Blues v Reds
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Yeah I specifically remember the Force being in a similar position in the 13 Lions tour - they had a Super game followed quickly by the Lions game (or it might have been visca versca) whilst also being out of playoff contention.
The Force did the opposite and put their strongest team out to play the Super game (which they lost) and a no name XV to play the Lions (much worse than the Blues team named here to play the Reds).
Very happy with the Blues approach here.
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Yeah unfortunately due to injury and age Ranger has been a shadow of his former self since he has returned from Europe. He will have a tough assignment too marking the Reds best player in Kerevi.
Excited to see Nock get a start.
I don't care about the reason - Nanai starting and Collins not in the 23 is good news.
I really hope Perofeta gets some decent minutes in this game - especially with the Lions game upcoming and Francis not playing that (as he will be with England). I would have been tempted to start Perofeta - hopefully he gets the best part of a half of footy.
@KiwiMurph word I'm hearing on Ranger,he's looking at another franchise for 2018,not wanted by the Blues,will need a big Mitre 10 with Northland if rumours doing the rounds are correct.
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@KiwiMurph word I'm hearing on Ranger,he's looking at another franchise for 2018,not wanted by the Blues,will need a big Mitre 10 with Northland if rumours doing the rounds are correct.
@Steven-Harris tbh, I'm not fussed either way if we get him back or not...although, maybe returning to NOrthland might reignite his flame, cos it's been dim since he has been at NH (without ever playing) if he gets his spark back, he still has alot to offer
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@KiwiMurph word I'm hearing on Ranger,he's looking at another franchise for 2018,not wanted by the Blues,will need a big Mitre 10 with Northland if rumours doing the rounds are correct.
@Steven-Harris Not surprised. Best for both parties I think.
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@Steven-Harris tbh, I'm not fussed either way if we get him back or not...although, maybe returning to NOrthland might reignite his flame, cos it's been dim since he has been at NH (without ever playing) if he gets his spark back, he still has alot to offer
@taniwharugby I certainly think he still has a bit to offer,I actually thought he was unlucky to be dropped back to the Dev squad after the highlanders game at Eden Park.
Getting a high ankle sprain playing against the Canes Dev squad and being out for several weeks did'nt help,but to be fair to Tana,the outside backs he selected did a fair job -
What's up with Matt Vaega? This would've been a good game to get him some game time.
Good to see Trainor in there. He could be a good fit for that 23 jersey with his speed and outright attacking ability.
Not too fussed about the team overall, but I did wince when I saw who was at 6.
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@KiwiMurph word I'm hearing on Ranger,he's looking at another franchise for 2018,not wanted by the Blues,will need a big Mitre 10 with Northland if rumours doing the rounds are correct.
@Steven-Harris said in Blues v Reds:
@KiwiMurph word I'm hearing on Ranger,he's looking at another franchise for 2018,not wanted by the Blues,will need a big Mitre 10 with Northland if rumours doing the rounds are correct.
Interesting. I wonder if the Chiefs would be a good fit for him. They will have a few gaps next year with a few guys leaving.
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What's up with Matt Vaega? This would've been a good game to get him some game time.
Good to see Trainor in there. He could be a good fit for that 23 jersey with his speed and outright attacking ability.
Not too fussed about the team overall, but I did wince when I saw who was at 6.
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@Dice He's made the reserve bench maybe once this year? Strange after a really good year in 2016.
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@Steven-Harris said in Blues v Reds:
@KiwiMurph word I'm hearing on Ranger,he's looking at another franchise for 2018,not wanted by the Blues,will need a big Mitre 10 with Northland if rumours doing the rounds are correct.
Interesting. I wonder if the Chiefs would be a good fit for him. They will have a few gaps next year with a few guys leaving.
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What's the go with Ihaia West?
@ACT-Crusader said in Blues v Reds:
What's the go with Ihaia West?
He's a great NPC level player whose game doesn't click at Super level.
Personally I reckon he should look for a UK contract. Nick Evans has just retired from Harlequins, Jimmy Gopperth was a similar level in NZ and has hugely contributed over here.
The style of play for 10s especially means they get that extra split second on the ball that West seems to need.
He could look at the Canes but it would be as a pine rider (as would any other NZ contract) -
What's the go with Ihaia West?
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What's the go with Ihaia West?
@ACT-Crusader Still recovering from his ankle injury, I think.
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@pukunui I think the chiefs would be the perfect fit for a Ranger,especially if Ngatai recovers from his concussion,along with Lienart Brown in the midfield,and with James Lowes heading oversees,I would utilise Rene as wing option.
@Steven-Harris said in Blues v Reds:
@pukunui I think the chiefs would be the perfect fit for a Ranger,especially if Ngatai recovers from his concussion,along with Lienart Brown in the midfield,and with James Lowes heading oversees,I would utilise Rene as wing option.
Selecting a 30+ yr old to play on the wing is hardly forward-thinking. There will be better options around.
The Chiefs would take Nanai though.
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Very strong start from the Blues.
