2018 SQUAD GUIDE 1 I BLUES SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

Transcription

1 2018 SQUAD GUIDE 1 I BLUES SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

2 TANA UMAGA Head Coach Blues Coaching Debut: 2016 Other Coaching Roles: RC Toulonnais, Counties Manukau Steelers, Chiefs development team Centurion for Wellington and Hurricanes & 74 caps for All Blacks including captaincy. Player-coach and head coach at Toulon, back to coach at Counties Manukau with success, and Assistant coach for NZU20 and Maori All Blacks. Took over Blues in We made some progress in 2016 and have some experienced players coming home to play for us this year. We want to start where we left off, and improve in every game. ALISTAIR ROGERS ASSISTANT Coach Blues Coaching Debut: 2016 Welsh-born former player who moved into coaching in Ireland and Japan. Moved to NZ & Hurricanes & became All Blacks analyst for 7 year, specialising in opposition analysis and defence. He moved back to coaching with the Blues in 2016 with responsibility for defence. The 2016 season was a learning curve and the made significant change in our defensive patterns. We need to take this to a further level again in 2017 as the cornerstone of our game. 2 I BLUES SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE STEVE JACKSON ASSISTANT Coach Blues Coaching Debut: 2015 Steve joins the Blues as the forwards coach after outstanding two years with North Harbour. Played for NZ Schools and NZ Maoris, plus Tasman, Auckland, North Harbour and Southland. Moved to successful coaching stints in Nelson, Tasman, Counties Manukau and then North Harbour, & has been Blues Development coach for 3 years. I ve worked closely inside the Blues organisation for over two years and think I have a clear understanding of the direction the club is moving and the tremendous work that has been done to make change in the organisation as a whole. DAVE ELLIS SKILLS Coach Blues Coaching Debut: 2016 Dave is a highly respected coach around the globe, who has specialised in skills coaching. He played around the world and then has also had coaching contracts both in NZ for the Int Rugby Academy and several countries. He returns home after his involvement at Connacht in Ireland where they win the Pro 12 title for first time.

3 LENI APISAI DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.81m, 106kg POSITION: Hooker SUPER GAMES: 15 SUPER POINTS: 15 (3t) SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Brumbies at Canberra 2017 PROVINCE: Wellington PROVINCIAL GAMES: 30 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 25 (5t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014v Waikato at Wellington COACHES SAY: The 21 year old hooker has joined the Blues from the Hurricanes, after playing for NZ Schools and captaining the NZ U20 side at the 2016 IRB World Championship. Made his Super debut in the same year, and also selected for the Maori All Blacks. He is a young leader who is accurate at set piece and abrasive runner, set to make a real contribution at the Blues. OTERE BLACK DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.84m, 86kg POSITION: First five eighth SUPER GAMES: 21 SUPER POINTS: 75 (1t, 26c, 6p) SUPER DEBUT: 2015 v Rebels at Wellington 2017 PROVINCE: Manawatu PROVINCIAL GAMES: 39 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 341 (2t, 86c, 53p) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Auckland at Palmerston North COACHES SAY: Another young player to move from the Hurricanes to the Blues, Black has impressed with his performances for the NZ U-20s in their 2017 World championship win and for the Maori All Blacks. Key pivot for Manawatu and also as back-up to Beauden Barrett at the Hurricanes. He will sit out the 2018 season after an ACL injury in the Mitre 10 Cup. CALEB CLARKE DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.89m, 107kg POSITION: Wing PROVINCIAL GAMES: 3 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 0 PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2017 v Counties Manukau at Pukekohe COACHES SAY: Caleb is a teenager who has been part of the Blues development programme for some years and the son of Blues and All Black great Eroni. He is a powerful and fast winger for NZ Schools and the NZ U20s in their IRB Junior World champs victory in MICHAEL COLLINS DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.86m, 99kg POSITION: Midfield back SUPER GAMES: 14 SUPER POINTS: 10 (2t) SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Rebels at Melbourne 2017 PROVINCE: Otago PROVINCIAL GAMES: 43 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 50 (10t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Southland (Otago) at Balclutha COACHES SAY: Otago utility who played for NZ Schools and NZ U20s as well as more than 30 caps for his province. Moved north to the Blues for 2017 and impressed with his professional approach, allround skills and excellent communication. He sealed the fullback spot, with 12 Super caps and also featured in the victory over the British & Irish Lions to earn a further contract. 3 I BLUES SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

