Latest news with #BillyProctor
RNZ News
4 days ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
All Blacks watch: Jamie Wall and Joe Porter's main talking points
Codie Taylor leads an All Blacks haka against England. Photo: photosport All Black squad naming Midday, Monday 18 June Coastal Rugby Club, Taranaki Live blog updates on RNZ We're only days away from NZ Rugby chairperson David Kirk takes to the podium to announce this year's first All Black squad. RNZ's Joe Porter and Jamie Wall will be at Coastal, the home club of the Barrett family, for the naming and weigh up the main issues here ahead of the big day. Extras The biggest surprise last season was when we were introduced to Scott Robertson's first squad, only to watch Sam Cane, Josh Lord and Peter Lakai file in with them. None of them had initially been named, but it didn't matter as from that point onward they all were part of the All Blacks' campaign - particularly Cane , who went on to achieve the milestone of 100 tests. So does this happen again this season? There are a number of positions that will require more than the usual amount of depth, so maybe we'll have to wait till the squad's assembly to actually find out the true depth. Midfield mix We've seen a lot of compelling cases from the country's midfielders, arguably mostly from Billy Proctor, to shake up the combination this year. It's likely that Jordie Barrett will go straight back in, but with France sending a low-strength side there will be room for some experimentation. Billy Proctor. Photo: Abe Arredondo/Photosport Proctor is gunning for Rieko Ioane's spot, but then there's also Quinn Tupaea's excellent form to consider too. Braydon Ennor has been starting every game for the Crusaders, but the big one is around Timoci Tavatavanawai and what he can potentially bring as a wrecking ball who can also shift to the wing if possible. Loose forward puzzle Most would agree that Du'Plessis Kirifi deserves his shot at test level. However, if you consider Ardie Savea and Wallace Sititi are guaranteed starters at number eight and blindside, it leaves the All Blacks with a comparatively diminutive back row and therefore less lineout options. Does that open the door for Luke Jacobson? Or will Ethan Blackadder's big work rate see him get the nod? The race for the 10 jersey We're really no wiser as to who will start at first five after two elite performances over the play-offs by Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie. But while one will obviously start, another big question is what role the other will play. Will Jordan is fit again and is a natural selection at fullback, so does that mean the 23 jersey or simply out of the match day squad entirely for either Barrett or McKenzie? Then there's Ruben Love, whose stock as a utility went up massively thanks to a successful stint at 10 for the Hurricanes. Beauden Barrett of the Blues tackled by Damian McKenzie of the Chiefs. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/ Mr Waterbottles The third hooker and halfback spots are usually there to simply assist with training, however this season there are some interesting storylines. Ioane Moananu looked set for a deserved call up till George Bell returned from injury and took the Crusaders' bench role, you'd think Bell's experience last year will give him the inside running. Meanwhile, Cam Roigard is almost certainly the starting halfback, it's a bit of an open field behind him. Like Bell, Noah Hotham returned to take back his spot from the impressive Kyle Preston. Then there's Cortez Ratima, Finlay Christie and Folau Fakatava to choose from. Will there be room for the leavers? Cane's surprise appearance last year was enough to draw gasps, but there probably won't be that much of a reaction if Mark Tele'a gets included. The winger's form has been consistent in an inconsistent Blues season and his status as a starter on the Northern Tour last season clearly shows the coaching staff's regard for him. As to Joe's point above around an expanded squad, the precedent set by Cane and TJ Perenara's inclusion last year theoretically leaves the door open for anyone heading offshore. It'd be a pretty long shot to see the likes of Shaun Stevenson getting a call up, but if there are a run of injuries anything's on the table.
RNZ News
07-06-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Super Rugby Pacific: Hurricanes' season over, Brumbies head to semi-finals
Billy Proctor of the Hurricanes reacts after conceding a try during the Super Rugby Pacific quarter-final match between the ACT Brumbies and the Wellington Hurricanes at GIO Stadium in Canberra, 7, June 6, 2025. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch/Photosport) Photo: AAP / Photosport Who will come out on top in the battle of the capitals? The Canes got the job done the last time they were in Canberra, kick-off is at 9:35pm NZT.
