Hurricanes v Blues
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@Kirwan only need to look at the table now, presently have to be one of the more even comps?
4 points separates 1st place (Stormers and 8th place Blues - who, as we know beat the stormers on the weekend)
NZ Conference even tighter with 'saders on top with 14, 'canes, Chiefs, Blues all 13 and Highlanders 5, although all those teams bar the blues have a game in hand.
@taniwharugby said in Hurricanes v Blues:
@Kirwan only need to look at the table now, presently have to be one of the more even comps?
4 points separates 1st place (Stormers and 8th place Blues - who, as we know beat the stormers on the weekend)
I can't wait until they get rid of the stupid Pool ranking system. 5 teams that should be ahead of the Brumbies and two teams that should be ahead of the Crusaders
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@taniwharugby said in Hurricanes v Blues:
@Kirwan only need to look at the table now, presently have to be one of the more even comps?
4 points separates 1st place (Stormers and 8th place Blues - who, as we know beat the stormers on the weekend)
I can't wait until they get rid of the stupid Pool ranking system. 5 teams that should be ahead of the Brumbies and two teams that should be ahead of the Crusaders
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@taniwharugby said in Hurricanes v Blues:
Pedant alert
I appreciate what you have done but it's not correct. Chiefs over Blues as we have beaten them and Hurricanes above chiefs due to points diff.
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@Kirwan said in Hurricanes v Blues:
@Hooroo said in Hurricanes v Blues:
@Kirwan said in Hurricanes v Blues:
@KiwiMurph said in Hurricanes v Blues:
The Blues have lost their last 25 away NZ derby games. Underdogs.
That truly is an awful stat.
I don't think we are going to win this, but I thought the same against the Stormers. Seems to be that sort of competition this year.
If we do win, that cements that the Blues have turned a corner.
That's 6 years without a win away in NZ? That is surprising
Tana was coach for three years, so there is half the time
Kirwan was not much better.Does that go back as far as Pat Lam or just Tana and Kirwan?
@Hooroo said in Hurricanes v Blues:
@Kirwan said in Hurricanes v Blues:
@Hooroo said in Hurricanes v Blues:
@Kirwan said in Hurricanes v Blues:
@KiwiMurph said in Hurricanes v Blues:
The Blues have lost their last 25 away NZ derby games. Underdogs.
That truly is an awful stat.
I don't think we are going to win this, but I thought the same against the Stormers. Seems to be that sort of competition this year.
If we do win, that cements that the Blues have turned a corner.
That's 6 years without a win away in NZ? That is surprising
Tana was coach for three years, so there is half the time
Kirwan was not much better.Does that go back as far as Pat Lam or just Tana and Kirwan?
Blues last away win vs NZ team was the first game of Kirwan's tenure - round 1 2013. Against Canes. Lam finished in 2012.
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@taniwharugby said in Hurricanes v Blues:
Pedant alert
I appreciate what you have done but it's not correct. Chiefs over Blues as we have beaten them and Hurricanes above chiefs due to points diff.
@Hooroo meh, I only did it based on total points and then points diff...Chiefs and 'canes have a game in hand too...
fluffyfulla!
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@Hooroo said in Hurricanes v Blues:
@Kirwan said in Hurricanes v Blues:
@Hooroo said in Hurricanes v Blues:
@Kirwan said in Hurricanes v Blues:
@KiwiMurph said in Hurricanes v Blues:
The Blues have lost their last 25 away NZ derby games. Underdogs.
That truly is an awful stat.
I don't think we are going to win this, but I thought the same against the Stormers. Seems to be that sort of competition this year.
If we do win, that cements that the Blues have turned a corner.
That's 6 years without a win away in NZ? That is surprising
Tana was coach for three years, so there is half the time
Kirwan was not much better.Does that go back as far as Pat Lam or just Tana and Kirwan?
Blues last away win vs NZ team was the first game of Kirwan's tenure - round 1 2013. Against Canes. Lam finished in 2012.
@KiwiMurph Haha then we hammered the Crusaders the next week and everyone thought we were heading back to the glory days. We ended up winning 4 more games that year.....
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@KiwiMurph Haha then we hammered the Crusaders the next week and everyone thought we were heading back to the glory days. We ended up winning 4 more games that year.....
@African-Monkey was that the game that Moala had a blinder and scored that brilliant try from a cross kick?
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@taniwharugby said in Hurricanes v Blues:
Four games in and the Sunwolves have a negative points differential of over a hundred.
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@taniwharugby said in Hurricanes v Blues:
Four games in and the Sunwolves have a negative points differential of over a hundred.
