Chiefs v Blues
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That surprises me! I thought it would be 50/50 split on the Chiefs Blues game.
@Hooroo Blues haven't beaten Chiefs in 6 years/10 games.
Any word on the crowd? Should be a good one you'd think given last year's fixture in Hamilton was a good crowd, weather looks good and this year's contest looks even better. Plenty of All Blacks (and potential future All Blacks) on show.
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@Hooroo Blues haven't beaten Chiefs in 6 years/10 games.
Any word on the crowd? Should be a good one you'd think given last year's fixture in Hamilton was a good crowd, weather looks good and this year's contest looks even better. Plenty of All Blacks (and potential future All Blacks) on show.
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@KiwiMurph I haven't heard yet but historically the Blues game always attracts a large crowd. It's the first Chiefs home game since the match vs Wales last year too.
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@Bovidae said in Chiefs v Blues:
@KiwiMurph I haven't heard yet but historically the Blues game always attracts a large crowd. It's the first Chiefs home game since the match vs Wales last year too.
This is our year!
Blues by 13+ ... hey, I was right last week OK?
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@Rembrandt said in Chiefs v Blues:
My gut feeling is Blues by 3
I'd like to go with my gut on this one, but the Blues look to be two or three starting players away from strength across the field. Start Parsons, Faumaina, and Tuipulotu, move Nanai to fullback and Moala to the wing, and you're looking really strong.
As it stands, the Blues have an advantage in the scrum, and loose forwards, and a bit more attacking punch in the backs. The Chiefs have a big advantage at lock, and the packs are about even around the field. They have an advantage at 10, but Cruden was indifferent last week. Big bench for us though, which will hopefully see us through.
Blues by 1 to 8.
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@Bones said in Chiefs v Blues:
So replace Boshier with Cane and you've got an all international forward pack, 7 ABs. Or am i being a retard and Elliott hasn't made it that far?
Leitch is a Japanese player, not an All Black.
@cgrant said in Chiefs v Blues:
@Bones said in Chiefs v Blues:
So replace Boshier with Cane and you've got an all international forward pack, 7 ABs. Or am i being a retard and Elliott hasn't made it that far?
Leitch is a Japanese player, not an All Black.
I like this even better when you look at the detail, first that I think I've seen him in an AB Jersey, second that I think there's only 7 forwards despite the guy in question being named at 8.
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So is the consensus pretty much that Collins is just keeping the jersey warm till the squad is fit?
I read Umaga saying he likes Collins' organisation at the back... so maybe that's important in a backline full of game breakers. Hard to imagine him keeping the start once Ranger and Moala are ready, let alone Sonny Bill, right?
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Ranger hasn't had a lot of rugby since he returned to NZ, I think he has a long way to go to press for a starting spot, but if he does get firing, along with Moala and SBW it will be a huge headache for Tana!
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Having good depth on most occasions is a massive bonus in this comp , particularly when all blacks are involved and pressure is probably coming from above to nurse them through any niggles .
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So is the consensus pretty much that Collins is just keeping the jersey warm till the squad is fit?
I read Umaga saying he likes Collins' organisation at the back... so maybe that's important in a backline full of game breakers. Hard to imagine him keeping the start once Ranger and Moala are ready, let alone Sonny Bill, right?
@Milk said in Chiefs v Blues:
So is the consensus pretty much that Collins is just keeping the jersey warm till the squad is fit?
I read Umaga saying he likes Collins' organisation at the back... so maybe that's important in a backline full of game breakers. Hard to imagine him keeping the start once Ranger and Moala are ready, let alone Sonny Bill, right?
The kicking game seems to be a focus at the moment. The Blues were equal first in the number of kicks in play in round one.
The Highlanders did well a couple of years ago by putting up a lot of high balls. I wonder if that's what Umaga is trying to emulate?
Collins and Duffie both kick well and the entire back three puts pressure on high kicksCollins came into first receiver occasionally. With him and Francis on the field West has less responsibility which is a good thing.
Hopefully all the kicking from hand options fixes our exits. They have been abysmal for years and they were still shit last week.
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@Duluth Two pints of beer of this leg and then return leg to be had at that bar you mentioned in Auckland?
Away team gets the draw?
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@Milk said in Chiefs v Blues:
So is the consensus pretty much that Collins is just keeping the jersey warm till the squad is fit?
I read Umaga saying he likes Collins' organisation at the back... so maybe that's important in a backline full of game breakers. Hard to imagine him keeping the start once Ranger and Moala are ready, let alone Sonny Bill, right?
The kicking game seems to be a focus at the moment. The Blues were equal first in the number of kicks in play in round one.
The Highlanders did well a couple of years ago by putting up a lot of high balls. I wonder if that's what Umaga is trying to emulate?
Collins and Duffie both kick well and the entire back three puts pressure on high kicksCollins came into first receiver occasionally. With him and Francis on the field West has less responsibility which is a good thing.
Hopefully all the kicking from hand options fixes our exits. They have been abysmal for years and they were still shit last week.
@Duluth I agree - I think Collins has a chance to nail the 15 jersey. I'm not 100% sure he is quick/athletic enough, tonight should be very telling in that regard. If he is then I think he is very key. I think Tana and co have identified the Blues need balance in their backline. For years the Blues have basically had a bunch of wingers shoe-horned across the backline - now they have a genuine midfield, a playmaking 9 and an organised fullback. They created a lot of opportunities by utilising space - both with boot and ball in hand. Tonight will be a huge step up so interesting to see how they go.
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@Duluth I agree - I think Collins has a chance to nail the 15 jersey. I'm not 100% sure he is quick/athletic enough, tonight should be very telling in that regard. If he is then I think he is very key. I think Tana and co have identified the Blues need balance in their backline. For years the Blues have basically had a bunch of wingers shoe-horned across the backline - now they have a genuine midfield, a playmaking 9 and an organised fullback. They created a lot of opportunities by utilising space - both with boot and ball in hand. Tonight will be a huge step up so interesting to see how they go.
@KiwiMurph Yes hopefully the days of 12-15 being packed with wingers is over and yes even though it's only been 1 game so far, the difference between Pulu and Hall is night and day. Pulu playing well certainly takes a lot of pressure off West after all the rubbish halfbacks West has had to play outside of in the last few seasons.
