SR Final - Blues v Chiefs
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back from the game.
So stoked for the Blues particularly Akira in his last game. He's seen the franchise go from toxic to glorious - to a point that player actually want to play there.
So much heartbreak. 16 years of season tickets, and just delighted to see the team get over the line at last. What I particularly liked was the cohesiveness - at the end we had lost Ofa Patty Dalton; three big leaders and still stayed tighta nd finished strong.
Will write up something tomorrow if I get a chance. Blues played bloody well. Chief brought the physicality, but coudln't live with the blue wave. Outstanding game plan and coaching, low error rugby. Felt very South African to me, but superb to watch.
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Blues player ratings vs Chiefs | Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final
The Blues are the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific champions after beating the Chiefs 41-10 on a historic night at Eden Park.
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@MajorRage said in SR Final - Blues v Chiefs:
Akira played a blinder but it’s not like he hasn’t had his chances in black.
Quite the opposite.
He's had some great games in black!!
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@nostrildamus said in SR Final - Blues v Chiefs:
@MajorRage said in SR Final - Blues v Chiefs:
Akira played a blinder but it’s not like he hasn’t had his chances in black.
Quite the opposite.
He's had some great games in black!!
Indeed he has.
Yet, it seems 3 AB coaches in a row don’t want him.
Shouldn’t distract from what a blinder he had today, but plenty on this thread want to so I thought it’s worthwhile pointing out the other side.
It’s a shame, as the talent is unquestionably there.
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Jamie Wall:
And that is a deadest HIDING to finish the season, as well as the long time between titles for the Blues. This big crowd loved every minute of it, given that apart from a brief period at the very start, the Blues were in total control.
This was a clinic in game management, the well drilled Blues forwards just kept hold of the ball and pressurised the Chiefs into kicking short whenever they went for touch. The second half was played almost entirely in the Chiefs’ half until the game was well and truly settled, even when the Chiefs finally did get a try the Blues went straight back onto the attack and camped out in their half.
Make no mistake, this was a masterclass in coaching from Vern Cotter, who figured out the best way to shut down a very dangerous Chiefs side and simply let them play the game at their pace.
Hard to really pick a man of the match from the Blues, Harry Plummer was 100 percent off the tee and didn’t make any mistakes otherwise, Akira Ioane was very good in his last game and Caleb Clarke deserved his three tries.
But really it has to go to Patrick Tuipulotu, who made a miraculous recovery from a serious knee injury to lead his team tonight. Really inspirational stuff from him, got an incredible ovation when he was subbed by this appreciative crowd.
Nothing when right for the Chiefs at all. They couldn’t crack the Blues early and that was the last chance they would have for about an hour. Damian McKenzie was given no room at all and their set piece was under pressure all game.
Wallace Sititi was the pick of the forwards, while Anton Lienert-Brown was strong with his few carries.
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Give him the right game plan. Don’t ask him to stand wide then complain that he isn’t involved in the middle of the field
But back to the final.. that pack was brutal. Poor DMac barely got any ball
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@Duluth Paddy T has the same issue. He has the talent as well but it’s not been seen (as often as I’d expect) at the top tier.
Akira and him really could have been era defining All Blacks of the latest era IMHO.
They both gave masterclasses of their talent today.
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@Yeahtheboys said in SR Final - Blues v Chiefs:
Form doesn't mean fuck all in a one-off final. Chiefs have the sting from last year, Blues have the weight of expectation which comes with the favourites tag.
Chiefs 13+
Mana too strong
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@canefan Canes lost to the Chiefs lol. How shit are they
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@Canes4life said in SR Final - Blues v Chiefs:
@Bones said in SR Final - Blues v Chiefs:
Riccitelli, Akira, Plummer, Lam, Funaki to have huge games, making it even stupider come Monday...
It's the blues to lose really.
Agree, I think the Blues will be a step too far for the Chiefs. The Blues will erase their 21 year title draught tonight and will do what the Canes were too dumb to do last week and go straight through the middle of the Chiefs. Blues 1-12 though for me.
Will be interesting to see if Finau can put a few big shots on the Blues forwards.
I hope Laidlaw watched and took note. Blues stick to the plan and win the chocolates
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@Yeahtheboys said in SR Final - Blues v Chiefs:
@canefan Canes lost to the Chiefs lol. How shit are they
Blues lost to the Crusaders.
