One Step Closer
That's right - we're one move closer to SuperXV domination with the Blues' defeat of the Waratahs today on the Blues' home field in Auckland [ 26-13 ]. I have to say - the first 20 minutes had me a little worried as the Blues struggled to find a rhythm and slipped a lot of tackles. Tom Carter - who I thought would be the stronger of the 12s scored the first try after Luke McAlister and Saili both slipped t
ackles. McAlister and Saili weren't the only ones who had a sketchy start - Stephen Brett was went practically unnoticed aside from missed tackles and crap kicks. The Blues picked up the pace with a brilliant chip kick and then chase by Rokocoko. They should have scored off the chip but the overwhelming support and lousy throwing by Ulugia (replacement hooker for the 'Tahs) lined up the first try for the Blues. Kurtley Beale, who was stated after the game saying that he let the pressure get to him, had a task, possibly too big of a task, laid out for him. He played stand off during the offensive plays and full back for defense - not because his defense wasn't good enough but because the counter-attack was too important. I can't imagine trying to hold down two positions like that plus kicking and expect to be able to carry a team through to the semi-final. The task was
folly from beginning.
Unsurprisingly, Stephen Brett did not attempt any place kicks. Lachie Munro and McAlister shared the kicking duties. I feel as though McAlister should have kicked some of the longer range kicks where Lachie Munro fell short but sometimes when it comes to games like this one - it's better to stick to the plan rather than risk unpredictability. Missed kicks could have made a difference in this game.
In the end - I think what hamstrung the Waratahs were injuries. Luke Burgess, the regular starting half back, broken his hand at training this week, leaving the Waratahs another starting man down. And the injuries weren't going to stop there. Before the 60 minute mark Kane Douglas, Phil Waugh, and Sitaleki Timani were all lost to leg injuries.
It was a hard fought game. In the first 20 minutes I actually felt a little concern for the outcome. But an injury battered Waratah side just could not hold up against the consistency of players like Keven Mealamu, Ali Williams, Jared Payne, and Luke Braid. I dare say that their true test will be next week when a 20 minute start like the Blues had today will cost them the game. The Reds nor the Stormers will have mercy on any kind of lapse in commitment or urgency.
So - I was way off...Not so much with the Blues' score. But the Waratahs and their injuries is where I failed to take in account.
I guess we'll see tomorrow if the Crusaders have it in them to continue on without their captain like they have so many games this season or if the Sharks can defy almost impossible odds and defeat the Crusaders on their soil - which has never, ever happened. Even the experts (and as I have made my own prediction) have the Crusaders winning by 16 which is only one off what I predicted on Wednesday...just saying.
Here we go Crusaders, here we go.
ackles. McAlister and Saili weren't the only ones who had a sketchy start - Stephen Brett was went practically unnoticed aside from missed tackles and crap kicks. The Blues picked up the pace with a brilliant chip kick and then chase by Rokocoko. They should have scored off the chip but the overwhelming support and lousy throwing by Ulugia (replacement hooker for the 'Tahs) lined up the first try for the Blues. Kurtley Beale, who was stated after the game saying that he let the pressure get to him, had a task, possibly too big of a task, laid out for him. He played stand off during the offensive plays and full back for defense - not because his defense wasn't good enough but because the counter-attack was too important. I can't imagine trying to hold down two positions like that plus kicking and expect to be able to carry a team through to the semi-final. The task was
folly from beginning.Unsurprisingly, Stephen Brett did not attempt any place kicks. Lachie Munro and McAlister shared the kicking duties. I feel as though McAlister should have kicked some of the longer range kicks where Lachie Munro fell short but sometimes when it comes to games like this one - it's better to stick to the plan rather than risk unpredictability. Missed kicks could have made a difference in this game.
In the end - I think what hamstrung the Waratahs were injuries. Luke Burgess, the regular starting half back, broken his hand at training this week, leaving the Waratahs another starting man down. And the injuries weren't going to stop there. Before the 60 minute mark Kane Douglas, Phil Waugh, and Sitaleki Timani were all lost to leg injuries.
It was a hard fought game. In the first 20 minutes I actually felt a little concern for the outcome. But an injury battered Waratah side just could not hold up against the consistency of players like Keven Mealamu, Ali Williams, Jared Payne, and Luke Braid. I dare say that their true test will be next week when a 20 minute start like the Blues had today will cost them the game. The Reds nor the Stormers will have mercy on any kind of lapse in commitment or urgency.
So - I was way off...Not so much with the Blues' score. But the Waratahs and their injuries is where I failed to take in account.
I guess we'll see tomorrow if the Crusaders have it in them to continue on without their captain like they have so many games this season or if the Sharks can defy almost impossible odds and defeat the Crusaders on their soil - which has never, ever happened. Even the experts (and as I have made my own prediction) have the Crusaders winning by 16 which is only one off what I predicted on Wednesday...just saying.
Here we go Crusaders, here we go.
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