Aisle Be Back: All Blacks v Wales third Test and the return of Super Rugby

So who will fire out of the blocks well in the resumption of Super Rugby?

Some teams were in more need of a respite than others - top of that list being the Chiefs. 

The Hurricanes don’t count as one of those teams. They have been able to keep the squad pretty injury free, so well done on that front.

As well our All Blacks, with of course the one rather enigmatic exception, are coming back with confidence high.

While we treat the Blues as easy beats at our peril, it’s probably the best possible way to get the team firing up again.  Good to see John Plumtree making it clear that we’re still aiming for top spot. It won’t be easy but you don’t want easy at this stage. 

Another theme to watch will be how the Aussie teams back up. Having been beaten up by England, there’ll be some tired bodies and minds. On the other hand, some of that might be channelled into some Super level backlash.

And of course the Chiefs v Crusaders game in Fiji this weekend is the big pivot game. I wouldn’t mind, just quietly, the Chiefs taking that one out. Or is a draw too much to hope for? 

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It was great to watch Beaudy play such a terrific 80 minutes on Saturday night. Even my water cooler guy came across to me at work and said Barrett was clearly now the first choice 10.  Now I don’t necessarily think that, but it shows what one player’s misfortune can mean in such a competitive squad. 

I don’t think it’s a given that Cruden won’t get the start in the Rugby Championship. But  now a lot more people will know that Beaudy is the real deal. When you look at having Sopoaga in the back pocket, once again, we’re got some insane depth in certain positions. 

The other heartwarming thing was to see Izzy Dagg turning back the years and cutting them up out wide, while being as safe as ever at the back. I doubted he could recapture the form of old, but there you go, and it’s a tribute to him and those coaching him this year. 

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The old firm are gone of course in midfield, so we haven’t learnt a hell of a lot in the Welsh series as to their long-term replacements. 

Moala was the most impressive centre, with his route one approach. He certainly knows where the goal-line is. So he maybe is one long-term
option. 

The interesting thing I think will be whether Ryan Crotty gives the lie to the line that he’s just filling the gap until something better comes along – or back from Rio. I actually think he’s a lot better than that. 

He’s certainly doing his basics well and giving solidity outside 9 and 10. He won’t ever be Ma’a but we don’t always have to replace like with like.

Lifelong All Blacks supporter Kev has followed the Hurricanes since they began. He has a season pass. Every year he predicts the Canes will win Super Rugby. He refuses to be called a long-suffering fan.