SUNWOLVES OUTPLAY SLOPPY BLUES IN HOT TOKYO

THE SUNWOLVES’ EXPLOSIVE SECOND-HALF PERFORMANCE MADE SURE THEY MARCHED TO A HISTORIC 48-21 WIN OVER THE BLUES ON SATURDAY.

The Japanese franchise scored eight tries to three in the sides first ever Super Rugby meeting.

After a horrendous trip to South Africa which includes defeats to the Lions (7-94) and the Stormers (15-52), the Sunwolves were aagain expected to suffer a huge defeat of more than 50 points, especially after the Blues’ start.

The Blues started the game in fine form when captain James Parsons opened the score after ten minutes of play, 7-0.

The Blues went onto to score an additional try within a space of 10 minutes, courtesy of lock Gerard Cowley-Tuioti. Being 14-0 up it looked like it was going to be one of those well-known New Zealand walkovers.

The Sunwolves struggled to get momentum in the opening minutes but finally broke the duck when Timothy Lafaele dived under the posts. Yu Tamura added the extras to trail 7-14.

The Sunwolves’ celebrations were shortlived as Michael Collins’s try extended the Blues lead. The fullback intercepted a pass inside his own 10 metre and sprinted for the third try, 21-7 after 30 minutes of play.

However, the Sunwolves kept up their pace and just before the half time break their quick hands and set plays made sure they send scrumhalf Keisuke Uchida over the whitewash to narrow the halftime deficit to just 7 points.

The hosts were the first to register points in the second-half. Within 13 minutesthey narrow the deficit to just two points, courtesy of Ryohei Yamanaka’s try.

The New Zealanders’ troubles were on the rise just like the heat in Tokyo.  And they were soon forced to play with 14-man after All Black Jerome Kaino was given a yellow card for a high-tackle.

In Kaino’s absence, the Sunwolves immediately took advantage of the extra man in the park and set up an attacking line-out on the Blues’ 5 metre. The Sunwolves had a maul but were denied momentum when the Blues pulled down the maul illegally. The referee Rasta Rasivhenge had no option but to award a penalty try and for the first time the hosts took the lead after 60 minutes of play.

Just minutes later, Sunwolves extended their lead to 31-21 when replacement scrumhalf Kaito Shigeno crossed the whitewash.

With 10 minutes left on the clock, Sunwolves simply looked in sublime form, centre Lafaele made sure he bagged a hat-trick, and Yoshitaka Tokunaga added try number eight to conclude the win.

The win is the Sunwolves’ second win of the season and first ever win against a New Zealand opposition.

Man of the match: Sunwolves centre pair – William Tupou and Timothy Lafaele – were amazing, while the open side flank Shuhei Matsuhashi was ruthless at the breakdown. The Blues lock Gerard Cowley-Tuioti’s workrate was tremendous and seemed to be the only one that can handle Tokyo’s heat. Our man of the match goes to Sunwolves live wire wing Kenki Fukuoka who was scintillating in defence and attack. He produced great linebreaks and put in crucial tackles against guys double his size.

The scorers:

For Sunwolves:
Tries: Lafaele 3, Uchida, Ryohei, Yamanaka, Shigeno, penalty try, Tokunaga
Cons: Tamura 2, penalty try does not require a conversion, Ogura

For Blues:
Tries: Parsons, Cowley-Tuioti, Collins
Cons: West 3

Yellow Card: Jerome Kaino (Blues, 57 – High tackle)

Sunwolves: 15 Riaan Viljoen, 14 Kotaro Matsushima, 13 William Tupou, 12 Timothy Lafaele, 11 Kenki Fukuoka, 10 Yu Tamura, 9 Keisuke Uchida, 8 Willem Britz, 7 Shuhei Matsuhashi, 6 Malgene Ilaua, 5 Uwe Helu, 4 Kotaro Yatabe, 3 Koo Jiwon, 2 Takeshi Hino, 1 Koki Yamamoto.
Replacements: 16 Yusuke Niwai, 17 Keita Inagaki, 18 Yasuo Yamaji, 19 Yuya Odo, 20 Yoshitaka Tokunaga, 21 Kaito Shigeno, 22 Jumpei Ogura, 23 Ryohei Yamanaka.

