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Super Rugby Aotearoa: Blues player ratings vs Chiefs

(Photo by DAVID ROWLAND/AFP via Getty Images)

The Blues had their second impressive victory on the trot in Super Rugby Aotearoa with 24-12 victory over the Chiefs. It’s also their 5th win in a row on the road.

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On a wet and wild Waikato night the Blues had a big challenge on their hands. The conditions didn’t play into their strengths and in the first half they repeatedly shot themselves in the foot at the breakdown. They were on the wrong side of an 8-1 penalty count in the first 40 and lost Dalton Papalii for ten minutes on the eve of halftime.

The coaches delivered the remedy for their woes at halftime and the players had obviously listened and responded strongly. They only conceded 3 penalties in the 2nd half and surged away in the last quarter for an impressive victory.

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In conversation with the Class of 1995

Historian and author Dean Allen chatted to some of the legends from the 1995 World Cup-winning Springbok team

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In conversation with the Class of 1995

Historian and author Dean Allen chatted to some of the legends from the 1995 World Cup-winning Springbok team

15. Beauden Barrett – 8

A consummate display of game management from the new recruit. Blues fans are used to the frustration of watching their team struggle to get out of their half, not this year. Barrett ensured that the Blues had territorial dominance in the first half with only 40% possession. Then he moved to first five at 61 mins, added good direction and a cool as a cucumber dropped goal that pushed the lead to 16-12 at a crucial stage.

14. Mark Telea – 7

Had a quiet first half, but was more visible in the second 40. Good Houdini-like escape escape on defence from inside the 22 in the 43rd minute. Great scamper down his flank at 50 mins, leading to a penalty and then a cool finish to seal the deal.

13. Rieko Ioane – 6.5

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Quiet night for Rieko, it’s good to see a 13 backing himself on the outside but there is a risk of being isolated. Couldn’t link with Clarke this week on the left.

12. TJ Faiane – 6.5

As usual TJ played the good link man, solid as a rock against a very good centre pairing

11. Caleb Clarke – 7

Pretty anonymous with the ball not coming his way until the last quarter as his team gained ascendency and more space. Good break at 64 mins that led to Barrett dropped goal, then pierced the defence with a strong carry that led to the 72nd minute Telea try.

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10. Otere Black – 5

Black’s place kicking boots were sound, but his game seemed to go off the boil in the 2nd half. In the 45th min he poked an aimless kick that the Chiefs almost capitalised on. Then a knock on off a set piece in 58th minute led to him being substituted moments later.

9. Sam Nock – 8

The Northlander has sealed the 9 starting position with another strong outing, it’s not often Brad Weber gets outplayed. Best pass off the left hand in the country, good clearances at speed on a wet night. Off at 65 minutes.

8. Hoskins Sotutu – 8.5

Great illustration of the Blues improvement. Powerful, skilful and determined. Showed the power for the first try of the night. His heart would have been in his mouth with the gutsy pass off the left hand that skipped Tupaea’s intercept attempt for Telea to score and then led the defensive effort in the last moments as the Chiefs tried to hammer their way back.

7. Dalton Papalii – 7

Big assignment marking Lachlan Boshier, and was the unlucky yellow card recipient as ref lost his patience just before halftime. Led the tackle count as he came off the naughty chair to make a difference on D.

6. Akira Ioane – 7.5

Often criticised for his workrate, he reacted well being in the spotlight with a start at blindside. Was consistent and visible with his defence and was always a threat out wide.

5. Josh Goodhue – 7

Was one of the unsung heroes in the tight. Force at the breakdown and an annoyance for the Chiefs at line out time.

4. Patrick Tuipulotu – 8

Big, bad behemoth in the middle of the park. Scary strength and really took the game by the scruff of neck in the last quarter to push the momentum. For the lead up to the Telea try, he soared for a line out take, had two crucial runs to straighten the attack.

3. Ofa Tu’ungafasi – 6.5

Purposeful on defence and at the breakdown. Blotted his copybook after taking a nap at the back of a ruck in the 55th minute that got the Chiefs back to 12-13. Luckily it wasn’t a turning point.

2. James Parsons – 7

The wily veteran played the perfect wet night game. Error free, solid line out throws and some well timed snaffles at the breakdown.

1. Alex Hodgman – 7

Big but mobile man who nullified Laulala’s scrum prowess and had a good presence at the breakdown.

Reserves: 

16. Kurt Eklund, on 74 – Wobbly line out throw first up but redeemed himself with a scrum tighthead.

17. Marcel Renata, on 74

18. Sione Mafileo, on at 61

19. Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, on at 61

20. Tony Lamborn

21. Finlay Christie, on at 65 – Busy with some good work on both sides of the ball

22. Harry Plummer, on at 69

23. Matt Duffie on at 61

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R
RedWarrior 46 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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