Chiefs v Blues
That was an enjoyable game to watch. The best parts for me are the exits after we score are clinical. Super organised on defence and we play with structure.
Forwards are very, very impressive. Patrick is playing the rugby of his career, I love that he’s even more effective late in games. The nutrition tweak has helped him enormously.
Sotutu seems like a no brainer to try at eight for the All Blacks.
Akira has a very good return. He played a similar game around the field as Robinson last week, so good to see him slot in seamlessly to the team. Beast on defence, and all our loose forwards are working hard.
Not great conditions for the backs, some nice touches there and they looked after the Chiefs backs pretty comfortably.
Corner has officially been turned.
And the second week in a row we took the ref out of the game. Frustrating inconsistency in the application there. All I want as a fan is predictability, so if you see someone leave their feet you know they will be pinged.
What we are seeing is one team will get pinged for that, and the other not. Then it swaps, or they stop being strict anymore.
@trodthesod great call fella,
I think he (like the team) are just doing their core roles. Parsons doesn't need to be a ball carrier in this team, just has to hit his lineout targets, push in the scrum, and get around the field on defence. It's when you get asked to go outside the stuff you can succeed at that things go pear shaped.
Hell of a decent human being by the look, and I agree - stoked for him and this Blues team. We have just stopped being the undisciplined rabble that's been killing us for so long. They are a proper team, and I'm stoked for them.
@Tim given Caird is from Waikato originally too, looks to have bulked up, presumably through his training with Blues this season.
I only had one eye on the game as we had something else on but it looked to me like the Chiefs weren't nearly clinical enough after creating opportunities and then gambled on catch up rugby.
I would have thought that Gatland would bring a more clinical element to their game.
Well deserved win by the Blues.
@nzzp said in Chiefs v Blues:
@trodthesod great call fella,
I think he (like the team) are just doing their core roles. Parsons doesn't need to be a ball carrier in this team, just has to hit his lineout targets, push in the scrum, and get around the field on defence. It's when you get asked to go outside the stuff you can succeed at that things go pear shaped.
Hell of a decent human being by the look, and I agree - stoked for him and this Blues team. We have just stopped being the undisciplined rabble that's been killing us for so long. They are a proper team, and I'm stoked for them.
I’ve heard him speak a few times on radio sport ,
Seems like a real decent guy with a great sense of humour, quite insightful with his analysis,
After hearing him talk about the game you get the sense his limitations are physical ones , not between the ears
@kiwiinmelb said in Chiefs v Blues:
After hearing him talk about the game you get the sense his limitations are physical ones , not between the ears
Might make a good coach in the future.
@KiwiMurph said in Chiefs v Blues:
Parsons lineout throwing in the wet was outstanding.
I think it helps a lot that he isn't saddled with the burden of captaincy.
I've got reserved seats on the Parson's hate train, but he had a good game last night.
Parsons used to have a spot on RS last year speaking to Darcy and Goran, he certainly comes across very well and knows the game.
Last year the Blues still used him as a carrier despite having other bigger carriers, but the load seems to be put elsewhere leaving him to just do what he does well, but if he is called upon to mix it up, he doesnt back down, and despite plenty of times he doesnt make the gain line, doesnt often get turned over either...similarly on defence, he wont make the big hits, but still makes his tackles.
@pakman said in Chiefs v Blues:
Like the look of young fella, Tupaea. Good head on his shoulders.
Easy to forget his young age with the way he plays. Slightly rough but you can see a smart rugby head similar to how Goodhue was.
@trodthesod I've been a Coventry fan since his days at Hawke's Bay, and I was very excited when we signed him, but I almost lost faith in him when our pack looked quite average last season, but this season he's proven that he's still got the Midas touch.
Anyone who can fix our maul defense is a miracle worker. He's also given us a sharp set-piece(at least when Eklund isn't throwing in the line-out). I guess Ben Afeaki deserves a bit of credit too.
Yes agree Ben Afeaki has to be acknowledged. In fact from the CEO down things are looking good.Still have to keep our feet on the ground.The media will be in like jackals at their first stumble.Over the years the Blues have been the butt of their derision.,and in a lot of ways it has been self fulfilling.
@trodthesod said in Chiefs v Blues:
Yes agree Ben Afeaki has to be acknowledged. In fact from the CEO down things are looking good.Still have to keep our feet on the ground.The media will be in like jackals at their first stumble.Over the years the Blues have been the butt of their derision.,and in a lot of ways it has been self fulfilling.
We aren’t going to win every game, but it is nice to see the old mistakes no longer being made.
@kiwiinmelb said in Chiefs v Blues:
With no finals this year ,
And the blues playing the crusaders in the last round at eden park,
Wouldn’t it be awesome if the winner of this game, is the winner of the comp, so in effect, we do get a final
Was just looking at the draw for the first time. That looks hands down what will happen.
Chiefs are away to Canterbury this weekend, so that will be a hiding. I think the Highlanders were made to look adequate by the Chiefs but it will be a shootout for last place between, Chiefs, Canes and Highlanders.
@kiwiinmelb said in Chiefs v Blues:
With no finals this year ,
And the blues playing the crusaders in the last round at eden park,
Wouldn’t it be awesome if the winner of this game, is the winner of the comp, so in effect, we do get a final
That seems to be the most ideal scenario for this competition format. Did they think of this when making the schedule?
The bloody Chiefs, Canes and Highlanders better get with the program then and lose to the Blues. Beat the Crusaders if you want though... and maybe rough up bum-toucher, Mo'unga.