2196 of 62457 members online
Coffee Machines 720 GetFrank GymJunkie Menu Mania Snow Surf Varsity

Forgot Your Password? Create Account
[quote]
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/headlines.cfm?c_id=4


One of the greatest players in the world is returning home, maybe he can rescue the BLUES problems in the ten jersey Cool

quote:
Former All Blacks back Luke McAlister is to return to home from England in a tremendous boost for New Zealand rugby.

McAlister announced today he has re-signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) until 2012, at a crucial time as the country's stock of playmaking depth is thinning.

The 25-year-old matchwinner joined the post-World Cup exodus at the end of 2007, signing a two-year contract with English club Sale.

He will return complete his contract at the end of the English Premiership season in May.

Under current NZRU stipulations he would be ineligible to be selected immediately for the All Blacks as players must first play a season of Super 14 or Air NZ Cup rugby.

However, All Blacks coach Graham Henry this week raised the prospect of a dispensation in the case of McAlister, when speculation was raised that he may return.

New Zealand's options at first and second five-eighth are slim, particulary with incumbent No 10 Daniel Carter sidelined for at least six months with a ruptured Achilles tendon injury.
McAlister said in a statement he was looking forward to coming home.

"The simple reason why I am leaving England and heading home is because I want to be closer to my family who are very important to me," he said.

"The fact that I can continue my rugby career as well back in New Zealand is obviously fantastic as well and I appreciate being given the opportunity, but family comes first."

McAlister is currently recovering from a knee operation this month and is expected to be able to see out his Sale contract from the middle of next month.

He said he felt he had developed as both a person and rugby player in England and hoped to leave the club, who are currently second in the English premiership, on a high.



Music
[quote]
I hope he has practiced his drop kicking.
[quote]
Fuck that for a joke- from England, potentially straight back into the All Blacks
[quote]
Lazydog said:
Fuck that for a joke- from England, potentially straight back into the All Blacks


if he's the best player for the job, why not?

happens in other sports?


Oh I forget, Rugby is better than everyone else Laughing Laughing
[quote]
fish_boy said:
I hope he has practiced his drop kicking.



NO NEED TO DROP GOALS WHEN YOU CAN STEP ENTIRE TEAMS AND STILL LOOK YOU STRUTTIN THE CATWALK, SON.
[quote]
fish_boy said:
I hope he has practiced his drop kicking.


And

-His place kicking
-His aimless 'chip' kicks
-His Indecisiveness on the field

The NZRFU's two favourite words:


"Special Dispensation"
[quote]
Such a shame to have one of the highest ranked players in the game back in NZ Embarassed

I really hope we get to keep Stephen Donald at first five Embarassed
[quote]
fish_boy said:
I hope he has practiced his drop kicking.


The All Blacks don't need drop kicks unless they're playing against 16 men.
[quote]
PFunk said:
Such a shame to have one of the highest ranked players in the game back in NZ Embarassed

I really hope we get to keep Stephen Donald at first five Embarassed


I reckon, what are you on about Lazydog?

'Aimless chip kicks'...have you seen Donald play? lol

This is fucking GREAT news, I am stoked Very Happy
[quote]
To be serious, I think he was VERY wise to go the U.K. straight after the last world cup. it seems that out there in talkback land McAlistair became the focal point of a lot of the public's backlash at the Cardiff loss and the general dislike of the rock stars of that team.


he is a excellent player, but I am not sure if he doesn't bring a huge taint of failure with him now.
[quote]
MC Gooch said:
PFunk said:
Such a shame to have one of the highest ranked players in the game back in NZ Embarassed

I really hope we get to keep Stephen Donald at first five Embarassed


I reckon, what are you on about Lazydog?

'Aimless chip kicks'...have you seen Donald play? lol

This is fucking GREAT news, I am stoked Very Happy


I agree, Donald's presence in the All Blacks is sure sign of our weak our game has become below elite level. on that basis i expect McAlistair to waltz into the team. But like I said above - I think the public has got the knives out for him and he could be on a hiding to nothing.
[quote]
fish_boy said:
To be serious, I think he was VERY wise to go the U.K. straight after the last world cup. it seems that out there in talkback land McAlistair became the focal point of a lot of the public's backlash at the Cardiff loss and the general dislike of the rock stars of that team.


