Month: October 2021

Before every NFL season, the NFL collaborates with the NFLPA to thoroughly test every helmet on the market. These helmets go through extensive laboratory research to evaluate which ones best reduce head impact severity. No helmet can fully eliminate the risk of a concussion but here are the ones that have been tested to be the most effective.

IMPORTANT: Keep in mind that the NFLPA testing and results is completely catered to NFL impact and that impact may differ from collegiate, high school and youth football. For a list of the top 5 youth helmets, click here.

With that being said, let’s count down the Top 5 helmets rated by the NFL and NFLPA.

5. Schutt F7 UR1

The Schutt F7 UR1 is the most innovative and newest helmet in the Schutt lineup. The F7 UR1 is Schutt’s custom fit model designed to fit a players’ head perfectly. The custom fit process uses a custom pressure map of a player’s head, utilizing ten, full-contact sensors. During the fitting process, the player will put on a Schutt F7 that will collect the pressure map data and create a diagram of the 20 different sized Opti-Fit inserts. These 20 inserts are custom to the player and can be re-configured as needed ensuring players’ have a custom fit all the time. Check out this video below to watch the process.

Now that we’ve talked about the internals of the Schutt F7 UR1, let’s talk about the outside – the shell. The shell of the F7 UR1 is the same as all of the other Schutt F7 models. The shell features Schutt’s innovative “Tektonic Plates” on the top of the helmet. These plates move independently from the rest of the shell that helps disperse rotational force and protect your head. These plates pair with Schutt’s “TPU” (thermoplastic urethane) cushioning which is one of the most advanced cushioning systems in the game and absorbs heavy impact. The TPU is the blue plastic you see around the plates on top. While the shell looks a little odd, and is a pain to put decals on, it’s proven to be very effective. Check out how the Tektonic Plates and TPU work below.

The Schutt F7 UR1 is one of the most expensive helmets in the game. The F7 UR1 is listed at $1,499 on the Schutt site, but I can’t find an option to actually purchase it. Since the custom fit process is so extensive, you likely need to call Schutt to plan a fitting session and to buy the helmet. You can shop similar Schutt F7s for $500-$1000 but those aren’t on the same level as the F7 UR1. Still, they’re great helmets.

4. Vicis 01

When it comes to innovation and helmet research, Vicis remains king. The company invests so much money into the testing and development of their technology, that the company went bankrupt in late 2019. They’re now back in action and better than ever, but let’s talk about the original, the Vicis 01.

The Vicis 01 was the first helmet from Vicis and debuted in 2016. It was quickly rated as one of the best helmets on the market and even 5 years after it’s initial release, makes this Top 5 list. What makes this helmet special is its’ super flexible shell and innovative padding. The helmet has 4 layers of protection, check out the diagram below.

The first layer is the Lode Shell. This shell is much more flexible than other shells on the market. The shell itself flexes on impact absorbing a lot of the contact. The second layer is the RFLX. The RFLX layer is made of tiny little structures that collapse to absorb impact and prevent it from getting to your head. The little beams inside fold from an “I” shape to a “C” shape on impact. Then, the third layer is the Arch Shell. This is simply a lightweight, flexible material that bonds RFLX to the fourth layer, the foam liner. The Foam Liner is military grade foam that provides a soft and comfortable fit on the inside of the helmet. The Vicis 01 is one of the most technologically advanced products to ever hit the gridiron. The Vicis 01 is no longer for sale but you can get the Vicis 02 which we will cover later on this list.

3. Xenith Shadow XR

Xenith is one of the most underrated helmet brands on the market. The Xenith Shadow XR is the latest innovation from Xenith and came out in Spring 2020.

Underneath the lightweight, advanced polymer shell is one of the most advanced contact absorbing innovations in the game. Inside the Xenith XR is something called “Rhenon.” These Rhenon cells are what make this helmet special. The Rhenon material is intelligent enough to cushion soft impacts, but strengthen against big hits. Not only do these cells compress to absorb big hits, they also have the ability to move side to side to absorb rotational force. This material will work well in the scorching Texas summer or the frigid Green Bay winter. They do an amazing job dispersing different types of impact effectively which is one of the main reasons they are #3 on this list.

