Force v Blues
-
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="nzzp" data-cid="581532" data-time="1463878533"><p>So, to be clear, we're playing crap and winning close games, but we're going to finish at the bottom of every NZ table.<br><br>
That, and our only hope is to sign Beaudy to get better.<br><br>
I'm a Blues fan, but I struggle with this logic. Seems like cognitive dissonance to me - we can't be playing shit, winning close games and also only have the potential to prop up the nZ table. <br><br><br>
Genuine question - do you see potential for improvement in the Blues? I do, and I am hopeful for the franchise going forward - some improvements in structure and consistency (who knows, they could even be linked) and we're into the playoffs. Do that, and it's all on. Tana with an offseason to work the players the way he wants will be important.</p></blockquote>
<br>
To me the majority of the teams are pretty rubbish. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="ACT Crusader" data-cid="581662" data-time="1463920617"><p>To me the majority of the teams are pretty rubbish.</p></blockquote>
<br>
Conversely though, I think the NZ teams are the strongest theyve been across the board in regards to coaching in a long time, possibly ever.<br><br>
Outside of the Blues the other 4 franchise coaches have either won a Super title or taken their team to a Super Rugby final.<br><br>
Someone has to come last in the NZ Conference and the Blues are a hell of a lot better than a lot of other last placed nz teams over the years.<br><br>
I think it's all about expectations, Tana is a young coach taking over a young team where he doesnt yet have 100% say in the makeup of his squad.<br><br>
If the expectations were for Tana to do a 2012 Dave Rennie then that is clearly not going to happen but also that wasnt realistic - Tana looks like a good young coach with potential - there is a middle ground between Hansen and Kirwan that coaches can fit into. -
<p>For all the talk about coaching, just imagine the current Blues set up but with Aaron Smith and Sopoaga, or Weber and Cruden. It would transform the team.</p>
-
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="antipodean" data-cid="581700" data-time="1463932827">
<div>
<p>For all the talk about coaching, just imagine the current Blues set up but with Aaron Smith and Sopoaga, or Weber and Cruden. It would transform the team.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Yeah - how about Wellington having Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Cruden AND Beauden Barrett looking for starting spots. And now Otere Black somewehre in the mix.</p>
<p>
All that, and we couldn't convince someone to come to Auckland. Fingers crossed for the future...</p> -
Blues have half the equation solved with Pulu, but 10 is still the bigger issue
-
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="taniwharugby" data-cid="581718" data-time="1463946654">
<div>
<p>Blues have half the equation solved with Pulu, but 10 is still the bigger issue</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>THanks to Tana for that signing. Certainly not coming for the front office.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Dice" data-cid="581927" data-time="1463994190"><p>I wonder if Tana can lure TNW from Japan for next season. I'd love to have some elite speed and footwork in our line-up.</p></blockquote>
<br>
.....and wafer thin defence as well? -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="ACT Crusader" data-cid="581932" data-time="1463995357">
<div>
<p>.....and wafer thin defence as well?</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>His defense is fine on the wing, it's his defense at centre that is a problem. I'd want him as an outside back, not a midfielder.</p> -
<p>So based upon a lot of the comments in this topic, the Blues need to recruit a 10. What other recruiting needs are there for the franchise? I personally feel that Tana is doing well for a debutant Coach. It will be good to get some opinions on other positions. And if so which players are coming off contract from other franchises that can plug the gaps?</p>
-
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="gt12" data-cid="581939" data-time="1463997321">
</p>
<div>
<p>Not exactly an area where you guys are short though Dice. It just seems that way because Tana keeps playing Li.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>He'd add a different style of outside back to the current ones we have right now. Our back 3 play is pretty predictable, and I think he'd add some real spark to it.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Always a handful for defenses.</p>
<p>
<p> </p>
<p>That step he puts on Jane around the 3:00 mark is one of the best steps I've seen.</p> -
<p>The Pulu signing solves both the 9 and 10 problem really. It doesn't matter who they put at 10 because Pulu will never pass it to him anyway. :fishing:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>But on a serious note West has had plenty of chances to show something and hasn't kicked on. Banks going to Italy is a big loss. Someone like Black is probably the only half decent option in NZ who isn't a regular starter for another team.</p>
<p> </p> -
<p>So </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Tim" data-cid="581954" data-time="1464002442">
<div>
<p>Other positions:<br><br>
Lock (esp. lineout ability)<br><br>
Hooker (backup to Parsons)<br><br>
Midfield<br><br>
Fullback (Trainor might not be ready next year)</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>What about our problems at Loosehead Prop? We have not had a regular mainstay in that position since Woodcock left. </p> -
I think pratley has actually been ok this season.<br><br><br>
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="fiamacho" data-cid="581950" data-time="1464002157">
<div>
<p>So based upon a lot of the comments in this topic, the Blues need to recruit a 10. What other recruiting needs are there for the franchise? I personally feel that Tana is doing well for a debutant Coach. It will be good to get some opinions on other positions. And if so which players are coming off contract from other franchises that can plug the gaps?</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>A couple of backs who can kick (particularly fullbacks)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Lock to replace Bekhuis (who hasn't been awful this season)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>A centre (not Rene)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In priority,</p>
<p>Highest: needing a 10 who can control a game</p>
<p>Medium: Teaching some backs the usefulness of kicking at times</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Low: everything else</p> -
I had heard the Blues waned to sign Josh Goodhue but he didn't take it as he didn't feel he was physically ready for super rugby.
-
interesting Barrett was spotted in auckland the other day,<br><br>Has he signed for next year ? I remember him signing for 2 years a couple of years ago.
-
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Tim" data-cid="581954" data-time="1464002442">
<div>
<p>Other positions:<br><br>
Lock (esp. lineout ability)<br><br>
Hooker (backup to Parsons)<br><br>
Midfield<br><br>
Fullback (Trainor might not be ready next year)</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div>Lock: Fatialofa or Seu would be my choice. We probably have room for both of them if we don't re-sign Tuioti-Mariner or Matenga, but if I had to choose one, it'd be Fatialofa, because he's more polished. Apparently we've already approached Seu.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Hooker: Plesants-Tate would be my choice, but if we can't get him, I'd be keen on Asafo Aumua(Wellington) as a development hooker behind Parsons. If we're sharp, we might be able to land both of them.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Midfield: If we can't land SBW, I don't think we'll bring in any midfielders, I think we'll just bank on what we have. For depth, I wouldn't mind bringing in Jack Goodhue(not sure if he's off contract).</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Fullback: Can't think of anyone available that is worth bringing in.</div>
