Hurricanes v Blues
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Yep it not looking hell of a good for us Cane's men, but c'est la vie it what it is! Really worried about 9, and I take it Jordie will cover 10 with Hickey gone?
Blues look pretty good, only place you would hope to trouble them is at 9 or 10, but Canes are so weak there anyway. Be interested in how Reiko goes, I see him making a play for 13 in ABs again this year, and a real good Super season may sneak him in. And his brother looks a little fitter and keener from what I saw in preseason, he was actually getting off ground after tackles so he could be in for a good one. -
@dan54 yeah best bet would be to utilise someone like Jordie as back up 10 but they will probably bring in someone like Leger if they are consistent with their poor decision making.
I’m looking forward to seeing how Peter Umaga-Jensen kicks on after a stellar season last year. He looks to be a more natural fit than Ioane at international level and I’m confident once he gets his chance he will take it with both hands. Best bet for Ioane is to stick to the wing IMO.
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@canes4life said in Hurricanes v Blues:
@dan54 yeah best bet would be to utilise someone like Jordie as back up 10 but they will probably bring in someone like Leger if they are consistent with their poor decision making.
I’m looking forward to seeing how Peter Umaga-Jensen kicks on after a stellar season last year. He looks to be a more natural fit than Ioane at international level and I’m confident once he gets his chance he will take it with both hands. Best bet for Ioane is to stick to the wing IMO.
With the recent changes to RWC squad size the desire for a 13/wing have gone down. Still a nice to have option but not as critical to squad makeup.
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@crucial Ioane might find himself on the outer if he doesn’t pick a position quick then.
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@canes4life he's picked midfield.
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@kiwimurph doesn’t mean he’s a good midfielder. Lacks the smarts and distribution skills IMO. Keep to the flanks son.
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@canes4life said in Hurricanes v Blues:
@kiwimurph doesn’t mean he’s a good midfielder.
Sure - but that's a separate point.
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@canes4life said in Hurricanes v Blues:
@kiwimurph doesn’t mean he’s a good midfielder. Lacks the smarts and distribution skills IMO. Keep to the flanks son.
Didn't some say this about Tana when he first moved in?
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@kiwimurph I think it’s a silly move when there are about three guys ahead of him in that position. Fair play to the kid if he’s up for the challenge.
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@winger did they? If my memories correct, Tana’s skill set was next level. His ability to link up with / setup those around him was a big reason they shifted him into the midfield. I fail to see the same skill set in Ioane yet but it’s not like he can’t get there with the right coaching I guess.
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@canes4life There's players ahead of him in both midfield and wing now.
It's going to be particularly interesting to watch the PUJ-Rieko clash in this game. Last year PUJ certainly had the wood on Rieko in their clashes at both Super level and Mitre 10 Cup level.
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@kiwimurph said in Hurricanes v Blues:
There's players ahead of him in both midfield and wing now.
That the key. And he wants to focus on centre now. And the AB coaches rated him highly enough to give him first shot last year. As long as the Blues keep him there we will see as the season progresses
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@canes4life I actually think you right, I really like the way PUJ is tracking, and think jim in partnership with ALB or Goodhue at 12 has got possiblities, I a Canes man, but just don'e see Lumpy doing it on iternational stage,
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@kiwimurph agreed, it's probably one of the more underrated matchups of the round but probably the one I'm looking forward to the most.
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@dan54 I think Goodhue and ALB are both suited more to 13 than 12 so you might actually see PUJ get a run in the 12 jersey at some stage.
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@canes4life PUJ didn't look great in his limited time at 12 last year. Thought he looked much more comfortable at 13.
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@kiwimurph I think he does aswell but at some point one player will need to play more at 12 and I think PUJ might fit the bill due to that extra size he brings to the table.
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@canes4life that happened last year, went down well with punters!
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@daffy-jaffy if Plummer starts at 12, you could have the 'luxury' of a 6-2 bench split with someone like Tele'a on the bench. Tele'a provides midfield cover, Perofeta, Plummer & Reiko interchangeable for 10/11/14/15. With a 6-2 split you could then carry specialist 7 cover (Choat) and as cover for Sotutu who will be short of a gallop. So back 3 of Aki/Papali'i/Sotutu with Robinson & Choat on the bench.
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@dan54 said in Hurricanes v Blues:
@canes4life I actually think you right, I really like the way PUJ is tracking, and think jim in partnership with ALB or Goodhue at 12 has got possiblities, I a Canes man, but just don'e see Lumpy doing it on iternational stage,
I'd defend him, but disrespecting his name is a great idea. Well done son.
