Blues 2021
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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.
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@taniwharugby said in Blues 2021:
@Tim defection?
yeah, that word choice was terrible.
Inigo Montoya: I do not think that means what you think it means
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@taniwharugby said in Blues 2021:
@Tim defection?
following up on this, as 'retirement' would have been far better.
Word choice hates - lazy sportswriter bingo (and in fairness, some are lazy subeditors):
- Stanza
- Pill
- 'run the cutter'
- Code
- REVEALED: ...
- 'slams' (as in coach slams players)
- ...
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@nzzp said in Blues 2021:
@taniwharugby said in Blues 2021:
@Tim defection?
Word choice hates - lazy sportswriter bingo (and in fairness, some are lazy subeditors):
- Stanza
Reading that I was taken straight to the half time break at Mt Smart with Stephen McIvor's voice ringing in my ears
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The worst kept secret is now official:
ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK CONFIRMS TWO YEAR DEAL
New Zealand Rugby and the Blues have confirmed Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has signed a two-year contract that will also see him link with Auckland through to the end of 2023.He will link up with Auckland later in the year and kick off his Sky Super Rugby career with the Blues in 2022.
Getty Images
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 
