Blues 2018
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@kiwimurph said in Blues 2018:
I think Clarke may make the odd appearance but I wouldn't be expecting to see him regularly this year - for one he is almost certain to be part of the NZ 7s squad for Comm Games.
Oh I'm only talking about 3-4 times
Most of the time I would like the backs bench to be: a halfback, a flyhalf, Moala
It's all moot because we'll definitely have an injury crisis at some stage and Tana will do something stupid like picking Kirkpatrick at 12 in every match
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With the first half team looking close to our first string team, anyone else worried that Tupou is there instead of Akira? Might not mean much come week 1, but Tana obviously loves Tupou.
Papalii has probably improved his stocks the most this pre-season. Only 80 minutes of NPC experience and he could possibly start week 1.
Is Tuipulotu still in Tana's bad books? I hope not, we kind of need to play our best team each week to have a chance in the NZ conference.
It seems we might be trying to transition away from Moala as a starter. We have to try it at least, because our backline attack has been too predictable for too long.
Would've liked to have seen Tumua Manu get a go in this game, he's been pretty productive with every chance he's been given. Likely would've been a better option at centre than Leger.
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Heading up the road to have a look,sensational day north of Auckland,will keep you all posted.
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@steven-harris PM me if you want to catch up.
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@steven-harris Given that Warkworth has already had 400 mm of rain this year (230 mm) this month, it's pretty fortunate that it's such a nice day.
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@dice I think it's worth noting other than Papali'i none of the rest of the first half XV played 10s (except Tupou who only played a game or two).
I'd suggest Tupou in the starting XV is more about giving him a run. I highly doubt Goodhue has passed Tuipulotu/GCT but he is in the first half XV.
Likewise I doubt Faiane will be in the starting XV for the first game - as it looks like he is set up to play in both halves in this preseason game.
Agreed on Tumua Manu - was much better than Leger or Tua at the 10s.
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@tim there is a live steam through the Blues F/B SBI productions,I wonder if they need a commentator..?,lol
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@steven-harris Ha ha. None of us could be worse than TJ.
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@steven-harris said in Blues 2018:
@tim there is a live steam through the Blues F/B SBI productions,I wonder if they need a commentator..?,lol
Bloody hell, found the stream only to informed that it is limited to NZ audiences only due to licencing restrictions.
And here I was, boss free for the day thinking... "Hell yeah, get in a bit of S15 pre-season whilst sitting at the desk with the feet up".
Go the Blues. After so many challenging years as a Blues supporter, I don't want to get my hopes up but right now things are looks as bright as they have in many years.
Cheers
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15 minutes until kick off very big crowd,field in excellent condition,28.5 degrees,should’nt be too much of an issue given where they were last weekend
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8 m good lead up work from Canes forwards results in an attacking scrum from which Perenara exploits on the blindside Canes lead 5-0
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13 min,great turnover from Dalton Papalii results in a great little chip through which sees Matt Duffie score just ahead of Laumapi ,Gatland converts Blues 7-5
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17m Murphy Taramai on for Dalton Papalii
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@steven-harris injury?
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@kiwimurph unsure will check at halftime
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22m George Moala on for TJ Faine
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26m a couple of observations;Canes look to have the stronger scrum,TJ Perenara looking classy.
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31m Matt Proctor scores after some brilliant work from the Canes forwards especially,converted by Ihaia West,Canes back in front 12-7.
