The Blues host the Waratahs in a crucial Anzac day match in Round 11 of Super Rugby. Join The Roar for commentary, live scores and to have your say on the blog from 5.30pm AEST.
This week sees a number of Australian sides and New Zealand sides face off. The first of those fixtures is the Waratahs and Blues at Eden Park.
Eden Park hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for the Waratahs. They broke a long-time drought there in recent years and will look to post a similar result in this meeting.
They come into the match with Israel Folau playing his second game back from injury, but there’s a cloud over Kurtley Beale. Beale will play but had to reject surgery. Wycliff Palu has been named on an extended bench, so may return from injury for the match.
This season was billed as the year the Waratahs broke through for success and at the halfway point they are still in the thick of it. However, if they want to win the conference and possibly get a bye round in the finals they must win these tricky away matches.
The Blues haven’t been as successful yet this year, but they have taken some big swings and landed punches. They’ve beaten the Cheetahs, Highlanders and Crusaders.
Anecdotally the Blues seem to fly from highs to lows and lows to highs. They are unpredictable and on their day can beat the best. They will be on home turf and that gives them a strong chance if the 2014 home-field advantage holds for another week.
The news of Benji Marshall leaving the team will have disrupted the Blues preparation. But that would be more than offset by the emotional return of Piri Weepu after spending time out with a heart scare. That should provide a large enough emotional boost and extra effort.
Should be a cracking match. So don’t forget to join us here at 5.30 for live scores and comments.
Bakkies
Guest
Tahs fans still going on about the Sydney lifestyle. You still don't get it. It's about the rugby, team spirit. One team definitely has it, the other doesn't have it. The Brumbies gave these boys an opportunity and they walked to an inferior setup. The tahs still can't organise a piss up in a brewery. Do you think George Smith and co were desperate to rush back 'home' to put on a Tahs jersey? I don't think so.
jeznez
Roar Guru
AAC is playing for his home state as well. I am sure he likes playing 80 minutes every week in his preferred 13 position rather than being in a selection merry go round with Lealiifano, McCabe and Kuridrani in the centres. If he was still at the Ponies he would likely be out on Coleman's wing at the moment and looking forward to a selection battle with Speight and Tomane once Henry returns from injury. There is something to be said for playing full matches in your preferred position even if your team is running 5th rather than 2nd.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Hooper is living in his home town and looks likely to take over the captaincy very soon. Not sure he would be missing the roundabouts of Canberra when he has his northern beaches on his door step and can hit the surf whenever he wants.
Bakkies
Guest
When you leave it's hard to get a road back. AAC was a HPU rookie with TPN, SNK, Faingaas and Halangahu when the 2004 title was won. I think he left the Brumbies because his Sydney based gf wouldn't live in Canberra as the Brumbies were looking at getting the players based there full time. They split up pretty soon after that. Gerrard couldn't get back when he came back to Oz after his stint in the Japanese 2nd division.
PiratesRugby
Guest
And AAC too.
Bakkies
Guest
I bet Hooper feels like a fool now after leaving the Brumbies to join that mob.
Tane Mahuta
Guest
Oh yes the Wallaby and Tahs selectors are missing the point. Instead of wasting their time watching replays and picking a player based on decades of professional rugby experience they should just read your post. Its clear hes useless. Even when he tops the tackle count they were "powder puff" tackles. Yip aha hmmmm I see. I wouldnt have him in my Wallaby team but I certainly wouldnt have you as a selector.
Common Sense
Guest
Should Beale move to 10, Horne to 12 and AAC to 13? Too many ball players and not enough ball runners.
Harry
Guest
Tahs were well beaten tonight and shown up as pretenders, yet again. Perhaps just a bad night, but not so sure after they've lost 4 of the last 6. Blues' handling, game management and skills were well above NSW. So, no, not kidding at all.
eagleJack
Guest
Dumb comment from Foley. Even if you can tell it was not what he was wanting to say. More that their games are generally more open. But you never use the word "soft" when talking about the opposition. Any opposition.
DMac
Guest
I don't buy into the criticism of Dennis. I think he's in there doing the hard work - not everyone needs to be a glory boy. This is the first time I've called for change around 9-12. It just isn't working. Phipps is looking confused and delivering slower ball. Foley is trying too hard. Beale has been good but got smashed tonight. Horne has looked very good. I think it's time for some more stability in the midfield and I don't think you'll get that by shuffling Beale out to the wing, he will still want more involvements. My preference is to drop Foley and see if that settles things down.
jemainok
Guest
Me too Common it was a joy to see the physicality that Kaino has. And the Hurricanes will have that comment on replay all next week I recon.
2Tahs
Guest
There's your problem right there. You missed the point.
eagleJack
Guest
I don't think they will win it. Nor do I think any Australian team will win it. But I do think the Tahs will play in the finals (happy to take a beer from you). Sharks, Chiefs (at full strength) and Crusaders just a step above the rest. Fingers crossed your Rebels win another game hey ;)
Common Sense
Guest
This may be a bit sadistic of me but I am so happy Foley got smashed a few times after his 'NZ teams are soft' comment.
PiratesRugby
Guest
They are the Bizarro-Crusaders.
PiratesRugby
Guest
They lost to the Nrumbies and the Sharks. They lost to the Force and the Blues. If you still think that this is their year or that things are different at Tah land, you're delusional. They won't make the finals. Will bet you a beer.
Brian
Guest
Going to be a tough selection for AB 6 because Messam is playing so well at the moment as well....
Mad Dutchman
Guest
Dumbest move ever! Not surprised the Blues pack was fired up.
Squirrel
Guest
Dennis is firkin joke