Blues 2019
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@gt12 thats not what you said, you said if you had just finished 14th and someone offered you 7th, would you take it, which anyone would...that said, you can still be pissed off with it.
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I see what you're saying, and absolutely true - if the chiefs were 14th, I'd take 7th next year in a heartbeat.
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@gt12 said in Blues 2019:
I’d be pissed if the Chiefs were 7th next year, even though I expected it this year.
But if I were a blues fan, I’d be all over that.
I wouldn’t. Semis or above is a good season, rest is just dross.
What’s happening for the past three years of Tana is the dismantling of a franchise.
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https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/article.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=12092668
It is understood one of the reasons why Ioane, 23, agreed to stay at the Blues is the chance to work with Coventry, a straight-shooter who won two Super Rugby titles as Dave Rennie's assistant at the Chiefs. The former Waikato loose forward is eager to take up the challenge.
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@tim said in Blues 2019:
James Parsons has committed to another year for the Blues. He wants to play 100 games and be part of the change to get the club back to where it needs to be.
Is that Parsons? I didn’t recognise him at all without the headgear.
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@Stargazer keeps track of the various SR signings. He made a list of the current announced Blues signings here:
https://www.thesilverfern.com/2018/07/22/blues-2019-discussion/
The first thing that stands out is how little information has been released about who is playing next year. Compare that list to the Chiefs one (also on the front page). The Chiefs have 24 names confirmed, the Blues only 14 so far
Of course many more will be signed. It's just another example of the lack of communication to the fans about what is going on.
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@raznomore said in Blues 2019:
Can I suggest relocation? There is currently a grossly under represented region of NZ that the Blues could find real success.
The Chatham Islands.
i assumed you were about to say the Gold Coast...
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So many articles barley mention Umaga and are talking up Coventry and/or MacDonald like they are in charge.
Either Umaga is being given a soft exit or he's on a hiding to nothing.
We'll know if Umaga opts for an 'exciting new challenge' of coaching a side in world series rugby sometime next year.
It sounds far fetched until you remember the same Blues board wanted to give Kirwan another year. That bizarre plan was all about protecting Kirwans reputation after three poor years..A hiding to nothing? Well, if the Blues suck again Umaga will get the blame. If there is an improvement Coventry and MacDonald will be getting the credit for turning around Umaga's mess
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To answer some of the questions in @Stargazer post
Who of the players that played in 2018, but weren't in the initial squad, would you like to see signed for 2019 (or longer)?
Tumua Manu I'd sign to a full deal. He can play midfield and wing. Every chance he got he played well. Low error rate, good defender, underrated finisher. Very useful.
I'd be very tempted to sign Sione Havilli as a 7 in place of Taramai. He's on the small side but highly rated and looked sharp in the very limited chances he got in Super Rugby.
Which player, who hasn't been signed yet, but played for the Blues in 2018, don't you want to be signed?
Jordan Trainor I'd flick. To me he's just too small for Super Rugby. His contribution this year was getting needlessly yellow carded. I know he is one they signed to quite a long deal hoping he would develop but it just has not happened.
Taramai I'd let go. Maybe Coventry can get more out of him but for all his high energy he offers very little impact. He falls off tackles repeatedly.
Preston I'd move on from. I know he was injured a lot
Who of the players of the initial 2018 squad would you like to see signed for 2019 (or longer)?
Perofeta, Clarke, Papali'i, Ioanes x 2, Goodhue. They would be the priorities.
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@kiwimurph said in Blues 2019:
To answer some of the questions in @Stargazer post
Who of the players that played in 2018, but weren't in the initial squad, would you like to see signed for 2019 (or longer)?
Tumua Manu I'd sign to a full deal. He can play midfield and wing. Every chance he got he played well. Low error rate, good defender, underrated finisher. Very useful.
Leger should be signed too. Hands off Chiefs.
I'd be very tempted to sign Sione Havilli as a 7 in place of Taramai. He's on the small side but highly rated and looked sharp in the very limited chances he got in Super Rugby.
Which player, who hasn't been signed yet, but played for the Blues in 2018, don't you want to be signed?
Jordan Trainor I'd flick. To me he's just too small for Super Rugby. His contribution this year was getting needlessly yellow carded. I know he is one they signed to quite a long deal hoping he would develop but it just has not happened.
Taramai I'd let go. Maybe Coventry can get more out of him but for all his high energy he offers very little impact. He falls off tackles repeatedly.
Preston I'd move on from. I know he was injured a lot
Who of the players of the initial 2018 squad would you like to see signed for 2019 (or longer)?
Perofeta, Clarke, Papali'i, Ioanes x 2, Goodhue. They would be the priorities.
I'd add Pauliasi Manu - not too many loosehead props going around.
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@kiwimurph said in Blues 2019:
Jordan Trainor I'd flick. To me he's just too small for Super Rugby. His contribution this year was getting needlessly yellow carded. I know he is one they signed to quite a long deal hoping he would develop but it just has not happened.
He shouldn't be in the Auckland XV either. Bench NPC option at best
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@duluth said in Blues 2019:
@kiwimurph said in Blues 2019:
Jordan Trainor I'd flick. To me he's just too small for Super Rugby. His contribution this year was getting needlessly yellow carded. I know he is one they signed to quite a long deal hoping he would develop but it just has not happened.
He shouldn't be in the Auckland XV either. Bench NPC option at best
I would also add leni apisai has been a huge disappointment and Ben nee nee is not up to it.
In the backs Sam nock has had enough chances -
I'll add a couple of categories:
Which off-contract players do you want to see signed from other clubs?
Shaun Stevenson, Karl Tu'inukuafe, Michael Little (status uncertain), Luke Romano, Quinten Strange, Mitchell Dunshea.
Which positions to be filled will you be watching for in the Mitre 10 Cup?
Backup 6 and 8, third 7. Backups for all front-row positions. Fourth/Fifth Lock. Halfback, Midfield.
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@tim I'd add outside backs to this list. Looking at this year's squad Trainor as previously discussed should be cut loose. Hyland whilst a trier is probably too slow for a full time spot, Rieko might be playing 13 (hopefully not 12!). More talent is needed in this area. There's sure to be plenty around in the NPC.
waits for joke about "so you're looking for a whole new squad" to be posted
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