Force v Blues
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="gt12" data-cid="580984" data-time="1463729572">
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<p>Although it was a rancid troll, I do find it interesting to consider what Blues fans would consider a successful season. At this point, what's the verdict? I get the feeling that everyone has decided that happiness comes from low expectations (see <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://www.ted.com/talks/barry_schwartz_on_the_paradox_of_choice?language=en'>Barry Schwartz</a>), but last week's humping needs to be followed up with some better performances. They have been some strange, ongoing, selections too.</p>
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<p>They've already got more points (25 versus 20) and 2 more wins than all last year, but they'll probably be last in NZ by some distance, so what is a reasonable result?</p>
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<p>I think this Blues team is weaker across the park than any of the Blues team's that JK had and I think they're comparatively weaker than the Highlanders were when they were the bunny NZ team. Hell not a week goes by where some one on here doesn't put the boot into Ihaia and Bryn Hall (although TBF that's likely to be me) and there was contention about Kaino being their one world class player.</p>
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<p>This may not be a successful season but the wins and place on the overall ladder point to a team heading in the right direction providing they can bounce back from the Lions match..</p> -
In perspective they aren't as bad as the Kings or Sunwolves and all the NZ teams can't be brilliant at the same time. But comparing to lats yera is setting a very low base.<br><br>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Dice" data-cid="581150" data-time="1463781657">
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<p>I don't think the changes for the Crusaders game were that big a deal in the end. Most of the changes came in the backs and we lost that game in the forwards. Our pack was mostly the same as the previous week against the Highlanders.</p>
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<p>People complained mostly about Hall and West being switched out, but I have no doubt that if those two started, they would've just come out of that game with their confidence shattered.</p>
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<p>No back line-up we could muster up would be able to come out of that game shining, because we got humped badly up front.</p>
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<p>Yeah I remember at the time saying that it didn't matter what side we put out, we weren't going to win and never win in Chch. Umaga was trying to build depth early on in the season and I thought that the game against the Crusaders was the perfect game to try new combinations.</p> -
<p>apparently Prattley rolled his ankle in training yesterday and Waa has been flown over as a precaution.</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="taniwharugby" data-cid="581208" data-time="1463806748">
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<p>apparently Prattley rolled his ankle in training yesterday and Waa has been flown over as a precaution.</p>
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<p>Would like to see more of him so hope he gets a run.</p> -
Anyone see JK n The Breakdown the other night? Was pretty honest about his failings and one that he mentioned was that he had been out of the loop too long in NZ and missed the boat somewhat selection wise. Didn't mention names but I guess if he knew more about Fekitoa he may not have been so quick to let him go and worked with him to improve his attitude like JJ did.
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Dice" data-cid="581150" data-time="1463781657"><p>
I don't think the changes for the Crusaders game were that big a deal in the end. Most of the changes came in the backs and we lost that game in the forwards. Our pack was mostly the same as the previous week against the Highlanders.<br><br>
People complained mostly about Hall and West being switched out, but I have no doubt that if those two started, they would've just come out of that game with their confidence shattered.<br><br>
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I think your starting front row included quentin MacDonald and Mafileo, with Parsons and Faumauina on the bench. That proved to be a bad call at the very least. -
<p>I thnk it wasnt an ideal call at that stage in the seaosn after a win you are trying to establish combinations and gain confidence in a young team lacking in a great deal of confidence...but seeing those changes and the ones the following few weeks I thought it became clear Tana wasnt fussed about the results...</p>
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<p>That can't be West playing at 10 - his socks are pulled up</p>
