The Cheetahs host the Blues from Free State Stadium in Blomfontein. Join us for live coverage from 4.10am (AEST).
An exciting contest lies in wait for us today as both of these teams like to play with the ball in hand and both have the talent out wide to do it.
The Cheetahs had the bye last round and will want to hit the ground running to prove that their fantastic away win over one of the pre-tournament favourites, the Sharks in Durban, was no fluke.
The Cheetahs built their win against the Sharks on the back of a reasonable set piece and a dominating the breakdown through sheer numbers and physicality, allowing them to utilise their dangerous outside backs. With the calm head of Joe Pietersen to guide them around the park, I suspect we will see more of the same.
The challenge will be to shake the cobwebs off early as many teams struggle to get out of first gear following the bye.
The Blues find themselves in a must-win situation after two early losses. Returning home to New Zealand with a 0-3 record will be unpalatable and the scrutiny intense.
Captain Jerome Kaino and a good mix of All Black experience means the Blues certainly have the ability to match the Cheetahs’ physicality and they have their own stable of quality firepower out wide. Discipline will be the key component for the Blues to address, after being hammered last weekend including a red card.
The Blues will not win games if this is not addressed.
What was pleasing was that despite playing out last weekend’s match with 14 men for the majority, their defence and intensity was very good. A similar effort will be required this weekend against this very dangerous Cheetahs side.
Tip: Blues.
Join us from 4.10am as we cover what promises to be a fast and exciting match here on The Roar.
Mark
Guest
The Blues Largest Player Base Biggest Commerical Base Worst Managment Team Says it all - until someone with a clue is heading the board there is zero hope of the Blues realising their potential...
Mike
Guest
"In the lead with two minutes to go,and they still blow it." That's kiwis for you. No Australian team would do that.
Katipo
Guest
An odd call from the ref. Again I might ask why the so called "Blues" couldn't actually wear blue against a team wearing orange and white? It seems Super Rugby's odd decisions are not just restricted to the referee!
pjm
Roar Rookie
Quite a few sub standard refs running around in Super Rugby at the moment, unfortunately most seem to be Australian.
richard
Guest
taylorman,I don't think there is anything that can't be remedied with some decent coaching.It wouldn't be so frustrating if I felt the team was improving under SJK.But it ain't,and rightly or wrongly the buck stops with the coach.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yep...possibly the most one sided stats for a loss. I'm glad jimmy Cowan came across to stand right in front of Hendricks just in time for him to run straight past him. One of the cheetahs tries was a gem but the other two were just straight defence lapses. Faumuinas pass wasn't forward. The ball was coming out the back of his hand and it was only the fact that he was stopped dead that it appeared forward. I've seen much worse passes allowed than that. Bad decision. But yes another the Blues have given away due to handling errors. They should be 3 and 0 rather than the opposite if not for continuously shooting themselves in the foot. Poor side, poor tour, knives will be out.
Digby
Roar Guru
Heaps of room, come on up!
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Any room for a flower? Although I don't think it likes bad weather.....
Bob
Guest
As an AB fan, was very happy with the Blues' ABs, minus a couple of forced passes by Tuipolotou. But man, the Blues just threw that game away. 27 tackles vs 117 the commentators said. Just a bit more patience and they could have run rampant.
richard
Guest
Jeez.the Blues can't turn a trick,always finding a way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.In the lead with two minutes to go,and they still blow it. Kirwan,and the board that selected him need to go.I wonder if they could get Sir Ted to come back as an interim coach for a season or two.We have the talent to perform better than this. signed seriously frustrated Blues fan!!
Could very well be, the Blues managed their territory well throughout the match, and then failed right at the end.
Digby
Roar Guru
Thanks Rob.
Digby
Roar Guru
:D I remember
Digby
Roar Guru
Yes! It is the year of the bad weather...........
RobC
Roar Guru
cheers DC. Good call, as usual! Happy Rugby weekend alll
Just remember .i started supporting them LAST YEAR already :)
Harry Jones
Expert
Stormers to win w 4 tries and join the Canes
My condolences Tman, I really thought the Blues had it, I wasn't even tense in this match as I thought the blues are simply to physical.
RobC
Roar Guru
I dont seem to have that problem... :D Cant be bullish, though. NZ has had a good run.
taylorman
Roar Guru
If they had stats on the top two inches biltong the Blues would read 0%.