The Silver Fern

@KiwiMurph said in AUPIKI 2024 FINAL: Blues v Chiefs Manawa:

@Auckman said in AUPIKI 2024 FINAL: Blues v Chiefs Manawa:

Chelsea Semple’s BF career is pretty much over (or should be) after that howler. In the pouring rain, it should’ve been kicked to Ngaruawahia

She could have simply put the ball down and taken a goal line drop out. Would have been a far better option than what she did

Could have grounded the ball, kicked the ball, or passed the ball - basically anything other than what she did 🤦♂

I managed to watch a replay of this game this morning. Good to see the Chiefs backs more involved as the back three are all threats. It is strange that you can somewhat manufacture props in the women's game but it appears that the Chiefs have major injuries there.

The Blues are a dangerous team when they get their off-loading game going. Their scrum held up better than I thought it would.

Big on paper advantage to Matatu in the front row stocks. More experience across the board as well

Chiefs Manawa also took rookies from other areas into their squad so that other franchises didn't have to be weaker in accommodating them. eg Maia Joseph

Give things a chance. It will always take a handful of seasons for teams to settle as players look for better opportunities rather than being in stacked squads. There will still be an element of it but not perhaps as much.

Re: the BF7s thing, they themselves are rebuilding and most of the Sevens players will be concentrating on that format. Bit of a perfect storm this year with 'senior' players wanting a big flourish with CG and RWC representation before retiring.

The teams themselves know that they could only play the cards dealt so I doubt there will be much bragging about the win. They would all prefer a full home and away comp.

@bovidae said in Blues Women v Matatū:

So Chiefs vs Blues for the chocolates.

I'd put my money on the Chiefs.