NZ Conference 2020 Finishing order
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I'm quite surprised at some of the predictions surrounding the Blues and Canes.
These are the two teams I really expect to perform differently to their last few years.
Blues have struggled hugely in need of a quality 10. They now have one. I expect that alone to add confidence and less occasions where they go off the reservation searching for a win and coming up short. The win/loss record should end up much better.
Canes have lost their two best players by some margin. They now have a very average looking 10 which makes them the team struggling to utilise the quality in the backs. Ardie was the guy that would step up and drag the team to a victory when they weren't playing well. I expect a worse win/loss record for them. -
@Crucial I swapped Blues and Hurricanes a few times before posting. In the end, I factored in - among other things - that BB only starts in April and, last year, Nonu had quite a big impact and he's not there anymore. On top of that, I've my doubts about moving Rieko from wing to midfield, if that's indeed going to happen.
I expect there won't be much between the Blues and Canes though.
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@Stargazer said in NZ Conference 2020 Finishing order:
@Crucial I swapped Blues and Hurricanes a few times before posting. In the end, I factored in - among other things - that BB only starts in April and, last year, Nonu had quite a big impact and he's not there anymore. On top of that, I've my doubts about moving Rieko from wing to midfield, if that's indeed going to happen.
I expect there won't be much between the Blues and Canes though.
Unlike last year.
BTW you haven't factored in CJ as Canes defence coach without any previous record. That could also be interesting. Scoff all you like at Tana but his defensive stats last year stand up very well across the comp.
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@Crucial said in NZ Conference 2020 Finishing order:
I'm quite surprised at some of the predictions surrounding the Blues and Canes.
These are the two teams I really expect to perform differently to their last few years.
Blues have struggled hugely in need of a quality 10. They now have one. I expect that alone to add confidence and less occasions where they go off the reservation searching for a win and coming up short. The win/loss record should end up much better.
Canes have lost their two best players by some margin. They now have a very average looking 10 which makes them the team struggling to utilise the quality in the backs. Ardie was the guy that would step up and drag the team to a victory when they weren't playing well. I expect a worse win/loss record for them.People have over-rated the Blues on these predictions for the last 7 years. People have just lost any sense of belief (although you are probably right).
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- Blues
- Chiefs
- Hurricanes
- Crusaders
- Highlanders
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@Crucial said in NZ Conference 2020 Finishing order:
Blues have struggled hugely in need of a quality 10. They now have one.
For two weeks maybe? The issue for the past decade has been coaching/recruitment not the 10 jersey. The coach is the same and recruitment weaker than last year.
Absolutely no reason to expect the Blues to get to 4th on NZ conference unless Mauger coaches the Highlanders into a hole.
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@nzzp said in NZ Conference 2020 Finishing order:
So, the TAB has for hte minor premiership:
Crusader $2.88
Chiefs $4.33
Canes $6
Blues $13
Landers $13Edit: I think the Blues and Canes will be closer than that, but I also only have one eye
@Machpants said in NZ Conference 2020 Finishing order:
Dockers
Chiefs
Canes
Blues
LandersWise people at the TAB, obviously 😜
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@Hooroo I think the favourite's tag comes mostly from Gatland's appointment and Cane & Dmac missing most of the 2019 season and - hopefully - being available for the entire 2020 season. That, and the signing of Cruden (possibly overhyped a bit).
I could be wrong, but maybe the Chiefs haven't lost as many players as other NZ franchises?
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@Hooroo said in NZ Conference 2020 Finishing order:
Who have the Chiefs recruited apart from the coach to suggest they are going to be any good this season? No Brodie this year
I reckon the Blues are undervalued. I don't think they'll win it, but I' pick them to come third in a decent season, and push for second if things fall their way.
Here we go with fifth again
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@Hooroo said in NZ Conference 2020 Finishing order:
Who have the Chiefs recruited apart from the coach to suggest they are going to be any good this season? No Brodie this year
Quite a bit might depend on how Cruden goes and whether he stays fit. If he's something close to the Cruden of old then the Chiefs will be pretty well-balanced.
Brodie is a loss, but not as big as what the Canes and Crusaders have shed.
I'm in the camp that says the Canes will be badly hurt without Beaudie and Ardie. Crusaders will be vulnerable to injuries to people like Moúnga (especially), Alaalatoa, Moody and Barrett.
And I think the Blues will relatively improve - though the first couple of rounds will be crucial for them. A poor start and their fragile confidence could rapidly dissipate. However, if they get a flier they could finally be away.
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@Chris-B said in NZ Conference 2020 Finishing order:
@Hooroo said in NZ Conference 2020 Finishing order:
Who have the Chiefs recruited apart from the coach to suggest they are going to be any good this season? No Brodie this year
Quite a bit might depend on how Cruden goes and whether he stays fit. If he's something close to the Cruden of old then the Chiefs will be pretty well-balanced.
Brodie is a loss, but not as big as what the Canes and Crusaders have shed.
I'm in the camp that says the Canes will be badly hurt without Beaudie and Ardie. Crusaders will be vulnerable to injuries to people like Moúnga (especially), Alaalatoa, Moody and Barrett.