@antipodean said in Hurricanes v Blues:
@taniwharugby said in Hurricanes v Blues:
Four games in and the Sunwolves have a negative points differential of over a hundred.
and that includes one good win
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@African-Monkey was that the game that Moala had a blinder and scored that brilliant try from a cross kick?
@Canes4life Yup that's the one. Chris Noakes was our 10 that day as well so miracles can happen from time to time...
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@Canes4life Yup that's the one. Chris Noakes was our 10 that day as well so miracles can happen from time to time...
@African-Monkey said in Hurricanes v Blues:
@Canes4life Yup that's the one. Chris Noakes was our 10 that day as well so miracles can happen from time to time...
This was a big reason for the fade throughout that season....
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@Canes4life Yup that's the one. Chris Noakes was our 10 that day as well so miracles can happen from time to time...
@African-Monkey Wasn't it Baden Kerr??
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@African-Monkey Wasn't it Baden Kerr??
@Canes4life He was backup.
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@African-Monkey said in Hurricanes v Blues:
@Canes4life Yup that's the one. Chris Noakes was our 10 that day as well so miracles can happen from time to time...
This was a big reason for the fade throughout that season....
@KiwiMurph He was virtually a left footed Simon Hickey. Tidy enough who did the basics ok but waaaaaay too slow to cut it at the top level.
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15 Stephen Perofeta, 14 Joe Marchant, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 TJ Faiane, 11 Mark Telea, 10 Otere Black, 9 Sam Nock; 8 Akira Ioane, 7 Blake Gibson, 6 Tom Robinson, 5 Jacob Pierce, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 3 Ofa Tuungafasi, 2 Kurt Eklund, 1 Karl Tu’inukuafe.
Reserves: 16 James Parsons, 17 Ezekiel Lindenmuth, 18 Sione Mafileo, 19 Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 20 Tony Lamborn, 21 Jonathan Ruru, 22 Harry Plummer, 23 Matt Duffie
https://blues.rugby/developing-depth-after-trek-back-from-south-africa/
The Blues will call on their depth after a short week and long trek from South Africa to take on the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday in Investec Super Rugby. Coach Leon MacDonald said that a key finding from last year was that a number of the squad dropped their intensity after playing too many minutes week-in, week-out. Accordingly, loose forward Hoskins Sotutu, 21, have been spelled this week with Blake Gibson given his third start and Akira Ioane his first start of the season. “At the beginning of the season I said that we would select on form, and that we over-played some players last year and their form dropped off as a result,” said MacDonald. “Hoskins was selected at No 8 on form and has played exceptionally well for us. Equally Akira has been training hard. He is in terrific shape and raring to go now that he has his chance.” Meanwhile Dalton Papalii will miss the game as he sits out his first mandatory All Black break. “We are blessed right now in terms of loose forwards with Blake Gibson able to start at seven and with Tony Lamborn to provide the thrust off the bench.” All Black Ofa Tu’ungafasi swaps with Sione Mafileo in the starting line-up, while James Parsons, who returns from injury, and Ezekiel Lindenmuth, come into the reserves. There is excitement within the squad with North Harbour’s Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, a key forward in the 2019 campaign, returning off the bench after successful rehabilitation from a pec muscle rupture in the Mitre-10 Cup. The backline remains unchanged after a sparkling display against the Stormers where Otere Black was impressive in guiding play from first-five. “We enjoyed an excellent two weeks in South Africa but with some unexpected disruption travelling home has meant we will only get a couple of on-field training sessions this week, “said MacDonald. “That’s not ideal but we will do our best to test our ability to be a more consistently competitive combination.” The Blues return home to host the Lions at Eden Park next Saturday, with the game brought forward to 4.25pm to assist the Sunwolves who have been forced to move their home games to Australia. The Blues A team play their Hurricanes counterparts in Wellington on Saturday at 1pm at Evans Bay. -
15 Stephen Perofeta, 14 Joe Marchant, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 TJ Faiane, 11 Mark Telea, 10 Otere Black, 9 Sam Nock; 8 Akira Ioane, 7 Blake Gibson, 6 Tom Robinson, 5 Jacob Pierce, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 3 Ofa Tuungafasi, 2 Kurt Eklund, 1 Karl Tu’inukuafe.
