Fekitoa - Blues didn't support me

[nzlizard]

Ha did you know 12 of the Chiefs current squad were born and raised in Auckland. Ben Afeaki, Ben Tameifuna, Mahonri Schwalger, Gareth Anscombe, Mils Mulianina, Tim Nanai-Williams, Tom Marshall, Bundee Ahki, Augustine Pulu, Jordan Payne, Michael Fitzgerald, Pauliasi Manu. We have the biggest population in the country, all these talented players but we keep letting them go and instead bring in players from outside Auckland, that we don't need. They brought in Piri Weepu when we already just brought in Alby Mathewson, Ma'a Nonu when we had the likes of Rene Ranger at centre, Benji Marshall and letting go of Anscombe. Jackson Willison from Waikato when Fekitoa, Bundee Ahki and Pita Ahki have been so good at ITM Cup level. It makes me wonder if there some people buying in players just for marketing potential. Piri Weepu was brought in during the world cup over hype he had

This highlights a few things

1. Player retention is critical - so spotting the good trees in the forest is paramount
2. Auks has an over abundance of players and will always have players move for opportunities that cannot be gained locally, esp if you are a fringe / semi regular super player. Get a chance then sign overseas for the big monies.
3. The current administration in Auks maybe believes in big name players == a winning team and more bums on seats.
4. The current and past coaching staff have not had the strength of identifying and nurturing talent coming through from age group to ITM cup

 

[ABs2011]

... Is that your subtle way of telling us we've gone off track in this thread ABs? :huh: ... LOL, yes, definitely worth another look

Haha, no, not at all. Go for gold on what ever topic you like. I just heard about the try recently but only just got to watch it. Surprised no-one else posted it as it was a fabulous try!

 

[ABs2011]

Hansen keen on Fekitoa

http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/auckland/news/sprug/1721813447-rugby--fekitoa-on-all-blacks-radar

From what I have heard it is more likely than not he will get an AB call up for the June tests!!

 

[Larksea]

I started questioning the blues for not signing him as soon as I saw the size of his legs. I hadn't even seen him play haha! the guys legs are ridiculous.

 

[steblin]

He's got to get a call up, its not like he's had one or two good games, he's been consistently very good. We have no established AB 13 outside of Conrad, so I say pick on form and give the kid a shot.

 

[Darwin]

I started questioning the blues for not signing him as soon as I saw the size of his legs. I hadn't even seen him play haha! the guys legs are ridiculous.

So you are saying he should be included as you like the look of his legs..... creepy

 

[Muzzy]

Remember Matt Luamanu? Anyone know why he wasn't picked for the Blues?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMkB7ETIoZk

 

[ABs2011]

He's got to get a call up, its not like he's had one or two good games, he's been consistently very good. We have no established AB 13 outside of Conrad, so I say pick on form and give the kid a shot.

One of the main reasons I'd like to see him there is I would much prefer Ben Smith to be a starting wing or full back. I just have too many bad memories of All Black coaches playing outside backs at center but those same players not playing center at Super Rugby / ITM Cup level. IMHO IF Ben Smith was/is our answer as Conrad Smiths backup then I would want to see him playing center for the Highlanders to learn the position. Too many times have the ABs played someone out of position at center and had it fail dismally.

Fekitoa looks to be a superb talent, maybe our answer, and maybe also the catalyst for Ben Smith to get a starting full back spot for the ABs!

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

Remember Matt Luamanu? Anyone know why he wasn't picked for the Blues?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMkB7ETIoZk

He made the fatal error of playing for North Harbour. Death trap when it came to Blues selection.

 

[Darwin]

Remember Matt Luamanu? Anyone know why he wasn't picked for the Blues?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMkB7ETIoZk

Two words: work rate. He was quite simply the most devastating ball running 8 I have ever seen. Unfortunately that was where his strong points end. I can't recall him hitting a breakdown, he was lethargic on defense, and wasn't an option at lineout time. He did play one season with the Blues (2011), but they weren't keen on bringing him back. He is very much a case of wasted potential - if he got motivated (and some good coaching) I believe he could have been an All Black. Unfortunately that never happened. I'm sure he is pretty devastating over in Japan!

 

[nickdnz]

Two words: work rate. He was quite simply the most devastating ball running 8 I have ever seen. Unfortunately that was where his strong points end. I can't recall him hitting a breakdown, he was lethargic on defense, and wasn't an option at lineout time. He did play one season with the Blues (2011), but they weren't keen on bringing him back. He is very much a case of wasted potential - if he got motivated (and some good coaching) I believe he could have been an All Black. Unfortunately that never happened. I'm sure he is pretty devastating over in Japan!

Yeah - I agree his work rate wasn't great at all. That said I remember an old Bradley Mika was selected ahead of him at the Blues for the bench spot - and remember thinking that he wasn't really given a chance. As an impact sub he would have been pretty devistating. I think he scored 9 tries or there abouts in 2011.

 

[Muzzy]

Yeah - I agree his work rate wasn't great at all. That said I remember an old Bradley Mika was selected ahead of him at the Blues for the bench spot - and remember thinking that he wasn't really given a chance. As an impact sub he would have been pretty devistating. I think he scored 9 tries or there abouts in 2011.

Yeah thats right I remember that. The video does show him taking a lineout as well, so he could have been a line out option. Apparently he was from Wellington and played for the Lions originally

 

[jessta]

Remember Matt Luamanu? Anyone know why he wasn't picked for the Blues?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMkB7ETIoZk

Wow I forgot about him actually! When close to the line he would just smash over effortlessly 9 times out of 10. Just like sona taumalolo. I think he may have been the top try scorer in the itm cup one year. He gave up on making it in super rugby and reaching for higher honours to prematurely though. Him and nathan hughes for that matter