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Chiefs
33
Match Complete
Blues
29
| 77 |  | H. Plummer | ||
| 77 |  | M. Nonu | ||
| J. Parete | | 71 | ||
| 65 | | O. Black | ||
| 65 | | R. Ioane | ||
| M. McKenzie | | 63 | ||
| L. Boshier | | 63 | ||
| 57 | | M. Nonu | ||
| M. McKenzie | | 45 | ||
| A. Moeakiola | | 43 | ||
| 41 | | O. Black | ||
| 40 | | M. Nanai | ||
| D. McKenzie | | 25 | ||
| L. Boshier | | 24 | ||
| D. McKenzie | | 10 | ||
| B. Weber | | 9 | ||
| 4 |  | O. Black |
| 5 | Tries | 4 | ||
| 4 | Conversions | 3 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 1 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Show Preview
The Blues are chasing their fifth straight win, when they take on the Chiefs at FMG Stadium, in the Battle of Bombay. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog from 5:35pm AEST.
Believe it or not, the Blues are looking to extend their streak to eight, and their scalps so far include much scarier opponents then the Chiefs.
That run of form saw them beat the Highlanders, Stormers and Waratahs, however all of those matches were at home, and whether they can replicate that success on the road is yet to be seen.
The Aucklanders have three successive away games, and spend six of their remaining nine games on the road, so away form is crucial if they want to play finals.
After the Waratahs kicked them the ball, late in last week’s game, the Blues hung on to win, closing it out in a clinical fashion. The hosts will be reluctant to let them get away to much of a lead tonight, if they want to have a chance.
Despite their horror start to the year, the Chiefs only trail the eighth-placed Waratahs by four points, the equivalent of a regular win, while a bonus point win would lift them into that last playoffs spot, temporarily at least.
That doesn’t compare well with the visitors, who are coming fifth – only one win outside the top four.
That being said, since holding on for a draw vs the Hurricanes in round five, the men from the Waikato have crushed the Bulls and edged out the Jaguares, making for a very pleasing tour result.
In team news: Sonny Bill Williams’ knee will keep him out of the game for a while, as he will go through surgery. Nevertheless, Leon McDonald still names a very solid team, with Robinson at blindside, Nonu at inside centre and the in-form Melani Nanai at fullback.
Prediction
Blues will once again put in a good performance, but the Chiefs will ensure it’s a close one. I’m backing the draw.
Time: 5:35pm AEST.
Venue: FMG Stadium, Waikato.
Referee: Angus Gardner.
Odds: Chiefs $1.50, Blues $2.62.
TV: Fox Sports 507.
Chiefs
Damian McKenzie, Sean Wainui, Tamua Manu, Anton Lenert-Brown, Solomon Alaimalo, Marty McKenzie, Brad Weber, Taleni Seu, Lachlan Boshier, Luke Jacobson, Tyler Ardron, Brodie Retallick, Nepo Laulala, Nathan Harris, Angus Ta’avao.
Replacements:
Samison Taukei’aho, Ryan Coxon, Sosefo Kautai, Jesse Parete, Pita Gus Sowakula, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Alex Nankivell, Ataata Moeakiola.
Blues
Melani Nanai, Caleb Clark, TJ Faiane, Ma’a Nonu, Reiko Ioane, Otere Black, Jonathan Ruru, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii, Tom Robinson, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ofa Tuungafasi, James Parsons, Karl Tu’inukuafe.
Replacements:
Matt Moulds, Alex Hodgman, Sione Mafileo, Josh Goodhue, Jed Brown, Sam Nock, Harry Plummer, Matt Duffie.
Hide Preview
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.