Blues 2018
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@duluth said in Blues 2018:
Yet I am the one predicting an improvement
You are a huge Umaga cheerleader but expect him to have a wooden spoon 3-peat. Reading re-emptive excuses why Umaga shouldn't be blamed for a poor season he hasn't had yet implies that his biggest fans don't actually rate him.
It’s more that I am being optimistic about the Chiefs and I always underestimate the Highlanders.
If there’s one team that kills my tipping it’s the Blues. They lose when I back them and when I try to learn my lesson they win. -
@duluth said in Blues 2018:
@crucial said in Blues 2018:
Secondly T is untouchable because he coached CM to their first Shield. He gets a lifelong pass for that.
Oh I'm aware that some people have an emotional attachment to Umaga for various reasons and are willing to waive normal standards when judging him as a SR coach
Just be honest about the tingly feelings he gives you and don't pretend its a logical position. Your mind is clouded by your love
I think your comparing of Tana with Hammett is way off base (and the reverse emotional attachment?). Hammett took over a team filled with ABs, many who played a starring role in the upcoming RWC. He melted the team down, alienated a large proportion of the fanbase and didn't ever take the Canes to the finals with a squad comparatively better than any of Tana's Blues teams (especially in relation to other NZ squads).
Tana inherited the 5th best team in NZ, with the 5th best squad in NZ and he's had the 5th best squad in NZ for the last two years.
Blues fans might not see any improvement, but I think outsiders have noticed improvements, marginal that they may be.
In saying all that, if he doesn't make the finals this year then he should go, assuming of course there's someone better to replace him.
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I think with Tana it is best to wait until the end of the season and then make an assessment - with the Blues having a very tough first 4 weeks playing with essentially the 3rd choice 10 it could very well start poorly but not necessarily a fair picture of how Tana is tracking.
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I think the blues have improved under Tana in their standard of play , even if its not reflected in results so much ,
Not arguing he deserves to keep his job , but i do believe they have made improvements under his coaching which at least has been better than his predecessors IMO
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@kiwimurph said in Blues 2018:
matt-duffie-hugely-motivated-to-complete-his-restoration-mission-with-the-blues
The Blues need a Pact! That'll sort them out
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Looks like Sione Havili won't be on the bench tonight (disappointing but not surprising).
I wonder if Telea and Sotutu are injured? They are mentioned in the article but not in the team named. Jeez the Blues love an injury - what the hell is going on with their strength and conditioning? this isn't exactly the first year injuries have been a real problem for the Blues.
Good to see likes of Reidlinger-Kapa, Funaki, Plummer, Clake and Visinia in there.
Interesting names in the coaching team.
Ahead of tonight’s big game in Dunedin, our Under 20s will kick off the Blues Development Programme against the Under 20s Chiefs in Waihi tomorrow. Leka Tu’ungafasi Luteru Tolai Robb Cobb Ben Sa’u John Akauola-Laula Waimana Riedlinger-Kapa (CC) Aleks Dabek Sione Havili Taufa Funaki Harry Plummer Caleb Clarke Sebastian Visinia Scott Gregory Lemeki Namoa Matt Storm Reserves Penisoni Fineanganofo Leon Thambiran Feao Teutau Max Hicks Tamarau McGahan Jack Heighton Wiseguy Faiane Patrick Pati AJ Lam John Cooper Nathan Va’atausili Dan Halangahu, Coach Ben Afeaki, Assistant Coach Steven Bates, Assistant Coach -
@kiwimurph have heard good things about Scott Gregory.
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@tim Parsons really did seem to break the shackles without the captaincy and was running so really nice lines - his core set piece work seemed solid too.
On the other hand Apisai - my main takeaway of him when i've seen him in the past is 'underwhelming' and it was more of the same - he got dominated in some collisions.
Moulds hasn't had a ton of opportunities but he hasn't really taken those that he has had.
I'd honestly rather the Blues had someone like Eklund in the mix - he was a huge improver in M10 Cup and looked sharp at the Brisbane 10s - I reckon he could provide real spark off the bench with his speed.
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@kiwimurph Eklunds throwing is worse than Moulds....I know it isn't always the throwers fault.
Yeah Moulds has all the attributes to be a top drawer hooker, but just hasn't gotten there yet, which makes you wonder if he will.
Tana was impressed with Ross Wright in pre-season, many Taniwha fans have said for years hooker is his best spot, could be worth a crack off the bench.
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@taniwharugby Eklund's throwing was hugely improved in 2017 Mitre 10 Cup. 2016 yes I'd agree - 2017 he was MUCH better.