Blues: 15 Michael Collins, 14 Matt Duffie, 13 George Moala, 12 TJ Faiane, 11 Melani Nanai, 10 Ihaia West, 9 Augustine Pulu, 8 Steven Luatua, 7 Blake Gibson, 6 Akira Ioane, 5 Scott Scrafton, 4 Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 James Parsons (captain), 1 Ofa Tu’ungafasi.
Replacements: 16 Hame Faiva, 17 Pauliasi Manu, 18 Sione Mafileo, 19 Josh Goodhue, 20 Jerome Kaino, 21 Sam Nock, 22 Stephen Perofeta, 23 Rene Ranger.

Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Akihisa Aso (Japan), Tasuku Takawahara (Japan)
TMO: Minoru Fuji (Japan)

rugby365.com

BLUES STUN EMBARRASSING B&I LIONS

THE BRITISH AND IRISH LIONS SUFFERED A HUMILIATING 16-22 DEFEAT AT THE HANDS OF THE BLUES IN THEIR SECOND TOUR MATCH IN NEW ZEALAND.

The B&I Lions flyhalf Leigh Halfpenny tried to keep his side in the match, as he converted two successive penalties to take the 16-15 lead with 10 minutes left on the clock.

However, a late surge by the Blues and a great offload by Sonny Bill Williams sent Ihaia West over for the winning try of the match.

The tourists were much improved on their lacklustre opening display against the Provincial Barbarians but again struggled with the speed of the New Zealanders’ game.

Coach Warren Gatland’s forwards were dominant but the Lions backs were outplayed by the Blues, the worst performing of New Zealand’s five Super Rugby teams this season.

The Blues scored three tries to one with fullback Leigh Halfpenny’s boot keeping the Lions in the match with three penalties and a conversion.

The tour will only get more difficult for Gatland’s men, who face the table-topping, undefeated Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday.

National coach Steve Hansen was watching from the stands and saw two-time World Cup winner Sonny Bill Williams score a try and emphatically lay claim for a return to the All Blacks squad.

Blues wing Rieko Ioane also continued to press his case for selection for the three-Test series against the Lions with his seventh try in six matches.

Prior to kick-off, there was a minute’s silence to honour victims of the London terror attacks, then the Blues performed a haka specially commissioned for the occasion.

The Lions came out of the blocks hard, claiming 73 percent of territory and 63 percent of possession in the opening 20 minutes.

They created early chances, with Jared Payne pouncing on a loose ball but putting too much power on his kick and failing to catch it in the in-goal area.

Blues flyhalf Stephen Perofeta then set up the opening try of the match, first turning the Lions defence with a cross-field kick then sending a long-range pass to put Ioane through on the wing.

Perofeta followed up moments later with a try-saving tackle on Payne at the other end of the field, forcing him into touch before he could ground in the corner.

The tourists continued to attack and were rewarded when Munster’s Christiaan Stander powered his way over from a lineout drive after some dominant play from the Lions forwards.

Halfpenny added a conversion and a penalty to put the Lions ahead 10-5 before Williams sensationally stole the lead back the back right on half-time.

Perofeta’s penalty goal attempt struck the post and Williams was quickest to react as Lions wing Jack Nowell knocked the ball behind the tryline under pressure.

The former rugby league international Williams sped between two defenders to get a hand on the ball and sneak the try under the posts, converted by Perofeta, that sent the Blues into the break 12-10 ahead.

Nowell made amends shortly after the restart when he launched a desperate tackle that denied Ioane a second try in the corner.
The Blues began to gain momentum and stretch the Lions’ defence, with the tourists’ task made more difficult when replacement centre Liam Williams was sinbinned for dangerous play.

But the Lions rallied and patiently worked the ball through the centre of the park, drawing two penalties to edge back into the lead at 16-15.

But Williams produced another magic moment to seize it back with six minutes remaining, breaking the line and offloading to West, whose lightning pace took him past four defenders and under the posts.

West kicked the conversion himself to make it 22-16 and despite the Lions throwing everything into attack during the final minutes they could not find a breakthrough.