Now let’s talk about a feature unique to Xenith’s helmets. That one-of-a-kind feature is their 360 Adaptive Fit system. Unlike other football helmets, the chinstrap actually wraps around your entire head. Most helmets chinstraps simply buckle up in 4 places on the side of your head. Xenith chinstrap straps go around to the back of your neck so when you tighten up or buckle your chinstrap, it tightens up all around. It gives you a custom fit without paying the price of a custom fit helmet. Not only does this ensure a custom fit, it also feels lighter on your head because it has a lower center of gravity. This custom fit will give you better balance and reduce the fatigue on your neck while wearing the helmet.

The Xenith Shadow XR is the most affordable helmet on this list. It retails for $459 on Xenith.com.

2. Riddell Speedflex (3 Models)

The Riddell Speedflex has been the most recognizable and most popular helmet in the game since its’ debut in 2014. The helmet is so impressive that 3 different versions are on this NFL list.

For all 3 Speedflex models, the shell and overall helmet structure remains the same. The Speedflex has a flexible, polycarbonate shell. The flex panel on the front of the helmet, along with the rest of the shell, flexes upon impact to absorb contact. Another piece of tech protecting you is the Patented Side Impact Protection. The PSIP helps protect players from hits from the side. This helmet also has a very unique Cam-Loc retention system. Riddell revolutionized the way players buckle up their chinstraps. These straps act similar to a ratchet strap – you can pull them tight and then push a button to release it. The Cam-Loc system doesn’t slip and won’t unbuckle during play like your traditional chinstraps.

As for the padding, first let’s talk about the highest performing Riddell Speedflex, which offers the Speedflex Precision-Fit Diamond. Riddell Precision-Fit is a process that utilizes 3D scanning technology to craft a helmet personalized for the individual player. Each pad is custom made for a player for a totally custom fit.

Not only is the padding in the Riddell Speedflex Precision-Fit Diamond custom fit, it’s also made from one of the most innovative manufacturing processes on the planet, Digital Light Synthesis by Carbon. (Note: The same tech is used in Rawlings new REV1X, which we featured in a recent YouTube video.) In a press release, Carbon talked about their partnership with Riddell, “Riddell and Carbon have partnered to bring customized, digital design innovation to head protection through Riddell’s new Diamond helmet platform. Powered by Carbon, the new platform features a 3D printed lattice liner that is digitally manufactured using Carbon’s proprietary Digital Light Synthesis (DLS) technology. The technology is initially available in the Riddell SpeedFlex Precision Diamond helmet model, which features Riddell’s Precision-Fit head scanning and helmet fitting process. The result is next-generation head protection for today’s athletes–a customized, 3D printed helmet liner precisely contoured to the athlete’s head.”

Once you combine the innovative shell we described earlier with the Carbon DLS custom padding, you get one of the best performing helmets ever. Unfortunately, we can’t seem to find a place to get your own Precision-Fit Riddell Speedflex Diamond unless you’re in the NFL.

The next Speedflex on the list is the Riddell Speedflex Precision-Fit. This is the same shell and Precision-Fit technology that we talked about earlier. The only difference is that this version does not have the Carbon padding. This “‘flex” has the regular Riddell Speedflex padding and still scores incredibly well. The padding is custom fit to a players’ head providing a perfect fit and lots of protection. Again, I can’t seem to find any Precision-Fit models for sale from Riddell.

The final Riddell Speedflex in this Top 5 list is the Riddell Speedflex Diamond. This helmet has the super innovative Carbon padding but it’s not a precision fit. Still, a top helmet on this list and you CAN find this helmet from Riddell for $499.99.

1. Vicis 02 (3 Models)

This is the second Vicis helmet on this list, so I won’t waste my time telling you how innovative and cutting edge they are. Let’s talk about the three Vicis 02 models, because they are the top 3 helmets on the NFL and NFLPA list.

