Blues win in Christchurch
Just got back from the game......absolutely stoked to finally win down here for once! Credit to the Crusaders for the way they fought back especially when they were down to 14, showing how hard they are to beat no matter the situation. But also credit to the Blues for digging deep especially with a few desperate bits of defending from Rieko on Jordan which led to our first try, and his effort on Gardiner in the corner to win it for us. Also for big Luke Romano and his effort charging down the wing in the 70th minute to attempt to make a cover tackle after the shift he put in. Yes, they ended up with a 5 meter scrum, but its moments like that which live long in the memory.
I put my hand up, I thought he shouldn't be playing so many minutes and was well over the hill, but his carries are invaluable and he really gives us a hard edge. Well played big fella.
Everyone really stepped up in the forwards tonight, especially our loose trio led by Dalton Papalii. A superb shift from him and well complemented by Sotutu and Robinson as well as big Ofa who was everywhere.
Hope Hodgman is OK. An awful shot put on him by Barrett. No excuse for it and needs a lengthy suspension for it. Gallagher and Gardiner did well under the circumstances.
Was disappointed with our kicking game just giving it back to Jordan. I wanted to strangle Barrett after that chip which led to the Reece try but in general play he was decent, just his kicking game was poor, and Perofeta didn't have a great night either especially that missed kick on half time. Mounga and Jordan began to drive us back and all we did was hand it back to them instead of putting it in the stands, or going to the air, but we did enough to hold on!
Must say I let a huge celebration on fulltime, with a few glares but they all came and congratulated me which was nice and were generally in good spirits apart from the booing when Barrett got sent off. A great night to be a blues fan, wins in Christchurch don't come everyday thats for sure!
@bones said in Crusaders v Blues:
@kirwan said in Crusaders v Blues:
@bones said in Crusaders v Blues:
@kirwan said in Crusaders v Blues:
@bones said in Crusaders v Blues:
@tj said in Crusaders v Blues:
@pakman said in Crusaders v Blues:
@bones said in Crusaders v Blues:
Unlucky saders, might have been a different result without Barrett brain spasms.
Congrats blues! Can't help but think Beauds should have gone off and Perofeta stayed on...
Bones, you and I are at one on that. Perofeta would have been much more measured.
Yea, cos Perofeta was playing amazing rugby before he came off... there is some absolute rubbish mentioned on here.
No you're right, Barrett closed it out perfectly.
So your solution is move the player missing easy kicks at goal and falling over chasing kicks to run the ship?
BB was instrumental in us winning that game.
He was also instrumental in the crusaders nearly winning that game.
Again, the solution to that is not replacing him with a player playing worse.
Worse? Nice try ?
No you're right. Barrett closed it out perfectly.
Looks at the scoreboard. Seems ok.
BB played well.
@bones said in Crusaders v Blues:
@kirwan said in Crusaders v Blues:
@bones said in Crusaders v Blues:
@kirwan said in Crusaders v Blues:
@bones said in Crusaders v Blues:
@tj said in Crusaders v Blues:
@pakman said in Crusaders v Blues:
@bones said in Crusaders v Blues:
Unlucky saders, might have been a different result without Barrett brain spasms.
Congrats blues! Can't help but think Beauds should have gone off and Perofeta stayed on...
Bones, you and I are at one on that. Perofeta would have been much more measured.
Yea, cos Perofeta was playing amazing rugby before he came off... there is some absolute rubbish mentioned on here.
No you're right, Barrett closed it out perfectly.
So your solution is move the player missing easy kicks at goal and falling over chasing kicks to run the ship?
BB was instrumental in us winning that game.
He was also instrumental in the crusaders nearly winning that game.
Again, the solution to that is not replacing him with a player playing worse.
Worse? Nice try ?
No you're right. Barrett closed it out perfectly.
Absolutely he was playing worse.
@crazy-horse said in Crusaders v Blues:
It's weird, I hardly ever notice Papali'i even when I am looking out for him. Maybe he needs a hair cut that stands out.
That is pretty weird when anytime there's a big defensive play, he's there!
@crazy-horse said in Crusaders v Blues:
It's weird, I hardly ever notice Papali'i even when I am looking out for him. Maybe he needs a hair cut that stands out.
He was the dude scoring trys and making all the tackles.
