Brumbies vs Blues

[African Monkey]

@KiwiMurph He's always good to go. Akira doesn't take rests.

[taniwharugby]

@Nogusta said in Brumbies vs Blues:

@KiwiMurph yea that back 3 looks about right with Aumua taking the 3rd reserve back spot. Gibson back and starts, Papalii to the bench. Parsons gets a rest so Apisai gets a start, Ruru gets a rest so Nock to start with Pulu on the bench.

Nailed it

[SammyC]

@African-Monkey said in Brumbies vs Blues:

@KiwiMurph He's always good to go. Akira doesn't take rests.

Except on defence and when it’s time to hit a ruck

[KiwiMurph]

@SammyC said in Brumbies vs Blues:

@African-Monkey said in Brumbies vs Blues:

@KiwiMurph He's always good to go. Akira doesn't take rests.

Except on defence and when it’s time to hit a ruck

What's Vaea Fifita got to do with this thread?

[African Monkey]

@SammyC Who even are you :smiling_face_with_open_mouth_smiling_eyes:

[nzzp]

@SammyC said in Brumbies vs Blues:

@African-Monkey said in Brumbies vs Blues:

@KiwiMurph He's always good to go. Akira doesn't take rests.

Except on defence and when it’s time to hit a ruck

rancid bait matey

[KiwiMurph]

A few key players missing from Brumbies

Brumbies Team

1. James Slipper
2. Folau Fainga’a
3. Allan Alaalatoa
4. Rory Arnold
5. Sam Carter
6. Tom Cusack
7. Jahrome Brown
8. Pete Samu
9. Joe Powell
10. Christian Lealiifano (c)
11. Toni Pulu
12. Irae Simone
13. Len Ikitau
14. Henry Speight
15. Tom Banks

REPLACEMENTS
16. Connal McInerney
17. Scott Sio
18. Leslie Leuluaialii-Makin
19. Darcy Swain
20. Murray Douglas
21. Ryan Lonergan
22. Tom Wright
23. Andy Muirhead

[Duluth]

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/article.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=12227606

[Kirwan]

@Duluth that’s fair enough. Given the opportunity to play for his spot.

If he can’t regain form then we should look for other options. Feels like they are doing the same with hooker in this game.

[KiwiMurph]

I'm glad it is Duffie being given a shot and not Collins.

[Kirwan]

@KiwiMurph said in Brumbies vs Blues:

I'm glad it is Duffie being given a shot and not Collins.

Fuck yes.

[Chris B.]

Must win game for the Blues.

Possibly their easiest remaining fixture and given they've got a run of derby games after this, you could see the wheels coming off their season if they don't pick up some winning momentum here.

[Duluth]

My concern is the number of injuries and how many games he's missed. Is it just a bit of bad luck, or is he falling apart?

If his body is up to it I would give him another contract. Even if he isn't in the best 23.
He's good injury cover and a professional off the field. Good cover outside the starting xv is what the Blues need

I would like to see him play a few more games at fullback for NH to prove he can cover that position though

[Dice]

@Chris-B I think we'll need to win at least 4 of our remaining 7 games to get into the playoffs. Realistically, the targets should be the 3 non-derby games, then probably the Chiefs game at Eden Park.

[Chris B.]

@Dice I'm interested to watch the Blues play the Canes, because I've got a theory that the Canes dodgy tight five might be a better match-up for the Blues than e.g. the Chiefs.

However, the Canes seem to find ways to win against most opposition.

[Dice]

@Chris-B I wouldn't rule us out in that Canes game next week, but it's unlikely we'll win.

Outside of the game against the Brumbies and the game against Chiefs last week, the Canes have been pretty unconvincing, but like you said, they just find a way to win games against most opposition.

[Dice]

@Duluth I think Duffie, Trainor and Collins are all off contract after this season, then Nanai is off too, so I can see Duffie getting one of those 4 open outside back spots.

Considering he turns 30 next year, he might be only able to get a one year contract.

[African Monkey]

@Duluth He spent most of his career at the Storm injured. He had a heap of knee and shoulder reconstructions (can't remember the exact number). He's done well to still be playing tbh.

[nzzp]

Well, I'm excited and looking forward to tonight. Our season has already been a reasonable success - we're credible, and making teams play very well to beat us. If we get the Chiefs side that plays teh highlanders, we win that game.

Also wanted to talk about the squad selection piece that some are banging on about. There are few (if any) quality players available -- but what you get with good coaching and selecting, is getting players you can get the best out of. Nanai is a good example - wasn't much chop under Tana, but has lookd very very good with Leon. You need to have the raw talent though, and not just be a good communicator. We should also be able to identify talent coming through the ranks and help people succeed.

We're still building, but we are building. THat's way more than we could say for some time. I don't expect us to get a playoff this year, but I'm happy if we play well and push sides.

[Duluth]

@nzzp said in Brumbies vs Blues:

Also wanted to talk about the squad selection piece that some are banging on about.

The starting xv is competitive when fresh. The vast majority of them are back next year and there is still plenty of improvement thats going to come from this group.

To me, the squad selection isn't about chasing some super stars, it's about getting more depth that the coaches trust. We don't rotate and too often we are an injury or two away from disaster.