Blues 2026
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Post World Cup Succession Planning
It seems likely that we will have a new coach in 2028, and will have lost a large number of core players. Especially with some of the "odd" selections from the moronic AB's coach. So whoever comes in faces rebuilding a squad.
From the 2026 squad I expect us to lose:
Tu'ungufasi
Renata
Eklund
Tuipulotu
Papalii
Sotutu
Christie
Funaki
Nock
Barrett
Perofeta
Lam
Evans
Ioane
Forbes
SullivanSo, which coaches would want the job, and would we want them?
Ideal choice would be Joe Schmidt, unless he goes for an AB role post 2027. Then there is Dave Rennie, but would he want it? Surely he would be trying for an AB role? Pat Lam? If promoting from within, Halangahu has been mentioned before. Maybe O'Halloran or Tito?
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Let's just remove those players, a 2028 starting team could look like:
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Fusitua
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Oudenryn
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??
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Darry
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Beehre
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Christie
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Woodley
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Wrampling-Alec
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??
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Simpson
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Clarke
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Taele
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Cameron
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Saunoa?
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Spencer
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Slater
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Ake
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??
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Cook
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Clark
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??
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??
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Vai?
Any one able to fill out the question marks? I've assumed a lot of the younger players will be coming through by then.
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I'd expect Norrie to be there somewhere
Yates is an unusual selection at this stage. However he's only 25 and large. Feek must see something he likes longer term. So I'd pencil him in as one of the TH's
Halfback is the problem position. I've wanted at least one of the halfbacks to move on for years but we've stayed with the same 3
So yeah, a lot depends on the young guys kicking on. Maybe a couple of the older guys don't leave. Also 2-3 recruits in certain positions makes a huge difference. The BB top up cash frees up soon
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@Duluth said in Blues 2026:
I'd expect Norrie to be there somewhere
Yates is an unusual selection at this stage. However he's only 25 and large. Feek must see something he likes longer term. So I'd pencil him in as one of the TH's
Halfback is the problem position. I've wanted at least one of the halfbacks to move on for years but we've stayed with the same 3
So yeah, a lot depends on the young guys kicking on. Maybe a couple of the older guys don't leave. Also 2-3 recruits in certain positions makes a huge difference. The BB top up cash frees up soon
Didn't someone, maybe @Steven-Harris report that Taufa Funaki could be leaving? I assume Christie was out the door too but getting a recall to the ABs may have changed that?
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With most non All Black players generally taking two yesr deals. There should be some guys available.
As much as I don't want to lose any of our outside backs. There could be some options out of our playing group. One of Tito-Harris or Solomon may not have a starting spot.
For a fairly stacked region that team looks a bit worrysome a couple of years out.
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@African-Monkey said in Blues 2026:
@Duluth said in Blues 2026:
I'd expect Norrie to be there somewhere
Yates is an unusual selection at this stage. However he's only 25 and large. Feek must see something he likes longer term. So I'd pencil him in as one of the TH's
Halfback is the problem position. I've wanted at least one of the halfbacks to move on for years but we've stayed with the same 3
So yeah, a lot depends on the young guys kicking on. Maybe a couple of the older guys don't leave. Also 2-3 recruits in certain positions makes a huge difference. The BB top up cash frees up soon
Didn't someone, maybe @Steven-Harris report that Taufa Funaki could be leaving? I assume Christie was out the door too but getting a recall to the ABs may have changed that?
That would be the worst possible outcome.