The Advertiser
06-06-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Brumbies on high alert for major Hurricanes threat
While much has been made of the breakdown battle, the ACT Brumbies are on high alert for the threat coming from the Hurricanes back-line in their Super Rugby Pacific qualifying final. The Brumbies are out to make amends at GIO Stadium on Saturday's after the Hurricanes snapped an eight-year losing streak in Canberra in round 11 when they cracked a 35-29 win. That scoreline set up their charge to the play-offs, winning six straight. Hurricanes winger Kini Naholo was pivotal in the match, making 10 tackle-busts en route to two tries, but will miss the final after suffering an ACL injury last month with Fatafehi Fineanganofo taking his place. Brumbies fullback Tom Wright said there was still plenty of strike weapons in the visitors' line-up and they couldn't give them any room to move. Peter Umaga-Jensen and Billy Proctor are two of the form centres of the competition and will keep the Brumbies pairing of Len Ikitau and David Feliuai on their toes. "I saw Umaga-Jensen carve out a pretty decent try on the weekend and Billy Proctor obviously, you don't have to go looking too far at the season that he's had also, so I dare say Len and Dave will have their hands full," Test No.15 Wright said. "The Hurricanes bring in that sort of expansive style of football, they play an exciting game and there's going to be a lot of points scored so we're looking forward to that challenge, but, you know, we didn't get here, by accident either. "With the season our centres have had as well, I know that they're (Hurricanes) going to be looking at that pretty seriously and trying to stop them at the same time, so it's going to be a good battle." As well as a dominant home record, the ACT outfit have also enjoyed a favourable finals record against the Hurricanes, eliminating them in 1997, 2022 and 2023. Dependent on the results of the other two finals, as the third-ranked team the Brumbies could still advance to the semi-finals even with a loss. But after suffering a tight loss to the Crusaders in the final round, which cost them a top-two ladder position, Wright said his team wanted to control their own destiny. He didn't feel they were far off their best against the Crusaders, with a slow start proving costly. "For all the good work that we did we made it bloody hard on ourselves so we need to be a bit sharper as very much more of the same challenge will be coming at us this weekend from the Canes - big ball-carrying, physical guys with the footy, they want to impose themselves," Wright said. "We're looking forward to bringing the game to them." While much has been made of the breakdown battle, the ACT Brumbies are on high alert for the threat coming from the Hurricanes back-line in their Super Rugby Pacific qualifying final. The Brumbies are out to make amends at GIO Stadium on Saturday's after the Hurricanes snapped an eight-year losing streak in Canberra in round 11 when they cracked a 35-29 win. That scoreline set up their charge to the play-offs, winning six straight. Hurricanes winger Kini Naholo was pivotal in the match, making 10 tackle-busts en route to two tries, but will miss the final after suffering an ACL injury last month with Fatafehi Fineanganofo taking his place. Brumbies fullback Tom Wright said there was still plenty of strike weapons in the visitors' line-up and they couldn't give them any room to move. Peter Umaga-Jensen and Billy Proctor are two of the form centres of the competition and will keep the Brumbies pairing of Len Ikitau and David Feliuai on their toes. "I saw Umaga-Jensen carve out a pretty decent try on the weekend and Billy Proctor obviously, you don't have to go looking too far at the season that he's had also, so I dare say Len and Dave will have their hands full," Test No.15 Wright said. "The Hurricanes bring in that sort of expansive style of football, they play an exciting game and there's going to be a lot of points scored so we're looking forward to that challenge, but, you know, we didn't get here, by accident either. "With the season our centres have had as well, I know that they're (Hurricanes) going to be looking at that pretty seriously and trying to stop them at the same time, so it's going to be a good battle." As well as a dominant home record, the ACT outfit have also enjoyed a favourable finals record against the Hurricanes, eliminating them in 1997, 2022 and 2023. Dependent on the results of the other two finals, as the third-ranked team the Brumbies could still advance to the semi-finals even with a loss. But after suffering a tight loss to the Crusaders in the final round, which cost them a top-two ladder position, Wright said his team wanted to control their own destiny. He didn't feel they were far off their best against the Crusaders, with a slow start proving costly. "For all the good work that we did we made it bloody hard on ourselves so we need to be a bit sharper as very much more of the same challenge will be coming at us this weekend from the Canes - big ball-carrying, physical guys with the footy, they want to impose themselves," Wright said. "We're looking forward to bringing the game to them." While much has been made of the breakdown battle, the ACT Brumbies are on high alert for the threat coming from the Hurricanes back-line in their Super Rugby Pacific qualifying final. The Brumbies are out to make amends at GIO Stadium on Saturday's after the Hurricanes snapped an eight-year losing streak in Canberra in round 11 when they cracked a 35-29 win. That scoreline set up their charge to the play-offs, winning six straight. Hurricanes winger Kini Naholo was pivotal in the match, making 10 tackle-busts en route to two tries, but will miss the final after suffering an ACL injury last month with Fatafehi Fineanganofo taking his place. Brumbies fullback Tom Wright said there was still plenty of strike weapons in the visitors' line-up and they couldn't give them any room to move. Peter Umaga-Jensen and Billy Proctor are two of the form centres of the competition and will keep the Brumbies pairing of Len Ikitau and David Feliuai on their toes. "I saw Umaga-Jensen carve out a pretty decent try on the weekend and Billy Proctor obviously, you don't have to go looking too far at the season that he's had also, so I dare say Len and Dave will have their hands full," Test No.15 Wright said. "The Hurricanes bring in that sort of expansive style of football, they play an exciting game and there's going to be a lot of points scored so we're looking forward to that challenge, but, you know, we didn't get here, by accident either. "With the season our centres have had as well, I know that they're (Hurricanes) going to be looking at that pretty seriously and trying to stop them at the same time, so it's going to be a good battle." As well as a dominant home record, the ACT outfit have also enjoyed a favourable finals record against the Hurricanes, eliminating them in 1997, 2022 and 2023. Dependent on the results of the other two finals, as the third-ranked team the Brumbies could still advance to the semi-finals even with a loss. But after suffering a tight loss to the Crusaders in the final round, which cost them a top-two ladder position, Wright said his team wanted to control their own destiny. He didn't feel they were far off their best against the Crusaders, with a slow start proving costly. "For all the good work that we did we made it bloody hard on ourselves so we need to be a bit sharper as very much more of the same challenge will be coming at us this weekend from the Canes - big ball-carrying, physical guys with the footy, they want to impose themselves," Wright said. "We're looking forward to bringing the game to them."
