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Super Rugby: If the Blues Don’t Make the Final, Then Lam Must Go
Published: February 12, 2012
Back in the early days of Super Rugby, the Blues were the dominant team. Under Graham Henry they made the first three finals and won two of them.
The Blues of the past few years haven't been anything special. Apart from one semi-final appearance against the Reds last year, the Blues under Pat Lam have always found some way to avoid the playoffs.
Now, I respect Lam as a coach. He certainly has the credentials, coaching Auckland to two championships in his four years at the helm. However, during his tenure with the Blues, despite having a wealth of talent at his disposal, his team has been very inconsistent and despite always being in the hunt for a playoff berth, have only made the playoffs once. They have had a knack of scoring a lot of points but not winning as many games, often being high on the table due to bonus points.
Not all of it has been Lam's fault, however. His team has been hit by some injury-riddled years such as 2009 to 2010, with All Blacks such as Ali Williams, Joe Rokocoko and Tony Woodcock missing considerable amounts of game time because of injury.
They have also lacked a consistent first five-eighth to lead their talented backline, having to rely on the likes of Tasesa Lavea, Jimmy Gopperth and Stephen Brett. But in every level of the team from the front row to the back three, this team was still stacked with talent.
Last year was the best year under Lam so far, losing to the eventual champions in their fortress over there in Brisbane, so there's reason to believe that maybe with some more talent, this team can win the big one.
Well they have more talent now.
Following last year's season, the Blues have acquired the services of IRB International Player of the year candidates Piri Weepu and Ma'a Nonu to go with their own player of the year candidate Jerome Kaino. Other past All Blacks Rudi Wulf and Brad Mika return to the squad as well. These moves...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Rugby Union
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