V Bookie: Super15 R12 Hurricanes - Blues

[TRF_RC]

Round 12: Hurricanes vs Blues (06-05-11)

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Ok, first game of round 12 is Hurricanes vs Blues.
The 'Canes have had one of the worst seasons in a long time, showing no real sign of form or consistency game-in game-out. Throughout, their defence has been terrible and their big name players have been constantly under-performing.
They pulled out a good victory against the Reds last week, but they switched off after they took a comfortable lead and let them Aussies come right back into the game. By the full time whistle they were lucky to get away with the win.
Key players in the likes of Nonu, Smith and Jane are still on the injury list, but Cruden made an impressive return to the game last week helping control the game.

The Blues have constantly gotten the results they've wanted over the season, losing only once. But the performances have been far from complete. Akin to the likes of the 'Canes last week, they've been known for switching off when they get a comfortable lead.
However, they showed an aspect of versatility last week against the Highlanders last week as they beat them at their own game. No tries, all the points came from McAlister's boot, but they were steadfast in their approach. A noteable change this week is Rene Ranger playing at 13 this week with Munro starting on the wing alongside a constantly underperforming Rokocoko.
The Blues haven't won in Wellington since 2002, so it'll be another difficult game to travel to for them as they look to upset any sign of continuity the 'Canes are trying to achieve in the latter part of their so-far underwhelming season.

HURRICANES:


1. John Schwalger
2. Andrew Hore (c)
3. Neemia Tialata
4. Jason Eaton
5. James Broadhurst
6. Faifili Levave
7. Jack Lam
8. Victor Vito
9. Chris Eaton
10. Aaron Cruden
11. Hosea Gear
12. Daniel Kirkparick
13. Jayden Hayward
14. Alapati Leiua
15. Andre Taylor

Reserves:
16. Dane Coles
17. Anthony Perenise
18. Jeremy Thrush
19. Mark Reddish
20. Tyson Keats
21. Julian Savea
22. Beauden Barrett




BLUES:
1. Tevita Mailau
2. Keven Mealamu
3. John Afoa
4. Chris Lowrey
5. Ali Williams
6. Jerome Kaino
7. Luke Braid
8. Peter Saili
9. Alby Mathewson
10. Stephen Brett
11. Lachie Munro
12. Benson Stanley
13. Rene Ranger
14. Josevata Rokocoko
15. Jared Payne


Reserves:
16. Tom McCartney
17. Pauliasi Manu
18. James King
19. Sean Polwart
20. Chris Smylie
21. Aaron Bancroft
22. Sherwin Stowers

 

[Darwin]

It will be interesting to see how the Blues go without Toeava at fullback, as he's been incredibly influential for them this year. Not sure what the rational behind all the positional changes in the Blues backline was; I would have thought simply bringing in Munro to replace Toeava at fullback would have been the logical move. Instead they have moved Payne and Ranger away from the positions that they have been excelling in this year, and put Munro on the wing, when he is more familiar with fullback.... The only rational I can think is that they plan to use Ranger to expose a smallish Canes midfield. Interesting to see the Blues have persisted with Lowrey at lock again, as he is primarily a loose-forward, though they do have 5 locks out with injury (Moli, Boric, Mika, Paulo, and Haiu). The Blues lineout suffered last week when Boric was ruled out just before game time (as Boric is the primary lineout caller, a one of the main jumpers), but hopefully they will be better after a weeks practice together.

Disappointing not to see Weepu back this week, hopefully he will be back next week. Slightly surprised to see Kirkpatrick picked in the midfield (rather than a Hayward, Leiua midfield), so it will be interesting to see how he goes against the physical Blues midfield of Stanley and Ranger.

It will be interesting to see who does the goal-kicking for both teams. I rate Kirkpatrick as a better goal-kicker than Cruden, but the Canes may want to keep Cruden kicking to keep his confidence up after he kicked the important goal last week (though he likely wouldn't have had to kick that goal if he kicked a few of the others during the match...). I think Lachie Munro may take the kicks for the Blues over Stephen Brett, as Brett had a horror kicking night last time he had the kicking responsibilities (v the Rebels), and Munro is a good goal-kicker.

One of the key matchups for me is Joe Rokocoko v Hosea Gear on the wing. Gear surpassed Rokocoko last year to become the incumbent AB's left wing, and has looked good in the disappointing Canes side. I'm sure Rokocoko will want to have a huge game against him to prove that he's still up to AB's level.

 

[FlukeArtist]

Blues by 20!!