@kirwan said in Crusaders v Blues:
@bones said in Crusaders v Blues:
@kirwan said in Crusaders v Blues:
@bones said in Crusaders v Blues:
@kirwan said in Crusaders v Blues:
@bones said in Crusaders v Blues:
@tj said in Crusaders v Blues:
@pakman said in Crusaders v Blues:
@bones said in Crusaders v Blues:
Unlucky saders, might have been a different result without Barrett brain spasms.
Congrats blues! Can't help but think Beauds should have gone off and Perofeta stayed on...
Bones, you and I are at one on that. Perofeta would have been much more measured.
Yea, cos Perofeta was playing amazing rugby before he came off... there is some absolute rubbish mentioned on here.
No you're right, Barrett closed it out perfectly.
So your solution is move the player missing easy kicks at goal and falling over chasing kicks to run the ship?
BB was instrumental in us winning that game.
He was also instrumental in the crusaders nearly winning that game.
Again, the solution to that is not replacing him with a player playing worse.
Worse? Nice try ?
No you're right. Barrett closed it out perfectly.
Looks at the scoreboard. Seems ok.
BB played well.
Any idea what the score was when Perofeta went off?
@tj said in Crusaders v Blues:
@bones said in Crusaders v Blues:
@kirwan said in Crusaders v Blues:
@bones said in Crusaders v Blues:
@kirwan said in Crusaders v Blues:
@bones said in Crusaders v Blues:
@tj said in Crusaders v Blues:
@pakman said in Crusaders v Blues:
@bones said in Crusaders v Blues:
Unlucky saders, might have been a different result without Barrett brain spasms.
Congrats blues! Can't help but think Beauds should have gone off and Perofeta stayed on...
Bones, you and I are at one on that. Perofeta would have been much more measured.
Yea, cos Perofeta was playing amazing rugby before he came off... there is some absolute rubbish mentioned on here.
No you're right, Barrett closed it out perfectly.
So your solution is move the player missing easy kicks at goal and falling over chasing kicks to run the ship?
BB was instrumental in us winning that game.
He was also instrumental in the crusaders nearly winning that game.
Again, the solution to that is not replacing him with a player playing worse.
Worse? Nice try ?
No you're right. Barrett closed it out perfectly.
Absolutely he was playing worse.
Any examples? That aren't matched by Barrett doing something equally as gross?
@bones said in Crusaders v Blues:
@crazy-horse said in Crusaders v Blues:
It's weird, I hardly ever notice Papali'i even when I am looking out for him. Maybe he needs a hair cut that stands out.
That is pretty weird when anytime there's a big defensive play, he's there!
I know! I see him on replays. I like the guy, but I have a hard time spotting him. He must have a generic looking head or something. Or maybe Richie's invisibility cloak.
@crazy-horse said in Crusaders v Blues:
@bones said in Crusaders v Blues:
@crazy-horse said in Crusaders v Blues:
It's weird, I hardly ever notice Papali'i even when I am looking out for him. Maybe he needs a hair cut that stands out.
That is pretty weird when anytime there's a big defensive play, he's there!
I know! I see him on replays. I like the guy, but I have a hard time spotting him. He must have a generic looking head or something. Or maybe Richie's invisibility cloak.
Similar to Cane in that regard?
@tim said in Crusaders v Blues:
@bones This is getting rather tedious.
I agree, not sure why Barrett is getting a pass for poor play.
@bones said in Crusaders v Blues:
@tim said in Crusaders v Blues:
@bones This is getting rather tedious.
I agree, not sure why Barrett is getting a pass for poor play.
The two trys he set up and good goal kicking? You know, stuff that won us the game.
@machpants said in Crusaders v Blues:
@antipodean said in Crusaders v Blues:
Surely Jordan has to be the All Black fullback? He needs to get his hands on the ball more in Test rugby.
Not decent international teams ten are going to kick it to him as much as beaudy did
BB's kicking and/or the Blues tactics in the last quarter were awful.
Apart from that, dunno who was the better 10 tonight - BB or Ritchie.
@kirwan said in Crusaders v Blues:
BB played well.
For the first 50-60 minutes he was outstanding I thought. No so much after that.
What a game.
The intensity level was something else.
Unfortunately Perofeta, Telea and Leicester probably didn't push their cases forward for higher honours
At what point do ABs cut loose the likes of Scott Barrett and Laulala? The discipline issue is a huge problem.
