Carter to focus on own game
19 Feb 2013
RICHARD FERGUSON updated keo.co.za followers on the latest Super Rugby news from New Zealand.
Blackadder shuffles leaders
Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has rejigged the leadership group within the team ahead of the 2013 Super Rugby season.
The absence of regular captain Richie McCaw has left Kieran Read in charge until McCaw return sometime in July.
Dan Carter has been relieved of his vice-captaincy duties to focus only on his own game, with George Whitelock and Ryan Crotty appointed dual vice-captains.
The removal of the vice-captaincy comes as somewhat of a relief to Carter, who is already the vice-captain of the All Blacks, and will soon bear even more responsibility as his wife Honor is expecting their first child.
Furthermore, both Whitelock and Crotty are unlikely to feature in the All Blacks June International window, which allows these players to play every week without much rotation and get the full three week break in June.
Kirwan building something big
John Kirwan, the new Blues head coach, wants to build a Blues team similar to the Blues team of the nineties, a team with massive players who are as strong as they are skilled.
Kirwan and his team of coaches, which includes a certain Graham Henry, has laid down the challenge to their players, asking them to play for each other, never give up and to build a legacy from within the current crop of players.
The Blues were preseason favourites last year, having built a big name squad, but failed to click and was cropping up the log at the mid-point of the season. With a new coach and new support staff, a different approach and some new faces, the Blues will be hoping to get off to a better start this year.
9 Comments
20 Feb 2013, 09:18 am
I’m not going to say Dragons this time….OOOps
20 Feb 2013, 09:44 am
It’s clear Graham Henry has the Midas touch so I expect the Blues will surprise a few teams this year.
20 Feb 2013, 10:00 am
Game 1: Highlanders to easily beat the Chiefs.
Game 2: Brumbies defense + forward pack rolls over the Rebels.
Game 3: Bulls dominate forwards and kick themselves to victory.
Game 4: Hurricanes pip a pathetic Blues side in an open game.
Game 5: Waratahs beat the Reds by 1-12 to start a good season for them.
Game 6: Cheetahs achieve major upset by knocking over the Sharks, just.
Game 7: Force win by single figures, causing Keohane to claim the Kings are much better then they really are.
20 Feb 2013, 10:04 am
@Muttonbird-2:
Kia ora Muttonbird…Ae, GH can only add value, and with half the team in the wider squad not having debuted yet, it is unchartered waters for the Mighty Blues, GH & JK need their forwards to lay the platform and a huge team effort on defence, if they are to navigate a clear pathway.
20 Feb 2013, 11:35 am
@Te Rangatira-4: Hey Rangatira. There’s been a clear-out which is what the Blues needed. It might not be pretty at times but here’s a great opportunity to right the ship. It really wasn’t working before.
20 Feb 2013, 12:15 pm
@Delki-1: Hahahahaha – very good. You must ALWAYS say “dragons”. We Springboks (fans) love our traditions.
This article is YAAAAWN. I couldnt give a **** about Carter or his blerrie baby. Thanks for making it worth the click
20 Feb 2013, 12:16 pm
@hendrikp-3: Agree with all of those except for Game 3.
My geliefde Stormers sal oorkom en oorwin!
21 Feb 2013, 04:33 am
Jirre, Richard. Please ask someone to sub your articles. Cropping up the log? The Blues was pre-season favourites? Ag nee, man.
21 Feb 2013, 06:44 am
@bokfan1-6:
I understand you have a problem with someone that is….wells lets say better than yourself…. Carter is the best around, you clicked the thread then complained you didnt care about Carter…….strange really
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