Baby Blues to tackle Reds

Baby Blues to tackle Reds

31 Jan 2013

John Kirwan has opted to field a young side for the Blues’ first warm-up match against the Reds on Saturday.

In the absence of All Blacks such as Ali Williams, Anthony Boric, Piri Weepu, Rene Ranger and Charlie Faumuina, Luke Braid has been tasked with leading this inexperienced side. Charles Piutau, Culum Retallick and George Moala have also been rested.

Kirwan has selected nine new players in his starting XV, reasoning that he already knows what the more established players can offer. By contrast, the Reds have selected 11 Wallabies in their matchday squad.

Blues – 15 Marty McKenzie, 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Jackson Willison, 11 Frank Halai, 10 Baden Kerr, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Peter Saili, 7 Luke Braid (c), 6 Kane Barrett, 5 Ronald Raaymakers, 4 Liaki Moli, 3 Angus Ta’avo, 2 James Parsons, 1 Tom McCartney.
Reserves: Albert Nikoro, Lolagi Visinia, Pita Ahki, Francis Saili, Jamison Gibson-Park, Joe Edwards, Sean Polwart, Brendon O’Connor, Steven Luatua, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Tim Perry, Quentin MacDonald.


9 Comments

  • 1.grant10: Reply to this comment
    31 Jan 2013, 10:30 am

    let the fun n games commence…

  • 2.Brads: Reply to this comment
    31 Jan 2013, 10:55 am

    Arguments both ways really.

    Unlike McKenzie as it seems, I would be concerned the young Blues Turks might go a bit heavier on the tackles trying to make an impression against non match fit seasoned pros.

    Against that view, the Reds could have a team that is up and running at full steam on day one of the comp opener.

  • 3.The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food: Reply to this comment
    31 Jan 2013, 11:22 am

    I expect the young Blues to come out running…..and running…..running….

    Go the mighty Blues!!!!!!

  • 4.greatest13gerber: Reply to this comment
    31 Jan 2013, 12:46 pm

    Blues to be running on hype

    expect them not to make the cut come mid competition

  • 5.Jared: Reply to this comment
    31 Jan 2013, 15:31 pm

    I’m hoping for big things this year with the blues. All our boys in the Auckland area are being stolen by NRL clubs these days. Kelston boys are in high demand. Only the Storm
    head to Canterbury.

  • 6.Te Rangatira: Reply to this comment
    31 Jan 2013, 21:58 pm

    Watch out for Malakai Fekitoa, a young superstar in the making…
    Not sold on this Bryn Hall at half back, heres hoping for the Blues he can step up at Super level
    Heres me thinking Borric’s top rugby days were over with his chronic back injury, another injury hope story for the Blues
    Steven Luatua will be an Ab either this year or the next.
    Baden Kerr will ba a revelation for the Blues
    Blues will beat Reds ……

  • 7.i_love_u_bakkiesbotha: Reply to this comment
    1 Feb 2013, 06:55 am

    go Reds!

  • 8.Jared: Reply to this comment
    1 Feb 2013, 12:26 pm

    Ranger in the centres is a good move. Big fan of this man dude. Ex smart *** from up home
    Haha

  • 9.ryecatcher: Reply to this comment
    1 Feb 2013, 18:05 pm

    LOUIS LUYT.Before the sneers start lets remember him as a helluva
    businessman who rescued a bankrupt Ellis Park from Jannie le Roux
    and his inept team.
    And although he earned a lot of enemies,he actually won
    court case vs Madiba. As I said previously,not cultured,(Taking on an icon)
    but prepared to stand up to people

Keo.co.za has always promoted uncensored views, but has never tolerated racist or crass outbursts. Come on guys and girls. If you can't moderate yourselves or each other then I am going to be forced to regulate the posts and enforce a registration process for comments. The choice is yours.

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