[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6W45zR0knjg[/video]
Lima Sopoaga signs a 3yr deal with Wasps.
Why is this important? I think it signals the likely end of All Black supremacy.
He’s their no2 fly-half and the only back up to Beauden Barrett with any test experience at 10 (that I can think of). If they can’t keep him in NZ then the ABs are really gonna struggle. In the future they’ll be able to keep their starting 15/23 but not much else as the talent drain to England and France sucks them dry.
Aaron Cruden is already in France along with Dan Carter (Colin Slade too). Tawera Kerr-Barlow has followed. Charles Piutau is probably lost to the ABs for ever and Stephen Luatua too. Brad Shields might turn out for England in time for the RWC.
It’s no longer over-the-hill players looking for a last payday. It’s serious contenders for the current ABs who are defecting.
Presumably this means Cipriani is off to France next year too?