145 replies to this topic

[taniwharugby]

Lam and woodward must have the core of thier squad pencilled in with a few names still on a knife edge

Props
Charlie Faumuina, John Afoa, Tevita Mailau, Tony Woodcock, Mike Reid
Hookers
Kevin Mealamu, Tom McCartney
Locks
Kurtis Haiu, Anthony Boric, Ali Williams
Loosies
Daniel Braid, Jerome Kaino, Luamanu, Dean Budd, Peter Sai'ili
Half back
Alby Mathewson, Morland
1st 5
Stephen Brett, Matt Berquist
Centres
Benson Stanley, Aaron Bancroft, Jared Payne, Luke McAlister
Outside Backs
Joe Rokocoko, Isaia Toeava, Rene Ranger, Bryce Heem

giving a match 22 for me;

Afoa, Mealamu © Woodcock
Williams, Boric
Braid, Sai'ili, Kaino
Mathewson, Brett
Stanley, Payne
Rok, Toeava, Ranger

McCartney, Mailau, Haiu, Luamanu, Morland, McAlister, Heem

With a number of fringeplayers close to selection as well

Edited by taniwharugby, 01 September 2010 - 01:36 PM.

[Tim]

Are the two recent Auckland recruits (Berquist and Morland) going to be available for the Blues?

[taniwharugby]

ha...knew I was forgetting someone...pretty sure.

[Tim]

Wouldn't be shocked to see McAlister at 12 and Stanley at 13 next year.

[rotated]

Is Berquist an option? I was under the impression he is in the Blues catchment now. I'd be comfortable with him in that side at 10, with Brett on the bench. I haven't seen enough Botica, Harris looks promising let's keep tabs on him, I've seen enough Moeke and Munro for a lifetime.

[rotated]

Also we need another legit outside back from the draft probably out of the Chiefs catchment

[taniwharugby]

on form, I'd be shocked if Luke started over anyone.

I think Berquist is an option, and he wont start over Brett, you may need another drum!

[Duluth]

The loosies will be interesting

Dan Braid and Kaino are certainties. I'd expect Luke Braid to be certain of a spot given he has signed a contract too

Sai'ili probably makes it on versatility and potential

Then there's the others:
Budd is getting more game time than Lowrey so far and is genrally playing well but I would discount Lowrey yet. Budd's tackling was a black mark against him last weeekend. Lowrey has previous good Super 14 form which Budd hasn't matched in his brief time at that level.
I think these two are competing for one spot - a loosie who can cover lock at a pinch

Auva'a has been in form but I think Luke Braid has taken his 6.5 role

Luamanu is a chance because he adds something different


As for the reserve 10? I think thaty may actually be Brett with McAlister taking the starting role..

[Duluth]

Tim said:

Are the two recent Auckland recruits (Berquist and Morland) going to be available for the Blues?

I think Berquist is still looking offshore? I think Auckland just got him out of the bargain bin for one year?

[Tim]

rotated said:

Is Berquist an option? I was under the impression he is in the Blues catchment now. I'd be comfortable with him in that side at 10, with Brett on the bench. I haven't seen enough Botica, Harris looks promising let's keep tabs on him, I've seen enough Moeke and Munro for a lifetime.

From what I've seen of Berquist this year there's no way I'd have him starting at super 15 level.

[taniwharugby]

what is the squad size? 28? I named 27, someone mentioned that with the longer season the squad sizes is to be increased??

[Duluth]

I think it's gone up to 32? This year it was 28

[taniwharugby]

certainly opens it up for a few fringe players.

I reckon someone like Pat O'Connor would be great in the Blues, and someone to take a punt on. A real hard worker, has good skills, could play for NZ (NZ parent/s)

thnk he played a handful of games for the Force alongside Sharpe, has just had a horror run of injuries.

[rocketx]

Props
Woody, Afoa, Charlie, Mailau

Hooker
Mealamu, Mcartney

Locks
Williams, Boric, Haiu, Paulo, Van Der Heijden, King

Loose forwards
Kaino, Braid, Saili, Lowry,

Halfs backs
Mathewson, Morland

first fives
Brett, Berquist

2nd fives
MacAlister, Stanley

Centre
Ranger, Atiga, Payne

Wings
Roks, Thomas, Payne, Ranger, Atiga

fullback
Toeava, Ward, Payne

A lot of options but ttill need three more players to make up the 32.

