153 replies to this topic

[rocketx]

super rugby sqauds are announced soon.

[Duluth]

Other teams should really do this too.. I know Blackadder does for the Crusaders but all the franchises and NPC sides should communicate in this manner


http://www.theblues....chs-Corner.aspx

Quote

A lot has happened since the end of the season but first and foremost what an awesome Rugby World Cup it has been. Not only for the All Blacks but the entire country, it’s been a fabulous tournament and everyone’s really gotten behind it. It’s been great to see and naturally everyone’s looking forward to New Zealand bringing it home on the weekend.

As far as what we’ve been doing behind the scenes since the season ended, obviously a lot of planning and preparation has gone into next season as well as assembling our final squad. Everyone is allowed to protect up to 28 players and come November 1 the draft process starts, so out of the 28 players we’ve secured 27 and we have one spot left before we go to the draft to secure the others and finalise our squad.


The good thing for us is the continuity of players staying on next year, obviously with Keven Mealamu as the captain re-signing for another two years. As the Rugby World Cup has shown, strong teams need to be based around a solid forward pack and we’re pleased that from last year we’ve secured pretty much everyone bar John Afoa who is off to Ireland. We’ve also assembled an impressive backline at this stage, and it’s awesome to see new recruits Piri Weepu and Ma’a Nonu playing so well for the All Blacks so it’s a pretty exciting time for the Blues that they’ll be coming to us next year. The re-signing of Rudi Wulf is also a key one along with the most recent signing of young inside back Michael Hobbs.


In between planning for next season, during the World Cup it’s been a good time to do some hospitality work and some commentating for Maori TV and Sky TV. It’s also been a great opportunity to catch up with some old friends and it’s like one big reunion with all the players that have played in past World Cups. The Samoa team from 1991 all caught up - it’s been 20 years from what happened there so we had a week’s reunion and it was good to catch up with a lot of old friends and re-live the old days.


As far as Blues planning goes, Bryce Woodward and I have been doing a lot of work behind the scenes at developing our game. The beauty of going into my fourth campaign now, having established a strong culture and a lot of the senior players driving that and having a clear vision, is that it has enabled us to really focus in on the micro level. An area that we really want to improve on and what our game plan highlighted last season was that we created a lot of opportunities but some of them were squandered by poor execution or decision making so we’re doing a lot of work on decision making drills this year and continuing to improve our game.


What the World Cup has shown is that the basics still remain; you need a good dominant forward pack that win their ball and while people are excited about the backs that are coming to the Blues, every team throughout New Zealand has an exciting backline but like rugby has always been, the work starts up front so the work that the forwards do is crucial and there’s a lot of work involved there.


Progressively we’ve gotten better every year in my three years here and now the expectation is to be in the finals and obviously to go further than that, and that all starts on day one when everyone comes together on November 22 for pre-season training.


To see all our Blues All Blacks playing well in the World Cup bodes well and it’s fabulous to see Jerome Kaino, Ma’a Nonu and Piri Weepu nominated for the IRB player of the year. Woody and Keven have also been outstanding and it’s great to see the other guys like Ali, Ice Toeava and Anthony Boric take their chances when they’ve come on. They’ll get a good break after the World Cup and hopefully they’ll be World Champions, New Zealand will be on such a rugby high and they’ll all come back into our Blues environment in the New Year raring to go which will be exciting for everyone.


With Blues lock Kurtis Haiu’s current situation and his ongoing battle with cancer we decided as a Blues management team to run the Auckland marathon for him next week. Certainly a marathon is not on my bucket list and when I played rugby the furthest I ran was about 6km and having a Samoan physique, we were not made for marathons and I’m finding out why!


We ran 32km last week in training and all the injuries I’ve had in the past are coming back to haunt me – ankles, knees, hips, everything’s really taking it’s toll but that’s why we decided to do it – when someone close to you goes through cancer it’s a real struggle and we’ll be thinking of him to push through the pain barrier. I can definitely say this will be the first and last marathon I’ll do, it’s tough but it’s for a good cause and I’d encourage anyone who would like to donate to his Trust to click here


The big question on the lips of a lot Facebook and Twitter fans is whether Sonny Bill Williams is coming to the Blues. The way the contracts work in New Zealand, firstly you have to sign a New Zealand contract and from there players choose their franchise and it’s good in the sense that we can’t offer more than other franchises and at the end of the day the players choose where they want to go. Hence Ma’a and Piri chose us when other franchises were keen for them, so all we can do it sit back and wait for Sonny to make a decision that a) he wants to stay in New Zealand which is done through the NZRU, and if that breaks down then everything else is irrelevant, but if he does decide to stay he chooses his franchise and I think we’ve always said if Sonny Bill comes to the Blues it’s a bonus and if not then we support him in his decision and move on so it’s a wait-and-see game at the moment which is no different from what he’s saying in the media.


