FULLTIME – BLUES 5 HURRICANES 29
A scrappy start to begin, both sides struggled with their execution in the poor conditions before the Hurricanes finally settled, playing with patience and composure to wear the Blues down through astute kicking and forward pressure while the Blues had no answers to the machine.
The Blues certainly did not lack for endeavour, however they lacked direction tactically and made numerous untimely errors. The lack of cohesion within the depleted Blues ranks and inexperience conspired against their best efforts. Their two young loose forwards, Blake Gibson and Akira Ioane were impressive for their age and players to keep an eye on.
For the Hurricanes, Mark Abbott would be my man of the match with a tireless effort while Jeremy Thrush lead the team well in conrad Smiths absence. The Hurricanes have guaranteed themselves a spot in the finals and one more win would guarantee them top spot in the New Zealand conference and overall competition.
Round 15 of Super Rugby sees the table-topping Hurricanes travel to Eden Park in Auckland to take on the Blues. Join The Roar for all the action from 5:35pm (AEST).
The Blues have had a less-than-memorable season but one thing that is in their favour is the home ground advantage of Eden Park where they have built an impressive record.
However that is where their advantage seems to end, as they are missing a number of quality players, and have named a third captain for the season in hooker James Parsons. To top it all off, they face the runaway tournament leaders.
The Hurricanes are also down on frontline personnel, due to a mix of All Black rest and injury, †he most notable being captain Conrad Smith, with lock Jeremy Thrush to captain the side in Smith’s absence.
Decision making and execution are two areas which have let the Blues down this year, and poor kicking or handling would be would prove fatal for them this evening.
The tone of the Blues’ performance will need to be set by their youthful halves Jamison Gibson-Park and Ihaia West. Given front foot ball this promising pair will cause plenty of headaches, allowing them to bring such threats into the match such as the imposing George Moala in the centres and Lolagi Visinia at fullback.
One particular Blues player to keep an eye on is Akira Ioane, starting at blindside. The 19-year-old has been a revelation so far this season and his star continues to rise with barnstorming runs and strong defence. His battle with opposite Blade Thomson should be fascinating – these two players are destined for bigger things.
The Hurricanes will want to win this match to almost certainly tie up top spot in the New Zealand conference and probably the overall standings. They were not happy with the way they closed out their match last weekend against the Chiefs, and will know that despite the Blues being down on personnel, much like the Chiefs were, any potential lethargy will be punished.
Tip: Hurricanes.
Join us from 5:35pm (AEST) as we cover all the action live on The Roar, and be sure to comment on the big moments as they happen.
Mark
Guest
Used to be But Auckland is now run by morons
Machpants
Guest
Three more points required to secure top spot. Nonu was amazing, taking a lot of the tactical kicking off inexperienced Black. He can rest after we get the extra three ;)
Digby
Roar Guru
A scrappy start to begin, both sides struggled with their execution in the poor conditions before the Hurricanes finally settled, playing with patience and composure to wear the Blues down through astute kicking and forward pressure while the Blues had no answers to the machine. The Blues certainly did not lack for endeavour, however they lacked direction tactically and made numerous untimely errors. The lack of cohesion within the depleted Blues ranks and inexperience conspired against their best efforts. Their two young loose forwards, Blake Gibson and Akira Ioane were impressive for their age and players to keep an eye on. For the Hurricanes, Mark Abbott would be my man of the match with a tireless effort while Jeremy Thrush lead the team well in conrad Smiths absence. The Hurricanes have guaranteed themselves a spot in the finals and one more win would guarantee them top spot in the New Zealand conference and overall competition.
machpants
Guest
Boom, managed to find a dodgy live feed, now I have broad band. Great wet weather play by the Canes, I'm starting to really really believe!
Harry Jones
Expert
Excellent. Followed it whilst playing golf. 2 birdies; 2 doubles. One unmentionable. Is Wellington vs Auckland a big derby?
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Well done with the blog Digger, sleep well tonight Digger... but wipe that smile off your face! ....
Digby
Roar Guru
Great fun with Scotch :)
Rugby Tragic
Guest
The error rate actually appeared to be quite low given the conditions......
Highlander
Guest
Class handling by the Canes, quite brilliant, Thanks Digger
Rugby Tragic
Guest
No worries Rob...we do not deserve it this year... coaching as well as some of the bigger names possibly were living on their laurels ... not sure what it is but I still love they way they approach the game...
RobC
Roar Guru
Was that the world record longest Ma'a Nonu interview? It was a nice one.
Johnno
Guest
Canes, what a season still reckon the Chiefs at full strength will beat the canes in the grand final if it happens, and that includes beating the Canes at the Cake Tin. Canes should rest Nonu for 2-weeks, Canes are so far out in front with 3-games left.
Digby
Roar Guru
Thanks for joining in tonight, full match wrap to come but for now I move on to the big game in Sydney between the Tahs and Saders. Hope you can join me here - http://www.theroar.com.au/2015/05/23/waratahs-vs-crusaders-super-rugby-live-scores-blog/ Have a great night!
Woodsman
Guest
I laughed, then I got sad.
Garth
Guest
Nothing wrong with rugby in the rain. Snow however....
Garth
Guest
Thanks for the commentary, Digger. Looking forward to the finals. Here's hoping the other sides don't borrow the Crusaders fog machine.
RobC
Roar Guru
Thanks DC. Good call
The Other Steve
Roar Guru
It is a great night for rugby, all three games before midnight will be good to watch.
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Congratulations Canes and Digger in particular who has been unwavering in his support of the Capital based franchise... maybe his support this year will see the inaugural S15 title for the Canes... You guys need now to put the cream on top
Taylorman
Guest
Well done digger. Congrats canes. Give them the title now. One of the very best Super Xv sides ever.