Blues v Chiefs

Nogusta

@Dice Sotutu to start at 8!

African Monkey

@Nogusta Sounds like you know something

Tim

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/119072748/motivated-rieko-ioane-poised-to-grab-centre-stage-with-blues-for-season-opener

Halangahu confirmed first five Otere Black was an unlikely starter for Friday after suffering a rib injury in the first pre-season hitout against the Chiefs, though was more than happy with the other options available in the form of Stephen Perofeta and Harry Plummer..

Hooker James Parsons is another doubtful starter as he works back to full fitness from his back issues while utility back Tanielu Tele'a and lock/loosie James Tucker are also dealing with injuries likely to keep them out of the mix..

Dice

If Rieko starts at centre, does that mean Marchant to the wing?

I'm interested to see who starts at fullback.

@Nogusta said in Blues 2020:

@Dice Sotutu to start at 8!

He deserves this shot.

Nogusta

@Dice said in Blues 2020:

If Rieko starts at centre, does that mean Marchant to the wing?

I'm interested to see who starts at fullback.

@Nogusta said in Blues 2020:

@Dice Sotutu to start at 8!

He deserves this shot.

Yea he does. Has had a good preseason. Fitter and a bit more impact than Akira in the 2 trial matches.
If both Rieko and Marchant start I'd say Marchant at centre and Rieko on the wing with Duffie at fullback.
Mark Teleas been the pick of the wings in the trials and has trained the house down apparently so prolly gets the nod at right wing. With Tele'a out injured Narawa probably fills the reserve back spot given he covers a cpl of positions.

Tim

So what are we looking at for the first game?

Tu'inukuafe
Eklund
Mafileo
Tuipulotu
Robinson
Papalii
Sotutu
Perofeta
Ioane
Faiane
Marchant
Talea
Duffie

Niuia
Hodgman
Tu'ungafasi
Ioane
Plummer
Narawa

Goodhue and Pierce for the locks, Christie and Ruru the halfbacks?

Nogusta

@Tim I think there gonna be a bit of a shakeup in the pack!

Dice

@Nogusta I wish we had a better option at fullback than Duffie. I hope he goes well though, but he hasn't looked Super level for a couple of seasons.

I'm guessing Narawa will be eased into Super Rugby with it being his first season.

KiwiMurph

@Dice I could see Perofeta playing fullback too - perhaps when Plummer is on the field.

Duluth

@KiwiMurph said in Blues 2020:

I could see Perofeta playing fullback too - perhaps when Plummer is on the field.

I hope so

In order this is my preference for fullback:
Narawa
Perofeta
Duffie

Nogusta

@Dice Narawa struggled against the Canes at fullback last Friday esp defensively. No. 1 work on for him. Definitely worth persevering with though.

Duluth

@DrivingMaul said in Blues v Chiefs:

Is this finally the year that the Blues get it all together???

Has Gatland had long enough with the Chiefs to get them playing his way???

The big questions that will start to be answered this weekend

I'll also be doing a live post match reaction show on YouTube

Sorry I split this thread at the same time you created a new one..

DrivingMaul

@Crucial said in Blues v Chiefs:

@Dice said in Blues 2020:

@KiwiMurph I thought the ABs were going to play limited minutes to start the season? If not, then I'd definitely start him.

I don't know if it is different for each player but TJP and JB are only allowed 40 and 60 minutes each for the first two games for the Canes.

It's a good point to watch for when tipping these early rounds.

It's a player by player thing from what I've heard

Chris

@Duluth Same Question every year is this the Blues year

DrivingMaul

@Duluth So which one of us sets up the Crusaders v Waratahs thread then

DrivingMaul

@Chris And what a great question it is

Duluth

@DrivingMaul done

DrivingMaul

@Tim doesn't Rieko want to play 13 this year?

macandcheese

I don't understand the Rieko talk to #13 talk

You get an England Int'l talent in Marchant at #13
Dude should carve up Super Rugby

Duluth

@macandcheese said in Blues v Chiefs:

I don't understand the Rieko talk to #13 talk

You get an England Int'l talent in Marchant at #13
Dude should carve up Super Rugby

I agree

Rieko wants to play 13 but he still needs to earn it. I'd start him on the wing and give him the last 20mins of matches at centre

If his defence is good enough etc then it becomes an option later in the season.

The Silver Fern

Blues v Chiefs