[2015 Super Rugby] Blues vs. Chiefs (Round 1) 14/02/2015

[TRF_stormer2010]

QBE Stadium, North Harbour

19:35 Local, (NZ, GMT+13)

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Teams

Blues:

1. Tony Woodcock , 2. James Parsons , 3. Angus Ta'avao , 4. Josh Bekhuis , 5. Hayden Triggs , 6. Steven Luatua , 7. Brendon O'Connor , 8. Jerome Kaino (C) , 9. Jimmy Cowan , 10. Ihaia West , 11. Tevita Li , 12. Francis Saili , 13. George Moala/Hamish Northcott , 14. Charles Piutau , 15. Lolagi Visinia
Replacements :16. Matt Moulds , 17. Ofa Tu'ungafasi , 18. Charlie Faumuina , 19. Akira Ioane , 20. Luke Braid , 21. Jamison Gibson-Park , 22. Simon Hickey , 23. Hamish Northcott/Ben Lam

Chiefs:

1. Pauliasi Manu , 2. Hika Elliot , 3. Ben Tameifuna , 4. Matt Symons (c) , 5. Michael Fitzgerald , 6. Johan Bardoul * , 7. Sam Cane , 8. Maama Vaipulu* , 9. Brad Weber , 10. Damian McKenzie* , 11. James Lowe , 12. Sonny Bill Williams , 13. Charlie Ngatai , 14. Tim Nanai-Williams , 15. Tom Marshall
16. Rhys Marshall , 17. Jamie Mackintosh , 18. Siate Tokolahi* , 19. Michael Allardice* , 20. Tevita Koloamatangi , 21. Augustine Pulu , 22. Marty McKenzie* , 23. Bryce Heem*
*Chiefs debutants

 

[FlukeArtist]

Cant see anything but a Chiefs win here.

From all accounts its going to be more of the same from the Blues this year.

I just hope that they keep the margin below 13

 

[Andre8]

Cant see anything but a Chiefs win here.

From all accounts its going to be more of the same from the Blues this year.

I just hope that they keep the margin below 13

I Think it will be a close one, with very high scoring.. Chiefs field a lot of debs, I hope they will be good enough to win! Let's go Chiefs!!!

 

[ENZED-88]

Only one winner here.... Blues by 10!!!!

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

It's an interesting Chiefs side. Barring the lack of Cruden I'd say that's basically their strongest back line. Tamanivalu, Gear and Horrell could all fit in there, but it wouldn't necessarily make it any stronger. I actually think Weber is a better starting option than Pulu too.

There's an obvious advantage for the Blues in the loose forwards. Otherwise, apart from the obvious absences of Messam and Retallick (and to a lesser extent Squire), not a bad team first up! I'm looking forward to seeing how Elliot does back in Super Rugby.

 

[Amobokoboko]

Can't wait, will be an early start for me but hey it's Chiefs time !!!!

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

Starting to get super excited! The Chiefs are back!

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

Both Tameifuna and Nanai-Williams are out minor injuries, big losses.

 

[Amobokoboko]

Goo Chiefs!

- - - Updated - - -

Boom, first try Lowe. Go Chiefs!

- - - Updated - - -

Boom, try 2 - Heem. Gotta love super rugby.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

Lowe probably should've passed it infield there, but damn that pace!

 

[lynam1104]

Do nz have an endless supply of good tens? McKenzie has looked impressive

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

Do nz have an endless supply of good tens? McKenzie has looked impressive

He's certainly a fantastic talent. He's still eligible for the U20's this year, I think.

I've been most impressed with his goal kicking and defence tonight. That was his weakness last year.

 

[Rugga-lad]

Chiefs look hungry

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

The Chiefs scrum has impressed me, it's basically even Stevens at the moment which is a great achievement given who the Blues have on the field.

 

[lynam1104]

Chiefs look like they've tired, Blues really in ascendence.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

Pulu has made a few mistakes. The Chiefs number 8 has been very solid in his debut match.

Marshall's throwing has been very poor. Sigh.

 

[austingtir]

That Damian Mckenzie looks the real deal to me. It almost seems a pity he's going to play second fiddle to cruden imo.

 

[Amobokoboko]

And boo in the pocket

 

[nzlizard]

Good to see the Chiefs hold on at the end.

Chiefs playing good attacking rugby and making the breaks, just need to learn when to take the tackle and reset, not try the razzle dazzle every play for the length of the field.

Scrum was good for the Chiefs considering when you look at the 2 forward packs on paper.

As mentioned above McKenzie looking good, felt he tried to do too much but awesome to see some enthusiasm and hunger there, great kicking distance too.

Lowe pretty solid on the wing and SBW had a good first game.

Didn't get to watch it all.

Concerning for the Blues that they couldn't even score a try at home in there opening game of the season, esp given the team they had.

 

[Gena_ZA]

At least one game where both sides wanted to play.
SBW looked very sharp, so did Lowe