Blues 2020

[Tim]

Loose Forwards:

Probably pick seven in a squad, five are signed, but Gibson may miss out with after damaging a tendon in his knee.

(Gibson)
Papalii
Robinson
Ioane
Sotutu

That leaves three, probably two will need to be opensides. Matich, Hunt, Evans, Choat, Henwood, Karpik, Havili, and Kaylum Boshier are all possible sevens. Olmstead would be a nice addition, as would Ben-Nicholas. Riedlinger-Kapa, Suafoa, Preston, and Roots are also possibilities.

[Bovidae]

Pierce doesn't look as tall as he's listed at.

Isn't the rumour that Ofa is heading south?

[Tim]

@Bovidae There was from some of our Cantabs, but I haven't heard anything since. He'd need to be released from his Blues contract if that was the case.

[Stargazer]

@Tim I keep on wondering whether that rumour was started by someone who confused Ofa with Isi.

[taniwharugby]

@Tim I reckon Matich would thrive as a fulltime super player, probably at 6 though, similarly Matiu, easily our best and most consistent performer this year.

I know he (Matich) was a late signing for Northland this year (possibly only single season) so not sure what his plans are from here.

[Tim]

@taniwharugby Thought he was really good coming off the bench for the Blues this year. Think he played mostly at 7 for them.

[Tim]

Any news on Tony Hanks?

Seems that he's the last of the old guard.

[Duluth]

@Tim said in Blues 2020:

There was from some of our Cantabs, but I haven't heard anything since. He'd need to be released from his Blues contract if that was the case.

I think @Nogusta said it too? He's correct more often than not

[African Monkey]

@Duluth Yeah and @chchfanatic who's fairly accurate as well.

[Steven Harris]

@Tim Hanks was up with the Northland coaching staff last week, I suspect he’s gonna be around a little bit longer..he must the luckiest guy in NZ rugby

[Nogusta]

@African-Monkey he literally had an about turn at the 11th hour and is staying at the Blues now.

[African Monkey]

@Nogusta Well there we have it guys. It would be a bit low of him to leave a team that has invested so much in him to become a glory hunter.

[Nogusta]

@African-Monkey he didn't not want to be a part of the Blues revival 😁

[Chris]

@Nogusta said in Blues 2020:

@African-Monkey he didn't not want to be a part of the Blues revival 😁

So he’s staying at the Blues for a few years then 😎

[Tim]

@Chris most likely!

[Tim]

@Nogusta great news. Is SBW sticking around?

[Tim]

Would also be interesting to know if Renata is returning as a tighthead prop.

[Nogusta]

@Tim I believe so. 1 more year.

[nzzp]

@Tim said in Blues 2020:

@Nogusta great news. Is SBW sticking around?

Interested in peoples perspective of SBW now he's been injury free for a bit. Seems a key cog in the All Black machine, and you can kind of see why the coaches stuck with him for as long as they did.

I'd take a fit SBW at the Blues in a heartbeat. Would be good to see a squad that didn't have five 12s in it though

[Canes]

@nzzp cog shmog