Blues v Force
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I'm sure the Blues want a BP win as that guarantees a home final, but unlike the Highlanders and Crusaders it isn't necessary.
@Duluth explained the calculations I had typed. The Highlanders beating the Brumbies in Canberra by 29 pts is a big ask. That is assuming that the Blues won by only 1 pt but the Highlanders would need to have a PD of 1 pt better to overtake the Blues. The same for the Crusaders.
Tie breaking rules In the event of two or more teams being equal on competition points for any position on the Competition table, either during or at the end of the season, such position will be decided upon using the following steps until the tie is broken: a) Most wins from all matches; b) Highest aggregate points difference from all matches; c) Most tries from all matches; d) Highest aggregate difference of total tries for versus tries scored against from all matches; e) Coin toss -
Expect the Blues accordingly to send out something resembling their best available for this pivotal contest. Nepo Laulala should slot in at starting tighthead, and possibly Hoskins Sotutu could return at No 8. The backline has been pretty settled through this campaign.
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@duluth said in Blues v Force:
Is there any definition of what the rest protocol is? Completely out of the 23? Just in TT?
It'll definitely include R Ioane who has started every match. What's the centre pairing? TJ/Heem? Plummer/TJ? I assume Tele'a is still injured?
If Rieko has to be rested, I'd be OK with TJ/Heem. We did get Plummer/TJ at the end of the Tahs game though.
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@kiwimurph Didn't know it was so tough to spell.....
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@nogusta said in Blues v Force:
might see Ray Niuia get a run in this one
Interesting.
His two year deal is just about up. So he'd basically be playing for a new contract.
Looks like he only made it on the field once as a sub last year
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@african-monkey parting gift from the coaches? the dude has only had about 5 minutes playing time in 2 years!
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1 Alex Hodgman, 2 Kurt Eklund, 3 Nepo Laulala, 4 Gerard Cowley Tuioti, 5 Patrick Tuipulotu, 6 Tom Robinson, 7 Dalton Papalii, 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 9 Finlay Christie, 10 Otere Black, 11 Mark Telea, 12 TJ Faiane, 13 Rieko Ioane, 14 Bryce Heem, 15 Zarn Sullivan
Reserves: 16 Ray Niuia, 17 Karl Tu'inukuafe, 18 Marcel Renata, 19 Josh Goodhue, 20 Akira Ioane, 21 Jonathan Ruru, 22 Harry Plummer, 23 AJ Lam
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@duluth said in Blues v Force:
1 Alex Hodgman, 2 Kurt Eklund, 3 Nepo Laulala, 4 Gerard Cowley Tuioti, 5 Patrick Tuipulotu, 6 Tom Robinson, 7 Dalton Papalii, 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 9 Finlay Christie, 10 Otere Black, 11 Mark Telea, 12 TJ Faiane, 13 Rieko Ioane, 14 Bryce Heem, 15 Zarn Sullivan
Reserves: 16 Ray Niuia, 17 Karl Tu'inukuafe, 18 Marcel Renata, 19 Josh Goodhue, 20 Akira Ioane, 21 Jonathan Ruru, 22 Harry Plummer, 23 AJ Lam
that team really should be better than it is.
Is Leon MacDonald just another bog-average coach?
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@mariner4life Leon is certainly a step up on Tana and Kirwan as a head coach but yeah I think he's not at the level of Razor and say Tony Brown.
Pleased to see Goodhue back as I thought his injury might be worse. Was probably in his best form for Blues prior to the injury.
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In terms of the selection at No 8, where the Blues have two highly capable alternatives, Coventry said it had been no reflection on anything Ioane did in Brisbane that he was returned to bench duty this week.
“Aki was really good last week, and that’s not a reflection on his form. It’s to do with how we are going to finish the game and what Aki brings off the bench. He covers three positions, has done a really good job and is a real team bloke and gets on and does whatever he’s asked. Last week he got the start. This week he’ll do it off the bench.”
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@tim said in Blues v Force:
In terms of the selection at No 8, where the Blues have two highly capable alternatives, Coventry said it had been no reflection on anything Ioane did in Brisbane that he was returned to bench duty this week.
“Aki was really good last week, and that’s not a reflection on his form. It’s to do with how we are going to finish the game and what Aki brings off the bench. He covers three positions, has done a really good job and is a real team bloke and gets on and does whatever he’s asked. Last week he got the start. This week he’ll do it off the bench.”
sounds like that well documented "shit attitude" coming through again aye...
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@sparky it's the Blues so nothing is guaranteed.
However I'd suggest the more likely issue the Blues will have to watch out for is Crusaders putting a gigantic score on the Rebels forcing Blues to require a bonus point/huge margin to make a home final. Highlanders are obviously the wild card but playing in Canberra is a tough ask.
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@mariner4life Yup, real shit attitude people like to go on about.....
