Blues 2020
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https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/article.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=12301407
The only injury concern for the Blues was first-five Otere Black, who damaged a rib. MacDonald expected him to be available for the round one encounter against the Chiefs at Eden Park on January 31.
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@Machpants said in Blues 2020:
@Yeetyaah said in Blues 2020:
It's your year Blues fans.
No apparently it's the Tahs year, according to another thread
How could it not be?
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@African-Monkey Ta is he the same size or smaller? Only asking because I’ve never heard of him before
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@mikey07 said in Blues 2020:
@African-Monkey Ta is he the same size or smaller? Only asking because I’ve never heard of him before
Played wing for Auckland in 2019. Smaller than Ben.
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@Daffy-Jaffy really like the look of AJ Lam...
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Already known but Tuipulotu confirmed as captain for 2020.
https://blues.rugby/tuipulotu-proud-to-lead-the-blues/
All Black lock Patrick Tuipulotu was today confirmed as captain of the Blues for the 2020 Investec Super Rugby competition. Tuipulotu was the co-captain in 2019 and assumes sole captaincy of the team for this year. The 26-year-old has played 67 times for the Blues since making his debut and while he has also earned 25 caps for the All Blacks. Head coach Leon MacDonald said that Tuipulotu was their first choice as leader of the team. “It is a role he co-shared with Blake Gibson last season but Blake is keen to prioritise his on-field endeavours this year, after he has battled through injuries in recent seasons,” said MacDonald. “Patrick is a standout international player and a critical part of our pack on the field. “Off the field he is massively respected. He may be quiet-spoken, but when Patrick speaks, everyone listens.” Tuipulotu said he was humbled and honoured to accept the role as captain. “It is a privilege to be leader of this club and this team and a role I do not take lightly,” said Tuipulotu. “I am driven to lead a group of guys who are hard-working and very proud to live in this great city and represent the Blues. “While I have the honour of captaining this team, there are a number of experienced players who are leaders in this club. And we are all focussed on being the best we can be and at the same time continue to love this game.” Tuipulotu will be on the sideline for the final pre-season game against the Hurricanes at Onewa Domain on Friday at 3pm but will be available to play in the opening round of the Investec Super Rugby when the Blues host perennial rivals, the Chiefs at Eden Park on Friday 31 January at the earlier time of 7.05pm. -
https://blues.rugby/marchant-to-start-vs-hurricanes/
Blues Team vs the Hurricanes tomorrow1 Alex Hodgman
2 Ray Niuia
3 Karl Tu’inukuafe
4 Aaron Carroll
5 James Tucker
6 Dalton Papalii
7 Tony Lamborn
8 Hoskins Sotutu
9 Jonathan Ruru
10 Stephen Perofeta
11 Mark Telea
12 TJ Faiane (c)
13 Joe Marchant
14 Jordan Hyland
15 Emoni NarawaReserves:
18 Ezekiel Lindenmuth
16 Luteru Tolai
3 Marcel Renata
4 Jacob Pierce
5 Josh Goodhue
6 Tom Robinson
7 Blake Gibson
8 Akira Ioane
9 Sam Nock
10 Harry Plummer
11 Matt Duffie
17 Tevita Mafileo
21 Lewis Gjaltema
19 Sam Caird
20 Waimana Riedlinger-Kapa
13 Tamati Tua
16 Soane Vikena
I guess Eklund is injured?
