The Blues?!

[Darwin]

heh I knew you would disagree.

I AM being very brutal because that is honestly the stance the blues decision makers need to take, reality check time. Ask the tough questions.

for me stowers just has not shown in super rugby what he had in ITM cup 2-3 years ago or what he's done in 7's. he's small and IMO has limited potential. Heck I went to his wiki page and it says he now has 18 caps for the blues and just 1 try... 1.. (blues site has him 19 caps 1 try) He's now 26 (IMO wingers mostly peak before 25) and if he was that good he quite simply would have taken his chance with the blues by now. Good player but the blues need better and should dam well have better with such a large selection pool. Tim I just see as having more potential at 15's, he's bigger, much taller genuine speed and the all round skills needed (could even play fullback). His hands let him down in ITM cup big time, if not for that he would have been a genuine standout I believe. Sseeing him in 7's you know his hands are not a problem in general. I think he would also being good balance to the squad, would he be a worse selection than Monro or Parks? he easily has more to offer than some of these guys.

hmmm... ok so Harris vs. Nonu is all you got?
How about:

Harris vs. Brett?
Harris vs. Michael Hobbs?
Harris vs. Lachie Monro?
Harris vs. Hadleigh parks?

There is a whole swag of fairly average backs that have been a part of the blues squad that are nowhere near as good as Harris. How were these guys good enough and Harris was not? Not selecting him was a massive mistake and it will haunt the blues for years. He's already won a super ***le with the reds and made the wallabies. I'd even go as far as to say I think Harris is a better player than Benson Stanley.

Mathewson is a good player but he's not the same player he was 3-4 years ago, he was rubbish for the first half of this super season and at times looked disinterested, had one really good game later in the season but still could not hold that momentum, and is generally a pretty poor kicker easily the worst of the top maybe 6-8 halfbacks in NZ today. Blues are stuck with weepu and hopefully he will make a conscious effort to be fit and have a strong 2013 to make up for this year, sure having Ted around will help. As of right now Mathewson does not have a contract with the blues for next year and I see good reason for that. He should have to play his way back into the squad and I think the blues selectors should hold off and look for better options in the ITM cup. I can't honestly see other franchises leaping to sign him, else it would have happened already.

Agree with some of that, disagree with some of that.

I'm not sold on Stowers either way. He has been very underwhelming for the Blues in past seasons, so I can see why he hasn't played that many matches, but he did look very good when he got a chance at the end of this season. I think it is naive to suggest a wing is 'past his prime' because he is 26 - it may be the case with some wings, but others continue to play great rugby into their 30's (and beyond). I think he deserves another chance at the Blues, as he has shown before he can be a genuine weapon with ball in hand. Mikkelson on the other hand is really just an average ITM Cup player (but a good 7's player). He is like the Stephen Donald of wings (albeit a poorer version!) - he tries hard, but lacks the genuine pace or explosiveness that is necessary in the XV's game. He has had a few chances at Super Rugby level over the years, but has been found wanting, and I don't think he has shown anything to suggest that he should be contracted this season. I agree that Mikkelson should be ahead of Munro and Parkes (as a wing), but there are much better options than Mikkelson in my opinion - the likes of Ben Lam, George Moala, David Raikuna, Sherwin Stowers, Nafi Tuitavake, and Rene Ranger for starters.....

While I agree the Blues should have picked Harris I don't think he is near as bigger loss as you are making out. He is a solid contributor at Super Rugby level, but that is all. He is a very good goal-kicker, but that is the only area where he stands out - he offers next to nothing with ball in hand, and while a ok defender, certainly isn't a standout in this regard either. He is a very similar level to the likes of Brett and Hobbs (or Noakes who the Blues have picked up this season) - ok Super Rugby players, but not standouts by any stretch of the imagination. Would he have been a solid option for the Blues over the last couple of years? Possibly. Would he have been any better than Hobbs, Brett, Stanley etc? No, probably not.

I'm starting to agree with you more on Mathewson, but I still think he warrants a spot in the Blues, though does need a strong season with Auckland.

 

[bobbilycious]

http://tvnz.co.nz/rugby-news/alby-mathewson-heading-western-force-5049758

Mathewson is gone. The Blues will need to find a new replacement halfback, then. I've heard that Bryn Hall played well against Waikato. In the U20s he looked to be a really good organiser but his passing was a little slow. He was injured, though. I've heard his passing was very quick against Waikato. Also, in the future he could be an option as captain - his leadership really impressed me throughout the JWC.
They could also try and get Augustine Pulu who impressed for the Chiefs with few opportunities or perhaps even Frae Wilson who would be decent enough. Kirwan has worked with Tanaka before so a good ITM Cup and he might even get a Blues contract. The Highlanders will also be looking so they might want to get in fast, whoever they go for.

