thought this was rather amusing haha
Blues drop Benji Marshall from squad for Super Rugby clash with South Africa’s Bulls
HIGH-profile recruit Benji Marshall has been left out of the Blues' match-day squad for the Super Rugby clash against the Bulls while experienced campaigners Keven Mealamu and Tony Woodcock will return to the starting line-up.
An unchanged backline means two youngsters, five-eighth Simon Hickey and teenage winger Tevita Li, are retained for the clash in Pretoria on Sunday morning (AEDT) after impressive performances in their 35-24 win over the Crusaders last weekend.
Kirwan has opted for Chris Noakes ahead of Marshall among the reserves, saying Noakes' tactical kicking could be crucial at altitude.
He said rugby league convert Marshall was obviously disappointed at the decision.
“We've got a program for Benji and I've said I'm not going to rush it and it's really important that we slowly bring him into the game,” he said.
Marshall made his Super Rugby debut off the bench at fullback in the season-opening loss to the Highlanders.
However, the former Kiwis rugby league skipper was not used against the Crusaders, when he was also on the bench covering fullback and five-eighth.
\
\
\
The Blues have dropped Benji Marshall.
The Blues have dropped Benji Marshall.Source: Getty Images
Hooker Mealamu and loosehead prop Tony Woodcock were eased into the new season, with each getting 30 minutes off the bench against the Crusaders.
The two All Blacks centurions will form an all-Test front row with Charlie Faumuina against the Bulls.
Coach Sir John Kirwan says the scrum will be an important part of the game and the Blues need to be competitive if not dominant there.
There is one other change in the run-on side with lock Liaki Moli in for rookie Patrick Tuipulotu.
While Tuipulotu performed well against the Crusaders, Kirwan wanted to “make sure we protect him a wee bit” by having him come off the bench.
Blues: Charles Piutau, Frank Halai, George Moala, Jackson Willison, Tevita Li, Simon Hickey, Piri Weepu, Peter Saili, Luke Braid (capt), Steven Luatua, Tom Donnelly, Liaki Moli, Charlie Faumuina, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: James Parsons, Sam Prattley, Angus Ta'avao, Patrick Tuipulotu, Brendon O'Connor, Bryn Hall, Chris Noakes, Pita Ahki.
http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/blues-drop-benji-marshall-from-squad-for-super-rugby-clash-with-south-africas-bulls/story-e6frf4pu-1226847162941
Blues drop Benji Marshall from squad for Super Rugby clash with South Africa’s Bulls
HIGH-profile recruit Benji Marshall has been left out of the Blues' match-day squad for the Super Rugby clash against the Bulls while experienced campaigners Keven Mealamu and Tony Woodcock will return to the starting line-up.
An unchanged backline means two youngsters, five-eighth Simon Hickey and teenage winger Tevita Li, are retained for the clash in Pretoria on Sunday morning (AEDT) after impressive performances in their 35-24 win over the Crusaders last weekend.
Kirwan has opted for Chris Noakes ahead of Marshall among the reserves, saying Noakes' tactical kicking could be crucial at altitude.
He said rugby league convert Marshall was obviously disappointed at the decision.
“We've got a program for Benji and I've said I'm not going to rush it and it's really important that we slowly bring him into the game,” he said.
Marshall made his Super Rugby debut off the bench at fullback in the season-opening loss to the Highlanders.
However, the former Kiwis rugby league skipper was not used against the Crusaders, when he was also on the bench covering fullback and five-eighth.
\
\
\
The Blues have dropped Benji Marshall.
The Blues have dropped Benji Marshall.Source: Getty Images
Hooker Mealamu and loosehead prop Tony Woodcock were eased into the new season, with each getting 30 minutes off the bench against the Crusaders.
The two All Blacks centurions will form an all-Test front row with Charlie Faumuina against the Bulls.
Coach Sir John Kirwan says the scrum will be an important part of the game and the Blues need to be competitive if not dominant there.
There is one other change in the run-on side with lock Liaki Moli in for rookie Patrick Tuipulotu.
While Tuipulotu performed well against the Crusaders, Kirwan wanted to “make sure we protect him a wee bit” by having him come off the bench.
Blues: Charles Piutau, Frank Halai, George Moala, Jackson Willison, Tevita Li, Simon Hickey, Piri Weepu, Peter Saili, Luke Braid (capt), Steven Luatua, Tom Donnelly, Liaki Moli, Charlie Faumuina, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: James Parsons, Sam Prattley, Angus Ta'avao, Patrick Tuipulotu, Brendon O'Connor, Bryn Hall, Chris Noakes, Pita Ahki.
http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/blues-drop-benji-marshall-from-squad-for-super-rugby-clash-with-south-africas-bulls/story-e6frf4pu-1226847162941