Man of the Match: Rieko Ioana was devastating on attack and could have had four possible tries but unfortunate for him three were ruled no tries by the TMO. British and Irish Lions NO.8 Christiaan Stander was influential for his side, and work hard at the breakdown to prevent Blues from getting a clean cut ball.
Our man of the match goes to Sonny Bill Williams, who was tremendous throughout the match, he was solid in defence and deadly on an attack. Not only did he score a try he did set up the Blues’ last try which handed them the match.
For Blues:
Tries: R Ioane, Williams, West
Cons: Perofeta, West
Pen: West

For British & Irish Lions:
Try: Stander
Con: Halfpenny
Pens: Halfpenny 3

Yellow card: Liam Williams (British and Irish Lions, 57 – repeat infringement)
Blues: 15 Michael Collins, 14 Matt Duffie, 13 George Moala, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Stephen Perofeta, 9 Augustine Pulu, 8 Steven Luatua, 7 Blake Gibson, 6 Akira Ioane, 5 Scott Scrafton, 4 Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 James Parsons, 1 Ofa Tu’ungafasi.
Replacements: 16 Hame Faiva, 17 Alex Hodgman, 18 Sione Mafileo, 19 Jimmy Tupou, 20 Kara Pryor, 21 Sam Nock, 22 Ihaia West, 23 TJ Faiane.

British and Irish Lions: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Jack Nowell, 13 Jared Payne, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 Elliot Daly, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Rhys Webb,  8 Christiaan Stander, 7 Justin Tipuric, 6 James Haskell, 5 Courtney Lawes, 4 Maro Itoje, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Ken Owens (captain), 1 Jack McGrath.
Replacements: 16 Rory Best, 17 Joe Marler, 18 Kyle Sinckler, 19 Iain Henderson, 20 Peter O’Mahon, 21 Greig Laidlaw, 22 Jonathan Sexton, 23 Liam Williams.

Referee: Pascal Gauzère (France)
Assistant Referees: Mathieu Raynal (France), Angus Gardner (Australia)
TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa)

Agence France-Presse

Stuart Barnes: Jetlagged Lions and wonderful Whangarei

Stuart Barnes checks in from New Zealand as he reflects on the Lions’ opening game, takes in Blues training and reveals his cure for jetlag…

1. It felt a long, long way from home when I awoke Sunday morning after the game to the dreadful news from London.

Talking and writing about rugby seems all pretty meaningless when the country suffers another atrocity but the great strength of a democracy is the ability to bounce back, to say to the terrorists, ‘you don’t scare us’.

The Lions, let us be honest, were not very good in their opening game but it pales into insignificance next to suffering and the inspiring actions of so many innocent and heroic citizens.

Rugby is only a game, albeit one in which huge tanks of emotional reservoirs are emptied by players and fans.

2. My favourite moment of the tour so far was to find myself in the centre of Whangarei, five hours before kick-off on Saturday night.

Scottish pipers, Maori dancers and country singers shared the main stage as numerous fancy dress disguises befuddled the senses. There were way too many people of stilts for my liking… I was more comfortable with the moon-faced nuns and Mexicans in bins.

What either has to do with this part of the North Island, who knows, who cares….it was a carnival atmosphere in small town New Zealand.

Kids smiling, parents laughing. This was the essence of the Lions for me. Beautiful – or as the locals say, ‘sweet as, bro’.

3. Sam Warburton says jetlag is an overplayed issue before the match, Warren Gatland says it was a factor post-match. What is a poor broadcaster supposed to report?

In the end, I take the captain at his word and as such, have few positives to take out of the game. Sam finds plenty of positives and talks about the quality of the Lions ‘D’. The rest of the ‘efence’ will be more seriously tested against the Blues on Wednesday.

4. The Blues train with almost an air of abandon on Monday morning. The serious stuff in these parts is Super Rugby. The Lions are a diversion, a free hit, if you like.

Sonny Bill Williams looks like he is going to make it to the kick-off. He is an infectious character on the training field. Impressive too but I cannot explain why because the session is behind closed doors.

Miles and I are granted permission to watch it from the distance of the Alexandra Park stands. The training ground is in the middle of a trotting track. It tests the eyes all right. Oh for my horse racing bins!