And I think the Blues will relatively improve - though the first couple of rounds will be crucial for them. A poor start and their fragile confidence could rapidly dissipate. However, if they get a flier they could finally be away.
Where has Ardie gone to?
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@Hooroo said in NZ Conference 2020 Finishing order:
@Chris-B said in NZ Conference 2020 Finishing order:
@Hooroo said in NZ Conference 2020 Finishing order:
Who have the Chiefs recruited apart from the coach to suggest they are going to be any good this season? No Brodie this year
Quite a bit might depend on how Cruden goes and whether he stays fit. If he's something close to the Cruden of old then the Chiefs will be pretty well-balanced.
Brodie is a loss, but not as big as what the Canes and Crusaders have shed.
I'm in the camp that says the Canes will be badly hurt without Beaudie and Ardie. Crusaders will be vulnerable to injuries to people like Moúnga (especially), Alaalatoa, Moody and Barrett.
And I think the Blues will relatively improve - though the first couple of rounds will be crucial for them. A poor start and their fragile confidence could rapidly dissipate. However, if they get a flier they could finally be away.
Where has Ardie gone to?
sorry, the news should be filtering through to Matamata in a few months. keep a lookout for the stagecoach
he's hurt.
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@mariner4life said in NZ Conference 2020 Finishing order:
@Hooroo said in NZ Conference 2020 Finishing order:
@Chris-B said in NZ Conference 2020 Finishing order:
@Hooroo said in NZ Conference 2020 Finishing order:
Who have the Chiefs recruited apart from the coach to suggest they are going to be any good this season? No Brodie this year
Quite a bit might depend on how Cruden goes and whether he stays fit. If he's something close to the Cruden of old then the Chiefs will be pretty well-balanced.
Brodie is a loss, but not as big as what the Canes and Crusaders have shed.
I'm in the camp that says the Canes will be badly hurt without Beaudie and Ardie. Crusaders will be vulnerable to injuries to people like Moúnga (especially), Alaalatoa, Moody and Barrett.
And I think the Blues will relatively improve - though the first couple of rounds will be crucial for them. A poor start and their fragile confidence could rapidly dissipate. However, if they get a flier they could finally be away.
Where has Ardie gone to?
sorry, the news should be filtering through to Matamata in a few months. keep a lookout for the stagecoach
he's hurt.
Out for the season hurt or having a rest hurt?
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@Hooroo said in NZ Conference 2020 Finishing order:
@mariner4life said in NZ Conference 2020 Finishing order:
@Hooroo said in NZ Conference 2020 Finishing order:
@Chris-B said in NZ Conference 2020 Finishing order:
@Hooroo said in NZ Conference 2020 Finishing order:
Who have the Chiefs recruited apart from the coach to suggest they are going to be any good this season? No Brodie this year
Quite a bit might depend on how Cruden goes and whether he stays fit. If he's something close to the Cruden of old then the Chiefs will be pretty well-balanced.
Brodie is a loss, but not as big as what the Canes and Crusaders have shed.
I'm in the camp that says the Canes will be badly hurt without Beaudie and Ardie. Crusaders will be vulnerable to injuries to people like Moúnga (especially), Alaalatoa, Moody and Barrett.
And I think the Blues will relatively improve - though the first couple of rounds will be crucial for them. A poor start and their fragile confidence could rapidly dissipate. However, if they get a flier they could finally be away.
Where has Ardie gone to?
sorry, the news should be filtering through to Matamata in a few months. keep a lookout for the stagecoach
he's hurt.
Out for the season hurt or having a rest hurt?
@Stargazer can you help old mate out please?
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@Hooroo said in NZ Conference 2020 Finishing order:
@mariner4life said in NZ Conference 2020 Finishing order:
@Hooroo said in NZ Conference 2020 Finishing order:
@Chris-B said in NZ Conference 2020 Finishing order:
@Hooroo said in NZ Conference 2020 Finishing order:
Who have the Chiefs recruited apart from the coach to suggest they are going to be any good this season? No Brodie this year
Quite a bit might depend on how Cruden goes and whether he stays fit. If he's something close to the Cruden of old then the Chiefs will be pretty well-balanced.
Brodie is a loss, but not as big as what the Canes and Crusaders have shed.
I'm in the camp that says the Canes will be badly hurt without Beaudie and Ardie. Crusaders will be vulnerable to injuries to people like Moúnga (especially), Alaalatoa, Moody and Barrett.
And I think the Blues will relatively improve - though the first couple of rounds will be crucial for them. A poor start and their fragile confidence could rapidly dissipate. However, if they get a flier they could finally be away.
Where has Ardie gone to?
sorry, the news should be filtering through to Matamata in a few months. keep a lookout for the stagecoach
he's hurt.
Out for the season hurt or having a rest hurt?
Originally it was reported gone for the season but more recent reports have suggested he will return around when Beaudie will play for the Blues (April).
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If the Blues suck the kumara this year, I will find it especially funny.
Poaching Beauden and not getting a return will be a bit of a hoot. Alas, I don't think I will be hooting as they should be pretty decent this year.
If they come 5th in NZ conference then how any of the board can sit in their seats after that.... well they look comfy so will probably just blame the coach.
It's also just occurred to me that BB doesn't tart the season with rest of team so maybe they will suck
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