Blues 2021
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If they're getting an overseas player I'd prefer it be an experienced one who can at least pass off some knowledge to some young guys in that position
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Looks like he plays 12, so he's probably competing with Faiane when they're both available.
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@Machpants said in Blues 2021: chasing Pumas midfielder Santiago Chocobares
Chocobares was at 12 for the Pumas in their win over the All Blacks in test one and is on the bench tomorrow against Oz. He is 21 years old, 188cm and 97kgs.
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So, with him being only 21 years old, why are the Blues going to further develop a player that will never be NZ eligible? I'd rather see them take a PI player that needs developing, or even better, a NZ eligible player. He is just another Joe Marchant, Kobus van Wyk etc. I just don't agree with this. There are good players in NZ.
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@Stargazer I don't think they are looking for a player to develop - they are looking for a starter as Faiane will be out injured for the first few weeks.
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@KiwiMurph said in Blues 2021:
@Stargazer I don't think they are looking for a player to develop - they are looking for a starter as Faiane will be out injured for the first few weeks.
Yeah, but we should have found one here. I guess the pickings were too slim and they wanted quality, but it still seems wrong. Just like Marchant was.
We're not a French club that just buys in players whenever they need them.
There is always the Rieko to 12 option...(that is a piss take).
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@Snowy what if he is in great form, Faiane comes back, and then cant get a start.
Sure you can argue Leon's objective is for the Blues to win, but wouldnt he have had to get permission from NZR, why have they let him do so, taking the spot of a NZ eligible player, or someone who is not yet tied to a national team.
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@KiwiMurph said in Blues 2021:
@Stargazer I don't think they are looking for a player to develop - they are looking for a starter as Faiane will be out injured for the first few weeks.
I hope Tele'a gets the first chance while TJ is out
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@taniwharugby said in Blues 2021:
@Snowy what if he is in great form, Faiane comes back, and then cant get a start.
Sure you can argue Leon's objective is for the Blues to win, but wouldnt he have had to get permission from NZR, why have they let him do so, taking the spot of a NZ eligible player, or someone who is not yet tied to a national team.
We are are aguing the same point there. I did say it was wrong, just like Marchant was.
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@taniwharugby said in Blues 2021:
wouldnt he have had to get permission from NZR, why have they let him do so,
That is a good question.
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@Snowy said in Blues 2021:
@KiwiMurph said in Blues 2021:
@Stargazer I don't think they are looking for a player to develop - they are looking for a starter as Faiane will be out injured for the first few weeks.
Yeah, but we should have found one here. I guess the pickings were too slim and they wanted quality, but it still seems wrong. Just like Marchant was.
We're not a French club that just buys in players whenever they need them.
There is always the Rieko to 12 option...(that is a piss take).
I think they would have signed Tua but he is out with shoulder surgery.
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@KiwiMurph said in Blues 2021:
@Stargazer I don't think they are looking for a player to develop - they are looking for a starter as Faiane will be out injured for the first few weeks.
Chocobares is only 21 years old and relatively inexperienced; he isn't the finished product (far from that) and needs further development. I see no reason why a team in NZ rugby would want to further develop a foreign eligible player. There are players in NZ to pick from. If they want an experienced player for other youngsters to learn from, he's not the guy.
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@Stargazer I think they simply want to win - and they see Chocobares as well ahead of the other options available.
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@KiwiMurph said in Blues 2021:
@Stargazer I think they simply want to win - and they see Chocobares as well ahead of the other options available.
Yup that’s the dichotomy of SR is NZ. The coaches are judged, and harshly, purely performance. But SR is actually a feeder for the ABs. Coaches must be thrown the a bone in return for the ABs missing for a lot of the season (normally). What I mean is the goal of NZR and NZ SR system is not the same as the goal of the SR Coaches and Franchises themselves. Much more alignment that UK/Fr, but still
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@KiwiMurph said in Blues 2021:
@Stargazer I think they simply want to win - and they see Chocobares as well ahead of the other options available.
I think, too, that 1-2 players isn't a big deal. There are at least 9 other 12 positions in SR franchises for players to show their wares. I've no issue with developing him - ultimately it'll benefit SANZAAR and therefore the ABs.
message to up and coming 12s -- lift your game!
