Blues 2018
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Quite a good small listen.
Wilson touches on wider issues too (Blues vs Auckland)
Wilson told the Radio Sport Breakfast that he doesn't think the Blues are in a better state this season. "Sir John Kirwan made some gains when he was there, Pat Lam took them to the playoffs and it was the moment the season didn't go as planned, he was fired...and didn't get the opportunity to right the ship. "Are they prepared to stick with Tana and his coaching team to right the ship through the season? "The trend is so poor with Auckland and the Blues they can't at the moment, in anyway shape or form, bring the fans into the stands to support them, and why would you?" -
Quite a good small listen.
Wilson touches on wider issues too (Blues vs Auckland)
Wilson told the Radio Sport Breakfast that he doesn't think the Blues are in a better state this season. "Sir John Kirwan made some gains when he was there, Pat Lam took them to the playoffs and it was the moment the season didn't go as planned, he was fired...and didn't get the opportunity to right the ship. "Are they prepared to stick with Tana and his coaching team to right the ship through the season? "The trend is so poor with Auckland and the Blues they can't at the moment, in anyway shape or form, bring the fans into the stands to support them, and why would you?"He's right that Lam doesn't deserve to be lumped in with Kirwan/Umaga
He's right there's been no improvement under Umaga
He's right that the Patrick McKendry article at the start of the year was wrong
He's wrong about the player situation. He's fighting the last war.
When he was in Lam's setup they were restricted to picking from the region. That isn't the case anymore, this team has recruited heavily from outside the region (Manu, SWB, Francis, Pulu, Tupou, Gatland, Hodgman, Perofeta, Black, Apisai, Guyton, O'Donnell, Colllins, Faiva etc).
The performance of the ring-ins has been mixed. Particularly when compared to some of the exports (Fatialofa, Seu, Aso, Lam, Hall)He is right to mention the split in the boards. The rumours of childish friction between the ARU and the Blues board aren't great
(Worth pointing out that the ARU wanted Kirwan sacked and the Blues wanted the Kirwan/Matson compromise... I think the Blues board might be the root cause. Does memories of Umaga as a player make their giney tingle like Kirwan's history did?) -
He's right that Lam doesn't deserve to be lumped in with Kirwan/Umaga
He's right there's been no improvement under Umaga
He's right that the Patrick McKendry article at the start of the year was wrong
He's wrong about the player situation. He's fighting the last war.
When he was in Lam's setup they were restricted to picking from the region. That isn't the case anymore, this team has recruited heavily from outside the region (Manu, SWB, Francis, Pulu, Tupou, Gatland, Hodgman, Perofeta, Black, Apisai, Guyton, O'Donnell, Colllins, Faiva etc).
The performance of the ring-ins has been mixed. Particularly when compared to some of the exports (Fatialofa, Seu, Aso, Lam, Hall)He is right to mention the split in the boards. The rumours of childish friction between the ARU and the Blues board aren't great
(Worth pointing out that the ARU wanted Kirwan sacked and the Blues wanted the Kirwan/Matson compromise... I think the Blues board might be the root cause. Does memories of Umaga as a player make their giney tingle like Kirwan's history did?)@duluth said in Blues 2018:
He's wrong about the player situation. He's fighting the last war.
When he was in Lam's setup they were restricted to picking from the region. That isn't the case anymore, this team has recruited heavily from outside the region (Manu, SWB, Francis, Pulu, Tupou, Gatland, Hodgman, Perofeta, Black, Apisai, Guyton, O'Donnell, Colllins, Faiva etc).
The performance of the ring-ins has been mixed. Particularly when compared to some of the exports (Fatialofa, Seu, Aso, Lam, Hall)I think what Goldie was getting at was for the Blues to be successful they realistically need it to be from local players mostly - while the Blues can certainly offer contracts to players from all over the country the really good players are probably going to see the Blues as a last choice option. Most of those players you mention above came to the Blues as a last option (the Counties guys while technically not in the Blues region live in Auckland anyway so i'd lump them in as local).
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@duluth said in Blues 2018:
He's wrong about the player situation. He's fighting the last war.
When he was in Lam's setup they were restricted to picking from the region. That isn't the case anymore, this team has recruited heavily from outside the region (Manu, SWB, Francis, Pulu, Tupou, Gatland, Hodgman, Perofeta, Black, Apisai, Guyton, O'Donnell, Colllins, Faiva etc).