Let’s begin the with #3, the regular Vicis 02. The Vicis 02 is everything the Vicis 01 is and more. There are four layers to the helmet. First, the super flexible outer shell, the Deformable Outer Shell. This shell responds similar to a car bumper and flexes more than any other helmet available. It absorbs the impact, protecting your head. The next layer is the updated RFLX 2.0. RFLX, carried over from the Vicis 01, is Vicis’ system of pillars that bend to absorb impact and then spring back into place. For the Vicis 2.0, they slightly altered the pillars to lighten the helmet while increasing strength. The next layer is the Reinforced Inner Shell. The inner shell has been engineered through data collected from hundreds of head shapes to optimize fit accuracy, maximize player comfort, and accommodate a wider range of players. The final layer is the DLTA Fit System. These are their pad pods that are completely interchangeable ensuring every player can have a custom-fit feeling helmet.

The Vicis 02 is the safest helmet you can purchase right now. You can get one from Vicis for $699.

Now, the second highest helmet on the NFL and NFLPA list, the Vicis 02 Trench. This helmet is basically the exact same helmet as the Vicis 02 but with an extra external pad. This is the first position specific helmet to ever hit the market. Its built for lineman. That extra frontal pad is built for the low velocity impact that lineman face every single snap. Check out the stats on the Vicis 02 Trench below.

The Vicis 02 Trench is available from Vicis for $799.

It’s finally time to talk about the highest rated helmet by the NFL and NFLPA, the Vicis 02 Matrix. The first three layers on the Vicis 02 Matrix are unchanged from the previous two Vicis 02s featured here, but what makes this helmet special is the Matrix padding.

According to Vicis, “The Matrix system is a microfilament structure which is a replacement to the DLTA fit system for the Matrix helmet. Matrix provides ultimate flexibility in the fitting process without having to wait for a custom manufactured helmet. By providing multiple unique fit contours per location and adjustable comfort top layers, the MATRIX pods are ready for gameplay out of the box. This allows for immediate fit feedback from players that can be adjusted at any time.”

The Vicis 02 Matrix is unavailable to the public now but Vicis plans to release them in 2022.

There are the the top 5 helmets rated by the NFL and NFLPA. Its important to reiterate that these laboratory results are completely based off of NFL level impacts and impacts vary by level of play. For youth helmets, check out our top 5 list here. Let us know what you think and if you have experience with any of these super safe helmets, please comment below!

The post Top 5 Helmets Rated by the NFL & NFLPA appeared first on What Pros Wear.

Today, Patrick Mahomes and Adidas football unveiled the QB’s first signature shoe – The Mahomes 1.0 Impact FLX. It was only a matter of time before the face of the NFL and Adidas got his own shoe. Mahomes dreamed of having his own signature shoe as a kid and now that dream is a reality. Here is everything we know about the shoe, the collection and upcoming release.

About the Mahomes 1.0 Impact FLX

Adidas describes these shoes as “Dedicated to a legend in the making. These adidas football shoes are part of the Patrick Mahomes collection. Wear them in the weight room or as an everyday pair. The clean upper rides on a wavy, nubbed outsole that provides traction on a variety of surfaces. Boost offers incredible energy return, whether you’re running the bleachers or simply moving from point A to point B.” They feature Mahomes’ brand new logo on the tongue and his secondary logo on the insole.

These shoes are football cross trainers and were co-created with Mahomes every step of the way. Mahomes’ dynamic foot movements highly influenced the fit and function of the shoe. The traction on the bottom is made for football players working out in the weight room or on the turf. These shoes also feature TPU overlays on the upper which is gonna give players a lock down fit and plenty of stability. The upper of the shoe is made from a ripstop stretch woven collar which is gonna give you a sock-like fit. Lastly, these have the Adidas Boost in the heel which is gonna give players a comfy, but responsive feel. To me, these look like a shoe you can feel confident working out in but they’re versatile enough to wear for your day-to-day life, too.

The Mahomes 1.0 Impact FLX will release 8/23 for $130 in this team solar green/cloud white/core black colorway.

About the Mahomes Collection

The new Mahomes 1.0 Impact FLX is insane but just one piece of this collection. In this Mahomes collection is plenty of other sports gear and some lifestyle clothing. Along with the kicks, there are shirts, hoodies, joggers, shorts, socks and even a headband – just like Mahomes wears on gameday. The whole collection drops 8/23 on Adidas.com.

