Super Rugby: Reds vs. Blues in Brisbane (26/04/2013)

[Darwin]

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

​

 

[Darwin]

Blues:
Charles Piutau, Frank Halai, Rene Ranger, Jackson Willison, Albert Nikoro, Chris Noakes, Piri Weepu, Peter Saili, Luke Braid, Steven Luatua, Ali Williams, Culum Retallick, Angus Ta'avao, James Parsons, Tom McCartney.
Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Ronald Raaymakers, Brendon O'Connor, Jamison Gibson-Park, Baden Kerr, Francis Saili.

Only a couple of changes for the Blues. Albert Nikoro gets his first start for the Blues on the left wing (with Ranger shifting back to centre, and Saili dropping to the bench). Originally George Moala was scheduled to be back on the wing after serving his one week suspension, but he has been dropped for disciplinary reasons. It sounds like Francis Saili may have started too, but he too has been dropped (only to the bench) for a driving offense. I'm not sure about Nikoro on the wing - he is a good young player (and it was a joke he wasn't included in the U20 side last season), but he is much better suited to fullback IMO. Ronald Raaymakers replaces Boric (who has and injury) on the bench, while I'm slightly surprised Mealamu isn't back starting yet.

 

[big ginger 8]

Love watching Davies get going.

 

[Darwin]

Good kick by Nikoro. 6-6, a bit scrappy, but plenty of running.

 

[sifplay]

Do the Blues ave 6 or is that the actual non Pacific Islander count in the team?

 

[Darwin]

Do the Blues ave 6 or is that the actual non Pacific Islander count in the team?

???

Try Willison after an good build-up.

 

[big ginger 8]

Some collision between Ranger and Cooper.

 

[sifplay]

???

Try Willison after an good build-up.

Blues look like the disbanded Pacific Island XV

 

[austingtir]

Who's that number 3 for the blues he sucks?

 

[donmcdazzle]

Blues look like the disbanded Pacific Island XV

Not hugely surprising given the Auckland area demographics.

 

[Sam Owen]

Nice retention from us for the most part, it shows support and cohesion amongst our team.

Good game so far because when the Reds get the ball they're equally as threatning. Good game.

 

[Darwin]

Who's that number 3 for the blues he sucks?

Angus Ta'avao. He is usually pretty good around the field, but he is a liability at scrum time. He is still young, but I'm not a big fan. I'm surprised we haven't seen more of Tu'ungafasi, who looks very promising.

Not hugely surprising given the Auckland area demographics.

Yep....

 

[big ginger 8]

Any particular reason for Shipperly coming on?

 

[Sam Owen]

gettin a bit tired now, i think our guys are geting exhausted from such an expansive game plan

 

[Sam Owen]

Were competing better in the tackle. Makes me wonder if the Reds are contesting as hard as us in the tackle..could be the reason were able to string phases..

 

[Darwin]

Were competing better in the tackle. Makes me wonder if the Reds are contesting as hard as us in the tackle..could be the reason were able to string phases..

The Blues support of the ball carrier this week has been very impressive - obviously it was an area they have focused on this week.

 

[Sam Owen]

The Blues support of the ball carrier this week has been very impressive - obviously it was an area they have focused on this week.

Yeah and they need to be rewarded for it, scorewise.

 

[Darwin]

Callum Retallick has been superb this week!

 

[Sam Owen]

Shouldve subbed Piri 10mins earlier, playing good but tired

 

[donmcdazzle]

You can see what will happen here. Reds try or penalty to win it

Right on cue