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Blues v Sunwolves

Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved Rugby Matches
bluessunwolves
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Blues v Sunwolves
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  • KiwiMurphK Online
    KiwiMurphK Online
    KiwiMurph
    wrote on last edited by Duluth
    #1

    SBW and Blake Gibson co-captains.

    Full team yet to be announced

    Mar 6, 2019

    'He's a cool head' - Sonny Bill Williams to captain the Blues for Sunwolves showdown

    'He's a cool head' - Sonny Bill Williams to captain the Blues for Sunwolves showdown

    Blues coach Leon MacDonald has named SBW captain, relieving returning flanker Blake Gibson of captaining duties for Saturday's match.

    Blues coach Leon MacDonald has named All Blacks midfielder Sonny Bill Williams to co-captain his side in their Super Rugby match against the Sunwolves at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday night.
    
    Williams will be co-captaining the Blues with returning flanker Blake Gibson.
    nzzpN K 2 Replies Last reply
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  • nzzpN Offline
    nzzpN Offline
    nzzp
    replied to KiwiMurph on last edited by
    #2

    @KiwiMurph I hope he sees more in SBW than I do. not convinced that he's captain material.

    That said, I'm going and trying to drum up some support. Will be damn good to go to a proper rectangular stadium, and not be surrounded by Saffers supporting the away team.

    THIS IS OUR WEEK. WE'LL BE UNSTOPPABLE.

    HoorooH 1 Reply Last reply
    7
  • HoorooH Offline
    HoorooH Offline
    Hooroo
    replied to nzzp on last edited by
    #3

    @nzzp said in Blues v Sunwolves:

    @KiwiMurph I hope he sees more in SBW than I do. not convinced that he's captain material.

    That said, I'm going and trying to drum up some support. Will be damn good to go to a proper rectangular stadium, and not be surrounded by Saffers supporting the away team.

    THIS IS OUR WEEK. WE'LL BE UNSTOPPABLE.

    I really want them to be blusers this weekend just so I can have a set of fans as disappointed in their team like the Chiefs fans are with theirs. A problem shared is a problem halved sort of thing.

    You wont lose though and you will likely beat them by 37 points.

    1 Reply Last reply
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  • canefanC Offline
    canefanC Offline
    canefan
    wrote on last edited by
    #4

    So far 2019 is a case of different face same result. I wonder how things could have been different if the Blues had managed to edge the Crusaders in round 1. The longer they go without a win the more the doubts will creep in

    HoorooH 1 Reply Last reply
    1
  • DuluthD Offline
    DuluthD Offline
    Duluth
    wrote on last edited by Duluth
    #5

    Still no team list

    MacDonald talking about the Tamoaieta and the game:

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/111110143/grieving-blues-going-one-day-at-a-time-as-they-deal-with-loss-of-mike-tamoaieta

    1 Reply Last reply
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  • HoorooH Offline
    HoorooH Offline
    Hooroo
    replied to canefan on last edited by
    #6

    @canefan said in Blues v Sunwolves:

    So far 2019 is a case of different face same result. I wonder how things could have been different if the Blues had managed to edge the Crusaders in round 1. The longer they go without a win the more the doubts will creep in

    I was thinking about that too. In my mind you should have won that game and it was likely the toughest game of the season for you.

    I still think you will beat the rubbish teams this year at home, including us.

    DuluthD 1 Reply Last reply
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  • DuluthD Offline
    DuluthD Offline
    Duluth
    replied to Hooroo on last edited by
    #7

    @Hooroo

    I think the Jaguares game was a write off.

    The team hasn't used it it as an excuse, but the death of a player the day before a match must have an impact. I assumed they were going to get thrashed

    nzzpN 1 Reply Last reply
    4
  • nzzpN Offline
    nzzpN Offline
    nzzp
    replied to Duluth on last edited by
    #8

    @Duluth said in Blues v Sunwolves:

    @Hooroo

    I think the Jaguares game was a write off.