Another question on Facebook asked whether Piri Weepu would play at nine, ten or a combination of both for the Blues in 2012. He’ll definitely cover both and he showed against Canada and other games for the All Blacks that he’s a very good 10 as well the country’s best nine. He’s a quality player but we’re also lucky to have Alby Mathewson at nine as well so initially Piri might start at 10 but he will cover nine. It comes down to what’s best for the team and performance. The key is Piri wants to play both, I wouldn’t play a player in a position he didn’t want to play.


There were a couple of tweets asking about new signings and whether there would be any surprises when we name our squad on November 2. The nucleus of the team is still the same as last year and given the earlier contracting window, most of the surprises have already happened with Piri and Ma’a joining the Blues as well as Rudi Wulf returning. The core of the team is pretty much locked and loaded and is looking strong for next year.


Finally, I’m really looking forward to the Rugby World Cup final and am confident where the boys are at with the experience they’ve got and the way they’re playing. While we all know the French are unpredictable, I think the coaching staff have done a great job, they’ve learnt a lot of lessons, the senior players are all up for it and I have no doubt that it’s going to be a good All Black victory and I wish them all the very best.


As always if you’ve got any questions you want answered post them below or on Facebook and Twitter and I’ll update you all in the near future.

[rocketx]

So it's actually announced on november 2. isn't nonu doing something similar to josh blackie by playing in japan and return a few weeks into the competition?

Edited by rocketx, 22 October 2011 - 03:14 PM.

[Duluth]

rocketx said:

isn't nonu doing something similar to josh blackie by playing in japan and return a few weeks into the competition?

Yeah not sure how long the delay is


How's this for a match day 22? (I'll be positive and believe the rumours that SBW has signed)

Woodcock
Mealamu
Faumuina
A Willaims
Boric
Kaino
Braid/Braid
Saili

Matthewson
Weepu
Wulf
Nonu
SBW
Ranger
Toeava

Mailau?
McCartney
Paulo
Braid/Braid
Anscombe
Hobbes
+ Outside back


The interesting ones for me are if they can improve the number 8 cover (Bourke?) and if they can get a better backup TH. Mailau is a decent utility but hasn't really kicked on yet


Then just some tinkering around the edges.. more outside backs, 3rd halfback

[taniwharugby]

Be surprised if Mailau makes the squad TBH, seems to have gone backwards! I'd like McCartney to focus on prop, which is where I think he is best.

I know one of the Northland props was at the trials/fitness testing a few weeks back.T

Like usual, that side on paper for the Blues is very good.

[Duluth]

Props last year were:

Woodcock
Afoa
Faumuina
Mailau
Plus limited time for McCartney and Manu on the LH side

Mailau is OK on the LH IMO but has struggled to cover TH recently

There's a chance Mailau could miss out to Manu but any new prop really needs to be a TH specialist. Was it a TH that was trialling? I still think Mailau might scrape in though because he does have that TH experience.

It's a real shame that Ben Afeaki is contracted to the Chiefs


As for McCartney I don't understand the he's better at prop comment? His general play is great in both positions so I guess you are talking about lineout throwing? Technically he is a good thrower (now). With two weeks to go in the NPC McCartney was leading the lineout throwing stats across the competition. Which is impressive considering the Auckland locks were wearing nappies

What McCartney does though is open up a bench position for that specialist TH prop

[taniwharugby]

it was Vessey (I think he's a THP)...I just think McCartney could go further at prop.

[Duluth]

Oh and just on McCartney - although he's been around for years he's only just turned 26. When Mealamu finishes his last contract McCartney will be 28 an in his prime as a front rower.

There were rumours the Hurricanes were chasing him quite hard so I hope the Blues secure him and the transition plan is in place.

[Duluth]

taniwharugby said:

it was Vessey (I think he's a THP)...I just think McCartney could go further at prop.

