Blues 2023

[Tim]

[Bovidae]

Neither of the NZ Schools locks (Tristyn Cook, Cam Christie) have been selected. Both are big units so would handle themselves OK. They've selected others from that team, including the props.

[Tim]

@Bovidae Looks like the post was updated:

Unavailable for selection: Tristyn Cook and Cameron Christie.

[Duluth]

The Blues had Fitzpatrick in this week

Still a better option than Ricky

Hoskins Sotutu wasn't even born when Fitzy finished up at the Blues

[Stargazer]

Blues 'A' v Chiefs Mana (Development)
12.30pm at Gribblehirst Park, Auckland

[Duluth]

@Stargazer

That side would be competitive against the full Highlanders side named this week

[KiwiMurph]

@Duluth said in Blues 2023:

@Stargazer

That side would be competitive against the full Highlanders side named this week

Sums up one of the many problems with Super Rugby.

[Bovidae]

I hope someone is at the game. I'd be curious to see what team the Chiefs put out given that some of the players in the 23 for the Rebels game would have normally been involved in this game. Maybe Reihana is fit to play?

[taniwharugby]

@KiwiMurph yep, am sure the Highlanders would love to have one of Gatland or Reihana in thier squad, although at least Gatland gets a start this week.

That said, when you look at Ioane since moving, maybe sending players there isnt always the best either, although am sure theyd rather play regularly than not....

[Stargazer]

Not sure it has already been posted (it probably is), but according to Newshub, RTS will be out for a month.

[george33]

@Stargazer believe it a broken hand but I've herd not bad 2 weeks mayb 3

[Stargazer]

bluesrugbyteam An update from the Blues medical team today,

Alex Hodgman: Unfortunately Alex’s shoulder injury from last weekend will require surgery and rule him out for the rest of the Super Rugby season.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck: Has a fracture to his hand, is in a cast and will be evaluated in a month.

James Lay: Has an ankle injury and will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis.

The status of Patrick Tuipulotu and Akira Ioane will be updated shortly.

Wishing all the fellas a speedy recovery

[Duluth]

[george33]

@Duluth and hoskins and perofeta been cleared to play chiefs after exception form nz

[Stargazer]

From the article below:

Things are slow going for the Blues as well, with Roger Tuivasa-Scheck out for a month, and they're still waiting on Akira Ioane and Patrick Tuipulotu to return.

Leon MacDonald is not confident that will be in time for this week's top-of-the-table clash with the Chiefs.

"Akira is definitely not," he said. "Patrick is getting closer, we'll be seeing how he goes over the next wee while."

Stuff

[Tim]

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/300841109/harry-plummer-shrugs-off-the-setbacks-to-make-it-back-in-super-rugby-pacific-for-blues

[Daffy Jaffy]

Its not very clear, here is the link -

https://www.facebook.com/theblues/photos/a.10150139466111454/10161158483316454

[Duluth]

A slightly clearer image:

[Tim]

The Blues are expected to be without Stephen Perofeta and Hoskins Sotutu for the Melbourne match as they are due to observe their All Blacks stand down weeks, however Mark Telea (All Blacks rest) will be available and MacDonald is hopeful Bryce Heem (groin) will be available as well.

[Duluth]

An unusual middle of the season for the Blues, they don't play another NZ side for 6 weeks (4 games plus the bye)

Not certain victories of course but it's a good chance to tinker with selections and/or play a couple of people into form

The away game to the Drua stands out. Although teams like the Crusaders and Rebels have showed us how not to play. Also the Blues will be unlikely to rest players (more likely the following week vs Pasifika)

During this period the other NZ sides have a few clashes with each other (Chiefs 3 NZ matches, Canes 2, Crusaders 1 & Highlanders 2)