Two Cents Rugby - My Dad on Super Rugby, Six Nations 2025 | Havili, Siiti, Itoje & More
The conversation covers the upcoming Super Rugby season starting on February 14th, with expectations for teams like the Blues, Chiefs, and Crusaders. The Crusaders have a new captain, which is a significant change, and there are concerns about player injuries and management decisions, particularly with Wallace Sati's delayed surgery. The discussion also touches on Shan Stevenson's move to Japan and its implications for New Zealand Rugby. The Six Nations tournament is also discussed, with predictions favoring Ireland, France, and England, while Scotland is seen as an underdog. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by teams and players, including those from Australia and the potential impact of player departures.
Key Points:
- Super Rugby starts February 14th; Blues, Chiefs, and Crusaders are key teams to watch.
- Crusaders have a new captain; concerns about player injuries and management decisions.
- Shan Stevenson moves to Japan, impacting New Zealand Rugby.
- Six Nations predictions favor Ireland, France, and England; Scotland seen as an underdog.
- Australian rugby faces challenges with player departures and management decisions.
Details:
1. 🎙️ Introduction & Health Update
- A medical check-up is scheduled for the 4th of February.
- Current health status is stable and satisfactory.
- Acknowledgement of New Zealand taxpayers for funding healthcare services.
2. 🏉 Super Rugby Anticipation Begins
3. 🏆 Team Performances & Player Changes in Super Rugby
- Blues, Chiefs, and Crusaders are the top contenders expected to reach the finals in Super Rugby, indicating strong team performances.
- Crusaders have appointed a new captain, a seasoned player with national experience, although his history of injuries poses a risk to team stability.
- The delayed surgery of Crusaders player Wallace Atiti, leading to his absence for the entire season, underscores significant issues in the team's medical decision-making processes.
- Shan Stevenson from the Chiefs is taking a sabbatical in Japan, a move that benefits his career but is seen as a loss to New Zealand Rugby, impacting team depth.
- Australian teams face concerns over player departures like Tom Hooper's, but they maintain depth in specific positions, suggesting strategic resilience.
4. 🏴 Six Nations Tournament: Teams & Predictions
- Ireland, France, and England are the top contenders for the Six Nations, due to their strong past performances and solid team line-ups.
- Scotland, while favored by some, is not expected to win, but could still perform strongly given their competitive squad.
- Wales is predicted to struggle, with concerns about their performance and the uncertain future of their coach.
- Italy is working on stability and has surprises in player selections to improve their competitiveness, but they are still expected to be near the bottom.
- England's decision to appoint a new captain is strategic, aiming to bring fresh leadership, but it has received mixed reactions.
5. 🇩🇪 Anton Segner's Inspiring Rugby Journey
- Anton Segner moved from Germany to New Zealand, initially facing significant challenges and reaching a career low point.
- After playing for Tasman for 2-3 years, he transitioned to Auckland's Blues, where he credited coaches B cter and Leon McDonald for revitalizing his rugby career.
- Segner faced criticism for changing teams but demonstrated resilience, mirroring the journey of Fabian Holland, another successful European player in New Zealand.
- His success is notable as there are few professional rugby players from Germany and the Netherlands, highlighting his unique achievement.
- The hope is for European rugby teams to strengthen, reducing the reliance on moving to traditional rugby nations like New Zealand.
6. 🔮 2023 Rugby Predictions & Hopes
- The Blues are anticipated to reach the finals in Super Rugby, with hopes for a back-to-back win despite past disappointments.
- Predictions for the Six Nations highlight Ireland, Scotland, and France as strong contenders, with a hopeful but unlikely win for Scotland.
- Welsh success is desired, but the speaker acknowledges not all teams can perform well simultaneously.
- England is expected to improve in 2023, potentially turning close losses into wins.
- Support is shown for coaches Borthwick and Gatlin, appreciating their styles and potential impact on team performance.