Reds vs Blues 2021

[KiwiMurph]

Good barometer for how much the Blues have/have not learned from SRA.

Macdonald hinting at changes so it will be interesting to see where. He needs to keep the spine the same (2/8/9/10/15).

[Duluth]

@kiwimurph said in Reds vs Blues 2021:

Macdonald hinting at changes so it will be interesting to see where. He needs to keep the spine the same (2/8/9/10/15).

Doubt there will be changes in the backs. Apart from maybe Lam missing out

I think he might go back to a 6/2 split like they used in the first month of SRA. Two loosies so they can have a specialist openside on the bench

[Frye]

@kiwimurph shaping up to be the match of the round and agreed, it's a big test for MacDonald and the Blues.

Hopefully Ofa is back and Ioane starting too. Big, physical effort needed from the AB forward contingent. Sotutu coming off the bench to run riot in the 2nd 40.

Black needs a solid game as well. He's been too error prone.

[nzzp]

@frye said in Reds vs Blues 2021:

@kiwimurph shaping up to be the match of the round and agreed, it's a big test for MacDonald and the Blues.

Win with a BP, and you can almost lock in a final.

Win with no BP and you're into PD with Crusaders to host the final (assuming the Canes don't pull a massive effort against the Brumbies and Reds out)

The final will be such a step up on the comp it won't be funny.

[KiwiMurph]

@nzzp Lose and you're not in the final.

[nzzp]

@kiwimurph said in Reds vs Blues 2021:

@nzzp Lose and you're not in the final.

spot on.

I'm not even contemplating that scenario ...

[Bones]

Good on ya Leon, sticking to my prediction.

[Tim]

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/125320511/super-rugby-wallabies-hooker-determined-to-bow-out-with-win-over-boyhood-idols-blues

[Duluth]

Blues have a terrible record in Brisbane:

SR Results

Search every Super Rugby Result since 1996

Last win in 2010

[nzzp]

@duluth we're huge underdogs

[Tim]

[KiwiMurph]

@duluth would have won the last time there if it wasn't for Scott Scrafton gifting the Reds the game through what Tom Robinson would call 'dumb arse penalties'

[KiwiMurph]

Blues better keep Telea away from Vunivalu given the difference in ability under the high ball.

[Tim]

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/300323171/super-rugby-akira-ioane-gets-the-nod-at-no-8-as-blues-eye-reds-physical-threat

Blues: Zarn Sullivan, Bryce Heem, Rieko Ioane, TJ Faiane, Mark Telea, Otere Black, Finlay Christie; Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii, Tom Robinson, Patrick Tuipulotu (capt), Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Ofa Tuungafasi, Kurt Eklund, Karl Tu’inukuafe. Reserves: Soane Vikena, Alex Hodgman, Nepo Laulala, Jacob Pierce, Hoskins Sotutu, Jonathan Ruru, Harry Plummer, AJ Lam.

Also travelling: Ray Niuia, Marcel Renata, Stephen Perofeta.

[Duluth]

Surprised, but pleased to see Pierce get the bench spot

[Tim]

https://blues.rugby/full-strength-squad-named-for-crucial-reds-clash/

Players not considered with injury: Josh Goodhue (foot), Tanielu Telea (calf), (Season-ending): Jone Macilai, Dillon Hunt, James Lay, Emoni Narawa.

[taniwharugby]

@tim so Nock over his injury but not good enough this week.

The whole thing with Pierce is a bit puzzling, while it is clear Darry has some talent, Pierce would have seemed a more logical choice to me.

[Duluth]

@taniwharugby said in Reds vs Blues 2021:

The whole thing with Pierce is a bit puzzling, while it is clear Darry has some talent, Pierce would have seemed a more logical choice to me.

?

Pierce is in the 23

[taniwharugby]

@duluth I mean earlier in the year when Darry was gettign game time and Pierce not even on bench (cos he wasnt injured all of the time was he)

[Daffy Jaffy]

Reds XXIII -

1. Feao Fotuaika –

2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa –

3. Taniela Tupou –

4. Ryan Smith –

5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto –

6. Angus Scott-Young –

7. Liam Wright –

8. Harry Wilson –

9. Tate McDermott –

10. James O’Connor –

11. Filipo Daugunu –

12. Isaac Henry –

13. Hunter Paisami –

14. Suliasi Vunivalu –

15. Bryce Hegarty –

16. Josh Nasser –

17. Dane Zander –

18. Zane Nonggorr –

19. Angus Blyth –

20. Sam Wallis –

21. Moses Sorovi –

22. Hamish Stewart –

23. Ilaisa Droasese –