Blues
22
Match Complete
Crusaders
24
| A. Pulu |  | 72 | ||
| 62 | | |||
| 53 | | M. Mataele | ||
| H. Plummer |  | 51 | ||
| O. Tuungafasi | | 50 | ||
| O. Black | | 42 | ||
| A. Ioane | | 41 | ||
| 25 | | |||
| 17 | | M. Mataele | ||
| O. Black |  | 13 |
| 3 | Tries | 4 | ||
| 2 | Conversions | 0 | ||
| 1 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Match result:
Another New Zealand derby went down to the wire as the Crusaders yet again showed why they are the defending champions, securing a tight win over the Blues.
The hosts had a chance to pinch the points at the death but a Harry Plummer’s penalty attempt went wide, and the Blues yet again fall short.
The Crusaders were also awarded two penalty tries tonight. Another frustrating loss for the Blues against a team that always finds a way to win.
Final score
Blues 22
Crusaders 24
Match preview:
After another disappointing campaign last year, the Blues will look to start their Super Rugby campaign on a high when they host defending champions the Crusaders at Eden Park. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 5:35pm AEST.
Talk about a battle of contrasts. The Blues have underperformed severely over the past few seasons and will be hoping to improve their form to yet again secure a playoff birth.
The Crusaders on the other hand are the very definition of success. They are two-time defending champions and remain the most successful team in Super Rugby history. It is little wonder why they remain the team to beat yet again this year.
New Blues head coach Leon MacDonald has wasted no time recalling Ma’a Nonu, naming the All Blacks legend to start upon his return to Super Rugby against defending champs, the Crusaders.
After three seasons in France with Toulon, the two-time World Cup winner shocked many by announcing he was returning to Super Rugby in a bid to win a three-peat.
Interesting, though, Nonu, who started both the successful 2011 and 2015 World Cup campaigns in the No.12 jersey, will play in the less familiar position of outside centre with TJ Faiane preferred at inside centre.
Nonu’s All Blacks teammate, Sonny Bill Williams, will come off the bench after being unavailable for the pre-season under national player restrictions.
MacDonald has named a strong starting lineup featuring current All Blacks Rieko Ioane, Patrick Tuipulotu and Dalton Papalii, with props Ofa Tu’ungafasi and new signing Karl Tu’inukuafe joining Williams on the bench.
Elsewhere, Michael Collins has been named at fullback with talented outside back Melani Nanai named on the right-wing.
Otere Black will start at fly-half for the Blues after missing the entire 2018 season because of a knee injury.
Meanwhile, the Crusaders have named a strong side featuring 13 All Blacks, including 10 in the starting side.
With regular captain Sam Whitelock, Kieran Read and Codie Taylor being on extended leave, Matt Todd captains the Crusaders.
Test outside centre Jack Goodhue has been ruled out with a tight groin, but is expected to be fit for their next match.
Elsewhere, Bryn Hall and All Black Richie Mo’unga form the Crusaders’ halves pairing, while Test backs Ryan Crotty (inside centre), George Bridge (left wing) and David Havili (fullback) have all been named to start.
Up front, Andrew Makalio starts at hooker between experienced international pair Joe Moody and Owen Franks.
Test lock Scott Barrett forms a second-row pairing alongside Quinten Strange, while Jordan Taufua and Whetukamoamo Douglas form a back-row combination with Todd.
Prediction
The Crusaders are the superpower of Super Rugby at the moment. With 13 All Blacks in the squad, it will take a special effort from the Blues to cause the upset here, even at home.
While it isn’t beyond them, it remains to be seen if the Blues possess the ability to knuckle down and get into an arm wrestle against a team that loves a good battle.
The Blues have the flair, but the Crusaders have it all, and odds are that this will show tonight yet again.
Crusaders by 14
Blues
Michael Collins, Melani Nanai, Ma’a Nonu, TJ Faiane, Rieko Ioane, Otere Black, Jonathan Ruru; Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii, Tom Robinson, Josh Goodhue, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Sione Mafileo, James Parsons, Alex Hodgman
Reserves: Matt Moulds, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Matt Matich, Augustine Pulu, Harry Plummer, Sonny Bill Williams
Crusaders
David Havili, Manasa Mataele, Braydon Ennor, Ryan Crotty, George Bridge, Richie Mo’unga, Bryn Hall, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Matt Todd (c), Jordan Taufua, Quinten Strange, Scott Barrett, Owen Franks, Andrew Makalio, Joe Moody
Reserves: Ben Funnell, Tim Perry, Michael Alaalatoa, Luke Romano, Tom Sanders, Mitchell Drummond, Mitchell Hunt, Will Jordan
Time: 5:35pm AEST
Venue: Eden Park
Betting: Blues $3.20, Crusaders $1.35
taylorman
Roar Guru
Nah, Chiefs will finish bottom this year.
taylorman
Roar Guru
A lot of good came out of that. For me the Chiefs may be looking at holding last spot for a change this year.
