Hall on the way out?
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<p>With the Blues signing Pulu from the Chiefs, Billy Guyton contracted untill next year and long term prospect Sam Nock contracted untill 2018 there is no room for first choice halfback Hall. Is this a massive cock up by the Blues or don't they rate Hall??</p>
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<p>His options from here I is being a replacement for Ellis down at the Crusaders or a solid backup to A Smith at the Highlanders.</p>
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<p>The Canes with TJ and TTT and the Chiefs with Webber and Kerr Barlow are set for the foreseeable future.</p>
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<p>A real shame for Blues fans as he has actually been solid for them this year. As a Canes fan id say he's playing far better than Perenara in the early rounds.</p>
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<p>He hasn't been having shockers, but as discussed in many of the game threads he isn't sharp enough to help set the Blues backs onto attack against good teams.</p>
<p>West isn't helping matters but I suspect the problem is starting with Hall.</p> -
<p>Well id have to say his clearing of the ball is far superior to Perenara. Ive lost count on how many times TJ's pissed around at ruck time and we've lost all momentum. Hall atleast does his job without having to be the superstar every game. </p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Canes4life" data-cid="571728" data-time="1460432885">
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<p>With the Blues signing Pulu from the Chiefs, Billy Guyton contracted untill next year and long term prospect Sam Nock contracted untill 2018 there is no room for first choice halfback Hall. Is this a massive cock up by the Blues or don't they rate Hall??</p>
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<p>His options from here I is being a replacement for Ellis down at the Crusaders or a solid backup to A Smith at the Highlanders.</p>
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<p>The Canes with TJ and TTT and the Chiefs with Webber and Kerr Barlow are set for the foreseeable future.</p>
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<p><strong>A real shame for Blues fans as he has actually been solid for them this year</strong>. As a Canes fan id say he's playing far better than Perenara in the early rounds.</p>
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<p>Not sure I agree with the bolded C4L. His passing is erratic and perhaps if West didn't stand so deep or ran on to the ball a bit more he wouldn't have to fire such long passes. But he has been frustrating to watch for the most part.</p>
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<p>On TJP, I think he is below last years form, but he is still running well and supporting in general play. This is something he is still very good at and well above Hall.</p> -
<p>There's nothing special about him at all. All he does is fire the ball to West no matter what the situation is out wide. I'd be suprised if he didn't go overseas after this season.</p>
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<p>he is the most likely candidate to leave IMO...I thought he looked pretty good in the opening win, but has been pretty average since, does a fair bit of ball watching at ruck time and too hesitant when deciding what to do and then the inconsistant passes...I guess he suffers a bit with his pack often not giving him the protection he needs, but thats where he needs to sort them to make his life a bit easier and give him the time he needs.</p>
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<p>He has the tools, but he isnt near where he should be right now IMO.</p> -
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/78835937/bryn-hall-likely-to-be-squeezed-out-of-blues-by-augustine-pulus-arrival'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/78835937/bryn-hall-likely-to-be-squeezed-out-of-blues-by-augustine-pulus-arrival</a></p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote"><strong>Bryn Hall likely to be squeezed out of Blues by Augustine Pulu's arrival</strong><br><br>
LIAM NAPIER<br><br>
Augustine Pulu's imminent arrival at the Blues could force Bryn Hall to look elsewhere.<br><br>
After having his attempt to join the Blues this year blocked, Pulu has inked a two year deal to switch from the Chiefs and join his former Counties Manukau coach Tana Umaga for 2017.<br><br>
There's no dancing around the subject of a squeeze looming at halfback. Four doesn't go into three.<br><br>
As it stands the Blues have Hall, Tasman's Billy Guyton and Northland young gun Sam Nock on their books<br><br>
Guyton is contracted for next year; Nock until 2018 as a longer-term project.<br><br>
Now in his fourth season at the Blues, Hall is likely to be on the outer at the end of this campaign, despite being Umaga's first-choice halfback at present.<br><br>
"I haven't thought about it a lot," Hall said of Pulu's recruitment. "It's a signing for the club and we obviously want to build our depth going into next year. But, for me, I'm just concentrating on this year and not worrying about 2017.<br><br>
"It's a business and players go through it all the time so you understand it."<br><br>
Hall's journey at the Blues has been something of a rollercoaster. The 24-year-old North Harbour halfback burst onto the Super Rugby scene in 2014 under Sir John Kirwan as one of few bright prospects at the time.<br><br>
Last year injuries kept him out of the picture, behind Jimmy Cowan and Jamison Gibson-Park, both of whom were then let go.<br><br>
"I was injured for most of last year but had a good campaign in 2014 in my first year. I've been enjoying my footy this year and being able to contribute. We've had a lot of coaching shifts with Tana and Al [Alistair Rogers] coming in. It's been nice to execute my game and become a better player."<br><br>
The big question mark surrounding the Blues this year, as with many seasons previous, was the relative inexperience of Hall and Ihaia West, their preferred halves combination. Much of the initial criticism has died down and some of the questions answered. The Blues midfield has been more problematic than the Hall-West duo, though their exit plays still need improvement. <br><br>
"We were unproven after one season together in 2014. This year we talked about what we needed to do. With being here for a couple of years and getting that experience, time in the saddle definitely helps. It's been a lot easier to contribute on the field this year."<br><br>
Despite all this, Hall could find himself on the move at the end of this season.<br><br>
Pulu represents a marquee signing. His dynamic running game and sharp distribution had him well in the All Blacks frame and his all round skill level was a welcome addition to Gordon Tietjens' sevens squad, before suffering a broken arm in the Sydney tournament.<br><br>
He won't be the last player Umaga lures to Auckland as he seeks to strengthen his squad for next year and beyond
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Aren't Canes on lookout for a reserve halfback? hall may get a job there.
