Questions that demand answers
that he slogged his guts out all season for the Crusaders and the All Blacks. His form wasn’t spectacular, but that’s not the point. It’s time to give it to She’s an outstanding player, a great role model and a genuine contributor to the game through her work as women’s rugby co-ordinator in the Crusaders region. I’m not sure what Mo’unga’s doing on that list and would probably give it to Sam Whitelock, whose name isn’t there.
HB: Cocksedge.
A close thing between Mo’unga and Taylor, but the former gets the nod after expertly guiding the Crusaders to title number nine in August. The 24-year-old should also nab the fans’ try of the year gong for his kick and chase effort against the Highlanders in July, when he torched fullback Ben Smith at Christchurch Stadium.
RVR: Kendra 3. Rugby Australia is getting slammed for delaying an announcement about the Wallabies coaching set-up, which is led by Michael Cheika, ahead of 2019. What do you make of this?
matter if he has to be linked with a provincial team, or as an employee at HQ in Wellington. Let Schmidt refresh, clear his head and ensure he feels the love. I can’t see any downsides to that. seems a really admirable and capable guy and it’s refreshing to see he’s likely to put his family ahead of his career. On that basis, it’s hard to know where he’ll land and what he’ll fancy work-wise. I’d just love to see someone who says they want to spend more time with their family actually end up doing it. As long as NZR don’t promote Ian Foster to the hot seat without inviting applicants, all is well. It’s difficult to imagine Warren Gatland being given the gig after last year’s Lions tour, but he’s probably the best man for the job. Japan coach Jamie Joseph, who was told to head overseas before giving the job a nudge, is also qualified.
HB: Schmidt RVR: 5. St Kentigern College wants an all-powerful 1st XV to win the prestigious 1A competition in Auckland. Nothing wrong with that, but the school’s recruitment policy isn’t popular. Who, if anyone, is at fault here?