The Blues who travel to Wellington this weekend could move to the top of the log with a good win. Even if it will probably only be overnight.
The Blues are currently sitting in 5th position on the log just four points behind the Hurricanes. The Bulls and the Sharks are three points and one point ahead of the Blues respectively. A Blues win will open the gate for the Bulls and Sharks to go 1st and 2nd on the log if they can manage to win their matches and the Stormers step up to the plate for a victory over the Chiefs.
Will the Blues show that they have enough depth and win this match despite having an entirely new loose trio?
Or will the Hurricanes show that being top of the log is no fluke?
Venue: Westpack Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 19:35 Local Time, 09:35 SA Time
Referee: Chris Pollock (New Zealand)
ARs: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand), Mike Fraser (New Zealand)
TMO: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)
Hurricanes:
15 Tamati Ellison, 14 Zac Guildford, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 David Smith, 10 Willie Ripia, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Rodney So’oialo (captain), 7 Scott Waldrom, 6 Victor Vito, 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 John Schwalger.
Replacements:
16 Ged Robinson, 17 Jacob Ellison, 18 Bryn Evans, 19 Api Naikatini, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Jason Kawau, 22 Robert Fruean.
Blues:
15 Rudi Wulf, 14 Rene Ranger, 13 Anthony Tuitavake, 12 Isaia Toeava, 11 Joe Rokocoko, 10 Jimmy Gopperth, 9 Taniela Moa, 8 Jerome Kaino, 7 Tom Chamberlain, 6 Kurtis Haiu, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Jay Williams, 3 Tevita Mailau, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements:
16 Tom McCartney, 17 Charlie Faumuina, 18 Dean Budd, 19 Peter Saili, 20 Grayson Hart, 21 Michael Hobbs, 22 Paul Williams.
Tweet
My Dream: Canes, Chiefs and Bulls losing this weekend, or a couple of draws, please let the above games be low scoring ones. No BPs!
I’m here, I’m here!
pant pant 😳
BLUES!!
Can anyone tell me how to get the chinaman out of my head ❓
@klempie (Comment 3) : where are you at 12:57? am or pm?
Morning all!
@Rahul (Comment 5) : Seriously got no clue what that’s about. SW having another timekeeping shocker I guess.
PK to Gopperth.
0-3 Blues.
This is going to be a hiding. Conrad Smith just went straight through the Blues line without being touched.
7-3 🙁
@klempie (Comment 6) : Its me …dont worry 😳
@Rahul (Comment 9) : No I saw it too. Looks like it sorted itself out.
PK for Canes offside. Difficuly kick.
Missed.
Try number two.
14-3
Try number three.
19-3.
I’ve had enough. Later people.
oh my … ?
@klempie (Comment 14) : Another LMS default pick ends in a victory!
Looks like Canes are gonna finish the league stage on top of the log! Blues defence is appalling!!
@Villie (Comment 17) : Whats the score????
@Villie (Comment 17) : NZ conspiracy
@Rahul (Comment 18) :
Not sure…I’m at work…but judging from Klempie’s comments….Canes are walking it!
@robdylan (Comment 19) : Yip probably…they want one team to challenge the “japies”
it’s now 35-20… they’re going to make sure each side gets as many points as possible… I bet the Canes will win by less than 7 after the Blues score a 4th try.
42-20.
Give the sodding Hurricanes the cup now and let’s save ourselves some embarrassment.
@robdylan (Comment 23) : 42-20 🙄
@robdylan (Comment 23) : I think the best we can hope for now is Sharks finish 2nd and Bulls 4th. Bulls beat Canes in semi. Wishful thinking but it’s the best on offer I think.
ill be having nightmares for the remainder of the competition, thank u very much 😈
@klempie (Comment 24) : I have edited
@klempie (Comment 25) : or give up now…
@klempie (Comment 25) :
We only have OURSELVES to blame…I mean losing to both the Reds and the Cheetahs…..eish!!!
@Villie (Comment 29) : I totally agree.
@robdylan (Comment 28) : Tsk tsk. 🙄
@Villie (Comment 29) : and not getting the BPs
@klempie (Comment 30) : At one stage, we were looking very likely to TOP the table…then we lost to Cheetahs and at home to a much weaker Crusaders team (than previous years). Now once again we are having to rely on other results going our way.
Anyway, I just want to see a controlled and clinical performance against the Highlanders tomorrow. I’m looking for us to create tries ourselves and not just rely on turnovers and mistakes. The guys certainly have the ability!
waddya know – Blues got a BP
@robdylan (Comment 34) : But not two doubting Thomas. 😉
No change to log positions.
Soialo is disappointed with the Canes performace. 😯
@klempie (Comment 36) : I agree with him! Im disappointed too 😈
@Rahul (Comment 9) :
@klempie (Comment 10) :
Yes you did see it too, becasue it was Comment 3, posted at 01.05.09 09:12:57 by klempie
Daar’s nie mediseine vir “dom” nie. 😉
TWO FL tries by the Hurricanes and ONE by the Blues, for me here. 😎
@KSA Shark © (Comment 38) : huh?