The performance of the ring-ins has been mixed. Particularly when compared to some of the exports (Fatialofa, Seu, Aso, Lam, Hall)I think what Goldie was getting at was for the Blues to be successful they realistically need it to be from local players mostly - while the Blues can certainly offer contracts to players from all over the country the really good players are probably going to see the Blues as a last choice option. Most of those players you mention above came to the Blues as a last option (the Counties guys while technically not in the Blues region live in Auckland anyway so i'd lump them in as local).
@kiwimurph said in Blues 2018:
(the Counties guys while technically not in the Blues region live in Auckland anyway so i'd lump them in as local)
My point is more relevant if you use the real region. They are imports and they've been mixed.
I do find the Blues a little confused about where they represent now.
I was at a game last year where thanking volunteers from all over the Blues region - from Counties, Auckland and North Harbour. The org from top to bottom is run by retards. -
He's right that Lam doesn't deserve to be lumped in with Kirwan/Umaga
He's right there's been no improvement under Umaga
He's right that the Patrick McKendry article at the start of the year was wrong
He's wrong about the player situation. He's fighting the last war.
When he was in Lam's setup they were restricted to picking from the region. That isn't the case anymore, this team has recruited heavily from outside the region (Manu, SWB, Francis, Pulu, Tupou, Gatland, Hodgman, Perofeta, Black, Apisai, Guyton, O'Donnell, Colllins, Faiva etc).
The performance of the ring-ins has been mixed. Particularly when compared to some of the exports (Fatialofa, Seu, Aso, Lam, Hall)He is right to mention the split in the boards. The rumours of childish friction between the ARU and the Blues board aren't great
(Worth pointing out that the ARU wanted Kirwan sacked and the Blues wanted the Kirwan/Matson compromise... I think the Blues board might be the root cause. Does memories of Umaga as a player make their giney tingle like Kirwan's history did?)@duluth there had long been friction between the Blues board and Auckland, well and Northland and I assume NH as well.
IMO Dalton was a big factor in a lot of issues with both Auckland and the Blues over the years, you'd of thought they shoulda all got over it with him gone, but maybe the culture he instilled lingers on.
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@duluth there had long been friction between the Blues board and Auckland, well and Northland and I assume NH as well.
IMO Dalton was a big factor in a lot of issues with both Auckland and the Blues over the years, you'd of thought they shoulda all got over it with him gone, but maybe the culture he instilled lingers on.
@taniwharugby Auckland rugby have had a fair bit of change in the last few months with a new Chairman (Stu Mather), a new Director (Keven Mealamu) and a whole new coaching team (Ieremia/Henry/Tiatia/Lavea) so it should be interesting to see how the relationship develops moving forward.
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I will be heading along to watch the Blues development game on Saturday will keep you all posted.
@steven-harris Blues A vs Chiefs A from Good Friday. Blues won 24-22.
Blues team sheet:
1- Ezekiel Lindemuth
2 - Kurt Eklund
3 - Isaac Salmon
4 - Ben Neenee
5- Jacob Pierce
6 - Sam Slade
7 - Dalton Papali’i
8- Hoskins Sotutu
9 - Harrison Levien
10 - Daniel Kirkpatrick
11 - Mark Telea
12 - Tumua Manu
13- Tanielu Tele’a
14 - Jordan Hyland
15 - Orbyn Leger16 - Luteru Tolai
17 - Rob Cobb
18 - Isi Tu’ungafasi
19 - Masaki Kondo
20 - Anotonio Kirikiri
21 - Lewis Gjaltema
22 - Song Gi Paku
23 - Scott Gregory
24 - Loketi Manu
25 - Waimana Reidlinger-Kapa -
@steven-harris Blues A vs Chiefs A from Good Friday. Blues won 24-22.
