Blues pip spirited Canes
Comments
0
The Blues managed to make it one from two in their pre-season games as they took the result but not the spoils from the Hurricanes with a 32-29 win in Albany on Friday.
While the Blues made progress from their 41-20 loss to the Chiefs in Whangarei last week, for much of this match they were second best.
It was clear the Hurricanes' structures were in better shape, despite taking a backward step on the scoreboard from their 41-31 win over the Crusaders in Eketahuna.
The fact they scored five-tries-to-three was a fair reflection of the contest.
Historically a strength of the franchise, potent counter attack again featured prominently for the Canes.
Nehe Milner-Skudder proved he's more than ready for the step up by sparking frequent breaks from fullback, combining well with Cory Jane, Jason Woodward and Matt Proctor, before being replaced at halftime.
Milner-Skudder targeted the Blues' tiring tight forwards with a deceptive step. On one occasion in the first half he linked brilliantly with TJ Perenara in a 40 metre burst to set up the try of the match for Ardie Savea – the first of his brace.
Perenara was at the heart of his side's impressive early continuity. A couple of misdirected passes aside he controlled the play
from the base well, directed his forward pack and generally made smart decisions for 40 minutes.
Up front James Broadhurst and Blade Thomson led the Canes pack with strong carries and punishing defence. Their set-piece wobbled at times but they consistently challenged the Blues' lineout.
The visitor's lacked the same flow and intensity in the second spell after being locked at 19-19 during the break. Too many handling errors crept into their play after giving the full squad a run.
With plenty of firepower to return they will be encouraged ahead of their first round match against the Lions in Johannesburg.
For the Blues, Ihaia West appeared to lock in a start against the Chiefs next week with a solid 57-minute display which included four-from-seven off the boot before giving way to Simon Hickey.
Otherwise, though, the Blues battled to construct phases and build momentum until mid-way through the second half.
Given the result was effectively meaningless, their decision to take six shots at goal, rather than work on aspects of their game, also seemed odd.
The big concern for the Blues will be their leaky defence. Too often they fell off relatively easy tackles from second phase.
The positive for the Auckland-based franchise came in the form of Tony Woodcock's injury-free 33-minute cameo.
On his return from shoulder surgery, the All Black prop was busy carrying around the fringes but got caught catching his breath at second-receiver on two occasions.
James Parsons and Blake Gibson were industrious in the pack; Tevita Li threatened every time he touched the ball and Lolagi Visinia ran hard from the back.
Blues coach John Kirwan faces a selection conundrum at scrumhalf. Jamison Gibson-Park showcased the sharpest delivery but Jimmy Cowan and Bryn Hall will probably fight it out for the No.9 jersey against the Chiefs.
Scorers:
For the Blues:
Tries: Moala, Lam, Gibson
Con: Hickey
Pens: West 4, Hickey
For the Hurricanes:
Tries: Thomson, Shields, Savea 2, Fifita
Cons: Woodward 2
Teams:
Blues: 15. Lolagi Visinia, 14. Ben Lam, 13. Hamish Northcott, 12. George Moala, 11. Tevita Li, 10. Ihaia West, 9. Jimmy Cowan, 8. Steven Luatua, 7. Brendon O’Connor, 6. Akira Ioane, 5. Culum Retallick, 4. Hayden Triggs, 3. Angus Ta'avao, 2. James Parsons, .1. Tony Woodcock
Replacements – from: Greg Pleasants-Tate, Matt Moulds, Sam Prattley, Nic Mayhew, Will Lloyd, Joe Edwards, Blake Gibson, Kara Pryor, Simon Hickey, Francis Saili, Pita Ahki, Matt Vaega, Frank Halai, Bryn Hall, Jamison Gibson-Park, Josh Bekhuis.
Hurricanes: 15 Nehe Milner-Skudder, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Matt Proctor, 12 Rey Lee-Lo, 11 Jason Woodward, 10 James Marshall, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Blade Thomson,
7 Ardie Savea, 6 Brad Shields, 5 James Broadhurst, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 2 Brayden Mitchell, 1 Reggie Goodes.
Replacements – from: Leni Apisai, Chris Eves, Ben May, Geoff Cridge, Vaea Fifita, Mark Abbott, Callum Gibbins, Frae Wilson, Otere Black, Vince Aso.
Referee: Chris Pollock
ADVERTISEMENT
