SR Final - Blues v Chiefs
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@Duluth said in SR Final - Blues v Chiefs:
Despite all the extra chances too win turnovers the Blues won more:
Blues played high percentage possession rugby. When the Chiefs got the ball they tried to chase the game, looked for space out wide and were forced into poor percentage turnovers
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@Duluth said in SR Final - Blues v Chiefs:
Despite all the extra chances too win turnovers the Blues won more:
This is a good example of how stats can be misleading
The turnover they've given to Darry (right on halftime) I'm almost certain was Papalii that won it - then it got to Darry who emerged with the ball.
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@KiwiMurph said in SR Final - Blues v Chiefs:
@Duluth I think I heard Darry calls the lineouts? Is that right?
I think he calls when Tuipulotu isn't there. He was the caller in the SF
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Just watched the first half. Reinforced what we saw at the ground really, but harder to see some of thi son TV.
So, this was a really physical game. Both forward packs just smashed each other - hard carries and some bruising defence. Halfway through the seond half you could see the toll the defensive effort took on the Chiefs forwards They got really passive - just worn out really.
Blues game was simple. Clear objective to run at DMac all day and tie him up; you could see some players change direction to get towards him. In back play he was bonuced, tackled, niggled all night; legally but annoying.
DMac played really well. AB10 for me. They contained him on the back of a big forward effort - but he still made great choices and opened up metres on the back of Ken Labans' s second man plays. Kicked well, passed well, ran well - threw a tremendous ball to ALB for their try.
Blues clean and ruck support was top tier, again. They ahve been practicing it all year and you could see it tonight - often second players moved the runner forward a few metres. Body position excellent; it was just simple, brutal rugby. Well complemented by Plummer just doing the basics well. Handling was generally
Hot take: scoreline flattered the Chiefs
Ref didn't blow up a lot, only really obvious penalties. Was very reluctant to card for repeated infringements; multiple advantages seemingly didn't count for much. There is such weird inconsistency in refs and how they ref this -- one of the random things that drove me away from professional rugby this year.
All in all, i twas just sweet to finally get over the line in the full comp. The organisational improvement came from the board changes a few years ago - and you can see competence starting up in the org, the talent identification, development, training, selection, fan experience, coaching an dfinally on the field with silverware.
Clarke's ribs weren't good after his try. I think Ofa's ribs are the same way - but they won't care today.
Finally, all redit to the Chiefs. They really stood up at times, defended hard and ran with brutality when they got the ball. Just came up against a side that was more accurate and hungrier on the night. Overall great handling from both sides in very difficult conditions.
Roll on the international season now I guess ... I slept like a baby last night and woke up happy. Good times eh,
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also, the Ioane Ioane Clarke try was right in front of us - what an incredible effort. it looked dead and buried, but the fast hands and quick thinking was a thing of beauty. Looked like a try initially - only question was whether Akira was down or not. Memorable.
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@Kirwan said in SR Final - Blues v Chiefs:
Helpfully, it's a style that would win world cups as well.
You and (bizarrely) @canefan are getting carried away with this in a couple of threads - I'll eat your regurgitated hat if the blues can find a way to even enter a world cup, let alone win it.
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@Bones said in SR Final - Blues v Chiefs:
@Kirwan said in SR Final - Blues v Chiefs:
Helpfully, it's a style that would win world cups as well.
You and (bizarrely) @canefan are getting carried away with this in a couple of threads - I'll eat your regurgitated hat if the blues can find a way to even enter a world cup, let alone win it.
You always have to be the wise ass
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@KiwiMurph said in SR Final - Blues v Chiefs:
@nzzp how was the atmosphere at the ground? Looked really good on TV despite the weather. Cool halftime show.
weather subdued it a bit, but definitely vocal at the right times.
also, check this out from Behemoth!
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@Bones said in SR Final - Blues v Chiefs:
@canefan enjoy the win, the blues had a fucking awesome season and it's been pretty to watch too. You should be proud.
But they weren't playing against international sides.
The point you are missing is we want the ABs to pick a powerful forward pack and play close before going wide.
Instead of the fluffy flair oriented crap from the past four years.
