Blues vs Hurricanes
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@Duluth said in Blues vs Hurricanes:
Zarn talking about this match:
super-rugby-pacific-zarn-sullivan-targets-return-as-blues-chase-top-spotIn that article it mentions that Perofeta is still injured
A good read
Good to see Zarn recognise his attack is where he needs to improve
Forbes has been very good at 15 and sparked the Blues attack quite a lot.
The challenge is laid out for Zarn - up against the best fullback in the comp in Ruben Love.
Yeah its always been his weakest area in comparison to other fullbacks. It's more about getting the balance right of when to have a crack IMO. He has an incredible boot and maybe over plays that slightly
I thought there were positive signs at the start of this season. When he opted to run it was decisive and he was using his size.. some very good passes putting others in space too
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@Duluth such a mouthwatering contest. I'm hoping both of them make the ABs tbh but this could be a mini AB trial.
I assume all AB coaches will be in the stands on Saturday taking note.
@Canes4life said in Blues vs Hurricanes:
@Duluth such a mouthwatering contest. I'm hoping both of them make the ABs tbh but this could be a mini AB trial.
I assume all AB coaches will be in the stands on Saturday taking note.
I believe Ryan and McDonald are staying on with the NZ U/20s until after Sundays game v Australia.
The ABs are now putting a lot of effort in to the u/20 program looking for the next tier of players underneath the present ABs. -
@Canes4life said in Blues vs Hurricanes:
@Duluth such a mouthwatering contest. I'm hoping both of them make the ABs tbh but this could be a mini AB trial.
I assume all AB coaches will be in the stands on Saturday taking note.
I believe Ryan and McDonald are staying on with the NZ U/20s until after Sundays game v Australia.
The ABs are now putting a lot of effort in to the u/20 program looking for the next tier of players underneath the present ABs.@Chris seems a little odd, you'd think priority would be focusing on the players they will be selecting in a month or so.
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Nah they've been working with the U20s, and that is for a short period, makes perfect sense. They get all the data and can watch a lot of SR games. I imagine that Razor will be there. Just 'cos it has become a big game you don't plan everything around it in advance
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@Canes4life said in Blues vs Hurricanes:
@Duluth such a mouthwatering contest. I'm hoping both of them make the ABs tbh but this could be a mini AB trial.
I assume all AB coaches will be in the stands on Saturday taking note.
I believe Ryan and McDonald are staying on with the NZ U/20s until after Sundays game v Australia.
The ABs are now putting a lot of effort in to the u/20 program looking for the next tier of players underneath the present ABs. -
@Chris I think this is good to start identifying areas that need work now, and look at ways to help move these kids along.
@taniwharugby said in Blues vs Hurricanes:
@Chris I think this is good to start identifying areas that need work now, and look at ways to help move these kids along.
Yeah I agree it seems smart to me with an eye on the 2027 WC maybe.
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Robertson was at Chiefs training earlier in the week so is probably staying up this way.
I posted at the start of the NZ U20 thread that Ryan and MacDonald would be with the U20s so that was planned a long time ago.
@Bovidae fair call then.
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I saw a few photos of a training run. Sometimes you have a few hints from the jerseys they are wearing. Choat was in a trio with Sotutu & Akira. Evans running outside Plummer etc
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@Duluth surely Papali'i starts. Choat maybe on the bench instead of Segner?
@Canes4life you nailed it. Zarn to 15. Akira back at 6. Beehre on the bench in place of McWhannell
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BLUES v HURRICANES
Saturday 11 May: Eden Park, Auckland (16:35)BLUES (1-15): Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Ricky Riccitelli, Marcel Renata, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Sam Darry, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papali'i, Hoskins Sotutu, Taufa Funaki, Harry Plummer, Caleb Clarke, Bryce Heem, AJ Lam, Mark Tele'a, Zarn Sullivan
RESERVES: Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu'a, Angus Ta'avao, Josh Beehre, Adrian Choat, Sam Nock, Corey Evans, Cole Forbes
HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Kianu Kereru-Symes, Tyrel Lomax, Caleb Delany, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brad Shields (c), Peter Lakai, Brayden Iose, TJ Perenara, Brett Cameron, Kini Naholo, Jordie Barrett, Billy Proctor, Josh Moorby, Ruben Love
RESERVES: Raymond Tuputupu, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Justin Sangster, Devan Flanders, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Richard Judd, Bailyn Sullivan
Referee: James Doleman
Assistant Referees: Jono Bredin, Fraser Hannon
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You would have thought that Ta'avao starts ahead of Renata. And the Canes going with an extra reserve forward.
@Bovidae makes sense, just as I predicted. Our backs are versatile enough to cover injuries. We could also chuck Iose on the wing if needed.
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https://www.blues.rugby/blues-rugby-news/team-naming-canes
Players not considered: Finlay Christie (groin), Stephen Perofeta (shoulder), Lucas Cashmore (hamstring), Rieko Ioane (concussion protocol), Jordan Lay (ankle, season)
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https://www.blues.rugby/blues-rugby-news/team-naming-canes
Players not considered: Finlay Christie (groin), Stephen Perofeta (shoulder), Lucas Cashmore (hamstring), Rieko Ioane (concussion protocol), Jordan Lay (ankle, season)