I'm guessing the younger braid will be in. OTA might get a recall.

Then there's the wider training group

[rotated]

Legitimate question on Brett. He came to the Blues through the draft last year, and is still playing for Canterbury this year, has he actually signed a contract with the Blues franchise or what?

[rocketx]

He could be signing for Auckland now that Mathewson is on board. He tried do it last year but the Cantabs wouldn't let him so put he himself in the draft.

[Duluth]

He has signed for the Blues.. it was in the herald recently

[rocketx]

Does he have any plans to sign with Auckland?

[Red Beard]

Duluth said:

I think Berquist is still looking offshore? I think Auckland just got him out of the bargain bin for one year?

Yeah I think he said on Rugby Centre the other night that he is wating for an off shore contract to be finalised.

[Gunner]

Bronson Murray...Who is he contracted to?

[taniwharugby]

until end of this year, Canterbury I believe....

[Winger]

Tim said:

From what I've seen of Berquist this year there's no way I'd have him starting at super 15 level.

He's fine at NPC level. But not good enough the next level up if a team is hoping to do better than make up the numbers.

What about Renata. is he an option. He seems a bit up and down for Waikato but when on form can be VG. Defence may be an issue though but even Brett has improved here

[Winger]

Duluth said:

I think it's gone up to 32? This year it was 28

Up to 32 I think. Including 3 hookers, 3 HBs and 8 in the extended sqaud

[the_doctor]

Winger said:

Up to 32 I think. Including 3 hookers, 3 HBs and 8 in the extended sqaud

Does anyone know if it's open season for all 32 spots? Or are teams limited to contracting a lower number (28 say), and the final spots determined by a draft?

Also, is there a reason people are still talking about "catchment areas"? I though that was all irrelevent now? Or does that come into consideration for the extended training squad?

[rocketx]

minimun is 30 players but the max is 32. The Blues really need to go for the 32 and get as much experience in the team.
Morland, Ward, Payne and Atiga should be there.

[taniwharugby]

I'd be very surprised if Ward is there, on current form, Atiga doesnt deserve a spot, but if he can sort himself out, he will be a good addition to the squad.

Probably tinged with bias, but I reckon Payne will be pressing for the 13 jersey, as I think Toeava should be in 15.

[rocketx]

I'd be surprised if Lam threw away an All Black even if it's just one test cap.

If Payne plays at 13 then where does Ranger go? I thought he was awesome at centre for the blues this year.

[hau22]

shit 32? waS thinking 30, which meant u were allowed a third hooker and half most probs... and thats still alot. so now its 2 x 15// with 1 xtra hooker and halfback?

anyway heres my 30. dunno whats going to happen with Ali Williams though...

I think they could score a good lock like Craig Clark if the chiefs and hurricanes dont want him. if not, then whoever they leave out.

15 Brent Ward
14 R. Ranger
13 I. Toeava
12 B. Stanley
11 J. Rokocoko
10 S. Brett
9 A. Mathewson
8 P. Saili
7 D. Braid
6 J. Kaino
5 A. Boric
4 K. Haiu
3 J. Afoa
2 K. Mealamu
1 T. Woodcock
16 C. Faumuina
17 T. Mailau
18 C. Clark
19 C. Lowrey
20 T. Morland
21 L. McAllister
22 J. Payne
23 Tom McCartney
24 Filo Paulo
25 L. Braid(signed)
26 Cam Eyre/Matt Luamanu
27 M. Berquist
28 C. Smylie
29 Dave Thomas
30 A. Taylor (Tara)

[taniwharugby]

rocketx said:

I'd be surprised if Lam threw away an All Black even if it's just one test cap.

If Payne plays at 13 then where does Ranger go? I thought he was awesome at centre for the blues this year.

Reckon Ranger would go to 14 with roving commission, which is similar to what he did when wearing 13 anyway, not to mention I think Toeava's best position is 15.

Edited by taniwharugby, 02 September 2010 - 02:24 PM.

[rotated]

rocketx said:

Does he have any plans to sign with Auckland?

Auckland? What better opportunity for us to extend a hand to our franchise partner Northland by letting them have first dibs on a great player. Always looking out for the Taniwha...