Very happy to break the streak.
Jordan wants that AB 15 shirt.
Rieko wants that AB 13 shirt.
@victor-meldrew said in Crusaders v Blues:
@machpants said in Crusaders v Blues:
@antipodean said in Crusaders v Blues:
Surely Jordan has to be the All Black fullback? He needs to get his hands on the ball more in Test rugby.
Not decent international teams ten are going to kick it to him as much as beaudy did
BB's kicking and/or the Blues tactics in the last quarter were awful.
Apart from that, dunno who was the better 10 tonight - BB or Ritchie.
BB was better in first 55, but then seemed to stop attacking, and kicked indiscriminately.
Blues probably started to tire, game became looser, and Ritchie, Willie and Steevie came to fore.
Didn’t really notice it at time, but on reflection substitution of Christie (T) by Matera seemed to coincide with Chch getting more change in loose.
@kirwan said in Crusaders v Blues:
@bones said in Crusaders v Blues:
@tim said in Crusaders v Blues:
@bones This is getting rather tedious.
I agree, not sure why Barrett is getting a pass for poor play.
The two trys he set up and good goal kicking? You know, stuff that won us the game.
Cheeky sky UK! Knew it was too good to be true they were actually showing SRP. The game they showed here had most of that occuring before Perofeta went off. Uk version had the crusaders storming back into contention from bizarre blues play.
@dan54 said in Crusaders v Blues:
I am prepared to say I pretty keen to see Dalton have a run at 6 sometime, in saying that he was brilliant tonight at 7.
Agreed. ABs need to try Dalton at 6. Thought Robinson shaded Blackadder.
@victor-meldrew said in Crusaders v Blues:
@machpants said in Crusaders v Blues:
@antipodean said in Crusaders v Blues:
Surely Jordan has to be the All Black fullback? He needs to get his hands on the ball more in Test rugby.
Not decent international teams ten are going to kick it to him as much as beaudy did
BB's kicking and/or the Blues tactics in the last quarter were awful.
Apart from that, dunno who was the better 10 tonight - BB or Ritchie.
Only take away for me is (from the first 50) Beauds still has it and when both on form, has less weaknesses (Mounga has opposition plays dedicated to his defence).
Mounga against a tiring defence has the tip over Beauds though for me.
@kirwan said in Crusaders v Blues:
FC must be the form halfback in the country too.
He looked pretty much at home in the black jersey after stepping up last year.
Be great if he carries that form into the ABs.
@kiwimurph said in Crusaders v Blues:
@dan54 said in Crusaders v Blues:
I am prepared to say I pretty keen to see Dalton have a run at 6 sometime, in saying that he was brilliant tonight at 7.
Agreed. ABs need to try Dalton at 6. Thought Robinson shaded Blackadder.
I want him at 7. Cane on the bench.
@victor-meldrew said in Crusaders v Blues:
@machpants said in Crusaders v Blues:
@antipodean said in Crusaders v Blues:
Surely Jordan has to be the All Black fullback? He needs to get his hands on the ball more in Test rugby.
Not decent international teams ten are going to kick it to him as much as beaudy did
BB's kicking and/or the Blues tactics in the last quarter were awful.
Apart from that, dunno who was the better 10 tonight - BB or Ritchie.
Mixed bag from both, but Mounga's defensive issues were glaring tonight with him missing tackles for two Blues tries. Worst of all, they came down the short channel where he was defending in order to hide his obvious defensive issues, which means of course that they simply can't be hidden.
@bones said in Crusaders v Blues:
@victor-meldrew said in Crusaders v Blues:
@machpants said in Crusaders v Blues:
@antipodean said in Crusaders v Blues:
Surely Jordan has to be the All Black fullback? He needs to get his hands on the ball more in Test rugby.
Not decent international teams ten are going to kick it to him as much as beaudy did
BB's kicking and/or the Blues tactics in the last quarter were awful.
Apart from that, dunno who was the better 10 tonight - BB or Ritchie.
Only take away for me is (from the first 50) Beauds still has it and when both on form, has less weaknesses (Mounga has opposition plays dedicated to his defence).
Mounga against a tiring defence has the tip over Beauds though for me.
