The odds may be tough, but there’s no reason to be Blue about the Super 14
Posted by Hamish McBrearty on February 12th, 2008
A tough opening draw and the loss of some key players might slow down some teams, but the Blues are no ordinary team. An retuned back-line, deep forward pack and a good mixture of youth and veterans means 2008 could well be their year.
Last year’s semi-finalists have a tough beginning to the season, starting off at home against their neighbours the Chiefs, followed by a three week tour of South Africa. The upside of the tough start to the season is the Blues’ travel schedule is relatively light towards the end of the season, leaving them fresh for a potential semi final.
The Blues have lost a number of high profile players to overseas clubs such as Doug Howlett and Luke McAlister while unwanted All Black Ali Williams is playing for the Crusaders. Their biggest addition is backup All Black first five Nick Evans, who returns to Auckland after a number of seasons with the Highlanders.
Despite some high profile losses, the Blues still possess one of the most talented squads retaining a number of current and fringe All Blacks such as Keven Mealamu and Troy Flavell. Coach David Nucifora already has one Super Rugby title with the Brumbies and this squad gives him an excellent chance at another.
The addition of Evans give the Blues one of the most explosive backlines in the tournament, with Isa Nacewa dropping to full back and the powerful pairing of Isaia Toeava and Anthony Tuitavake in midfield. One of last year’s top try scorers, Rudi Wulf, returns to the team as well, giving the Blues excellent strike power out wide.
In the forwards the Blues suffer an embaressment of riches, particularly in the loose forwards. Daniel Braid and new comer Onosa’i Tololima Auva’a will share time at open side, veteran Justin Collins and a resurgent Jerome Kaino share the blind side role, while bustling Nick Evans will share some time at number 8 with Flavell.
The Blues open their season against the Chiefs, which is the marquee match up of the opening round. The Chiefs were unlucky to miss out on the semi finals last year and always delight in beating their northern neighbours, however they will go into this game as underdogs.
Ignore any initial wobbles from the Blues, the opening draw has not been kind, but they are a much better team than a potential 1-3 record would suggest. At the end of the season they will be in the hunt for a semi final berth and they have the potential to win their fourth title in 2008.
Similar Posts:
- Super 14: Can the chasing pack claw their way into the top four?
- Super 14 is back, and it’s looking better than ever
- Super 14: Time for the chasing pack to Force their way to the top
- Super 14 Week 14 Preview
- Super 14 Week 10 Preview
The The odds may be tough, but there’s no reason to be Blue about the Super 14 by Hamish McBrearty, unless otherwise expressly stated, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
