Super Rugby News

<p>Good insight Higgins - ta</p>
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<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>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&amp;objectid=11648875'>http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&amp;objectid=11648875</a></p>

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Tim" data-cid="584503" data-time="1464757210">
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<p>NZ Herald suggesting that Jimmy Tupou may join the Blues.</p>
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<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>

<p>Sounds like there are more signings coming from the Blues.</p>

That's an odd signing. Not exactly the kind of player the blues are short on.

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>

I think he's a considerable step up from matenga (sp?)

<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">
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<p>I think he's a considerable step up from matenga (sp?)</p>
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<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">
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<p>I don't think he's bad, and maybe useful for depth, just not a step up on what's currently available.</p>
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<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>

Tupou is better than all the current blues locks, tuipolotou excepted.

<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>am hoping they will pick up Josh Goodhue as well...is plenty talented.</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>
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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>
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The Blues have Luatua, Ioane, and Kaino as loose forward/lock options. They also have Edwards. They need locks, not loose forwards.

<p>Looking at a Canes perspective we will probably have too many Locks next season so there will be an opportunity for the Blues to snap someone like Mark Abbot who would compliment Patrick Tuipolotu really well.</p>
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<p>We will have Isaia Walker-Leawere (NZ Under 20s), James Broadhurst (If he doesn't retire), Michael Fatialofa (Originally from Auckland but has cemented himself in the Canes), Blade Thomson, Geoff Cridge, James Blackwell and Vaea Fifita. There are also rumors of Nelson Asofa Solomona coming back to union. That means there is a prime opportunity to target someone that will be at the back of the pack.</p>
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<p>I believe Mark Abbott is our best lock but Boyd continues to leave him out of the 23 to his utter frustration. Im sure he will be looking for more game time so the Blues may be the best option for him next year.</p>
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<p>Any of you Blues fans keep to swap Abbott for Faumauina?? :good1:</p>
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<p>Also after waching the Breakdown last night Kirwan was giving it to Cullen about the Blues signing Barrett. Is there maybe something he knows that we don't??. I know he is off contract and his girlfriend is from up that way so maybe he is looking to shift.</p>