Blues 2021

Gunner

When does the comp start?

As much as I enjoy looking at the finely chiseled bodies of professional rugby players in pre season training , I’d really prefer to log on here and read about some actual footy.

Probably should go in the main thread as it relates to all the team threads, but I’m way too lazy to start my post again over there....

KiwiMurph

@Gunner Preseason games start in a week and a half and season proper starts 2 weeks after that - 26/27 Feb.

This time last year there was already 1 full regular season round completed of Super Rugby.

nzzp

@Gunner said in Blues 2021:

When does the comp start?

too soon I'm a fan of summer = cricket, and winter = rugby. Naive, but it also sucks when your team is out of the running for Super before the cricket season finishes

Stargazer

Not a surprise.

https://twitter.com/BluesRugbyTeam/status/1357164272753668097

Cpt Kumera

Should of been in original squad

Daffy Jaffy

@Cpt-Kumera Explanation on that from the Blues website -
Eklund’s outstanding performances for Bay of Plenty in 2019 led to his inclusion in the Blues team on a one-year contract in 2020. He played 13 games for the Blues in 2020 including seven as starting hooker and was roundly lauded for his energetic performances.

However, there was no place for Eklund initially in the 2021 Blues squad with Parsons and Ray Niuia each with one year remaining on their contracts, and outstanding teenage talent, Soane Vikena, the Blues Development Player of the Year, earning a multi-year contract.

The Blues indicated their interest in Eklund for the future, signing him for 2022 and 2023 season, which left him with options for this season. He had opportunities to play for other Super sides across the Ta$man, but eventually decided to accept a position as a temporary replacement at the Blues pre-season with Parsons, Niuia and Vikena all injured.

When Blues centurion Parsons announced his retirement last week, coach Leon MacDonald approached Eklund for a fulltime contract.

“It has all worked out well for me. Obviously it’s sad for James to be forced to retire. I learned so much from him last year,” said Eklund.

“I have my chance now and I will take it with both hands. I owe it to James to be the best I can be – because he has left some big shoes to fill both on and off the field.”

Tim

Blues forwards coach Tom Coventry is rapt they have such a proven and reliable fallback option after Parsons’ defection, and with Nuia (short term) and Vikena (4-5 months) also facing stints on the sideline.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/300222224/blues-hooker-kurt-eklund-inspired-by-late-mum-as-he-lands-fulltime-spot-for-2021

taniwharugby

@Tim defection?

nzzp

@taniwharugby said in Blues 2021:

@Tim defection?

yeah, that word choice was terrible.

Inigo Montoya: I do not think that means what you think it means

nzzp

@taniwharugby said in Blues 2021:

@Tim defection?

following up on this, as 'retirement' would have been far better.

Word choice hates - lazy sportswriter bingo (and in fairness, some are lazy subeditors):

Stanza
Pill
'run the cutter'
Code
REVEALED: ...
'slams' (as in coach slams players)
...

Gunner

@nzzp said in Blues 2021:

@taniwharugby said in Blues 2021:

@Tim defection?

Word choice hates - lazy sportswriter bingo (and in fairness, some are lazy subeditors):

Stanza

Reading that I was taken straight to the half time break at Mt Smart with Stephen McIvor's voice ringing in my ears

Nogusta

This post is deleted!

Stargazer

The worst kept secret is now official:

ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK CONFIRMS TWO YEAR DEAL

New Zealand Rugby and the Blues have confirmed Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has signed a two-year contract that will also see him link with Auckland through to the end of 2023.

He will link up with Auckland later in the year and kick off his Sky Super Rugby career with the Blues in 2022.

Bovidae

So in what position do we see RTS playing in 2022? Right wing seems to be the position with no clear first-choice.

11 - Clarke
15 - BB or maybe Sullivan

nzzp

@Bovidae said in Blues 2021:

So in what position do we see RTS playing in 2022? Right wing seems to be the position with no clear first-choice.

11 - Clarke
15 - BB or maybe Sullivan

15 unlikely to be BB - I think he's wanting to go back to 10 and compete with RM ... if he ever comes back from Japan of course

Tim

@Bovidae 12?

nzzp

@Tim said in Blues 2021:

@Bovidae 12?

he'd be competing with Rieko.

/shudders. goddamn I hope to god that is a tongue in cheek throwaway that won't come back to haunt me.

Duluth

@Tim said in Blues 2021:

@Bovidae 12?

Long term that’s what I want. Might be asking too much in the first year though. His stepping and ability to burst through contact is freakish.

Bovidae

@Tim said in Blues 2021:

@Bovidae 12?

Would he be up to it defensively?

I did read that the AB coaches believe midfield is where RTS should play.

Yeetyaah

@Bovidae 12 or 13. Isn't there a constant meme about how All Blacks wingers expire at 26? Doesn't have the skillset for 15 in union. I'd say 12 or 13, more likely 13.

The Silver Fern

Blues 2021