Blues 2019
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@raznomore said in Blues 2019:
Can I suggest relocation? There is currently a grossly under represented region of NZ that the Blues could find real success.
The Chatham Islands.
i assumed you were about to say the Gold Coast...
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So many articles barley mention Umaga and are talking up Coventry and/or MacDonald like they are in charge.
Either Umaga is being given a soft exit or he's on a hiding to nothing.
We'll know if Umaga opts for an 'exciting new challenge' of coaching a side in world series rugby sometime next year.
It sounds far fetched until you remember the same Blues board wanted to give Kirwan another year. That bizarre plan was all about protecting Kirwans reputation after three poor years..A hiding to nothing? Well, if the Blues suck again Umaga will get the blame. If there is an improvement Coventry and MacDonald will be getting the credit for turning around Umaga's mess
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To answer some of the questions in @Stargazer post
Who of the players that played in 2018, but weren't in the initial squad, would you like to see signed for 2019 (or longer)?
Tumua Manu I'd sign to a full deal. He can play midfield and wing. Every chance he got he played well. Low error rate, good defender, underrated finisher. Very useful.
I'd be very tempted to sign Sione Havilli as a 7 in place of Taramai. He's on the small side but highly rated and looked sharp in the very limited chances he got in Super Rugby.
Which player, who hasn't been signed yet, but played for the Blues in 2018, don't you want to be signed?
Jordan Trainor I'd flick. To me he's just too small for Super Rugby. His contribution this year was getting needlessly yellow carded. I know he is one they signed to quite a long deal hoping he would develop but it just has not happened.
Taramai I'd let go. Maybe Coventry can get more out of him but for all his high energy he offers very little impact. He falls off tackles repeatedly.
Preston I'd move on from. I know he was injured a lot
Who of the players of the initial 2018 squad would you like to see signed for 2019 (or longer)?
Perofeta, Clarke, Papali'i, Ioanes x 2, Goodhue. They would be the priorities.
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@kiwimurph said in Blues 2019:
To answer some of the questions in @Stargazer post
Who of the players that played in 2018, but weren't in the initial squad, would you like to see signed for 2019 (or longer)?
Tumua Manu I'd sign to a full deal. He can play midfield and wing. Every chance he got he played well. Low error rate, good defender, underrated finisher. Very useful.
Leger should be signed too. Hands off Chiefs.
I'd be very tempted to sign Sione Havilli as a 7 in place of Taramai. He's on the small side but highly rated and looked sharp in the very limited chances he got in Super Rugby.
Which player, who hasn't been signed yet, but played for the Blues in 2018, don't you want to be signed?
Jordan Trainor I'd flick. To me he's just too small for Super Rugby. His contribution this year was getting needlessly yellow carded. I know he is one they signed to quite a long deal hoping he would develop but it just has not happened.
Taramai I'd let go. Maybe Coventry can get more out of him but for all his high energy he offers very little impact. He falls off tackles repeatedly.
Preston I'd move on from. I know he was injured a lot
Who of the players of the initial 2018 squad would you like to see signed for 2019 (or longer)?
Perofeta, Clarke, Papali'i, Ioanes x 2, Goodhue. They would be the priorities.
I'd add Pauliasi Manu - not too many loosehead props going around.
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@kiwimurph said in Blues 2019:
Jordan Trainor I'd flick. To me he's just too small for Super Rugby. His contribution this year was getting needlessly yellow carded. I know he is one they signed to quite a long deal hoping he would develop but it just has not happened.
He shouldn't be in the Auckland XV either. Bench NPC option at best
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@duluth said in Blues 2019:
@kiwimurph said in Blues 2019:
Jordan Trainor I'd flick. To me he's just too small for Super Rugby. His contribution this year was getting needlessly yellow carded. I know he is one they signed to quite a long deal hoping he would develop but it just has not happened.
He shouldn't be in the Auckland XV either. Bench NPC option at best
I would also add leni apisai has been a huge disappointment and Ben nee nee is not up to it.
In the backs Sam nock has had enough chances -
I'll add a couple of categories:
Which off-contract players do you want to see signed from other clubs?
Shaun Stevenson, Karl Tu'inukuafe, Michael Little (status uncertain), Luke Romano, Quinten Strange, Mitchell Dunshea.
Which positions to be filled will you be watching for in the Mitre 10 Cup?
Backup 6 and 8, third 7. Backups for all front-row positions. Fourth/Fifth Lock. Halfback, Midfield.
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@tim I'd add outside backs to this list. Looking at this year's squad Trainor as previously discussed should be cut loose. Hyland whilst a trier is probably too slow for a full time spot, Rieko might be playing 13 (hopefully not 12!). More talent is needed in this area. There's sure to be plenty around in the NPC.
waits for joke about "so you're looking for a whole new squad" to be posted
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@kiwimurph said in Blues 2019:
I'd add outside backs to this list. Looking at this year's squad Trainor as previously discussed should be cut loose. Hyland whilst a trier is probably too slow for a full time spot, Rieko might be playing 13 (hopefully not 12!). More talent is needed in this area. There's sure to be plenty around in the NPC.
Ravouvou could be an option if he gets enough game time with Auckland. He's been close to SR before, he trained with the Chiefs last year
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@kiwimurph Yes he was a massive improver when he got time at the end of last season after I thought he was fairly rubbish in 2016. Hope to see him in the M10 Cup.
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@tim said in Blues 2019:
Which positions to be filled will you be watching for in the Mitre 10 Cup?
Backup 6 and 8, third 7. Backups for all front-row positions. Fourth/Fifth Lock. Halfback, Midfield.Speaking of this, will be interested to see how Ezekiel Lindenmuth goes.