4 GERARD COWLEY-TUIOTI DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.96m, 112kg POSITION: Lock SUPER GAMES: 16 SUPER POINTS: 15 (3t) SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Brumbies at Auckland PROVINCIAL GAMES: 37 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 10 (2t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Manawatu at Albany MATT DUFFIE DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.92m, 95kg POSITION: Wing/Fullback SUPER GAMES: 20 SUPER POINTS: 35 (7t) SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Crusaders at Christchurch PROVINCIAL GAMES: 21 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 50 (10t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Counties Manukau at Albany COACHES SAY: Gerard became one of the most improved players in the Blues in 2017, cementing his place in the second row and forming a strong locking partnership with Scott Scrafton. He played in all 16 Super matches, 13 of them as a starter. He was initially called into 2015 Blues for training cover and earned a fulltime place in COACHES SAY: After moving back to rugby in New Zealand in 2016, the former league professional at Melbourne Storm took some time to find his feet in Super Rugby. But his form in 2017 was stunning, on and off the field as a complete professional. He proved elusive on the wing, bagged five tries and was outstanding with his aerial skills. His form earned All Blacks call-up for the Northern Tour. TJ FAIANE BRYN GATLAND DATE OF BIRTH: POSITION: Midfield back PHYSICAL 1.75m, 92kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.78m, 88kg POSITION: First five eighth SUPER GAMES: 7 SUPER POINTS: 0 SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Crusaders at Christchurch PROVINCIAL GAMES: 17 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 5 (1t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Bay of Plenty at Rotorua COACHES SAY: The former NZ Schools and NZ U20 ( ) midfielder finally got his opportunity after two years on the sideline through two ACL injuries in 2015 and He is a tremendous midfield talent who played seven times including four as a starter. SUPER GAMES: 4 SUPER POINTS: 11 (1c, 3p) SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Highlanders at Dunedin PROVINCIAL GAMES: 21 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 231 (39c, 50p, 1d) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Counties Manukau at Albany COACHES SAY: The son of Lions and Wales coach Warren Gatland, Bryn joined the Blues as a replacement in 2017 earning four caps. He impressed significantly at the Blues and for North Harbour with his mature game management despite his lack of years and experience. Excellent kicking game and outstanding goal kicker. 4 I BLUES SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

5 BLAKE GIBSON JOSH GOODHUE DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.86m, 103kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.99m, 115kg SUPER GAMES: 26 SUPER POINTS: 10 (2t) SUPER DEBUT: 2015 v Highlanders at Dunedin PROVINCIAL GAMES: 21 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 20 (4t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Canterbury at Christchurch COACHES SAY: Blake, despite his youth, became a stalwart in the pack in 2017, starting in 13 Super games and against the Lions. The former NZ U20 star impressed with his uncompromising approach in defence and strong running game. However a shoulder injury will sideline him for much of the 2018 season. POSITION: Lock SUPER GAMES: 2 SUPER POINTS: 0 SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Hurricanes at Auckland 2017 PROVINCE: Northland PROVINCIAL GAMES: 22 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 20 (4t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Hawke sbay (Northland) at Napier COACHES SAY: The big lock from the far North made an excellent start to his Blues career, earning two caps as a replacement and making a strong impression in the squad and with the Blues A side. The NZ Schools and NZ U20 representative showed the benefits of his Blues efforts, with a superb season for Northland in the Mitre 10 Cup, alongside twin brother Jack who plays for the Crusaders. ALEX HODGMAN AKIRA IOANE DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.96m, 122kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.94m, 113kg POSITION: Prop SUPER GAMES: 13 SUPER POINTS: 5 (1t) SUPER DEBUT: 2015 v Chiefs (Crusaders) at Hamilton 2017 PROVINCE: Canterbury PROVINCIAL GAMES: 45 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 5 (1t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Auckland at Christchurch SUPER GAMES: 32 SUPER POINTS: 25 (5t) SUPER DEBUT: 2015 v Chiefs at Albany PROVINCIAL GAMES: 27 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 25 (5t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Southland at Invercargill COACHES SAY: Big, athletic prop (196m, 122kg) who made an instant impression when moving back to Auckland from the Crusaders in 2017 season. A calf injury thwarted his early season, finally earning his Blues cap late in the season. The former Fiji and NZ U20 player finished with five caps including coming on as replacement against the Lions. Outstanding 2017 season for Canterbury will see him as a key contributor for COACHES SAY: He is a strapping loose forward who belied his 22 years with a hard and physical contribution to the Blues in 2017, playing in all 17 matches including the Lions. He proved a fiercely strong defender as well as bagging four tries - earning a call-up to the wider All Blacks squad. He is a former NZ Schools and NZ U20 rep who played for the NZ Sevens at the Rio Olympics. 5 I BLUES SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