This Adidas hoodie showcases Mahomes’ new logo on the front and his secondary logo on the sleeve.

That’s everything we know on the new Adidas Mahomes 1.0 Impact FLX and his new collection! Check out the rest of Mahomes locker here and let us know what you think about these new sweet kicks!

The post Everything you need to know about Patrick Mahomes’ 1st Signature Shoe | Mahomes 1.0 Impact FLX appeared first on What Pros Wear.

Wallabies captain Michael Hooper is expecting another “emotional” response from Argentina as Australia seek to win a fourth straight Rugby Championship game on the Gold Coast on Saturday.

The opening game was won unconvincingly by the Aussies and featured several running battles. In the aftermath it was revealed the Argentinans felt “disrespected” over a photo snub and that followed onto the pitch.

As the touring squad has been rocked by the loss of six players who took an ill-advised trip over the state line into New South Wales and have been barred from the match, Hooper said his team was braced for another backlash.

“We are fully aware that every Test is a hard one,” Hooper said on Friday. “We’ve got to be on our game, whether it’s New Zealand, Argentina, anyone in this competition otherwise you get stung. We know it’s coming our way and we’ve got to understand that, be on our game, deliver what we can for 80 minutes and really build a performance that we’re proud of.

“It’s always an emotional game when we play any team in a Test match. We expected that and we expect more of the same this week.”

At his Captain’s Run press conference, Hooper was also asked about the impact that Quade Cooper and Samu Kerevi have had on the team, the potential return of Will Skelton and the impact of Dave Rennie and his coaching staff. Here’s everything he had to say.

On coming to the end of a ‘challenging’ series and the Pumas’ border indiscretion

“We’ve had to get over some sore bodies, it’s our fifth game on the trot so we’ve had a really good balance this week of recovery and then getting the work in that we need to do,” said Hooper.

“We know Argentina will bounce back. There’s a little bit going on there, they’re full of emotion and they want to improve on their last game. The focus has been okay we’re playing the team the same team again but we can be a lot better this week.

“Staff and management are good terms of allowing certain things to happen around families and time off and trying to get us a mental refresh. It’s been challenge, as it has for every team, but we’re lucky we get to play rugby and to represent the country. We’re doing it in our own country, which is great.
Queensland, by and large, has been pretty unrestricted in terms of what we’ve been able to do and likewise in Perth. It’s great just to be playing and not having some of the dramas that we had last year.”

Hooper said he couldn’t tell how the quarantine issue would affect the Wallabies’ opponents.

“I guess we were as surprised as anyone but we had to knuckle back down and get on with our stuff,” he said of the news.

“That has been a focus for our team for a long time now, seeing what we can control.

“We know we left a lot out there on the weekend and can go up another level. We know there’s going to be a fair bit of emotion kicking off this game as we’ve seen in games like last year in a similar circumstance.”

He was asked if he felt for the tourists, who have been on the road for months and didn’t get to play a Test at home in the series.

“Absolutely. To make this competition work everyone’s having to make sacrifices and it’s them more than most,” Hooper said.

“I think everyone’s appreciative that the competition’s been able to run and we’ve been able to have it in our backyard. That’s a win for us I guess. But it’s certainly hard for everyone involved. It’s the state of play at the moment and we’ve got to get on with it.”

On how his year rates so far

Hooper was asked if this was his best season as a Wallabies player.

“Every year is great to represent the jersey and try to improve week to week, grow as a team and get some consistency down,” Hooper said.

“What has been pleasing is we’re starting to gain some momentum now. We’re talking about things during the week and executing them on the field.

“We’re still chasing that really solid 80 minute performance and being extra clinical with that. So there’s always a goal to work for.

“There’s a good looking team this week, with a couple of changes in there and some exciting stories in the mix as well. It’s always hard to rate against different years, different groups. We’ve been here for a long time now, which has been awesome. But it’s hard to judge on any one particular year.”

