Blues 2026
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So looking at a match day 23 much as predicted. With all first choice players available, tighthead prop is still a concern. No idea if Yates will be up to it. Is Jordan Lay able to scrum competently at TH?
1 Fusitua
2 Slater
3 Renata
4 Tuipulotu
5 Darry
6 Christie
7 Papalii
8 Sotutu9 Christie
10 Barrett
11 Clarke
12 Lam
13 Ahki
14 Vai
15 Sullivan16 Eklund
17 Tu'ungufasi
18 Yates
19 Beehre
20 Segner/Wrampling
21 Funaki
22 Perofeta
23 Evans/Taele -
@Steven-Harris Rob Rush wasn't picked up in any WTG ?
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The Blues will warm up for their 2026 campaign with two pre-season clashes on home turf against the Hurricanes and Crusaders in the New Year.
First up, the squad will take the field on Friday 30 January against the Hurricanes at Sacred Heart College in Glendowie at 1:30pm. Details on public attendance are still being finalised.
A week later, the Blues host the Crusaders on Friday 6 February (Waitangi Day) at Takapuna Rugby Club, Onewa Domain.
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@Tim said in Blues 2026:
1 Fusitua
2 Slater
3 Renata
4 Tuipulotu
5 Darry
6 Christie
7 Papalii
8 Sotutu9 Christie
10 Barrett
11 Clarke
12 Lam
13 Ahki
14 Vai
15 Sullivan16 Eklund
17 Tu'ungufasi
18 Yates
19 Beehre
20 Segner/Wrampling
21 Funaki
22 Perofeta
23 Evans/TaeleThink Ahki will get 12. Patrick won't be available initially. Probably won't happen but I'd prefer to see something like this.
1 Fusitua
2 Slater
3 Renata
4 Beehre
5 Darry ( vc )
6 Wrampling
7 Papalii (c)
8 Sotutu9 Funaki
10 Perofeta
11 Clarke
12 Ahki
13 Lam
14 Banks
15 Sullivan16 Eklund
17 Tu'ungufasi
18 Yates
19 McWhannell
20 Peita
21 Nock
22 Barrett
23 Evans/TaeleA back three combo of Sullivan, Banks and Clarke will serve us quite well in the air.
Wrampling and Peita I thought had better NPC than the other options. Christie wasn't great on attack and Segner wasn't great on defence.
Peita potentially a very good impact player.
Funaki a much better distributer than Christie and continues to work on his kicking game. Nock a good impact player.
Vai needs a bit of bulk.
If injuries are kind to us, and we are not too conservative in the halves, I think we will be in with a shot. Question marks over depth in several positions but it will be the same for other squads.
If Fusitua can improve his discipline he can be a real weapon for us.
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....not a fan of the away...
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@Kiwiwomble said in Blues 2026:
....not a fan of the away...
That away jersey looks like something the Auckland white ball cricket team would wear.
I thought these jerseys were being launched tomorrow lol.
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@Canes4life all the advertising is 27/11/25....maybe they were supposed to be embargoed and he's stuffed up
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@Kiwiwomble said in Blues 2026:
@Canes4life all the advertising is 27/11/25....maybe they were supposed to be embargoed and he's stuffed up
I think he has tbh, probably shouldn't be posting it if Classic and the Blues are doing an online unveiling tomorrow. Too late now.
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Stuff's also put up an article about it
Blues unveil ‘alternate’ white home jersey in throwback to Super Rugby originsDefinitely going to put the home jersey on my Xmas wishlist, but I don't like the away TBH.
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Dalton Papali’i: Revitalised by All Blacks XV’s unbeaten European tour
Effervescent Dalton Papali'i, now a father, played the last of his 37 Test matches for the All Blacks against France on July 17.
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Home:
This one's going to be on my Xmas wishlistAway:
Reminds me of the Newcastle KnightsTraining:
Reminds me of the Penrith Panthers
2026 BLUES JERSEY CELEBRATES HERITAGE — Blues Rugby