5. I am genuinely excited about the forthcoming week. If the Lions win both games against the Blues and Crusaders we can forget about the nervous opening show.

If they lose the pair we have a tour close to crisis after a week and a half. If the spoils are split, it is advantage New Zealand but far from game, set and match.

6. I watched the Crusaders’ incredible win against the Highlanders in a bar (pre-game, no alcohol). It is 14 wins out of 14 for the Crusaders but the lazy looping passing game will be picked off by the Lions should they repeat their second-half performance.

Even though the Crusaders show splendid spirit and nerve at the death, I leave the bar more optimistic about the chances in Christchurch, until I call the opening game… oh hell, let’s get a quick panic out of the way and get back on the road.

7. It is not a good night for the Lions but it is a terrible one for Johnny Sexton. In poor form the last time we saw him in Dublin, he fails to catch fire again.

The passing is inaccurate, the tactical kicking nothing like it can be. He cuts a frustrated figure until Owen Farrell replaces him and orchestrates what will be the decisive score.

 Sexton will have watched the last quarter of the game with mixed feelings. He is a real competitor and it is not going his way right now.

8. Stuart Hogg had a wobbly old start to the tour as well. Eyes off the ball and an awful pass to Anthony Watson with a try begging opens the door to Leigh Halfpenny.

The Scotsman needs to up his game from recent standards but he has proved he has the capacity to do just that before with the Lions.

9. How do you fight the jetlag which Sam says isn’t a problem and Warren says is; my approach was to phone a friend and meet at a bar/restaurant called The Depot, on Federal Street, only a few hundred metres from our apartments as it transpires.

Great food, great fun, the best house red you’ll taste and Bob Dylan blaring in the background. I make it past 8… 9…10…11…wake up feeling lousy but no sign of jetlag!

10. Nostalgia….it is 24 years since I had the huge privilege to lead the Lions out for the first match of the 1993 tour against Northland at Whangarei.

The stands are new and the pitch is almost perfect despite a 24-hour plus tropical downpour. It would have been a quagmire back in the day.

All changed but for the enormous grass bank. I loved it then and now. People picnicking, a party atmosphere inside as well as out. A rugby stadium looks so different from the pitch compared to the commentary booth.

There’s nothing quite like playing but this isn’t a bad second best. It is a great privilege to call a sixth Lions tour for Sky.

We’ll do all we can to entertain you but in the end it comes down to the team. Even Scott and the Fan Van (my name for it is Fan Morrison….driving through NZ with Astral Weeks blaring full blast) cannot eclipse the fact that it is all up to the stars, the players – with some help from an extensive back-up staff.

Here’s to all the players, the fans both at home and in New Zealand. I hope it proves an unforgettable experience wherever you are, whoever you are.

Stuart Barnes – sky sports.com

PREVIEW: Blues v British & Irish Lions

Now the pleasantries and welcomes have been dispensed with it is down to the rugby reasons for the DHL New Zealand Lions Series with the Blues the first Investec Super Rugby cab off the rank to play the Lions on Wednesday.

Blues v British & Irish Lions, Eden Park, June 7, 7.35pm

TALE OF THE TAPE
For all the talk that the Blues are the poorest-performed of the New Zealand franchises it is worth remembering that on the overall table they would sit on seventh place with a play-offs berth if the wildcard system wasn’t in use. They have won seven games with a draw, one short of their eight wins last year, with a game to play. That would suggest not a lot has changed between the two seasons but what it doesn’t show is the definite steeling of attitude that has occurred and which will make them a dangerous proposition on Wednesday. The Lions are fielding a side completely changed from that which opened the tour in Whangarei. What this combination will have is the advantage of having recovered from jet lag without the exposure to the pace and physicality of game that is typical of New Zealand.

FRONT FIVE MOMENTUM

Winning the battle up front will be vital for both sides if they are to entertain thoughts of success. Nothing changes in that regard. The Lions have an experienced core to call on and there will be keen interest in the play of lock Maro Itoje, one of the genuine comers on the world scene, and Courtney Lawes. Against them the Blues have named two inexperienced performers in Gerard Cowley-Tuioti and Scott Scrafton, yet the pair have been central to the Blues’ improved forward efforts this year. Grafters in the traditional mould, they will be exposed to a different level of play and how they respond could have a lot to do with how the Blues perform. To unleash their backs, the Blues need solidity up front and that will be their challenge.

