Blues 2024
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Probably looking at Tuipulotu being back after the bye, which would mean the round nine game against the Brumbies (20 April, another four games without him).
If Darry is out for six to eight weeks, that would mean he would miss round eight or 10, so could be back in round 9 (Brumbies, 20 April) or 11 (Rebels, 27 April).
Round 10 is away against the Reds, it would be great to have everyone fit for then.
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Early days, but the comments from the start of the season look fairly accurate: tight five depth is a concern, we don't have a international level hooker, we are missing Hodgman and Laulala, and midfield depth is also a concern, especially in regards to having a top notch 12.
Tevita Mafileo would be a nice get for a prop, Fusitua looks a good prospect, and Renata is playing his best rugby, but his ceiling is not high. Sheck hasn't played, and Lay is out for the season. Who could come into the squad from U20s or development backgrounds? Who might be available to pick up from outside the region? Ahio to return?
At hooker we have a couple of journeymen who are solid, and Vikena who is in a make-or-break year. Same question applies: who could be pick up for next year?
At lock we could have good depth if the players weren't injury prone (Tuipulotu, Darry, McWhannell). Any one on the radar?
Loose forward depth is great, but the question is whether Ioane will want to stick around for longer? Will Rob Rush leave for more (i.e. some) game time? Suafoa is a nice backup to have, and the region is never short of promising young loose forwards. Any young players who must be signed?
Halfback: Christie is good enough at this level, but not excellent. Funaki is improving, Nock has all the skills but rarely plays with confidence or decisiveness. Will be interesting to see if there is any turnover in this position.
First Five: Pretty good depth here
Midfield: Who is the best 12? Are their any young hotshots to sign? Is Heem done after this year? Will Plummer and Evans stick around? Who is the backup for Ioane? Difficulty here is that MacDonald was loath to play young players, so there are a lot of unknowns. Has Grindley got the skills? Can Evans force his way into the 23? AJ Lam has put in some really good hits this year, but looks like a wing adjusting to centre. How would Telea go in the midfield?
Outside Backs: Seldom any problems here, the region produces a lot of quality players.
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@Tim said in Blues 2024:
Midfield: Who is the best 12? Are their any young hotshots to sign? Is Heem done after this year? Will Plummer and Evans stick around? Who is the backup for Ioane? Difficulty here is that MacDonald was loath to play young players, so there are a lot of unknowns. Has Grindley got the skills? Can Evans force his way into the 23? AJ Lam has put in some really good hits this year, but looks like a wing adjusting to centre. How would Telea go in the midfield?
It's hard to know what the rankings are at 12. Heem was unavailable in the first week but he's basically been alternating with Plummer
The backs haven't clicked yet I do wonder if the loss of O'Halloran has had an impact there. Brown is a good replacement obviously but would've brought in his own ideas just as the season started
As for other options? Evans in the preseason did what he always does.. looks good but then makes errors particularly on defence. Gordon had a promising preseason but needs time at NPC level first
Grindlay is worth a look soon. I think he might have more success at 12 at SR level than 13.
I like the idea of Lam becoming a centre/wing he just needs more time.. probably needs a full NPC at 13
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Apparently the Blues are wearing the Heritage jersey for this weekends game -
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@Daffy-Jaffy that's cool, I wish other teams brought out similar jerseys. Is there a heritage round at all?
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Cricket season means the Blues are always late getting games at Eden Park. They've had one home game so far but this weekend is the first game in Auckland
Because the Moana Pasifika game is now at EP the Blues play 7 of their remaining 10 matches at home
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@george33 Interesting, could slot straight into 10 as Perofeta hasn't looked overly comfortable so far this season.
