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Some important news from the Blues press conference
By RugbyPass
The Blues have announced their side to play the Highlanders this weekend. We bring you the main talking points from this morning’s press conference.
Sonny.
Sonny Bill.
Sonny Bill Williams.
SBW.
He's back, starting on the bench in his Blues debut after rupturing his Achilles while playing for the New Zealand men's sevens team at the Rio Olympics last year.
It's really happening.
This weekend.
Sonny Bill.
Playing for the Blues.
In other news:
Steven Luatua returns from suspension.
Blake Gibson and Rieko Ioane return to the starting XV.
Scott Scrafton gets his first start of the season at lock.
Bryn Gatland is in line for his Super Rugby debut off the bench.
The game will be played at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on Saturday, with the Gordon Hunter Memorial Trophy on the line.
The Blues have not won an away game in New Zealand since 2013. That’s four years ago. Four years.
But Sonny Bill.
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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