FLUIDITY VITAL FOR LIONS
Coach Warren Gatland has been banging on intently since the Lions arrived that they need to achieve consistency in taking their opportunities against New Zealand sides. They failed to do that in Whangarei. Was that down to jet lag or not being used to the speed and pressure of New Zealand sides? All should be revealed in Auckland where failure to maximise chances could be critical for the tourists. Knowing that the ‘fifth Test’ awaits them in Christchurch at the weekend, the last thing they need would be heading south after a loss based on little improvement on the Whangarei effort.

WHOSE ON TRIAL?
The Lions have been consistent in saying every player will start in their first three games on tour to give each player the chance to stake his claim for a Test start. But in the Blues side on Wednesday there are also players on trial for their involvement in the All Blacks team. No.8 Steven Luatua got himself back in favour after time out last year and has been highly-competitive this season. Halfback Augustine Pulu has been on the fringes of Test selection and is only ever an injury away from being called back into the squad. Second five-eighths Sonny Bill Williams needs game time to consolidate what many felt was his first choice selection and in what was a crowded mid-field situation before Ryan Crotty’s injury, George Moala, at centre, was also in the mix. Such has been Rieko Ioane’s advance this year that he must also have a chance for inclusion and a good performance in Auckland would boost his prospects on the wing.

TEAMS:

Blues: 1.Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 2.James Parsons (captain), 3.Charlie Faumuina, 4.Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 5.Scott Scrafton, 6.Akira Ioane, 7.Blake Gibson, 8.Steven Luatua, 9.Augustine Pulu, 10.Stephen Perofeta, 11.Rieko Ioane, 12.Sonny Bill Williams/TJ Faiane, 13.George Moala, 14.Matt Duffie, 15.Michael Collins.

Substitutes: 16.Hame Faiva, 17.Alex Hodgman, 18.Sione Mafileo, 19.Patrick Tuipulotu, 20.Kara Pryor, 21.Sam Nock, 22.Ihaia West, 23.Faiane/Melani Nanai.

British & Irish Lions: 1.Jack McGrath, 2.Ken Owens (captain), 3.Dan Cole, 4.Maro Itoje, 5.Courtney Lawes, 6.James Haskell, 7.Justin Tipuric, 8.CJ Stander, 9.Rhys Webb, 10.Dan Biggar, 11.Elliot Daly, 12.Robbie Henshaw, 13.Jared Payne, 14.Jack Nowell, 15.Leigh Halfpenny.

Substitutes: 16.Rory Best, 17.Joe Marler, 18.Kyle Sinckler, 19.Iain Henderson, 20.Peter O’Mahony, 21.Greig Laidlaw, 22.Johnny Sexton, 23.Liam Williams.

all blacks.co.nz

BLUES EDGE REDS IN APIA

THE BLUES SCORED FIVE TRIES ON THEIR WAY TO A THRILLING 34-29 WIN OVER THE REDS IN APIA, SAMOA ON FRIDAY.

The Blues raced to an early 12-0 lead but had to battle hard in humid conditions as the lead changed four times in a rollercoaster second half.

The Blues, who are already out of finals contention, ended with five tries to four, ending the Reds’ slim finals hopes.

They also stretched New Zealand’s dominance to 21-0 over Australian opposition this season.

Wallabies coach Michael Chieka would also have been concerned to see centre Samu Kerevi and young lock Lukhan Tui both limp off injured.

But there was a positive in the two-try performance of young prop Taniela Tupou, who is knocking on the door of national selection.

For the Blues, Rieko Ioane scored a try and made several strong runs to push his case for All Blacks’ selection in the upcoming Lions series.

The match was officially a Blues home fixture but was played in the Samoan capital of Apia to acknowledge the contribution that players from the Pacific island nation have made to Auckland rugby.

The Blues were up by two tries in the first seven minutes after applying relentless pressure from the kick-off.

Rene Ranger, returning from an ankle injury, sidestepped one defender and fended off another to score the first try, then floated an offload to Rieko Ioane for the second.

