Blues 2019

Kirwan

Last paragraph of a recent article is interesting;

“"We have worked with the Blues in terms of a full season review, it's not just a backroom review there's also ongoing reviews in the coach and playing group as well."”

Still hopefull that Tana is shown the door or demoted to Mascot

Dice

Going on form, Leger might be lucky to even get a training squad contract.

Chiefy07

The Blues should be happy with the form of Josh Goodhue and Tom Robinson for the Taniwha so far. Also think they could do a lot worse than Ross Wright for a squad spot covering Loosehead and Hooker

J77

@chiefy07 said in Blues 2019:

The Blues should be happy with the form of Josh Goodhue and Tom Robinson for the Taniwha so far. Also think they could do a lot worse than Ross Wright for a squad spot covering Loosehead and Hooker

Agree. Think Nock is standing up again too. Can he translate it to the next level though? I’m thinking the Blues will be a more positive environment next year, so you may see some players become more engaged hopefully. They just need to pick the right guys..

Tim

Based on this NPC season so far, I'd be happy to see Renata picked for the Blues. Improved his scrummaging significantly.

African Monkey

@tim I'd have him ahead of Tamoieta that's for sure.

Tim

@african-monkey Be interesting to see how Adams and Fepulea'i go after a full year of professional rugby training (NPC and Super Rugby dev squad).

ACT Crusader

@canes welcome aboard.

There’s a number of promising young prospects that got limited opportunities in this years super season. IMO the Blues have a few good ones that could develop into solid week in week out performers. They are short of a decent star or two.

Stargazer

Also posted in the Super Rugby News thread:

.

Question: So the Blues will have two high profile 12s, Ma'a and SBW. Who'll start in the 12 jersey? And where will they move the other?

Both older players; is this a good move, considering they may keep youngsters out of the match day 23?

antipodean

@stargazer Well judging on recent history, SBW is injured half the season and they need a talented, experienced head at second five to nurture the young talent.

From what little I've seen of the Top14, Ma'a is still playing well.

Bovidae

Nonu isn't known for nuturing young players. Wasn't that a problem last time with the Blues (re: 1st 5 selection)?

Tim

Pryor to this announcement, only SBW and Telea had been signed, and Telea is very young and raw. I'm not sure if he was a develop player. Most of the other options and 2018 players were young too.

Tim

Other possible signings:

Orbyn Leger, Tumua Manu, Rene Ranger, Tamati Tua, T.J. Faiane, Matty Johnson, Matt Vaega, Michael Little, Harrison Groundwater, Blake Hohaia.

I'd like to see at least Manu signed from that lot.

Stargazer

@antipodean He hasn't played since May though, and is 36 years old. I find it an odd signing, unless they've mainly taken him on as a mentor for the younger players.

nzzp

@stargazer said in Blues 2019:

@antipodean He hasn't played since May though, and is 36 years old. I find it an odd signing, unless they've mainly taken him on as a mentor for the younger players.

He'll be steadier than Collins, and probably communicate better. It's a punt, but I can see why you'd do it