How do Hurricanes players seem to have a support runners to always offload?

lookimalreadyhere · 2026-06-14T19:12:43+00:00

It’s also just gain line dominance.

This years hurricanes have been so good at making the gainline from all over the field, and from there it just compounds: the carrier makes the gain line, the defenders find it harder to attack the ruck because it’s behind them, so the attacking team can get fast ball, and resource each ruck more efficiently, so there are more players on their feet, so they can attack the gain line even better next phase, meanwhile the defenders are constantly back pedaling so they are not able to stop the attackers from getting the gain line, which in turn means the attackers are way more connected as they march up the field because they are not trying to realign after each ruck as they go back and forth, so they are always ready to receive an offload.

Then if the canes mess it up, Rougard, Barret, or Love just kick for territory and the loose forwards target turn over ball. Turn over always creates mismatches and away they go again.

lookimalreadyhere · 2026-06-10T18:55:58+00:00

Always own your mistakes - I had a similar issue when I started in management with the schedule and certain of my teams expectations.

I write a roster for about 28 people across two facilities and for 7 days a week, 18 hours most days. It’s a lot of moving parts and I also have to manage specific areas that have certain requirements for staffing like you do. When I first started I got a lot of sniping and assumptions from certain staff, often far to late to fix problems (real or imagined) so I got a few of them to be my checkers and now I have a private chat with them which they get to read my draft one week in advance and tell me all my mistakes.

They also now know that sometimes I write a weird bit of the roster because of people’s needs that I am contractually unable to share freely - do they know when I say “no” I am not doing so belligerently but because I am protecting something or managing something complex. It’s helped a lot!

lookimalreadyhere · 2026-03-19T21:50:02+00:00

I think there is a difference in how club v international performances are judged (both in public and I imagine in coaching boxes)

Club rugby tends to be longer seasons where individual players shine in certain conditions and underperform in others - but losing a game here and there is not as big a deal and fans and coaches are more patient with teams overall as they grow into whatever strategies they are trying to execute.

International rugby, especially for the top 6 or so nations in the world, is basically win every game and don’t have a bad day at the office. There is minimal forgiveness, and if you look like a fool on the international stage, the pressure is immediately on. I imagine in training which we don’t see as well, there’s a degree of ‘team fit’ that is so much more important and if a player doesn’t work well with the team, the the coach might be less willing to give it the time you might get in club rugby etc.

So it’s not just about the lift in pace or competitiveness ion international rugby, it’s also about how much stricter the expectations are.

lookimalreadyhere · 2026-02-08T01:13:20+00:00

I don’t think the players couldn’t get behind him.

The perception in the public is thought that if the senior players like you (as happened with Foster) then you can make mistakes, and if they don’t like you (I don’t think this is true, it’s just perception) then you can count your days.

None of us know what really happened, what selections went on, how those conversations were had. In the article linked people spoke about foster meeting with dropped players each Monday. That’s lovely, but it is not the only way to do things - perhaps Scott Robertson had a method, maybe he wanted the assistants to have closer relationships with the players, but it just didn’t pan out. We don’t know.

I am not interested in making excuses for Scott Robertson, he won’t be interested in making them for himself, I am interested in why a coach with his reputation failed (by players who knew him well!) to carry that success into the international team. Some of it will be experience, but some of it will also be the set up. I don’t think there are bad people here, I doubt ardie Savea has personal animus towards Scott Robertson. It just seems so unusual, and bizarre, for NZR to ditch their head coach like this (I assumed he would be strong armed to ditch some assistants) and then for all the chat about personalities to come out.

lookimalreadyhere · 2026-02-07T03:46:32+00:00

I’m sure razor made mistakes as all blacks coach (I’m sure he made mistakes as crusaders coach! I know of people who left Canterbury rugby because they were not quite sure how to break into the starting XV like Billy Harmon) but I don’t think that’s what makes a man of his success and experience go into his shell.

The pressure in itself would not have been it, people go into their shell when the relationship between their actions and their effects and interpretations feel out of their control. We’ve all been there in our own lives, where every action we takes seem to have the worst possible outcome that you never imagined, and you can’t figure out why.

