Blues 2023

[Stargazer]

@Gunner Yes, they're awful. Imagine already having bad eyesight and then that. It's a good thing the team line-up is also in their media release.

[Tim]

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/super-rugby-pacific-all-blacks-and-blues-loose-forward-akira-ioane-sidelined-in-early-world-cup-setback/3FJJNI53UFBQFB4XOK2SECIWN4/

All Blacks and Blues loose forward Akira Ioane will remain sidelined for at least another two weeks after suffering a medial ligament injury in Super Rugby Pacific’s opening round.

Ioane hobbled around Alexandra Park in a knee brace as the Blues trained on Thursday after sitting out last week’s loss to the Brumbies in Melbourne.

Blues lineout coach Paul Tito confirmed Ioane’s prognosis — MCL injuries usually require six weeks to heal — which realistically could leave the 27-year-old targeting a return against the Chiefs in Hamilton on April 1.

[Daffy Jaffy]

[Crazy Horse]

@Daffy-Jaffy said in Blues 2023:

Yay Zarn is at 10! Even if It's not the top team it's a start.

[Tim]

@Daffy-Jaffy Any info on the hooker, Jordan Hutchings? I see he came through the Blues U20 program.

[Bovidae]

@Tim Hutchings is a converted no.7 (from Rotorua BHS). I remember he had some issues with lineout throwing for the Blues U20s. Another year of development since then.

[Duluth]

@Crazy-Horse

He spent time there in the pre-season too

[Duluth]

Good to see Peita on the bench. I thought he was meant to be in USA?

[taniwharugby]

Wonder if Esile Fono was a late inclusion as I have seen him in some Northland stuff past couple of days.

Is a talent, but struggled at times up front for us last year.

[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