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It may be a new season, but the same uncertainty about the Blues’ Super Rugby hopes remain.
Ever since their last play-offs appearance in 2011, it’s been a rugged time for the Auckland-based club, who have endured their most unsuccessful period in franchise history.
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Seven seasons without playing in the play-offs is a record for the side, as is their woeful win record of just 35 per cent since 2012.
The talent and potential evident within the Blues over the last few years is undeniable, but it’s the team’s lack of depth and leadership, wavering commitment levels, faulty tactical decisions, unhealthy team culture and poor management from the boardroom down that has seen this once successful team crumble.
Such ineptness in recent times from a side that claimed three titles within the first eight years of Super Rugby has forced change going into the 2019 campaign, and no change has been more significant than in the head coach role.
Leon MacDonald has been promoted from assistant to head coach, replacing former boss and All Blacks teammate Tana Umaga, who has stood down to become an assistant.
It was a move that caught many off-guard, and one that has filled the Blues faithful with plenty of optimism heading into the new season.
Umaga’s underwhelming tenure at the helm of the Blues over the last three years saw him lose the faith of the players midway through last year’s awful campaign, of which they finished in 14th place.
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What followed was an ugly string of results, which culminated in a publicised off-field altercation between Blake Gibson and Rieko Ioane, which left the latter with a black eye and a cut above his eyelid which required medical glue to keep shut.
That scuffle was the result of building tension within the squad due to a constant stream of disappointing losses, but with MacDonald – who is renowned for his hard-nosed, organised approach – at the helm in 2019, onlookers can expect a more disciplined outfit.
It’s that sort of approach that could flick the switch for the Blues.
Alama Ieremia, with the assistance of defence coach Sir Graham Henry, proved with Auckland in the Mitre 10 Cup that a fresh face in the coaching box who can instil discipline and hold his side accountable for their actions can work wonders.
With plenty of players coming in from that victorious Auckland side of 2018, MacDonald’s task of engraining those values in his squad should be made easier.
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One of the key players coming into the Blues from Ieremia’s Auckland team is 20-year-old first-five Harry Plummer.
The youngster played an integral role in Auckland’s run to the Mitre 10 Cup title with a series of composed performances that displayed maturity far beyond his years.
Those impressive outings in the playmaking role makes a compelling argument for Plummer to start over more seasoned campaigners Stephen Perofeta and Otere Black, with the latter finally set to make his long-awaited Blues debut after a year out due to injury.
Regardless of who starts at 10, the experience of those outside them in the midfield will be invaluable.
The return of Ma’a Nonu from Toulon was the other big off-season shock along with the change of coaches, and reports coming out of Blues headquarters is that the 36-year-old is in the shape of his career.
If that’s true, then the prospect of a midfield consisting of 103-test Nonu and vice-captain Sonny Bill Williams – who is likely entering his last year with New Zealand rugby – will be daunting for opposition defences, such is the talent and wisdom that the duo possess.
Williams joins a fresh leadership group, of which is led by Gibson and lock Patrick Tuipulotu.
Both men have points to prove, with Gibson looking to overcome injuries and last year’s altercation with Ioane to put him back into contention for the All Blacks, while Tuipulotu is fighting with the likes of Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock and Scott Barrett for a spot at the World Cup.
Expect the co-captains to front up beside a solid forward pack, which has been bolstered by the addition of All Black prop Karl Tu’inukuafe to help offset the departure of club legend Jerome Kaino.
If No. 8 Akira Ioane can improve his work rate and defensive capabilities to validate the contract extension he earned last year, then those attributes, combined with his barnstorming ability with ball in hand, will prove to be lethal.
While the aforementioned names all have their strengths and have more than enough quality to take this side far, the uncertainty that has built over the last seven seasons still lingers as the Blues await their first trip to the play-offs since 2011.
So, with a new coach, fresh leadership group, and a strong-looking squad that has the potential to break the losing cycle that this franchise has found itself stuck in, the question remains the same – can the Blues snap their longest-ever play-offs drought?