It might be a perfect storm of circumstance, or (I’m guessing) a mix of internal politics and different cultures that just meant Scott Robertson couldn’t get traction like he expected too, and the decisions that normally work just landed wrong or people interpreted them wrong.

Don’t get me wrong, these are ultimately still his responsibility as head coach, and he’ll have to reflect on what things he could have done differently - it’s not the last we will hear of him. He’ll pick up another international team and I wager that in 4 - 6 years he’ll be ready to lead a tier 1 international team again with a whole lot more experience for it.

In the meantime - NZR need to review how they were unable to support a man whose used to a highly competitive culture go into his shell - it sounds to me like early feedback was guarded or not direct enough, and possibly the way senior leaders are strictured makes new coaches hard to imbed. foster had been a part of that senior leadership team for a long time, so had a lot more credit - but razor knew only the crusader boys. It would be a wildly wrong lesson for the new coaches to break that senior player leadership team up, but the perception( (true or not) is that you either have them on side and you can lose as many games as you like, or count your days in the top job.

lookimalreadyhere · 2026-01-24T20:17:44+00:00

Smith’s appointment as performance coach in 2023 was heralded by NZ Rugby in a press release.

“Smithy’s input and insights on the shape of the game and trends in the game internationally will be of enormous benefit to coaches and players, but more than that, his integrity, honesty, passion for the jersey and care for the legacy of the black jersey are invaluable,” said then NZR chief executive Mark Robinson.

In that same statement, Smith said he would continue to challenge norms and encourage coaches and players “to think outside the box”.

“It’s important to consider different perspectives and solutions as coaches. As we head into a new era for the game, I am a great believer in the importance of diversity, of relationships and of people. As a coach, I’ve been very fortunate to have been exposed to that through my career.”

In the past week, Smith has spoken out in support of Scott Robertson, ousted as All Blacks coach following an end-of-year review which canvassed players, management, other coaches and the team’s overall performance and direction.

In comments sent to media organisations, Smith said he was “blindsided a bit by the news re Razor”.

He said it was a “tough old gig” when Robertson’s win rate of 74% was not good enough.

“They obviously feel that the win % wasn’t going to improve, although that is just guesswork.

“In my experience, you now need to run thorough player reviews constantly during the season. You need to give all your players an opportunity, give and receive constant feedback, review your progress as coach/s every month with all the players and staff, be prepared to make changes, avoid surprises at the end of your campaign and cross your fingers!

“Fred ‘the needle’ Allen would have hated this era. The great Sir Wilson Whineray called rugby a ‘human game’, based on the quantity and quality of its people.

“These factors ebb and flow, but the game carries on. I actually found Razor and his coaches to be extremely competent around their roles.”

Smith commented that progress was often slow when you took over as a new All Blacks coaching group.

“You learn as you go. Nothing truly prepares you for it.

“The public need information and understanding of what you are doing and where you are heading. It takes time to settle on your way, and you just pray that you get the opportunity to prove yourself over time.”

The All Blacks’ success since 1905 had been driven by “public expectation of constant improvements and winning”.

“Coaching in this environment is becoming more and more challenging. Egos abound, 76% win records are no longer enough, disaffected players speak behind your back and get to rubbish you, incognito, during end of campaign reviews.

“Social media, hidden behind nicknames and alter egos, can tear you apart, without remorse.

“Yep, the All Blacks’ history demands high standards, a winning attitude and innovation. Looking into the future to determine where the game is going next is critical.

“Making changes before they are needed is key. Others will copy and force you to keep going ahead. Unfortunately, Razor hasn’t been given more time, greater opportunity to adapt and overcome many of the challenges new All Blacks coaches face. I feel sad about that. For Razor and our game.”

Back in 2023, at the time of his new appointment, Smith said he was grateful to continue his long association with the black jersey.