The Reds suffered a setback when Kerevi limped off with an injured ankle but rallied to score through Tupou after solid work from their forward pack.

Both sides scored tries through line-out drives then flyhalf Piers Francis potted a long-range penalty to extend the Blues’ lead to 20-12 at the break.

Tui went off clutching his sternum shortly after the restart but the Reds again regrouped and scored through Adam Korczyk, with Quade Cooper’s conversion giving them a 22-20 lead.

Gerard Cowley-Tuioti snatched it back for the Blues before Tupou powered over for his second try.

But Stephen Perofeta came off the bench to have the final say for the Blues, sealing the win with six minutes to go.

Man of the match: Rene Ranger had a good game out wide for the Blues and he scored a try as well, while Kara Pryor also did a lot of good work in open play. However, the award goes to Reds prop Taniela Tupou who scored two tries in a standout performance.

The scorers:

For Blues:
Tries: Ranger, R Ioane, Pryor, Cowley-Tuioti, Perofeta
Cons: Francis, Perofeta 2
Pen: Francis

For Reds:
Tries: Tupou 2, Ready, Korczyk
Cons: Cooper 3
Pen: Cooper

Teams:

Blues: 15 Melani Nanai,14 Declan O’Donnell, 13 Rene Ranger, 12 Tinoai Faiane, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Piers Francis, 9 Sam Nock, 8 Steven Luatua, 7 Kara Pryor, 6 Jimmy Tupou, 5 Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 3 Sione Mafileo, 2 James Parsons (captain),
1 Alex Hodgman.
Replacements: 16 Hame Faiva, 17 Sam Prattley, 18 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 19 Akira Ioane, 20 Murphy Taramai, 21 Billy Guyton, 22 Stephen Perofeta, 23 Jordan Trainor.

Reds: 15 Karmichael Hunt, 14 Chris Kuridrani, 13 Samu Kerevi (captain), 12 Duncan Paia’aua, 11 Eto Nabuli, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 James Tuttle, 8 Scott Higginbotham, 7 George Smith, 6 Hendrik Tui, 5 Lukhan Tui, 4 Izack Rodda, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Andrew Ready, 1 Sef Fa’agase.
Replacements: 16 Alex Mafi, 17 Kirwan Sanday, 18 Sam Talakai, 19 Kane Douglas, 20 Adam Korczyk, 21 Caleb Timu, 22 Nick Frisby, 23 Jake McIntyre.

Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Will Houston (New Zealand), Angus Mabey (New Zealand)
TMO: Shane McDermott (New Zealand)

AFP

Preview: Blues v Reds

History will be made when the Blues take on the Reds in Apia on Friday in what will be the first ever Super Rugby fixture in Samoa.

The clash between two former Super Rugby champions takes place in the same week as Samoa’s 55th Anniversary of Independence celebrations.

So, although both sides have been battling in their respective conferences, a big crowd is expected at this match as it will also be the first Super Rugby match in Samoa, and the first major game under lights at Apia Park.

The Blues, who are hosting this clash, are unbeaten in their last two matches against the Reds  – A win and a draw – this after enduring their worst losing streak against the Brisbane-based outfit immediately before that run (four consecutive defeats).

The men from Auckland have won their last 11 designated home games against sides from outside of New Zealand, including six wins against Australian opposition in that run.

The Reds won their last away game and now have the opportunity to win consecutive away matches for the first time since winning three on the bounce in 2013, a run that included two wins against New Zealand opposition.

The Queenslanders have scored four or more tries in four of their last five matches, more than they had done in their previous 24 games (three times).

Blues head coach Tana Umaga highlighted the importance of this clash to his side and said his charges  are determined to deliver a good performance.

“We know this is a special game and a special occasion for the Blues to bring a home game to Samoa,” said Blues coach Tana Umaga.

“We have a significant number of our club who have heritage in Samoa, including myself, and it is a privilege for so many of our team to return home to play in front of friends and family.”

He expects a tough challenge from the Reds but wants his side to build on last weekend’s effort against the Chiefs when they were unlucky to draw 16-16 in Auckland.

“It is important for us to respect this game in Samoa with a strong performance,” added Umaga.

“We have two games left in the Super Rugby season and we desperately want to continue our progression.

