Inconsistent Blues lack 'hunger for success'

After a 38-35 win over the Lions in Johannesburg just a fortnight ago, the Blues suffered a 20-37 defeat to a flu-ridden Stormers side in Cape Town.

The New Zealand side appeared tired as they conceded a converted try in the first two minutes of the game. 

The Blues trailed 3-24 at the break and coach Tana Umaga swapped Bryn Gatland for Stephen Perofeta which proved to be a significant move as the side scored three tries – one try was instigated by a classy step from the replacement flyhalf.

However, unlike last weekend’s winning result, this time the Blues' late surge was halted by Stormers flyhalf Damian Willemse’s consecutive penalty goals.

"We didn’t bring the same intensity and energy as last week," Umaga revealed to the reporters.  

"While, the Stormers on the other hand, had something to prove after their Australasia tour [three-match losing streak]. From the start, they came out with more urgency and hunger to get the results that they wanted,"

Umaga admitted that consistency was a vital point leading into the Cape Town encounter. However, it seems like it’s still a phenomenon that eludes the side which can be really frustrating for the mentor. 

"Consistency is obviously what we were looking for," he said, adding: "We just have to look at ourselves, the boys know they have the prowess to reproduce great results every week – we talked about that in our preparations.

"Yet you can talk till the cows come home, in the end, you have to be confident in your preparations and perform on the field.

"I believe if we can get the performance right, our preparations on track then we’ll be calmer and get the results we want.

"However, until then, we have to be hungry every time for that consistency,"

The Blues will now head home for a bye week to gather themselves for an important run of eight straight games.

@rugby365com