Blues 2021
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@gt12 said in Blues 2021:
@KiwiMurph I hope he has a future as a commentator, although I wonder if some of his more interesting stuff comes from being a player, he also can discuss and explain modern preparation, tactics, and stats much more clearly than, well, pretty much everyone else out there.
If the commentary career doesn’t work out he can do the next best thing and join the Fern and share his insights here.
James we know you are lurking... 😉
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@ACT-Crusader Lets be honest here a lot of players do lol.
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If the Blues are looking to replace James Parson , personally I would prefer if they used a hooker from one the 3 unions that’s part of the franchise ..wether it be Leni Apasai (Auckland ) ,Luteru Tolai ( North Harbour )or Jordon Olsen (Northland )let’s make the provincial teams that are part of the Blues stronger and let’s not be in the business of helping other unions keep players on their books .
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@Steven-Harris said in Blues 2021:
If the Blues are looking to replace James Parson , personally I would prefer if they used a hooker from one the 3 unions that’s part of the franchise ..wether it be Leni Apasai (Auckland ) ,Luteru Tolai ( North Harbour )or Jordon Olsen (Northland )let’s make the provincial teams that are part of the Blues stronger and let’s not be in the business of helping other unions keep players on their books .
Could you pass these thoughts on to the Hurricanes?
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@Tim Were those tries actually that stunning? In the first Crusaders one he went through the defensive wall that is Aaron "traffic director" Mauger and Ben "the Hobbit" Blair and then in a later Crusaders one he pivoted past an invisible man and then barrelled through the Hobbit.
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I don't know if the tries were necessarily stunning in and of themselves, so much as the athleticism and skill he showed. He is outpacing international wings in 4th gear, changing direction on a dime despite not being the slimmest of blokes. And to be able to pass to another outside back, run around them and still be in a supporting position to score the try is pretty impressive.
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@Tim said in Blues 2021:
@bobily2 His ability to change direction without barely slowing down may not have looked that spectacular, but it was absolutely devestating, and made him unstoppable in 2003.
That was also one of Cullen's greatest assets too.
To clarify, I think the he and the tries were stunning, just couldn't resist the chance to get a dig in on the Suitcase, The Hobbit, and the Traffic Conductor.
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Photos taken at yesterday's training (link to Getty website).
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When does the comp start?
As much as I enjoy looking at the finely chiseled bodies of professional rugby players in pre season training 🙄, I’d really prefer to log on here and read about some actual footy.
Probably should go in the main thread as it relates to all the team threads, but I’m way too lazy to start my post again over there....
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Should of been in original squad
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@Cpt-Kumera Explanation on that from the Blues website -
Eklund’s outstanding performances for Bay of Plenty in 2019 led to his inclusion in the Blues team on a one-year contract in 2020. He played 13 games for the Blues in 2020 including seven as starting hooker and was roundly lauded for his energetic performances.However, there was no place for Eklund initially in the 2021 Blues squad with Parsons and Ray Niuia each with one year remaining on their contracts, and outstanding teenage talent, Soane Vikena, the Blues Development Player of the Year, earning a multi-year contract.
The Blues indicated their interest in Eklund for the future, signing him for 2022 and 2023 season, which left him with options for this season. He had opportunities to play for other Super sides across the Ta$man, but eventually decided to accept a position as a temporary replacement at the Blues pre-season with Parsons, Niuia and Vikena all injured.
When Blues centurion Parsons announced his retirement last week, coach Leon MacDonald approached Eklund for a fulltime contract.
“It has all worked out well for me. Obviously it’s sad for James to be forced to retire. I learned so much from him last year,” said Eklund.
“I have my chance now and I will take it with both hands. I owe it to James to be the best I can be – because he has left some big shoes to fill both on and off the field.”
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Blues forwards coach Tom Coventry is rapt they have such a proven and reliable fallback option after Parsons’ defection, and with Nuia (short term) and Vikena (4-5 months) also facing stints on the sideline.
I'm a fan of summer = cricket, and winter = rugby. Naive, but it also sucks when your team is out of the running for Super before the cricket season finishes 