Blues v Moana Pasifika

[Daffy Jaffy]

[Duluth]

PAPALII REVEALS CLOSE-TO-HOME CONNECTION FOR MOANA CLASH — Blues Rugby

The Blues machine is starting to roll with three wins on the trot and the team aiming to solidify their spot in the top four when they face Moana Pasifika at Eden Park on Saturday May 6 at 7:05pm. Several players return to the starting lineup this weekend with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck partnering Bryce H

1 Ofa Tuungafasi
2 Kurt Eklund
3 Marcel Renata
4 James Tucker
5 Sam Darry
6 Akira Ioane
7 Dalton Papalii
8 Cam Suafoa
9 Taufa Funaki
10 Harry Plummer
11 Caleb Clarke
12 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
13 Bryce Heem
14 AJ Lam
15 Beauden Barrett

Reserves:
16 Soane Vikena
17 Joshua Fusitu’a
18 James Lay
19 Tom Robinson
20 Anton Segner
21 Finlay Christie
22 Rieko Ioane
23 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Players not considered: Alex Hodgman (shoulder, season), Nepo Laulala (calf), Stephen Perofeta (shoulder), Hoskins Sotutu (illness), Tanielu Telea (knee), Mark Telea (rest), Patrick Tuipulotu (knee)

[Stargazer]

@Duluth I hoped that Zarn would start at 10 in this game, but he isn't even in the 23.

[Duluth]

Stronger side than I was expecting

Sullivan had a knock at the end of the last match. I wonder if they are being careful. I would have preferred him to continue playing fullback

That's a physical loose forward trio

[Duluth]

Big game for Funaki, I think the reserve halfback spot is still up for grabs

[Duluth]

Abraham Pole, Samiuela Moli, Chris Apoua, Michael Curry, Mike McKee, Miracle Faiilagi, Alamanda Motuga, Solomone Funaki (c), Ereatara Enari, Christian Lealiifano, Neria Foma'i, D’Angelo Leuila, Levi Aumua, Timoci Tavatavanawai, William Havili

Reserves: Luteru Tolai, Ezekiel Lindnemuth, Tau Koloamatangi, Alex McRobbie, Jonah Mau’u, Jonathan Taumateine, Lincoln McClutchie, Fine Inisi

[Kirwan]

@Stargazer said in Blues v Moana Pasifika:

@Duluth I hoped that Zarn would start at 10 in this game, but he isn't even in the 23.

Why? Plummer is far more experienced at 10 and Sullivan has barely played there.

He's finally found form after a slow start at 15, it would be counter productive to move him in that scenerio also. Much better for the team to continue his progress there, especially as he's a genuine chance there at AB level.

[Kirwan]

@Duluth said in Blues v Moana Pasifika:

Big game for Funaki, I think the reserve halfback spot is still up for grabs

And Eklund and Robinson, good that players have something tangible to play well for other than just the result.

[Stargazer]

@Kirwan Fair point, but I'd love to see what he can do at 10 and this would have been a good game for it. I guess it may happen during the NPC. Or not.

[Duluth]

@Stargazer said in Blues v Moana Pasifika:

I guess it may happen during the NPC. Or not.

Hopefully not. Because he should be busy playing for the ABs

[Kirwan]

@Stargazer said in Blues v Moana Pasifika:

@Kirwan Fair point, but I'd love to see what he can do at 10 and this would have been a good game for it. I guess it may happen during the NPC. Or not.

NPC is the level to develop a new position, IMO. Also a big believer in players sticking to one position as much as possible, it's a good way to derail a career being moved all the time.

[Stargazer]

@Duluth Can't see it happening in 2023.

[Kirwan]

@Stargazer said in Blues v Moana Pasifika:

@Duluth Can't see it happening in 2023.

Be a good like for like replacement for Jordie at fullback if they move him permanently to the midfield (like I hope they do).

[Stargazer]

@Kirwan Yeah, but I just don't expect it to happen this year.

[Kirwan]

@Stargazer said in Blues v Moana Pasifika:

@Kirwan Yeah, but I just don't expect it to happen this year.

Pessimist

[Duluth]

Back to the discussing the match..

This is likely the last start for RTS? Surely he needs an enormous game to warrant another start after confirming his departure. Injuries might change that

The guys likely to take his spot are on either side of him

[Kirwan]

@Duluth said in Blues v Moana Pasifika:

Back to the discussing the match..

This is likely the last start for RTS? Surely he needs an enormous game to warrant another start after confirming his departure. Injuries might change that

The guys likely to take his spot are on either side of him

Yeah, needs something special to get ahead of Plummer. He's been excellent.

[Stargazer]

@Kirwan Realist.

[Stargazer]

Moana Pasifika Face Off Against the Blues in Auckland Derby – Moana Pasifika

[Tim]

Hopefully Ioane will have more confidence when carrying the ball this week. Has looked a bit hesitant at times.