Blues 2023
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In terms of a potential replacement for MacDonald the Herald understands Dave Rennie and Vern Cotter are in the mix, should the Blues elect to install an experienced mentor.
Robbie Deans is said to have been shortlisted when New Zealand Rugby was on the verge of sacking Ian Foster last year.
Joe Schmidt, who worked alongside MacDonald last season before joining the All Blacks mid-year, could be available next year, too.
Internally, Blues assistant Daniel Halangahu is highly regarded as a potential Super Rugby head coach. So, too, is defence coach Craig McGrath while Tana Umaga, who returns this season, has filled the role previously.
Longer term, newly-installed Northland head coach Marty Veale could come into the Blues coaching group.
Untangling the web: Kiwi Super Rugby teams prepare for coaching upheaval
Three of NZ’s leading Super Rugby franchises may soon be seeking a new head coach.
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@Tim said in Blues 2023:
Longer term, newly-installed Northland head coach Marty Veale could come into the Blues coaching group.
interesting comment, he has had a decent shot at MLR, shored up our defence for most of last season, but will be interesting to see how things pan out with him as Head coach this year.
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@Duluth I wonder if they might shift Suafoa to six and start Tucker. With the Brumbies having good tall locks I wouldn't mind if they leave Suafoa at lock and play Plumtree at six for the extra lineout option. Or they could throw Rob rush in at six. It would be a good test for him against a strong Brumbies trio.
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@Chris said in Blues 2023:
@Tim said in Blues 2023:
Hearing a rumour that Leon MacDonald will join Leinster.
Razor and Holland to Scotland.
Is this a sauce or just fun speculation?
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@gt12 said in Blues 2023:
@Chris said in Blues 2023:
@Tim said in Blues 2023:
Hearing a rumour that Leon MacDonald will join Leinster.
Razor and Holland to Scotland.
Is this a sauce or just fun speculation?
Fun speculation
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@Chris said in Blues 2023:
@gt12 said in Blues 2023:
@Chris said in Blues 2023:
@Tim said in Blues 2023:
Hearing a rumour that Leon MacDonald will join Leinster.
Razor and Holland to Scotland.
Is this a sauce or just fun speculation?
Fun speculation
This place would be a blast for a week or so.
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So, prepping for the season got all the Blues home games in the calendar. Didn't really twig that we're the home team this weekend but with the Super Round, it's in Melbourne! Still feels early for the rugby to have started, but going to watch with some mates already.
The rugby calendar needs to get sorted; starting in summer and finishing in November feels too long a season.
Also, go the Blues! Big test against the Brumbies; often our nemesis
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All Blacks star sidelined in early World Cup setback
All Black's bid to crack the World Cup squad suffers an early setback.
All Blacks and Blues loose forward Akira Ioane will remain sidelined for at least another two weeks after suffering a medial ligament injury in Super Rugby Pacific’s opening round.
Ioane hobbled around Alexandra Park in a knee brace as the Blues trained on Thursday after sitting out last week’s loss to the Brumbies in Melbourne.
Blues lineout coach Paul Tito confirmed Ioane’s prognosis — MCL injuries usually require six weeks to heal — which realistically could leave the 27-year-old targeting a return against the Chiefs in Hamilton on April 1.
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@Daffy-Jaffy Any info on the hooker, Jordan Hutchings? I see he came through the Blues U20 program.
