Blues 2018
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Blues 2018 draw is out.
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@kiwimurph So we play each NZ team twice, but don't play the Brumbies or Bulls.
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Ruru will join current halfbacks Augustine Pulu and Sam Nock in the Blues squad on a one-year deal.
Ruru signs with Blues to continue rapid rise
Otago halfback Jono Ruru has signed with the Blues for next year's Super Rugby season. Ruru will join current halfbacks Augustine Pulu and Sam Nock...
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@tim said in Blues 2018:
Ruru will join current halfbacks Augustine Pulu and Sam Nock in the Blues squad on a one-year deal.
Ruru signs with Blues to continue rapid rise
Otago halfback Jono Ruru has signed with the Blues for next year's Super Rugby season. Ruru will join current halfbacks Augustine Pulu and Sam Nock...
That's because the Blues backline like 4 letter words to shout at their halfbacks.
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@kiwimurph do you have a link to that? I'd like to see their calculation method.
I guess that simply put it is strength of teams on playing schedule but you really need to factor in travel, when your travel period is, who you have to play when you return etc etc.
Either way the Blues seem to be always copping a very hard road and copping a lot of shit partly for being in the strongest conference.
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I'll be interested to see how the Blues' on-field leadership functions next year, particularly with some key young players being another year older.
For leadership figures in the forwards there are: Parsons, Moulds, Scrafton, Kaino, and Gibson. In the backs: Duffie, SBW, Faiane, and Collins.
Notably lacking are leaders at 8, 9, and 10. Here's some of hoping Pulu, Nock, Perofeta, and Gatland step up.
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@tim Agreed. Add Tuipulotu to that list as well.
I really hope there is some fresh blood in the propping stocks - if Sam Prattley gets in the Blues squad i'm going to put my fist through a wall.
They really need to sort out their backline mix. They have two good options at 12 but 13 is less clear. Year after year the Blues struggle to get their backline mix right.
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@kiwimurph I'd like to see Vaega or Ioane get a run at 13.
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@tim said in Blues 2018:
@kiwimurph I'd like to see Vaega or Ioane get a run at 13.
I believe when the Blues picked up Ioane, they saw him as a 13. If not, why the hell didn't they throw the bank at Goodhue?
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@mimic said in Blues 2018:
@tim said in Blues 2018:
@kiwimurph I'd like to see Vaega or Ioane get a run at 13.
I believe when the Blues picked up Ioane, they saw him as a 13. If not, why the hell didn't they throw the bank at Goodhue?
Apparently they did chase him pretty hard, but he decided to stay in Chch
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Interesting listening to Murray Mexted this morning on Radio Sport,touched on both the Blues & Auckland and the issues both have had over the last decade.
I was delighted to hear Mexted speak both frankly about the failure to identify or scout talent,which has been a big bug bear I have had for a least 10 years..
Even the current Auckland Mitre 10 cup is classic,having watched quite a bit of Auckland club rugby,I have been highly impressed with the 3 argentine Costa brothers that play for Eden,I was told by someone on the AK coaching staff,that they were not up to mitre 10 level.
yet Nico comes on for Auckland v Canterbury at halfback and almost changes the game,a position Auckland have struggled at in the last few seasons,and I would imagine all 3 x Brothers would have a great understanding of each other's game..just saying..!
I also question the Blues ability to select a player required for their roster,I see the Blues signed the boy Ruru from Otago,with the greatest respect I reckon Jack Stratton from Canterbury looks a much better prospect,can think right back to the Lions first game against the NZ Babas,he was awesome against quality opposition.
Even the selection of Otere Black bothers me,he was targeted by the Blues a couple of seasons ago and declined,
Personally when the Blues were chasing Beauden Barrett,I would gave gone after Richie Mo'unga,at the time he was the 3rd choice 10 at the crusaders,but having seen him at NZ 20s level,one could see he had the goods.
Even in recent times,best young first five at the NZ under 19s tournament a couple seasons back was Brett Cameron from Canterbury,..will probably be the 3rd choice at the saders in 2018 behind Mo'unga and Hunt.Another player I would be all over is Jackson Hemapo from Manawatu,the man is a beast,and from the time Stephen Luatua signed with Bristol,they should have been all over it.
I realise in the scheme of things there are agents and money to deal with,but man alive,open your eyes..! -
@steven-harris Love your inside info and club rugby stuff!
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@tim lost my link,thanks for the words,I do wonder what scouts and recruitment guys at Auckland & Blues are looking at..!
