Blues 2018
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@machpants said in Blues 2018:
@taniwharugby Scott was a NZ schools champ at hammer and shot put when at WBHS, but gave it up to concentrate on rugby. A really nice kid and put the hard work in. I hope he goes far.
Agreed...Scotts a really good kid - good head on his shoulders, humble and very well mannered. Takes after his did who is a good bloke too! Hes a wee bit unlucky to miss out on the NZU20s Oceania squad but I'd say he be the next cab off the rank if any injury replacements are required. Hes still eligible next year though as well.
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@kiwimurph said in Blues 2018:
@duluth Yep agreed. I think the midfield in this game (12 Manu 13 Tele'a) could be the Auckland midfield this year.
I wonder with Caleb Clarke out for 2-3 weeks whether the Blues are allowed to bring in a replacement player from outside the squad? Either Tumua Manu or Hyland would do a fine job. I'm not sure the Blues ever confirmed who they replaced midfielder Matt Johnson with?
MIdfield options for Auckland would appear to be Aso, and the 2 Manus - Tumua and Loketi with possibly Tele'a as next in line behind those 3? If Tele'a does well during the 20s campaign he may push himself up the cue? I believe Orbyn Leger was pulled in from the injury replacement group to the fulltime group for Matt Johnson.
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@kiwimurph said in Blues 2018:
He’s having a great year, one of the best players in NZ at the moment.
I’d like to see some defensive stats and ruck involvements. Everyone knows he’s devistating with ball in hand.
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@mn5 I was impressed with the 13 for the Blues as well,was that the same Mark Talea who has turned out on the wing for Harbour..?
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@steven-harris Two different players playing the same game. I too was impressed by the 13.
Mark Telea was on the wing for the Blues development team (11). That is the wing for Harbour.
The 13 for the Blues development team was Tanielu Tele'a - part of the Auckland U19 National Champs team last year and in the NZ U20s squad for the Oceania tournament coming up (assuming his injury isn't too bad).
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@steven-harris said in Blues 2018:
@mn5 I was impressed with the 13 for the Blues as well,was that the same Mark Talea who has turned out on the wing for Harbour..?
@Bones someone is actually asking me a rugby question.....
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NZ Herald this morning
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McKendry keeps pushing his pro Umaga agenda.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12028923
Umaga's defenders will say that he hasn't become a bad coach over the past three months, and, for what it's worth, I agree. It's the inconsistency which hurts the team on the field and their supporters off it, and it's difficult to see how a new coach next year will help with that, even should the Blues find someone suitably qualified at this stage. The likelihood is that Umaga will stay, and that wouldn't be a bad thing in my view. There may be changes in terms of structure or even support personnel next season, but the knowledge that Umaga has gained while with the franchise shouldn't be thrown out. -
I would ring the changes against the Sunwolves and introduce a few new players. I'd like to see a backrow with Sotutu, Ioane and Papaali'i, and maybe Lindenmuth at loosehead. Outside, Tumua Manu looks promising. He could be an upgrade to TJF. Hyland is another possibility though I don't see Duffie being dropped.
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@cgrant Agreed on this. Blues will also have to balance ABs potentially being rested - Ofa and Duffie have been rested 1 week out of their 2, the Ioanes none. You'd think this would probably have been a match they would have identified as one to use to rest players.
I agree with you on the players that should be brought in (I'd seriously look at giving Havilii a run too in the loose forwards) but whats the bet Tana brings in players like Kirikiri/Preston/Trainor etc...
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I like those suggestions. However I think Umaga is in a position where he needs to run up a score. I suspect it will be almost a full strength side.
Hopefully the Ioanes don't play 80mins again. The Blues need to manage their workload better
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