    The team hasn't used it it as an excuse, but the death of a player the day before a match must have an impact. I assumed they were going to get thrashed

    we did more than enough to win that game, but coughed it up when it counted. Very frustrating to watch. The Jaguares gave us so much pill at critical times, but we fumbled like a teenager on a first date

    1 Reply Last reply
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  • StargazerS Offline
    StargazerS Offline
    Stargazer
    wrote on last edited by
    #9

    alt text

    1 Reply Last reply
    0
  • DuluthD Offline
    DuluthD Offline
    Duluth
    wrote on last edited by
    #10

    15 Melani Nanai, 14 Tanielu Tele’a, 13 TJ Faiane, 12 Sonny Bill Williams ©, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Harry Plummer, 9 Augustine Pulu; 8 Akira Ioane, 7 Blake Gibson, 6 Tom Robinson, 5 Josh Goodhue, 4 Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 3 Sione Mafileo, 2 James Parsons, 1 Karl Tu’inukuafe

    Reserves: 16 Matt Moulds, 17 Marcel Renata, 18 Lua Li, 19 Scott Scrafton, 20 Dalton Papalii, 21 Sam Nock, 22 Otere Black, 23 Levi Aumua

    Blues Rugby

    Blues Rugby

    The official home of the Blues rugby team. Buy tickets and merchandise, get the latest news, view results and go behind-the-scenes with our players.

    The Blues welcome two long term injured players to add spark to the team to take on the Sunwolves at QBE Stadium in North Harbour on Saturday.
    
    Loose forward Blake Gibson will make his first appearance, starting on the openside flank after being sidelined with long term injury. His return allows All Black Dalton Papalii to come off the bench after playing high minutes in the opening three games.
    
    The 2m lock Scott Scrafton will come off the bench after nearly one year out of the sport after damaging both his ACL and LCL in the knee and ripping the tendon off the bone.
    
    There’s a homegrown look to the tight five with All Black Karl Tu’inukuafe, James Parsons and Sione Mafileo forming a potent front row and Gerard Cowley-Tuioti starting at lock – all from North Harbour and starting on their home turf.
    
    In-form Northland lock Josh Goodhue will partner Cowley-Tuioti in the middle row while Tom Robinson and Akira Ioane again start in the loose.
    
    Outstanding rookie Harry Plummer gets his first start at first-five, swapping spots with Otere Black, who comes off the bench, and Sonny Bill Williams starts and will captain the side.
    
    Northland’s Sam Nock has recovered from a calf injury and is included on the bench as is big Tasman midfielder Levi Aumua.
    
    The Blues will spell Ofa Tuungafasi and Patrick Tuipulotu with prescribed All Blacks rest, while Alex Hodgman has also been rested with a slight knee injury suffered in Argentina.
    
    “It’s been a tough couple of weeks of long travel, short turnarounds, hot conditions, and performances that were below our capabilities,” said coach Leon Macdonald.
    
    “It’s good to have some of our key injured players back to inject some freshness both in the starting team and off the bench and give us a chance to rest some who have had a big start to the season.
    
    “We also expect our North Harbour boys to really stand up on their home ground and set the platform upfront for our backs to prosper. Overall we are looking for a more physical job at the breakdown, and more accuracy and patience.
    
    “Clearly the Sunwolves are a vastly different team with a lot of New Zealand and Australian players with Super Rugby experience. They proved their capability last week with the win against the Chiefs and we are under no illusions of the challenge they will bring.
    
    “We are looking forward to it and hopefully produce a game of real quality.
    
    nzzpN 1 Reply Last reply
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  • nzzpN Offline
    nzzpN Offline
    nzzp
    replied to Duluth on last edited by
    #11

    @Duluth @Stargazer Fark, I thought swapping 10s would be out with Tana (and Pat, and JK). Not a fan - you should know your best 10, and stick with them. So much of the game goes through them.

