Blues 2021
-
@Tim said in Blues 2021:
Lindenmith is going to be cut? Blues seemed to prefer Renata at loosehead this year. Maybe replaced by Jarred Adams?
Experience can't be cited by NZR as the problem, besides a significant number of Mitre 10 Cup Pasifika-eligible players have already been deemed good enough to play in Super Rugby as they have previously held contracts.
On this list would be Nasi Manu, who captained the Highlanders to the title in 2015, Orbyn Leger who has played for both the Blues and Chiefs, Manasa Mataele who was part of the champion Crusaders squad in 2017 and Ezekiel Lindenmuth who was with the Blues last year.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/article.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=12371145
paywall
-
@Tim is that another that mentions the Vunipolas, Tuilagi, Piutau, Aki etc?
Bet they will be keen for huge pay decreases and aside from Piutau, being unavailable for Eng/Ireland.
-
@taniwharugby This one had the Vunipola brothers but not the others. I was only interested in the bit I quoted about Super Rugby contracts.
-
@taniwharugby said in Blues 2021:
@Tim is that another that mentions the Vunipolas, Tuilagi, Piutau, Aki etc?
Bet they will be keen for huge pay decreases and aside from Piutau, being unavailable for Eng/Ireland.
So true, just ridiculous. I could see them want to come over next season, as probably more fun than playing in the Championship, and back in time for internationals like Marchant. But they're not going to hang around. I hope, if it is a Pasifika side, you are ineligible to play for the ABs if in it - it will make it more a 'foreign' side as it should be in Fiji or similar
-
-
@Tim not me yet, not a whisper. Guess the boots are properly hung up
Seriously though, would love to hear some good news ... contractign could be fun in the new SRA world. Only 4 home games ... I don't konw why 5+5 with Aus doesn't work home and away (assuming we don't lock borders again)
-
@Tim said in Blues 2021:
first five
Blues could get Hawkins, bundle it up in with an Auckland contract
-
-
With the signing of Dillon Hunt ,and Nepo Laulala if correct it would seem likely a loosie and a front rower will be surplus.A few guys injured from last seasons group have recovered so not many gaps in the backs .Just Joe Marchant it seems will be missing.
-
@trodthesod Duffie gone too
-
And Beauden Barrett of course.
-
So who is likely to play fullback next year? I assume Perofeta is back but he's always injured. We don't have anyone there atm.
-
-
@Duluth said in Blues 2021:
Fullbacks this year were - Perofeta, Barrett & Duffie
Only Perofeta in 2021. Page and Narawa the other options? Heighton maybe?
There's not many unsigned fullbacks I can think of? Trainor is not playing well
Perofeta if Fit would be your best choice in my opinion he has good vision, pace and a decent boot on him defends well.
-
Yeah, he's easily the starter. He was in good form there before the injury. A much better fullback than 10
The cover is interesting though as it looks like they'll be inexperienced. Regardless we are better off than we we had Collins starting
