Blues Thread

[cashead]

He'll be 34 in April and 37 when the next tournament rolls around. He's said his sojourn over in Japan did extend his career somewhat, and assuming he's on one of those contracts with a sabbatical option, there's a good chance that he may make it with proper management but I expect he'll start transitioning into a role similar to that of Mealamu - the elder statesman that works on mentoring his eventual successor. Of the 10 tests he played last year, he started all of them, but was in the stands by the final quarter (usually gone around the 50th minute mark), usually making way to Squire. I wouldn't be surprised if Squire ends up increasingly starting at 6 with Kaino coming off the bench between the Rugby Champs this year and the end of the 2018 season, much like how it was with Mealamu and Coles.

[zer0]

Squire is a decent enough stopgap, but in the long term he's better suited to #8 where he's running at people. Similarly, A.Ioane does better when running at people with ball in hand. Out of the bevy of long term blindside candidates, Jordan Taufua is the only one who springs to mind as being able to regularly knock people over in the Kaino fashion. Unfortunately he seems to be too short for the selectors liking.

[cashead]

Taufua is more in the latter-years Michael Jones mould, where he's the size of an openside, but plays as an effective blindside. Other than that, the dark horse candidates are Blade Thomson, who can play effectively at 6, 8 and at lock or former Crusader and new-Blue Jimmy Tupou, who's a lock/blindside which would be fairly appealing to Hansen.

[Spy]

Well beaten in the Tron. The Chiefs looked a bit sharper and were putting pressure on the Blues lineout, although it was still tight at 15-9 just before halftime. Luatua's red card for a clumsy off the ball high tackle in the 40th minute heralded Chiefs mayhem in the early second half.

Some good spirit shown by the Blues to score 3 late tries, but the game was well lost by then. Chiefs looked pretty good. They have a pretty decent squad. FT 41-26.

[zer0]

Missed all but the final few minutes of the Highlanders match, but sounds like I didn't miss much from either side. By the sounds of it, that could be West's last match? Must say, I wouldn't shed a tear if it was.

[Spy]

Mate, it was rubbish. Awful ball security, fumbling hands, backline flat-footed, lineout dysfunctional. Highlanders not very impressive either, in fact we nearly burgled it despite being utter turds. Very disappointing performance.

[Spy]

We did defend reasonably well. West had a bit of a mare with his general play, but kicked well for goal. I think Ranger's had it at this level. Pulu was good again.

[cashead]

The way it ended pretty much sums up the Blues' game last night - the Highlanders are under pressure, their defensive line is creaking and then the Blues fumble, giving the South Islanders the win.

Also, West really needs to work on his work under the high ball. It's pretty much a requirement in this day and age, and it makes you a target, especially when the conditions are rather wet.

[cashead]

We did defend reasonably well. West had a bit of a mare with his general play, but kicked well for goal. I think Ranger's had it at this level. Pulu was good again.

Piers Francis should probably start at 10, or be placed at 12 to help guide West. I think he really needs a second playmaker to help him out.

I wouldn't be in a hurry to write off Ranger yet, as he's barely played since he came back from France. It's probably not fair to single him out as well, when so many experienced players in the team sucked a shit as well.

Other than Pulu, Michael Collins probably warrants another look at fullback as well. He was energetic, high work-rate and was constantly trying to create something.

[Spy]

Agree about Francis. I'd like to see him get a start at 10, but if West stays at 10 he needs that sort of player alongside him at 12. Moala's a big strong guy, but he's pretty much a cart it up into contact player. Doesn't create much.

Ranger, no, not the worst on the paddock, but he seems to have lost the zing that made him such a threat before he went to France. He was never a thoughtful player, or a great defensive reader, or very fast even in his heyday. But he was damned strong and hard to tackle. But now that he's no longer bumping players off and seemingly being well-contained he's looking like a slowish, unthreatening, yet defensively vulnerable winger. Which is a shame, because he was great to watch, and I would love him to light a fire and make me eat these words. Think we'll see Nanai take his starting spot. Or even Moala.

[cashead]

I wonder how much training Ranger's managed to get under his belt before the start of his season. He's had injuries that have stalled the last 18 months or so of his career, so I'd be tempted to work on his fitness while introducing him off the bench.

We're also seeing the issues that come with having a stacked set of positions in the Blues as well, but I would probably go with Francis at 12 (if Tana keeps West at 10) and Moala or Ioane at 13, with the one not at centre being out on the wing. I'd have Duffie at 14 and Collins or Nanai at 15. I think Francis has pretty much proved himself indispensable for the Blues, and he definitely should be starting either at 10 or 12.

[zer0]

What's the point of persisting with West at 10 if he'll always require Francis at 12? Once Williams returns he'll be at 12 which means we'll need a new 10 half way through the season. Might as well make the change now by starting Francis at 10 and slowly introduce Prefertoa when and where they can as the season progresses.

[cashead]

Blues are currently going hogwild in Christchurch. FUCK YOU, LEN!

[zer0]

Yeah, about that...

Whoever was captain when they decided to go for the three points that early in the half needs to have a big note next to their name saying "never allowed to make tactical decisions again". Preferably in bright red all-caps.

[Spy]

Fucking hell.

[zer0]

Nothing but a complete lack of leadership from the Shambles. Even before the pressure was on they cracked by turning defensive in taking the three points.

[Spy]

Nothing but a complete lack of leadership from the Shambles. Even before the pressure was on they cracked by turning defensive in taking the three points.

I think taking the 3 points was the right decision. Rachet up more pressure by building the lead, make sure of gaining some points for territory. Didn't work out in the end, of course, but it was the correct percentage decision, imo.

[zer0]

If you're the All Blacks, sure. But the Blues lack their mettle and the Crusaders were on a (then) three match comeback hot streak. They had to build a big a lead as possible while they were running hot before the Crusaders pack inevitably muscled their way back into it.

[Len]

Blues are currently going hogwild in Christchurch. FUCK YOU, LEN!

Sorry mate. Maybe next time.

[morepork]

The Bloos now have cheerleaders.


Classy. Is the Bloos board from the 1950's?

[zer0]

They've had them for ages.

[morepork]

Sorry. "Dance squad"

[zer0]

I'm still confused as to why it's such a revelation though?

[morepork]

I'm bored and on the other side of the world. I read something about extra dancers replacing the mascot.

Bloos.

[jared_7]

The Bloos now have cheerleaders.


Classy. Is the Bloos board from the 1950's?

They had cheerleaders (or "dance *cough*laugh*vomit*cough squad") when I went to games 7 years ago. They were so bad and embarrassingly useless I'm sure thats where Barney from How I Met Your Mother actually got the idea for the "Cheerleader Effect"