Blues v Hurricanes
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@KiwiMurph said in Blues v Hurricanes:
Should be an entertaining game and a good contest for 60 odd minutes but I can't see the Blues hanging with the Canes in the second half
The bench structure has looked wrong for a while and it has been burning us. It seems there are three options for covering the locks and loosies:
A specialist lock and a looise that covers all 3 positions (Taramai)
If you have Tupou on the bench, there should be a specialist openside too.
If you want Ioane on the bench then you need Luatua (or Kaino) to cover lock and a specialist opensideTupou and Ioane doesn't work. We play Gibson into the ground and then finish up games with GCT, Tupou, Ioane, Luatua & Kaino on the field. They are too similar
I would have preferred Moala on the wing and Duffie at fullback. Although I know that wasn't likely given Umaga's lack of experimentation at the back (Collins is averaging 79mins a match).
Hopefully we see a Nanai/Moala/Duffie back three in the last 20mins when we are inevitably behind and need a miracle -
@Duluth Yeah- they'd be much better with Akira and say Kara Pryor on the bench. Then shift one of Luatua/Kaino to lock once Akira comes on.
I actually think the back 3 is fine for now - Collins has definitely improved since the early rounds. His lack of pace might get exposed this week vs the Canes though.
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Hurricanes: Jordie Barrett, Wes Goosen, Vince Aso, Ngani Laumape, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara (captain), Ardie Savea, Callum Gibbins, Brad Shields, Michael Fatialofa, Mark Abbott, Jeff To'omaga-Allen, Ricky Riccitelli, Ben May.
Reserves: Leni Apisai, Chris Eves, Mike Kainga, Vaea Fifita, Reed Prinsep, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Otere Black, Cory Jane. -
damn that is a good team, even sans Coles!
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Proctor out unfortunately.
Blues will ream someone if and when they eventually click, but I think the Canes will be too strong. Would be nice to see an 80 minute effort from them this season.
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@Tim I'm not sure it specifically mentioned that he was injured, just that he was replaced by Tupou. Though Tana did mention in the leadup to the Highlanders match that Tuipulotu was fairly banged up. Haven't seen anything since either. It's a bit weird to be honest.
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No doubt another close loss coming up for us against a fellow NZ side. Hurricanes by 4.
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@African-Monkey said in Blues v Hurricanes:
No doubt another close loss coming up for us against a fellow NZ side. Hurricanes by 4.
Yep. I predicted pre-season that the Blues would probably play quite well but under pressure from the NZ sides wouldn't have the confidence to get the wins.
Shame is their development is hampered by trying too hard to win yet in essence they could be the 5th best team in Super Rugby and still lose 6 matches against other NZ sides AND miss the playoffs.In most of their games this season they are copping a lot of flak yet are not really playing much worse than their opponents. What they are doing though is crumbling under late pressure or making errors at the wrong times that are costing them.
Look at last week. Should have won that and probably would yet the probable try created by SBW was shelled by a poor decision.
I would say that if this team could ever get a roll of wins on and their confidence levels up these errors in the wrong place and moment would reduce enough to see them through.
It's bloody hard to lift out of a losing habit. -
@KiwiMurph said in Blues v Hurricanes:
No Proctor or Coles - it could be worse for the Blues. Aso vs Rieko at 13 should be fun to watch - two Ponsonby teammates.
They're more than just Ponsonby teammates, they're actually cousins. I'm surprised the media hasn't run a story on that match-up for that reason. It should be a good match-up.
@African-Monkey said in Blues v Hurricanes:
No doubt another close loss coming up for us against a fellow NZ side. Hurricanes by 4.
You're alive! I know it's tough being a Blues' fan down there, but hang in there.
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Laumape vs SBW should be fascinating as well.
Canes' defence around the rucks is a bit dodgy. If they're smart the Blues will look to use their big boppers to smash it up.
Really looking forward to this game.
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@Dice Aso being the good cousin of course being the ex St Peter's boy
And yes, been on holiday for the last month but I'm back for more punishment haha.
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Barretts and Saveas to boss this one! Looking forward to seeing the 4 of them in action!
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@African-Monkey said in Blues v Hurricanes:
@Dice Aso being the good cousin of course being the ex St Peter's boy
And yes, been on holiday for the last month but I'm back for more punishment haha.
Oh yeah, of course. Aso is almost as good as that Francis Saili guy.
Just one more year of punishment, because next year is definitely our year. If we win tonight, then this year is still our year...
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@Rugger-Quizzes said in Blues v Hurricanes:
Barretts and Saveas to boss this one! Looking forward to seeing the 4 of them in action!
Jordie has the pass of an AB midfielder and the temperament to match