 

[Darwin]

http://tvnz.co.nz/rugby-news/alby-mathewson-heading-western-force-5049758

Mathewson is gone. The Blues will need to find a new replacement halfback, then. I've heard that Bryn Hall played well against Waikato. In the U20s he looked to be a really good organiser but his passing was a little slow. He was injured, though. I've heard his passing was very quick against Waikato. Also, in the future he could be an option as captain - his leadership really impressed me throughout the JWC.
They could also try and get Augustine Pulu who impressed for the Chiefs with few opportunities or perhaps even Frae Wilson who would be decent enough. Kirwan has worked with Tanaka before so a good ITM Cup and he might even get a Blues contract. The Highlanders will also be looking so they might want to get in fast, whoever they go for.

Wow, that is an interesting move by Mathewson!

As for his replacement, Hall would be a very good option despite his young age. Like you I thought his distribution was very poor with the under 20's, but he looked a very different player versus Waikato (almost Aaron Smith like in his passing!). Tanaka and Pulu would be good options too - Tanaka's contrasting playing style to Weepu, and his relationship with Kirwan may make him a good option (and then we can have Bryn Hall ).

 

[Larksea]

can't believe you think Mikkleson lacks pace, he's one of the few players in NZ rugby that can genuinely score end to end tries in 15's, he's not perfect but he's the type of player the blues need to look for to add balance to their lineup, tall good ball skills/highball/defense great speed and finishing. I'm sure over the ITM cup other options will present themselves. I only mention him because if he has a good itm cup this season they should seriously consider him.

really I think it's what they should be looking for. Not being racist but I do acknowledge that Pacific kiwis and European kiwis do generally have different strengths and weaknesses and it's best to have a good mix of both, that list you posted is all Pacific flair. If it was a list of 6 white fellas I would say it lacked Pacific flair (so that makes it ok I think )

Example: Ryan Crotty and Robbie Fruen is a better combination than two Ryan Crotty's or two Robbie Fruens, Nonu & Smith is a better combination than two Nonu's or two Smiths, Savea on one wing and Jane on the other is better than Two Jane's or Two Savea's.

different players, different skill sets and physical attributes the magic happens when you get them working together in the right combination.

 

[Larksea]

not surprised at all that mathewson has gone, as I've been saying. I think we can at least close that argument now

Just a shame Pulu signed for the chiefs, I think he's kinda what the blues need. Other options will surely present themselves in the ITM cup.

 

[Darwin]

can't believe you think Mikkleson lacks pace, he's one of the few players in NZ rugby that can genuinely score end to end tries in 15's, he's not perfect but he's the type of player the blues need to look for to add balance to their lineup, tall good ball skills/highball/defense great speed and finishing. I'm sure over the ITM cup other options will present themselves. I only mention him because he is from Waikato.

really I think it's what they should be looking for. Not being racist but I do acknowledge that Pacific kiwis and European kiwis do generally have different strengths and weaknesses and it's best to have a good mix of both, that list you posted is all Pacific flair. If it was a list of 6 white fellas I would say it lacked Pacific flair (so that makes it ok I think )

Example: Ryan Crotty and Robbie Fruen is a better combination than two Ryan Crotty's or two Robbie Fruens, Nonu & Smith is a better combination than two Nonu's or two Smiths, Savea on one wing and Jane on the other is better than Two Jane's or Two Savea's.

different players, different skill sets and physical attributes the magic happens when you get them working together in the right combination.

I fixed the bolded sentence for you

I think you will struggle to find many people outside of Waikato that consider Mikkelson fast. He is a good Sevens player due to his great work-rate, solid defense, and phenomenal fitness levels, but pace is not one of his assets (there is a reason he plays in the forwards!). I would be surprised if there a many wings in the ITM cup that are slower than Mikkelson. I'm not sure what you mean when you say Mikkelson is one of the few players who can can genuinely score end to end tries in 15's? I don't know of any wing at ITM Cup level who is not capable of scoring end to end tries, and I'm not sure what makes Mikkelson so special in this regard - he hasn't exactly been a try scoring machine at ITM Cup level (10 tries in 34 matches before the start of this season..).

While I do agree getting a more well rounded player like Mikkelson may be helpful for the Blues, I think there are plenty of better options than Mikkelson, who has hardly looked comfortable at Super Rugby level thus far and by you own logic is already past his prime, as he is already 26!

