Brumbies vs Blues

Duluth

Might as well have a look at Apisai.. I don't think he's good enough to earn another contract, but it's worth giving him a start to make sure.
Nock in a similar situation IMO

I'll be happy if either one proves me wrong

Good to see Renata involved. He's a better long term option than Mafileo

Without Tuipulotu starting, Goodhue needs to be more abrasive. I think Goodhue is a better player than GCT.. this is a good chance to move up the pecking order

Canes4life

Those Hookers really do weaken the look of that side.

KiwiMurph

That bench actually has some impact. Good.

Cool to see Faiane get the VC.

Hopefully Akira is good to go

No 8 Akira Ioane will be fitness tested at the Captain's Run to test an injured hand before he is cleared to make his 28th straight start for the franchise.

Nepia

@KiwiMurph Maybe Akira could do with a rest, he gets worked to death in comparison with some of the loosies competing for AB spots in other franchises.

Northlandallday

Shame we aren’t seeing much of Scrafton this year. The current locks have been solid but he needs game time and looked ready for more a month ago.

African Monkey

@KiwiMurph He's always good to go. Akira doesn't take rests.

taniwharugby

@Nogusta said in Brumbies vs Blues:

@KiwiMurph yea that back 3 looks about right with Aumua taking the 3rd reserve back spot. Gibson back and starts, Papalii to the bench. Parsons gets a rest so Apisai gets a start, Ruru gets a rest so Nock to start with Pulu on the bench.

Nailed it

SammyC

@African-Monkey said in Brumbies vs Blues:

@KiwiMurph He's always good to go. Akira doesn't take rests.

Except on defence and when it’s time to hit a ruck

KiwiMurph

@SammyC said in Brumbies vs Blues:

@African-Monkey said in Brumbies vs Blues:

@KiwiMurph He's always good to go. Akira doesn't take rests.

Except on defence and when it’s time to hit a ruck

What's Vaea Fifita got to do with this thread?

African Monkey

@SammyC Who even are you :smiling_face_with_open_mouth_smiling_eyes:

nzzp

@SammyC said in Brumbies vs Blues:

@African-Monkey said in Brumbies vs Blues:

@KiwiMurph He's always good to go. Akira doesn't take rests.

Except on defence and when it’s time to hit a ruck

rancid bait matey

KiwiMurph

A few key players missing from Brumbies

Brumbies Team

James Slipper
Folau Fainga’a
Allan Alaalatoa
Rory Arnold
Sam Carter
Tom Cusack
Jahrome Brown
Pete Samu
Joe Powell
Christian Lealiifano (c)
Toni Pulu
Irae Simone
Len Ikitau
Henry Speight
Tom Banks

REPLACEMENTS
16. Connal McInerney
17. Scott Sio
18. Leslie Leuluaialii-Makin
19. Darcy Swain
20. Murray Douglas
21. Ryan Lonergan
22. Tom Wright
23. Andy Muirhead

Duluth

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/article.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=12227606

Kirwan

@Duluth that’s fair enough. Given the opportunity to play for his spot.

If he can’t regain form then we should look for other options. Feels like they are doing the same with hooker in this game.

KiwiMurph

I'm glad it is Duffie being given a shot and not Collins.

Kirwan

@KiwiMurph said in Brumbies vs Blues:

I'm glad it is Duffie being given a shot and not Collins.

Fuck yes.

Chris B.

Must win game for the Blues.

Possibly their easiest remaining fixture and given they've got a run of derby games after this, you could see the wheels coming off their season if they don't pick up some winning momentum here.

Duluth

My concern is the number of injuries and how many games he's missed. Is it just a bit of bad luck, or is he falling apart?

If his body is up to it I would give him another contract. Even if he isn't in the best 23.
He's good injury cover and a professional off the field. Good cover outside the starting xv is what the Blues need

I would like to see him play a few more games at fullback for NH to prove he can cover that position though

Dice

@Chris-B I think we'll need to win at least 4 of our remaining 7 games to get into the playoffs. Realistically, the targets should be the 3 non-derby games, then probably the Chiefs game at Eden Park.

Chris B.

@Dice I'm interested to watch the Blues play the Canes, because I've got a theory that the Canes dodgy tight five might be a better match-up for the Blues than e.g. the Chiefs.

However, the Canes seem to find ways to win against most opposition.

The Silver Fern

Brumbies vs Blues