“Also the injuries to some of our regular starters have given us the chance to play some of our exciting young players who have earned their opportunities.”

The last time the teams met: These sides faced each other in a Round 4 clash in Brisbane last year and drew 25-25. Ihaia West kicked a penalty in extra time to secure the result for the Blues and also deny the Reds their first win of the season. West, Bryn Hall and Matt McGahan also scored tries for the Blues and Chris Feauai-Sautia, Samu Kerevi and Jake McIntyre crossed the whitewash for the Reds.

Players to watch: With All Black star Sonny Bill Williams sidelined through injury, TJ Faiane gets a chance to start at inside centre. The former New Zealand U20 representative is no stranger to the run-on side though as he played there earlier this season and he will be expected to help fly-half Piers Francis in providing attacking direction with his impressive skill-set.

Reds hooker Andrew Ready makes his first appearance for the men from Brisbane since Round 8 and has big boots to fill as he takes the place of Wallabies captain Stephen Moore, who is being rested. Ready will be expected to lead the Reds’ forward charge and his presence will bring great physicality to his side’s cause.

Team news: Blues head coach Tana Umaga has included six All Blacks in his squad for this historic clash in the Samoan capital. The All Blacks on show include lock Patrick Tuipulotu, the in-form Steven Luatua, captain James Parsons, rising-star Rieko Ioane, and exciting midfielder Rene Ranger, while prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi will come off the bench. The Blues welcome back two key experienced players in Ranger and loose forward/lock Jimmy Tupou. Ranger, the six-test All Black, missed last year with an ACL injury and his return this season has been cut short with a serious ankle injury. Meanwhile, Tupou was a key part of the side both on and off the field before a hamstring injury sidelined him for half of the season. Sione Mafileo and a returning Alex Hodgman have been rewarded for their excellent form against the Chiefs last week with starts in the front row. Youthful Northland pivot Sam Nock makes his first start at scrum-half to spark a back-line where in-form Rieko Ioane – with nine tries this year – forms a dangerous back three with exciting runners Melani Nanai and Declan O’Donnell. There is star quality on the bench led by All Black Ofa Tu’ungafasi, the highly impressive Akira Ioane, and exciting first-five Stephen Perofeta.

Reds head coach Nick Stiles has made four changes to his starting line-up for this fixture. The bulk of the changes come in the forwards, with Stiles reworking the tight five. Hooker Andrew Ready returns to the matchday 23 for the first time since Round 8, taking the number two jersey in place of regular starter Stephen Moore, who has been rested for this match. Tighthead prop Taniela Tupou has earned his second start of the year, replacing Sam Talakai, who shifts to the bench. Izack Rodda is back in the starting side for the first time since Round 5 to form an exciting lock partnership with Lukhan Tui, who was yesterday announced as a potential debutant in the Wallabies squad for the June Test series. Stiles has opted for just the one change in the starting back-line, with James Tuttle picked ahead of Nick Frisby, who returns to the reserves.

Form: The Blues are on a two-match winless streak after last weekend’s draw with the Chiefs and a loss to the Stormers in Round 13. Prior to that, they beat the Brumbies, Waratahs and Cheetahs.

The Reds lost to the Western Force in Perth last weekend after having a bye in Round 13. They beat the Rebels in Brisbane in Round 12 but before that, they suffered successive defeats to the Waratahs and the Chiefs.

Previous results:

2016: The teams drew 25-25 in Brisbane
2014: Blues won 44-14 in Auckland
2013: Reds won 12-11 in Brisbane
2012: Reds won 23-11 in Auckland
2011: Reds won 30-13 in Brisbane
2011: Reds won 37-31 in Brisbane
2010: Blues won 27-18 in Brisbane
2009: Blues won 31-24 in North Harbour

Prediction: Like all the previous matches between New Zealand and Australian sides in this year’s tournament, this one will go to the Kiwi side. Blues to win by eight points!

