Blues v Highlanders
-
i think the forwards are an improvement from previous weeks bar Dixon/coltman so hoping we wont get bossed around too much
I think this is pretty much the backline from the second pre season game so hopefully there is some familiarity there
-
-
Renton's still only 24. It seems a lifetime back when he was at the Canes. Had bad luck with injuries but hes looked good coming on. I will watch with interest to see how he goes
Likewise CGB (watching with interest) as he's in his right position now. As is Hunt
-
not this game obviously but Alaimalo obviously not injured
good to see Ayden Johnstone and PPP back playing as well as and Hineno gettign on the pitch
pretty strong team
-
-
@kiwiwomble that Bravehearts midfield looks good.
-
@kiwiwomble With Namatahi Waa also wearing a Highlanders jersey this weekend, there are just as many Magpies at the Highlanders as at the Hurricanes! We may as well join the franchise!
-
Strange that MacDonald starts at hooker ahead of Jackson, the contracted player.
Holland on the bench. He's the giant Dutch lock who played for CBHS last year.
-
@kiwimurph said in Blues v Highlanders:
@kiwiwomble that Bravehearts midfield looks good.
agreed, i would like to see these two
actually 12-15 is pretty good
-
Players not considered with injury: Soane Vikena (Pec), Ray Niuia (knee), TJ Faiane (foot), Dillon Hunt (concussion), Josh Goodhue (wrist), Alex Hodgman (ankle), Blake Gibson (ribs), Jone Macalai (season-ending).
https://blues.rugby/fans-back-at-the-fortress-of-eden-park/
Darry, who moved north from the Canterbury development system at the end of 2020 to try his luck in the professional ranks with the Blues, will partner skipper Patrick Tuipulotu in the second row, with Gerard Cowley Tuioto slotting back on to the bench and Josh Goodhue resting a minor hand injury this week.
Blues forwards coach Tom Coventry said the 2.03 metre, 110kg youngster had shown enough in the buildup games to demonstrate his readiness for his first tile at the top professional level.
“Sam has had a marvellous pre-season, and he's earned the right on merit to have a crack,” said Coventry. “He’s a really conscientious young man, does his homework well, and is working hard on and off the field. So it's just the process now of getting him on the grass so we can develop him even further.”
-
@gunner yeah hope it isnt a return to previous years where they chop and change the 9s, never giving any the chance to settle in and build combos with the 8/10...next week will probably be Christie starting and one of Ruru or Nock on the bench!
-
@taniwharugby said in Blues v Highlanders:
@gunner yeah hope it isnt a return to previous years where they chop and change the 9s, never giving any the chance to settle in and build combos with the 8/10...next week will probably be Christie starting and one of Ruru or Nock on the bench!
-
@tim said in Blues v Highlanders:
Darry, who moved north from the Canterbury development system at the end of 2020 to try his luck in the professional ranks with the Blues, will partner skipper Patrick Tuipulotu in the second row, with Gerard Cowley Tuioto slotting back on to the bench and Josh Goodhue resting a minor hand injury this week.
Blues forwards coach Tom Coventry said the 2.03 metre, 110kg youngster had shown enough in the buildup games to demonstrate his readiness for his first tile at the top professional level.
“Sam has had a marvellous pre-season, and he's earned the right on merit to have a crack,” said Coventry. “He’s a really conscientious young man, does his homework well, and is working hard on and off the field. So it's just the process now of getting him on the grass so we can develop him even further.”
Excuse me Mr. Coventry, that is what the development squad is for.
-
@kiwiwomble said in Blues v Highlanders:
bit of a change around, i thought MMT had been firing quite well
is it me or does Hugh Renton look like hes in his earl 40's, 24?!
Damn, Hawkes Bay really is a number 8 factory these days. Imagine how cluttered the Magpies would be if Renton was still around.
-
Blues forwards should be too strong up front. Heart says the Clan of course but head says a clear victory for the Blues. If it goes all helter skelter though....who knows... I will be wearing my Speights T-shirt but I will be drinking something better.
