It was a merciless 26-13 drubbing of the Waratahs last week, and now the Blues head over the ditch to double up on their Australian counterparts the Reds in what is shaping up as another brutal trans-Tasman battle at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night. We’ll have live updates and a Blues blog from 7.30pm.
The New Zealand outfit are captained by former All Blacks hooker Kevin Mealamu and the three-time Super Rugby champions will have no fears walking into a cauldron of 50,000 passionate Queenslanders to take on the in-form side of the competition.
Despite losing to the Reds 37-31 in a Round 13 shootout, Pat Lam’s men will be heartened by the fact they had been unbeaten at Suncorp Stadium going all the way back to 2004.
Through a dominant forward pack, the Blues were able to retain the lion’s share of possession against NSW last week but the Reds will provide far stiffer opposition, and one of the challenges for the Blues will be overcoming the loss of influential lock Anthony Boric.
A 10-5-1 regular season record led the Blues to second in the New Zealand conference and fourth on the overall table, and gritty away wins against conference rivals the Chiefs, Highlanders and Hurricanes show the Auckland-based unit have what it takes to tough it out on the road.
Admittedly, their late season form has been patchy, but so has Queensland’s and with a solid performance last week the Blues will be quietly confident that they have the momentum and finals experience to advance to their fifth Super final.
If the Blues can get on top of the Reds’ pack and Stephen Brett can limit the impact of Cooper then it could go right down to the wire. In a first at The Roar we’ll be running two separate blogs – one for the Reds, and one for the Blues. Pick a team, or jump in for discussion on both sides from 7.30pm AEST on Saturday night.
Last Five: Blues 3, Reds 2
Overall: Blues 8, Reds 7, 1 draw
Betting: Reds $1.45, Blues $2.70
the woodster
Guest
Congrats Reds. This coming from a bitterly dissapointed Aucklander in Melb.
johnny-boy
Guest
Pardon my ignorance but whats MOFO's ?
Joseph
Guest
Yeah it made sense. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
ohtani's jacket
Guest
Did that make sense? I mean a first time champion.
ohtani's jacket
Guest
I'm not too phased. In fact, an inaugural Super Rugby champ sounds pretty good to me.
ohtani's jacket
Guest
Okay, I'm sorry. I would like to take this moment to apologise to Robinson's head or his forearm or whatever.
Joseph
Guest
But even then OJ, as a kiwi you have had massive success. So what of the out come?!?! -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
GrecoRoman
Guest
Jared Payne - what a shocker of a night!
Joseph
Guest
I'm with you OJ, keep on this article, lets watch a good game, would be one hell of a final, Reds v Crusaders! -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
GrecoRoman
Guest
Wasn't his head it was his forearm. If that pass had gone to hand there was a 3 on 1 overlap with only Ali Williams to beat.
ohtani's jacket
Guest
Yes, I am. I think the Crusaders will lose, and Federer already lost at Wimbledon so I'm a pretty sad jacket at the moment.
ohtani's jacket
Guest
Yes! I agree! My favourite part of the match was when Genia tried to throw a forward pass and it hit Robinson in the head. It takes skill to throw it so forward it hits your decoy runner in the head. Brilliant!!!
Joseph
Guest
For the first time OJ on behalf of all Australiansthank-you. Are you staying up for the Stormers and Saders? -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Brett McKay
Expert
you've gotta do what you've gotta do in finals OJ ;) I do take your point though. Robinson got away with plenty tonight...
p.Tah
Guest
... And so they should OJ those dirty cheating Kiwi MOFOs ;)
ohtani's jacket
Guest
Congrats to the Reds. Not a bad performance from the Blues, but the Reds had the better attack. They cheat like mofos, though, and would be crucified on this site if they were a NZ side. Naturally, I expect crickets from our Australian friends, but anyway great stadium, great fans and a great season. Well done.
Kento
Guest
And that's the match: Reds beat the Blues 30 - 13. By far the better team.
Kento
Guest
After solid attacking play by Reds, Cooper drops into the pocket and slots a casual field goal. That's the game: Reds: 30 - Blues: 13 Reds will go into the Super Rugby final.
Kento
Guest
Harrison dives over the line but the ball fumbles from his grasp as he plants it; no try!! Blues still have hope here.
Kento
Guest
71st minute; Blues need to pull something out of the bag now…