[2017 Super Rugby] Round 7: Highlanders vs. Blues (08/04/2017)

[Larksea]

I would say my #1 team is the chiefs but I follow and support all NZ teams, for me super rugby is more of an All Black trail than anything else... I used to hate the canes but I cant anymore because I really enjoy watching Barrett. I live in AKL so support the blues and got to a couple of games each season.

I think I said months ago that I would bet my house on SBW coming back and having a big season. not only does he have such a work ethic that you can guarantee he will come back in peak fittness but I think the time away from the game will probably have done him some good. I think his return will probably lift the hole team.

 

[Kiwiwomble]

...normally I hate being pessimistic...but I think you're right

 

[Makos]

I would say my #1 team is the chiefs but I follow and support all NZ teams, for me super rugby is more of an All Black trail than anything else... I used to hate the canes but I cant anymore because I really enjoy watching Barrett. I live in AKL so support the blues and got to a couple of games each season.

I think I said months ago that I would bet my house on SBW coming back and having a big season. not only does he have such a work ethic that you can guarantee he will come back in peak fittness but I think the time away from the game will probably have done him some good. I think his return will probably lift the hole team.

Definitely looking forward to seeing some SBW in action. 12.SBW 13.Moala has awesome written all over it. It's definitely a tough game to be thrown into first game back though. But he could be the catalyst to help the Blues push on to a play-off spot. I think it's a good idea to keep SBW there for the RWC as well, with his experience he can bring some real leadership to.

...normally I hate being pessimistic...but I think you're right

:lol: I understand, I've been there and done that to!

 

[The Jones Boy]

I wish I could summon the same level of optimism but there has been too many false dawns under Nucifora, Kirwan and Pat Lam.
I really want Tana to make a fist of it and there are signs... but we have been poor for a long time.
I worry about SBW's fitness and the danger of damaging the same injury. That would really hurt us.
I worry that our tight 5 doesn't have enough mad dog in them to compete against the other Kiwi franchises and dominate them.
I worry that we don't have a quality first five at the moment.
I worry...

 

[Kiwiwomble]

I worry most...est

 

[Caitlyn Jenner]

Anyone know what's goin on with Ranger? Seems like he hasn't really had an opportunity this season...

 

[Kiwiwomble]

Looks like t brown is following Joseph's game plan re players on the fringe, Evans had a stand out game last week...this week not even in the 23, we're talking about a guy that a couple of years ago played a full development team game mid day then turned up at watch the game from the stands to find there had been three injuries in warm ups and played a full super game

So not only do you have to be in great form...and be completely committed to the team...you need to be a favourite

 

[Ground We Won]

Probably Hammett making those poor decisions for the Highlanders up front. You'd think to accommodate Squire they could put Evans at lock instead of Ainley who is a little over the hill now and lacking match fitness.

 

[The Jones Boy]

Anyone know what's goin on with Ranger? Seems like he hasn't really had an opportunity this season...

Good question.
I was wondering myself...

 

[The Jones Boy]

Blues leading 20-13 away from home at half time
Too much to bear

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Aaaargghhh !!
6 minutes into the second half and its 20-all

 

[Caitlyn Jenner]

Blues leading 20-13 away from home at half time
Too much to bear

- - - Updated - - -

Aaaargghhh !!
6 minutes into the second half and its 20-all

Aaaan thy're losing...

 

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

A one score game, but you just know the Blues won't win it.

 

[Kiwiwomble]

Very proud to see so much ticker from the boys, great comeback

 

[galumay]

As a neutral, that was one of the games of the season so far. In the end it was a game that shouldnt have had a loser, but the 'Landers held their nerve and snuck a valuable win in the context of the NZ conference. Great to see SBW back on the paddock, Shields was immense and about 40 other players had a night to be proud of.

 

[The Jones Boy]

Same old Blues

- - - Updated - - -

I doubt we will even get a bonus point next week

 

[Ground We Won]

Buckman and Fekitoa really schooled Moala & Ioane. Hard to look past Fekitoa for the All blacks now, what a turn around in form he's had since the first few game weeks. Another outstanding performance. SBW looked pretty good in patches, but made that error that cost the Blues a try scoring opportunity. Liam Squire and Luke Whitelock are both really aggressive players and ball carriers. Ben Smith had a good 2nd half as well. Aaron Smith is really inconsistent at the moment, needs to stick to the basics a bit more.

 

[The Jones Boy]

SBW is rusty, he's had a long lay off, a few more games and he will come good.
Youth is still a killer for the Blues

 

[Larksea]

SBW still had some impressive touches. A couple of trademark runs which his team mates failed to convert to points.

Got to give Buckman huge props. The guy is so underrated, at one stage he completely nailed Ioane, just so reliable. IMO Buckmans return started the turnaround for the highlanders this season, he sures up the defense and lowers the turnover rate, makes Fekitoa look good and helps out the 10.

Liam Squire is mind blowing this season. Hes had a stint out with injury but his game has clearly going in the right direction. The guy is a lockin for the AB's now, and of the flip side. While Dixon is playing a bit better I don't think he is good enough to make the AB's anymore.

This game looked like a barn burner. It was almost like watching a finals game, I think both teams realised that even though the season is only reaching the middle stages. The NZ conference is so tight that this game could very well have decided who makes the playoffs and who doesn't.

 

[The Jones Boy]

I can't see the Blues making it into 4th in the Kiwi conference, not now and it's a bit weird because they have the same points as the Brumbies who arte top of the Aussie conference.

 

[SomeOke]

Quick question, how do you think the back line will line up with SBW back.
Collins and Duffie have been weirdly good this year which makes it hard?

If we assume SBW at 12 what happens? Does Moala lose out? Rieko move to wing and Melani Nanai lose out? Nanai to Fb and Collins loses out? Rieko to 23?
Personally I would drop Collins, he's a good solid player but I worry he is making you lose your identity, there is no reason why would shouldn't counter attack like the Chiefs or the Canes, is a "solid" fullback really necessary?