On how coaching changes have benefitted the team

“It’s a mixture of things,” Hopper said. “It’s not that things haven’t been there in the past. It’s just another year further that we’re understanding a new system and a new game plan.

“We had quite a short run up into last year’s campaign with a lot of new players, big squads, which was unfamiliar at the time, 40 odd people go across to New Zealand.

“Now we have a lot of similar faces, another year of exposure to a Wallaby environment and a long time together.

“We’ve been together now for three and a bit months on the trot. So a lot of rugby talk.

“We’re getting a good set up on a Monday in terms of what’s being delivered to us what we can expect from opposition teams, and then there’s been a good uptake from our players, particularly the last couple of weeks.

“But just four weeks ago, we were three losses on the trot so it hasn’t been a perfect run by any stretch and we’re not nailing things. There’s so much improvement and growth in us and we’ve got to stay focused on that there’s still there’s still some level ups we can we can attain. I think that’s exciting.”

On the promotion of Pete Samu to the starting team

“Not only can he cover all positions but on the ground, in turnover positions, he’s great, ball carry is excellent, good presence around the tackle as well,” Hooper said.

Samu had “aood engine on him to get through a lot of work,” he added. “There’s a lot to like about Pete. When he’s come off the pine in all his games he’s changed the pace. He’s done something in the form of a little line break or a sneaky pick or just a good bit of link play.

“That’s been really impressive. Now he’s got more minutes to do more of the same. It’s really good reward for someone who’s been adding a lot for us off the bench.”

On the return of Sean McMahon

Hooper said he was “stoked to play with Seany”.

“It’s not since 2017 we were playing together,” he said. “He was playing a lot of eight at the time I played seven and I enjoyed that combination with him.

“He brings a really good dynamic to the team in the form of real aggression and a super work rate. He’s been training really hard in the last couple of weeks being back and he’s a great character to have back in the team. His enthusiasm to be in the Wallaby gold has really been noticeable.”

On the Wallabies’ squad depth

“The selectors have a challenge every week,” said Hooper. “There are guys constantly performing on Saturday, and then on the training paddock as well which means there’s guys putting up their hands that unfortunately aren’t getting a run.

“Dave’s spoken about those guys as well. It’s a tough position to be in when you start to get to the ninth or 10th Test in the middle of the year and it’s your last game in Australia and you don’t get any minutes.

“But our guys have been putting up their hands each week, preparing the 23 to play the best they possibly can.

“It’s a challenge with a lot of players here, but our guys have taken to it really well and it’s something that we want to continue to grow, because if someone goes down we need that position to be filled and filled well.

“The great thing about competition and the depth that’s being created is we’ve got plenty of options and that’s going to do well for us in the next couple of years.”

On Will Skelton and talks he will play on the Spring Tour
Hooper said he had only seen his former Waratahs teammate play one game since heading overseas, a European Cup final for Saracens two years ago.

Asked to comment on Skleton’s attributes, Hooper said: “He’s got the ability to change a game, his size, he’s a great fella to have around the team, really good in terms of off field stuff.

“For the lack of rugby that I’ve seen him play I’ve heard a lot of good things in terms of when he’s been in shape, he’s made a real impact in the Premier League up there and now he’s up in France obviously and I’ve heard some great things around that.

“It’s been a long time since been in the jersey so it’s great to hear that he’s keen to be involved.”

Hooper said the older overseas guys had helped raise the group.

“Depth and experience allows stuff to transfer between players, ideas be shared,” Hooper said. “Everyone trains harder when you know you’ve got some direct competition there and some handing down of experience which is something that we want to keep growing as well.

“A lot of our guys who are in the team now grew up watching some of those guys play when they were still at school. To get the opportunity to play with them breeds a lot of excitement about the jersey in house as well.”

On how much of a difference Quade Cooper and Samu Kerevi have made

“How can you hypothesize that?” said Hooper, when asked to assess the Cooper and Kerevi impact. “They’ve been really good for us, they brought a lot on and off the field and we’ve got some great centres as well who aren’t getting the time.

“Who knows what would have happened with the trajectory of our team?”

On the return of veteran prop Greg Holmes and his famous try from 2006

“Age is just a number, right?” said Hooper of the 38-year-old Holmes. “He’s been playing really well overseas for a long time.