Kia Kaha
Roar Guru
Ennor. Sounds like a planet where you're likely to come across Ewoks. I thought Taminavalu was the Crusaders' biggest loss. The big guy's versatility on the wing and at centre was as invaluable as his ability to get across the gain line. Imagine my pleasant surprise when I saw Ennor listed at centre to cover Goodhue's groin injury. The kid has plenty of pace but I didn't know he was able to play at centre. Really tough gig to play up against a guy with 16 years' experience at this level. For me, World Cup spots are more likely to be secured if you can offer versatility. NMS could cover fullback even though he played at wing to fill in for an injured Naholo. Bridge has that same ability and now Ennor has shown Ioane is not the only one to be able to cover centre and wing. The hard grounds of Japan haven't been experienced since South Africa and Australia. Speed is going to be a key component along with fitness. Naholo, Bridge, Ennor, Ioane, McKenzie and you could add in a few more names that offer genuine speed. Add in the speed merchants of other test countries and this could be a tournament to watch the afterburners set alight the scoreboard.
Colvin Brown
Roar Guru
The Aust. Super teams record losing streak against NZ Super teams is 40 which ended with a Tahs win against a 14 man Highlanders team last season. The Auckland Blues current streak of no wins against other NZ Super teams (one draw) now reaches an amazing 20. These stats are certainly hard to believe but show clearly what mismanagement can do to fundamentally good teams. Certainly Blues with a greatly enhanced management structure look like ending their unwelcome record early this season.
Mark
Guest
Same old Blues A forward pack that cant maul and cant defend mauls for toffee A forward pack that cant provide quick ball A forward pack that cant win their own line out ball consistently A backline with less intelligence than a dead blow flow And still a coach who hasn't won anything to show that he actually deserves a chance Bottom of the ladder again for another year
taylorman
Roar Guru
Oh, makes sense. Havent seen much of him, very good though.
Old Bugger
Guest
Tman My comment is simple - why hasn't Nick Briant submitted his resignation??? That was the most pathetic display that Ive ever seen from him. Oh and btw, thank goodness Karl Te Nana is commenting. That was priceless when he suggested Marshall's silence was deafening, after Mataele tapped the offload from Collins. Briant suggested Mataele was trying to tap it backwards nut it doesn't matter whether its tapping backwards or trying to intercept - fact is, he stuck his hand out and tapped the ball when there was a Blues player unmarked waiting to catch the off-load.
Highlander
Guest
Oops....too many F’s
Highlander
Guest
“Where do they keep getting these guys from” Ennor is a JAFFA, St Kent’s product
Sylvester
Guest
Nonu looked slow off the mark. Not sure if that's his deal now, but otherwise he was solid.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yes a chance to both draw and win with goal kicks is the rub of the Blues of old but Mo’unga missed three as well. Two penalty tries. Some good signs. With the two AB props able to come on second half and seeing SBW and Nonu out there it looked a turning point but the Saders showed their class. Typical of one that got away the Blues have specialised in over the years but this year it looks more promising. Ennor was awesome, where do they keep getting these guys from? Nonu was solid, may have found the pace a bit quicker than hes been used to but the Saders midfield were better. Akiras showing a lot more consistency, still retains the aggression but looks more focussed this year. Somehow dont see the Blues winning the NZ conference this year,but neither do I see them last again. Well done Saders, B- Blues, could and will, do better.
Highlander
Guest
Topped the count 19 made 2 missed
Peter Robinson
Roar Rookie
Crusaders...pretty good. They nailed the Blues when they had their chances. Blues, a decent start to the season, but they have got to sort their forwards out, South African packs will destroy them otherwise.
Alan
Roar Guru
Another New Zealand derby goes down to the wire as the Crusaders yet again show why they are the defending champions, securing a tight win over the Blues. The hosts had a chance to pinch the points at the death but a Harry Plummer’s penalty attempt went wide, and the Blues yet again fall short. The Crusaders were also awarded two penalty tries tonight. Another frustrating loss for the Blues against a team that always finds a way to win. Blues 22 Crusaders 24
Machooka
Roar Guru
Bugger eh Blues... commis Tragic and TM ;)
Peter Robinson
Roar Rookie
Not straight at line out, and the officials miss it...it was quite blatant too, the jumper leaned to his side to gather the ball. Crusaders deserve to win on the basis their forward pack didn't implode in key situations
Sylvester
Guest
He was great. I'd be interested to see Matt Todd's tackle count.
Alan
Roar Guru
FULLTIME Blues 22 Crusaders 24
Sylvester
Guest
Tough for the Blues. Thought they were the better team overall. Crusaders need to work on their discipline.
Highlander
Guest
Man of the match for mine - Joe Moody Awesome even with a 7 man scrum And that was his tackle on SBW on the blues last possession Blues are the real deal though.