Super Rugby: Chiefs vs. Blues in Mount Maunganui (30/03/2013)

[TRF_Ezequiel]

Baypark Stadium, Mount Maunganui

Other matches this weekend:

http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/...y-Highlanders-vs-Reds-in-Dunedin-(29-03-2013)

http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/...urricanes-vs-Kings-in-Wellington-(30-03-2013)

http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/...by-Brumbies-vs-Bulls-in-Canberra-(30-03-2013)

http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/...eetahs-vs-Rebels-in-Bloemfontein-(30-03-2013)

http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/...ormers-vs-Crusaders-in-Cape-Town-(30-03-2013)

http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/...ugby-Waratahs-vs-Force-in-Sydney-(31-03-2013)

BYE

 

[Gena_ZA]

As much as I want to see the Blues gel like the first two games and even if they succeed this Chiefs side will be hard to beat and I can't see them going down to the Blues.

 

[Amobokoboko]

Big game, Chiefs should win it.

 

[FlukeArtist]

Based on history, Anscombe will have a big game.

That's typically what happens when ex-Auckland players go down State Highway one to play for 6 toe county against Auckland

 

[Larksea]

well that's a good chance considering he's had like 3 big games in 4 weeks or something like that

chiefs to win, hate games like this though, want both teams to win!

 

[Darwin]

Blues:
Charles Piutau, Frank Halai, Rene Ranger, Francis Saili, George Moala, Chris Noakes, Piri Weepu, Peter Saili, Luke Braid, Steven Luatua, Ali Williams (C), Culum Retallick, Angus Ta'avao, James Parsons, Tom McCartney.
Reserves: Quentin MacDonald, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Anthony Boric, Brendon O'Connor, Jamison Gibson-Park, Baden Kerr, Jackson Willison.

Only one change to the Blues, with Ta'avao replacing the injured Faumuina (who is a big loss). It will be interesting to see Tu'ungafasi make his debut off the bench, as he is very talented.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

Chiefs team:

1. Toby Smith
2. Hika Elliot
3. Ben Afeaki
4. Michael Fitzgerald
5. Brodie Retallick
6. Liam Messam ©
7. Tanerau Latimer
8. Fritz Lee
9. Augustine Pulu
10. Aaron Cruden
11. Asaeli Tikoirotuma
12. Bundee Aki
13. Richard Kahui
14. Lelia Masaga
15. Gareth Anscombe
16. Rhys Marshall
17. Ben Tameifuna
18. Nick Crosswell
19. Sam Cane
20. Brendon Leonard
21. Andrew Horrell
22. Patrick Osborne

Good to see Smith back in at loose head. Clarke still isn't fit so the locks remain the same, except Graham drops out of the 22. Lee and Latimer start at 8 and 7, while Aki gets another chance in the midfield with Kahui starting outside him. Disappointed that Aki is in instead of Ngatai, who has looked good so far. Horrell is still the top 12 to me, though. Nanai-Williams, on the other hand, gets a much needed rest.

 

[Darwin]

It will be interesting to see how the Chiefs loose-trio goes without Cane, who has really impressed this season - I was really looking forward to the Braid vs Cane matchup though. Lee gets another chance at 8, which is one position in the Chiefs that no-one has really claimed for themselves this season.

Pulu gets another chance to start, while I'm a bit surprised to see Aki starting at 12 ahead of Horrell. Nanai-Williams gets a deserved rest.

Plenty of good match-ups all over the park:
- Retallick vs Williams
- Messam vs Luatua
- Lee vs Saili
- Kahui vs Ranger
- Masaga vs Moala

Overall I think the Chiefs will win, though I expect it will be pretty close, maybe 5-10 points in it.

 

[Amobokoboko]

Bring it on, goo Chiefs!!!!

 

[Amobokoboko]

Yellow card Aki, and a chance for the Blues to open the score

 

[Darwin]

Yep reckless tackle by Aki - yellow card seemed a fair decision.

Blues have looked good so far, Luatua in particular.

EDIT: Try Anscombe after Halai fails to control a ball that was kicked through...

EDIT 2: Try cancelled after an infringement 60 metres down the field!

 

[Amobokoboko]

Try Chiefs, Anscombe. Sloppy defense Blues.

 

[Amobokoboko]

Ok, offside no try

 

[Darwin]

And the Blues get 3 points from the ensuing penalty. I don't like these new TMO powers (even if the decision was clearly correct).

 

[Amobokoboko]

me neither and really feel sorry for Anscombe. He could have scored already two tries. not really his night.

 

[Amobokoboko]

A chance to tie the score. Well done !!!!

 

[Darwin]

Kahui looking great at the moment!

 

[Amobokoboko]

Chiefs lead

 

[Amobokoboko]

Kahui looking great at the moment!

Cruden also showed some great skill

 

[nickdnz]

And the Blues get 3 points from the ensuing penalty. I don't like these new TMO powers (even if the decision was clearly correct).

Can't watch the game atm cause I've been banned from watching any more rugby in the flat after the Canes game, however I agree on the TMO.

For me it seems referees just aren't asked to take any responsibility for making decisions. Even in instances where it's a clear try, refs just don't back themselves.

And if a player makes a 80m run down the field, and the referee missed the pass on the 80th minute, that in my opinion is the refs problem not the players. It's just getting really annoying.