Blues 2020

[KiwiMurph]

@Tim said in Blues 2020:

Now that the NPC round robin is over, who should be the hookers?

Parsons has been signed, and there's a good source saying that Niuia has been too, though it's not known if he will be a full squad member.

Unsigned possibles:

Eklund
Abel (Waratahs may be after him)
Apisai
Luteru Tolai
Olsen

Tahs confirmed on Abel.

[Daffy Jaffy]

@KiwiMurph With Abel out of the picture I don't mind if Ray Niuia is signed as was rumoured a while ago. He is experienced and a big unit (listed at 120kgs for Samoa) who carries strongly. My question about him is fitness to last starting games of summer rugby, but they can work on that. Being stuck behind Parsons at Harbour then Makilio at Ta$man he rarely starts games. I do like his impact off the bench though. My choice as 3rd hooker would be Ekland. He brings a different style of impact with his energy, speed and ball skills. However I think they may pick Tolai. He is also a unit at 119kgs who impressed with the dev. team and is playing well for Harbour now that he is getting regular starts. He is only 21 so maybe could be in the wtg and then we could slowly phase Parsons out as the season goes on.

[African Monkey]

@Daffy-Jaffy Haven't seen much of Harbour this year. Has Tolai's throwing improved? He's only played hooker since leaving school and his throwing was dodgy last year.

[Daffy Jaffy]

@African-Monkey I have seen most NH games. Since Parsons was injured he has played good minutes and I have not noticed any obvious problems with his throwing, so I guess its improved with time in the saddle. Much like Kurt Ekland who's throwing was atrocious when he first made the Auckland team, but improved in his second season and seems ok now for BOP.

[broughie]

@Chris They would be wise to recruit someone out of the Cantab organization I mean they only win everything.

[Tim]

@Nogusta Any word on whether Manu is going to play for the Blues or the Chiefs?

[Tim]

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/warriors/116978170/blues-warriors-to-host-eden-park-double-header-against-raiders-brumbies

[Yeetyaah]

@Tim that's a cool concept.

[sparky]

@Tim Good idea. NZRU needs to forge closer links with NRL and learn from NRL in the next World Cup cycle

[jegga]

So . Still stoked you got Barrett?

[Tim]

@jegga We got the only good one. Enjoy Jordie dropping the ball in your 22.

[jegga]

@Tim said in Blues 2020:

@jegga We got the only good one. Enjoy Jordie dropping the ball in your 22.

I’m desensitised to it already, based on his semifinal performance I think Beauden is going to fit seamlessly into the blues backline

[Tim]

@jegga It's only Super Rugby.

[broughie]

@Tim profound because that is how we tried to play against England and lost in a super way.

[Dice]

Will SBW be with the Blues next season? With the offers he's getting, I'm doubtful.

[Higgins]

@Dice The ACC will be pleased if he departs. Think of all the savings they will make not be having to pay out his 80% of weekly wage payments for all those weeks injuries prevent him from playing.

[Tim]

I’m guessing this means that Renata has been signed for another season:

[Tim]

Blake Gibson's doing some sort of "high impact" training with Akira Ioane, so I take it that his injury wasn't that bad.

[Tim]

Looks like 29 players (28 available in 2020) of the 38 have been signed. Probably have an extra spot in the squad due to Beauden Barrett's late availability.

Alex Hodgman
Karl Tu’inukuafe
Ofa Tu'ungafasi
Sione Mafileo
Marcel Renata

James Parsons
Ray Nuia

Patrick Tuipulotu
Gerard Cowley-Tuioti
Bayden Wardlaw
Rumoured Signing from outside Blues region

Tom Robinson
Blake Gibson
Dalton Papalii
Akira Ioane
Hoskins Sotutu

Sam Nock
Finlay Christie
Jonathan Ruru

Otere Black
Harry Plummer
Stephen Perofeta
Beauden Barrett

TJ Faiane
Tanielu Tele’a

Rieko Ioane
Emoni Narawa
Matt Duffie
Caleb Clarke (Sevens)

I'd suggest Lindenmuth, Pierce, Manu, and Trainor might be four more. Maybe SBW to make five. Need a hooker, a wing, a fullback option, an openside, and a six or eight.

[Tim]

I'd suggest that Pierce will be signed at lock and Lindenmuth at prop.

Some interesting possibilities in other positions.

Hooker:

Nathan Vella
Luteru Tolai
Leni Apisai
Kurt Eklund
Jordan Olsen