Cool

Even if he's not ready for the match day 22 they need to develop more TH's int he squad.

[the_doctor]

It'd be nice if there was a website that listed all the players that have signed with the NZRU, with the length of their contract, and which Super team they'd signed with and for how long.

I'd guess that young prop Angus Ta'avao would be close to making the squad. Don't know if he's more of a TH or LH though.

[Duluth]

the_doctor said:

I'd guess that young prop Angus Ta'avao would be close to making the squad. Don't know if he's more of a TH or LH though.

He started at TH early this season for Auckland and was in the Blues WTG.. although he ended the season playing at lock b/c of injuries

I'm not sure if he's ready yet though.. another year of NPC maybe?

[rocketx]

be surprised if McCartney joins the canes. who would want to join the canes? mailau could most likely be there now that mike reid has retired from rugby.

I wonder if Mika will still be selected. He could be to the blues what samo is to the reds.

[the_doctor]

Duluth said:

He started at TH early this season for Auckland and was in the Blues WTG.. although he ended the season playing at lock b/c of injuries

I'm not sure if he's ready yet though.. another year of NPC maybe?

Despite not remebering which side he played, I do recall being impressed with his scrummaging - the Auckland scrum always improved when he came off the bench, or dipped when he left the field. He may not be ready to be the number one TH, but he could be the best option for depth at TH. And it's probably a good thing to have one young prop in the squad who could go on to a be a foundation for the front row in years to come, like Woodcock has been ove the last 8 years.

[Duluth]

I thought he struggled at times?

I agree he has a massive future considering he's this good at 21. Not sure if he'd be better served training like a pro in the WTG (again) at this stage

[Mojoman]

I know we always look good on paper but shit that team looks good. Reserve outside back spot for match day will probably go to Benson Stanley. Stanley will probably start @ Centre if SBW doesn't stay.

Manu is definitely the better with ball in hand but we need some coverage @ THP so it'll probably be Mailau.

[Duluth]

I notice that on the Blues website in the players section you can select 2012 in the drop down on this page http://www.theblues....am/Players.aspx and 25 players come up.. so there's the bulk of the squad

[Bones]

Duluth said:

I notice that on the Blues website in the players section you can select 2012 in the drop down on this page http://www.theblues....am/Players.aspx and 25 players come up.. so there's the bulk of the squad

No Nonu?

[Duluth]

well that is only 25 of the 30..

Looks like the squad will be formally announce in 30mins

There is a video of Lam talking about the side selected. He only mentions two new players Anscombe and Angus Ta'avao

[Tim]

Looks like all 30 are up now.

[mimic]

wow the new names are up

david raikuna and george moala made the squad

[Duluth]

That list just got refreshed and does show the full 30 now

Moala and Raikuna make it

[mimic]

theres 31 names tho?

[Baron Silas Greenback]

That ok.. it is up to 32 allowed.

[Duluth]

Looks like the website is still updating.. the list dropped down to 29

[Duluth]

http://www.theblues.co.nz/News/2011-11-2/2012-Blues-Squad.aspx

Quote

The 2012 Blues Squad was officially announced at BNZ in Auckland this morning, with head coach Pat Lam unveiling what he believes to be the most exciting and experienced squad he has ever assembled.

Led by talismanic captain Keven Mealamu, the 30-man Blues squad boasts a wealth of experience with only four players new to the franchise.


The much heralded signings of All Black stars Piri Weepu and Ma’a Nonu bolster a backline oozing with X-factor and class, while Lam has also looked to bring in the next generation of talent, naming New Zealand Sevens flyer David Raikuna and Auckland youngster George Moala in the squad.


After a season in the Blues Wider Training Group, promising first five-eighths Gareth Anscombe and props Pauliasi Manu and Angus Ta’avao have also graduated to the full squad.


2009 Blues player of the year Rudi Wulf has returned from a season with Toulon in France to further boost the backline stocks, while 23-year-old playmaker Michael Hobbs has overcome serious back surgery to rejoin the Blues after debuting for the Auckland-based franchise two years ago.


Despite being sidelined all of last season due to horrific injuries, number eight Brad Mika and lock Liaki Moli have been retained in the squad and will be relishing the opportunity for game time in 2012.


Lam said he was excited about the continuity of the squad as well as the introduction of some new faces to the team.


“This is definitely the strongest squad I’ve named in my time with the Blues,” Lam said.


