Blues v Rebels
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Injury clarifications:
Aside from Barrett, they are missing a couple of experienced second-rowers (Luke Romano and Josh Goodhue) and former All Black loosehead prop Alex Hodgman (elbow injury).
With veteran locks Luke Romano (rest) and Josh Goodhue (broken thumb) both out this week, the versatile Robinson pairs with James Tucker in the second row, while Sotutu links with Akira Ioane and skipper Dalton Papalii in a powerhouse loose trio.
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Not fussed with Telea over Lam. Both have been very good this year and will both likely feature regularly until the end of the season.
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@Tim said in Blues v Rebels:
Some really good stuff in that article about Perofeta growing as a person and having to be more assertive and that helping his game. I could not agree more - you could tell by the way he used to play 10 that he would 'sit back' and not take control and this year he has much better at driving the team so to speak.
"We talk a lot ... funnily enough not about rugby ... it’s about who he is as a person that very much reflects the way he shows up on the field. He needs to be a big personality for us. When Stephen is involved in the game and he’s assertive, usually that means good things for this team. “We all remember that kick against the Chiefs from the sideline that put us ahead at home. That was on Stephen. He chose to take that kick and that’s something he didn’t do two years ago. He’s grown as a man, and we’re really proud of who he is as a person.” Halangahu even went as far as to suggest Perofeta had had to shrug of his natural personality to become an even better rugby player. “You guys know Stephen, he’s as humble as they come, and sometimes it almost holds his rugby back because he’ll let everyone else go first. What we’re seeing with him, he’s not necessarily growing his technical and tactical skills – he’s always had those – but Stephen is growing into a man his family are proud of, and who stands up and takes control when this team needs it.” -
Rebels
Matt Gibbon, James Hanson, Pone Fa'amausili, Matt Philip (c), Josh Canham, Brad Wilkin, Richard Hardwick, Rob Leota, Joe Powell, Carter Gordon, George Worth, Stacey Ili, Lukas Ripley, Andrew Kellaway, Reece Hodge
Reserves: Efi Ma'afu, Cameron Orr, Cabous Eloff, Daniel Maiava, Tamati Ioane, Moses Sorovi, Nick Jooste, Glen Vaihu
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'That hurts': Blues determined to avoid repeat of 2018 Rebels loss at Eden Park
Four years after suffering the ignominy of a home loss to the Rebels, the Blues are out to ensure history doesn't repeat itself on Friday.
2018 was the last time the Rebels played at Eden Park.
This was the last year Umaga was in control, it was a really rough year for home fans. I was lucky enough to attend all these games: Blues 2018 Home Matches
Here's the highlights of that match. The last play of the match from Michael Collins is special
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@Duluth I remember it well. You'll struggle to see a worse game of SR in your life than that one.
I'm sure it was reported on here that Blake Gibson and Rieko Ioane had a fight in the stands and Rieko Ioane got a black eye from it haha.
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@nzzp said in Blues v Rebels:
The weather is glorious, been to the pub for a couple of lunchtime pints, going to be great weather for rugby at a (hopefully) packed Eden Park.
Carn the Blues! Statement performance incoming
so, slightly more sober, I'm a born bloody optimist. Hoping for a really good crowd, though, can't wait to get back to EP. I don't think I've been there this year for various reasons, despite having a season ticket.
Really keen to se how that loose forward trio performs, and how Perofeta goes at 10 with a coach and gameplan that seem to be suiting him. Anda 9 who can pass of course
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@nzzp said in Blues v Rebels:
An hour before kickoff surprisingly quiet here.
It's the deep breath before the plunge.
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@kiwi_expat said in Blues v Rebels:
@nzzp said in Blues v Rebels:
An hour before kickoff surprisingly quiet here.
It's the deep breath before the plunge.
I am so amped, can't wait. Feels great here
