Blues 2021

[nzzp]

@taniwharugby said in Blues 2021:

@Tim looking at the depth of the bench is impressive!

As you say, forwards are impressive, backs will be heavily reliant on the firepower of Rieko & Clarke, and after that things get a bit thinner.

really?

Telea, TJ Faiane - no shame in there. Perofeta was coming into his own at 15 ... they're not world beaters, but solid enough

[taniwharugby]

@nzzp i just meant more reliant, didn't say they were shit or anything, plus an injury and it does get thin.

[KiwiMurph]

What's the go with James Little? Could he maybe pick up a midfield spot?

[Tim]

@KiwiMurph Maybe a bit small?

Antonio Mikaele-Tu'u might be on the fringe too?

[Tim]

Meihana Grindlay might be a midfield bolter?

NZ Schools 2019, NZ U20 training squad 2020.

[Bovidae]

@Tim said in Blues 2021:

Meihana Grindlay might be a midfield bolter?

NZ Schools 2019, NZ U20 training squad 2020.

He needs to prove himself at NPC level first. Grindlay can be a devastating runner but doesn't have much subtlety to his game.

[Tim]

@Bovidae Cheers. I've only seen him in schools rugby highlights.

[Bovidae]

@Tim I assume he played club rugby in Auckland this year?

[Tim]

@Bovidae Yeah, started a lot of games for College Rifles.

[Nogusta]

@Tim Not 100% sure but I heard a whisper that Ruru has been released.

[nzzp]

@Nogusta said in Blues 2021:

@Tim Not 100% sure but I heard a whisper that Ruru has been released.

surely not! If so, well done on the good oil.

[Tim]

@Nogusta Interesting. Wonder if his replacement would be Funaki or someone else?

[gt12]

@Tim said in Blues 2021:

@Nogusta Interesting. Wonder if his replacement would be Funaki or someone else?

Kid looks good.

[Stargazer]

If Ruru has been released ... it wouldn't surprise me at all if the Canes picked him up with TJP gone and Booth injured.

[Yeetyaah]

@Stargazer he'd be selected as a lock for the canes though eh?

[taniwharugby]

wow, I thought he has been bloody good for Auckland this year too, probably his best season.

[nzzp]

@taniwharugby said in Blues 2021:

wow, I thought he has been bloody good for Auckland this year too, probably his best season.

I agree, based on what I have seen. His performance against Northland was top notch (sorry @taniwharugby )

[KiwiMurph]

He was good for Auckland, however, it's been proven he's not Super Rugby starter quality and arguably not even Super Rugby bench quality.

He's 27 years old - I'd rather the Blues have someone they think they can develop as the 3rd halfback.

[taniwharugby]

@KiwiMurph yeah there's that, maybe it's knowing there is pressure from Nock & Christie finally given him the arse kick he needed, OR, maybe he has requested a release knowing he may not get much time behind them?

[Duluth]

I would guess it's about signing a younger halfback like Funaki

If they signed all 3 established halfbacks another franchise might've given Funaki a full contract. In the short term it could be a bit of a risk though