Blues 2020
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He had 14 months out of the game dealing with a serious knee injury around that period and moved his provincial base from Auckland to Bay of Plenty in 2019 to enable him to spend as much time as he could around his Waihi-based mum.
“It was pretty tough but the timing was good,” reflects Eklund ahead of what will be his second start for the franchise at Eden Park on Sunday. “Over that time Mum was probably at her worst and that was invaluable time I’ll never get back and I appreciated having that. Obviously losing her was pretty tough on my family, and myself.”
Eklund has no contract to play professional rugby beyond this year (he’ll be back at the Bay for Mitre 10) and though he has a solid backup plan – he is a builder by trade and keeps his time in on the tools when he can – he isn’t quite finished with this rugby thing just yet.
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The weather for today's game should be good for some running rugby. Will we see a less conservative approach today though?
I did another stat dive and found that our linebreak numbers have taken a nose dive compared to our pre-covid games.
In 5 games of Super Rugby Aotearoa, we've made 27 linebreaks, which is an average of 5.4 line breaks per game. For a bit of context, the Crusaders are averaging 11.4 linebreaks per game, while the Hurricanes are at the front with 13 line breaks per game.
Pre-covid we made 84 linebreaks in 7 games, which is an average of 12 linebreaks per game. Non-derby games didn't boost the average either, as we actually averaged more linebreaks in derbies with 13 per game.
With the current game plan we're playing, it means we have to be very efficient with the ball we have, which we have been to an extent, but it leaves little room for error. We've only had one game with the possession edge, and in our two losses, we averaged 37.5% of possession.
Parsons noted this week that with all the tackling we're doing, it leaves less energy for attack. So maybe a change in approach is needed?
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The season drawing to a close, so it's time to start looking ahead to 2021.
Overall our forwards have been really good, we have an excellent forwards coach, and good depth. We need to improve accuracy at the ruck, and gain a few more turnovers.
Our top four props are clear, with the 3rd loosehead and tighthead spots in contention. Lindenmuth is promising, but needs more game time. Renata has shown he can play both sides, but might be a better loosehead. Fepulea'i and Adams are other possibilities, as is Lua Li. Might be too soon for some of the age group players.
Eklund is the number one hooker going forward, with Parsons having maybe one more year ahead of him. Tolai is a good prospect, and Niuia might be back. Any good recruitment prospects?
We're pretty solid at lock. Not sure if there any new standouts coming along.
At loose forward, will be interesting to see if Jones or Choat can force their way into the squad.
Now the hard part, the backs.
Nock is the only halfback who I'm comfortable with starting. Christie is okay off the bench, but not a starter. TTT and Taumateine might be worth targeting. Some good young players coming through, but too green.
At 10 we are okay. Zarn Sullivan might force his way in though.
Midfield is tough. We really only have one good option at 12 and 13 until Tele'a is back. Hope he can stay fit next year. Tamati Tua is in the squad as a replacement 12, but it's a long time since I've seen him play. AJ Lam might be worth a look at 13 and wing, and maybe Clarke can play centre too. Clarke may be preparing for olympic sevens next year though. Solofa Silipa plays 12 and wing in club rugby. Any other possibilities from the region, or players worth recruiting?
We might need a couple of wings too. Hopefully Talea and Narawa improve their defence.
Perofeta went well at fullback, but is prone to injury. Duffie is okay but that's about it. I've yet to see Page play. Trainor is a possibility. Any others? Maybe nab Stevenson.
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@Tim do you know what happens to teh money if we do get a heap of good crowds? Does it all get distributed, or can some go into recruitment funds? We should have the deepest pockets of any franchise, but All Blacks contracting borks the model, and we've been terrible for ages.
Edit: obviously not this year, with all the surprises
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@Kirwan Dreams are free I guess haha.
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@African-Monkey said in Blues 2020:
@Kirwan Dreams are free I guess haha.
Plenty of money in Auckland rugby
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@Dice said in Blues 2020:
Parsons noted this week that with all the tackling we're doing, it leaves less energy for attack. So maybe a change in approach is needed?
I'd suggest not handing over possession via stupid penalties.
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@Tim said in Blues 2020:
The season drawing to a close, so it's time to start looking ahead to 2021.
Eklund is the number one hooker going forward, with Parsons having maybe one more year ahead of him. Tolai is a good prospect, and Niuia might be back. Any good recruitment prospects?
Kereru-Symes? Has already played for the Blues during preseason.
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@Tim said in Blues 2020:
Midfield is tough. We really only have one good option at 12 and 13 until Tele'a is back.Blues have had PUJ in their sights for a while now but after his recent performances the Canes will prolly up the ante on him
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@Nogusta I remember thinking that we should take a punt on him when off contract because he had plenty of potential, but seemed out of favor down there. If the Canes didn't suddenly play him, we might've had a good chance to grab him, but his stocks are too high now.
He's pretty similar to Tanielu as a player(injuries included), but Tanielu is a better defender and PUJ probably has a bit more polish as an attacker.
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@Dice said in Blues 2020:
He's pretty similar to Tanielu as a player(injuries included), but Tanielu is a better defender and PUJ probably has a bit more polish as an attacker.
Pretty spot on with your assessment there Dice I reckon. PUJ and his brother were rugbys hottest property coming out of school IMO.
Hopefully the 2 of them (Umaga Jensen bros) can put the injuries behind them and string some consistent games together...actually that goes for Telea as well! -
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@Kirwan said in Blues 2020:
And the other Barrett for fullback.
Keep your dirty mitts off the best Barrett.
