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[VIDEO] Blues vs Hurricanes Highlights: Super Rugby scores, blog

Roar Guru
23rd May, 2015
Kickoff: 5.35pm (AEST)
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Last meeting: Round 5, 2015, Hurricanes 30 Blues 23, Palmerston North
Referee: Nick Briant
Betting: Blues $2.90, Hurricanes $1.37

Blues
Sam Prattley
James Parsons (c)
Ofa Tu’ungafasi
Culum Retallick
Josh Bekhuis
Brendon O’Connor
Blake Gibson
Akira Ioane
Jamison Gibson-Park
Ihaia West
Melani Nanai
George Moala
Francis Saili
Ben Lam
Lolagi Visinia

Reserves:
Keven Mealamu
Angus Ta’avao
Nic Mayhew
Will Lloyd/Hayden Triggs
Joe Edwards
Jimmy Cowan
Simon Hickey
Matt Vaega

Hurricanes
Chris Eves
Dane Coles
Jeffery Toomaga-Allen
Jeremy Thrush (c)
James Broadhurst
Blade Thomson
Ardie Savea
Victor Vito
TJ Perenara
James Marshall
Julian Savea
Ma’a Nonu
Rey Lee-Lo
Cory Jane
Nehe Milner-Skudder

Reserves
Motu Matu’u
Ben May
Tolu Fahamokioa
Mark Abbott/Callum Gibbins
Brad Shields
Chris Smylie
Otere Black
Willis Halaholo
Will Beauden Barrett be picked in the starting XV for the Rugby Championship? . (Credit: SNPA / Ross Setford)
Roar Guru
23rd May, 2015
194
3078 Reads

Match result:

FULLTIME – BLUES 5 HURRICANES 29

A scrappy start to begin, both sides struggled with their execution in the poor conditions before the Hurricanes finally settled, playing with patience and composure to wear the Blues down through astute kicking and forward pressure while the Blues had no answers to the machine.

The Blues certainly did not lack for endeavour, however they lacked direction tactically and made numerous untimely errors. The lack of cohesion within the depleted Blues ranks and inexperience conspired against their best efforts. Their two young loose forwards, Blake Gibson and Akira Ioane were impressive for their age and players to keep an eye on.

For the Hurricanes, Mark Abbott would be my man of the match with a tireless effort while Jeremy Thrush lead the team well in conrad Smiths absence. The Hurricanes have guaranteed themselves a spot in the finals and one more win would guarantee them top spot in the New Zealand conference and overall competition.

Match preview:

Round 15 of Super Rugby sees the table-topping Hurricanes travel to Eden Park in Auckland to take on the Blues. Join The Roar for all the action from 5:35pm (AEST).

The Blues have had a less-than-memorable season but one thing that is in their favour is the home ground advantage of Eden Park where they have built an impressive record.

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However that is where their advantage seems to end, as they are missing a number of quality players, and have named a third captain for the season in hooker James Parsons. To top it all off, they face the runaway tournament leaders.

The Hurricanes are also down on frontline personnel, due to a mix of All Black rest and injury, †he most notable being captain Conrad Smith, with lock Jeremy Thrush to captain the side in Smith’s absence.

Decision making and execution are two areas which have let the Blues down this year, and poor kicking or handling would be would prove fatal for them this evening.

The tone of the Blues’ performance will need to be set by their youthful halves Jamison Gibson-Park and Ihaia West. Given front foot ball this promising pair will cause plenty of headaches, allowing them to bring such threats into the match such as the imposing George Moala in the centres and Lolagi Visinia at fullback.

One particular Blues player to keep an eye on is Akira Ioane, starting at blindside. The 19-year-old has been a revelation so far this season and his star continues to rise with barnstorming runs and strong defence. His battle with opposite Blade Thomson should be fascinating – these two players are destined for bigger things.

The Hurricanes will want to win this match to almost certainly tie up top spot in the New Zealand conference and probably the overall standings. They were not happy with the way they closed out their match last weekend against the Chiefs, and will know that despite the Blues being down on personnel, much like the Chiefs were, any potential lethargy will be punished.

Tip: Hurricanes.

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Join us from 5:35pm (AEST) as we cover all the action live on The Roar, and be sure to comment on the big moments as they happen.

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