    Feels like we're back to mix and match selections, and I don't know why.

    that said, welcome back Scott and Blake!

    DuluthD 1 Reply Last reply
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  • DuluthD Offline
    DuluthD Offline
    Duluth
    replied to nzzp on last edited by
    #12

    @nzzp So Plummer should not start all season?

    nzzpN 1 Reply Last reply
    1
  • nzzpN Offline
    nzzpN Offline
    nzzp
    replied to Duluth on last edited by
    #13

    @Duluth said in Blues v Sunwolves:

    @nzzp So Plummer should not start all season?

    I don't think he shoudl start in Round 4, after a big travel game, in a team that's copped multiple changes, in a must win game, unless he's our new starting 10.

    KirwanK 1 Reply Last reply
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  • TimT Away
    TimT Away
    Tim
    wrote on last edited by Tim
    #14

    Big game for Cowley-Tuioti. Hasn't impressed so far this season. We've lacked grunt off the bench from him.

    Looking forward to seeing Renata off the bench. Be interesting to see what kind of shape Aumua is in.

    mariner4lifeM A 2 Replies Last reply
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  • N Offline
    N Offline
    Nevorian
    wrote on last edited by
    #15

    I am yet to see many leadership qualities from Sonny Bill, hopefully he can inspire the troops by running hard at the line and breaking some tackles

    1 Reply Last reply
    1
  • taniwharugbyT Offline
    taniwharugbyT Offline
    taniwharugby
    wrote on last edited by
    #16

    Is Ruru injured? Ideally you'd start him with Nock on the bench, cos Pulu was all kinds of average last time out.

    Nock needs a big season now, really grew alot last year for Northland, needs to replicate that into super rugby.

    Hasnt Robinson played same minutes as Dalton? I'd like him to cut his bloody hair, or do something else cos I noticed one ruck he got up from he spent the next 5 or so seconds tying it back instead of running up field.

    KiwiMurphK 1 Reply Last reply
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  • KiwiMurphK Online
    KiwiMurphK Online
    KiwiMurph
    replied to taniwharugby on last edited by
    #17

    @taniwharugby Wait what? Pulu was fine in his last start. One of his better Blues games. Ruru was the one who butchered the scrum at the end.

    As for Plummer at 10 - excellent. I'm pleased Plummer will get a crack at 10 from the start - so far he's had to come on late at 10 and then once late at 15. Now he gets his shot. @nzzp Depending on how Plummer goes who could very well be the Blues new starting 10. Otere has done some good things but hasn't played so well that his jersey should be unchallenged imo.

    taniwharugbyT 1 Reply Last reply
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  • mariner4lifeM Online
    mariner4lifeM Online
    mariner4life
    replied to Tim on last edited by
    #18

    @Tim said in Blues v Sunwolves:

    Big game for Cowley-Tuioti. Hasn't impressed so far this season. We've lacked grunt off the bench from him.

    Looking forward to seeing Renata off the bench. Be interesting to see what kind of shape Aumua is in.

    i thought C-T put in a couple of pretty decent hits last week, one of which resulted in a turnover.

    TimT 1 Reply Last reply
    1
  • taniwharugbyT Offline
    taniwharugbyT Offline
    taniwharugby
    replied to KiwiMurph on last edited by taniwharugby
    #19

    @KiwiMurph I thought Pulu was all over the shop, yes Ruru wasnt great either, but thought he still looked better than Pulu.

    KiwiMurphK KirwanK 2 Replies Last reply
    2
  • TimT Away
    TimT Away
    Tim
    replied to mariner4life on last edited by
    #20

    @mariner4life Fair play. I didn't see all the last game due to a shit stream.

