Blues 2019

[Tim]

@taniwharugby Yeah, I was gutted when he went off during that game against the Jaguares, as he was having a blinder, especially on defence.

[taniwharugby]

@gunner he's a red head, he doesn't need much help there!

[Tim]

So there's one certainty in the midfield next year - SBW will start at 12 when fit. Who will partner him at 13, and who will be the combination when he's unavailable?

Probably want someone with distribution skills, and pace to take the outside break, when he's playing. Whereas when he's out you'll want the best combination of a power player and a distributor, whatever position they are in.

[KiwiMurph]

@tim Tumua Manu has a good opportunity by playing 13 for Auckland. He started his Mitre 10 Cup season very well last week. Be interesting to see how he goes today.

[gt12]

@kiwimurph He looks quality.

[Tim]

@kiwimurph So, SBW/Manu and Leger/Manu?

Still very annoyed that Little and Vaega were let go.

[Canes]

Perfect player would be Vince Aso...

[Canes]

Keep an eye on the North Harbour midfielders - coaches have a lot of info on them

[KiwiMurph]

Was impressed by Grooby again today at 9 for Ta$man as a fast distributing 9. Had some nice kicks too.

[Tim]

@canes Groundwater?

[Canes]

@tim I don't know much about them but seeing as North Harbour are probably the most successful NPC team in Blues region and coaches are coming from there, they may want to bring people who they know a lot about to shore up a struggling backline

[Tim]

After a couple of rounds I'm liking the following from the Blues region:

Fukofuka - halfback
Tumua Manu - midfield (his brother looked ok too)
Hapakuki Moala-Liava'a - 6 and 8 cover
Sione Mafileo - tighthead prop
Sione Havili - openside backup

We need another halfback, midfielder, loosehead prop, and tighthead prop too.

I like Renata's work around the field, but he still needs to improve at the scrum.

[Dice]

@tim said in Blues 2019:

After a couple of rounds I'm liking the following from the Blues region:

Fukofuka - halfback
Tumua Manu - midfield (his brother looked ok too)
Hapakuki Moala-Liava'a - 6 and 8 cover
Sione Mafileo - tighthead prop
Sione Havili - openside backup

We need another halfback, midfielder, loosehead prop, and tighthead prop too.

I assume you mean Loketi Manu? They're actually not brothers. Loketi Manu is Tongan and Tumua is Samoan. It's easy to think that they're brothers though, as they look similar and play club rugby together.

[Tim]

@dice Aha! I'd just assumed it because they play in the midfield together for their club.

[Dice]

@tim Easy mistake. You're not the only one who thinks they're brothers.

Just thought I'd mention this randomly, but there is another Manu in the Auckland U19s. He's Nasi Manu's younger brother and he's already built like Nasi. He's one to keep an eye on.

[Tim]

@dice Isi Manu? I think Ant Strachan's boy is in that team too.

[Dice]

@tim Yup, that's him.

[KiwiMurph]

The squad also needs another decent winger.

Its very annoying Collins is in the squad for next year cos all he is doing is taking up a spot for a year and then pissing off to Europe. Awful signing. Again.

So the best Blues can hope for is having a decent winger in the wider Super squad. Rayasi has been very impressive so far but will probably be with the 7s. Perhaps Leon can lure someone from Ta$man/elsewhere.

[Tim]

@kiwimurph I'm still holding out for Stevenson.

[Canes]

@tim Fukofuka really stepping up