Lukey Mac was probably the best performer in that whole Cardiff debacle. And re: droppies he was the only that even attempted one in that match. He got a raw deal out of the WC for sure.

He's the fucken man, personally I'm stoked to have him back! Very Happy[/u]
[quote]
Nevermind the fact he was playing injured while attempting those droppies?

Ssly, professional sports people just have to deal with the fact there'll be a bunch of idiots trying to cut them down at every (perceived) opportunity. Especially when you have the team behind you.
[quote]
Ya and especialy if you happen to be a flash harry type

Look what happened to Carlos, he was literally driven from NZ by the haterz and canty f tards with their pitchforks

Benji cant go for a drink in Sydney without some retard having a crack

etc


Lukey is nothing less than a brilliant rugby player whom we havent even seen the best of yet. Losing him was terrible and getting him back in 100% awesome. FACT
[quote]
The Maestro said:

Lukey is nothing less than a brilliant rugby player whom we havent even seen the best of yet. Losing him was terrible and getting him back in 100% awesome. FACT


Well summised.

Smile
[quote]
Personally, I'm not a big fan. But if I only concentrate on his rugby skills, he's alright. He was starting to get better and is far from an erratic young player that he once was. Just watch him perform in England and you will see what I mean.

The only question mark is hanging over the quality of the opposition hes been up against while over there.
[quote]
Roman_K said:
Personally, I'm not a big fan. But if I only concentrate on his rugby skills .....




wot


see above ^^




Music
[quote]
Roman_K said:
The only question mark is hanging over the quality of the opposition hes been up against while over there.


Have you seen much of the Heineken Cup? I'd say it's of a higher standard than most Northern Hemisphere rugby, including internationals.

Either way this is brilliant news Very Happy
[quote]
The Maestro said:


Look what happened to Carlos, he was literally driven from NZ by the haterz and canty f tards with their pitchforks
FACT


Carlos was a WINNER unlike Lukey Mac, whose trophy cupboard is rather bare
[quote]
Tri Nations? Bledisloe Cup? Not good enough for you Confused


Anyway....we're talking rugby here, not golf
[quote]
Did people actually blame him for 2007? I might be a 'One-Eyed Cantab' but I can say he was the only back who actually played a decent game of rugby.
[quote]
good point Im not really sure, seemed most anger was actually directed at ref/Henry/reconditioning

I do recall however there was plenty of hatred directed at Carlos for *that* pass to Mortlock....with almost no apprecation for that in the same game he singlehandedly created a brilliant try to...R.Thorne I think it was
[quote]
gprowl said:
Did people actually blame him for 2007? I might be a 'One-Eyed Cantab' but I can say he was the only back who actually played a decent game of rugby.


Exactly what I was getting at above.. I found the claim from FB a bit bemusing as well.
[quote]
Roman_K said:
Personally, I'm not a big fan. But if I only concentrate on his rugby skills..


?? What else are you gonna be concentrating on?
[quote]
Donald is playing superbly tonight. What do we need that loser for
[quote]
vadinho said:
Donald is playing superbly tonight. What do we need that loser for


What has Donald ever won except the "fuck I missed a conversion in front of the posts to lose a semi in the NPC" trophy.
[quote]
Vadz lives in Bizarro sports world. It's no use debating anything sports related with him.
[quote]
gprowl said:
vadinho said:
Donald is playing superbly tonight. What do we need that loser for


What has Donald ever won except the "fuck I missed a conversion in front of the posts to lose a semi in the NPC" trophy.


an npc title Wink
[quote]
oh... haha Sad
[quote]
gprowl said:
Did people actually blame him for 2007? I might be a 'One-Eyed Cantab' but I can say he was the only back who actually played a decent game of rugby.


I met some rabid cantabs who blamed him for it, and hated him... and this was a year after Cardiff... apparently he chip kicked at one point, and France got the ball... (and that was what lost us the game according to them)

I always thought he was a decent player, maybe not amazing.. but apparently, he's developed a lot playing over here...

I think the bigger issue tho is this might be the start of a trend where some of these boys come back in time for the next WC. The thing is there's *so* much money here now they can come and play for a couple of seasons and they're loaded... might actually work in our favour long term.
[quote]
grinder said:
Roman_K said:
Personally, I'm not a big fan. But if I only concentrate on his rugby skills..


?? What else are you gonna be concentrating on?


Not feeling his new haircut RomanK?

Laughing
[quote]
Laughing

Nah, heard a little about him off the rugby field.
[quote]
Mutant said:


I think the bigger issue tho is this might be the start of a trend where some of these boys come back in time for the next WC. The thing is there's *so* much money here now they can come and play for a couple of seasons and they're loaded... might actually work in our favour long term.



I actually think this could be the way ahead. Simply make playing in two consecutive super 14's in the previous four years the sole selection criteria for the All Blacks. It would allow All Blacks a mental and money break in the two years after a World Cup, give new talent a chance to shine and then get tested when the old hands get back and of course - if you bugger off for two years and someone takes your spot, there is no guarantee you'll get back into the team!
[quote]
Roman_K said:
Laughing

Nah, heard a little about him off the rugby field.


He does seem a bit dense tbf...
[quote]
fish_boy said:
if you bugger off for two years and someone takes your spot, there is no guarantee you'll get back into the team!


Sure there's no guarantee, but unless such a policy resulted in a significant retention of talent, the top players are still likely to waltz straight back into the side. Any of Jack, Hayman, McAllister, Evans (add some other names?) would all walk back into the top 22 and probably even the 15 for the first 3.
[quote]
nacoa said:
Lazydog said:
Fuck that for a joke- from England, potentially straight back into the All Blacks


if he's the best player for the job, why not?

happens in other sports?


Oh I forget, Rugby is better than everyone else Laughing Laughing


I can't be bothered formulating a full arguement and I know comparing Football and Rugby is like comparing Apple with Oranges but just to keep it simple for all you egg chasers, you do know Brazil are quite handy at Football right?
Brazil also have a piss week national league(when compared with the top euro leagues) and it's not common for a member of the national team to be playing in their domestic comp.

Let our All Blacks go over and earn the big dollars, anyone who wishes to argue that we'll help nations develope via having a stronger domestic comp may wish to subscribe to another apples and oranges argument which in this edition draws comparison to the English Premier League and their not so successful national football team.

Basically the more Kiwi's you have playing in France, England, where ever, the less game time for people from those actual countries to use for developing themselfs.
Remarkable stuff.
[quote]
Meh... I'm happy to have him back... the All Blacks arn't looking too flash atm... From a purely female point of view... I have only become interested in rugby recently so I missed out on him the first time round so I'm not really going to comment at this point till I get a chance to have a bit of a read.
[quote]
midnight-lily said:
Meh... I'm happy to have him back... the All Blacks arn't looking too flash atm...



?!?!?!?!?!?!
[quote]
vadinho said:
midnight-lily said:
Meh... I'm happy to have him back... the All Blacks arn't looking too flash atm...



?!?!?!?!?!?!


Well I guess theres Kahui... don't mind Boric (nice and tall)... Mccaws alright... but really... thats not even a third of the onfield players... Carter was okay... but not really a fan anymore... anyway, hes off for 6 months...
[quote]
stick to netball.

Music
[quote]
*Re-Action* said:
stick to netball.

Music


Prefer ice hockey Razz
[quote]
Ice hockey players all have heads like pumpkins Confused
[quote]
The Maestro said:
Ice hockey players all have heads like pumpkins Confused


And broken noses and missing teeth (not really in NZ actually).... Which is why I watch rugby players
[quote]
DONALD EPIC GAME

WTF!