But it was the new board who have kicked off this process; a victory for common sense at an outfit which has been in need of it for years.

After being appointed in September when New Zealand Rugby bought out the 40 per cent equity of the franchise owned by Murray Bolton, the new board saw the review of the 2018 season (which would have included input from the players and team management) and decided decisive action was needed.

With former assistants Steve Jackson and Al Rogers already out the door, it was the players' comments about Umaga's performance in particular which struck a chord.

@taniwharugby said in Blues 2019 - (New Head Coach):

Does Papali'i have leadership pedigree?

Yes.

My view of Kirwan and Tana is they were both pretty poor and at a fairly similar level (well below Lam). Lam had one shocking season where he didnt have enough coaching support.

Tana had a woeful record vs NZ teams but Kirwan had a woeful away record. At least Kirwan was smart enough to bring in Henry and Byrne early on whereas Umaga's coaching assistants have been a big fail. On the other hand I appreciate that Tana generally avoided going after officials after losses whereas Kirwan came across as a whinger, meanwhile he picked Ali Williams as captain and wondered why his team's discipline was shit.

I don't mind Tana staying on in a defensive portfolio. Just because he didn't work as head coach doesn't mean he cant be good as an assistant coach (e.g. Nick White as head coach vs Nick White as a scrum coach). If they think Tana is the best coach they can have as the defensive coach then good - I'd rather he be there than just getting rid of him to replace him with a lesser defensive coach (cutting your nose off to spite your face).

Evans and Hemopo are other names you could throw in the mix.

Be interesting who gets the 6 shirt against Italy.

Good to see Gordon at 9 and Petaia given a chance - only 18 but a serious talent.

Smith is a far better halfback than Marshall was. The quality of service is night and day. Very different styles of course and Marshall had a fine career. I think Marshall suited his era more than he would the current era - Pulu reminds me of a typical halfback from Marshall's time playing in the current day (obviously Marshall was far superior than Pulu is but just in terms of styles).

@sammyc said in Blues 2019 - (New Head Coach):

What a Traitor!

One of the guys I respected the most. Grizz, Robbie, Don Hayes etc must be hanging their heads in shame.

He couldn't beat razor with Tasman, good luck with these losers.

Salt like this makes me even happier with the decision to promote Leon to head coach. Excellent.

@kirwan said in Blues 2019:

@nogusta said in Blues 2019:

Hearing there'll be some 'big' news out of Blues HQ in the next day or so.

++ crosses fingers ++ please be Tana & Redman quitting.

Fixed.

@crucial said in Ireland Vs All Blacks:

A nice little reminder pic for BB

#theoneirishfansdidntsee

Just like BOD - Tana this photo is simply another marketing stunt for Guinness.

Interestingly SBW has had some decent games this year but they came when playing outside a 10 that wasn't Beauden Barrett. Blues v Crusaders and ABs v France test 3 spring to mind.

One positive for SBW is he might have a proper offseason coming up which he hasnt had for a few years.

Our main question marks look to be 6, 12 and depth at 8 and lock.

Wing is a bit of an issue.

Still time for a bolter or two. I reckon lock is the most likely spot for one.