Blues 2022

[Duluth]

"MacDonald said a key reason for extending his stay at the Blues is the quality of his coaching group led by assistant coaches Coventry, Halangahu and Afeaki although the first job is to secure a new defensive coach"

The backs struggled to create space this year. I think a lot of that was down to Black's limitations. However I wonder if they should be looking for a backs/skills coach instead? Maybe Halangahu could move sideways into the defence job?

What is Feeney up to? He coached the Barbarians side in the SR u20 competition this year but doesn't seem to be attached to another rugby job yet.

[Tim]

Blues U18 squad:

[bobily2]

@tim said in Blues 2022:

Blues U20 squad:

U18 squad, I think

[Tim]

@bobily2 Correct! Not sure how I typed that out.

[Duluth]

This is from an article a few months ago:

Meanwhile the Blues said they would name their captain for the 2022 Super Rugby season when the squad comes back together at the end of the year.

A few months ago the favourite to be captain would be Robinson. Since then he's been injured and there's a possibility he might be needed more at lock than blindside.

I wonder if the better pick is Papali'i? He's a definite starter

[Tim]

@duluth Barrett and Christie probably the only other options.

[Duluth]

@tim said in Blues 2022:

Barrett and Christie probably the only other options.

R Ioane is an outside chance too. I think he co-captained a game this year

I think it will be a forward (Robinson/Papali'i) and Rieko will be the vc

[Bovidae]

Umaga's replacement was going to be named by now wasn't it?

[nzzp]

@bovidae said in Blues 2022:

Umaga's replacement was going to be named by now wasn't it?

I suspect Covid has thrown the process

[Steven Harris]

@nzzp I know of a current NPC coach who applied for the role as the Blues defence coach and was informed last week he had not received the position .
Very gutted for this bloke as I rate him big time , coaches a team in the South Island .

[KiwiMurph]

@steven-harris presumably the Southland coach who in the media indicated he was very interested in the role.

[taniwharugby]

@kiwimurph that would be another blot on the copy book of the NRU if a coach they knocked back as head coach of Northland went on to be a blues coach within a few years.

[Nepia]

@george33 The Blues he signed Kata? Surely they’re not tat stupid.

[george33]

@nepia think so not sure he goes ok was going to play 12 against bop b4 lockdown

[Tim]

@george33 said in 2021 Crusaders:

Dillion hunt

Is he going to play again?

[george33]

@tim wait and c but what I herd he is

[Chris]

@george33 said in 2021 Crusaders:

Tuipoluto

Tuipoluto is playing in Japan for 2022.

[george33]

@chris think they chasing england test lock itoje

[george33]

@chris yes he is indeed

[Chris]

@george33 said in 2021 Crusaders:

@chris think they chasing england test lock itoje

Good pickup if they can pull it off.