The Blues’ dismal start to the Super Rugby season has extended to a fourth defeat after the Lions produced a huge defensive effort before stealing a 13-10 win in Auckland.
The Lions had to survive large amounts of time in their own territory, but repeatedly repelled the Blues on Saturday night.
A couple of Elton Jantjies penalties kept them in touch at 10-6, before they scored the decisive try in the 63rd minute in their first real attack.
Replacement half-back Faf de Klerk created the opening before first five-eighth Jantjies’ cut-out pass sent winger Ruan Combrinck over in the corner.
Amidst stunned silence from the home fans at QBE Stadium, Jantjies landed the sideline conversion.
Both sides had further penalty chances which they failed to convert, as the Lions closed out their first win of the season.
The result left the Blues, who this week had to deny a media report that they had sounded out a replacement for coach Sir John Kirwan, at the bottom of the table.
It also dampened the celebrations for hooker Keven Mealamu, who was making a competition record 163rd appearance, taking him past retired Australian lock Nathan Sharpe.
The 123-Test All Black, having his first match of the season after being rested in the previous rounds, produced his typical endeavour in his 45 minutes on the field.
He got a big ovation when he was subbed off.
The Blues dominated territory from the start, and a break from fullback Lolagi Visinia in the opening seconds carried promise.
Another big break-out, started by first five-eighth Ihaia West, died with a knock-on, but the Blues did get the first points on the board with a West penalty.
Jantjies replied with a penalty of his own, before the Blues became increasingly threatening as they camped inside the Lions’ half.
They finally crossed when skipper Jerome Kaino, back on the field after a spell in the blood bin, scored.
44bottles
Roar Guru
That's what they said about the Blues-Lions though. And to an extent, the Crusaders-Rebels. I won't feel safe unless we're up by 20 points.
Bottles, I don't think there is any danger of that mate :lol:
Breeze101
Roar Rookie
It must be the culture within the club that's killing the team & it's supporters something is just not there!!
44bottles
Roar Guru
Agree biltong .... As long as the team(s) they upset do not include one Christchurch based super franchise ;)
taylorman
Roar Guru
They made an interesting observation on Rugby Nation where this time the Blues changed tack and deliberately ran into contact rather than opting for space. Several replays definitely showed that to be the case. So while we credited the Lions with getting in front of every Blues player defensively it also looks as though the Blues also assisted with that in opting for a front on assault as a variation. That it didn't work is alarmingly obvious but it does reflect at least a variation on the Blues use of the ball and that they are trying something. Still think the key players are not up to the ball handling skills required for JKs high octane game but despite this debacle at least they go down to Wellington with variations in their use of the ball, the answer in there somewhere. The amount of possession the Blues get must have its benefits at some point, losing bonus points the only tangibles till now.
gregory
Guest
Disrespect to the coach, Kevin's record breaking game and last but not least the fans paying hard earned bucks to see their teams playing. It was as if the blues did not care anything. These guys are paid to play rugby and sometimes you have pride to play for and this was obviously missing. It was not as if the. Lions played out of their skins. They knew if they hang in there they have a chance of winning. With so much possession they failed to cross the line. Everyone wanted to be the one scoring a tryespecially the halfback. The crusaders are in the same boat but I think this is the game where the lions are going to be blown of the park. Come on guys start to act like rugby players
Harry Jones
Expert
Here's a number the Lions made: Warren Whiteley. 27 tackles!!!!
Shane D
Roar Rookie
The Lions defence was very strong but the Blues showed no composure inside the attacking 22. The number & mode of errors with the ball in hand was unbelievable.
Shane D
Roar Rookie
The Lions defence was very strong but the Blues showed no composure inside the attacking 22. The number & mode of errors with the ball in hand was unbelievable.
taylorman
Roar Guru
yeah theres something to that. They certainly should be better than they have been since their last win in 03. (which coincidentally coincides with when I left the place for Wellington). Don't know how it is for the clubs every week up there as for the 80's and 90's all I saw was the Aucks at the top of the tree. What a decade...
Vic
Guest
Blues lost all on their lonesome ownsome - go you good thing!
Agree chivas, that is exactly the Bulls style in recent years, no imagination once there is forward momentum.
Chivas
Guest
Except Biltong the Lions reall I nly had to tackle what was in front of them. It is not like they were stretched. The Blues create the space on the outside and then don't use it. They are forever trying to barge their way through traffic. That is fine to break the ad line, but once through there has to be some imagination. What is the point of the backs of they just become another set of fast forwards? It is pretty ordinary rugby played by some pretty good players. The Luions did defend well, but the territory stats show how effective they really are.
zer0
Guest
"Auckland Blues + Auckland Warriors/NZ Warriors both jokes in the pro era. No silverware..." You must be talking exclusively about the Warriors there, as each of the Blues three Super rugby titles have been in the professional era; indeed the Blues franchise --as with all New Zealand franchises -- didn't exist in the amateur era.
Johnno
Guest
taylorman As I admit above, no other place on earth produces more league/union talent, but the top teams (Blues,Warriors) suck. Massive underachievers. I don't reckon it's the contracting problem that's six, coz so many other talent blossoms elsewhere. It's politics and the old Auckland rugby boys club, and poorly managed leaguies running the show. Buckets of cash, but so poorly managed. Blues did win titles but way back in the 90's in the Henry era (96,97), along time between drinks. Oh well a team more embarrassing in there history is the Tahs, so it's not all doom and gloom at least they have done better than the Tahs. But for rugby though it is an embarrassment when the 2 biggest markets and talent providers , the "2 it teams" have such woeful records.
Haha, yeah according to the Herald, the Lions even failed to make up the numbers. :lol:
taylorman
Roar Guru
Shows how much you actually know then johnno. Since the pro era started Auckland has been the hunting ground for both rugby and league. It has been a problem the union has not been able to resolve because it simply can't contract all its talent. Have a look around and see how many NRL, Holden cup and sxv players other than the Blues or Warriors there have been since 1996 that played College or senior club rugby in Auckland. I believe there are even 5 in the current Reds squad alone.
Jnr
Guest
Johnno the blues have won titles in the pro era
Vic
Guest
Well, their porpose was to beat the Blues - and they succeeded- seems like the Herald reported doesn't quite get the aim of the game ;)
Johnno
Guest
Auckland Blues + Auckland Warriors/NZ Warriors both jokes in the pro era. No silverware and NZ's largest market, embarrassing. No area on earth produces more top level rugby league/union players, but there senior teams suck.