6 RIEKO IOANE MATT JOHNSON DATE OF BIRTH: POSITION: Wing PHYSICAL 1.88m, 103kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.91m, 99kg POSITION: Midfield back SUPER GAMES: 19 SUPER POINTS: 65 (13t) SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Reds at Brisbane PROVINCIAL GAMES: 15 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 60 (12t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Taranaki at Auckland 2017 PROVINCE: Southland PROVINCIAL GAMES: 10 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 10 (2t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2017 v Hawke s Bay TEST CAPS 10 TEST DEBUT 2016 v Italy at Rome TEST POINTS 45 (9t) COACHES SAY: Younger brother to Akira, Rieko became one of the most improved players in NZ Rugby in He played in all but one game, mostly as a starter on the wing, and displaying some stunning form to score 10 tries in Super Rugby and one in the win over the Lions. The former Rio Olympian has become a regular starter for the All Blacks in 2017, with nine tries and displaying extraordinary speed and elusive running. COACHES SAY: Midfield back from Auckland who moved to rugby league in Australia out of school, before coming back to move to Southland for rugby and studies. The 23 year old has become a major factor in the midfield for Southland to earn his selection back home at the Blues. JEROME KAINO DANIEL KIRKPATRICK DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.96m, 109kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.82m, 85kg SUPER GAMES: 127 SUPER POINTS: 70 (14t) SUPER DEBUT: 2004 v Reds at Brisbane PROVINCIAL GAMES: 57 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 50 (10t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2004 v Poverty Bay (Auckland) at Auckland POSITION: First five eighth SUPER GAMES: 21 SUPER POINTS: 98 SUPER DEBUT: 2009 v Waratahs (Hurricanes) at Wellington 2017 PROVINCE: N/A PROVINCIAL GAMES: 36 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 188 PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2007 v Counties Manukau (Wellington) at Auckland TEST CAPS 81 TEST POINTS 60 (12t) TEST DEBUT 2006 v Ireland at Hamilton COACHES SAY: The gladiator of the Blues and All Blacks, a leader by deeds rather than words & battled injury in a tough 2017 season. When fit he remains an invaluable leader on the field - big, fast and uncompromising. Played eight times to move to 127 caps for the Blues and 81 times for the All Blacks. COACHES SAY: Experienced pivot originally from the Hawkes Bay, Kirkpatrick played for NZ U19 and U20 sides as well as for the Hurricanes and Blues before heading overseas. Has fashioned a handy career as first five in France for the past 5 years. Moved back to Wellington last year and will replace the injured Otere Black. 6 I BLUES SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