Blues team sheet:
1- Ezekiel Lindemuth
2 - Kurt Eklund
3 - Isaac Salmon
4 - Ben Neenee
5- Jacob Pierce
6 - Sam Slade
7 - Dalton Papali’i
8- Hoskins Sotutu
9 - Harrison Levien
10 - Daniel Kirkpatrick
11 - Mark Telea
12 - Tumua Manu
13- Tanielu Tele’a
14 - Jordan Hyland
15 - Orbyn Leger16 - Luteru Tolai
17 - Rob Cobb
18 - Isi Tu’ungafasi
19 - Masaki Kondo
20 - Anotonio Kirikiri
21 - Lewis Gjaltema
22 - Song Gi Paku
23 - Scott Gregory
24 - Loketi Manu
25 - Waimana Reidlinger-Kapa -
Comments on the Blues Development team from the video above
1 Lindemuth - very good at core roles - handy around the field too
2 Eklund - very good game - lineout throwing superb - his lineout throwing has come a remarkable way in the last 12 months or so. Ball in hand he had some nice runs in the second half. Should be a full squad member of the Blues.
3 Salmon - very similar to Lindemuth - went well.
4 - Neenee - was ok - nothing special - similar to his M10 Cup form.
5 - Pierce - good lineout work - fine around the field without lighting it up.
6 - Slade - didn't play much - got replaced by 26 (not sure who that is?) who looked out of his depth a bit.
7 Papalii - worked his way into the game - really has a physical presence and a good rugby brain - played the full 80 - should be starting 7 for Blues this weekend.
8 Sotutu - really mobile and skillful for a big guy, makes a lot of plays, reminds me a lot of Luatua. Huge future.9 Levein - mostly a good game - i've seen him play before and he has underwhelmed but he was pretty good - quick crisp passing, good committed defense, even nabbed a ruck turnover. Made a few mistakes as the game wore on.
10 Kirkpatrick - had a nice run to start the game - was a bit greedy going for the line himself on one occassion and turning it over.
11 Telea - dangerous ball in hand that had to be accounted for - kicked chased well and defended well too. Looked useful.
12 Tumua Manu - very solid - few errors - underrated player - can play wing too.
13 Tele'a - looks a good prospect - good size, has vision, good skillset, mostly good midfield defence (though he got beaten badly on the outside for a Chiefs set piece try) - for such a young guy he is impressive - though he went off with a leg/foot injury of some kind - was down for a long time.
14 Hyland - doesn't look like a winger but was really solid in everything he did - deceptively strong and runs good lines, showed off a nice boot on one occasion.
15 - Leger - hard to evaluate cos he is playing out of position but he made a good fist of 15 and also played 10.In terms of the bench I thought Gregory probably stood out the most - he's on the smallish/wirey side but looked useful ball in hand.
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Comments on the Blues Development team from the video above
1 Lindemuth - very good at core roles - handy around the field too
2 Eklund - very good game - lineout throwing superb - his lineout throwing has come a remarkable way in the last 12 months or so. Ball in hand he had some nice runs in the second half. Should be a full squad member of the Blues.
3 Salmon - very similar to Lindemuth - went well.
4 - Neenee - was ok - nothing special - similar to his M10 Cup form.
5 - Pierce - good lineout work - fine around the field without lighting it up.
6 - Slade - didn't play much - got replaced by 26 (not sure who that is?) who looked out of his depth a bit.
7 Papalii - worked his way into the game - really has a physical presence and a good rugby brain - played the full 80 - should be starting 7 for Blues this weekend.
8 Sotutu - really mobile and skillful for a big guy, makes a lot of plays, reminds me a lot of Luatua. Huge future.9 Levein - mostly a good game - i've seen him play before and he has underwhelmed but he was pretty good - quick crisp passing, good committed defense, even nabbed a ruck turnover. Made a few mistakes as the game wore on.
10 Kirkpatrick - had a nice run to start the game - was a bit greedy going for the line himself on one occassion and turning it over.
11 Telea - dangerous ball in hand that had to be accounted for - kicked chased well and defended well too. Looked useful.
12 Tumua Manu - very solid - few errors - underrated player - can play wing too.
13 Tele'a - looks a good prospect - good size, has vision, good skillset, mostly good midfield defence (though he got beaten badly on the outside for a Chiefs set piece try) - for such a young guy he is impressive - though he went off with a leg/foot injury of some kind - was down for a long time.
14 Hyland - doesn't look like a winger but was really solid in everything he did - deceptively strong and runs good lines, showed off a nice boot on one occasion.
15 - Leger - hard to evaluate cos he is playing out of position but he made a good fist of 15 and also played 10.In terms of the bench I thought Gregory probably stood out the most - he's on the smallish/wirey side but looked useful ball in hand.