 

[Larksea]

whatever opinions vary on him Mikkleson is clearly one of the best wingers not playing super rugby that's why I used him as an example.

maybe nit picking over things is detracting from my main point

 

[donmcdazzle]

whatever opinions vary on him Mikkleson is clearly one of the best wingers not playing super rugby that's why I used him as an example.

maybe nit picking over things is detracting from my main point

Not sure I agree with that. A quite fast guy with bad hands, there are heaps of those floating around.

 

[Darwin]

I wonder if the Blues have considered trying to get Kurt Baker, as he would be a very good option in my opinion. I would love for him to stay with the Highlanders, but I can't see that happening as he was only really used as a last resort this season (even when we had a pile of injuries), which makes me think he has done something to **** off the coaches! He is a genuine fullback option, who would bring a bit of solidity alongside the likes of Piutau, Moala, Stowers, Raikuna, Ranger etc.

One other position they should look to bring in players is at number 8. Luke Braid did a good job their late in the season, but he is still far more effective at 7. Saili has failed to establish himself at 8 which is a bit disappointing - he has the talent, but not the consistency. I wouldn't be surprised if the get Fritz Lee from the Chiefs, but he may well end up in the same boat as Saili. Jimmy Tupou is an intriguing loose-forward option, but still looks a year or two away from being ready for Super Rugby, and they could look to target someone like Jordan Taufua, but I can't see the Crusaders letting him get away (though they already have an abundance of quality loosies).

If I was the Blues coach/selector I would look at having a lineup such as this next season:

1. Woodcock, 2. Mealamu, 3. Faumuina, 4. Boric (if fit, otherwise Ali Williams), 5. Moli, 6. Luatua, 7. Luke Braid, 8. Saili/Lee/AN other, 9. Piri Weepu, 10. Gareth Anscombe, 11. George Moala, 12. Ma'a Nonu, 13. Francis Saili, 14. Rene Ranger, 15. Charles Piutau.
Reserves (I will go with 7, but their may well be 8...): 16. James Parsons, 17. Manu/Mailau/Ta'avao/Tu'ungafasi - a bit of a weakness here, 18. Williams, 19. Dan Braid/Polwart/Lee/Saili/AN Other, 20. Bryn Hall, 21. Michael Hobbs, 22. Sherwin Stowers/David Raikuna/Ben Lam.

Not a bad looking lineup if everyone could stay fit! A bit weak at 8, and a bit green in the backline, but not a bad looking team all round. Prop depth could be an issue (hopefully Tu'ungafasi has a storming season), and I'm not sure whether Dan Braid will be around for another season (but Polwart looks to be developing nicely).

 

[bobbilycious]

I see Ahsee Tuala as a fairly similar player to Mikkelson but with more speed and a good eye for the intercept. Heem is another young guy who I would rate ahead of Mikkelson. He is big and strong and also has pretty good pace.
Nafi Tuitavake is a reasonably evasive runner (perhaps he doesn't have out-and-out pace, but probably still faster than Mikkelson). Popoali'i didn't get a contract and he has very good skills, great acceleration and a great step.

I would probably also rate guys like Johnny McNichol, Waisake Naholo, Ben Lam, Woodward ahead of Mikkelson and I'm sure there will be some young players that will come through and impress (Nikoro, Visinia, Webber, G Robertson etc)

 

[bobbilycious]

Mailau is off to France. In my mind, this isn't a bad thing, though. At SupeRugby level he was pretty awful. Hopefully someone else can step up.

 

[Darwin]

I see Ahsee Tuala as a fairly similar player to Mikkelson but with more speed and a good eye for the intercept. Heem is another young guy who I would rate ahead of Mikkelson. He is big and strong and also has pretty good pace.
Nafi Tuitavake is a reasonably evasive runner (perhaps he doesn't have out-and-out pace, but probably still faster than Mikkelson). Popoali'i didn't get a contract and he has very good skills, great acceleration and a great step.

I would probably also rate guys like Johnny McNichol, Waisake Naholo, Ben Lam, Woodward ahead of Mikkelson and I'm sure there will be some young players that will come through and impress (Nikoro, Visinia, Webber, G Robertson etc)

Yeah I agree that all of the players mentioned are at least on par, or in most cases better than Mikkelson.

Mailau is off to France. In my mind, this isn't a bad thing, though. At SupeRugby level he was pretty awful. Hopefully someone else can step up.

Forgot about that. I agree though, he was average (at best) at Super Rugby level, though he was probably the best option that the Blues had available (and the fact he could play on both sides helped).

