Blues 2024
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It is not an NZR Rule it is a SANZAAR rule, as it is their competition. And the rules are set, if you don't play before 1 April in the comp you can't play the finals - unless special circumstances. Like the Tahs, having lost 395 props, they would be allowed to bring someone else in if they were in the finals. I doubt the Blues are in the same boat with 1st fives/fullbacks. If another goes down, they might, but they have a couple and that's enough.
I don't have a problem with anyone coming in at any time. If a team thinks that bringing Dupont in for the finals is going to improve their team, I really doubt it. A full on ringer would be a problem in most cases, unless (like Cane, Beaudy) they have already spent significant time with the team -
If they have a contract with NZR, then they should be eligible to play.
Is someone who injures themselves in pre-season but comes right in time for a final eligible to play finals?
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@taniwharugby said in Blues 2024:
Is someone who injures themselves in pre-season but comes right in time for a final eligible to play finals?
Yes
This restriction is only for offshore players ( @machpants missed that in his summary ). So the Blues could call up loads of people to replace Sullivan. The Crusaders couldn't use Afoa in the finals last year because he'd just returned to NZ
That's why I questioned what the intent of this rule is
I presume the Blues are questioning if sabbatical players are really offshore players given they were always under NZR contract. I'm sure they probably are but it is worth clarifying.
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@Duluth yeah for my mind, if they are contracted to NZR, then it is all moot, they are eligible for NZ teams.
Although comp rules may see it differently, as an aside, @Machpants mentions SANZAR, is it still SANZAR given there is no SA in there now?
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@taniwharugby said in Blues 2024:
@Duluth yeah for my mind, if they are contracted to NZR, then it is all moot, they are eligible for NZ teams.
Although comp rules may see it differently, as an aside, @Machpants mentions SANZAR, is it still SANZAR given there is no SA in there now?
Good point, I guess the new unit in Sydney would be responsible, but since it is barely started I don't think they've changed any rules since SANZAAR
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@Canes4life said in Blues 2024:
I would laugh so hard if the Blues pushed to get him into the 23 and then he F’d it up for them in the final. He’s cracked under pressure a lot in recent years, so you’re more than welcome to him.
@Canes4life said in Blues 2024:
I’ve got no problem him playing in the round robin as injury cover but he should have no right to play in the playoffs, would be a complete joke.
Sort it out mate.
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@Machpants said in Blues 2024:
It is not an NZR Rule it is a SANZAAR rule, as it is their competition. And the rules are set, if you don't play before 1 April in the comp you can't play the finals - unless special circumstances.
This
Its a VG rule and it should be retained and followed. C4L mentioned Ardie and I agree. Bringing him back and dropping say Iose would undermine super rugby. Just when the crowds are coming back
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@KiwiMurph said in Blues 2024:
@Duluth A very nice read. So pleased for Plummer.
Yeah he had a lot of bad luck early. His general play was judged harder too because he had the goal kicking yips
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I guess this puts this speculation to bed.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/350290854/blues-bold-bid-bring-back-all-blacks-star-beauden-barrett-fails -
Good
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Not surprised. Blues bid to get Beaudy for the playoffs has failed.