@kiwimurph said in Blues 2018:
Comments on the Blues Development team from the video above
1 Lindemuth - very good at core roles - handy around the field too
2 Eklund - very good game - lineout throwing superb - his lineout throwing has come a remarkable way in the last 12 months or so. Ball in hand he had some nice runs in the second half. Should be a full squad member of the Blues.
3 Salmon - very similar to Lindemuth - went well.
4 - Neenee - was ok - nothing special - similar to his M10 Cup form.
5 - Pierce - good lineout work - fine around the field without lighting it up.
6 - Slade - didn't play much - got replaced by 26 (not sure who that is?) who looked out of his depth a bit.
7 Papalii - worked his way into the game - really has a physical presence and a good rugby brain - played the full 80 - should be starting 7 for Blues this weekend.
8 Sotutu - really mobile and skillful for a big guy, makes a lot of plays, reminds me a lot of Luatua. Huge future.9 Levein - mostly a good game - i've seen him play before and he has underwhelmed but he was pretty good - quick crisp passing, good committed defense, even nabbed a ruck turnover. Made a few mistakes as the game wore on.
10 Kirkpatrick - had a nice run to start the game - was a bit greedy going for the line himself on one occassion and turning it over.
11 Telea - dangerous ball in hand that had to be accounted for - kicked chased well and defended well too. Looked useful.
12 Tumua Manu - very solid - few errors - underrated player - can play wing too.
13 Tele'a - looks a good prospect - good size, has vision, good skillset, mostly good midfield defence (though he got beaten badly on the outside for a Chiefs set piece try) - for such a young guy he is impressive - though he went off with a leg/foot injury of some kind - was down for a long time.
14 Hyland - doesn't look like a winger but was really solid in everything he did - deceptively strong and runs good lines, showed off a nice boot on one occasion.
15 - Leger - hard to evaluate cos he is playing out of position but he made a good fist of 15 and also played 10.In terms of the bench I thought Gregory probably stood out the most - he's on the smallish/wirey side but looked useful ball in hand.
Are you sure that lot lost? I can't comment on individuals but that doesn't read like a team that is pretty rubbish for the most
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@kiwimurph said in Blues 2018:
Comments on the Blues Development team from the video above
1 Lindemuth - very good at core roles - handy around the field too
2 Eklund - very good game - lineout throwing superb - his lineout throwing has come a remarkable way in the last 12 months or so. Ball in hand he had some nice runs in the second half. Should be a full squad member of the Blues.
3 Salmon - very similar to Lindemuth - went well.
4 - Neenee - was ok - nothing special - similar to his M10 Cup form.
5 - Pierce - good lineout work - fine around the field without lighting it up.
6 - Slade - didn't play much - got replaced by 26 (not sure who that is?) who looked out of his depth a bit.
7 Papalii - worked his way into the game - really has a physical presence and a good rugby brain - played the full 80 - should be starting 7 for Blues this weekend.
8 Sotutu - really mobile and skillful for a big guy, makes a lot of plays, reminds me a lot of Luatua. Huge future.9 Levein - mostly a good game - i've seen him play before and he has underwhelmed but he was pretty good - quick crisp passing, good committed defense, even nabbed a ruck turnover. Made a few mistakes as the game wore on.
10 Kirkpatrick - had a nice run to start the game - was a bit greedy going for the line himself on one occassion and turning it over.
11 Telea - dangerous ball in hand that had to be accounted for - kicked chased well and defended well too. Looked useful.
12 Tumua Manu - very solid - few errors - underrated player - can play wing too.
13 Tele'a - looks a good prospect - good size, has vision, good skillset, mostly good midfield defence (though he got beaten badly on the outside for a Chiefs set piece try) - for such a young guy he is impressive - though he went off with a leg/foot injury of some kind - was down for a long time.
14 Hyland - doesn't look like a winger but was really solid in everything he did - deceptively strong and runs good lines, showed off a nice boot on one occasion.
15 - Leger - hard to evaluate cos he is playing out of position but he made a good fist of 15 and also played 10.In terms of the bench I thought Gregory probably stood out the most - he's on the smallish/wirey side but looked useful ball in hand.
