Blues 2017
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@KiwiMurph Surely we can't keep losing to NZ teams next year as well lol our fortunes have to change. Even this year we should have nailed a few derbies.
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OK, we've seen everything this season now. After feedback from the forum, and looking at who might be available, here is my 2018 squad.
There are eight positions to fill, and beside those I've listed in-region available players, and out of region players who would be desirable to sign and are not known to have signed for a team in 2018.
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Here's a dabble at the preferred match day XXIII. Main positions of contention are noted.
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There are probably three big questions over that team, but the foremost one for me is will the tight forwards perform better and more consistently than this year? I think they can, but it would help to have another strong option at hooker, tighthead prop, and lock. If we are better coached, and the players are more mature, then a significant gain could come from being able to bring on good replacement front row players, and having Goodhue play at Scrafton level at lock - that would enable us to keep players fresh, increase overall quality, and maintain set-piece after replacing players.
I would also like to see Scrafton and Goodhue together, so we can put pressure on the opposition lineout.
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I think I read that the word is that Otere Black is holding off an announcement til after the Super Rugby season so to not distract.
The fact Otere has not denied the rumours and that were was that article pretty much confirming it in the Herald says to me he's heading to Blues.
For Blues next year they really need to nail down the 12-13 combo. They need one that is going to deliver in big games.
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Its a shame Tom Robinson (lock/loosie) was injured in pre-season, I had heard he had impressed (on and off the field) really throws himself about, and is very good in the air, although I think he might be a bit lightweight at present (although his profile says 1.98m and 110kg)
ALso Namatahi Waa seemed to be making decent progress in the WTG/Dev side at TH too, got in pretty good shape but seems to have fallen off the radar
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@KiwiMurph If true, I hope Canes are not going to get a back-up for BB from outside its catchment.
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Do we need another lock? We already have 4 young specialists, plus a lock/blindside in the squad. More loose forward cover would be better
@KiwiMurph said in Blues 2017:
For Blues next year they really need to nail down the 12-13 combo. They need one that is going to deliver in big games.
Absolutely, but whatever combo picked will have similar issues if the problems at 9 & 10 aren't sorted.
As usual there's lots of talk about flyhalf but halfback has been an even bigger problem this year. The service from Pulu and Guyton has been abysmal..even when under no pressure.
Nock's delivery seems like a step up. But he really needs to sort out his kicking options during the NPC -
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@Tim said in Blues 2017:
@Duluth Who do you think we might be able to get? I'd love to have a consistent player with a good pass to start, with Pulu playing the last 30 mins.
I'd have a crack at Jack Stratton.
Surprised he hasn't made the crusaders this year. He really leads his club team around the paddock and has an excellent kicking and passing game.
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I think Nock has shown good improvement this year. After coming back from injury he's overtaken Guyton to be the number 2 halfback. I agree on the kicking side of things but I think that will just come from experience - he just needs to keep playing more rugby. I agree ideally Pulu could be the guy to come on with 30 or so left and close games out with his experience and running game.
What i'd like to see is Nock start at 9 and Perofeta at 10 vs the Sunwolves. Those two in combination against a Sunwolves team that likes to play fast on what is usually a fast dry track could be a great combination.
I'd like a loosehead prop to replace Prattley in the squad. Someone with half a brain would be ideal.
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@Tim said in Blues 2017:
@SammyC Cheers. You'd think he'd pick up a contract after his game against the Lions.
Played really well last year for Canterbury too, for some reason didn't get as many opportunities as I thought he deserved.
Doesn't seem to be a Robertson favourite, so may be convinced to leave.
Also watched another Stratton play at 13 for Lincoln a couple of weeks ago, assume he's a younger brother. Looked a good prospect if you're after a centre with good distribution skills.
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I think the halfback slots at the Crusaders were all contractually sewn up by the time Razor took charge, Sammy. Plus Razor seemed to prefer Enari over Stratton for Canterbury, last year.
Leon Fukofuka has barely been sighted this season, though - so I'd be pretty surprised if Enari doesn't take his spot next year. Since he's an Aucklander he'd be quite an obvious one for Tana to at least pass the ruler over.
