There is still three months until the new competition is close to beginning, but the 2018 Super Rugby squads have all been announced. All five New Zealand franchises released their lists today, reflecting the men who will lead the sides on their journey towards [possibly] another Super Rugby title. The Crusaders are only just recovering from […] READ MORE
Tag: Blues (Auckland) 2
Rugby in His Genes: Matt Vaega
The coaching group and senior players can be sure that players like Matt Vaega; who has rugby in his genes, are all aiming for the same prize. Respect from the NZ rugby public, and possibly a Premiership title in 2017. READ MORE
Super Rugby Week 17: The African Conferences
Super Rugby Week 17 was the last week of conference competition and the teams now head into the playoff series. Super Rugby Week 17: The African Conferences Ten teams have now had their Super Rugby seasons end at the culmination of the the round robin stage of the competition, with the final eight entering the […] READ MORE
Gerard Cowley-Tuioti: Earning High Praise With the Blues Franchise
After the momentous British and Irish Lions victory, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti is busy earning high praise with the Blues franchise as one of the new generation of players to push the Auckland team towards the playoffs, and higher honours READ MORE
The Lions Have The Blues But Positives Can Be Found
The New Zealand media will once again be happily licking its lips when digesting the Lions’ defeat to the Auckland Blues, who were well deserved winners against the ill-disciplined tourists. After an opening cagey win and one defeat, is there a real need for the alarm bells to be ringing for Warren Gatland’s side? Not […] READ MORE
Super Rugby Round 12: The African Conferences Key Takeouts
Super Rugby Round 12 produced most of the expected results, except for the Southern Kings upset win over the Sharks. In their third year of competition it was the Kings first triumph over a fellow South African franchise. Whether you love them or hate them, we have to doff our caps to Head Coach Deon […] READ MORE
Epic Easter Battle at Eden Park
The night was perfectly set, with a long weekend and clearing weather, fans arrived with a good proportion dressed in yellow. And they weren’t disappointed. There was an ‘epic Easter battle at Eden Park’ with both sides contributing. In another tight-tussle of a local New Zealand derby match, the scores were traded, the visitors only […] READ MORE
Sonny Bill Williams: Conscientious Objector to Sponsor
Being such a powerful figure, SBW may likely be given special treatment. Whether he suffers collateral damage in his contract payments; respecting the lost revenue and public relations degradation, is in question. Unlike Muhammad Ali, or even figures in NZ sport such as Michael Jones--who would not play a test on a Sunday, due to his faith--SBW may still be seen as acting out of self interest. Even the most conscientious objector can still be vilified for acting outside the best interests of his employer. Public opinion will count too, but for now the discussions between the Blues, NZ Rugby and representatives of Sonny Bill Williams continue. READ MORE
Super Rugby Week Five: The African Conferences
Super Rugby Week Five provided a few interesting contests in the African Conferences, with the Stormers, Lions, Sharks and Jaguares recording wins. READ MORE
Melani Nanai–Going from Strength to Strength in Super Rugby
Again, Nanai uses the word excitement. That is a key contributor to his; and to the Blues success. If Tana Umaga can keep the side motivated, then the belief he is building will transfer into victories. That could lead to more wins, more confidence and for Nanai, going from strength to strength in Super Rugby. READ MORE