[VIDEO] Blues vs Lions highlights: Super Rugby scores, blog

Roar Guru

7th March, 2015

3058 Reads

Kickoff: 5:35PM AEST
Venue: QBE Stadium, Albany
Last meeting: Round 5, 2014, Ellis Park, Lions 39, Blues 36
Referee: Matt O’Brien
TV: Live, Fox Sports
Betting: Blues $1.25, Lions $4.00

Blues
15 Lolagi Visinia, 14 Frank Halai, 13 Charles Piutau, 12 Francis Saili, 11 Melani Nanai, Ihaia West, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Jerome Kaino (captain), 7 Luke Braid, 6 Steven Luatua, 5 Patrick Tuipulotu, 4 Josh Bekhuis, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Ofa Tu'ungafasi

Substitutes: 16 James Parsons, 17 Sam Prattley, 18 Angus Ta'avao, 19 Hayden Triggs, 20 Brendon O'Connor, 21 Jamison Gibson-Park, 22 Simon Hickey, 23 Hamish Northcott

Lions
15. Andries Coetzee, 14. Ruan Combrinck, 13. Lionel Mapoe, 12. Harold Vorster, 11. Sampie Mastriet, 10. Elton Jantjies, 9. Ross Cronje, 8. Warren Whiteley (captain), 7. Warwick Tecklenburg, 6. Jaco Kriel, 5. Martin Muller, 4. Franco Mostert, 3. Julian Redelinghuys, 2. Robbie Coetzee, 1. Corne Fourie

Substitutes: 16. Armand van der Merwe, 17. Jacques van Rooyen, 18. Ruan Dreyer, 19. Robert Kruger, 20. Derick Minnie, 21. Faf de Klerk, 22. Jaco van der Walt, 23. Howard Mnisi

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The Tahs head to the Republic to face the Lions. (AAP Image/Paul Miller)

Digby

Roar Guru

7th March, 2015

175

3058 Reads

The Blues play host to the Lions from South Africa at QBE Stadium in Albany on the North Shore of Auckland. Join The Roar from 5:35pm AEST.

Both teams have played three matches for three losses this year, and will be desperate to right their respective seasons this evening.

While many see the Blues as favourites, the Lions will prove difficult customers. Furthermore, the travel factor is redundant as both teams have made the trip from South Africa.

The Blues have been frustrating this season, their matches highlighted with poor execution, particularly in attack, and also ill-discipline hampering their ability to gain any momentum.

However, if these issues can be addressed the Blues can be a force. Their physicality at the breakdown, led by Jerome Kaino, has been excellent and they secure more than enough ball with an All Black-laden pack to allow their exciting young backline to prosper.

If they can execute well and maintain continuity we should expect exciting play.

The Lions however will not make life easy for the Blues. A technically proficient set piece with a very hard-working loose forward trio, led by captain Warren Whitely, will make life difficult for the Blues at the breakdown.

Elton Jantjies’ recent promotion to the Lions starting side has added more spark to their attack but they perhaps still lack the real game-breakers out wide to seize the initiative.

While the Blues appeal as the likely victors, another night of unforced errors could well see the Lions walk away with the points.

Join us as we cover what promises to be a fascinating contest live from QBE Stadium.

Tip: Blues.

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