Blues vs Rebels

[kiwiinmelb]

The scary part for Australian rugby , (bit early to call obviously, )

But this could be Nz's weakest team again .

[booboo]

He came through the gate. Not from the side.

[booboo]

Take the points...

[Canerbry]

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[Stargazer]

Good first game to kick start the new Super Rugby season! Tomorrow's NZ derby will be a goodie, too!

[Blackeyeagain]

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[mariner4life]

Never in doubt. Points don't seem to be an issue. Need to tighten up some little stuff.

The rebels are a bit (lot) shit

[Gunner]

Glad I saw that post from Canerbry before it was deleted. That was some of his best work.

Blues backs look deadly, forwards a pass, but they'll be a lot better with Kaino, Charlie, Paddy T and Parsons all on the park.

[Blackeyeagain]

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[Tim]

It's a crime that Faumaina is leaving. Easily the best defensive and attacking front row player in the ABs. No slouch in the scrums too. Especially when compared with Franks' very poor form on the EOYT.

[Gunner]

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[Canerbry]

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[Blackeyeagain]

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[Blackeyeagain]

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[antipodean]

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[Frank]

How did Akira Ioane go?
(obviously not as well as his bro')

[Tim]

Blues forwards were a bit hesitant and upright (in body position) in the first half. He got better as the game went on. Some very good defence, but no big ball carries.

[Rembrandt]

@kiwiinmelb said in Blues vs Rebels:

The scary part for Australian rugby , (bit early to call obviously, )

But this could be Nz's weakest team again .

I was thinking the same. Blues have clearly improved but I'm not expecting the other NZ teams to have deteriorated much from last year. If we dominate again at what point do you have to say the aussie and saffa teams are just not good enough and therefore the competition is a waste of time. (yeah I know stupidly early to be making vast predictions..could be eating my words at some point)

[KiwiMurph]

Was at the game.

Impressions -

• Despite the below cant read too much into it - Blues depth is superior to Rebels but thats not saying much. Plus round 1 means little - Blues often start well - Brumbies wooped Canes week 1 last year.

• Rieko is a freak. Looked a few levels above his competition. He looks a natutal at centre - to me it looked like he has worked on his distribution and vision over the offseason.

• Pulu was brilliant - he can be hot and cold but has started hot.

• Tight 5 went well considering the names. Real solid. Tupou looks a solid captain.

• Francis and to a lesser degree Collins solid and provides the glue

• Blues used a lot of wide passing out the back off turnover/good ball - keen to use space.

• Not a bad game of rugby for round 1. Not as many dropped balls or penalties - high shots werent over officiated.

• the grass held up well.

• very good stadium to watch rugby at. Rebels small fanbase seem genuine too - diff atmosphere to Tahs games at SFS.

• 10,000 was the crowd - probably 20% of that were kiwis.

So overall cant read too much into it - Chiefs next week is going to be a tough ask - but Blues started about as well as they could have hoped - that is all you can ask for. One happy Blues fan.

[Tim]

I'm gonna have to call it: Rieko Ioane is the best prospect since Kaino.