“That was no secret to the people who have been around him. Nic White was in the same team with him at Exeter, and he wasvery valuable in terms of what he could do around a scrum and then just in terms of being a good bloke.

“He’s added that space since he’s been in here, and good experience. It’s guys like Angus Bell who get to scrum against him in training and that creates a good challenge for a young prop like that with a big future.”

Hooper was asked if he remembered seeing Holmes’ 50 metre try against Ireland in real time.

“You don’t know if it’s because you’ve seen it so many times that you think of it as a memory,” Hooper said. “I like to think that I watched it. He says it’s about 70 or 80 metres – but it’s a genuine 50-55.

“We’ve played it a couple of times and he shakes his head in the team room but he clearly loves it.

“We’ve just been asking for the same from [James Slipper] but I think Slips’ only Test try was half a metre at the World Cup two years ago. We’ll try and get Slips another one this weekend.”

It’s looming as one of the biggest stories in the NBA before the season has even started.

We’re less than three weeks away from opening night and Ben Simmons is yet to find a team to play for.

First came his off-season trade request.

Then came training camp — Simmons was a no-show.

The excessive fines for missing training — $7500 minimum — and games — $227,000 — hasn’t deterred Simmons from holding out either. ESPN also reportedthat Simmons is still under contract through 2024-25.

All this, on the eve of a brand new season, has not only held the 76ers back and disrupted their preparations, but Simmons has made it clear he doesn’t want to return to the city of brotherly love. And all signs indicate that Simmons’ relationship with Philadelphia — head coach Doc Rivers, Embiid, and fans — has disintegrated to a point of no return.

76er’s president Daryl Morey still believes that the relationship can be salvaged.

“I think there’s a lot of hope,” Morey said on Monday at media day.

“Look, every situation is different, but we have a lot of optimism that we can make it work here.”

And while Morey may hold the belief his team can get Simmons back playing ball in Philly, everything is up in the air and full of uncertainty.

The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported that the pairing of Simmons and Embiid “has run its course” because their playing styles clash.

“There’s nothing personal about this choice, it seems, but the 25-year-old Simmons has clearly decided that his career is better off without Embiid blocking the runways in the paint that he so badly needs to succeed,” Amick reported. “So while Embiid insisted to reporters on Monday that he wants Simmons back, this much is clear: The feeling is not mutual.”

Philly Inquirer reporter Keith Pompey asked Embiid about Simmons and Amick’s report and he called the situation “weird, disappointing, borderline kind of disrespectful to other guys that are out here fighting for their lives.”

Embiid wants Simmons to return and believes Philly is a better team with Simmons in it, but said the 76ers’ fit is not just about him and Simmons. He also didn’t hold back, saying “Our teams have always been built around his needs, so it was kind of surprising to see what was said.”

The rift between the 76ers and Simmons showed signs of strains last year when the Harden trade was floated.

But when he failed to fire offensively in the playoffs series against Atlanta where he didn’t attempt any three point shots and scored under 10 in five of the seven games – 17, 4, 8, 11, 8, 6, 5 – it revived old feelings about Simmons inability to be a reliable scorer. For all his defensive grunt, and stops, Simmons was best remembered in that Atlanta series for passing on a critical play when he should have taken the shot which highlighted how the confidence in himself to shoot the ball seemed to hit an all-time low.

In his four years at Philly Simmons is 5-from-34 for threes. There’s always been some hope that Simmons would develop the long ball and score with freedom. But that hasn’t happened.

It’s worth considering too, that the 76ers have dug their own hole here, or at least played their part. At the completion of their playoff loss to Atlanta, Simmons’ coach Doc Rivers was asked if Ben can be the point guard for a championship team, and he replied, “I don’t know.”

If confidence is what Simmons’ needed, that sure would have felt like a dagger in the back. Simmons needed his coach to stand up for him but instead he created further uncertainty around his game.

Another low-key dagger that didn’t help: Rivers suggesting that Simmons was shying away from the rugged Sixers fans and their critical assessments of him.

So, are we all that surprised at the Simmons stalemate?