    1 Reply Last reply
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  • KiwiMurphK Online
    KiwiMurphK Online
    KiwiMurph
    replied to taniwharugby on last edited by
    #21

    @taniwharugby Fair enough. I disagree.

    taniwharugbyT 1 Reply Last reply
    0
  • taniwharugbyT Offline
    taniwharugbyT Offline
    taniwharugby
    replied to KiwiMurph on last edited by
    #22

    @KiwiMurph tis funny how we can be watching the same player and have different views of how they played 🙂

    KiwiMurphK 1 Reply Last reply
    2
  • KirwanK Offline
    KirwanK Offline
    Kirwan
    replied to nzzp on last edited by
    #23

    @nzzp said in Blues v Sunwolves:

    @Duluth said in Blues v Sunwolves:

    @nzzp So Plummer should not start all season?

    I don't think he shoudl start in Round 4, after a big travel game, in a team that's copped multiple changes, in a must win game, unless he's our new starting 10.

    What happens if Black gets injured in a few weeks? You need game time in your backups, and games against teams like the Sunwolves is when you do it.

    Black will get on the field, so it’s not like he’s getting rusty.

    The big plus with Plummer is he’s a very vocal player, and really drives the team around. Should give us good direction and isn’t afraid to take the line on.

    Also won’t have to dick around hiding Black on the wing in defence as well.

    Downside is goal kicking form.

    nzzpN 1 Reply Last reply
    1
  • KirwanK Offline
    KirwanK Offline
    Kirwan
    replied to taniwharugby on last edited by
    #24

    @taniwharugby said in Blues v Sunwolves:

    @KiwiMurph I thought Pulu was all over the shop, yes Ruru wasnt great either, but thought he still looked better than Pulu.

    Main problem with pulu still is how slow he is to clear the ball. He’s like trying to race with the handbrake on.

    1 Reply Last reply
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  • nzzpN Offline
    nzzpN Offline
    nzzp
    replied to Kirwan on last edited by
    #25

    @Kirwan said in Blues v Sunwolves:

    @nzzp said in Blues v Sunwolves:

    @Duluth said in Blues v Sunwolves:

    @nzzp So Plummer should not start all season?

    I don't think he shoudl start in Round 4, after a big travel game, in a team that's copped multiple changes, in a must win game, unless he's our new starting 10.

    What happens if Black gets injured in a few weeks? You need game time in your backups, and games against teams like the Sunwolves is when you do it.

    Fark that, we need to start winning, and we need to start building that habit. Look, I'd be delighted if Plummer is the goods - but I don't think he should be starting this game unless he's our number one 10. And if Leon doesn't know who is best 10 is, then I'm worried.

    KirwanK Chris B.C 3 Replies Last reply
    1
  • KirwanK Offline
    KirwanK Offline
    Kirwan
    replied to nzzp on last edited by
    #26

    @nzzp said in Blues v Sunwolves:

    @Kirwan said in Blues v Sunwolves:

    @nzzp said in Blues v Sunwolves:

    @Duluth said in Blues v Sunwolves:

    @nzzp So Plummer should not start all season?

    I don't think he shoudl start in Round 4, after a big travel game, in a team that's copped multiple changes, in a must win game, unless he's our new starting 10.

    What happens if Black gets injured in a few weeks? You need game time in your backups, and games against teams like the Sunwolves is when you do it.

    Fark that, we need to start winning, and we need to start building that habit. Look, I'd be delighted if Plummer is the goods - but I don't think he should be starting this game unless he's our number one 10. And if Leon doesn't know who is best 10 is, then I'm worried.

    I’m sure he knows, and like with other positions that are using the full squad, you can’t play every game.

    1 Reply Last reply
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  • KirwanK Offline
    KirwanK Offline
    Kirwan
    replied to nzzp on last edited by
    #27

    @nzzp said in Blues v Sunwolves:

    @Kirwan said in Blues v Sunwolves:

    @nzzp said in Blues v Sunwolves:

    @Duluth said in Blues v Sunwolves:

    @nzzp So Plummer should not start all season?

