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The 31st Super Rugby competition kicks off tonight, with the mighty Blues from Auckland off to Melbourne to face the Rebels.
Anyone who knows me well is aware of my undying support for the Blues, despite the fact I am a Chiefs man.
I lived in Auckland when Super Rugby started and remember sitting in the old number 4 stand, watching Stormin’ Norm Berryman (Blues) fronting Jonah Lomu (Chiefs) in an epic clash of cannonballs.
‘King’ Carlos Spencer could light me up, Sean Fitzpatrick was ever present and the list of Auckland superstars who captivated like few before or after goes on.
My excitement for tonight’s game stems mainly from the fact that there are many unknown quantities for the Blues. The front five boasts just 19 caps, although Pauliasi Manu and Jimmy Tupou are experienced through their exploits at the Chiefs and Crusaders respectively.
The hooker is Matt Moulds, who is the Northland captain, and what a name to follow this season. His backup is Hame Faiva, a Mooloo man through and through, and their NPC captain to boot.
All Blacks halfback Augustine Pulu will set the backline away, with the underrated Ihaia West, another personal favourite, set for a big year. Outside these two, a youthful backline will hopefully throw up stars. And one can assume there is talent aplenty as coach Tana Umaga has the luxury of holding Rene Ranger and George Moala on the bench – and look out Rebels if your defence is tiring because big Charlie Faumuina will also charge into action with 20 minutes to play.
Expect Melbourne to have a big, rawboned pack and if I were their coach my tactics would be to take on the Blues’ inexperienced forwards. In Jackson Garden-Bachop, a superbly-bred Kiwi first five, the Rebels should gain some control about the field.
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.