7 SIONE MAFILEO PAULIASI MANU DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.78m, 123kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.84m, 115kg POSITION: Prop POSITION: Prop SUPER GAMES: 23 SUPER POINTS: 0 SUPER DEBUT: 2015 v Crusaders at Albany PROVINCIAL GAMES: 33 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 10 (2t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Southland at Albany COACHES SAY: Sione is a former NZ Schools and NZ U20 front-rower who stepped up to make a strong contribution for the Blues in 2017 season, and gaining his Blues Blazer with 22 caps now. He played in all but two games during the season, with the North Harbour prop part of a powerful front row contingent. SUPER GAMES: 66 SUPER POINTS: 10 (2t) SUPER DEBUT: 2011 v Waratahs (Blues) at Auckland 2017 PROVINCE: Counties Manukau PROVINCIAL GAMES: 84 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 35 (7t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2008 v Poverty Bay (Auckland) at Gisborne COACHES SAY: The Counties Manukau prop became a key contributor after moving back to the Blues from the Chiefs in He started in the first 11 games where he proved a punishing prop at set piece and important leader on and off the field. The prop who was called in as injury cover for 2015 All Blacks World Cup now has 65 Super Rugby caps. GEORGE MOALA MATT MOULDS DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.88m, 99kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.88m, 108kg POSITION: Wing POSITION: Hooker SUPER GAMES: 67 SUPER POINTS: 100 (20t) SUPER DEBUT: 2012 v Sharks at Auckland PROVINCIAL GAMES: 54 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 150 (30t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2011 v Otago at Auckland SUPER GAMES: 13 SUPER POINTS: 5 (1t) SUPER DEBUT: 2015 v Stormers at Capetown 2017 PROVINCE: Northland PROVINCIAL GAMES: 45 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 15 (3t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2013 v Southland at Whangarei TEST CAPS 3 TEST DEBUT 2015 v Samoa at Apia TEST POINTS 10 (2t) COACHES SAY: George is a quiet man off the field but his actions speak loudly on it for this midfielder who played in all but one game for the Blues in 2017, 12 times as a starter in the midfield. The block-busting midfield/wing, who made his All Blacks debut in 2015, will be the most capped back for the Blues starting the 2018 season. COACHES SAY: The Northland hooker and captain, who had an injury-hit time at the Blues, enjoyed an impressive 2017 season playing in the first 10 games, before injury then ended his season, The former NZ Sevens player, who learned trade behind Keven Mealamu and James Parsons, had a splendid Mitre 10 Cup to lead Northland to their most successful season in many years. 7 I BLUES SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

8 MELANI NANAI DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.94m, 93kg POSITION: Wing SUPER GAMES: 38 SUPER POINTS: 65 (13t) SUPER DEBUT: 2015 v Cheetahs at Bloemfontein PROVINCIAL GAMES: 22 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 40 (8t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Bay of Plenty at Rotorua SAM NOCK DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.75m, 85kg POSITION: Halfback SUPER GAMES: 7 SUPER POINTS: 0 SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Hurricanes at Auckland 2017 PROVINCE: Northland PROVINCIAL GAMES: 27 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 10 (2t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Hawke s Bay at Napier COACHES SAY: The Samoan U20 rep from the Manukau club became a key part of an exciting Blues outside back group with Michael Collins, Rieko Ioane and Matt Duffie. Devastating in broken field running, Melani missed just one Super game in a busy 2017 season. COACHES SAY: The NZ Schools and NZ U20 halfback captained St Kentigern to national honours before making his Blues debut in Earned six caps, including his first start, in a 2017 season mixed with some injury. He is another to produce an outstanding Mitre 10 Cup season for the Taniwhas and should figure prominently in DALTON PAPALI I JAMES PARSONS DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.90m, 104kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.85m, 108kg PROVINCIAL GAMES: 4 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 0 PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2017 v Southland at Invercargill POSITION: Hooker SUPER GAMES: 77 SUPER POINTS: 35 (7t) SUPER DEBUT: 2012 v Highlanders at Dunedin PROVINCIAL GAMES: 93 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 75 (15t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2007 v Wellington at Wellington TEST CAPS 2 TEST POINTS 0 TEST DEBUT 2014 v Scotland at Edinburgh COACHES SAY: Dalton is another of the young guns to gain a contract with the Blues, after several years in their development programme. Key player for NZ U20 side for two years including their Junior World Championship win in 2017, Dalton is a rangy loose forward who is an excellent leader. COACHES SAY: After a challenging off-season sidelined with a head and neck injury, James had a delayed start before starting in the final 14 games including leading the team to the memorable victory over the British & Irish Lions. The uncompromising and thoroughly professional hooker has only Jerome Kaino ahead of him in Blues caps, where a healthy and extended season could see him reach his centenary. 8 I BLUES SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

