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Form from 2007
The Blues had an excellent year in 2007 and only fell away slightly in the Super 14 to miss out on only one trophy for the year (RWC excluded). They started the season very well and never really left the top 4. Had they not lost 3 of their last 4 games they could be 4th time champions by now. This would have sat nicely in the Blues' trophy cabinent next to the Ranfurly shield and the ANZ Cup. All in all 2007 was a good year for the Blues and much better than a very shaky 2006 that saw them end the Super 14 in 8th and fail to make the ANZC finals. They have a great platform to perform in 2008 and will be there or there abouts.
Comings and Goings
All I can say about players leaving the Blues is 'Wow, that many?'. In total 14 players of the 32 2007 squad are not in the squad for 2008. Some are retiring, some are off to Europe and some just didn't make the cut. No matter how you look at it though losing almost half your squad will hurt bad. On a positive note many of the players coming into the squad were in the Blues wider training group over the last year or so.
The major losses from the forwards include Greg Rawlinson, Ali Williams, Derren Witcombe and Angus MacDonald. The foursome all have played for the All Blacks and will test the Blues lock depth. Derren Witcombe has left due to retirement, Ali Williams due to issues between him and coach David Nucifora, while the other two are off to Europe to ply their trade.
From the backs Steve Devine, Luke McAlister, Doug Howlett and Sam Tuitupou are another four players with All Blacks experience who won't be running out for Auckland. Devine has retired due to injury while the other three are off to Europe for the big fat paycheck.
A major boost to compensate for these losses, however, has come in the form of dynamic fly-half Nick Evans. Nick is a highly talented player (and a personal favourite) who can cover almost anywhere in the backline. Despite this, he will probably end up as a fly-half (shiftly Nacewa to 12) for the Blues due to his kicking game which, from his AFL background, is to die for. If he keeps fit he will do some damage behind a powerful Blues pack.
Watch out for
After a disappointing debut test season, Isaia Toeava really turned it up a notch this year. He was in outstanding form for the Blues and gained reselection for the All Blacks. While he did not play a huge part in their failed World Cup campaign, the young player will continue to mature and improve his skills until he fully lives up to his nickname- Iceman.
Like the Force with the Skywalkers, rugby flows through the Braid family. Brothers Daniel and Luke have come up through the NZ age grade and Auckland development systems and are big prospects. While Luke is still quite young, Daniel has had a very classy year which has seen him climb higher and higher toward All Black selection. Daniel was a part of the Blues side which won both the Ranfurly Shield and the ANZ Cup as well as co-captaining the JABs side which won the Pacific 6 Nations tournament. He has also recently been nominated for the NZ Super 14 player of the year award. He had a huge season this year, expect a mammoth season in the next.
Prospectus for 2008
I must admit having seen all of the players leaving I had originally written off the Blues for 2008. Its going to hurt but if they can get impetus from their tried and tested front row of Afoa, Mealamu and Woodcock they can play through any grey areas they have. Right up until the season starts there will be question marks over their line-out and how well their 9/10/12 relationships work out and how well those questions will be answered will be the big decider for the Blues. In 2006 when a host of experienced players left the squad it hurt the team pretty badly (8th place finish) and I think they won the NPC that year too. Will history repeat itself? As I said earlier having written them off at first I've changed my mind and am awarding the Blues my number 2 spot.
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Originally Posted by AndyS
