Blues 2020
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Well, we've had a good season. Winning against teh Crusaders in a fortnight would set up next year nicely I reckon, give the lads some confidence.
Massive improvements all over teh park. I think the most visible thing is the defence - Blues are now hard to break down, and have even built a maul defence. Well done Tom Coventry, he's got those guys really playing for each other up front.
Improved players for me - there are plenty. Ofa, Kurt, PT, GCT, all loosies, Nock/Christie.
Our scrum has become a real weapon. Lineout not wobbly any more,a nd we even scored some maul tries.
Backs speak for themselves. TJ >> Plummer (and I"m a massive Plummer fan, but he hasn't delivered this year). Rieko is going to be hard to go past in the ABs at 13 I suspect - so much upside, and starting to really find his feet.
BB a really mixed bag. Probably gave teh team some confidence, and kicked very very well at times, but also responsible for some absolute howlers. Goalkicking a real workon ... again.
So, for next year. Keep building; not sure we're losing any big names which is nice. We have shown that we can win despite conceding massive penalty counts, territory and possession. Need to play smarter and just dismantle teams; a lot of that is in the top two inches.
Overall, I'm absolutely stoked with the year. If we win on the last weekend, we finish with the same number of wins as teh Crusaders, and don't win the comp due to bonus points. I'll take that every single day, particularly given how far back we've come from. The franchise has created a credible place to play rugby and push for higher honours, and that more than anything should keep us on the up for years to come. Watch out 2021/2022.. could easily be our years!
Also, a shoutout to every damn team in this competition. It's been sensational, no easy beats, everyone has competed all the way through. Awesome for testing the ABs, but not sustainable I fear, with all the injuries we're seeing.
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Without any Barretts next year, the fullback situation is a little clearer.
Within squad:
Perofeta (good but frequently injured)
Page (haven't seen him play)
Narawa (green)Within region and unsigned:
Trainor
Off contract at other franchises:
Alaimalo (frequently injured)
Nanai-Seturo (NPC quality)Time for Lemeki Namoa to be NPC rookie of the year?
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@Machpants Is he actually good at sevens? I haven't noticed a great deal from him when I've watched.
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@Tim said in Blues 2020:
@Machpants Is he actually good at sevens? I haven't noticed a great deal from him when I've watched.
As mentioned, a kid. Lacks in game maturity, but when he goes he goes. Flashes of brilliance in need of experience
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I think Nanai-Seturo is a much better fullback than wing. He looks class at fullback for Counties, but he'll find it hard to get game time at FB for the Chiefs with DMac around.
Colin Cooper did say that they were just putting him on the wing to start his career, and then they were looking to eventually move him to fullback, but Cooper's gone now.
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@KiwiMurph said in Blues 2020:
No way this type of signing happens 2 years ago.
Spot on,
success breeds success. Also, did you see this from Hore:
Blues CEO Andrew Hore said ... the first of what he expects will be several significant signings over the coming weeks. -
@KiwiMurph said in Blues 2020:
Just another sign that the Blues have turned things around.
No way this type of signing happens 2 years ago.
Exactly what I was thinking. Confirmation corner has well and truly been turned.
You won't win Super Rugby this year but it is going to make for a great comp next season.
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also, great outreach for the fans. I keep getting invites to ballot into going to the Captains Run the day before games. Not usually able to go, but it's a great way to support young season ticket holders. They are working really hard on engaging with the community and their fanbase.
I think it's fantastic, and again am really stoked for the organisation. The Board should take a bow for this