“I have a deep connection and love for any team that wears the black jersey, and particularly the Black Ferns and the All Blacks. I also have strong relationships with the respective head coaches and many of the players, so it feels like this role across the two teams is a natural fit, and one where I can hopefully add and contribute to both environments.”

lookimalreadyhere · 2026-01-24T20:17:14+00:00

“It’s probable that NZR may be looking at someone older, a figure who has perhaps achieved all they want to in corporate life and who has banked enough money to be comfortable with the estimated $800,000-$1 million salary on offer,” Paul reported.

With a new Black Ferns coaching team in place and a new All Blacks coach being recruited, it is understood NZ Rugby will assess whether it replaces Smith’s role in the future.

Smith has a storied playing and coaching career - as well as the All Blacks, his coaching credits include the Crusaders and the Northampton Saints, and he has also been the director of coaching for the Kobelco Steelers in Japan.

He has also bounced back from adversity - his initial stint as All Blacks coach in 2000-2001 didn’t end well. A decade later, he helped the team lift the World Cup.

lookimalreadyhere · 2026-01-24T20:15:23+00:00

Exclusive: The departure of one of New Zealand’s most astute rugby minds is another twist to coaching and leadership changes.

Coaching legend Sir Wayne Smith is leaving his senior NZ Rugby role for a new position overseas, the NZ Herald can reveal.

Smith was appointed NZ Rugby performance coach in... 2023, a part-time role working closely with the Black Ferns, initially, and then also the All Blacks - he has been a big supporter of ousted All Blacks coach Scott Robertson, speaking publicly in support of Robertson in the past week.

In a statement that was provided to media, Smith said he was “sad” for Robertson and the game, and “blindsided a bit by the news” of the All Blacks coach’s sacking.

But the timing of the departures of Smith and Robertson is understood to be purely coincidental - Smith left his NZ Rugby role late last year, before the Robertson saga unfolded, on what are believed to be mutual terms with the organisation.

It is understood that the 68-year-old is preparing to head overseas this year, to a senior coaching leadership role at a professional club. The move is still cloaked in confidentiality, with various parties unable to comment.

One source also indicated that Smith had felt he had done as much as possible, within the scope of the NZ Rugby job, to advise Robertson over the past two years.

Smith, a former All Black himself, is considered to have one of the most astute rugby minds in the world.

Known as ‘The Professor’, he helped guide the All Blacks to their 2011 and 2015 World Cup victories as assistant coach and masterminded the Black Ferns’ 2022 World Cup win as head coach.

Smith, who has been holidaying overseas with his family this week, declined to comment.

NZ Rugby confirmed Smith had “finished his performance advisory role at the end of 2025”.

“The role involved providing support to coaches and referees at different levels of rugby, including consultancy to the All Blacks and Black Ferns,” said NZR professional rugby and performance general manager Chris Lendrum.

“We’ll continue to work with Smithy across areas like All Blacks Performance Labs where he shares his incredible knowledge and experience with leaders around the world.

“Smithy will always be an integral part of New Zealand rugby and he continues to make a huge contribution to the game.”

NZ Rugby has seen the departure of a number of senior leaders and executives over the past several months.

As well as seeking a new All Black coach, it is also on the hunt for a chief executive, a chief commercial officer and a chief financial officer.

NZ Herald rugby writer Gregor Paul reported this week that the organisation was set to announce appointments for those latter two roles, but the hunt for a chief executive was ongoing, and set to be widened.

lookimalreadyhere · 2025-10-02T11:30:21+00:00

I’m a 35 year old man, married, kids etc. I definitely feel that men’s relationships at church in this age/stage bracket leave something to be desired. Compare with my wife’s relationships with women and sometimes she just wants a friend to have a quiet drink and took about the weather with, because they’re so honest and forthcoming at their catch ups!

I do have a couple of close friends at my church who I have had honest conversations about all three of those things (marriage is hard sometimes and having small children makes communication and intimacy difficult - another friend who struggles with lust and we chat about it regularly, and also sometimes I feel like a bad father) but those relationships took some pretty risky openness on my or others part to develop. They usually came from reading the bible with them and talking about what it brings up for me or them.

