Match Result
Well and truly a game of two halves. The Blues opened up a 13-0 half time lead only to see that lead evaporate in the 73rd minute when Lealiifano gave the Brumbies a lead for the first time all game.
Ihaia West was the hero for the Blues slotting a sideline penalty with just under three minutes remaining in the game. Nic White had a chance to win the game for the Brumbies after the siren but his penalty went to the right of the posts.
David Pocock was epic at the breakdown and he gets my vote for man of the match. In the end it’s the Blues winning their first game of the season 16-14 over the Brumbies.
Match Preview
A big cross-conference game sees the Blues hosting the Brumbies. Join us on The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5:20pm (AEST).
It just gets worse for the Blues in 2015, winless after nine rounds. To their credit their last two losses, against quality opposition in the Chiefs and Waratahs, were close games.
However their current form of losing nine games straight (extended from last year) is the worst in their entire history.
Games between these two have a funny way of running as well, there is a pattern of two wins and then two losses.
The Brumbies have won the last two games, so if that streak is to continue the Blues will win this game.
The Brumbies will look to open the game up early. They have managed the most tries (seven) in the opening quarter of any side this year, where the Blues have scored just one.
My big question mark of the Brumbies is the legitimacy of their wins. So far they have beaten the Reds twice, the Rebels, Force, and Cheetahs.
The old saying goes, “you can only play who is in front of you”, but the Brumbies haven’t defeated a top-six side this year.
The Brumbies have been really strong at home but are 50 per cent on the road, and the Blues will throw the kitchen sink at them.
Prediction:
At home I’m taking the Blues to steal this one.
Blues by 3.
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 5:35pm (AEDT).
If you are following the action live, please join the conversation in the comments below.
Mark
Guest
Well that was embarrassing - for the Brumbies!
MACDUB
Guest
Nic White needs to change his behaviour and the way he goes about things if he wants to take his game to the next level. He is bad-tempered and ALWAYS argues refereeing decisions. I think one issue this presents is that he can't let it go and it frustrates him and gets to him; if you look at the world players in premier rugby (especially captains like JdV & McCaw), they have that ability to put refereeing decisions to the get and get on with it. They realise they can't change it, the play has finished and you move on. Assuming Phipps/Genia is the no. 1 HB in the WBs jersey, that could potentially mean that Nic White would be backup. Would Australian fans really feel comfortable having a hot-headed, ill-tempered Half-back coming on in the 70th minute of a knockout game at WC 2015? Half-backs are supposed to be calm and controlling (Aaron Smith) - the risk of White's temper leading to a bone-head play in a big game is too great. It's happened before and will happen again, unless he changes.
Doylie
Guest
Felt it in my bones that the Brumbies might lose this one. Brumbies usually have a mid-comp crisis before getting back on the horse. Let's hope the depth of the team is quality. Larkham needs to kick them back into gear.
El Gamba
Roar Guru
Generally you're right, though obviously you're talking about the growth in the northern hemisphere, which has somewhat plateaued except in France. NZ and SA remain about the same as always, a high participation rate. The issue is that there are viable alternatives in Australia, and yes I do refer to Australia in my comment as that is the lense I look through.
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Mike I think you are right... I also think it is a straight choice between the two as to who gets the No1 call for openside. I cannot help but think that the more forward dominated games likely in the north though will want to have someone like Pocock with Hooper running on against the lesser sides. I think the RC selection will tell us a bit.
ethan
Guest
Akari, agree about Ofa. First time he has really impressed. Ta'avao is great around the field, but not a strong scrummager at all.
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Thanks jeznez, it's been a long while between drinks. David Pocock was a real menace last night. Those who have followed his career either as a supporter or opposition, will be aware of the impact the man can make on and off the ground.
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Biltongbek (an others) really opened my eyes on SA rugby and I am much richer for it. He had a way of expressing technical point with clarity. Good luck to him in his future endeavours whatever they may be.
Akari
Roar Rookie
Settle down RI and Clifto; the Brumbies will bounce back by belting the Rebels next weekend. The Brumbies lost key players too early in the game IMHO and I thought the reserves held their own and nearly won the game with the last penalty.
Akari
Roar Rookie
Your perfect record may be under threat this week, Dk. Even then, it is still a long way for us to catch up.
Akari
Roar Rookie
On top of that, CL had to change roles and be the play-maker and with a complete unknown at 12. CL kept the team intact as he could have done a Frisby with the backs back pedalling in both attack and defence. It didn't happen because CL held the team together.
Akari
Roar Rookie
Agree, RT. The Brumbies reserves came on and played strongly too, which resulted in winning that last penalty. Taavao nodded off thinking the game was over and nearly paid the price. Ofa Tu'ungafasi played so well and I wondered what changed for him to play that well last. He can only get better and will be a monster in a year or so. I recall, JK sacrificed an opportunity to retain an experienced prop 3 years ago so he could keep Ofa T at the Blues. His foresight has finally been vindicated IMHO.
Akari
Roar Rookie
I am assuming that Agh r must have tipped the Brumbies to win, ZG. I was impressed with the Brumbies return in the second half after losing key players too early in the game. I think Tman is right that the Brumbies might have walked away with the win if the game was played anywhere in Akl but Eden Park.
Akari
Roar Rookie
I loved BB's insights about the game and even more so about SA rugby. Hope to see him back soon one-eyed or whatever. BTW, where is AvZ. Has he injured his fingers or plain busy?
kiwi
Guest
Harry, a favour please??? If you're talking with him, tell him a lot of people miss him? I really value him, and he gave value to this site.
richard
Guest
"You wouldn't see a kiwi kicker do that' - have you ever watched Cruden?
RobC
Roar Guru
Just heard from Steve Lenthall from GAGR. One month, still only the prelim prognosis
bennalong
Guest
Not a good night. The Brums did not look good. They seem to be having trouble adapting to a more 'ball in hand' game. And the chance of them coming back strongly next week is severely reduced by the injuries. It'll depend on how severe they are because if Sio and Toomua are out for six weeks their seasons over as far as the championship goes. Not good for Oz. Pocock was awesome over the Ball! But he's lost speed with all the bulk, (remember Phil Waugh) and he doesn't bust tackles.
Charl
Guest
Of course Wii - BB was completely alone in that discourse - he was not responding to any rather nasty remarks aimed at him and others. The one -eyed view of the world is a quality unique to BB, not most others...... BB's insights and knowledge of rugby will be sorely missed. The one eyedness is perhaps with those who don't tolerate different views, and the Roar's loss is another site's gain.
Wii
Guest
Oh enlightened one please explain how so?