Force v Blues
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Dice" data-cid="581927" data-time="1463994190"><p>I wonder if Tana can lure TNW from Japan for next season. I'd love to have some elite speed and footwork in our line-up.</p></blockquote>
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.....and wafer thin defence as well? -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="ACT Crusader" data-cid="581932" data-time="1463995357">
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<p>.....and wafer thin defence as well?</p>
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<p>His defense is fine on the wing, it's his defense at centre that is a problem. I'd want him as an outside back, not a midfielder.</p> -
<p>So based upon a lot of the comments in this topic, the Blues need to recruit a 10. What other recruiting needs are there for the franchise? I personally feel that Tana is doing well for a debutant Coach. It will be good to get some opinions on other positions. And if so which players are coming off contract from other franchises that can plug the gaps?</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="gt12" data-cid="581939" data-time="1463997321">
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<p>Not exactly an area where you guys are short though Dice. It just seems that way because Tana keeps playing Li.</p>
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<p>He'd add a different style of outside back to the current ones we have right now. Our back 3 play is pretty predictable, and I think he'd add some real spark to it.</p>
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<p>Always a handful for defenses.</p>
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<p>That step he puts on Jane around the 3:00 mark is one of the best steps I've seen.</p> -
<p>The Pulu signing solves both the 9 and 10 problem really. It doesn't matter who they put at 10 because Pulu will never pass it to him anyway. :fishing:</p>
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<p>But on a serious note West has had plenty of chances to show something and hasn't kicked on. Banks going to Italy is a big loss. Someone like Black is probably the only half decent option in NZ who isn't a regular starter for another team.</p>
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<p>So </p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Tim" data-cid="581954" data-time="1464002442">
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<p>Other positions:<br><br>
Lock (esp. lineout ability)<br><br>
Hooker (backup to Parsons)<br><br>
Midfield<br><br>
Fullback (Trainor might not be ready next year)</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>What about our problems at Loosehead Prop? We have not had a regular mainstay in that position since Woodcock left. </p> -
I think pratley has actually been ok this season.<br><br><br>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="fiamacho" data-cid="581950" data-time="1464002157">
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<p>So based upon a lot of the comments in this topic, the Blues need to recruit a 10. What other recruiting needs are there for the franchise? I personally feel that Tana is doing well for a debutant Coach. It will be good to get some opinions on other positions. And if so which players are coming off contract from other franchises that can plug the gaps?</p>
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<p> </p>
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<p>A couple of backs who can kick (particularly fullbacks)</p>
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<p>Lock to replace Bekhuis (who hasn't been awful this season)</p>
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<p>A centre (not Rene)</p>
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<p>In priority,</p>
<p>Highest: needing a 10 who can control a game</p>
<p>Medium: Teaching some backs the usefulness of kicking at times</p>
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<p>Low: everything else</p> -
I had heard the Blues waned to sign Josh Goodhue but he didn't take it as he didn't feel he was physically ready for super rugby.
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interesting Barrett was spotted in auckland the other day,<br><br>Has he signed for next year ? I remember him signing for 2 years a couple of years ago.
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Tim" data-cid="581954" data-time="1464002442">
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<p>Other positions:<br><br>
Lock (esp. lineout ability)<br><br>
Hooker (backup to Parsons)<br><br>
Midfield<br><br>
Fullback (Trainor might not be ready next year)</p>
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<div>Lock: Fatialofa or Seu would be my choice. We probably have room for both of them if we don't re-sign Tuioti-Mariner or Matenga, but if I had to choose one, it'd be Fatialofa, because he's more polished. Apparently we've already approached Seu.</div>
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<div>Hooker: Plesants-Tate would be my choice, but if we can't get him, I'd be keen on Asafo Aumua(Wellington) as a development hooker behind Parsons. If we're sharp, we might be able to land both of them.</div>
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<div>Midfield: If we can't land SBW, I don't think we'll bring in any midfielders, I think we'll just bank on what we have. For depth, I wouldn't mind bringing in Jack Goodhue(not sure if he's off contract).</div>
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<div>Fullback: Can't think of anyone available that is worth bringing in.</div> -
<p>Dice, what do know of how Moulds is going in the squad. Both JK and T have been seemingly reluctant to give him chances to push his case. I can understand when he was there on potential alone (having only recently moved to the position) but surely if there was any confidence in his place in the squad he would have seen a few more minutes by now?</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Crucial" data-cid="581998" data-time="1464036666">
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<p>Dice, what do know of how Moulds is going in the squad. Both JK and T have been seemingly reluctant to give him chances to push his case. I can understand when he was there on potential alone (having only recently moved to the position) but surely if there was any confidence in his place in the squad he would have seen a few more minutes by now?</p>
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<p>and to add to that, he has looked good enough in his very brief minutes on the park as well, yet struggles to get any more minutes. From what I hear he is an immense trainer, so it isn't like he is not getting it done off the park either, was talked up by JK about his leadership...so is a very odd one.</p>
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<p>He has the size and skills to make it all the way IMO, but is stalled in the Blues dev side.</p> -
<p>Not sure why they're reluctant to play him. He did get a little game time against the Kings, but then was dropped the next game.</p>
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<p>I wouldn't mind seeing him ahead of McDonald for the rest of the season to see what he can really offer.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="taniwharugby" data-cid="581999" data-time="1464037081">
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<p>and to add to that, he has looked good enough in his very brief minutes on the park as well, yet struggles to get any more minutes. From what I hear he is an immense trainer, so it isn't like he is not getting it done off the park either, was talked up by JK about his leadership...so is a very odd one.</p>
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<p>He has the size and skills to make it all the way IMO, but is stalled in the Blues dev side.</p>
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<p>Thing is that he looks to have the potential to be another Coles/Taylor/Harris type hooker if he can get the experience he needs. Being an ex loose forward he has the speed and instincts to get around the track a lot.</p>
<p>I guessed it wouldn't be a training issue. I have met him a few times and know he is pretty dedicated and a hard trainer.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="kiwiinmelb" data-cid="581983" data-time="1464033070">
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<p>interesting Barrett was spotted in auckland the other day,<br><br>
Has he signed for next year ? I remember him signing for 2 years a couple of years ago.</p>
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<p>Don't get your hopes up mate. His girlfriend is from Auckland so they were probably visiting for the weekend. </p> -
The old homesick girlfriend trick 😜,<br><br>
Things are looking up -
<p>I have a close friend that works with Barrett's girlfriend at PWC in Wellington so I don't think she would up and move that fast. </p>
