I think we all know that Blues fans, while commiserating over a few departures, are getting enthusiastic about the prospects ahead of the 2012 Super Rugby season.
While some are leaving the side, like Rocokoco, McAlister and Brett, some others are staying, like Ali Williams, Woodcock and Boric.
The pre-season enthusiasm comes from the newbies; Ma’a Nonu, Piri Weepu and the possibility of Sonny Bill Williams. The ‘possibility’ of gaining SBW is enough to excite any Super Rugby fan.
With these notable changes to the side, trusting that they will all gel together, it was shaping up to be a very promising season for the boys in blue.
So why have hopes, dreams, enthusiasm and prospects gone up in flames? The reason is Stephen Donald.
His name alone makes my blood boil. So the question is why? Why would Donald be the answer to Stephen Bretts’ departure?
Why take on current and starting All Blacks, alongside a ‘has-been’?
Why would any franchise take on someone who is not wanted elsewhere? Donald has been with the Chiefs for seven Super seasons and in and out of the All Blacks, and now he’s not wanted – by either.
Anyone with any common sense would come to the conclusion that he has had his day and is not capable of bringing anything new and exciting to the game.
Has Donald heard of the saying ‘quit while you’re ahead’?
The fate of the Blues’ success in 2012 can very well lie in the hands of this man, as we all know the first five-eighth is very much the driver of the game. Is he up to the challenge?
Statistics would suggest no; strongly.
Maybe the Blues staff are hopeful they can re-program his rugby repertoire, completely.
I suggest a “How to play Rugby 2011” of any description. Or maybe, they will continue what they always do – constantly change the players within the team, year after year, with hope of finding the dream team.
This is obviously instead of doing what coaching staff normally does, such as coaching, teaching and mentoring.
So good luck to the Blues for 2012, but until then, only anxious and apprehensive thoughts will remain.
To Stephen Donald; history will show you’ve got one season to prove yourself (again, I suggest the how-to).
Zealinda
Roar Rookie
I think Pockman is saying Stephen Donald is never going to the Blues which I can vouch for so you might as well stop mentioning him and saying he suits them.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
Mate playing first five will actually put him more into the All Blacks frame. He will then be able to cover 9 and 10 without being of too much concern. Weepu can already play 10 and has done for Welly. It will not damage his Ab chances whatsoever as he will also play alot at 9 for the blues aswell.
Pockman
Guest
First Five is Piri Weepu's second position he has played it for the hurricanes and Wellington Lions many times, No conversion would be necessary, who said he's given up his jersey he will probably play halfback in the last quarter of each game when the Blues bring Anscombe on? Also the way thing's are it was late last year we though Piri might be Carter's back up.
darwin stubby
Guest
Doh - where have I said he's going to the Blues - all I said he'd been a good fit -the blues limped into the semis and were wiped of the paddock in Brisbane ... if you reckon converting an AB halfback into an average 1st 5 will make that better then you're seriously deluded .... and again I'd question why would he give up his AB jersey - because if he's not playing halfback at all then that's what he's doing - or is that too hard a concept for you to work out
Pockman
Guest
Stephen Donald is NOT going to the Blues, and Weepu is playing first five you muppet. You say they are not viable, they did make the semi's you know.
darwin stubby
Guest
"Piri Weepu has been confirmed to come to the Blues and will most likely be the first five." ... so are you saying Weepu is giving up on his AB prospects then ?? ... because if he's not playing halfback he won't be in the AB frame - makes zero sense for him to stay on after the W/cup just to play 1st 5 for the blues whilst giving up his AB jersey ... Weepu will be the blues halfback - Matthewson will either once again play second fiddle to him - or go elsewhere - most probably back to the hurricanes .. if bath deal collapses - I can certainly see the Blues going in for Donald and he certainly make them a far more viable SR team
Carl
Guest
Just in case nobody knows, Donald coming to the Blues was confirmed as false by the Blues franchise and many of there players. Don't know why it's still making headlines and I heard Bath rugby are going to try and reapply for his work visa so he can continue to England. Piri Weepu has been confirmed to come to the Blues and will most likely be the first five.
Carl
Guest
Luke Braid has only been around for this season and was a stand out player most likely New Zealand's next number 7 (in the longterm) if he can stay in form and get rid of Matt Todd as a threat. Daniel Braid has been around a lot longer and was a rather above average number 7 who wasn't brilliant but good, he usually only got picked on end of year tours or one off tests.
Bakkies
Guest
and off to Leinster to sit on the bench behind Jonathan Sexton and Isa Nacewa
Bakkies
Guest
Luke Braid has been around a while now has he even made the All Black bench?
Jerry
Guest
I'll admit Funk, I struggle to tell people apart on here.....
Dave
Guest
Double Braids and Kaino next season then.
Funk
Guest
Daniel Braid, had a long time off with injurythis season, however his form last year at the Reds was very good. Should have got him into the reserve spot behind Richie if he was playing for a nz franchise.
Bakkies
Guest
I doubt he will move to 8 with Keiran Read there. I am not a 100% sure if McCaw will make it as a 6
Kuruki
Roar Guru
The Bath option is clearly the target for Donald everything else is on the back burner while he waits for his appeal. Apparently he needed to have started a test match for New Zealand in the past 18 months. What they are arguing is that he would have started a test in that period had it not been for injury, That is what the NZRFU have said to those involved to help sway the decision. Good on them for supporting a guy who has served his country and his club well. Donald was a very good player in my opinion, but like Stephen Brett and guys like Thomas Waldrom , just couldnt lift that final level, i dont rubbish them for that, not everyone is cut out to succeed at the highest level. After signing Weepu i doubt the Blueas are interested in Donald as they now have Weepu who will cover both 9 and 10 which allows them to ease Anscombe into the role without drowning him in the deep end too early.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
There's nothing Mediocre about Luke Braid he is on the rise and already one of the standout fetchers in New Zealand. Mark my words he will be the starting open side unquestioned for the Blue's next season.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
Not really. When McCaw starts too slow down he will move to the blind or number 8. Todd will be the Crusaders starting open side before next years end.
Funk
Guest
As to am I, but I thought you'd decided to ignore me? I have to admit I did enjoy the interview with Thorn after the Super Final...not a fush or chup to be heard!
Jerry
Guest
Well, I'll freely admit I'm on the windup a bit. The fact is that pro rugby players can often be a bit mercenary when it comes to higher honours. As for his family - most people would transfer their support to another national team if a relative was playing for it.... Thorn is a bit different in that Kepu was brought up in the NZ rugby system and would have stayed there if he'd had the opportunity to play Super Rugby or higher honours. He wasn't getting the chances in NZ and took up an offer. Thorn had always aspired to play for the AB's and probably could have been recruited by the ARU, who at that time were dead keen on recruiting league players. I doubt money was much of an attraction for him as a senior NRL player who was a regular Origin player and sometime Kangaroo would have been on a comparable wage to a Super Rugby player/fringe AB.
darwin stubby
Guest
if there's one thing you can say about NZ rugby it is that there's no sentiment invovled when it comes to selection ... if McCaw's powers start to diminish - he'll be jettisoned ... just ask Buck Shelford ... there's a reason why up to this point there are no 100 test AB's