Blues 2021
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The fact that Coach said that they are still finalising negotiations re: the last midfield position makes me wonder if they are bringing someone from overseas. Maybe a returnee like Michael Little who was excellent for the Sunwolves? or even another young player from Quins like Marchant last season?
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@Daffy-Jaffy Little is still playing for Mitshubishi Dynaboars.
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@Stargazer Of local prospects I would be happy with James Tofa from Manawatu who can play anywhere from 12 to 15.
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@Daffy-Jaffy If there's room for a Samoa capped player, I'd go for Neria Fomai. Josh Timu from Otago looked good, too.
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@Stargazer josh timu looks a very good player, deserves a super rugby contract
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@Daffy-Jaffy said in Blues 2021:
@ARHS With Plumtree being 1.97m and 111kg, I think they were looking for a 6/lock to fill the role Carroll played last season.
Which is why I am surprised they didn't pick up Samipeni Finau. He played for the Blues Dev team this year and can fill that role. Hopefully he is part of the Chiefs WTG now.
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According to the paywalled herald
The Blues named their Super Rugby Aotearoa squad yesterday - but the franchise left room to add one more player to their mix for 2021. As Liam Napier reports, they are chasing a recent test standout.
The Blues are chasing Pumas midfielder Santiago Chocobares to complete their 2021 Super Rugby squad.
Leon MacDonald's squad curiously had one spot to fill as the New Zealand Super Rugby squads were revealed on Thursday.
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If they're getting an overseas player I'd prefer it be an experienced one who can at least pass off some knowledge to some young guys in that position
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Looks like he plays 12, so he's probably competing with Faiane when they're both available.
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@Machpants said in Blues 2021: chasing Pumas midfielder Santiago Chocobares
Chocobares was at 12 for the Pumas in their win over the All Blacks in test one and is on the bench tomorrow against Oz. He is 21 years old, 188cm and 97kgs.
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So, with him being only 21 years old, why are the Blues going to further develop a player that will never be NZ eligible? I'd rather see them take a PI player that needs developing, or even better, a NZ eligible player. He is just another Joe Marchant, Kobus van Wyk etc. I just don't agree with this. There are good players in NZ.
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@Stargazer I don't think they are looking for a player to develop - they are looking for a starter as Faiane will be out injured for the first few weeks.
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@KiwiMurph said in Blues 2021:
@Stargazer I don't think they are looking for a player to develop - they are looking for a starter as Faiane will be out injured for the first few weeks.
Yeah, but we should have found one here. I guess the pickings were too slim and they wanted quality, but it still seems wrong. Just like Marchant was.
We're not a French club that just buys in players whenever they need them.
There is always the Rieko to 12 option...(that is a piss take).
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@Snowy what if he is in great form, Faiane comes back, and then cant get a start.
Sure you can argue Leon's objective is for the Blues to win, but wouldnt he have had to get permission from NZR, why have they let him do so, taking the spot of a NZ eligible player, or someone who is not yet tied to a national team.
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@KiwiMurph said in Blues 2021:
@Stargazer I don't think they are looking for a player to develop - they are looking for a starter as Faiane will be out injured for the first few weeks.
I hope Tele'a gets the first chance while TJ is out
