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Join Date: Nov 2009
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Blues:
Quote:
Take one look at the Blues roster for the coming season of the Super 14, and one could easily believe that they will be among the title favourites. But unfortunately for the faithful of the Northernmost New Zealand franchise, this has been a reoccurring theme in recent years.
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An All Black tight five, with another test representative in the loose forwards. Potentially a backline stacked with not only one of the up and coming first five eighths in the country, but six All Blacks.
The region historically is the strongest hub of rugby power in the country, but in terms of both winning percentages and titles won, they have been superseded by two other strongholds in Canterbury and Wellington of late.
Auckland, the principle feeder union to the Blues, has won 16 NPC/Air New Zealand Cup titles, and has almost defended the Ranfurly Shield 150 times, three times more than any other side with the exception of Canterbury.
When adding to this three Super rugby titles, one could assume on pedigree alone they will be a threat.
But in the last eleven years of competition, they have only twice made the top four.
Last year was a disappointing season by their lofty standards. Only once did they win two games in succession. Twice they had 50 plus points put on them and finished with the third worst defensive record in the competition. They lost four matches at home, and their list of scalps – Western Force, Stormers, Cheetahs, Lions and Highlanders – is poor reading due to the fact that they were unable to beat a team ranked in the top half of the table.
There was some promise though.
They scored a competition record 12 bonus points, a crucial register throughout the season, and surprisingly finished as the second best attacking team of the year. It was the second consecutive year that the team completed the season with such an outstanding offensive record despite missing the playoffs.
And in this, one can ascertain the simple problem that the team needs to rectify.
Super 14 is built on attacking rugby, but while the best attacking teams often finish near the top of the table, there are other factors that play a crucial part.
These are the basic tenets of rugby.
Precision and accuracy in execution is crucial, for making too many mistakes or unforced errors are a killer in first class rugby. The ability to quickly switch a mindset from attack to defence and vice versa gives a side a championship edge. But most importantly, it is the ability to put the opposition under pressure, either when attacking or defending.
This above paragraph suitably applies to two teams in recent years, the Crusaders and the Bulls, both cold and methodical sides.
So in essence, the Blues need to make sure they hone their ruthless edge.
They are not a lost cause, and can build on their recent seasons.
In 2009 they clocked up more running metres and line breaks than any other side. Their defence (dare we say it when it was “on”) was one of the more physically intimidating defensive systems in the competition.
Clearly the Blues are comfortably when playing flamboyant rugby, but they need to remember that against some of the more drilled and precise operations in the Super 14, they need to play it tight and safe. They certainly have the personal to do so.
But there are plenty of different faces with nine changes from 2009’s squad.
Up front the Blues will be able to roll out an All Black front six.
John Afoa, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock, Ali Williams, Anthony Boric and Jerome Kaino will be the platform in which the three time champions need to rely on, especially in the opening stages of the match and season, when the Blues can historically start too loosely.
Much interest will be on the returning Williams, who missed most of 2009 due to injury, and was New Zealand’s premier lock before missing the back end of the year.
But with so much youth in the Blues squad, the veterans up front will need to take the reins to ensure that the side plays with a specific purpose.
This is especially the case in the back row, with Kaino joined by plenty of new faces including Wellington flanker Serge Lilo (one of three draft players), Aucklander Peter Saili and North Harbour duo Viliami Ma'afu and Tom Chamberlain.
In the halves Taniela Moa is the highest profile omission, but is replaced by one match All Black Alby Mathewson (debuted against Munster). Joining him is first five Daniel Kirkpatrick, with both players moving north from the Hurricanes.
The trump cards for the Blues could be two playmakers, one a high profile draft player and the other a returning All Black.
How Blues coach Pat Lam decides to allocate his axis will be the key. A Brett-McAlister 10 and 12 combination could be a title winning one. With players such as Kirkpatrick and the impressive Benson Stanley adding to their resources, the side won’t be lacking for options.
In the three quarters, there is depth aplenty.
Isaia Toeava will make his return from injury, after having brief periods of excellence when playing for the All Blacks in 2009. Fellow test players Joe Rokocoko, Rudi Wulf and Anthony Tuitavake all have points to prove, and with Rene Ranger and Paul Williams in the mix as well, the Blues will have a verifiable squadron of attacking backs at their disposal.
The Blues begin their season with a huge clash with the Hurricanes at Eden Park.
They then travel away to play the Highlanders, Reds and Crusaders; no doubt these first four matches will make or break the Blues season, but thankfully they have a bye in week five.
They then host the Brumbies, before travelling to Sydney to play the Waratahs.
There will then be three straight games at Eden Park, playing the Bulls, Stormers and Western Force. Home comforts will then be shelved with a three match South African safari, playing the Sharks, Cheetahs and Lions.
They then play the Chiefs in a big clash to finish the regular season.
BLUES 2010 REBEL SPORT SUPER 14 SQUAD
Tony Woodcock, John Afoa, Charlie Faumuina, Tevita Mailau, , Keven Mealamu, Tom McCartney, Anthony Boric, Ali Williams, Kurtis Haiu, Jerome Kaino, Peter Saili**, Serge Lilo (D)*, Tom Chamberlain**, Chris Lowrey, Viliame Maafu** +, Alby Mathewson*, Chris Smylie, Stephen Brett (D)*, Daniel Kirkpatrick (D)*, Luke McAlister***, Benson Stanley, Isaia Toeava, George Pisi***, Rudi Wulf, Anthony Tuitavake, Joe Rokocoko, Rene Ranger, Paul Williams.
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2010 Rebel Sport Super 14 preview: Blues | allblacks.com - official site of the All Blacks |