Blues turn it on late to smash Rebels as gun young lock finally stands
Despite Josh Canham’s best performance of the year and another encouraging display from Darby Lancaster, the Rebels have suffered their second straight loss after…
It’s the battle for the wooden spoon tonight as the Blues host the Lions in Auckland. We’ll have live scores from kick-off at 5.35pm AEST.
Although neither side has had a particularly favourable draw in recent weeks, the scoreboard has not been kind and both come into this one on considerable losing streaks, with neither managing a win in the past two months.
The Blues came into this season regarded as one of the stronger chances, but a horrid injury run has played its part in their wretched run of form.
Powerhouse forwards Kevin Mealamu and Tony Woodcock will both continue what are becoming lengthy spells on the sidelines with soft-tissue injuries, while Chris Lowrey and Rene Ranger are two new additions to the list of absentees.
The Lions might not have been as well regarded as the Chiefs in the lead-up to 2012, but their output has been similiar and in recent weeks they’ve also seen their squad be decimated by injury.
But they’ll be heartened by their performance last week against the Chiefs. They might not have tasted victory, but they managed to put 21 points on the board and if they can find the same level tonight, it might be enough for a very, very rare win away from South Africa.
Someone will have to win tonight. Who notches up their second victory of the season? Find out from 5.35pm AEST as we cover live scores from the kick-off and if you’re watching, give us your thoughts in the space below.