    I don't think he shoudl start in Round 4, after a big travel game, in a team that's copped multiple changes, in a must win game, unless he's our new starting 10.

    What happens if Black gets injured in a few weeks? You need game time in your backups, and games against teams like the Sunwolves is when you do it.

    Fark that, we need to start winning, and we need to start building that habit. Look, I'd be delighted if Plummer is the goods - but I don't think he should be starting this game unless he's our number one 10. And if Leon doesn't know who is best 10 is, then I'm worried.

    Look at this way, we’ve rotated the props, locks, back row, halfback, centres, and back three so far, but swapping the ten is what’s going to do us in?

    nzzpN 1 Reply Last reply
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  • TimT Away
    TimT Away
    Tim
    wrote on last edited by
    #28

    Some interesting stuff on the Shortball podcast this week about where the Blues are not quite clicking.

    dKD 1 Reply Last reply
    0
  • dKD Offline
    dKD Offline
    dK
    replied to Tim on last edited by
    #29

    @Tim said in Blues v Sunwolves:

    Some interesting stuff on the Shortball podcast this week about where the Blues are not quite clicking.

    Bullet point summary?

    TimT 1 Reply Last reply
    1
  • KiwiMurphK Online
    KiwiMurphK Online
    KiwiMurph
    replied to taniwharugby on last edited by
    #30

    @taniwharugby said in Blues v Sunwolves:

    @KiwiMurph tis funny how we can be watching the same player and have different views of how they played 🙂

    Haha agreed. It beats watching Collins and having the same view!

    1 Reply Last reply
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  • TimT Away
    TimT Away
    Tim
    replied to dK on last edited by
    #31

    @dK Comments (from Mils, Ali Williams, and Stevenson) were that (mostly on attack) they look like they're trying hard to replicate the drills from practice, rather than playing what's in front of them. Possibly this is due to a lack of self confidence and experienced leadership. The confidence issue is also exposed by hesitancy on counter-attack, when they're just not backing themselves. Might take some wins to crack this.

    Ali Williams also commented that Karl T blew the last scrum by "smoking" his opposing prop, rather than concentrating on stability.

    1 Reply Last reply
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  • nzzpN Offline
    nzzpN Offline
    nzzp
    replied to Kirwan on last edited by
    #32

    @Kirwan said in Blues v Sunwolves:

    Look at this way, we’ve rotated the props, locks, back row, halfback, centres, and back three so far, but swapping the ten is what’s going to do us in?

    Fair point.

    I just felt triggered seeing a new 10 ... brings back the bad old days

    1 Reply Last reply
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  • KiwiMurphK Online
    KiwiMurphK Online
    KiwiMurph
    wrote on last edited by
    #33

    on Plummer

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/111113504/super-rugby-blues-turn-to-cool-head-sonny-bill-williams-as-their-captain

    There is also confidence that the 20-year-old Plummer can shake off his goalkicking misfires from week one, which cost the Blues a result against the Crusaders, and excel in his first start for the franchise.
    
    "We've got a lot of faith in Harry," added MacDonald. "He was right in contention for game one with his pre-season form, and we'd pencilled this opportunity in for him a while back, because of the travel and wanting a few fresh legs out there and a little bit more energy. We're looking forward to seeing how he goes, because he's a real talent."
    1 Reply Last reply
    2
  • A Offline
    A Offline
    African Monkey
    replied to Tim on last edited by
    #34

    @Tim Yeah been disappointed with Cowley Tuioti so far. He needs a big one with Scrafton back, and yes, the first point you make from the podcast you watched is dead right imo. In a funny sort of way, we seemed to play with a bit too much structure out there. Great to have a plan in place, but there seemed to be no plan B out there when the Jaguares were containing us on defence.

    1 Reply Last reply
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  • TimT Away
    TimT Away
    Tim
    wrote on last edited by
    #35

    Am also looking forward to seeing Michael Little back at Albany. Losing him and Matt Vaega was pretty annoying.

