Blues v Hurricanes
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Hoskins was always getting the first match. Then the bench is a specialist 7 and a lock
(Although I thought two loosies and no lock on the bench might have been an option against the Canes)
There'll be a lot of rotation in the forwards for this competition. Gibson getting a run ahead of Papali'i is evidence of that.
Happy that we have so many quality options. -
I actually think the Blues loose forward choices for this game have a lot to do with the new rules.
With the new offside rules/interpretation the game is expected to be much faster.
I'd suggest that's the quickest loose forward unit the Blues can put out whilst still keeping players in their positions.
Once they know how these new rules/interpretations play out in practice they can then look at introducing Akira etc.
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@KiwiMurph said in Blues v Hurricanes:
With the new offside rules/interpretation
Wait. What? I'm going to have to read those threads where they discuss this stuff now.
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The key focal points for referees at the breakdown are summarised below: · Ball carriers will be allowed only one dynamic movement after being tackled. · Crawling, or any secondary movement other than placing or passing will be penalised. · Tacklers will be expected to roll away immediately in the direction of the side-line. · There will be "extra focus” on the offside line with defenders expected to be “clearly” onside to provide attacking teams more space -
@KiwiMurph It will be refreshing to see them enforcing existing laws.
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@KiwiMurph said in Blues v Hurricanes:
The key focal points for referees at the breakdown are summarised below: · Ball carriers will be allowed only one dynamic movement after being tackled. · Crawling, or any secondary movement other than placing or passing will be penalised. · Tacklers will be expected to roll away immediately in the direction of the side-line. · There will be "extra focus” on the offside line with defenders expected to be “clearly” onside to provide attacking teams more spaceCheers.
Oh, I actually don't have a problem with those ... the golden point thing had me worried they might be doing something silly in this area.
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Beauden Barrett was always vocal at the Hurricanes about his preference for playing at 10. Yet Leon Mcdonald, like Steve Hansen before him, shoves him out to fullback.
The Blues have waited so long for a world class first-five, then when one arrives decide not to play him there.
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It's not that simple. Blues lost their starting fullback. Duffie is not it.
Leon does a good job of explaining it here.
Also - some good info on Akira
We’re mindful that Beaudy is an outstanding first five. That’s not lost on us,” said MacDonald after a rigorous Friday training session at Alexandra Park. “But he’s also a world-class fullback as well and we need that hole filled. “It will be his first game for the Blues, in front of a big crowd, against his old team and I don’t think it will hurt for him to be back in the boot a little bit with his vision and experience to be a calming influence from the back. Then, in time, we’ll probably see him move forward as well. “At some point he will be in the frontline … but right now this is the best fit for our team, the situation, where he’s at in terms of his integration back into rugby and the fact it’s his first game for the Blues.” MacDonald, much like Steve Hansen last year, was also happy to concede that Barrett’s versatility also allowed him the luxury of fielding two game drivers in his starting lineup. “He’s excited about the opportunity to get out there and this just takes a little bit of pressure off him,” added the Blues coach. “He can work alongside Otes, whom he has a long history and a good relationship with. Those two working together as our brains trust is going to be really useful in such a big game.” “It’s hard telling someone they’re not playing when they’ve done everything right, and Akira is one of those,” added MacDonald. “He’s come back and his skinfolds have never been so good, his fitness levels are great and he’s trained the house down. His time will come. He’s pushing and asking the right questions, and puts pressure on the guys who get the opportunity to really nail it.” -
@sparky said in Blues v Hurricanes:
The Blues have waited so long for a world class first-five, then when one arrives decide not to play him there.
Yet. After a couple of weeks iwth the team, and an injury to the incumbent 15, I can understand that
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First Rangi leaves Beauden out of the Blues' leadership group, then signs his old mate DC to tell Beauden how to play, then he shoves him out to fullback. How much confidence does Leon MacDonald really have in Beauden Barrett?
I know know money talks, but it is a real shame Beauden Barrett left the Hurricanes where he was loved.
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I bloody called it eh!
Excited to see if Telea and Sotutu have still "got it".
Will have to keep an eye on Ioane as really haven't noticed him being as good as is talked up.
@KiwiMurph Akira is pretty bloody quick isn't he?
Canes to be in the lead only to have Barrett score the winning points. If Jordie was playing it'd be off one of his fuck ups....so will probably be Prinsep or JGB.
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@sparky said in Blues v Hurricanes:
First Rangi leaves Beauden out of the Blues' leadership group, then signs his old mate DC to tell Beauden how to play, then he shoves him out to fullback. How much confidence does Leon MacDonald really have in Beauden Barrett?
I know know money talks, but it is a real shame Beauden Barrett left the Hurricanes where he was loved.
You know it's a team sport right? Our number one fullback is out, we need to use our full squad. And Leon said in the very post above that he'll end up playing ten (probably on Sunday, which is why Finlay is on the bench no doubt)
As for DC, Leon was clear that he was below Otere even in the pecking order, and covering the midfield and even fullback before ten.
Has been great communication. And if you don't think BB is loved in Auckland or by Leon you are WAAAAY wide of the mark.
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@Canes4life said in Blues v Hurricanes:
Hurricanes team to play the Blues: Chase Tiatia, Wes Goosen, Vince Aso, Ngani Laumape, Ben Lam, Jackson Garden-Bachop, TJ Perenara (co-captain), Gareth Evans, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Reed Prinsep, Scott Scrafton, James Blackwell, Tyrel Lomax, Dane Coles (co-captain), Fraser Armstrong. Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Tevita Mafileo, Alex Fidow, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Vaea Fifita, Ardie Savea, Jamie Booth, Billy Proctor.
Great to see Ardie Savea on the team sheet. What a player to have off the bench! If the scores are close with 20 to go, I could see him being the match winner.
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@Kirwan Time will tell but not obvious to me tbat Beauden Barrett is being trusted yet with as a big a role with the Blues as he had in his last couple of seasons with the Hurricanes.
John Plumtree was a big believer in starting BB at 10 and now he's now All Blacks Assitant Coach. Smiley and Robyn like to see their son at First Five too.
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@sparky said in Blues v Hurricanes:
@Kirwan Time will tell but not obvious to me tbat Beauden Barrett is being trusted yet with as a big a role with the Blues as he had in his last couple of seasons with the Hurricanes.
John Plumtree was a big believer in starting BB at 10 and now he's now All Blacks Assitant Coach. Smiley and Robyn like to see their son at First Five too.
You couldn't be more wrong, IMO. He's literally playing ten on Sunday, just a question of how early in the second half they move him.
If Perofeta wasn't injured, very good chance that BB would have started there.
To me it shows they trust their squad, and are easing BB into the team to make it a successful move for him.
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@sparky said in Blues v Hurricanes:
@Kirwan Time will tell but not obvious to me tbat Beauden Barrett is being trusted yet with as a big a role with the Blues as he had in his last couple of seasons with the Hurricanes.
John Plumtree was a big believer in starting BB at 10 and now he's now All Blacks Assitant Coach. Smiley and Robyn like to see their son at First Five too.
He was also a big believer in starting Blackwell at lock, so questions must be asked of both him and NZR.
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Good to see Nock starting.
