Blues (29) 36 / 32 (10) Rebels (Final Score)
The Blues and Melbourne Rebels do battle in Super Rugby at Eden Park, Auckland at 09:35 SA Time (07:35 GMT, 19:35 NZ Time).
This is the live match discussion Article.
The match is broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1, SHD & CSN on TV in SA.
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Scorers:
Blues:
- Penalties – 0
- Drop Goals – 0
- Tries – Frank Halai (3), Francis Saili (2), Rene Ranger (1)
- Conversions – Chris Noakes (2), Baden Kerr (1)
Rebels:
- Penalties – Jason Woodward (1)
- Drop Goals – 0
- Tries – Mitch Inman (2), Scott Higginbotham (1), Lachlan Mitchell (1), Jason Woodward (1)
- Conversions – Jason Woodward (2)
Teams:
Blues: 15 Charles Piutau, 14 Frank Halai, 13 Rene Ranger, 12 Francis Saili, 11 George Moala, 10 Chris Noakes, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Peter Saili, 7 Brendon O’Connor, 6 Steven Luatua, 5 Ali Williams (Captain), 4 Anthony Boric, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Quentin MacDonald, 1 Tim Perry.
Replacements: 16 Gafatasi Su’a, 17 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 18 Ronald Raaymakers, 19 Luke Braid, 20 Jamison Gibson-Park, 21 Baden Kerr, 22 Lolagi Visinia.
Melbourne Rebels: 15 Jason Woodward, 14 Tom English, 13 Mitch Inman, 12 Lachie Mitchell, 11 Cooper Vuna, 10 James O’Connor, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Scott Higginbotham (Captain), 7 Scott Fuglistaller, 6 Jarrod Saffy, 5 Cadeyrn Neville, 4 Hugh Pyle, 3 Laurie Weeks, 2 Shota Horie, 1 Nic Henderson.
Replacements: 16 Ged Robinson, 17 Paul Alo-Emile, 18 Luke Jones, 19 Gareth Delve, 20 Nic Stirzaker, 21 Angus Roberts, 22 Bryce Hegarty.
Referee: Garratt Williamson (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Jonathon White (New Zealand), Shane McDermott (New Zealand)
TMO: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)
29 @ McLook:
Yip, one has to find that fine balance between attack and defence
Frank Halai with his hat trick try…
Wow this Blues no14 is lethal tonight. Some good passing from his inside providers.
Blues 29 / 10 Rebels
Baaaaaaad goal kicking in the game
Rebels penalty, Blues player diving on a player on the ground
@30 Yip it seems O’Conner took the Ranger bumping run already injured. He got up and walked of the field.
Another Rebels penalty, in on the side of the maul
Jeeez, Blues backline players are so committed… very good to see
Speed on to the ball seems to be the main characteristic of the Blues game. Also no kicking.
Lemoenetyd
@38. Yip committed direct running flat on the d-line. They are becoming a bit predictable. They need to start mixing it up a bit, I think.
Back now, let me go see what the swimming pool looks like – needs to be neat outside… we’re having the whole fandamily over tomorrow for Mothersday and 3 Birthdays in and around Mothersday…. oh and it was the In-Laws wedding aniversary as well.
Fascinating for me is the change in attitude from last year to this year in the Blues. Henry’s influence I reckon.
7 off-loads by the Blues in the first half. Interesting statistic. They pull it off (off-loads in the tackle) I reckon because the attack the line direct with speed.
The work hard to make sure the first receiver goes over the d-line and create front foot ball.
2nd Half ON!
43 @ McLook:
Don’t discount John Kirwin’s influence… he seems to have grown very nicely in stature.
Very interesting remarks by Kirwan at half time. He said the next 20 minutes is crucial for us. Stay focussed; no 50/50 passes; be relentless; control the ball; make sure of first time tackles; compete at the tackle ball. In essence make sure you don’t loose your momentum and go go over into defensive mode.
Rebels over the line, held up
@47. Yip Kirwan is certainly the glue that holds it together.
Rebels starting this half with intent.
Rebels over again….
TMO
Rebels over he line again. Hold up again I think.
I think that should be a Blues penalty… deliberate obstruction on the ground.
Scrum 5 ruled
Lachlan Mitchell Scores for the Rebels
Try Rebels. So much for Kirwan’s half time talk.
Blues 29 / 15 Rebels
Place kicking really poor tonight.
Nice quick hands under pressure by the Blues inside backs.
Rebels committing more numbers at the collisions. They are also more urgent and aggressive at the rucks. Starting to control the breakdowns.
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