2014 Super Rugby: Blues vs Highlanders (Round 7)

[Jaguares]

 

[FlukeArtist]

This is a tough one to call.

If It was based on form alone I would say Highlanders.

But given it is at Eden Park and Kaino and Nonu shoudl be starting (and hopefully making a difference) the pendulum swings back a little towards the Blues.

In saying that though; the Blues will need to play 100% better than they did last week to get a look in against a handy Highlanders team.

 

[admartian]

This should be a cracking game. I'm hoping for an open free flowing one much like the one against the Canes.

Keen to see how Kaino does. Not so much Nonu.

 

[Kiwiwomble]

Not hoping for much results wise but would love to see Fekitoa tackle Nonu like he did Smith last week

 

[steblin]

Not hoping for much results wise but would love to see Fekitoa tackle Nonu like he did Smith last week

That hit ... gotta love how tough Conrad is though

Was pleased to hear on the news the other day that JK is NOT looking to start Luatua at lock, but will look to put him there later in the game (60+ mins during sub time), means a loosey trio of Luatua, Braid and Kaino ... I'd be happy with that. Hope Luatua can keep up his form from the Cheetahs game, he was really starting to catch fire.

 

[steblin]

BLUES: Charles Piutau, Frank Halai, Jackson Willison, Ma'a Nonu, Tevita Li, Simon Hickey, Bryn Hall; Steven Luatua, Luke Braid (capt), Jerome Kaino, Hayden Triggs, Liaki Moli, Charlie Faumuina, Tom McCartney, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: James Parsons, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Angus Ta'avao, Tom Donnelly, Peter Saili, Sonatane Takulua, Peter Ahki, Benji Marshall.

So, Luatua moves to 8 ... pleased to see Bryn Hall start but not for the reason of Piri being unwell. I'm happy to see Tevita Li getting a long run at the 11 position as well, give him time to grow into it. Parsons and Donnelly dropped an indication of exactly how bad our set pieces have been.

 

[Kiwiwomble]

a few former highlanders in that team

 

[hjklhjkl]

Great to see both Hickey and Hall starting. I would have preferred Luatua remain at 6, with Kaino either at 8 or on the bench.
A very potent backline, Although I'm a bit worried about the Locks with Retallick and Tuipulotu out this is probably the best side we can field.

a few former highlanders in that team

*Cough*MalakaiFekitoa*Cough*

 

[Kiwiwomble]

*Cough*MalakaiFekitoa*Cough*

everyone knows the "Fekitoa" is an old southland name, came here during the gold rush, very big in the Tuatapere community........

 

[Darwin]

Highlanders: 1.Kane Hames, 2.Ged Robinson, 3.Chris King, 4.Brad Thorn, 5.Jarrad Hoeata, 6.Elliot Dixon, 7.Shane Christie, 8.Nasi Manu (co-captain), 9.Aaron Smith, 10.Lima Sopoaga, 11.Patrick Osborne, 12.Phil Burleigh, 13.Malakai Fekitoa, 14.Richard Buckman, 15.Ben Smith (co-captain).


Reserves: 16.Liam Coltman, 17.Craig Millar, 18.Ma'afu Fia, 19.Joe Wheeler, 20.TJ Ioane, 21.Fumiaki Tanaka, 22.Hayden Parker, 23.Shaun Treeby.

Can't say I'm very happy with this side. I'm happy to see King back in the starting lineup, but that is probably the only positive. I don't mind Robinson getting the start at hooker as Coltman could probably do with a break. Not happy to see Hoeata back - Wheeler has been much better than him over he last few weeks (and I would still like to see Franklin given a shot). I have no idea why Evans is not back starting at 6 as he was a key performer in the first few weeks - Dixon was ok last week, but is much better suited to 8. Burleigh was a revolving door in defense last weekend, and I fear Nonu (or Halai, Piutau, Moala....) will have no trouble running through him this week, and I still can't fathom how Baker isn't in the 23. Our backline does have some attacking potential, but looks incredibly weak on defense, with Sopoaga, Burleigh and Osbourne all poor defenders....

 

[jessta]

BLUES: Charles Piutau, Frank Halai, Jackson Willison, Ma’a Nonu, Tevita Li, Simon Hickey, Bryn Hall; Steven Luatua, Luke Braid (capt), Jerome Kaino, Hayden Triggs, Liaki Moli, Charlie Faumuina, Tom McCartney, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: James Parsons, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Angus Ta’avao, Tom Donnelly, Peter Saili, Sonatane Takulua, Peter Ahki, Benji Marshall.

So, Luatua moves to 8 ... pleased to see Bryn Hall start but not for the reason of Piri being unwell. I'm happy to see Tevita Li getting a long run at the 11 position as well, give him time to grow into it. Parsons and Donnelly dropped an indication of exactly how bad our set pieces have been.

on the blues website it says moala is starting...
quite a strong team except the locks! whos playing reserve halfback? hickey? marshall? takulua? where is jamison gibson park? very sad sad news about weepu although great opportunity for hall who has impressed

 

[Darwin]

on the blues website it says moala is starting...
quite a strong team except the locks! whos playing reserve halfback? hickey? marshall? takulua? where is jamison gibson park? very sad sad news about weepu although great opportunity for hall who has impressed

Takulua is the reserve halfback. He looked promising last year for Northland. Gibson-Park is still injured.

The Blues side I saw had Moala on the wing too, so I assume the side that included Li was a missprint...

 

[steblin]

Takulua is the reserve halfback. He looked promising last year for Northland. Gibson-Park is still injured.

The Blues side I saw had Moala on the wing too, so I assume the side that included Li was a missprint...

Got it from the stuff website at the bottom of the Weepu article. If thats true then I'm annoyed, because I WAS happy Li was getting a good run at the position

 

[Darwin]

Try Moala. Lucky bounce of the ball, but well finished. Fantastic conversion by Hickey too!

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

Hickey is certainly the find of the season so far, especially given his difficult position!

 

[Darwin]

That was a slightly worse kick by Hickey :lol:

Brilliant move by the Highlanders. Pity about the forward pass...

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

Yeah lovely move.

Highlanders should've scored there, it was dumb of Smith, he clearly saw Walsh standing there. Oh well, three points!

Triggs has been good for the Blues.

I also really like Mehrtens as a commentator. So much better than the likes of Wilson and Marshall.

 

[Darwin]

Yeah lovely move.

Highlanders should've scored there, it was dumb of Smith, he clearly saw Walsh standing there. Oh well, three points!

Wouldn't you throw the ball at Walsh's face given the chance?

Fantastic kick by Sopoaga. His goal-kicking has been superb this year (especially as it was very average previously).

 

[austingtir]

Kaino and Nonu have made an enormous difference to the blues. They are going to be really tuff for any team to beat from here out at home.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

Reasonably easy try for the Blues, not sure who Hall ran outside at the line out?