David Thorpe, author of baseball newsletter TrueHoop, pointed some of the blame at Embiid:

“Joel Embiid can do a lot of things on the basketball court, but he didn’t use his considerable size, leadership, and sway with Philadelphia fans to lead Simmons to greatness.”

A front-runner for Simmons hasn’t emerged as yet but there is definitely interest in the Australian. Teams like the Kings, Raptors, Timberwolves, and Warriors have interest in Simmons. Jake Fischer from Bleacher Report says the Spurs have made inquiries. Some still believe Simmons’ best is ahead of him and there’s a future — still — in Philly.

For that to work, both parties need to compromise. For coach Doc Rivers, he needs to create plays and a style that would get the Simmons seal of approval — and I can’t see that kind of upheaval happening.

For Simmons, he’d need to learn to live with Embiid, but also fix his shot and be the all-round player —elite defender and reliable scorer — people believe he can be. Both of those require Simmons to concede and from what we’ve seen so far it doesn’t look like he wants to do that. Simmons wants to do what Kawhi Leonard did when he left the Spurs: move forward, make a fresh start.

There’s a lot left to play out.

Simmons could very well be back playing alongside Embiid later this month, or he could be playing his home games in San Francisco, or some other city . And then there’s door number three: he could be sitting out the whole season not playing at all — which seems highly unlikely.

But whatever happens, it’s clear that Simmons, at 25, still has to figure out what his best basketball looks like and while he’s now considering his future, his next team and where he best fits, there’s still more to his game he needs to work on and unlock — something he hasn’t been able to do in Philadelphia.

In my first ever Roar article I ask if we may take what is currently good and functional about Australian rugby, and deploy it to strengthen what is still weak in our game. (Tier 2, we’re lookin’ at you).

Last week Roarer, Stu opined: “Maybe we could have an annual Wallaby ‘Probables vs Possibles’ match at $20 bucks a ticket?”

In resonance with Stu’s wish to see more of our wider Wallaby squad members strut their stuff, I responded at the time with one of my current hobby horses – the shape of an ideal Trans-Tasman Super format.

More on that below, but first, a Rennievation update:

This Test season has seen the Rennievator with sleeves rolled up to his elbows, tinkering with the ideal design of the modern marsupial mongrel (and mongrelite).

From the higher than average skull thicknesses up front, who are slightly overplaying, (as in Swints’ swinging and Philip’s ‘swimming’), all the way back to the Lazaresque ‘underplay’ of Australia’s most controversial post-Campo creative, ‘Aussie Dave’ Rennie has knit a coherent team.

And a single pattern book to for all to knit from.

Something seems simple, and right, about this development, from a viewpoint amongst a tired Wallabies supporters group, watching on from outside the renovation fence.

But this team has won three on the trot, and a game beckons tomorrow night.

Could Rennie’s ‘Dad’n’Dave’ Army mix of elder and joey macropods hop over the 15 South American carnivores looking for revenge for last week’s score, and this week’s Byron visitor logistics?

Could Latin passion stung by cruel circumstances and rotten scheduling throw out a tripping trap?

Might Skippy drop, rather than hop, on the morrow? Could any more metaphors be mangled into service?

Tomorrow night will reveal how solid the Rennievated structure is. For a long time, I have wondered what a wily NZ coach would do with our Wallaby stock. And in Dave we have an answer. And some trust (for some of us, at least).

I liked Robbie Deans. A lot. But, in hindsight, he and we were culturally naive to think that Robbie’s gentle Canterbrian style would translate to that distracted amigo-led lot of yesteryear.

But back to Dave, our Aussie Dave. He has a team- ScoJo Wisemantel, Dan Mc, Taylor (did I miss any?) in support. Together they have set a dignified direction for an Australian team. Not just a Test team. A model team for any level. A culture of ‘team’. The one with no ‘I’ (but a lot of resonant skill) in it.

We could do with a bit of that at Super level. And at NRC level (or at ‘How about we even have an NRC?’ level).

WHAT HAS ALL THIS GOT TO DO WITH Super Rugby?

Back to Stu, and his wish for some Possible vs Probable action.

