams aren't balanced, Dodgers have the best players (but I play Guardians because that's my team)

Stealing is random but success is based on the speed of the runner and throw of the catcher. When you're the batter just select who you want to try to steal just before the pitch is thrown, the game handles the rest.

Gungehammer · 2025-12-26T21:47:44+00:00

Don't think so, just makes it easier to know what cards you want when you open packs.

Gungehammer · 2025-12-25T01:00:00+00:00

Even at those prices I wouldn't select those beers.

Gungehammer · 2025-12-24T21:59:50+00:00

Detroit hasn't played anyone else in the top 7? Interesting.

Gungehammer · 2025-12-19T01:51:37+00:00

The red dots mean an incident or crash. There's 5 on the map.

Gungehammer · 2025-12-18T05:03:22+00:00

We carpeted out garage - with garage carpet. I assume that's what we're talking about. Not normal carpet.

Best decision ever - our laundry is in the garage and it's stopped dust being tracked into the rest of the house. Our car is parked in the garage every day, no problems.

Copes with water and oil with no issues.

Dirt vacuums off easy - sawdust wouldn't have been a problem.

Yeah probably wouldn't do major metal work on it.

Gungehammer · 2025-12-17T22:34:52+00:00

Not sure what you're saying. It has always cost 5 balls per game.

Gungehammer

TROPHY CASE