Blues 2023

[Bovidae]

@Tim Hutchings is a converted no.7 (from Rotorua BHS). I remember he had some issues with lineout throwing for the Blues U20s. Another year of development since then.

[Duluth]

@Crazy-Horse

He spent time there in the pre-season too

[Duluth]

Good to see Peita on the bench. I thought he was meant to be in USA?

[taniwharugby]

Wonder if Esile Fono was a late inclusion as I have seen him in some Northland stuff past couple of days.

Is a talent, but struggled at times up front for us last year.

[Tim]

[Bovidae]

Neither of the NZ Schools locks (Tristyn Cook, Cam Christie) have been selected. Both are big units so would handle themselves OK. They've selected others from that team, including the props.

[Tim]

@Bovidae Looks like the post was updated:

Unavailable for selection: Tristyn Cook and Cameron Christie.

[Duluth]

The Blues had Fitzpatrick in this week

Still a better option than Ricky

Hoskins Sotutu wasn't even born when Fitzy finished up at the Blues

[Stargazer]

Blues 'A' v Chiefs Mana (Development)
12.30pm at Gribblehirst Park, Auckland

[Duluth]

@Stargazer

That side would be competitive against the full Highlanders side named this week

[KiwiMurph]

@Duluth said in Blues 2023:

@Stargazer

That side would be competitive against the full Highlanders side named this week

Sums up one of the many problems with Super Rugby.

[Bovidae]

I hope someone is at the game. I'd be curious to see what team the Chiefs put out given that some of the players in the 23 for the Rebels game would have normally been involved in this game. Maybe Reihana is fit to play?

[taniwharugby]

@KiwiMurph yep, am sure the Highlanders would love to have one of Gatland or Reihana in thier squad, although at least Gatland gets a start this week.

That said, when you look at Ioane since moving, maybe sending players there isnt always the best either, although am sure theyd rather play regularly than not....

[Stargazer]

Not sure it has already been posted (it probably is), but according to Newshub, RTS will be out for a month.

[george33]

@Stargazer believe it a broken hand but I've herd not bad 2 weeks mayb 3

[Stargazer]

bluesrugbyteam An update from the Blues medical team today,

Alex Hodgman: Unfortunately Alex’s shoulder injury from last weekend will require surgery and rule him out for the rest of the Super Rugby season.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck: Has a fracture to his hand, is in a cast and will be evaluated in a month.

James Lay: Has an ankle injury and will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis.

The status of Patrick Tuipulotu and Akira Ioane will be updated shortly.

Wishing all the fellas a speedy recovery

[Duluth]

[george33]

@Duluth and hoskins and perofeta been cleared to play chiefs after exception form nz

[Stargazer]

From the article below:

Things are slow going for the Blues as well, with Roger Tuivasa-Scheck out for a month, and they're still waiting on Akira Ioane and Patrick Tuipulotu to return.

Leon MacDonald is not confident that will be in time for this week's top-of-the-table clash with the Chiefs.

"Akira is definitely not," he said. "Patrick is getting closer, we'll be seeing how he goes over the next wee while."

Mar 26, 2023  /  Sport

Super Rugby Pacific: Crusaders captain Scott Barrett granted All Blacks rest exemption as injuries ravage teams | Newshub

NZ Rugby has approved the Crusaders' request for the lock to bypass a rest week.

[Tim]

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/300841109/harry-plummer-shrugs-off-the-setbacks-to-make-it-back-in-super-rugby-pacific-for-blues