<p>These penalties bear no resemblance to those that were getting dished out when I had to attend judicial subcommittee meetings here in Wellington (in supported of red carded players) where the bare minimum was three weeks regardless of what the offence was.</p>
<p>Good insight Higgins - ta</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Yep, it does appear that these judicial hearings and indeed the reffing law applications are being made up on the fly</p>
<p>NZ Herald suggesting that Jimmy Tupou may join the Blues.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11648875'>http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11648875</a></p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Tim" data-cid="584503" data-time="1464757210">
<div>
<p>NZ Herald suggesting that Jimmy Tupou may join the Blues.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>He's already signed I'm told. </p>
<p>Not a particularly inspiring signing. A journeyman short lock. Can't honestly say that he's better than Fatialofa or even Matenga.</p>
He's not as bad as you guys are making out. <br><br>
Just stuck behind 3 excellent locks at the crusaders. Has never disappointed when given an opportunity
<p>I don't think he's bad, and maybe useful for depth, just not a step up on what's currently available.</p>
<p>Bekhuis will leave a hole in our side. Don't mind Tupou, but agree with Tim, he's no better than what we already have.</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="SammyC" data-cid="584518" data-time="1464761167">
<div>
<p>I think he's a considerable step up from matenga (sp?)</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>That's good to hear. I'm hoping that Scrafton makes a big step up next year.</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Tim" data-cid="584517" data-time="1464760992">
<div>
<p>I don't think he's bad, and maybe useful for depth, just not a step up on what's currently available.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>What Tupou does offer is leadership - something the Blues are currently lacking. As SammyC says the Cantabs rate him highly. Tana obviously does too.</p>
<p>What it does show is that players who have played under Tana obviously enjoy the environment and rate him (Pulu, SBW, Tupou etc).</p>
<p>Why do you refer to Tupou as a lock? As far as I know, he's mainly a loose forward (6/8) who can also play lock. That's why he's such a handy man to have on the bench! Good leader, too. It's unfortunate for Tupou that there are so many All Blacks in the Crusaders forward pack and that Taufua is playing so extremely well, because they keep him out of the squad (not sure why they prefer Tim Boys on the bench). The Blues pack is not so stacked with great players, so he may finally get more game time if he indeed makes the move. I think he would be a good signing for the Blues.</p>
<p>I think it's a good signing. Tupou looked good earlier in the season when he got a start. It was at 8 however. Anyway it adds depth which they need even if it doesn't solve the lock issue.</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="584575" data-time="1464785601"><p>Why do you refer to Tupou as a lock? As far as I know, he's mainly a loose forward (6/8) who can also play lock. That's why he's such a handy man to have on the bench! Good leader, too. It's unfortunate for Tupou that there are so many All Blacks in the Crusaders forward pack and that Taufua is playing so extremely well, because they keep him out of the squad (not sure why they prefer Tim Boys on the bench). The Blues pack is not so stacked with great players, so he may finally get more game time if he indeed makes the move. I think he would be a good signing for the Blues.</p></blockquote>
<br>
The Blues are stacked in the loose forwards, so he likely wouldn't even get a bench spot there. Getting the bench lock spot is more likely.
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="584575" data-time="1464785601"><p>Why do you refer to Tupou as a lock? As far as I know, he's mainly a loose forward (6/8) who can also play lock. That's why he's such a handy man to have on the bench! Good leader, too. It's unfortunate for Tupou that there are so many All Blacks in the Crusaders forward pack and that Taufua is playing so extremely well, because they keep him out of the squad (not sure why they prefer Tim Boys on the bench). The Blues pack is not so stacked with great players, so he may finally get more game time if he indeed makes the move. I think he would be a good signing for the Blues.</p></blockquote>
<br>
The Blues have Luatua, Ioane, and Kaino as loose forward/lock options. They also have Edwards. They need locks, not loose forwards.
