Blues 2024

[African Monkey]

@Nogusta Is Tana gonna be the Moana head coach?

[Winger]

@taniwharugby said in Blues 2024:

@Duluth I've long been a fan of O'Halloran, be great to see him back coaching in NZ.

Esp for the team he played for and likely supports (the Canes)

Canes won with Boyd and plumtree. It doesn't always work out but Henry with the Blues, Boyd with the Canes, Joseph with the highlanders and all the crusaders winner's. I know the chiefs had a Canes outsider (who the canes didn't want) but in general I prefer canes region coaches or ex players coaching the Canes. And it seems to work out better.

[SBW1]

Jun 22, 2023

Vern Cotter set to replace Leon MacDonald as new Blues coach

1News understands the Blues are about to confirm Vern Cotter as their new head coach, replacing All Blacks-bound Leon MacDonald.

[KiwiMurph]

I think it's a good time to move on from Coventry.

He's a good coach who has done a good job but I think it's time for a new voice which naturally happens - it's been 5 years or so.

Blues forwards got destroyed in some big games in the last couple of years so it will be interesting to see what Cotter can do with the pack.

Similarly with the attack Blues could really use a fresh approach.

The challenge for Cotter will be where does the leadership come from - for all the great work Leon did with the culture when push came to shove there was a lack of direction/resolve etc especially in the years without Romano (Leon even admitted Romano being a gigantic loss in that sense).

[Duluth]

[george33]

R Blues Fans hearing and seeing what I am on new signing

[Duluth]

@george33 said in Blues 2024:

R Blues Fans hearing and seeing what I am on new signing

No idea

You might as well just say it. At least a hint?

[george33]

Chiefs Lock

[Duluth]

@george33

I'll assume that's McWhannell because it's been mentioned they were chasing him

That would be a good pickup

[george33]

Ah Kuoi I'm hearing

[gt12]

@george33 said in Blues 2024:

Ah Kuoi I'm hearing

With Finau at the Chiefs, I can see why he might move.

[Bovidae]

We'll give you MSR.

[Tim]

@george33 Seems like a double up with Suafoa. Good player, but we'd be better served by a tall lock.

[Duluth]

@Tim said in Blues 2024:

@george33 Seems like a double up with Suafoa. Good player, but we'd be better served by a tall lock.

Does a similar role to a couple of the leaving guys - Robinson & Tucker

[frugby]

This post is deleted!

[Nogusta]

@george33 McWhanell

[Tim]

@Nogusta Nice. Good addition if he stays fit. Will they sign a local like Beehre or Craig too?

[Tim]

How the forwards squad is shaping up:

Josh Fusitua
Marcel Renata
Ofa Tuʻungafasi
James Lay - may go to MP?
Loosehead - Finlay Brewis?
Tighthead - Tevita Mafileo?

Kurt Eklund
Ricky Riccitelli
Soane Vikena

Patrick Tuipulotu
Sam Darry
Edward Annandale
Laghlan McWhannell

Cameron Suafoa

Adrian Choat
Akira Ioane
Dalton Papalii
Rob Rush
Anton Segner
Hoskins Sotutu
Loose forward - Che Clark?

[Tim]

ASM Rugby

Arrived from New Zealand at the age of 18 through Isaia Toeava, whose nephew he is, Edward integrated perfectly into the Clermont training center before establishing himself as one of the beams of the Espoirs pack. Endowed with an impressive physique and a mobility which is just as impressive, he nibbles, whenever he has the opportunity, precious minutes of play which contribute to his learning of the high level. At 22, he has a dozen game sheets in Yellow and Blue.

[Daffy Jaffy]

@Tim Delete Robinson, otherwise must be close. If Lay goes I hope they take a chance on Soane Ahio. I rate him and am a bit scared he will have a storming NPC and disappear south if we don't pick him.