Blues v Brumbies
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<p>Our bench has been a problem this season, but if we're healthy next year, I think we'll have a more than handy bench.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Here's my projected 23 for next season.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>1. Alex Hodgman</p>
<p>2. James Parsons</p>
<p>3. Charlie Faumuina</p>
<p>4. Patrick Tuipulotu</p>
<p>5. Jimmy Tupou</p>
<p>6. Jerome Kaino/Akira Ioane</p>
<p>7. Blake Gibson/Kara Pryor</p>
<p>8. Steven Luatua</p>
<p>9. Augustine Pulu</p>
<p>10. Ihaia West</p>
<p>11. Melani Nanai</p>
<p>12. Sonny Bill Williams</p>
<p>13. George Moala/Rieko Ioane</p>
<p>14. Rieko Ioane/George Moala</p>
<p>15. Tim Nanai-Williams?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>16. Greg Pleasants-Tate?</p>
<p>17. Sam Prattley</p>
<p>18. Ofa Tu'ungafasi</p>
<p>19. Akira Ioane/Jerome Kaino</p>
<p>20. Kara Pryor/Blake Gibson</p>
<p>21. Sam Nock/Billy Guyton</p>
<p>22. Piers Francis</p>
<p>23. Rene Ranger/Lolagi Visinia/Jordan Trainor</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I think we'll run a double backrow bench next season like we did earlier this season, with Luatua covering lock as a starter. It's cool that we can do it, because our backrow is loaded.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I've bracketed Kaino and Akira together, because I think they'll split starts. Kaino probably can't peak all year at his age, so I think we'll manage his workload next season.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I bracketed Moala and Rieko at centre, because although Moala is going well there, stylistically, I think Rieko just seems like a really good fit next to SBW. I can see both getting game time there next season to see who meshes well with Sonny.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I threw in Pleasants-Tate, because with Dixon re-signing at the Landers and Quentin McDonald going offshore, I think Pleasants-Tate will be targeted to come back.</p> -
<p>If Pleasants-Tate stays there then it'll probably be Moulds and maybe Gafa Su'a if Umaga signs him up gunning for that bench spot.</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Dice" data-cid="595649" data-time="1468108977"><p>
Our bench has been a problem this season, but if we're healthy next year, I think we'll have a more than handy bench.<br><br>
Here's my projected 23 for next season.<br><br>- Alex Hodgman<br>
- James Parsons<br>
- Charlie Faumuina<br>
- Patrick Tuipulotu<br>
- Jimmy Tupou<br>
- Jerome Kaino/Akira Ioane<br>
- Blake Gibson/Kara Pryor<br>
- Steven Luatua<br>
- Augustine Pulu<br>
- Ihaia West<br>
- Melani Nanai<br>
- Sonny Bill Williams<br>
- George Moala/Rieko Ioane<br>
- Rieko Ioane/George Moala<br>
- Tim Nanai-Williams?<br><br>
- Greg Pleasants-Tate?<br>
- Sam Prattley<br>
- Ofa Tu'ungafasi<br>
- Akira Ioane/Jerome Kaino<br>
- Kara Pryor/Blake Gibson<br>
- Sam Nock/Billy Guyton<br>
- Piers Francis<br>
- Rene Ranger/Lolagi Visinia/Jordan Trainor<br><br>
I think we'll run a double backrow bench next season like we did earlier this season, with Luatua covering lock as a starter. It's cool that we can do it, because our backrow is loaded.<br><br>
I've bracketed Kaino and Akira together, because I think they'll split starts. Kaino probably can't peak all year at his age, so I think we'll manage his workload next season.<br><br>
I bracketed Moala and Rieko at centre, because although Moala is going well there, stylistically, I think Rieko just seems like a really good fit next to SBW. I can see both getting game time there next season to see who meshes well with Sonny.<br><br>
I threw in Pleasants-Tate, because with Dixon re-signing at the Landers and Quentin McDonald going offshore, I think Pleasants-Tate will be targeted to come back.</p></blockquote>
<br>
Ofa an option at 1?
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<p>Good effort Dice, I think you are pretty close to the money there.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I think there are signs the Blues depth is on the improve, next year having the ability to rotate Pryor and Gibson is great, Francis as the backup 10/12 looks a perfect bench option etc.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The key will be getting the backs to click.</p> -
<p>be surprised if Moulds is back next year (just my opinion) he has had 2 seasons in the Blues now, with SFA time on the park (reckon no more than 80 mins in 2 season) so have to assume they just dont rate him, so he'll likely end up off shore I think (unless the Crusaders try to get him back down there as he was in thier Dev side a few years back I think)....which is a shame, cos he is a big, strong, quick and fit, his biggest issue in the past has been his throwing.</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Dice" data-cid="595649" data-time="1468108977">
<div>
<p>Our bench has been a problem this season, but if we're healthy next year, I think we'll have a more than handy bench.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Here's my projected 23 for next season.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>1. Alex Hodgman</p>
<p>2. James Parsons</p>
<p>3. Charlie Faumuina</p>
<p>4. Patrick Tuipulotu</p>
<p>5. Jimmy Tupou</p>
<p>6. Jerome Kaino/Akira Ioane</p>
<p>7. Blake Gibson/Kara Pryor</p>
<p>8. Steven Luatua</p>
<p>9. Augustine Pulu</p>
<p>10. Ihaia West</p>
<p>11. Melani Nanai</p>
<p>12. Sonny Bill Williams</p>
<p>13. George Moala/Rieko Ioane</p>
<p>14. Rieko Ioane/George Moala</p>
<p>15. Tim Nanai-Williams?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>16. Greg Pleasants-Tate?</p>
<p>17. Sam Prattley</p>
<p>18. Ofa Tu'ungafasi</p>
<p>19. Akira Ioane/Jerome Kaino</p>
<p>20. Kara Pryor/Blake Gibson</p>
<p>21. Sam Nock/Billy Guyton</p>
<p>22. Piers Francis</p>
<p>23. Rene Ranger/Lolagi Visinia/Jordan Trainor</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Looks like the Blues will have a much stronger team next year, esp will all those players not being involved in 7s!</p> -
<p>Lies, damn lies and statistics?</p>
<p>Just been looking at Super table. Although has been reported Blues out (and I think that's a reasonable conclusion) I don't think it's a fact. If Bulls and Sharks were to lose and Blues to say Tah to NSW with all the points it seems to me they'd have 40 points and the eighth spot. Or are Kiwi teams limited to four spots?</p>
<p>What might have been...</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="booboo" data-cid="595692" data-time="1468122479">
<div>
<p>Ofa an option at 1?</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>He's been better after being removed from loosehead by Umaga so I would say that unless we have a massive injury crisis there, very unlikely.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="pakman" data-cid="595735" data-time="1468138668">
<div>
<p>Lies, damn lies and statistics?</p>
<p>Just been looking at Super table. Although has been reported Blues out (and I think that's a reasonable conclusion) I don't think it's a fact. If Bulls and Sharks were to lose and Blues to say Tah to NSW with all the points it seems to me they'd have 40 points and the eighth spot. Or are Kiwi teams limited to four spots?</p>
<p>What might have been...</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>FIve teams only from Australasia. </p>
<p>
Winner of NZ, Winner of Australia and then the next three.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So, really, it is goodnight nurse for the season. Still a good result for me - a season we can kick on next year, paritcularly with the quality of players we are starting to sign.</p> -
<p>Thanks, nzzp -- I thought there must have been some way dreamed up of avoiding Kiwi domination!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>But with you. Last two games Blues have suddenly started playing like a real pro team. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Let's finish the job well this week.</p>
