Blues 2019

[Tim]

@canes Agree on all those except the first. Taramai is just too small at Super Rugby level. He falls off tackles constantly, and can't out pressure on at the ruck. Handy NPC player though.

Scrafton's recovery from injury will be a key. Would be great to see Goodhue's form demand selection.

[Canes]

@tim Agreed, Scrafton and Goodhue could become vital cogs in the pack (both play similar to a lite version of Retallick orWhitelock). Could even snag Sevu Reece

[Tim]

@canes I'm hoping we pick up Shaun Stevenson. We need to improve our exits, and he's a good kicking option. Much better than Collins.

[taniwharugby]

@tim I think Goodhue was just starting to look really comfortable at Super level when he took his head knock.

Expecting a big M10 Cup from him, Tom Robinson is another to keep an eye on too, although needs a farking haircut!

[Gunner]

@taniwharugby said in Blues 2019:

Tom Robinson is another to keep an eye on too, although needs a farking haircut!

Trying to get noticed perhaps? People always remember a hair do like that....

[Tim]

@gunner Copying Dan Pryor?

[Tim]

@taniwharugby Yeah, I was gutted when he went off during that game against the Jaguares, as he was having a blinder, especially on defence.

[taniwharugby]

@gunner he's a red head, he doesn't need much help there!

[Tim]

So there's one certainty in the midfield next year - SBW will start at 12 when fit. Who will partner him at 13, and who will be the combination when he's unavailable?

Probably want someone with distribution skills, and pace to take the outside break, when he's playing. Whereas when he's out you'll want the best combination of a power player and a distributor, whatever position they are in.

[KiwiMurph]

@tim Tumua Manu has a good opportunity by playing 13 for Auckland. He started his Mitre 10 Cup season very well last week. Be interesting to see how he goes today.

[gt12]

@kiwimurph He looks quality.

[Tim]

@kiwimurph So, SBW/Manu and Leger/Manu?

Still very annoyed that Little and Vaega were let go.

[Canes]

Perfect player would be Vince Aso...

[Canes]

Keep an eye on the North Harbour midfielders - coaches have a lot of info on them

[KiwiMurph]

Was impressed by Grooby again today at 9 for Ta$man as a fast distributing 9. Had some nice kicks too.

[Tim]

@canes Groundwater?

[Canes]

@tim I don't know much about them but seeing as North Harbour are probably the most successful NPC team in Blues region and coaches are coming from there, they may want to bring people who they know a lot about to shore up a struggling backline

[Tim]

After a couple of rounds I'm liking the following from the Blues region:

Fukofuka - halfback
Tumua Manu - midfield (his brother looked ok too)
Hapakuki Moala-Liava'a - 6 and 8 cover
Sione Mafileo - tighthead prop
Sione Havili - openside backup

We need another halfback, midfielder, loosehead prop, and tighthead prop too.

I like Renata's work around the field, but he still needs to improve at the scrum.

[Dice]

@tim said in Blues 2019:

After a couple of rounds I'm liking the following from the Blues region:

Fukofuka - halfback
Tumua Manu - midfield (his brother looked ok too)
Hapakuki Moala-Liava'a - 6 and 8 cover
Sione Mafileo - tighthead prop
Sione Havili - openside backup

We need another halfback, midfielder, loosehead prop, and tighthead prop too.

I assume you mean Loketi Manu? They're actually not brothers. Loketi Manu is Tongan and Tumua is Samoan. It's easy to think that they're brothers though, as they look similar and play club rugby together.

[Tim]

@dice Aha! I'd just assumed it because they play in the midfield together for their club.