Blues 2021
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Barrett's inclusion at No 10 will only enhance the Blues attacking potency and decision-making and while history suggests Tuivasa-Sheck's transition will take time to bed in, especially given he will bounce between positions, his professionalism is sure to shine.
"Roger played midfield at school and plays in the outside backs in league," MacDonald said. "We'd be foolish to make a call on that now he hasn't even donned a rugby jersey yet. We've got to get him out of a Warriors jersey first.
"We're hoping to see him a little bit in provincial rugby later on in the year. They'll ease him back in and we share a building with Auckland so we'll be around to help navigate through the learning of the game. It's really just feeling it out.
"We've got the ability to change positions. Rieko Ioane can play midfield and wing. Roger could play on the wing, midfield or fullback. It's really what works out in the end."
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@tim also this
Zarn Sullivan's breakout campaign with the Blues finishes with a flourish as the young fullback draws Beauden Barrett comparisons
Before the Super Rugby Aotearoa season kicked off, many fans were curious how Blues coach Leon MacDonald would utilise new utility back Zarn Sullivan. The 20-year-old eventually played a major role in the Blues' first title win in eighteen years.
Code-hopper Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is also joining the outfit next season and could slot in across the backline but MacDonald is confident that Sullivan will continue to develop in the No 15 jersey and that 2021 is just the beginning for the youngster. "We'll keep him at the back at the moment," the coach said. "We've obviously got Beaudie there and Oates is going but Stephen Perofeta is playing good rugby and you saw Harry [Plummer] step up to the mark so we're pretty blessed with some good depth at 10. "And at the moment, I think, just nailing one job at the moment. And I think he's got the attributes to become a very good 15. I see the skillset's perfect and he just keeps growing in confidence and understanding, there's no reason why he couldn't become a 15 full-time." -
Take the 2021 squad and eliminate temporary replacements and leaving players, then take out Niuia and keep Choat and Hunt, and add Barrett and RTS, and drop Macilai. That gives 35 players, with a lock and a hooker needed.
Corey Evans joined the squad in SR-TT, so he will be the midfielder, and RTS will be the utility back. Riccitelli is rumoured to be heading north, so hooker will be him or Tolai. Dalziel trains with the Blues, but Josh Beehre might be preferred at lock. Ekuasi and Cam Church could push for loose forward spots. Another outside back such as Heem might go.
This is my speculative squad of 38:
Alex Hodgman
Nepo Laulala
James Lay
Marcel Renata
Karl Tu'inukuafe
Ofa Tu'ungafasiLeni Apisai (short-term)
Kurt Eklund
Ray Niuia
Luteru Tolai (short-term)
Soane Vikena
Ricky RiccitelliGerard Cowley-Tuioti
Sam Darry
Josh Goodhue
Jacob Pierce
Patrick Tuipulotu
Josh BeehreAdrian Choat (short-term)
Blake Gibson
Dillon Hunt (did not play)
Dalton Papalii
Taine Plumtree
Tom Robinson
Hoskins Sotutu
Akira IoaneFinlay Christie
Sam Nock
Jonathan RuruOtere Black
Stephen Perofeta
Harry Plummer
Beauden BarrettTJ Faiane
Bryce Heem
Rieko Ioane
Tanielu Teleʻa
Corey EvansRoger Tuivasa-Sheck
Caleb Clarke
AJ Lam
Jone Macilai-Tori (did not play)
Emoni Narawa
Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Mark Telea
Zarn Sullivan -
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@african-monkey said in Blues 2021:
@steven-harris Theres nowhere for him to really go sadly, with every team fairly settled at 9 (except us). Overseas might be his only option?
Moana Pasifika?
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Does the coaching staff stay in place for next season.?
Leon MacDonald
Tom Coventry
Tana Umaga
Daniel Halangahu
Ben Afeaki
Hope so .Big ups to them for getting this franchise competitive. -
@trodthesod said in SR T-T FINAL: Blues v Highlanders:
Daniel Halangahu
Not convinced with Daniel Halangahu, backline attack hasn't been as impressive as the forwards. That might just be Otere's fault, but I think there's space for someone better coaching the backs.
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@kirwan said in Blues 2021:
@trodthesod said in SR T-T FINAL: Blues v Highlanders:
Daniel Halangahu
Not convinced with Daniel Halangahu, backline attack hasn't been as impressive as the forwards. That might just be Otere's fault, but I think there's space for someone better coaching the backs.
The backline is functioning similar to Harbours a few years ago
Tai Lavea would be a good replacement. It won't happen this year though
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@gt12 Maybe, or an Aussie team (which i doubt). I'm sure @Steven-Harris will know more and will let us know haha.
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@african-monkey said in Blues 2021:
@gt12 Maybe, or an Aussie team (which i doubt). I'm sure @Steven-Harris will know more and will let us know haha.
I suspect he may already know!
I’m not sure if he is available for a PI team, but Moana Pasifika would make sense to me.
It’d be pretty happy to see him move to the Chiefs, but I think we have enough in our squad that it likely wouldn’t be in his best interest.
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That's a good pick up for the Blues.
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@stargazer said in Blues 2021:
@gt12 And not a positive message to some good youngsters coming through.
Who do the Blues have signed? Eklund, Riccitelli, and Vikena sounds like a good enough trio.
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@stargazer said in Blues 2021:
@gt12 And not a positive message to some good youngsters coming through.
Vikena is already signed multiple years.
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@gt12 Ricky Riccitelli is a good option I think. With Ekland and Vikena contracted Niuia must be off overseas or to Moana Pacifika? With Vikena
only 19 years old Riccitelli gives them a sound experienced option so they can balance Vikena's game time as he grows and learns. Riccitelli is still only 26 so his best years as a hooker should be from now on. He will enjoy packing down between all those All Black Props! -
@daffy-jaffy said in Blues 2021:
@gt12 Ricky Riccitelli is a good option I think. With Ekland and Vikena contracted Niuia must be off overseas or to Moana Pacifika? With Vikena
only 19 years old Riccitelli gives them a sound experienced option so they can balance Vikena's game time as he grows and learns. Riccitelli is still only 26 so his best years as a hooker should be from now on. He will enjoy packing down between all those All Black Props!Agreed. It means that they have three options they can use and another genuine starting competition while they bring through Vikena. And, they can use the development team for youngsters, not sure I see what issue @Stargazer has with this one?
'They've seen a lot of pain': MacDonald reveals personal significance of Blues' title
