SF Blues v Brumbies
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MacDonald isn’t sure whether he will have his captain Dalton Papalii next Saturday after the in-form No 7 had been a late withdrawal. After having his appendix removed on Thursday, he was a surprise appearance at the game to offer some words of encouragement to his team-mates. “It was a bit of an emergency, a quick operation with his appendix,” said the coach. “He came in and spoke to the boys before kickoff which highlights how passionate he is around this group. We want him back as soon as possible but we’ll be guided by the doctors and don’t know how long that will be.” MacDonald confirmed in-form Caleb Clarke was unlikely to make the semifinal as he waited for his hamstring to heal, and fill-in wing Bryce Heem also left the field inside a half-hour with a head knock. Luckily the Blues are somewhat blessed with depth, with Lam making a fine fist of covering off the bench.Even if Heem is available, AJ should be ahead of him now
If Papali'i is out again I hope there is a bit more balance on the bench. One of Tucker/Goodhue to drop out for Plumtree maybe?
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@Kirwan said in SF Blues v Brumbies:
I don’t think we can have Robinson at lock against the Brumbies, affects the scrum too much.
Pick the big boppers and attack their strength.
Unfortunately Tucker decided to save up all his mistakes and poor decisions for the QF. On form he's the lock that should miss out
However his best game of the year was against his 2021 teammates the Brumbies. So maybe he gets another shot
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@KiwiMurph I think a ref that's strict on the breakdown (for both sides) will negate any hopes the Brumbies have of being competitive. Even if Valentini is fit to play, they'll get whistled off the park.
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@antipodean so Pickerill...he's strict, now and then, sometimes...
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@taniwharugby for some reason I think student teacher on work experience when I see him.
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I am expecting that the SF refs will be two of O'Keeffe, Gardner and Berry. The latter two are already in NZ. It could be that two are given the SFs and the other the final.
Williams can't be the ref in Chch and Pickerill can't ref the Blues.
@antipodean I've called Pickerill "work experience" all year.
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@Bovidae said in SF Blues v Brumbies:
I am expecting that the SF refs will be two of O'Keeffe, Gardner and Berry. The latter two are already in NZ. It could be that two are given the SFs and the other the final.
Williams can't be the ref in Chch and Pickerill can't ref the Blues.
@antipodean I've called Pickerill "work experience" all year.
As long as this game gets either Gardner or Berry, I’ll take O’Keefe
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Perofeta feels the Blues have made some important shifts across the franchise to produce this remarkable run in ‘22. “Each week the boys are holding each other to standards but also having fun. It’s fun working hard for each other and then the actual fun which is playing. It’s special and very enjoyable.” He has no doubts the level goes significantly with a Brumbies side which would have taken a lot of confidence from their victory over the Hurricanes. “The occasion is going to be huge but we’re here because of the work we’ve done and our love of the preparation. We’ve got to commit to that again, and then it's about turning up and trusting what we’ve done all year, and this week in particular.” The rising star of Kiwi rugby is not thinking beyond Saturday night, and the chance to advance to his first real final at this level. But if good news should come Monday, he admits it would “mean the world … my journey has been quite different, and probably not the smoothest of runs. With the sacrifices I’ve gone through and my family always in my corner, it would be huge. In this environment now the coaches and players have made this season so enjoyable, and it’s allowed us all to flourish, to stand out and enjoy our footy.” -
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@Tim said in SF Blues v Brumbies:
@Chris said in SF Blues v Brumbies:
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant Ref 1: Angus Gardner
Assistant Ref 2: Stu Curran
TMO: Shane McDermottUnfamiliar with Stu Curran. Has he reffed Super Rugby before?
He's been an AR in Super Rugby.
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@Tim said in SF Blues v Brumbies:
@Chris said in SF Blues v Brumbies:
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant Ref 1: Angus Gardner
Assistant Ref 2: Stu Curran
TMO: Shane McDermottUnfamiliar with Stu Curran. Has he reffed Super Rugby before?
Young Ref he has refereed some NPC last season
as well as AR in a couple of SR games . -
