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The Blues took a five-point win over the Sharks at Eden Park with a late try from Rieko Ioane and accurate kicking to follow from Ihaia West sealing the come-from-behind victory.
Final score
Blues 23
Sharks 18
The early Saturday night game between sees the Blues host the Sharks from Eden Park in Auckland. Join The Roar for all the action from 5:35pm (AEST).
Both sides are coming off recent losses, and will be hoping to right the ledger and keep their playoff aspirations alive.
Despite the loss, the Blues looked very good against the Chiefs last weekend, and should continue to use their big ball-runners and play with width, utilising their obvious strike power.
The Sharks, on the other, hand were well-beaten by a high-flying Lions unit, and have been disjointed in recent weeks, choosing a more conservative approach.
If the South African side are to keep their season alive, kicking the ball away to a dangerous Blues back three will not be the answer. The tourists need to more effectively utilise the attacking talents and pace of players such as Willie le Roux, Paul Jordaan and JP Pietersen.
Their pack will certainly get enough ball to work with, and this is a potential area of concern for the Blues come set-piece time.
The Blues have opted for more experience in their forwards this week, with Tanerau Latimer receiving his first start for the franchise this season, after a season overseas. With over 100 Super Rugby appearances, Latimer brings experience and leadership, ingredients the Blues have been missing in recent weeks.
On the Sharks side we see the promising du Preez brothers, Jean Luc and Daniel, up against the experienced pair of Jerome Kaino and Stephen Luatua. Another match-up to keep an eye on is the front-row battle between Tendai Mtawarira and Charlie Faumuina at scrum time.
Prediction
Too much strike power and a willingness to use it has me punting for the Blues this evening.
Blues by 12.
Join us live as we cover all the action from Eden Park.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.