Yeah, this game again reinforced that Beauden is our starting 10 with Mo'unga on the bench. I don't think either can control a test match, but Beauden is very solid on defense and can create something from nothing, and Mo'unga only ever thrives when the game opens up and he has a bit more space - in test matches that's the final 10 - 15 mins.
Is this the changing of the guard?
I wouldn’t go quite that far yet, simply because the Crusaders have history, quality across the park, a fantastic coaching team, and suffered from a lack of players for a significant amount of time in this game due to Scott Barrett stupidity.
However, the Blues appear to be back. A Blues win in Christchurch breaks the Spencer curse and suggests that finally the cracks in the Saders armor might be problematic; principally they have recently been giving up points after scoring themselves, which is very un-Crusaders like.
Furthermore, the Blues are starting to show some steel; the defense is beginning to be trustworthy. Even if it seems suicidal to kick to the most dangerous back three in the competition, they somehow managed to hold on. They held out the Saders for the final five minutes – when I was sure they would concede a try. Looking at the game stats, the Saders had plenty of opportunities too, with 57% possession and 58% territory, including winning 100% of their ball at setpiece. There is nothing off with their performance except two acts of stupidity from Barrett and Havili – and perhaps the 9 to 4 penalty count. They had more ball (118 vs 85), ran more metres (451 vs.372), and kicked less but better than the Blues.
Nevertheless, the Blues won. Although it was a team effort, certain players stood out. As I wrote in the MOTM thread, Dalton Papalii has fully arrived as the successor to Cane. He was the best player on the park; he ran for 52 with 6 defenders beaten and two clean breaks. He made 21 tackles (with none missed) and lead the team without having to ask the coaches for help 
While Rieko only ran for 17 metres, his defense was fucking unbelievable . He made 16 tackles including some absolute try savers (he missed 2) and I can see why the AB coaches might see him as a weapon at 13 not only for his proficiency on turnover ball on attack, but also the speed with which he can cover on defence. It was likely the winning the of the game. As I wrote on the MOTM thread, I’m now fully convinced he is the answer at 13, so the question is who to match him with at 12. Havili was pretty awesome for the Saders at times tonight (apart from the YC), but is he the right mix with Rieko? In memory of the Baron, ‘please discuss’...
The ABs need a TH prop that can run and play on the ball. Ofa – tonight - was exactly what we need, it was a big statement game from him. He ran for 38 metres, conceded no penalties, and didn’t miss a tackle. Many of his runs led to breaks as well.
As many have mentioned, lots of others were good too. For example, Sotutu had 15 made and none missed, while Romano made 12 and missed 1 and was certainly trying to send a message.
For the Saders, it’s probably a wake-up call and I still believe they are the favorites. Simply put, their championship pedigree is not something to ignore from one defeat. They have the most exciting player in NZ rugby in Will Jordan (152 metres, 11 runs, 17 passes, 3 clean breaks, 7 defenders beaten) and although the three turnovers are still an issue, his defence is becoming more reliable with 5 made and 1 missed. I, like many, was frustrated by the Blues kicking to him but the fact that their defense (just) held on whilst giving the Saders that much ball to attack from deep, is a statement in itself.
They’ve also found an exciting new lock in Gallagher (Gallawillis) who made 15 and missed 1 and looks like he has been playing at this level for years.
They always looked like they’d steal it at the end, only being thwarted thanks to an incredible chase and tackle by Ioane and Papalii.
Beyond that, their spine stood up well in the fightback – Mo’unga was dangerous with 8 defenders beaten (although his defence was also exposed a bit in this game), while Taylor and Grace were strong with 22 carries between them.
Looking towards the finals, you have to expect these teams to see each other again and I cannot fucking wait.
@no-quarter said in Crusaders v Blues:
@bones said in Crusaders v Blues:
@victor-meldrew said in Crusaders v Blues:
@machpants said in Crusaders v Blues:
@antipodean said in Crusaders v Blues:
Surely Jordan has to be the All Black fullback? He needs to get his hands on the ball more in Test rugby.
Not decent international teams ten are going to kick it to him as much as beaudy did
BB's kicking and/or the Blues tactics in the last quarter were awful.
Apart from that, dunno who was the better 10 tonight - BB or Ritchie.
Only take away for me is (from the first 50) Beauds still has it and when both on form, has less weaknesses (Mounga has opposition plays dedicated to his defence).
Mounga against a tiring defence has the tip over Beauds though for me.
