Blues 2022
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I think second-five would be the position I'd least like to see him at outside of the first 10 jerseys. An amazing, dynamic runner in space and we're going to put him in a position with heavy traffic that can take a long time to learn and adapt to.
I hope I'm very wrong about this, and he is the player the ABs have been looking for there - but I'm not convinced.
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@bobily2 I think at 12 he'd adapt quick enough on attack, but its defence I think he will struggle the most.
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@taniwharugby He will have Joe Schmidt in his ear every minute with every detail until he gets it right.
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@bobily2 said in Blues 2022:
I think second-five would be the position I'd least like to see him at outside of the first 10 jerseys. An amazing, dynamic runner in space and we're going to put him in a position with heavy traffic that can take a long time to learn and adapt to.
I hope I'm very wrong about this, and he is the player the ABs have been looking for there - but I'm not convinced.
I agree. It feels like they are trying to shoe-horn him into the backline by putting him in the spot that has the least competition rather than the spot that suits him best. Hopefully i'm dead wrong and his game is like Pita Alatini (those sweet feet).
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@kiwimurph said in Blues 2022:
@bobily2 said in Blues 2022:
I think second-five would be the position I'd least like to see him at outside of the first 10 jerseys. An amazing, dynamic runner in space and we're going to put him in a position with heavy traffic that can take a long time to learn and adapt to.
I hope I'm very wrong about this, and he is the player the ABs have been looking for there - but I'm not convinced.
I agree. It feels like they are trying to shoe-horn him into the backline by putting him in the spot that has the least competition rather than the spot that suits him best. Hopefully i'm dead wrong and his game is like Pita Alatini (those sweet feet).
Tough gig ,Hard position 2nd five to learn the game.I hope it doesn't set him back.
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@daffy-jaffy man I love what Red brings to the game, on and off the park, I really hope he has a full season without any injury issues and can push for higher honours, I think he is one of a number of missing peices in the AB make up right now, even if only from the bench.
I do worry that the way he plays, if his physicality might be a bit beyond what his body is capable of handling, he's in pretty good shape, so not sure if a few kg more will do much more than slow him a bit.
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I actually like Roger at 12. I also think 12 can be done easy, as in make his role easy. Sonny came at 12 was very one dimensional. Even burgess.
Roger's gainline will be devastating in that space. Especially if beaudy gives him a half break.
He'll have great comms inside and out so I think it can work out. Wing would probably be an easier fit to start but this guy is the real deal I expect Jim to get it done.
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@muddyriver said in Blues 2022:
I actually like Roger at 12. I also think 12 can be done easy, as in make his role easy. Sonny came at 12 was very one dimensional. Even burgess.
Roger's gainline will be devastating in that space. Especially if beaudy gives him a half break.
He'll have great comms inside and out so I think it can work out. Wing would probably be an easier fit to start but this guy is the real deal I expect Jim to get it done.
I like having the option of a playmaker either side of the ruck, or ready after BB hits it up.
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@muddyriver said in Blues 2022:
I actually like Roger at 12. I also think 12 can be done easy, as in make his role easy. Sonny came at 12 was very one dimensional. Even burgess.
Roger's gainline will be devastating in that space. Especially if beaudy gives him a half break.
He'll have great comms inside and out so I think it can work out. Wing would probably be an easier fit to start but this guy is the real deal I expect Jim to get it done.
Yeah really looking forward to watching his progress. Hope he stays injury free!
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@bobily2 said in Blues 2022:
I think second-five would be the position I'd least like to see him at outside of the first 10 jerseys. An amazing, dynamic runner in space and we're going to put him in a position with heavy traffic that can take a long time to learn and adapt to.
I hope I'm very wrong about this, and he is the player the ABs have been looking for there - but I'm not convinced.
He’ll be right. He just needs to prove he’s better than David Havilii
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Tamati Tua will take a bit of stopping, serious size for a big fella. Hope he can turn well pass well and keep up with play.
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“That was a real boost. There’s a lot of experience in Luke and James, and we see Cameron as a younger version of Gerard with the physicality he plays with. We’re thrilled with being able to fill that gap.”
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@nostrildamus if his body holds up the chances will come, he needs to take them.
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behind a paywall however article on Tua here
Two new Northland Taniwha players in Super Rugby Pacific campaign
Seven Taniwha players to play for New Zealand Super Rugby franchises.
'A tough 12 months': What the Blues expect from forgotten star Caleb Clarke
After a tumultuous year that saw him miss out on Olympic sevens selection, Caleb Clarke is set for a big season with the Blues.
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Locks: James Tucker, Josh Goodhue, Sam Darry, Luke Romano
Lock/Loosie: Cameron Suafoa, Tom Robinson, Taine Plumtree
The hardest position to predict. Assuming everyone is fit, who should be the starting locks?
I assume Goodhue is almost certain to start. I'm hoping Romano is more there for injury cover/knowledge transfer
Goodhue/Tucker? An all Northland pair of Goodhue/Robinson might be worth a look?
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@duluth I'm guessing, but I reckon they may have only locked together in one or 2 games back in 2019, games when both have been available usually had Tom at 6.
On Goodhue, sounds promising, I believe it was more his neck that they were worried about, rather than his head.
