The Blues season so far
Well, we've had a good season. Winning against the Crusaders in a fortnight would set up next year nicely I reckon, give the lads some confidence.
Massive improvements all over the park. I think the most visible thing is the defence - Blues are now hard to break down, and have even built a maul defence. Well done Tom Coventry, he's got those guys really playing for each other up front.
Improved players for me - there are plenty. Ofa, Kurt, PT, GCT, all loosies, Nock/Christie.
Our scrum has become a real weapon. Lineout not wobbly any more and we even scored some maul tries.
Backs speak for themselves. TJ >> Plummer (and I"m a massive Plummer fan, but he hasn't delivered this year)
Rieko is going to be hard to go past in the ABs at 13 I suspect - so much upside, and starting to really find his feet.
BB a really mixed bag. Probably gave the team some confidence, and kicked very very well at times, but also responsible for some absolute howlers. Goalkicking a real workon... again.
So, for next year. Keep building; not sure we're losing any big names which is nice. We have shown that we can win despite conceding massive penalty counts, territory and possession. Need to play smarter and just dismantle teams; a lot of that is in the top two inches.
Overall, I'm absolutely stoked with the year. If we win on the last weekend, we finish with the same number of wins as the Crusaders, and don't win the comp due to bonus points. I'll take that every single day, particularly given how far back we've come from. The franchise has created a credible place to play rugby and push for higher honours, and that more than anything should keep us on the up for years to come.
Watch out 2021/2022.. could easily be our years!
Also, a shoutout to every damn team in this competition. It's been sensational, no easy beats, everyone has competed all the way through. Awesome for testing the ABs, but not sustainable I fear, with all the injuries we're seeing.
@Nogusta said in Blues 2020:
@Kirwan said in Blues 2020:
And the other Barrett for fullback.
I reckon you could be onto something there....
Virtual chocolate fish for my favourite poster 
@Tim said in Blues 2020:
Loose forward injuries are certainly mounting:
Robinson
Sotutu
Gibson
PapaliiI wonder if GCT can play six?
It's WRK time surely.
@nzzp I think GCT is still going at the (good) level he was at the last year or so, just everyone else has stepped up and therefore he looks even better.
Aussie abroad: Daniel Halangahu
Daniel Halangahu could scarcely be in a better place right now. The former Waratahs flyhalf is currently based in Auckland working for the Blues…
Without any Barretts next year, the fullback situation is a little clearer.
Within squad:
Perofeta (good but frequently injured)
Page (haven't seen him play)
Narawa (green)
Within region and unsigned:
Trainor
Off contract at other franchises:
Alaimalo (frequently injured)
Nanai-Seturo (NPC quality)
Time for Lemeki Namoa to be NPC rookie of the year? 
@Machpants Is he actually good at sevens? I haven't noticed a great deal from him when I've watched.
@Tim said in Blues 2020:
@Machpants Is he actually good at sevens? I haven't noticed a great deal from him when I've watched.
As mentioned, a kid. Lacks in game maturity, but when he goes he goes. Flashes of brilliance in need of experience
I think Nanai-Seturo is a much better fullback than wing. He looks class at fullback for Counties, but he'll find it hard to get game time at FB for the Chiefs with DMac around.
Colin Cooper did say that they were just putting him on the wing to start his career, and then they were looking to eventually move him to fullback, but Cooper's gone now.
@KiwiMurph said in Blues 2020:
No way this type of signing happens 2 years ago.
Spot on,
success breeds success. Also, did you see this from Hore:
Blues CEO Andrew Hore said ... the first of what he expects will be several significant signings over the coming weeks.
@KiwiMurph said in Blues 2020:
Just another sign that the Blues have turned things around.
No way this type of signing happens 2 years ago.
Exactly what I was thinking. Confirmation corner has well and truly been turned.
You won't win Super Rugby this year but it is going to make for a great comp next season.
also, great outreach for the fans. I keep getting invites to ballot into going to the Captains Run the day before games. Not usually able to go, but it's a great way to support young season ticket holders. They are working really hard on engaging with the community and their fanbase.
I think it's fantastic, and again am really stoked for the organisation. The Board should take a bow for this
@KiwiMurph although, signing a 'kid' to a full 3 year contract is part of the problem in NZ rugby...some make the step up, but many dont, avoiding the pathway of club or development sides.
I realise it has been this way for some time, but doesnt mean I have ot agree with it.
@Hooroo if we win next weekend, we finish with the same number of wins as the Crusaders, and miss out on bonus points. I'll take that with a happy smile, particularly from where we've been.
We're building nicely
@taniwharugby yep, it's an arms race. Competing against other franchises and NRL (and overseas).
That said, at 2m he's too tall for the Canes
@taniwharugby said in Blues 2020:
@KiwiMurph although, signing a 'kid' to a full 3 year contract is part of the problem in NZ rugby...some make the step up, but many dont, avoiding the pathway of club or development sides.
I realise it has been this way for some time, but doesnt mean I have ot agree with it.
It would be a foolish BoD that didn't take this approach by signing talent at a young age. It's the world we live in. I don't agree kids should play spacies all the time but that's the way it is.
@Hooroo said in Blues 2020:
You won't win Super Rugby this year but it is going to make for a great comp next season.
Nobody wins Super Rugby this year really, although it's damn good to watch.
Does anyone know what the contest next year will actually be?
@Hooroo said in Blues 2020:
I don't agree kids should play spacies all the time but that's the way it is.
haha, showing your age there, spacies 
@nzzp said in Blues 2020:
@Hooroo if we win next weekend, we finish with the same number of wins as the Crusaders, and miss out on bonus points. I'll take that with a happy smile, particularly from where we've been.
We're building nicely
Absolutely and that is even more proof that you are there or thereabouts. I really hope Highlanders get up this weekend so we do have a legitimate final. But that is an unrealistic expectation on my part
@taniwharugby said in Blues 2020:
@KiwiMurph although, signing a 'kid' to a full 3 year contract is part of the problem in NZ rugby...some make the step up, but many dont, avoiding the pathway of club or development sides.
I realise it has been this way for some time, but doesnt mean I have ot agree with it.
It's just the way it is now
There were complaints on TSF that Sotutu signed a long contract despite only having a handful of NPC games.
Imagine the whining if he was with another franchise now?
as I said, I know it is the way it is...look at someone like Nock, signed on as a schoolboy star with huge potential, look how long he has taken to start realising it, even then, still not to the level some had anticipated.
He may turn out to be a star, he may not, I just think it is a shame it is at a point where Franchises sign these kids, a cynic would say in cases to stop him playing elsewhere.