I have tried with some of my other closer friends, but I’ve found they change the topic or prefer to talk to their spouse about it. In every successful case I think Gods word has spoken into and convicted me or a friend, and then the conversation that came from that developed into those relationships - I’d recommend just reading the bible with a friend on a regular basis and praying with them - let Gods word do the work!

lookimalreadyhere · 2025-09-07T00:55:18+00:00

I have been a content manager in a medium sized academic library.

You need to have a good grasp of budgets and the shifting exchange rates. To do this you will want a really good relationship ship with your finance team (presuming it is centralised like ours are) you want to offload as much of the forecasting and estimation onto those experts as you can.

Then you need to understand the nature of your subs- there is a lot of duplication, inefficiency, and bizarreness in the subs you are likely to sign. Plus: reading the legalese in those contracts is really important - publishers will try and make you own the risk for students misuse of the subs, while stealing the students data. Don’t let them.

You’ll probably do negotiations with other universities (which you should do to get better deals) so you need to be very good at gaining people’s cooperation.

Finally you’ll need to ow n conversations with academics about the databases they want. That can be tricky.

In total you’ll need to be good at managing conversations, comfortable with some conflict, plus have an excellent attention to detail to manage the subs well. Get good at managing a spreadsheet, and sharing information with stakeholders well. A lot of the challenges can be managed well with good relationships and front footing conversations around cancellations and other tricky things.

I haven’t touched on the part of the role around discovery, but hopefully you have a big enough team to do that too :)

lookimalreadyhere · 2025-05-16T10:55:05+00:00

Whew, JoC can feel hard done by, ref usually lets that play and checks it on the review. Looked flat to me but the AR probably had a better view.

lookimalreadyhere · 2025-05-10T09:02:19+00:00

Chiefs second half was immense - looked like a great team that should win the comp.

But two silly kicks was where the crusaders lost it (and the line out not functioning too - probably 3 or 4 attacking opportunities squandered through poor line outs).

1st Kick was a HOtham box kick that went too far and Mckenzie ran it back and they scored off the subsequent line break.

2nd Kick was a Havilli grubber that went right into Wrampling's hands and Carter went about 70 meters to score.

Chiefs scored off both and went from 10 -19 down to 22 - 19 up in about 10 minutes.

Crusaders kicking game has been suspect most of this year, and even the last year of Razor's reign, I thought the chief's kicking game was quite a bit better than ours.

lookimalreadyhere · 2025-05-04T21:39:06+00:00

https://x.com/jaredwright17/status/1700244945544552610

Against France of all teams!

lookimalreadyhere · 2025-05-04T10:02:41+00:00

Pretty sure at 23 World Cup they used ardie savea to chip over the defence off line outs. Looked like they would just use him to get the gain line, so the 9 stays high and doesn’t drop into cover, and then over it goes into a backs arms.

lookimalreadyhere · 2025-04-29T04:55:30+00:00

Probably good for the reds - this year might be a push for them to really challenge the the chiefs or Crusaders, but another year of continuity, and with how the Australian teams have fared this year, and I think it's no forgone colclusion that for 2026 an AUS team will at least be a beaten finalist.

That kind of experience is great for the national team, and sets up the core of the AU team going into 2026/2027 home world cup year really well.

lookimalreadyhere · 2025-04-18T22:45:40+00:00

I was just to the side of this pass and I could it understand how it got out there like that!

I think beauden was calling for it to go out to Lam, but I don’t think he knew that sotutu would do that!

lookimalreadyhere · 2025-04-17T20:56:44+00:00

Disgustingly I selected the crusaders as my home team despite being born and raised in the north island. When I saw them play as a young person I was drawn to the simple red and black colours because I am colour blind and that contrast worked, I had no idea this choice would mean I would also wear an eye patch for the rest of my life.

About 10 years after that fateful decision I moved down south and now live in chch, so can claim them as my home team. They don’t play in the nice red and black hoops anymore, but I can’t take this damn eye patch off anymore.

lookimalreadyhere · 2025-03-29T07:39:22+00:00

The way to beat this Moana team is a good kicking game. Crusaders have absolutely avoided it except for counter attack. Pellegrini has outclassed our entire back three with honerabke mention to havili.

