This Friday night opening Round 15 Super Rugby clash sees the Reds travelling to Apia to play the Blues. Join The Roar from 5:35pm (AEST) for all the live action as we cover this Round 15 match from Samoa.
Neither side is in realistic contention for a playoff position in this year’s competition but both of these franchises like to play an attacking and exciting brand of Rugby so we should be in for an entertaining showcase in Apia this evening.
The Reds are coming off a poor home loss to Australian rivals the Force at home in Brisbane in an undisciplined effort, failing to adhere to the basics which the more structured Force took advantage of while the Blues scrapped to a 16 all draw with their conference rivals the Chiefs at home in difficult conditions last week, also failing to take their chances to win the match so both sides will be highly motivated to return to the ‘black’ this evening.
Most importantly for the Reds, discipline will be key and has been an issue for the Australian side this season as another poor performance on this front will spell curtains as handing the Blues easy territory and possession will see the Reds chasing their tails all evening.
For the Blues, their goal will be to capitalise on the numerous chances they can create and finishing sides off, which has been a struggle at times for the Auckland based franchise.
There are some exciting clashes to keep an eye out for this evening, none more so than at number 8 with Steven Luatua going up against Scott Higgenbotham, two of the more consistent players for each side this season.
The clash at centre should be highly entertaining as the experienced Rene Ranger earns a rare start against the Reds Captain Samu Kerevi, all bets are off there!
Tip
Blues by 12. I suspect the Blues will prove to disciplined and have demonstrated more cohesion than their rivals this season and will win fairly comfortably.
Join us from 5:35pm AEST for kickoff as we cover all the action live here on The Roar.
Clash
Roar Pro
When Kereci was injured and McIntyre was brought out in his place my heart sank but he actually did a pretty good fist of centre and made some terrific tackles so full marks to McIntyre.
Gepetto
Guest
Stiles picks McIntyre as the reserve back. He did his best but Jake cannot be the best available. Are Sautia or Taefu still playing rugby?
Jibba Jabba
Roar Guru
still....
Jibba Jabba
Roar Guru
Stop looking in that mirror and playing with yourself twassie... mind you its the thing you are best at...
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
He has now spent as much time in Aus as he did in NZ. He was never kiwi bred. Wasn't even eligible for NZ schoolboys.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
If only we could just be left with your intelligent comments...
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Please feel free to point out which is wrong. The TMO overruled the try. So the offside was right. The scrum call has been universally condemned here. Otherwise f--- off champ if you can't offer some intelligent discussion.
Strineranger
Guest
This is a pretty stupid response. No- one is saying that both sides aren't affected . All sides are . The fact is that not passing the ball forward is a major difference between Rugby and almost every other ball game. I just want refs and the paid spectators running the lines to notice and apply the rules to every side. TV ref supervision is essential before any try is awarded to check for forward passes until field refs start to take it seriously.
Adsa
Guest
What absolute twaddle Mark, I get sick and tired of Kiwis coming onto this site and sprouting uninformed comments that just typifies their ignorance. To make things perfectly clear to you the Reds are the second worst Oz side with the Rebels favourites for the spoon.
Jibba Jabba
Roar Guru
Must be hard for you being right all the time ! Like being the only person in step...
Jibba Jabba
Roar Guru
Foolish man reb,in what universe do you any kiwi would be intimidated by you or yours.... stop sucking on that lemon.
Digby
Roar Guru
Marvellous this game, just marvellous, Naholo, great skill.
Dopplerman
Guest
And In a parallel universe we have South African TMOs.
Rebellion
Guest
Chivas is the worst IMO as he pretends to be this educated and sophisticated upper bourgeoisie when really he's just a duty manager who drives a Hyundai. I find the Saffas like Biltonbek and the bearded bloke in the beanie quite respectful but I guess Saffas are less intimidated by Aussies in general so it makes sense. Anyhow, congratulations Kiwis on the winning streak. It's a pretty incredible achievement and one to be admired. The players can certainly be proud themselves if not all of their fans.
Digby
Roar Guru
Crikey, whats he gonna think when they lose?
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Feel better?
Jibba Jabba
Roar Guru
The kiwi bred and fed prop...
Jibba Jabba
Roar Guru
Not past tense unfortunately :)
Jibba Jabba
Roar Guru
Gee and the reds didn't throw any ???
Jibba Jabba
Roar Guru
Yep that is ridiculous...surely cant be general admission price ? If so the fools setting prices must think Samoa is Monte Carlo or something...