SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 BLUES 131 KEVEN MEALAMU @kevenmealamu Position: Hooker Physical: 181cm/109kg Date of Birth: 20 March 1979 Place of Birth: Tokoroa, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 152 Super Rugby Points: 50 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2000 vs Brumbies, Canberra Test Caps: 110 Test Points: 60 Test Debut 23 November 2002 vs Wales, Cardiff The most-capped New Zealand Super Rugby player of all time, Keven Mealamu is entering a remarkable 14th campaign with the Blues. Last season was a frustrating one for Mealamu as injury hampered his return from an extended break, only playing 366 minutes across nine appearances. For the Blues to be successful in 2014, the veteran will have to have a great year, as he is an experienced player in a key position. Renowned as one of the world’s best hookers, Mealamu has great footwork into contact, is a strong defender and performs the core roles of lineout throwing and scrummaging with aplomb. He was a standout performer in the 2011 Rugby World Cup as the All Blacks hoisted the Webb Ellis Cup. In 2010, Mealamu became the first ever player to earn 100 caps for the Blues and two years later, became just the third All Black to reach 100 Test appearances. He spent one year at the Chiefs in 2002 before returning to Auckland. GEORGE MOALA Position: Wing Physical: 188cm/98kg Date of Birth: 5 November 1990 Place of Birth: Auckland, NZL Super Rugby Caps: 14 Super Rugby Points: 10 Super Rugby Debut: Round 8, 2012 vs Sharks, Auckland Test Caps: 0 Test Points: 0 Test Debut – As strong and powerful as the Blues’ props and as quick as their fastest wingers, George Moala has all the athletic attributes to be an incredibly dangerous outside back and will be looking to realise his huge potential in 2014. He joins the Blues for his third Super Rugby campaign on the back of an impressive season for Auckland in the ITM Cup and will be striving to increase his contribution by upping his work rate and getting his hands on the ball more often among a potent backline. He featured on 10 occasions for the Blues last season, scoring two tries.
2014 Super Rugby Media Guide
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