Blues 2024

[Kirwan]

That would be great news, I'd put him straight in. With the way our forwards are playing this year he'd be far more influential than last year.

[Canes4life]

@george33 yeah that could be a massive game in the grand scheme of things, if it's anything like last year's match at Eden Park where Telea scored four tries and the game still came down to the wire, it could be a fun watch.

[Daffy Jaffy]

A Haka for his 100 -

[george33]

Zarn out for 6-8 Weeks

[Duluth]

@george33 said in Blues 2024:

Zarn out for 6-8 Weeks

Forbes to fullback obviously

Hopefully it means Cashmore onto the bench in the best 23 (Perofeta covering fullback)

I wouldn't like to see guys like Plummer or Evans covering fullback

[george33]

@Duluth Forbes yes and Evans, could b the go to man ,from bench

[Kirwan]

@george33 said in Blues 2024:

Zarn out for 6-8 Weeks

Bugger

[Daffy Jaffy]

[taniwharugby]

good to see Woods there, he has put on some size in the off-season, but is a real athlete.

[Duluth]

It won't happen, but I'd like to see that 10/12/13/14 combo play against the Force next week. With the rest of the 23 close to full strength

[george33]

@Daffy-Jaffy there's some serious talent there looking very good moving forward

[African Monkey]

@Duluth The 12/13/14 especially looked very good in pre season. I'm expecting Rieko to go for a sabbatical soon so would like to see a bit more of Meihana Gridlay.

[Tim]

The many talents and miraculous story of Blues lock Laghlan McWhannell

The household of Laghlan McWhannell was divided last week when the Blues played Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby Pacific at Eden Park.

[george33]

@Tim really impressed with Mcwhannell, our locking stocks best in probably last 10 years , Darry hopefully back after the Bye also , Cam Suafua needs a game tho , hopefully this friday

[Bovidae]

Laghlan is a real character. Hopefully he is over his injuries now and plays a full season of SR and NPC.

[taniwharugby]

He seems to have some genuine size to him as well...often you see players up close.and think they aren't as big as they look on TV

[Duluth]

Super Rugby, Sport, Rugby

Super Rugby Pacific: Scotland’s loss is Blues’ gain as rookie fullback makes distinct impression - NZ Herald

Cole Forbes was almost capped by Scotland but will now make his first start for the Blues.

[KiwiMurph]

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/350234152/hoskins-sotutu-pulls-double-duty-forward-and-back-blues

The 25-year-old is hoping to pull on the black jersey again under new coach Scott Robertson and said he was viewing consistency as the key to higher honours.

“Being able to put out good performances, like I know I can, and then being able to back it up every week.

“I can't be the guy that they talk about one game and then the next game, I have a lesser game.

“It's about being able to have big moments every game.”

It’s unlikely any of those “big moments” will come as a back again this season, but if an injury crisis does strike, Cotter knows he has a versatile loose forward he can call on.

The day's talking point and stories you don't want to miss, delivered to your inbox

“He's one of those players that can play anywhere, because he's smart,” the coach said of Sotutu.

“He's got the skill set and he's got the physicality to be able to play in any position.

“We put him at 12, but he has played a lot of 10. He understands the playmaking role. He understands the field position, when you split your centres in defence.

“He's an outstanding rugby player – he's one of the most skilful, outstanding players I've ever coached.”

[Duluth]

Who would you pick at lock when Tuipulotu & Darry are back?

Patrick will start

Then McWhannell, Beehre & Darry will compete for the other other starting spot and a bench jersey

[antipodean]

McWhannell is playing too well to leave out other to keep him fresh IMO.