Reserves: 16 James Parsons, 17 Ezekiel Lindenmuth, 18 Sione Mafileo, 19 Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 20 Tony Lamborn, 21 Jonathan Ruru, 22 Harry Plummer, 23 Matt Duffie
https://blues.rugby/developing-depth-after-trek-back-from-south-africa/
The Blues will call on their depth after a short week and long trek from South Africa to take on the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday in Investec Super Rugby. Coach Leon MacDonald said that a key finding from last year was that a number of the squad dropped their intensity after playing too many minutes week-in, week-out. Accordingly, loose forward Hoskins Sotutu, 21, have been spelled this week with Blake Gibson given his third start and Akira Ioane his first start of the season. “At the beginning of the season I said that we would select on form, and that we over-played some players last year and their form dropped off as a result,” said MacDonald. “Hoskins was selected at No 8 on form and has played exceptionally well for us. Equally Akira has been training hard. He is in terrific shape and raring to go now that he has his chance.” Meanwhile Dalton Papalii will miss the game as he sits out his first mandatory All Black break. “We are blessed right now in terms of loose forwards with Blake Gibson able to start at seven and with Tony Lamborn to provide the thrust off the bench.” All Black Ofa Tu’ungafasi swaps with Sione Mafileo in the starting line-up, while James Parsons, who returns from injury, and Ezekiel Lindenmuth, come into the reserves. There is excitement within the squad with North Harbour’s Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, a key forward in the 2019 campaign, returning off the bench after successful rehabilitation from a pec muscle rupture in the Mitre-10 Cup. The backline remains unchanged after a sparkling display against the Stormers where Otere Black was impressive in guiding play from first-five. “We enjoyed an excellent two weeks in South Africa but with some unexpected disruption travelling home has meant we will only get a couple of on-field training sessions this week, “said MacDonald. “That’s not ideal but we will do our best to test our ability to be a more consistently competitive combination.” The Blues return home to host the Lions at Eden Park next Saturday, with the game brought forward to 4.25pm to assist the Sunwolves who have been forced to move their home games to Australia. The Blues A team play their Hurricanes counterparts in Wellington on Saturday at 1pm at Evans Bay. -
HURRICANES TEAM NAMED FOR BLUES CLASH AT SKY STADIUM
Thu 5th MarVince Aso will play his 50th game for the Hurricanes they get ready to face the Blues at Sky Stadium on Saturday.
The Wellington-based Super Rugby team has made just two changes to its starting line-up, following a massive 62 – 15 win against the Sunwolves in Napier.
Jordie Barrett coming back into the fold as fullback will be the only change made to the backline.
Up front, Isaia Walker-Leawere gets the nod at lock ahead of James Blackwell who will start the game on the bench.
Head coach, Jason Holland, says management is spoilt for choice when it comes to selection.
“We have a competitive squad, with a lot of depth. When we sit down early in the week to discuss the line-up, we’re always faced with a challenge around who we pick and it’s natural that one or two will be disappointed.”
TJ Perenara will once again take the role of captain, with Dane Coles named in the side but on the bench.
Kobus Van Wyk has his second chance to shine at right wing, after a triumphant debut which saw him score three tries last weekend.
His strength and speed are things Holland hopes to utilise this weekend.
“If we can get our attacking game operating like it was last week, it should be quite an exciting game to watch. We cannot underestimate the Blues. They have some big boys up front and their defensive capability is solid. “
The first NZ derby clash this week, coincides with the theme of Mana Moana – a celebration of Pacific and Maori culture alongside players past and present.
Du’Plessis Kirifi, says it makes being selected to start as flanker even more special.
“We’ve had some tough games but there’s nothing like playing another NZ team. They’re big, they’re physical and there’s a lot on the line each time we step on the field. It’s an added bonus knowing we’ll be celebrating our Pacific and Maori culture this week as well. I Can’t wait to run out under those lights in the yellow jersey.”
The fans will also be treated to cultural performances, lei giveaways, moko painting and other Maori and Pacific celebrations.
The Hurricanes team to take on the Blues at Sky Stadium is:
15 Jordie Barrett
14 Kobus Van Wyk
13 Vince Aso
12 Ngani Laumape
11 Ben Lam
10 Fletcher Smith
9 TJ Perenara [C]
8 Gareth Evans
7 Du’Plessis Kirifi
6 Vaea Fifita
5 Scott Scrafton
4 Isaia Walker-Leawere
3 Tyrel Lomax
2 Asafo Aumua
1 Xavier Numia
Reserves
16 Dane Coles
17 Pouri Rakete-Stones
18 Alex Fidow
19 James Blackwell
20 Devan Flanders
21 Jamie Booth
22 Billy Proctor
23 Wes Goosen
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I think 100% of Canes fans will be glad to see Blackwell getting the pine job for this week, defs need a bigger team vs the Blues.
Two cracking teams, looks like Jordie is covering flyhalf which could work wonders for us moving forward, means we can leave Marshall out. Probably would have had Tiatia ahead of Proctor.
I wonder if it's the first time ever in Super Rugby that all players in the back three are over 1.90 metres.