9 STEPHEN PEROFETA GLEN PRESTON DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.81m, 85kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.93m, 105kg POSITION: First five eighth/fullback SUPER GAMES: 2 SUPER POINTS: 9 (1t, 2c) SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Reds at Apia, Samoa 2017 PROVINCE: Taranaki PROVINCIAL GAMES: 27 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 101 (16t, 6c, 2p, 1d) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Horowhenua Kapiti (Wanganui) at Levin PROVINCIAL GAMES: 25 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 5 (1t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2011 v Manawatu at Albany COACHES SAY: He made his first class rugby debut while at school in Wanganui and, moved from Taranaki to the Blues with much promise in However injury kept him on the sidelines for most of the season, getting his chance with two caps as a replacement and a start against the Lions. Enjoyed a brilliant season for Taranaki in the Mitre 10 Cup. Quietly spoken, he possesses speed, a huge kicking game and excellent awareness. COACHES SAY: Auckland loose forward who played for NZ U20s in 2012, Preston played professionally in Italy for two seasons before moving back to North Harbour in 2016 to become a key part of a hard-working pack. KARA PRYOR DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.89m, 105kg SUPER GAMES: 17 SUPER POINTS: 15 (3t) SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Highlanders at Auckland 2017 PROVINCE: Northland PROVINCIAL GAMES: 38 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 15 (3t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Manawatu at Whangarei AUGUSTINE PULU DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.80m, 89kg POSITION: Halfback SUPER GAMES: 65 SUPER POINTS: 55 (11t) SUPER DEBUT: 2012 v Blues (Chiefs) at Hamilton 2017 PROVINCE: Counties Manukau PROVINCIAL GAMES: 74 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 70 (14t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2009 v Bay of Plenty at Pukekohe TEST CAPS 2 TEST POINTS 0 TEST DEBUT 2014 v USA at Chicago COACHES SAY: After an enterprising debut for the Blues in 2016, where he played in 13 games, Kara was affected significantly by injury for much of the 2017 season. He got his chance late in the season including a start against the Lions but not enough to show the speed and flare he displayed in his debut season. Strong season for a much revitalized Northland lineup in COACHES SAY: The Auckland-born halfback became a crucial part of the Blues line-up in his move from the Chiefs. The Rio Olympian and co-captain for Counties Manukau has become a significant contributor on and off the field, with his strong running, passing and defensive work. He started in all but one match and became a powerful and influential leader in the team. 9 I BLUES SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

10 JONATHAN RURU DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.83m, 94kg POSITION: Halfback DATE OF BIRTH: POSITION: Prop ISAAC SALMON PHYSICAL 2017 PROVINCE: Otago PROVINCIAL GAMES: 22 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 15 (3t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Southland at Invercargill 2017 PROVINCE: Tasman PROVINCIAL GAMES: 6 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 0 PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2017 v Manawatu at Palmerston North COACHES SAY: Former Hawkes Bay halfback who moved to Otago to get his opportunity, making his debut in Played for NZ Sevens in the same year and became a regular at halfback for otago in He is noted as a fast, strongpassing and aggressive halfback. COACHES SAY: The young prop got his chance for Tasman in 2017 out of the Nelson club scene, after Kane Hames and Tim Perry were called into the All Blacks and two others were injured. At 21 years, Isaac became a regular tighthead, impressing sufficiently to earn his place in the Blues. SCOTT SCRAFTON MICHAEL TAMOAIETA DATE OF BIRTH: POSITION: Lock PHYSICAL 2.00m, 114kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.76m, 118kg POSITION: Prop SUPER GAMES: 11 SUPER POINTS: 15 (3t) SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Waratahs at Auckland PROVINCIAL GAMES: 24 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 5 (1t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Northland at Auckland PROVINCIAL GAMES: 11 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 0 PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2017 v Otago at Albany COACHES SAY: The NZ Schools and NZ U20s lock joined Gerard Cowley-Tuioti to form a thoroughly impressive and highly improved second row. With Patrick Tuipulotu missing with injury, Scrafton became the key figure at set piece, and much improved in general play. He started in nine of the Blues final 10 games. Injured during the Mitre 10 Cup, he is set to take a bigger role with the Blues in COACHES SAY: Former Samoan U20 prop was part of Blues development sides and U20s before chance with North Harbour in Mitre 10 Cup. Another young, strong prop who had an excellent season to force his way into the Blues. 10 I BLUES SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