West Australian
06-06-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Brumbies on high alert for major Hurricanes threat
While much has been made of the breakdown battle, the ACT Brumbies are on high alert for the threat coming from the Hurricanes back-line in their Super Rugby Pacific qualifying final. The Brumbies are out to make amends at GIO Stadium on Saturday's after the Hurricanes snapped an eight-year losing streak in Canberra in round 11 when they cracked a 35-29 win. That scoreline set up their charge to the play-offs, winning six straight. Hurricanes winger Kini Naholo was pivotal in the match, making 10 tackle-busts en route to two tries, but will miss the final after suffering an ACL injury last month with Fatafehi Fineanganofo taking his place. Brumbies fullback Tom Wright said there was still plenty of strike weapons in the visitors' line-up and they couldn't give them any room to move. Peter Umaga-Jensen and Billy Proctor are two of the form centres of the competition and will keep the Brumbies pairing of Len Ikitau and David Feliuai on their toes. "I saw Umaga-Jensen carve out a pretty decent try on the weekend and Billy Proctor obviously, you don't have to go looking too far at the season that he's had also, so I dare say Len and Dave will have their hands full," Test No.15 Wright said. "The Hurricanes bring in that sort of expansive style of football, they play an exciting game and there's going to be a lot of points scored so we're looking forward to that challenge, but, you know, we didn't get here, by accident either. "With the season our centres have had as well, I know that they're (Hurricanes) going to be looking at that pretty seriously and trying to stop them at the same time, so it's going to be a good battle." As well as a dominant home record, the ACT outfit have also enjoyed a favourable finals record against the Hurricanes, eliminating them in 1997, 2022 and 2023. Dependent on the results of the other two finals, as the third-ranked team the Brumbies could still advance to the semi-finals even with a loss. But after suffering a tight loss to the Crusaders in the final round, which cost them a top-two ladder position, Wright said his team wanted to control their own destiny. He didn't feel they were far off their best against the Crusaders, with a slow start proving costly. "For all the good work that we did we made it bloody hard on ourselves so we need to be a bit sharper as very much more of the same challenge will be coming at us this weekend from the Canes - big ball-carrying, physical guys with the footy, they want to impose themselves," Wright said. "We're looking forward to bringing the game to them."
Perth Now
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Brumbies on high alert for major Hurricanes threat
While much has been made of the breakdown battle, the ACT Brumbies are on high alert for the threat coming from the Hurricanes back-line in their Super Rugby Pacific qualifying final. The Brumbies are out to make amends at GIO Stadium on Saturday's after the Hurricanes snapped an eight-year losing streak in Canberra in round 11 when they cracked a 35-29 win. That scoreline set up their charge to the play-offs, winning six straight. Hurricanes winger Kini Naholo was pivotal in the match, making 10 tackle-busts en route to two tries, but will miss the final after suffering an ACL injury last month with Fatafehi Fineanganofo taking his place. Brumbies fullback Tom Wright said there was still plenty of strike weapons in the visitors' line-up and they couldn't give them any room to move. Peter Umaga-Jensen and Billy Proctor are two of the form centres of the competition and will keep the Brumbies pairing of Len Ikitau and David Feliuai on their toes. "I saw Umaga-Jensen carve out a pretty decent try on the weekend and Billy Proctor obviously, you don't have to go looking too far at the season that he's had also, so I dare say Len and Dave will have their hands full," Test No.15 Wright said. "The Hurricanes bring in that sort of expansive style of football, they play an exciting game and there's going to be a lot of points scored so we're looking forward to that challenge, but, you know, we didn't get here, by accident either. "With the season our centres have had as well, I know that they're (Hurricanes) going to be looking at that pretty seriously and trying to stop them at the same time, so it's going to be a good battle." As well as a dominant home record, the ACT outfit have also enjoyed a favourable finals record against the Hurricanes, eliminating them in 1997, 2022 and 2023. Dependent on the results of the other two finals, as the third-ranked team the Brumbies could still advance to the semi-finals even with a loss. But after suffering a tight loss to the Crusaders in the final round, which cost them a top-two ladder position, Wright said his team wanted to control their own destiny. He didn't feel they were far off their best against the Crusaders, with a slow start proving costly. "For all the good work that we did we made it bloody hard on ourselves so we need to be a bit sharper as very much more of the same challenge will be coming at us this weekend from the Canes - big ball-carrying, physical guys with the footy, they want to impose themselves," Wright said. "We're looking forward to bringing the game to them."
