Blues 2020

[KiwiMurph]

@cgrant said in Blues 2020:

@African-Monkey said in Blues 2020:

Michael Jones is in both teams. Swap him out in the 2nd XV with Gus Collins. Was no fan of Lee Stensness but he did more for us than SBW, would also probably have Cashmore ahead of Piutau.

McDonald was a very good blindside flanker too. Troy Flavell could be at 6 and Royce Willis at 5.

Luatua ahead of Gus McDonald.

[nzzp]

I'll take that Super draw.

Both times we come off the bye to play the Crusaders. That's pretty good considering the comp is going to be brutal.

Can't wait for mid June now ...

[Dice]

I wonder if they'll have a warm-up game. They can probably have an in-house game.

1 Karl Tuinukuafe
2 James Parsons
3 Sione Mafileo
4 Patrick Tuipulotu
5 Jacob Pierce
6 Tom Robinson
7 Dalton Papali'i
8 Hoskins Sotutu
9 Sam Nock
10 Beauden Barrett
11 Mark Telea
12 TJ Faiane
13 Rieko Ioane
14 Joe Marchant
15 Stephen Perofeta

vs

1 Alex Hodgman
2 Kurt Eklund
3 Ofa Tuungafasi
4 Josh Goodhue
5 Gerard Cowley-Tuioti
6 Tony Lamborn/Waimana Riedlinger-Kapa
7 Blake Gibson
8 Akira Ioane
9 Jonathan Ruru
10 Otere Black
11 Jordan Hyland/AJ Lam
12 Harry Plummer
13 Caleb Clarke?
14 Emoni Narawa
15 Matt Duffie

[KiwiMurph]

I wonder what the plan is for Marchant?

If I remember correctly he was due to go back to the UK in June - but given there's no rugby over there at the moment it might make more sense for him to stay down in NZ and play NZ derbies.

[Dice]

@KiwiMurph https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/121495042/super-rugby-reality-for-blues-england-import-joe-marchant

Marchant is relishing being back at training after individual work during lockdown. His deal ends on July 1 so he is hoping to cram in as much as he can though he admits the non-stop preparation is unusual.

That's enough for 3 last games for us.

Hopefully he can convince Quins to let him finish out the season because our midfield depth isn't that great.

[Duluth]

@Dice said in Blues 2020:

Hopefully he can convince Quins to let him finish out the season because our midfield depth isn't that great.

I hope they are in contact with Toeava. He was playing really well but Clermont didn't renew him because of his age (34).

There were rumours he was signing with other French clubs but I don't think that has happened yet. The virus might make a return home attractive

[mariner4life]

@Duluth said in Blues 2020:

because of his age (34)

that makes me feel old for some reason

[nzzp]

@mariner4life said in Blues 2020:

@Duluth said in Blues 2020:

because of his age (34)

that makes me feel old for some reason

he left 8 years ago, after six seasons. And still only 34 - was an amazing player to watch. Just imagine what he could have done under Leon and the current crowd

[KiwiMurph]

@Duluth now that would be cool.

[MN5]

Has he finally decided which position he's best at or is he still just a better version of Marc Ellis ?

[Stargazer]

There are rumours that Toulon is interested in Toeava.

[nzzp]

@Stargazer said in Blues 2020:

There are rumours that Toulon is interested in Toeava.

I'm still interested in Toeava. Freakish for the Blues

[Dice]

@Duluth That would be a sweet signing. He'd still add quite a bit to the team, even at 34.

The wingers would enjoy playing alongside him. He's usually good for a try assist or two each game.

[African Monkey]

@nzzp said in Blues 2020:

@Stargazer said in Blues 2020:

There are rumours that Toulon is interested in Toeava.

I'm still interested in Toeava. Freakish for the Blues

He'd fit the mould for the Highlanders right now.....

[Bones]

@African-Monkey sign him up! We're ramping up to Piutau...

[African Monkey]

@Bones Ooh he might be a bit too young?

[Nepia]

@Bones said in Blues 2020:

@African-Monkey sign him up! We're ramping up to Piutau...

@Chris-B is that you?

[Bones]

@African-Monkey he's 28, that is fucken smack on the nose of "all downhill from here".

[Bones]

@Nepia said in Blues 2020:

@Bones said in Blues 2020:

@African-Monkey sign him up! We're ramping up to Piutau...

@Chris-B is that you?

No. My team has won the Ranfurly Shield.

[African Monkey]

@Bones Yeah fair point.....