11 MURPHY TARAMAI JORDAN TRAINOR DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.86m, 100kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.87m, 83kg SUPER GAMES: 8 SUPER POINTS: 0 SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Rebels at Melbourne PROVINCIAL GAMES: 22 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 0 PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Taranaki (Wellington) at Wellington COACHES SAY: The former Wellington rugby league player impressed many with his first year in Super Rugby. Earning his spot after excellent form with North Harbour in 2016, Taramai enjoyed eight caps for the Blues, despite an All Black back row. He took his learnings back to Harbour where he was arguably one of the standout players in the Mitre 10 Cup to ensure his return to the Blues in POSITION: Wing SUPER GAMES: 1 SUPER POINTS: 0 SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Reds at Apia, Samoa PROVINCIAL GAMES: 18 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 94 (6t, 20c, 8p) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Hawke s Bay (Waikato) at Napier COACHES SAY: Young Aucklander who was a NZ U20 rep had his 2017 season thwarted with injury, although found form for the Blues A team later in the season and earned his debut with an impressive performance in the victory over the Reds at Apia. He is a skilful fullback/wing and an excellent goal-kicker. TAMATI TUA PATRICK TUIPULOTU DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.96m, 99kg POSITION: Midfield back DATE OF BIRTH: POSITION: Lock PHYSICAL 1.98m, 125kg 2017 PROVINCE: Northland PROVINCIAL GAMES: 6 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 0 PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2017 v Bay of Plenty at Whangarei SUPER GAMES: 43 SUPER POINTS: 35 (7t) SUPER DEBUT: 2014 v Highlanders at Dunedin PROVINCIAL GAMES: 21 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 25 (5t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2013 v North Harbour at Auckland TEST CAPS 15 TEST POINTS 5 (1t) TEST DEBUT 2014 v England at Christchurch COACHES SAY: Exciting 20 year old from Kaitaia who has been part of the Blues development programme and filled in as early season cover last season. The NZ U20 representative impressed in the Northland side in the Mitre 10 Cup. COACHES SAY: The All Black lock had a challenging 2017 season, with a late start to the season and niggling injuries meaning he never found his explosive best form often enough to be the force that most expected.. The former NZ Schools and NZ U20 rep played only eight times in 2017, but with a full off-season off the back of the All Blacks Northern Tour, can expect to be a major force in I BLUES SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

12 JIMMY TUPOU OFA TU UNGAFASI DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.96m, 109kg POSITION: Lock DATE OF BIRTH: POSITION: Prop PHYSICAL 1.95m, 122kg SUPER GAMES: 45 SUPER POINTS: 0 SUPER DEBUT: 2013 v Waratahs (Crusaders) at Christchurch 2017 PROVINCE: Counties Manukau PROVINCIAL GAMES: 57 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 27 (5t, 1c) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Southland at Pukekohe SUPER GAMES: 54 SUPER POINTS: 0 SUPER DEBUT: 2013 v Hurricanes at Auckland PROVINCIAL GAMES: 41 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 10 (2t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Hawke s Bay at Napier TEST CAPS 11 TEST POINTS 5 (1t) TEST DEBUT 2016 v Wales at Dunedin COACHES SAY: The former NZ U20 player, who is cocaptain of Counties Manukau, moved back to his home in Pukekohe from the Crusaders to the Blues in 2017, returning home to add much experience to the Blues. Tupou proved an early starter for the Blues, capable of lock or loose forward, until a hamstring injury sidelined him for much of the later part of the season. He is a strong allround player and leader, set to earn his 50 Super caps in COACHES SAY: The Preston spoken prop, a former NZ Schools and NZ U20 rep, enjoyed an excellent 2017 season. He played 14 times in the 2017 season, emerging as a much improved scrummager, strong defensive player and ballrunner in open play. Ofa became a regular for the All Blacks in 2017, and is set to become a vital contributor for the Blues in He is known for work for community groups off the field. SONNY BILL WILLIAMS DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.91m, 108kg POSITION: Midfield back SUPER GAMES: 49 SUPER POINTS: 55 (11t) SUPER DEBUT: 2011 v Waratahs (Canterbury) at Christchurch 2017 PROVINCE: Counties Manukau PROVINCIAL GAMES: 9 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 20 (4t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2010 v Bay of Plenty (Canterbury) at Christchurch TEST CAPS 43 TEST POINTS 55 (11t) TEST DEBUT 2010 v England at Twickenham COACHES SAY: Sonny returned home to Auckland and the Blues in 2017, not recovering from his long term Achilles injury (from the Rio Olympics) until mid-season. He became a leader in the backline, especially leading the defence, producing a superb display in the win over the Lions. With full season ahead in Super Rugby in 2018, much is expected of this All Black star. 12 I BLUES SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE