Blues vs Moana Pasifika 2022
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@taniwharugby said in Blues vs Moana Pasifika 2022:
@kirwan he does have a very good box kick, but it, like most of his game is just not consistent enough.
It either goes out on the full or straight up. If it’s not consistent, it’s not good.
Time for us to move on from him, I’d rather have the mistakes from someone on the improve than going backwards.
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Yeah have to agree with moving on from Nock. He still looks hesitant when either going for a loose ball or going to pick the ball at ruck time, and his box kicking is so hot and cold.
He'll always go down as one of the big underachievers in blues history imo. He looked to have turned a corner in 2019-early 2020, but sadly it was short lived which is a shame as he does have the tools to be a quality halfback, but is so inconsistent and still as I said earlier, still doesn't like the physical stuff.
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@african-monkey Any thoughts on who to replace him with? Any young hot shots coming through at U20/19 level, or worth poaching?
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@tim I guess we'll poach Manu Paea back depending on how he goes in the NPC to go with Christie and Funaki. Possibly someone from out of the region like Logan Henry?
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@african-monkey Maybe one of the young Chiefs' halfbacks won't want to be third choice there?
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interesting to see if Milo-Harris gets any time
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@taniwharugby Is he with Northland?
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@daffy-jaffy Good St Peter's boy, helped us win the Quadruple in 2018.
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@african-monkey Here he is playing with Nico Jones -
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@daffy-jaffy Yup, the 2018 final against Napier Boys, where they came back from 21-0 down to win 31-28. Niko Jones became a star overnight. Sadly he hasn't kicked on in pro rugby (yet).
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@african-monkey I think the time Jones spent in the Sevens program (while rarely playing in a tournament) stalled his fifteens progress, while others like Choat and Ekuasi took their chances.
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@daffy-jaffy I agree, along with him not being able to play NPC last year. He needs some regular gametime.
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didnt think NIko looked big enough when he was up here last year in the pre-season, if I were to choose I'd take Ekuasi over him.
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@taniwharugby And that was always gonna be his downfall, hence why he had no choice but to specialise as a 7 post school.
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@african-monkey said in Blues vs Moana Pasifika 2022:
@taniwharugby And that was always gonna be his downfall, hence why he had no choice but to specialise as a 7 post school.
Do you means 'as a 7s player' or 'as a 7'?
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Somewhat late to the thread, but that was a good win, particularly with 14 men. There are a few games this season that in previous years we would have found a way to lose.
What has really stuck in my heed from the last couple of MP games was the Tuesday night drive up the field with 14 players to score and seal the victory. We looked bloody composed, and patient, which are not words you use with the Blues for years.
What's also really impressed me is the depth that has been built. Our squad from about 23-35 used to be liabilities; now they are making a positive difference. The weak spots in teh spine are transformed from 3 years ago; now the 2/8/9/10/15 axis looks solid and good quality.
Finally, Perofeta has done a Nonu and lifted his game mid career. We're so fast to write people off (myself included), and say if you aren't an instant success (particularly at 10) you're toast. It's got some truth, but experience and learning your game is hugely important ... and in Perofeta's case, not being injured!
Feels good; may not be a comp winning year, but the Blues appear to be on teh right trajectory, and have really high quality players coming through the system.