Only time will tell, but with the ability in this side, they would have to be disappointed not to make the cut in 2019.
2019 Predictions:
New Zealand Conference placing: 5th
Player of the Year: Akira Ioane
Rookie of the Year: Harry Plummer
Best Signing: Ma’a Nonu
Breakout Player: Dalton Papali’i
Squad Movements:
In: Ezekiel Lindenmuth (Auckland), Marcel Renata (Hurricanes), Karl Tu’inukuafe (Chiefs), Jacob Pierce (North Harbour), Jed Brown (Tasman), Tom Robinson (Northland), Hoskins Sotutu (Auckland), Harry Plummer (Auckland), Levi Aumua (Chiefs), Ma’a Nonu (Toulon), Tanielu Tele’a (Auckland)
Out: Pauliasi Manu (Sunwolves), Isaac Salmon (released), Mike Tamoaieta (released), Ross Wright (released), Lyndon Dunshea (released), Matiaha Martin (released), Ben Nee-Nee (released), Sione Havili (released), Jeroma Kaino (Toulouse), Antonio Kiri Kiri (Yorkshire Carnegie), Glenn Preston (released), Kara Pryor (Sunwolves), Murphy Taramai (released), Bryn Gatland (Highlanders), Daniel Kirkpatrick (released), Terrence Hepetema (released), Matthew Johnson (released), Orbyn Leger (released), Tumua Manu (Chiefs), George Moala (Clermont), Tamati Tua (released), Jordan Hyland (released)
Squad:
Forwards: Alex Hodgman, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Sione Mafileo, Marcel Renata, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Leni Apisai, Matt Moulds, James Parsons, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Josh Goodhue, Jacob Pierce, Scott Scrafton, Patrick Tuipulotu, Jed Brown, Blake Gibson, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papali’i, Tom Robinson, Hoskins Sotutu, Jimmy Tupou
Backs: Sam Nock, Augustine Pulu, Jono Ruru, Otere Black, Stephen Perofeta, Harry Plummer, Levi Aumua, TJ Faiane, Ma’a Nonu, Tanielu Tele’a, Sonny Bill Williams, Caleb Clarke, Michael Collins, Matt Duffie, Rieko Ioane, Melani Nanai, Jordan Trainor
Rugby World Cup
Comments on RugbyPass
Lets compare apples with apples. Lyon sent weak team the week before, but nobody raised an eyebrow. Give the South African teams a few years to build their depth, then you will be moaning that the teams are too strong.
41 Go to commentsDid footballs agents also perform the scout role at some time? I’m surprised more high profile players haven’t taken up the occupation, great way to remain in the game and use all that experience without really requiring a lot of specific expertise?
1 Go to commentsSuper rugby is struggling but that has little to do with sabbaticals. 1. Too many teams from Aust and NZ - should be 3 and 4 respectively, add in 2 from Japan, 1 possibly 2 from Argentina. 2. Inconsistent and poor refereeing, admittedly not restricted to Super rugby. Only one team was reffed at the breakdown in Reds v H’Landers match. Scrum penalty awarded in Canes v Drua when No 8 had the ball in the open with little defence nearby - ideal opportunity to play advantage. Coming back to Reds match - same scrum situation but ref played advantage - Landers made 10 yards and were penalised at the breakdown when the ref should have returned to scrum penalty. 3. Marketing is weak and losing ground to AFL and NRL. Playing 2 days compared with 4. 4. Scheduling is unattractive to family attendance. Have any franchises heard of Sundays 2pm?
10 Go to commentsAbsolutely..all they need is a chance in yhe playoffs and I bet all the other teams will be nervous…THEY KNOW HOW TO WIN IM THE PLAYOFFS..
2 Go to commentsI really hope he comes back and helps out with some coaching.
1 Go to commentsI think we are all just hoping that the Olympic 7s doesn’t suffer the same sad fate as the last RWC with the officials ruining the spectacle.