 

[ranger]

Yeah i think moving Ranger to 13 was a tactical switch that may even have been made without Toeavas injury. Cruden, Heyward and Kirkpatrick are all relitively good defenders in that they rarely miss tackles, but none of them have the power to completely wrap up the defender and drive them back. Because of this i think Rangers crash and offload game will run riot on them. I expect Payne to play quite close to the attacking line and run off Rangers shoulder all day. It will almost be as if Payne is playing centre anyway.

 

[nickdnz]

Great to see Ranger move to centre. He's certainly best there, and against a midfield with no Conrad Smith or Ma' Nonu, he should be able to run riot. Would like the Canes to win, but with so many injuries it seems pretty unlikely.

I predict Rokocoko to have a strong game this one, he has traditionally done well against the Canes. Don't know if he has been underperforming, he's linked very well in almost every try that has been set up, and his work rate at the breakdown has been immence, he just needs to stand off on the wing and get himself some space. Shame he's not playing on the left wing for this game, as he plays best there. Him verse Gear will be interesting.

 

[Amobokoboko]

Blues for the win.

 

[Milla]

I think the blues will win, but I'll be there cheering for Hurricanes. Last week's match was insane. I'm really hoping they don't let go in the second half again.

 

[Darwin]

Great to see Ranger move to centre. He's certainly best there, and against a midfield with no Conrad Smith or Ma' Nonu, he should be able to run riot. Would like the Canes to win, but with so many injuries it seems pretty unlikely.

I predict Rokocoko to have a strong game this one, he has traditionally done well against the Canes. Don't know if he has been underperforming, he's linked very well in almost every try that has been set up, and his work rate at the breakdown has been immence, he just needs to stand off on the wing and get himself some space. Shame he's not playing on the left wing for this game, as he plays best there. Him verse Gear will be interesting.

Rokocoko's main problem in this game will be that Rene Ranger is at centre - if he wants to get the ball he's going to have to hope that Stanley can throw a good skip pass

 

[Icemn]

Canes for a WIN!!!!!

I'll stand by my team......its no biggy for me as they are playing another NZ team so i don't mind a loss.... NZ teams are all great

why do the canes wear those ugly ass Grey Vulture look-a-like away jerseys

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

V bookie added

 

[Amobokoboko]

I hope Roks get a try

 

[markshaw]

Rokocoko's main problem in this game will be that Rene Ranger is at centre - if he wants to get the ball he's going to have to hope that Stanley can throw a good skip pass

for our own good ranger should hold on to the ball. Roks will turn it over bro. bloody sick of Lam picking him, go get some money in Japan Roks

 

[TRF_RC]

You look at the quality of the Blues backline against the 'Canes and you can't see them losing this game.
However, the Canes did well last week against the Reds without their big name players, don't see why they couldn't do it again this week. They're at home, plus if Brett is the primary kicker you know he's not gonna leave with a 100% record that's for sure. Worst kicker in the league!

 

[TRF_RC]

Plus, 12/1 odds on a 7+ win for Canes i threw down a sneaky 50, coz those odds are too good to pass up.

 

[Darwin]

for our own good ranger should hold on to the ball. Roks will turn it over bro. bloody sick of Lam picking him, go get some money in Japan Roks

I don't think Rokocoko has been that bad. He hasn't stood out with the ball in hand, but he generally has used his power to get over the advantage line and has set up some good go-forward ball. His work rate has really impressive in the last few weeks as well. He seems to have just lost his confidence with the ball in hand.. if he would back himself - like Rene Ranger does - I suspect he would be much more effective.

You look at the quality of the Blues backline against the 'Canes and you can't see them losing this game.
However, the Canes did well last week against the Reds without their big name players, don't see why they couldn't do it again this week. They're at home, plus if Brett is the primary kicker you know he's not gonna leave with a 100% record that's for sure. Worst kicker in the league!

Aaron Cruden, and the Highlanders duo of Lima Sopoaga and Robbie Robinson may have something to say about that
I actually think Lachie Munro might take the kicks for the Blues, as he's quite a good goal-kicker. This would also allow Brett to concentrate on the rest of his game rather than (missing) kicks at goal.

 

[TNT88]

I can't wait for this one, the weather reports appear to be good as well. It'd be a great game to go to.

 

[Cassie]

This will be a thriller but my bet would be blues to take it in the end by 8.

 

[Peat]

I can't wait for this one, the weather reports appear to be good as well. It'd be a great game to go to.

Famous last words.

 

[cyRil]

That one nutter in the crowd flipping his lid when Hosea scored is just how I imagine Nick was reacting at the time

 

[Cassie]

Amazing try by gear 9-8 for blues 57 min.