Are you sure that lot lost? I can't comment on individuals but that doesn't read like a team that is pretty rubbish for the most
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@kiwimurph said in Blues 2018:
Comments on the Blues Development team from the video above
1 Lindemuth - very good at core roles - handy around the field too
2 Eklund - very good game - lineout throwing superb - his lineout throwing has come a remarkable way in the last 12 months or so. Ball in hand he had some nice runs in the second half. Should be a full squad member of the Blues.
3 Salmon - very similar to Lindemuth - went well.
4 - Neenee - was ok - nothing special - similar to his M10 Cup form.
5 - Pierce - good lineout work - fine around the field without lighting it up.
6 - Slade - didn't play much - got replaced by 26 (not sure who that is?) who looked out of his depth a bit.
7 Papalii - worked his way into the game - really has a physical presence and a good rugby brain - played the full 80 - should be starting 7 for Blues this weekend.
8 Sotutu - really mobile and skillful for a big guy, makes a lot of plays, reminds me a lot of Luatua. Huge future.9 Levein - mostly a good game - i've seen him play before and he has underwhelmed but he was pretty good - quick crisp passing, good committed defense, even nabbed a ruck turnover. Made a few mistakes as the game wore on.
10 Kirkpatrick - had a nice run to start the game - was a bit greedy going for the line himself on one occassion and turning it over.
11 Telea - dangerous ball in hand that had to be accounted for - kicked chased well and defended well too. Looked useful.
12 Tumua Manu - very solid - few errors - underrated player - can play wing too.
13 Tele'a - looks a good prospect - good size, has vision, good skillset, mostly good midfield defence (though he got beaten badly on the outside for a Chiefs set piece try) - for such a young guy he is impressive - though he went off with a leg/foot injury of some kind - was down for a long time.
14 Hyland - doesn't look like a winger but was really solid in everything he did - deceptively strong and runs good lines, showed off a nice boot on one occasion.
15 - Leger - hard to evaluate cos he is playing out of position but he made a good fist of 15 and also played 10.In terms of the bench I thought Gregory probably stood out the most - he's on the smallish/wirey side but looked useful ball in hand.
Are you sure that lot lost? I can't comment on individuals but that doesn't read like a team that is pretty rubbish for the most
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@duluth said in Blues 2018:
@hooroo said in Blues 2018:
Are you sure that lot lost?
Are you sure that lot lost?
Ha! Brilliant! No wonder I couldn't comment on individuals as I didn't recognise any names! Gold!
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Comments on the Blues Development team from the video above
1 Lindemuth - very good at core roles - handy around the field too
2 Eklund - very good game - lineout throwing superb - his lineout throwing has come a remarkable way in the last 12 months or so. Ball in hand he had some nice runs in the second half. Should be a full squad member of the Blues.
3 Salmon - very similar to Lindemuth - went well.
4 - Neenee - was ok - nothing special - similar to his M10 Cup form.
5 - Pierce - good lineout work - fine around the field without lighting it up.
6 - Slade - didn't play much - got replaced by 26 (not sure who that is?) who looked out of his depth a bit.
7 Papalii - worked his way into the game - really has a physical presence and a good rugby brain - played the full 80 - should be starting 7 for Blues this weekend.
8 Sotutu - really mobile and skillful for a big guy, makes a lot of plays, reminds me a lot of Luatua. Huge future.9 Levein - mostly a good game - i've seen him play before and he has underwhelmed but he was pretty good - quick crisp passing, good committed defense, even nabbed a ruck turnover. Made a few mistakes as the game wore on.
10 Kirkpatrick - had a nice run to start the game - was a bit greedy going for the line himself on one occassion and turning it over.
11 Telea - dangerous ball in hand that had to be accounted for - kicked chased well and defended well too. Looked useful.
12 Tumua Manu - very solid - few errors - underrated player - can play wing too.
13 Tele'a - looks a good prospect - good size, has vision, good skillset, mostly good midfield defence (though he got beaten badly on the outside for a Chiefs set piece try) - for such a young guy he is impressive - though he went off with a leg/foot injury of some kind - was down for a long time.
14 Hyland - doesn't look like a winger but was really solid in everything he did - deceptively strong and runs good lines, showed off a nice boot on one occasion.
15 - Leger - hard to evaluate cos he is playing out of position but he made a good fist of 15 and also played 10.In terms of the bench I thought Gregory probably stood out the most - he's on the smallish/wirey side but looked useful ball in hand.