1 Go to commentsPersonally, I’ve lost the will to even be bothered about the RFU, the structure, the participants. It’s all a sham. I now simply enjoy getting a group of friends together to go and watch a few games a year in different locations (including Europe, the championship, etc). I feel extremely sorry for the real fans of these clubs who are constantly ignored by the RFU and other administrators. I feel especially sorry for the fans of clubs in the Championship who have had considerable central funding stripped away and are then expected to just take whatever the RFU put to them. Its all a sham, especially if the failed clubs are allowed to return.
9 Go to commentsI’m guessing Carl Hayman would have preferred to have stayed in NZ with benefit of hindsight. Up north there is the expectation to play twice as many games with far less ‘player management’ protocols that Paul is now criticising. Less playing through concussions means longer, healthier, careers. Carter used as the eg here by Paul, his sabbatical allowed him to play until age 37. OK its not an exact science but there is far more expectations on players who sign for Top 14 or Engl Prem clubs to get value for the huge salaries. NZR get alot wrong but keeping their best players in NZ rugby is not one of them. SA clubs are virtually devoid of their top players now, no thanks. They cant threaten the big teams in the Champions Cup, the squads have little depth. Cant see Canes/Chiefs struggling. Super has been great this year, fantastic high skill matches. Drua a fantastic addition and Jaguares will add another quality team eventually. Aus teams performing strongly and no doubt will benefit with the incentive of a Lions tour and a home RWC. Let Jordie enjoy his time with Leinster, it will allow the opportunity for another player to emerge at Canes in his absence.
10 Go to commentsLove that man, his way to despise angry little men is so funny ! 😂
4 Go to comments“South African franchises would be powerhouses if we had all our overseas based players back in situ. We would have the same unbeatable aura the Toulouses, Leinsters or Saracens of this world have had over the last decade or so.” Proof that Jake white does not understand the economics of the game in SA. Players earning abroad are not going to simply come back and represent the bulls. But they might if they have a springbok contract.
22 Go to commentsA lot of fans just joined in for the fun of it! We all admire O'Gara and what he has done for La Rochelle
4 Go to commentsThe RFU will find a way to mess this up as usual. My bet is there will be no promotion into the the Premiership, only relegation into National League One. Hopefully they won’t parachute failed clubs into the league at the expense of clubs who have battled for promotion.
9 Go to commentsWell that’s the contracts for RG and Jordie bought and paid for. Now, what are the chances we can persuade Antoine to hop over with all the extra dosh we’ll have from living at the Aviva & Croke next season…??? 🤑🤑🤑
35 Go to commentsWow, that’s incredible. Great for rugby.
35 Go to commentsYou probably read that parling is going to coach the wallaby lineout but if not before now you have.
14 Go to commentsIf someone like Leo Cullen was in O’Gara’s place I don’t hear Boo-ing. It’s not just that La Rochelle has hurt Leinster and O’Gara is their Irish boss. It’s the needle that he brings and the pantomime activity before the game around pretending that Munster were supporting LaRochelle just because O’Gara is from Cork. That’s dividing Irish provinces just to get an advantage for his French Team. He can F*ck right off with that. BOOOOO! (but not while someone is lying injured)
4 Go to commentsDid the highlanders party too hard before the game? They were the pits.
1 Go to commentsWhat a player! Not long until he’s in the England side, surely?
5 Go to commentsHe seems to have the same aura as Marcus Smith - by which I mean he’s consistently judged as if he’s several years younger than he actually is. Mngomezulu has played 24 times for the Stormers. When Pollard was his age he had played 24 times for South Africa! He has more time to develop, but he has also had time to do some developing already, and he hasn’t demonstrated nearly as much talent in that time as one would expect. If he is a generational talent, then it must be a pretty poor generation.
6 Go to commentsThe greatest Springbok coach of all time is entirely on the money. Rassie and Jacques have given the south african public a great few years, but the success of the springbok selection policy will need to be judged in light of what comes next. The poor condition that the provincial system is currently in doesn’t bode well for the next few years of international rugby, and the insane 2026 schedule that the Boks have lined up could also really harm both provincial and international consistency.
22 Go to comments