The Blues play host to the Lions from South Africa at QBE Stadium in Albany on the North Shore of Auckland. Join The Roar from 5:35pm AEST.
Both teams have played three matches for three losses this year, and will be desperate to right their respective seasons this evening.
While many see the Blues as favourites, the Lions will prove difficult customers. Furthermore, the travel factor is redundant as both teams have made the trip from South Africa.
The Blues have been frustrating this season, their matches highlighted with poor execution, particularly in attack, and also ill-discipline hampering their ability to gain any momentum.
However, if these issues can be addressed the Blues can be a force. Their physicality at the breakdown, led by Jerome Kaino, has been excellent and they secure more than enough ball with an All Black-laden pack to allow their exciting young backline to prosper.
If they can execute well and maintain continuity we should expect exciting play.
The Lions however will not make life easy for the Blues. A technically proficient set piece with a very hard-working loose forward trio, led by captain Warren Whitely, will make life difficult for the Blues at the breakdown.
Elton Jantjies’ recent promotion to the Lions starting side has added more spark to their attack but they perhaps still lack the real game-breakers out wide to seize the initiative.
While the Blues appeal as the likely victors, another night of unforced errors could well see the Lions walk away with the points.
Join us as we cover what promises to be a fascinating contest live from QBE Stadium.
Tip: Blues.
Harry Jones
Expert
Yes. He made a line break, then he beat the defending journalist, handed him off, offloaded wildly, and ran into touch. Red card, Sir John! Congratulate the victors, take a hard look in the mirror, and CHANGE something
Sean Turner
Roar Guru
The start of it makes a little sense, but soon drops away into incoherent rambling. A lot like the Blues' seasons actually.
Harry Jones
Expert
Sir John Kirwan post-match (Blues at bottom of log): ""I'm going to be here for a long time. I'm the right man for the job. I believe in what I'm doing. I believe in the squad and the structures we're putting together. And I intend to be here a long time. We're in a bit of a slump at the moment but we'll turn this around. I'm very confident in what I'm doing. I like moments like this. Men need to stand up so bring it on. You don't have time to let external pressures get in your way. I've been doing this a long time. For me it's about working hard."
Digby
Roar Guru
No mate, travelling this week unfortunately
Harry Jones
Expert
Kicks from hand Lions 26 Blues 12
Harry Jones
Expert
well done Lions
Harry Jones
Expert
Hahahaha nicely played RT FIRE Sir John K For losing my power play!!!!!!!
kamoshika
Guest
Reds standing still receiving the ball...killing me they are
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yes but they have repeatedly made those same mistakes. The blues flick on more 50/50 balls than any other side by a street and they just can't afford to do that match after match. They show little variation on attack, always look 'crowded' on the pass, and try one pass too many with regularity. They don't know how to vary the pace, it's always one hundred miles an hour, and the Lions and Cheetahs worked out you just need to get in front of, then under the Blues to hold them up. They did it well but with predictability comes confidence. Kirwan has drilled in his mantra of attack is everything and they've all bought into it. He needs to ask for solutions, not assume he has them. I don't think he does.
Johnno
Guest
JK's job is untenable. Hurricanes next week, fresh from there bye and unbeaten and at home, surely they can't keep JK on for next week's game, Blues will go 0-5, 5 zip losses. Starting to remind me of the Drummoyne Dirty Reds club.
Vic
Guest
Lions are on fire!!!
James
Guest
Can someone tell me what planet the Blues board room are on? I dont understand how Kirwan still remains the coach after last years shambles. They are getting worse.
ohtani's jacket
Guest
Ha ha, Blues.. Wait, I'm from Auckland. Go Harbour!
DanFan
Guest
A that was a tragedy of Shakespearean proportions.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Me too, lions were not fancied, are away, and don't have overly great title aspirations or Multiple World Cup medal winners on their side. The blues were the opposite of all that, plus had 80% of the ball, position, multiple try scoring opportunities. On which planet does a side not win in that position?
John
Guest
Would hate to see a Pat Lam situation again as well.
Aucklandlaurie
Guest
Why Im being defensive of kirwin is more from the standpoint, that the basic mistakes being made out there tonight were made by representative ist class players not the coach. Even though I wouldnt want to see a repeat of the Pat Lam drama of a couple of years ago.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Well done digger, thanks for putting up with my blaspheming! (Blue is a 4 letter word after all)... Going to the canes training run next week?
Digby
Roar Guru
:lol: Now, now
Hi RT, there does seem to be many issues with the Blues, in their last two particular matches it seemed to me that they started focusing on running through the Lions and Cheetah defences as they are the two least physical SA teams. But with that came the predictability the Bulls are so well known for. I really don't expect much from the Lions and cheetahs this season as they have very few game breakers and are filled with journeymen. But hell, if they can show that much commitment and guts, I'll gladly accept any win they can muster.