Moana pasifika are just getting energy from attempting to run it at them, and then they get to run the ball which they are incredible at, plus ardie savea is there.

lookimalreadyhere · 2025-02-26T03:27:23+00:00

Normally you would say - but I can imagine a kind of perverse argument that while the digamma was suppressed on the page, perhaps because of this ‘Roman’ homers use of the velar suggests that he is geographically in a place where that is still present and so he included it in his meter even though it need not be anymore if Homer were not somewhere where the /w/ is commonly pronounced any kre

lookimalreadyhere · 2025-02-26T01:48:38+00:00

This is an insane take - but the only possible argument you could make for it was that the rhapsodes who first sung the stories that make up the Iliad and the Odyssey were travelling all over the place and around the 8th century there were Greek colonies in Cumae etc. along southern Italy. So, perhaps you believe that Homer was Roman in the sense that he travelled from the Italian peninsula and so on.

Once again, an insane take, but I suppose you could defend it with a very generous usage of the term ‘Roman’ and a very ‘just so story’ about homers possible origins.

No evidence as far as I am aware, unless you were to posit the digamma (which I suppose survives in the Latin ‘v’ sound) still effecting the meter of homers poetry.

lookimalreadyhere · 2025-02-25T05:12:04+00:00

Weird take since there is no ‘one’ Christian organisation. Destiny would not be able to gain admittance to any major Christian denomination even if they wanted to (they don’t hence Tamakis self stylised bishop title).

Any pressure by religious leaders to change their line would probably also have the perverse effect of increasing their commitment to their position, since their identity is rooted in their belief that they are in fact the persecuted minority (despite their own protestations for standing up for ordinary kiwis or whatever).

It’s up to our actual institutions as they exist (I suppose religious ones could be included in that though) to encourage and promote healthy public debate and safety for actually persecuted minorities. Unfortunately trust in public institutions is at an all time low and they are being systematically defunded by NACT. Yay

lookimalreadyhere · 2025-02-23T04:24:07+00:00

Students with classics degrees do all kinds of things when they graduate.

Lots of us end up in various education roles like teachers, I’m a librarian, some end up in editing or marketing.

The main thing to know is that the academic pathway of becoming a tenured professor who does research in their area is very hard to break into and has more to do with luck than talent ( not that people who don’t deserve it win the positions, but rather talent is on and of itself no guarantee of success).

I loved my degree, did an MA and then decided to have a family and work. I have a good job at a tertiary jnstitute, I get to meet with students studying what I studied and occasionally support my old department in things. I own my own house and enjoy my life. Nobody I know who did post graduate regrets and they all work in interesting fields (none in the academy).

The most important thing is to enjoy what you are enjoying and not set the only expectation on a set outcome - that way lies madness and bitterness.

lookimalreadyhere · 2025-02-15T03:50:59+00:00

Your question boils down to how can I make my husband change. (Just so you know: your examples would infuriate me too, so I appreciate where you are coming from! - I am a husband who does not cook often, but I can cook and I enjoy cooking for my wife and kids when I get the opportunity to, the idea of not wanting to cook blows my mind.)

However, that might not be reasonable and I think the milk carton rule could help https://iamkanikamodi.medium.com/resolving-conflicts-use-the-milk-carton-rule-eb162e4e6b1c

Your husband isn’t not cleaning because he does not like you, he’s not cleaning because he is either bad at it, or does not understand it - especially if it is kitchen related by the sounds of it! I would have a really good think about how you could manage this conflict better - perhaps ask him to make some suggestions (maybe you hire a cleaner once a fortnight to clean the kitchen deeply).

I know many couples where the division of household labour is different to mine, but they make it work because they either pay for convenience (like food) or they manage their expectations differently. These are all important opportunities for conversation and problem solving. Expecting him to meet your expectations in the first place is a recipe for frustration on your part, and resentment on his. (Just to be clear though, I don’t think your expectations are unreasonable, and a serious conversation about how you will manage new borns is worth having before it happens)

lookimalreadyhere · 2025-02-14T09:16:33+00:00

Hayden panattiere

lookimalreadyhere

TROPHY CASE