Blues 2024
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@Tim said in Blues 2024:
I certainly hope that Darry isn't out for long. As McWhannell is injury prone too, we could soon be down to one specialist lock, and a rookie at that.
Currently fit are McWhannell and Beehre, and the lock/sixes Suafoa and Thompson (also a rookie). Who is the next choice to bring into the squad? Annandale? Not many others are available. Maybe Hallam-Eames?
Annandale played a preseason game but went off with an injury. No idea what the injury was or if he is healthy now
Yeah we can’t afford anymore injuries but I’m pretty comfortable going into most games with McWhannell, Beehre & Suafoa
On the positive side the lock injuries have built depth fast. Everyone has stood up so far. When (if) everyone gets fit it’s going to be a tough selection. Similar to the loosies - two guys good enough to start won’t make the 23
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SEGNER’S FUTURE LOCKED WITH BLUES — Blues Rugby
Loose-Forward Anton Segner has re-committed to the Blues for a further two years, cementing his future at the club until the end of 2026. German-born Segner who has been with the Blues since 2022 has played in all three Loose-Forward positions since joining the club and has impres
Segner with the Blues until the end of 2026
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From the herald -
Despite confronting stiff competition from past or present All Blacks Dalton Papali’i, Akira Ioane and Hoskins Sotutu in the stacked Blues loose forwards, Segner knocked back overtures from other Super teams - namely the Crusaders - to commit to a fulltime Auckland base.As Cotter adopts a full squad policy to this season, having already rested All Blacks Rieko Ioane and Finlay Christie, Segner is expected to return to start at blindside flanker for the Blues’ trip to Wellington this weekend after sitting out last week’s win over the Highlanders, with Akira Ioane shifting to the back of the scrum and Sotutu reverting to the bench after a standout start that includes five tries from two outings.
Sam Darry is also set for a six-to-eight-week spell on the sidelines with an MCL injury to further deplete the Blues locking stocks, while captain Patrick Tuipulotu continues his recovery from a broken jaw.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/super-rugby-anton-segner-knocks-back-rivals-to-go-all-in-on-blues-and-auckland/ -
Shame about Darry. I thought he was looking good.
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@Crazy-Horse Yeah he's had a few bad injuries in his career now, just like last year when he was also looking good.
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Segner is expected to return to start at blindside flanker for the Blues’ trip to Wellington this weekend after sitting out last week’s win over the Highlanders, with Akira Ioane shifting to the back of the scrum and Sotutu reverting to the bench after a standout start that includes five tries from two outings.
Good to hear. This is correcting an error the previous coaching made. In some seasons one or two players played excessive minutes and faded
Segner can play 3 positions, Papali'i and Ioane 2 positions and Sotutu is a specialist. So it's easy to rotate amongst that four. Then there's still Choat, & Suafoa who are can easily slot in too
Ioane at 8 is something worth using at times. A couple of the tries for Auckland last year had Zinzan like control at the base.. a lost art
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Confirmation and details. Step up Ben Ake I guess -
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Underrated loss that. He's a decent scrummager. Ofa and Fusitua as LH props.
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@Daffy-Jaffy isn't Ake at the Chiefs?
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@KiwiMurph Ahio is at the Chiefs.
