Blues 2019
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Based on this NPC season so far, I'd be happy to see Renata picked for the Blues. Improved his scrummaging significantly.
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@tim I'd have him ahead of Tamoieta that's for sure.
@african-monkey Be interesting to see how Adams and Fepulea'i go after a full year of professional rugby training (NPC and Super Rugby dev squad).
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@tim Very true, Sione Havili is a young, talented local with no connection to any other franchise so could be a smart signing
@canes welcome aboard.
There’s a number of promising young prospects that got limited opportunities in this years super season. IMO the Blues have a few good ones that could develop into solid week in week out performers. They are short of a decent star or two.
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Also posted in the Super Rugby News thread:
https://twitter.com/MattManukia/status/1040076804118048768
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Question: So the Blues will have two high profile 12s, Ma'a and SBW. Who'll start in the 12 jersey? And where will they move the other?
Both older players; is this a good move, considering they may keep youngsters out of the match day 23?
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Also posted in the Super Rugby News thread:
https://twitter.com/MattManukia/status/1040076804118048768
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Question: So the Blues will have two high profile 12s, Ma'a and SBW. Who'll start in the 12 jersey? And where will they move the other?
Both older players; is this a good move, considering they may keep youngsters out of the match day 23?
@stargazer Well judging on recent history, SBW is injured half the season and they need a talented, experienced head at second five to nurture the young talent.
From what little I've seen of the Top14, Ma'a is still playing well.
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@stargazer Well judging on recent history, SBW is injured half the season and they need a talented, experienced head at second five to nurture the young talent.
From what little I've seen of the Top14, Ma'a is still playing well.
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@antipodean He hasn't played since May though, and is 36 years old. I find it an odd signing, unless they've mainly taken him on as a mentor for the younger players.
@stargazer said in Blues 2019:
@antipodean He hasn't played since May though, and is 36 years old. I find it an odd signing, unless they've mainly taken him on as a mentor for the younger players.
He'll be steadier than Collins, and probably communicate better. It's a punt, but I can see why you'd do it
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FYI, I've been keeping the list in this post up-to-date (added new signings).
https://www.thesilverfern.com/2018/07/22/blues-2019-discussion/
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So Nonu will be being coached by 2 guys he played in the ABs with...
@taniwharugby said in Blues 2019:
So Nonu will be being coached by 2 guys he played in the ABs with...
In a slight flipping of that, the Hammetuer coached two players he was in the ABs with - and he fired them both.
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Nonu isn't known for nuturing young players. Wasn't that a problem last time with the Blues (re: 1st 5 selection)?
@bovidae said in Blues 2019:
Nonu isn't known for nuturing young players. Wasn't that a problem last time with the Blues (re: 1st 5 selection)?
Well, it can't be easy playing outside Hobbs or Anscombe.
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Blues media release: http://theblues.co.nz/nonu-back-at-the-blues/
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They still have SBW as well right? This really makes no fucking sense at all.
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They still have SBW as well right? This really makes no fucking sense at all.
@mariner4life Depends on how much they're paying Nonu. If SBW stays fit then probably Nonu spends a fair bit of time warming the pine.
But Sonny hasn't stayed injury free in recent times and it's also RWC year, so there will be R&R in play.
Good question is whether Nonu will be happy playing a sort of Mike Delany backseat role if it comes to that.
Not a signing without risk - but, it adds a bit of intrigue.
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@mariner4life Depends on how much they're paying Nonu. If SBW stays fit then probably Nonu spends a fair bit of time warming the pine.
But Sonny hasn't stayed injury free in recent times and it's also RWC year, so there will be R&R in play.
Good question is whether Nonu will be happy playing a sort of Mike Delany backseat role if it comes to that.
Not a signing without risk - but, it adds a bit of intrigue.
@chris-b said in Blues 2019:
Not a signing without risk - but, it adds a bit of intrigue
yea, gee, exactly what Tana and the Blues need
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@chris-b said in Blues 2019:
Not a signing without risk - but, it adds a bit of intrigue
yea, gee, exactly what Tana and the Blues need
@mariner4life said in Blues 2019:
@chris-b said in Blues 2019:
Not a signing without risk - but, it adds a bit of intrigue
yea, gee, exactly what Tana and the Blues need
Maybe Tana sees it as similar to when he played for the Chiefs - a guy who wont play all matches but can be a decent filler when needed?
