Blues 2018

Kirwan

And aren't we at Warriors joke level already?

I really hope the board is talking to good coaches like Pivac. I can dream.

Stargazer

@kirwan said in Blues 2018:

And aren't we at Warriors joke level already?

I really hope the board is talking to good coaches like Pivac. I can dream.

The Scarlets coach, Wayne Pivac, has confirmed he has held talks with the Welsh Rugby Union with a view to replacing Warren Gatland as Wales head coach after the 2019 World Cup.

Pivac’s stock has risen after he guided the Scarlets to the semi-finals of the Champions Cup – a season after winning the Pro12 – and the New Zealander, who signed a new contract with the region in October, has been sounded out by the WRU.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/apr/03/wales-wayne-pivac-warren-gatland-scarlets-tuilagi-england

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Note the " a new contract with the region" bit. That refers to this:

His new contract will see Pivac remain in West Wales until at least the end of 2019-20.

http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/news/39727.php

Kirwan

I’m always hopeful of out clauses, but thanks for the info.

KiwiMurph

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12034236

Tim

I'm guessing that Tupou and Tuipulotu will start at lock, with Papali'i at 6.

Tim

Faiane and Ioane in the midfield, with Leger at fullback? Or will Manu come into wing with Duffie going to 15?

KiwiMurph

@tim That's better than starting Neenee.

I'm guessing theyll bring Trainor in to the back 3 mix to cover Collins. It's not what I would do - but it's what they will do i'd say. I'd prefer either of @tim options above.

Tim

@kiwimurph said in Blues 2018:

Trainor

He's injured too.

KiwiMurph

@tim Good call.

I'm never happy to see players injured but I think it's good for the Blues that they are being forced to give youngsters some gametime to see how they go - It may not be ideal in the short term or ideal for Tana but it will be beneficial in the long run for the Blues.

taniwharugby

@kiwimurph unless the new coach has a cleanout...

KiwiMurph

@taniwharugby I'd like to think a cleanout would be of journeyman...not of talented youngsters...but given the Blues history that is probably wishful thinking!

Duluth

@tim said in Blues 2018:

Faiane and Ioane in the midfield

Faiane and Umaga in the midfield. Ioane to coach.

KiwiMurph

Be interesting to see what sort of team the Blues field for their development team playing Japan A in the curtain raiser.

Tim

Also confirmation that Gerard Cowley-Tuioti is injured too.

Stargazer

Blues 'A' v Japan 'A'
Friday, 20 April, k/o 5.05pm @ Eden Park

This game will be broadcast live on Sky Sport 1.

Japan has already named it's team: https://www.rugby-japan.jp/2018/04/18/japan_a_team_for_blues_a/

KiwiMurph

Looks like Moulds will be fit to be on the bench for the Blues top team then.

Malo Tuitama is an interesting get by the Blues. Was impressive for Wellington and Canes in the Brisbane 10s.

http://theblues.co.nz/apisai-leads-blues-a-against-visiting-japan-a-side/

The Blues A team is: 1. Ezekiel Lindenmuth (Auckland), 2. Leni Apisai (Blues) ©, 3. Isaac Salmon (Blues), 4. Danny Drake (North Harbour), 5. Jacob Pierce (Blues Replacement, North Harbour), 6. Lyndon Dunshea (Auckland), 7. Antonio Kiri Kiri (Blues Replacement, Manawatu), 8. Matt Matich (Northland); 9. Harrison Levien (Blues Replacement, North Harbour), 10. D’Angelo Leuila (Blues Replacement, Auckland), 11. Malo Tuitama (Blues Replacement, Wellington), 12. Blake Hohaia (Northland), 13. Daniel Hilton-Jones (North Harbour), 14. Mark Telea (North Harbour), 15. Tyler Campbell (Blues Replacement, Waikato).

Reserves: 16. Jordan Olsen (Northland), 17. Franck Friconnet (Auckland), 18. Isi Tuungafasi (Auckland), 19. Kondo Masaki (Honda Heat), 20. Adrian Choat (Auckland), 21. Lewis Gjaltema (North Harbour), 22. Song Gi Paku (Honda Heat), 23. Scott Gregory (Northland), 24. Salesi Rayasi (Auckland), 25. Ben Sa’u (Auckland)

Staff: Tom Coventry: Coach, Otere Black: Asst. Coach, Paul Gianotti: Manager, Simon Kim: Doctor, Harley Mathews: Physio, Julia Herbst: Analyst, John Ryan: Trainer.

taniwharugby

Blake Hohaia has been named there, nice, looked sharp before breaking a bone for us in his brief appearances last year and was the best player on the park in the couple of club games I have watched recently (and one game included Tamati Tua, Josh goodhue) for Kamo

Tim

Interesting to see Eden stalwart, Franck Friconnet, in there, and that Harbour have signed Harrison Levien.

taniwharugby

Tana on radio sport just now...would not confirm/deny if has re-signed for 2019

Dice

Watched Leuila in the Pacific Challenge Cup last month and he looked really impressive.

The Silver Fern

Blues 2018