Super 15: Highlanders - Blues in Dunedin (29-04-2011)

[Amobokoboko]

Expected a bit more scoring in this game.

 

[Darwin]

Those painkillers are talking sense then. He's had a cracking season so far. I was thinking if he's in Henry's peripherals for a place in the national squad, or does he not quite compare to some of the other boys in his position?

He will certainly be in contention, as along with Toeava he's been the form NZ fullback in the Super 15. His ability to play anywhere from 12-15 will certainly be in his favour as well. I'd pick him if I was an AB's selector

 

[TRF_RC]

Is ahead of Mils right now? I mean, i know mils has been off for a bit and hasnt had a great season, but he holds a certain authority in that position having been - not too long ago - the best full back in the world.

 

[TRF_RC]

Bull! That's a yellow card!
Intentionally slowing down the ball, if Highlanders could have recycled that quickly they'd have a try by now!

Oh, try.
Well, it was a cynical foul.

I'm not sure how the ball came out of ruck which lead to a break and then the highlanders try. Seemed a little suspect if you ask me. Mathewson was certainly complaining.

 

[Darwin]

Is ahead of Mils right now? I mean, i know mils has been off for a bit and hasnt had a great season, but he holds a certain authority in that position having been - not too long ago - the best full back in the world.

I'm sure Mils will be the starting AB's fullback if he's fit this year - he always plays his best in international rugby. People were writing Mils off at the start of last season, and he had a great season (nominated for IRB player of the year if I remember correctly). Ben Smith will be competing with Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, plus a host of wings for a spot in the RWC squad. Henry and co. love wings with 'fullback skills' so I think Ben Smith may have a good chance to make the squad.

.... YEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS..........Robinson.....

 

[Amobokoboko]

Great try

 

[Darwin]

Ben Smith... you are a god....

 

[TRF_RC]

Ben Smith again.
Blues defence have said them a bunch of times tonight.

 

[Muzzy]

smith knocked that ball on

 

[TRF_RC]

Is Rocokoco vying for a realistic place in the all blacks squad? Everytime he gets the ball he either chips ahead or gives it to Toeava. He has made a couple of runs but they've been really impotent.
I've noticed this throughout the season, he isn't the same player he once was.

 

[Darwin]

Is Rocokoco vying for a realistic place in the all blacks squad? Everytime he gets the ball he either chips ahead or gives it to Toeava. He has made a couple of runs but they've been really impotent.
I've noticed this throughout the season, he isn't the same player he once was.

If the team was picked on form no. However Henry and co. seem to love Rokocoko, because he was really good like 5 years ago....

 

[TRF_RC]

Why would you bring Cowan off when he's got a great momentum going with the forwards and the backs right now?
Strange substitution if you ask me.

 

[Amobokoboko]

If the team was picked on form no. However Henry and co. seem to love Rokocoko, because he was really good like 5 years ago....

Well, the season still isn't over and he did score some tries this season.

 

[TRF_RC]

If the team was picked on form no. However Henry and co. seem to love Rokocoko, because he was really good like 5 years ago....

Shame, coz there are plenty of other boys more effective out there right now - in particular - the guy on the other wing for the Blues. Ranger's having a crackings season, if you ask me.

Fair play, McAlister just doesn't want to miss any more of his kicks now.

 

[Darwin]

Why would you bring Cowan off when he's got a great momentum going with the forwards and the backs right now?
Strange substitution if you ask me.

Personally I'd prefer to see Cowan stay on, but Aaron Smith has come on and added spark on a few times this season though..

 

[TRF_RC]

Ugly kick from Robinson. Should have taken the 3 from there.

 

[TRF_RC]

That's game over with that yellow card, fingers crossed they can keep within 7 points of blues.

 

[Darwin]

Game over now. Blues possibly deserved the win, with there strong defense the key. They did a great job of closing out the game, holding onto the ball for about the last 4 minutes, for close to 30 phases...

 

[TRF_RC]

Well, the game wasn't spectacular, but it was a very entertaining second half. The Highlanders made some really good plays, but the Blues had a great defence for 80 minutes. Their defensive line was always up quick, rushing the attack and when they had to get back and scramble they did so and very effectively.
McAlister was sound with the boot to the ball tonight, he looked really comfortable in front of the posts and that counted hugely.

Good old brutal brawl at the end of the game. About 30 phases overall? That's how to close out a game, fair play.

 

[Amobokoboko]

A pity the highlanders lost, lost some money now