    1 Reply Last reply
    0
  • StargazerS Offline
    StargazerS Offline
    Stargazer
    wrote on last edited by
    #36

    Sunwolves

    1 Pauliasi MANU
    2 Atsushi SAKATE
    3 Hiroshi YAMASHITA
    4 Tom Rowe
    5 James MOORE
    6 Hendrik TUI
    7 Shuhei MATSUHASHI
    8 Rahboni WARREN VOSAYACO
    9 Jamie BOOTH
    10 Rikiya MATSUDA
    11 Jamie HENRY
    12 Michael LITTLE (C)
    13 Jason EMERY
    14 Gerhard van den HEEVER
    15 Semisi MASIREWA

    Reserves
    16 Nathan VELLA
    17 Alex WOONTON
    18 Asaeli Ai VALU
    19 Uwe HELU
    20 Dan PRYOR
    21 Keisuke UCHIDA
    22 Hayden PARKER
    23 Phil BURLEIGH

    1 Reply Last reply
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  • Chris B.C Offline
    Chris B.C Offline
    Chris B.
    replied to nzzp on last edited by
    #37

    @nzzp said in Blues v Sunwolves:

    @Kirwan said in Blues v Sunwolves:

    @nzzp said in Blues v Sunwolves:

    @Duluth said in Blues v Sunwolves:

    @nzzp So Plummer should not start all season?

    I don't think he shoudl start in Round 4, after a big travel game, in a team that's copped multiple changes, in a must win game, unless he's our new starting 10.

    What happens if Black gets injured in a few weeks? You need game time in your backups, and games against teams like the Sunwolves is when you do it.

    Fark that, we need to start winning, and we need to start building that habit. Look, I'd be delighted if Plummer is the goods - but I don't think he should be starting this game unless he's our number one 10. And if Leon doesn't know who is best 10 is, then I'm worried.

    On the other hand - panicking against the Sunwolves and thinking you've got to roll out the A1 number one team to try to snatch a win isn't really sending the right signal.

    nzzpN 1 Reply Last reply
    0
  • nzzpN Offline
    nzzpN Offline
    nzzp
    replied to Chris B. on last edited by
    #38

    @Chris-B said in Blues v Sunwolves:

    @nzzp said in Blues v Sunwolves:

    @Kirwan said in Blues v Sunwolves:

    @nzzp said in Blues v Sunwolves:

    @Duluth said in Blues v Sunwolves:

    @nzzp So Plummer should not start all season?

    I don't think he shoudl start in Round 4, after a big travel game, in a team that's copped multiple changes, in a must win game, unless he's our new starting 10.

    What happens if Black gets injured in a few weeks? You need game time in your backups, and games against teams like the Sunwolves is when you do it.

    Fark that, we need to start winning, and we need to start building that habit. Look, I'd be delighted if Plummer is the goods - but I don't think he should be starting this game unless he's our number one 10. And if Leon doesn't know who is best 10 is, then I'm worried.

    On the other hand - panicking against the Sunwolves and thinking you've got to roll out the A1 number one team to try to snatch a win isn't really sending the right signal.

    yeah, those bastards would never tip over a kiwi side at home.

    Chris B.C 1 Reply Last reply
    1
  • Chris B.C Offline
    Chris B.C Offline
    Chris B.
    replied to nzzp on last edited by Chris B.
    #39

    @nzzp Was only the Chiefs. 🙂

    Leon's still got to treat this game like a bit of a gimme. If he's giving his backs-to-the-wall team talk against the Sunwolves, the well is going to be dry against sterner opposition.

    Blues to win at a canter!

    1 Reply Last reply
    1
  • MachpantsM Offline
    MachpantsM Offline
    Machpants
    wrote on last edited by
    #40

    How many blues region players in the wolves?

    Daffy JaffyD 1 Reply Last reply
    0

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