Roar Guru
The Lions have handed a rugby lesson to the Blues, trouncing them after going up 19-0 inside 11 minutes. That set the tone for the match and the Blues were never in it.
REPORT: LISTLESS BLUES CRASH TO BIG LOSS
Given the quality of the Blues side, questions have to be asked about how they performed so poorly. Were the Lions that good or the Blues that bad?
Good game of rugby with some excellent plays from the Lions. You can see why they’re one of the best teams in South Africa at the moment and could potentially, if they show up, cause some problems for the opposition should they make the finals.
Final score
Lions 43
Blues 5
Even if it’s at 3:15am (AEST), you’ll have to get up and watch what will be a cracking game between two quality sides – the Blues and Lions. Join The Roar for a running commentary and scores.
The Blues may be last in the New Zealand conference, but if they were in any other group they would likely book themselves a finals spot. They have shown great running rugby this season under coach Tana Umaga and will no doubt look to do the same at the conclusion of their South African tour.
The All-Blacks legend has made two changes to his side. Lock Hoani Matenga replaces the injured stalwart Josh Bekhuis, while New Zealand international Charlie Faumuina reinforces the front-row ahead of what will be a tough match-up.
Off the back of a smashing by the terrifying Hurricanes, the hosts have made four changes. Malcolm Marx and Julian Redelinghuys return at hooker and tighthead prop, accompanying the return of both Rohan Janse van Rensburg and Ross Cronje in the backline.
As an additional comfort, flyhalf Elton Jantjies will be fit to play.
“He did his fitness test before training with the biokineticist and passed that. The other condition was to pass all the training, go through all the contact and he passed that as well,” coach Johan Ackermann stated.
“Now as a team we must just perform on the weekend.”
Prediction
Definitely a match that can go either way, there won’t be much in it. Hard to pick a winner…..but if I have too.
Lions by 1.