Stu is not alone in wanting to see the broader squad members perform at Tier1.5. (Not a test. Not Super). Such a talent display and distillation would be great for fans, player exposure and selector/developer IP. Agreed, Stu.

But in a crowded schedule where would such game(s) fit in?

What if such a spectacle was part of our existing schedule, and simultaneously enabled our provincial contact with New Zealand to be more competitive, marketable, and profitable?

That is, what if Australian Super players could once more, unto the breach, ‘frighten’ the five rugby factories to the east?

What if some of such games were simultaneously part of an early WB pre-test season?

Following is my draft Trans-Tasman model, modestly titled –

Another leg of rugby: The Trans-Tasman distillation

I’ve mentioned this idea on these boards before, but not as a stand-alone article.

1. Background
New Zealanders are rugby intelligent. (To those assuming that I am buying 50% of the Roar votes here, you’d be right).

NZers have for some time asked us to reduce our super team numbers.

We are “spread too thin” is one common observation. Oz rugby can’t sustain 5 Super sides, they say. (And this year’s OZ TT results beg for action).

Well we once tried to cull. We flicked the Force. But they boomeranged. And who looks silly now, after the Tahs finished last in both phases of the SR competition? Flicking doesn’t work anymore. Too many fans in inconvenient places, like Perth. Too many boomerangs.

Plus most of Oz purists believe that we need as much national footprint as we can possibly get. (Okay Aussies have big feet, but there’s still plenty of red dust unprinted). We need at least 5 pro teams hopping forward. If not more, (if not an NRC again, one day)

So how do we reconcile a “No Culling” policy at home, with

“Just Send Us Three Teams Bro” from across the ditch when it is marsupial massacre season next?

2. Foreground
Oz rugby may build a strong future, but has not yet a strong present.

Here are the distillation details-

Detail 1: Let the domestic leg of Super Rugby run with as many teams as each nation wishes. For Australia presently that would be 5. All franchises supported equally by RA.

Detail 2: When the international phase of competition arrives, NZ provides its usual five teams. Pasifika would provide two. Both these numbers are currently proposed.

But here’s the radical bit – Australia only offers 3 teams to this short phase of competition.

Detail 3: The 3 OZ teams offered to the Trans-Tasman phase of the competition, are to be made up of:

i) the SRAU winner, This year it was the Reds.

i) Possible/Probable Rep team1 Green

iii) Possible/Probable Rep team2 Gold

These two Rep teams to be formed from the best players from the four OZ wooden spooner franchises.

Eg. This season would’ve seen a TT with
1. Reds
2. Oz 1 (Brums and Rebs’best) or 2+5 ranking
3. Oz 2 (Tahs and Force’s best) or 3+4 ranking

Detail 4: These two Rep teams form an early Wallaby squad formation, to be designed and supervised by the WB coaching and development squad with assistance from Super coaches, and resourced at franchise level.

3. Potential positives:
– Increased depth in Oz TT squads

– Increased competitiveness against NZ SR excellence

– Growth in OZ elite coaching competence

– Early squad gathering and development of WB possibles for Rennie and Co., a potential boon in light of Pumas rise after the Jaguares’ cohesion over time.

– If competitiveness increases so will the engagement of fans and sponsors. This level of fun might lead to more fun ticket$?

– Retention of all SRAU franchises, before and after the TT leg of competition (ie. no more Force farces, an event decided on under external pressure)

– An increase in OZ cross-franchise cooperation and systems resonance over the broad Wallaby catchment.

4. THIS IDEA IS SHORT TERM – an experiment

This proposal is intended as a short-term development experiment to serve the code in the region. while increasing its quality.

If and when Australian Super squads increase in strength such a model would be abandoned for one more appropriate, such as a full provincial comp including all OZ franchises.

But for now, while OZ rugby rebuilds its Tier 2 competence, audience and depth, who wouldn’t love to see an increase in competitiveness in Trans-Tasman contests, while still allowing all Australian franchises to live, prosper and retain fans either side of the TT phase?

So, Roarers, I’ve set up my dartboard. I expect some darts. Shoot straight at me.