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

I'm a fan of Mikkelson too - nothing like seeing a big rangy white guy on the wing!

 

[nickdnz]

I fixed the bolded sentence for you

Haha, I didn't wanna be the one to point it out.

To be fair, I can see why Larksea things Mikkleson is quick. In 7's I would agree that he can often outpace wingers and is deceptively quick, but it only happens when he has plenty of space to move (which is why 7's is good for him). Off the mark, he's considerably slower than just about any winger mentioned.

I see Ahsee Tuala as a fairly similar player to Mikkelson but with more speed and a good eye for the intercept. Heem is another young guy who I would rate ahead of Mikkelson. He is big and strong and also has pretty good pace.
Nafi Tuitavake is a reasonably evasive runner (perhaps he doesn't have out-and-out pace, but probably still faster than Mikkelson). Popoali'i didn't get a contract and he has very good skills, great acceleration and a great step.

I would probably also rate guys like Johnny McNichol, Waisake Naholo, Ben Lam, Woodward ahead of Mikkelson and I'm sure there will be some young players that will come through and impress (Nikoro, Visinia, Webber, G Robertson etc)

Good call. I rate Ahsee Tuala, had a very very good season in 2010 (If memory serves me right). He's also got quite a massive boot on him, which I didn't expect. Wouldn't mind seeing the Blues snap him up.

Popoali'i doesn't really have much out and out pace, and while he's certainly not bad at super rugby level (would be more effective than many of the Blues players), I can't help but feel he should go for an Olympic gold medal. He's got very good skills and the best step of probably any player I know. When he played in the Wellington 7's a few years ago I thought he was going to put Tomasi Cama out of the starting lineup.

 

[bobbilycious]

Yea, Popoali'i might be a little too slow for wing at SupeRugby level but he would still make a very good fullback. He has the step and acceleration to break the defense. He'd just need some speed merchants running in support. It is hard to find room for him at fullback, though. Like always, we just have so many talented outside backs. He would be a great 7s player if he stuck with it, but I hope to see him getting a fair bit of game time for a SupeRugby franchise (although, it would be cool to see him win a gold medal in Rio )

 

[Darwin]

Just seen that Brendan O'Connor has signed with the Blues. Dan Braid remains unsigned, and may not get a contract given they now have two opensides already signed (and he is out of the whole ITM Cup injured, so wont get a chance to impress). I've got a lot of time for O'Connor - he hasn't had many chances for Canterbury, but he is a quality openside flanker (who can also cover 6) and is very quick. It will be interesting to see how he goes.

 

[Larksea]

kinda unimpressed with the emergence of Sean Polwart, couple of years ago he was the "Next Richie McCaw" but he really has not made much of an impact. hardly notice when he's on the field.

 

[donmcdazzle]

Popoali'i doesn't really have much out and out pace, and while he's certainly not bad at super rugby level (would be more effective than many of the Blues players), I can't help but feel he should go for an Olympic gold medal. He's got very good skills and the best step of probably any player I know. When he played in the Wellington 7's a few years ago I thought he was going to put Tomasi Cama out of the starting lineup.

He seems quick to me? Supposedly he used to be a very good sprinter back in his high school days. Certainly faster than a fair amount of wingers in Super rugby (Adam Whitelock I am looking firmly in your direction). The Crusaders should get him, they used to always seem to have a flair player on one wing at least; going back to the likes of Paula Bale (not sure he played for Crusaders but definitely Canterury in the early 90's), Vunibaka, Berryman, Afato So'oialo, Joe Maddock etc.

 

[Darwin]

kinda unimpressed with the emergence of Sean Polwart, couple of years ago he was the "Next Richie McCaw" but he really has not made much of an impact. hardly notice when he's on the field.

Watching the Canterbury vs Auckland match I would have to agree with you. He probably hasn't got as many chances as he would want with Auckland, but he has been decidedly unimpressive today (while in contrast Matt Todd has been on fire!). He isn't quick or accurate enough at the breakdown, and I've just seen him miss two tackles in a row (the 1st on Adam Whitelock, the 2nd on Crotty). I was never that impressed with him at age-grade level, but I did expect him to be a future Super Rugby player - not sure if that is going to happen now.

Also if Auckland are looking for a skinny white guy to play wing/fullback, Johnny McNicoll is looking very sharp!

 

[Larksea]

yeah word is they already looking maybe even talking to McNicoll, I'd think even the crusaders may be keen on securing him though, with Maitland having a very average season and now out of ITM cup