Blues 2016 squad
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="kiwiinmelb" data-cid="557799" data-time="1455076953">
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<p>Who is expected to play FB in the big games ? </p>
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<p>It's hard to say. I think there are pros and cons to every fullback option in our team right now. As far as outside backs go, I think only Melani Nanai is a sure bet to start once the season starts.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="mariner4life" data-cid="557670" data-time="1455059639">
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<p>I thought North Shore chic was to look South African?</p>
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<p>North Shore isn't just Albany and East Coast Bays you know.</p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://asianz.org.nz/reports/report/asian-auckland-the-multiple-meanings-of-diversity/asian-migration-and-settlement-in-auckland/'>http://asianz.org.nz/reports/report/asian-auckland-the-multiple-meanings-of-diversity/asian-migration-and-settlement-in-auckland/</a></p>
<p>And from the wiki:</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">72.8 percent or 21,981 people of all Koreans in New Zealand live in the <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auckland' title="Auckland">Auckland</a> region (with 70% of this group living on the North Shore),</blockquote> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Dice" data-cid="557798" data-time="1455076356">
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<p>When's the last time Sa'u played 10? He doesn't strike me as a 10 even though his wiki page listed him as a midfielder and a first 5.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>I think you're right. I can find nothing to suggest he has actually played No.10 (though I haven't looked at Top league fixtures at all). I would then suggest that Michael Little would be the third option. He played for Fiji U20s at 10, and I think got a game or two there at ITM Cup level. Hardly shows he is ready for SupeRugby level, but there aren't many options.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="KiwiMurph" data-cid="557677" data-time="1455060964">
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<p>Yes it seems the young first fives from Auckland are still a year or two away for being at this level <strong>(D'angelo Leuila and Wiseguy Faiane</strong>), i'm not sure on Harbour and Northland. Hopefully they see some ITM Cup action this year (perhaps 2017).</p>
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<p>Is it wrong that I pissed myself laughing at those two names?</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Nepia" data-cid="557856" data-time="1455094292">
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<p>Is it wrong that I pissed myself laughing at those two names?</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>Wiseguy was named after the show. Obviously Vinnie was too normal. </p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Mister G" data-cid="556635" data-time="1454697651">
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<p>Blues seem to die a death under the weight of expectations. Their defence wilts under pressure but with their talent they look like a team that will score tries.</p>
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<p>Well that's the inaugural 2016 Super 18 title in the bag for the Blues. Just down to the TAB to put the kids college fund on the Blues! </p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Bovidae" data-cid="557865" data-time="1455097035">
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<p>Wiseguy was named after the show. Obviously Vinnie was too normal. </p>
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<p> </p>
<p>Older brothers "Falcon Crest" and "Close to Home" must be envious</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="dK" data-cid="557981" data-time="1455164245">
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<p>Well that's the inaugural 2016 Super 18 title in the bag for the Blues. Just down to the TAB to put the kids college fund on the Blues! </p>
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<p>But this season we have an ex AB legend with limited coaching success at the top level. What on earth could go wrong?!</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="bobily" data-cid="557850" data-time="1455091680">
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<p>I think you're right. I can find nothing to suggest he has actually played No.10 (though I haven't looked at Top league fixtures at all). I would then suggest that Michael Little would be the third option. He played for Fiji U20s at 10, and I think got a game or two there at ITM Cup level. Hardly shows he is ready for SupeRugby level, but there aren't many options.</p>
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<p>I forgot about Little playing a bit of 10. I think his last game for Harbour at 10 was in 2013? Not really ideal, but all options aren't ideal. Let's see if anyone outside of McGahan or West gets game time at 10 in the remaining pre-season matches.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Siam" data-cid="557983" data-time="1455164682">
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<p>Older brothers "Falcon Crest" and "Close to Home" must be envious</p>
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<p>His poor brother Jake & The Fatman Faiane suffers from split personality disorder. And is constantly yo-yo dieting.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Nepia" data-cid="557856" data-time="1455094292">
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<p>Is it wrong that I pissed myself laughing at those two names?</p>
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<p>Pretty certain I recall two sets of league playing brothers Starsky and Hutch and Benson and Hedges......</p> -
<p>The ever reliable Blues Development team(now labeled Blues A) beat Hurricanes A, 42 - 19.</p>
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<p>Jordan Trainor scored 2 tries and kicked 5 from 5 at goal. Trainor's now scored 3 tries and kicked 11 from 11 at goal in two matches. Keep that up and he might get promoted to the big league.</p>
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<p>Interesting to note that Bryn Gatland was starting 10. It looks like he has signed with Harbour.</p>
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<p>Match report(another poor one) and team line-up here:</p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://theblues.co.nz/3919-2/#'>http://theblues.co.nz/3919-2/#</a></p> -
<p>where is Matt Matich, injured? Played in the pre-season matches but not in this team?</p>
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<p>Really surprised HYland got a run, signed with us as a centre I believe and looked and ran more like a prop when we played him on the wing?</p>
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<p>Pretty decent looking side there for the Blues though</p> -
<p>Not sure where Matich is, but I know outside of contracted players, these Blues A line-ups can have a big turnover of players from game to game.</p>
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<p>The team is practically playing two midfielders at wing, because Vaega is also a midfielder.</p>
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<p>Nice to hear Nock played well. He's only one injury away from getting game-time for the Blues.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Dice" data-cid="563272" data-time="1457422042">
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<p>Interesting to note that Bryn Gatland was starting 10. It looks like he has signed with Harbour.</p>
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<p>He obviously decided to move in the hope of getting more gametime. With McKenzie firmly established in the Waikato no.10 jersey it makes sense. Gatland is a very good goalkicker himself. He only turns 21 this year so has plenty of time to develop.</p> -
<p>How often do these development teams play? I'm asking because the Hurricanes development team is again playing tomorrow (v Chiefs dev). That's 2 games in 5 days. You'd expect them to spread these games more, or do they only play as long there is no club rugby?</p>
