Crusaders v Blues
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@mimic said in Crusaders v Blues:
If anything, with Tana coming, I was hoping it would make the Blues a franchise players would want to come to. We got SBW and Pulu, but I was hoping he could pull in players in positions that we are lacking.
We really struggled to bring in any first fives. I'm still surprised we got Perofeta to come along.Don't forget Manu. That's three ABs he attracted in.
The number 10 thing is the perennial issue. At least Francis is better than some of the options in the past.
The trouble is that there simply aren't a surplus of good 10s that have not been locked in elsewhere. I would say Black would be a good possibility if he wasn't locked into the Canes but that's about it. Getting Perofeta was the type of gamble/early play that is needed to catch a good first five. Look at what the Chiefs did to get DMac. Without that early grab and a scholarship offer he would probably be at the Crusaders. -
Yeah i'd say a big issue with the 10 jersey is historical. You've had 13 years of failure in the 10 jersey and a media/fan spotlight on that jersey where expectations are huge.
Players seem to be simply saying - why risk it - theyd rather sit with other franchises even if they arent first choice 10 there - even Delaney turned them down.
The other issue being the area being woeful at producing their own 10s.
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CRusaders shored up the mid-field when they took Wainui off
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So far Blues are no better than prior seasons. The fowards are an Achilles heal - when it matters they get schooled. Maybe that's part of the reason why no first five looks any good. The team lacks vision and passing skills, they constantly turn the ball over and their tactics and player selections haven't evolved. The Auckland ITM brand of rugby has been a massive failure at the next level up.
That said they will still beat up teams and have some big wins but against goods sides they are not consistent enough.
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@Wally said in Crusaders v Blues:
I was at the game. I couldn't believe how lazy A Ioane was when he came on.
He'll never be an All Black.
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Akira was well covered and Blues went backwards when he came on. Kaino was playing a similar role, without much penetration and it would probably have made more sense to sub him. Would have been great point to have been able to introduce an Alan Whetton!
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@Wally said in Crusaders v Blues:
I was at the game. I couldn't believe how lazy A Ioane was when he came on.
The Blues forwards were gone
at about 60 minutes.He looked so disinterested, walked around the field with a sorry expression on his face.
What has happened to the dynamic player we saw last year?
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@SammyC said in Crusaders v Blues:
@Wally said in Crusaders v Blues:
I was at the game. I couldn't believe how lazy A Ioane was when he came on.
The Blues forwards were gone
at about 60 minutes.He looked so disinterested, walked around the field with a sorry expression on his face.
What has happened to the dynamic player we saw last year?
Maybe he is trying to play for a Warriors contract. The way he is going he will fit right in.
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@antipodean said in Crusaders v Blues:
@Wally said in Crusaders v Blues:
I was at the game. I couldn't believe how lazy A Ioane was when he came on.
He'll never be an All Black.
Never say never, but he has a lot of work to do
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I think the last few posts perfectly sum up why Akira Ioane may not have what it takes to be an All Black. Contrast that to Jordan Taufua, who is exactly the opposite. Don't think there are many players who are more motivated and have a higher work rate than him. I know some think he's too small, but I'm not convinced that his height (or lack of it) should be barrier. He has plenty of other things to offer.
I loved watching this interview. "If you're not in my team, I'm going out to put you down, I'm going to hurt you". "Going out there being the "Beast", that's what I judge myself on; going beastmode, give it everything. If I'm not going beast(mode), I'm not doing my job. It has to be there; if it's not there, I have to do everything to get there. I'll make sure I'll get there next game." Now that's a great attitude!
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I'm sure there were people writing off Kaino at the same age as Ioane, and I daresay that after Taufua's bursting onto the scene with Ta$man he took a few years to become the player he is today.
In another thread it was noted that sometimes loosies just take a bit of time to develop so not sure why the knives are out already.
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@Nepia said in Crusaders v Blues:
I'm sure there were people writing off Kaino at the same age as Ioane, and I daresay that after Taufua's bursting onto the scene with Ta$man he took a few years to become the player he is today.
In another thread it was noted that sometimes loosies just take a bit of time to develop so not sure why the knives are out already.
Not sure whether that's directed at me, but I said on purpose "Akira Ioane may not have what it takes to be an All Black" instead of "Akira Ioane does not have what it takes". I think he has time on his side, but definitely not only his rugby needs to improve, but also his work rate, attitude etc.
Actually, I'd like the AB coaches to try Akira at 6 and Taufua at 8. Just imagine if they both go beastmode (all legally, of course)!
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@KiwiMurph his defence in particular has come a long way.
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@Bovidae I have it on good authority that Ardie will be moving to 12 long term. But that's yet to be announced as the NZRU are still working through the PR strategy of how to let Money Bill know....