“If you look at the group we’ve named, there are only four players out of the 30 that are new to the franchise – Piri Weepu, Ma’a Nonu, David Raikuna and George Moala.


“That’s exciting when you look at Piri and Ma’a who were superb during the World Cup and were nominated for the IRB Player of the Year award, and also Moala and Raikuna - two young wingers who will learn from a lot from the experienced guys.


“They have a lot of natural talent. David’s ability to beat a man is exceptional and he’s a typical Fijian flyer, while Moala is all Tongan power and strength so they complement Rudi Wulf, Sherwin Stowers and Rene Ranger.


“Ranger is keen to get some game time at centre like he did a couple of years ago and that frees up the possibility for these younger guys to get in, do some training and really push hard for a wingers spot.”


After nurturing a young and inexperienced side in 2009 and developing those players into an experienced group, Lam said it was important to start bringing in the next generation of talent to a team featuring eight players from the World Cup winning All Blacks side.


“We’re pretty excited with the balance we have in the squad. Bryce and I were really conscious that while we have all this experience with Ma’a and Piri joining the likes of Kevvie, Ali Williams, Isaia Toeava, Rudi Wulf, Anthony Boric, Jerome Kaino, Tony Woodcock and others, it’s important that we bring the young guys through like Gareth Anscombe, George Moala and the others that can learn from them.


“The successful Auckland and Blues teams of the past have always had a strong leadership group and experienced players teaching the next generation coming through and in the Blues region we have a lot of talent. For the young props like Pauliasi and Angus, giving them an opportunity to learn from Tony Woodcock is crucial to their development.”


Lam was also thrilled to see Keven Mealamu head into his twelfth year with the Blues.


“There’s no hiding the admiration I have for Keven Mealamu and we were so stoked he re-committed to the Blues for two years before the World Cup,” he said.


“He’s played a major part in developing the ‘Blues way’ and I knew he would play a major role in the All Blacks side that won the World Cup. He’s the most experienced Blues player ever and he’s got a couple of years in him left. He’s so passionate about the Blues and he’s the ultimate role model for the rest of the team."


While Nonu and Weepu's move north from the Hurricanes may have grabbed all the headlines in the lead up to the 2012 Blues Squad announcement, Lam said the return of wing Rudi Wulf was one of his most pleasing signings.


“I have to say it certainly made my day when Rudi asked to come back to the Blues. He had a lot of pressure to go to the other franchises because everyone knows how good he is but we’re thrilled he’s chosen to stay with us.

"Rudi exemplifies the ultimate professional player – he’s pretty much the Kevvie of the backs in way he trains, his commitment and he’s a great team man. He’s someone that is certainly going to help us a lot next year.”

Official Squad:

Anthony Boric
Daniel Braid
Luke Braid
Charlie Faumuina
Jerome Kaino
Chris Lowrey
Tevita Mailau
Pauliasi Manu
Tom McCartney
Keven Mealamu
Brad Mika
Liaki Moli
Filo Paulo
Peter Saili
Angus Ta’avao
Ali Williams
Tony Woodcock

Gareth Anscombe
Michael Hobbs
Alby Mathewson
George Moala
Lachie Munro
Ma’a Nonu
David Raikuna
Rene Ranger
Benson Stanley
Sherwin Stowers
Isaia Toeava
Piri Weepu
Rudi Wulf

Edited by Duluth, 02 November 2011 - 09:36 AM.

[Duluth]

Only two halfbacks so whoever makes the WTG will probably get a bit game time too

[Tim]

Hmm, loose forward trio, 13, and the back three would be the most contenious spots.

[BartMan]

funny seeing Nonu and Weepu in a team list that is not the Hurricanes! Looking forward to seeing some Blues games this season now.

[Duluth]

Really happy to see Moala make it. From little I've seen of him at the u20's for Tonga and in the NPC he looks like a freakish player.

[rotated]

The ingredients are all there, just use them in the right order, remember to preheat the oven and we will get the necessary result.

When looking through a squad I like to see a nice blend of All Blacks and potential All Blacks - and not a lot else. The ABs speak for themselves while Luke Braid, Anscombe, Moli, McCartney, Moala (if not tied to Tonga now) & Hobbs could at some point wear black.

Munro, Stowers and Mika I see little upside in but in the case of the first two are contracted for this year regardless.

Heads should rightfully roll if this side does not make the final.