Blues 2021
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This from an espn report about where Argentinian players are contracted - "the rumor that links Santiago Chocobares with Blues seems to have waned". If so that likely leaves Maraku, Fomai and Mikaele-Tuu competing for the final full squad position. Fomai would be my pick on experience and I like his sevens pace. The other two would likely be happy to stay involved in a wtg/development spot at their age.
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It's going to be interesting what the Blues do at 12 early on without Faiane.
If Chocobares is not coming then it gets interesting.
You could put Plummer at 12 but they tried that in 2020 for Blues and it failed against NZ teams - Blues only 2 losses in SRA came with Plummer at 12. There other options are rookies or Rieko/Tele'a at 12.
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@KiwiMurph Leon might have been training the house down in the off season.
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@Tim said in Blues 2021:
Any news on what Choat is up to?
@Nogusta said in Blues 2021:
@Tim hes in there as well, preseason cover.
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I wish someone in the Blues organisation had balls to have selected Moses Leo ..he was the outstanding midfield back in North Harbour rugby , is one of the few midfielders that has top end pace and more importantly looks for an outside gap .
.that ability was there for everyone to see at the ignite 7s..has just signed a contract with NZ 7s ..already know of 4 Mitre 10 cup unions chasing him..both Southland and Hawkes Bay highly interested ..the midfielders the Blues have in the wider training squad don’t do it for me -
@KiwiMurph said in Blues 2021:
It's going to be interesting what the Blues do at 12 early on without Faiane.
If Chocobares is not coming then it gets interesting.
You could put Plummer at 12 but they tried that in 2020 for Blues and it failed against NZ teams - Blues only 2 losses in SRA came with Plummer at 12. There other options are rookies or Rieko/Tele'a at 12.
Tele'a would be my pick. The biggest question would be over his distribution.
Plummer is still learning at 12 and makes some bad reads on defence. Long term he'll wind up at 12 though
No way to moving Ioane. It's a waste of pace. Also look at highlights of the Blues tries last year - a good portion were created by the combo RI at 13 had with Clarke. I don't want to break that up.
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@Steven-Harris while Tua would still only be a rookie option for Blues, he really has missed another opportunity with him getting/needing surgery now, particularly as he was looking in career best form last year.
When he broke his hand a couple of seasons back, he also missed out on picking up plenty of minutes, IIRC this was when the Blues moved Reiko to 12 after plenty of injuries.
He is still only 23 so has time on his side.
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The Blues have found a kindred spirit as they plan a long-term restoration of their regional development programme.
Ganellen Construction have confirmed their support as naming partner of the Blues Development teams and the soon-to-be-announced development programme.
Ganellen has been operating in New Zealand for 11 years. In that time, they have been associated with several high-profile projects in Christchurch as part of the regeneration of the city, and in Auckland central with high rise projects including Crest Apartments, Horizon Apartments, Eden View Apartments and Alexander Park.
The unique partnership is more than a straight commercial arrangement, with Ganellen sharing much of the same ethos as the Blues when it comes to developing talent.
“Our policy is to hire people based on shared values and passion and promote from within which builds a loyal, experienced team, while mentoring and coaching enhances our people-focussed culture,” said Ganellen Director, Mitch Blunden.
“When we are looking to bring young people into our business, all we are looking for is someone with passion and commitment.
“We can provide everything else to make them a leader in the construction industry.
“And that our approach can provide a positive opportunity in partnership with the Blues.”
Blues CEO Andrew Hore said a cornerstone of the future for the organisation is sustained long-term development.
The organisation has been engaged for several months with their provincial unions and stakeholders in revamping the development programme, which will be unveiled this month.
“When we met with Ganellen we realised there is a shared vision of mentoring young people and what success looks like in a values-based organisation,” he said.
“They came on board earlier this year but much of our programme and plans were curtailed with the effects of the coronavirus.
“The timing is now ideal to press-on and we are looking forward not just to their support, but the unique opportunity for us to share the expertise and experience from both Ganellen and the Blues to help nurture young people to realise their dreams.
“It is a unique partnership that is exciting for the Blues and our provincial unions.”
Several development players have been included in the enlarged Blues squad for pre-season training, including the Interim Training Contracted players.
The Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa competition gets underway on February 28 with Blues membership and details of the pre-season Footy Fest occasion at Eden Park at www.blues.rugby.
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How the Blues won a three-way tug-of-war to secure one of New Zealand's brightest young talents
With just seven weeks until a potential Super Rugby debut, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens opens up to RugbyPass about how he was at the centre of a tug-of-war between three Kiwi franchises.
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@Tim from the Highlanders thread last week
@Steven-Harris said in Highlanders 2021:
keep an eye on Hamden Tuipulotu.., younger brother of .
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