Blues 2016 squad
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Tim" data-cid="535400" data-time="1445985415">
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<p>Yeah, the only real dead weight players are Prattley, Bekhuis, and Francis. I wonder if Bowden will get on the park?</p>
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<p>Am hoping he and Nock get a chance to form a great combo :)</p> -
<p>Bowden? He was hopeful of playing for us, but think he ended up needing surgery to be ready for S15</p>
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<p><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><sup>It must be a reflection of the relative weakness of the Blues squad that Northland have such a poor year yet pick up so many contracts. Or maybe it's a reflection that someone from outside of the Auckland old boys network is now in charge and can see there are talented players around that don't necessarily run around in blue and white hoops.</sup></span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><sup><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><sup> </sup></span></sup></span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><sup><sup><span style="font-size:24px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><sup>Probably a combination of both.</sup></span></span></sup></sup></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><sup><sup><span style="font-size:24px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><sup> </sup></span></span></sup></sup></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><sup><sup><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><sup> </sup></span></sup></sup></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><sup><sup><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><sup> </sup></span></sup></sup></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><sup> </sup></span></span></p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Gunner" data-cid="535487" data-time="1445990747">
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<p><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><sup>It must be a reflection of the relative weakness of the Blues squad that Northland have such a poor year yet pick up so many contracts. Or maybe it's a reflection that someone from outside of the Auckland old boys network is now in charge and can see there are talented players around that don't necessarily run around in blue and white hoops.</sup></span></span></p>
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<p>One thing JK really focussed on was talent development inside the region. This could be the result of that - multiple young players coming through. Would be great if that was his legacy ...</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Nepia" data-cid="535613" data-time="1446000178">
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<p>Really, Pulu should have been given to the Blues for this year. </p>
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<p><strong>I thought the Ioane brothers were playing 7s next year?</strong></p>
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<p>It is my understanding that aside from those players who are committed to 7s right the way through (SBW and Messam), the others that were named in that squad that are Super Rugby related will be playing 4 tournaments in the World Sevens Series but will still be eligible for rounds 1 to 10 of Super Rugby. Replacement players will then be brought in to cover these players (e.g. Ioanes and Ben Lam if he makes it).</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="KiwiMurph" data-cid="535615" data-time="1446000348">
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<p>It is my understanding that aside from those players who are committed to 7s right the way through (SBW and Messam), the others that were named in that squad that are Super Rugby related will be playing 4 tournaments in the World Sevens Series but will still be eligible for rounds 1 to 10 of Super Rugby. Replacement players will then be brought in to cover these players (e.g. Ioanes and Ben Lam if he makes it).</p>
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<p>The story I heard was that all of the initial "Tier 1" Sevens squad will miss most of the season, while the "Tier 2" players (which includes Pulu) will be available for half the season.</p>
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<p>Who knows though. A couple of months ago it was reported that Titch could only have 2 players per Super squad but that's obviously not true, so either things changed or the media might just be guessing (maybe even both).</p> -
<p>1. Ofa T</p>
<p>2. Parsons</p>
<p>3. Faumuina</p>
<p>4. Tuipulotu</p>
<p>5. Luatua</p>
<p>6. Kaino</p>
<p>7. Gibson</p>
<p>8. Ioane</p>
<p> </p>
<p>9. Hall</p>
<p>10. West</p>
<p>11. Lam</p>
<p>12. Moala</p>
<p>13. Ranger</p>
<p>14. Nanai</p>
<p>15. Visinia</p>
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<p>Could be another hard season coming up.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="African Monkey" data-cid="535655" data-time="1446005307">
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<p>1. Ofa T</p>
<p>2. Parsons</p>
<p>3. Faumuina</p>
<p>4. Tuipulotu</p>
<p>5. Luatua</p>
<p>6. Kaino</p>
<p>7. Gibson</p>
<p>8. Ioane</p>
<p> </p>
<p>9. Hall</p>
<p>10. West</p>
<p>11. Lam</p>
<p>12. Moala</p>
<p>13. Ranger</p>
<p>14. Nanai</p>
<p>15. Visinia</p>
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<p>Could be another hard season coming up.</p>
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<p>Man that would be a mediocre lineout. The opposition would be able to rely on perfect set-piece ball with Luatua and Tuipulotu jumping against them.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Tim" data-cid="535657" data-time="1446005499">
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<p>Anyway, if 2016 had the same format as 2015, then I would expect use to finish between 8th and 11th.</p>
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<p>An improvement on 14th of 15. </p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Sambo" data-cid="535658" data-time="1446005514">
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<p>yeah not an inspiring squad at all
hey maybe that will mean we may win a fair few for a change....</p>
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<p>Yeah, all the NZ squads are stronger, and you'd expect the Brumbies, Waratahs, and one or two SA teams to finish higher than them.</p> -
<p>Quite a good article on stuff about the team too.</p>
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<p>It seems to confirm my thoughts on the Round 1 to 10 availability for the 7s guys.</p>
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<p>If Ranger is eased into things early it will be interesting to see what they do with the midfield early on - Moala is much better at 12 than 13, Faiane and Little I have seen play at 12 but not so much 13 whereas Rieko is just a baby.</p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/73435304/Blues-taking-no-risks-with-Rene-Rangers-Super-Rugby-return-as-recovery-from-neck-surgery-continues'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/73435304/Blues-taking-no-risks-with-Rene-Rangers-Super-Rugby-return-as-recovery-from-neck-surgery-continues</a></p> -
<p>I feel like I've got some sort of battered rugby fan syndrome. I'm starting to hope again. Amazing how a bit of time away can muck with your head. The blues keep on smashing me down, and I keep on buying season passes. </p>
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<p>FML.</p>
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<p>ps: Tana for coach of the year :D</p> -
<p>It depends what your expectation level is - if you believe the Blues will be a playoff team and anything less than that is abject failure then you are in for more hard times.</p>
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<p>However if you recognise this season is a rebuilding one - despite the fact the results may not be perfect - I think we can expect to see a more committed, organised team that should be more competitive and therefore much more enjoyable to watch than the 2015 team.</p>
