Blues 2018
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@Steven-Harris The other one that gets me recently is having Michael Fatialofa get away to the Canes. The guy came back to Auckland (where he was an age grade star) for the specific reason to crack Super Rugby. Blues were in dire need of locks and this was in the leadup to Tana's first year. A woeful decision was made (I think prior to the NPC) to sign Hoani Matenga (an absolute journeyman who didn't even play NPC and biggest claim to fame involves being involved in Six60) which meant they did not have room to sign Fatialofa. Fatialofa goes on to have an outstanding NPC, look every inch a Super Rugby quality player, and goes on to win Canes rookie of the year honours. What the actual fuck.
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@KiwiMurph said in Blues 2018:
Michael Fatialofa
Apparently he's with the Hurricanes next year too, sadly enough.
"I was stoked to even get a cap for the Hurricanes. I went down there not knowing if I would get an opportunity. To end up playing most of the games and starting in the finals was a big achievement for me. I enjoyed playing with those boys, guys like Dane Coles and Victor Vito," says the Ponsonby second-rower, who has two more seasons to run on his Hurricanes contract.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11702926
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@Tim Yep I don't see him coming back. Thankfully the Blues have a decent set of locks themselves now finally.
Blues need to throw everything at Enari for the 3rd halfback role - 3 year contract - whatever it takes. Cripes the kid is related to Michael Jones and Eroni Clarke.
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be interesting to know if they record detailed stats around players that go from Dev/WTG squads into fully contracted players from the Franchises (like those in the Blues Dev/WTG that go on to the Blues or if they go to which other teams, Chiefs Dev/WTG to Chiefs or which other teams and so on)
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@taniwharugby said in Blues 2018:
be interesting to know if they record detailed stats around players that go from Dev/WTG squads into fully contracted players from the Franchises (like those in the Blues Dev/WTG that go on to the Blues or if they go to which other teams, Chiefs Dev/WTG to Chiefs or which other teams and so on)
Funny. After all these years when you Northland supporters pissed and moaned about your lot not making the Blues squad, you may actually have a legitimate argumant for the first time!
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@Hooroo TBF, this super rugby season we had probably our best ever representation at Super level, after arguably our 2 poorest seasons this century, so work that one out!
Don't know that we will pick up any new ones for next year, even if there are a few that will be knocking loudly.
Oh, and as for your pissing and moaning comment, you sir, are a FLUFFYBUNNY!!
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@taniwharugby said in Blues 2018:
@Hooroo TBF, this super rugby season we had probably our best ever representation at Super level, after arguably our 2 poorest seasons this century, so work that one out!
Don't know that we will pick up any new ones for next year, even if there are a few that will be knocking loudly.
No idea what spots are available around the traps, but off the top of my head all of the following could have a shot:
Olsen, Waa, Sililoto, Bond, Matich, Tua. I'd also say Ross Wright too, but his ship might have already sailed. -
@taniwharugby said in Blues 2018:
TBF, this super rugby season we had probably our best ever representation at Super level, after arguably our 2 poorest seasons this century!
Yup, before this seasons results Northland has slowly built its SR representation. Four franchises have Northland players now.
Of course those that don't make the cut have been rejected by 5 different sets of selectors..It's circular, success builds success.. those SR players coming back to Northland have raised the standards
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@KiwiMurph I spoke to Enari's dad at the airport a few weeks back,he had looked both Auckland & Canterbury as possible options for his son,after seeing both set ups,It was'nt even a contest..he did'nt have to say to much,it was written all over his face.
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@Gunner Howard Silliloto played for Tamaki College XV and was considered a very good scrummager for someone his age at the time..played in the same team as George Moala
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@Steven-Harris said in Blues 2018:
@KiwiMurph I spoke to Enari's dad at the airport a few weeks back,he had looked both Auckland & Canterbury as possible options for his son,after seeing both set ups,It was'nt even a contest..he did'nt have to say to much,it was written all over his face.
That sums it up completely. What the actual heck are Auckland rugby doing?
So in a region that is low on quality midfielders and halfbacks - elite talent in these positions come out the region and go elsewhere - you would think that would be the catalyst for change.
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@Steven-Harris he also looks in much better shape than last year, as do all our props!
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@KiwiMurph said in Blues 2018:
@Steven-Harris said in Blues 2018:
@KiwiMurph I spoke to Enari's dad at the airport a few weeks back,he had looked both Auckland & Canterbury as possible options for his son,after seeing both set ups,It was'nt even a contest..he did'nt have to say to much,it was written all over his face.
That sums it up completely. What the actual heck are Auckland rugby doing?
So in a region that is low on quality midfielders and halfbacks - elite talent in these positions come out the region and go elsewhere - you would think that would be the catalyst for change.
Auckland rugby, like the Warriors, is broken as an organisation. There is a need for a total culture change and they would do well to copy aspects of the Saders Way. I wonder if Mark Hammett is free?
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I wonder if Charlie McAlister has too much baggage for the job? He was a disaster in Manawatu, but he's won club championships on both sides of the bridge.
University looked very well coached in the final. Cam Mather played for Harbour and Scotland, and was a coach at Glasgow Warriors.