@kiwimurph when Hyland came to Northland he was signed as a centre...but has played most of his time up here on the wing, doesn't have the pace but is usually pretty solid, TBH I have been a bit surprised he has made the squads he has beyond M10 Cup, but seems a top bloke when I've chatted to him after games, so stoked for him.
Gregory is a good kid, I have often seen him down at the local pools training on a Sunday morning either by himself or with his g/f.
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@hooroo said in Blues 2018:
Are you sure that lot lost? I can't comment on individuals but that doesn't read like a team that is pretty rubbish for the most
Blues won 24-22.
@kiwimurph said in Blues 2018:
@hooroo said in Blues 2018:
Are you sure that lot lost? I can't comment on individuals but that doesn't read like a team that is pretty rubbish for the most
Blues won 24-22.
Apologies, I thought I was in Blues v Sharks thread.
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@kiwimurph when Hyland came to Northland he was signed as a centre...but has played most of his time up here on the wing, doesn't have the pace but is usually pretty solid, TBH I have been a bit surprised he has made the squads he has beyond M10 Cup, but seems a top bloke when I've chatted to him after games, so stoked for him.
Gregory is a good kid, I have often seen him down at the local pools training on a Sunday morning either by himself or with his g/f.
I keep assuming Hyland will be shit... he just looks awkward. But he's proved me wrong every time I've watched him. I would prefer him to get a run ahead of someone like Trainor.
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Comments on the Blues Development team from the video above
1 Lindemuth - very good at core roles - handy around the field too
2 Eklund - very good game - lineout throwing superb - his lineout throwing has come a remarkable way in the last 12 months or so. Ball in hand he had some nice runs in the second half. Should be a full squad member of the Blues.
3 Salmon - very similar to Lindemuth - went well.
4 - Neenee - was ok - nothing special - similar to his M10 Cup form.
5 - Pierce - good lineout work - fine around the field without lighting it up.
6 - Slade - didn't play much - got replaced by 26 (not sure who that is?) who looked out of his depth a bit.
7 Papalii - worked his way into the game - really has a physical presence and a good rugby brain - played the full 80 - should be starting 7 for Blues this weekend.
8 Sotutu - really mobile and skillful for a big guy, makes a lot of plays, reminds me a lot of Luatua. Huge future.9 Levein - mostly a good game - i've seen him play before and he has underwhelmed but he was pretty good - quick crisp passing, good committed defense, even nabbed a ruck turnover. Made a few mistakes as the game wore on.
10 Kirkpatrick - had a nice run to start the game - was a bit greedy going for the line himself on one occassion and turning it over.
11 Telea - dangerous ball in hand that had to be accounted for - kicked chased well and defended well too. Looked useful.
12 Tumua Manu - very solid - few errors - underrated player - can play wing too.
13 Tele'a - looks a good prospect - good size, has vision, good skillset, mostly good midfield defence (though he got beaten badly on the outside for a Chiefs set piece try) - for such a young guy he is impressive - though he went off with a leg/foot injury of some kind - was down for a long time.
14 Hyland - doesn't look like a winger but was really solid in everything he did - deceptively strong and runs good lines, showed off a nice boot on one occasion.
15 - Leger - hard to evaluate cos he is playing out of position but he made a good fist of 15 and also played 10.In terms of the bench I thought Gregory probably stood out the most - he's on the smallish/wirey side but looked useful ball in hand.
@kiwimurph said in Blues 2018:
12 Tumua Manu - very solid - few errors - underrated player - can play wing too.
Hopefully he spends all of the Auckland season in the midfield. He'll be a serious SR option soon
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@kiwimurph when Hyland came to Northland he was signed as a centre...but has played most of his time up here on the wing, doesn't have the pace but is usually pretty solid, TBH I have been a bit surprised he has made the squads he has beyond M10 Cup, but seems a top bloke when I've chatted to him after games, so stoked for him.
Gregory is a good kid, I have often seen him down at the local pools training on a Sunday morning either by himself or with his g/f.
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@duluth Yep agreed. I think the midfield in this game (12 Manu 13 Tele'a) could be the Auckland midfield this year.
I wonder with Caleb Clarke out for 2-3 weeks whether the Blues are allowed to bring in a replacement player from outside the squad? Either Tumua Manu or Hyland would do a fine job. I'm not sure the Blues ever confirmed who they replaced midfielder Matt Johnson with?