Yeah, this game again reinforced that Beauden is our starting 10 with Mo'unga on the bench. I don't think either can control a test match, but Beauden is very solid on defense and can create something from nothing, and Mo'unga only ever thrives when the game opens up and he has a bit more space - in test matches that's the final 10 - 15 mins.
Yep, BB is great on defence (awesome on cover-defence) and creativity as you say, but he's always gives the impression of being a bit flaky when under pressure. Big advantage for bringing Ritchie on in the last 20 mins is I want him kicking any match-wining goal rather than BB.
A lot of posts about dalton and sotutu but I thought Robinson was outstanding in the first half. His ruck clear outs were top class: efficient, accurate, repetitive.
I like Leicester but he has to have a Reece work rate if he wants higher honours.
Provided the selectors make the right choices the ABs should have a good team. They really need to back the younger props coming thru. Ofa was great for the blues but the crusaders newell was also very good when he came on.
Crusaders are really missing a genuine top class loose forward. Best of the bunch is probably blackadder but grace is all sorts of meh.
What a game! I am a Crusaders fan but you could not dislike that game from any perspective. Well done to the Blues. The AB discussion will be even more heated after this game.
For the Blues, Barrett, Ofa, and Dalton were simply outstanding. It is so good from an AB perspective to see Ofa play like that.
For the Crusaders, Jordan was great, and it is good to see Mounga (who I have been critical of this year) get his mojo back. He positional kicking game was the best I have seen from him.
Who would bet against these teams meeting again?
@victor-meldrew said in Crusaders v Blues:
@no-quarter said in Crusaders v Blues:
@bones said in Crusaders v Blues:
@victor-meldrew said in Crusaders v Blues:
@machpants said in Crusaders v Blues:
@antipodean said in Crusaders v Blues:
Surely Jordan has to be the All Black fullback? He needs to get his hands on the ball more in Test rugby.
Not decent international teams ten are going to kick it to him as much as beaudy did
BB's kicking and/or the Blues tactics in the last quarter were awful.
Apart from that, dunno who was the better 10 tonight - BB or Ritchie.
Only take away for me is (from the first 50) Beauds still has it and when both on form, has less weaknesses (Mounga has opposition plays dedicated to his defence).
Mounga against a tiring defence has the tip over Beauds though for me.
Yeah, this game again reinforced that Beauden is our starting 10 with Mo'unga on the bench. I don't think either can control a test match, but Beauden is very solid on defense and can create something from nothing, and Mo'unga only ever thrives when the game opens up and he has a bit more space - in test matches that's the final 10 - 15 mins.
Yep, BB is great on defence (awesome on cover-defence) and creativity as you say, but he's always gives the impression of being a bit flaky when under pressure. Big advantage for bringing Ritchie on in the last 20 mins is I want him kicking any match-wining goal rather than BB.
Jordie will be kicking for the ABs. Better than both of them.
@billy-tell said in Crusaders v Blues:
Provided the selectors make the right choices the ABs should have a good team.
While Foster has done a good job developing players, the big issue is going to be getting the right 6/7/8 combination. Be interesting to see how how Akira Ioane goes when he returns.
Crusaders are really missing a genuine top class loose forward.
Thought Blackadder was average today compared to the Blues loose 3 (outstanding) but think he's got great potential
Both Grace and Sotutu have been playing really well. Sotutu used to go missing when the physicality was ramped up but this year has really stamped his mark, one of the best on the park in the last few games. I get the feeling both these players will be wearing black and having some real ding-dong battles.
@gt12 I think rather thank chinks in the Crusader armour it is the rise of the blues.
Let's not forget they had about 25 odd mins with 14 players and few with 13, and scored while down too.
For me this will hopefully light a fire with the Crusaders and Blues, plus we have the Chiefs bubbling under capable on thier day of beating them too...suddenly with some of the play and way we played, there is hope.when these fellas.pull on black.
Both teams played some great code last night.
@taniwharugby I disagree about the crusaders.
You saw it last year or two, they don't have the cattle they used to. The legacy and coaching gets them so far, but it's not everything.
Last year they were in a real contest at Eden Park and a couple of tries blew out the scoreline. They were massively up for that game, but drew against the hurricanes the week after and then lost the week after. Then struggled through the Australian games and didn't make the final.
This year they've been playing poorly and winning, until last night where they really stepped up, but lost.