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Super Rugby: Are the Blues Contenders or Pretenders?
Published: April 4, 2011
It's now been eight years since the franchise last won the competition, with a dominant season that saw them lose just one game.
How things have changed.
Since then, they have made just one playoff appearance, and have struggled to carry form from one game to the next.
It is this that has become the Blues' main problem. One week they look like world beaters, the next they look as though they don't even belong in the competition.
Many have suggested that 2011 may be a new start for the Blues.
They certainly have the personnel to get the job done with a team full of All Blacks, as well as a coach who knows the game well in Pat Lam.
The franchise's trademark has always been their ability to create out wide with their dangerous outside backs that are generally second to none in the competition.
With Joe Rokocoko and Rene Ranger on the wings, this is certainly the case again this year. With Isaia Toeava in the form of his life at fullback, it seems they are as good as ever in that department.
Jared Payne has also taken massive strides and seems to have carried his form from the ITM Cup through to Super Rugby; he has possibly been the Blues' best player this year. In him, they have a very able center to pair with the experience of Luke McAlister, making for a good midfield combination.
Stephen Brett, at first five, could be a perceived weakness, but he continues to improve and is gradually becoming more consistent in his game, while Alby Matthewson inside him is a player on the rise.
Up front, they boast an All Black tight five led by their captain, Keven Mealamu, one of the key figures in last year's All Black dominance.
Their looseforwards are also very good, with Jerome Kaino providing a hard edge and Peter Saili being an adept ball runner...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Rugby Union
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Super Rugby: Are the Blues Contenders or Pretenders?
Published: April 4, 2011
It's now been eight years since the franchise last won the competition, with a dominant season that saw them lose just one game.
How things have changed.
Since then, they have made just one playoff appearance, and have struggled to carry form from one game to the next.
It is this that has become the Blues' main problem. One week they look like world beaters, the next they look as though they don't even belong in the competition.
Many have suggested that 2011 may be a new start for the Blues.
They certainly have the personnel to get the job done with a team full of All Blacks, as well as a coach who knows the game well in Pat Lam.
The franchise's trademark has always been their ability to create out wide with their dangerous outside backs that are generally second to none in the competition.
With Joe Rokocoko and Rene Ranger on the wings, this is certainly the case again this year. With Isaia Toeava in the form of his life at fullback, it seems they are as good as ever in that department.
Jared Payne has also taken massive strides and seems to have carried his form from the ITM Cup through to Super Rugby; he has possibly been the Blues' best player this year. In him, they have a very able center to pair with the experience of Luke McAlister, making for a good midfield combination.
Stephen Brett, at first five, could be a perceived weakness, but he continues to improve and is gradually becoming more consistent in his game, while Alby Matthewson inside him is a player on the rise.
Up front, they boast an All Black tight five led by their captain, Keven Mealamu, one of the key figures in last year's All Black dominance.
Their looseforwards are also very good, with Jerome Kaino providing a hard edge and Peter Saili being an adept ball runner...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Rugby Union
Latest News
- Former England Manager Graham Taylor Dies at Age 72
- Bruce Arena Names USMNT January Camp Invitees
- Karamoko Dembele Makes England U15s Debut After Playing for Scotland in November
- USMNT Watch: Bobby Wood Nets 1st Bundesliga Goal Since September
- Rugby Player Bruno Andres Doglioli Banned 3 Years for Tackling Female Referee
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