The teams:

Blues: 15 Melani Nanai, 14 Declan O’Donnell, 13 Rene Ranger, 12 TJ Faiane, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Piers Francis, 9 Sam Nock, 8 Steven Luatua, 7 Kara Pryor, 6 Jimmy Tupou, 5 Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 3 Sione Mafileo, 2 James Parsons (c), 1 Alex Hodgman
Replacements: 16 Hame Faiva, 17 Sam Prattley, 18 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 19 Akira Ioane, 20 Murphy Taramai, 21 Billy Guyton, 22 Stephen Perofeta, 23 Jordan Trainor

Reds: 15 Karmichael Hunt, 14 Chris Kuridrani, 13 Samu Kerevi (c), 12 Duncan Paia’aua, 11 Eto Nabuli, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 James Tuttle, 8 Scott Higginbotham, 7 George Smith, 6 Hendrik Tui, 5 Lukhan Tui, 4 Izack Rodda, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Andrew Ready, 1 Sef Fa’agase
Replacements: 16 Alex Maf, 17 Kirwan Sanday, 18 Sam Talakai, 19 Kane Douglas, 20 Adam Korczyk, 21 Caleb Timu, 22 Nick Frisby, 23 Jake McIntyre

Date: Friday, June 3
Venue: Apia Park, Apia
Kick-off: 20:35 local (07:35 GMT)
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand)
Assistant Referees: Will Houston (Australia), Angus Mabey (New Zealand)
TMO: Shane McDermott (New Zealand)

planet rugby.com

Draw makes life hard for Blues

A 16-16 draw in heavy conditions, the first in games between the Blues and Chiefs, was not what either side wanted in Invested Super Rugby on Friday at Eden Park.

It left the Blues probably just short of achieving their hope of making the play-offs this year while the Chiefs slipped further down the pecking order at the top of the table to 45 points, but still live with the Hurricanes having tough games ahead of them. It was also the first time in 12 games the Blues had not lost to the Chiefs.

Conditions had their effect on both sides, especially in the second half where the Blues ended with 64 percent of the possession but undone by crucial handling errors. They did at least force the Chiefs to make 118 tackles while having to make only 64 themselves.

But those handling problems in the Chiefs’ 22m almost undid the Blues, none worse in the 66th minute than when a strong surge topped by halfback Augustine Pulu saw the ball knocked on when trying to move the ball in the wet conditions.

It was turned over with wing James Lowe making the impetus in midfield which allowed fullback Damian McKenzie, standing at first receiver to slip a crossfield kick to space where second five-eighths Jonathan Faauli was able to run onto the ball and score the equaliser but Cruden was unable to convert.

In the 72nd minute Blues first five-eighths Piers Francis had a chance to kick the Blues ahead but his penalty swung to the right of the posts.

Blues problems at restarts in the first half threatened to undo the good work that had been done in getting out in front. On the first occasion, after wing Rieko Ioane’s 29th minute try, the forwards stood around looking at the descent of the ball, only to see Lowe take the ball and set up several phases on the goal-line which only ended when the Chiefs conceded a penalty.

But after Francis landed a 45m penalty goal two minutes out from half-time, they paid the price when the Chiefs kicked off to the blindside where lock Brodie Retallick was able to latch onto the ball and from the resulting ruck McKenzie was fed into space, he took a gap and applied the after-burners to run in on the diagonal to score a superb try.

Light rain started around the start of the game and resulted in a string of handling errors, especially from the Chiefs with McKenzie and Lowe each dropping chances.

Lowe was also fed into space on a blindside move but appeared to be struggling with his balance. He put a desperate kick along the sideline but it went dead – an early chance missed.

The Chiefs also lost Tim Nanai-Williams to an ankle injury 16 minutes into the game.

The Blues had demonstrated their intent with some fine work by props Charlie Faumuina and Ofa Tu-ungafasi, flanker Steven Luatua, who put in some fine tackles, and ever-present lock Scott Scrafton.

Early niggle, almost in keeping with the traditions of the rivalry between the sides, threatened to boil over but the sides settled and the rugby became much more competitive.

Retallick was a powerful presence while props Nepo Laulala and Kane Hames were similarly impressive in the tight exchanges.

Scorers: Blues 16 (Rieko Ioane try; Piers Francis con, 3 pen) Chiefs 16 (Damian McKenzie, Jonathan Faauli tries; Aaron Cruden con, pen; McKenzie pen). HT: 13-8

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Preview: Blues v Chiefs

The Chiefs will be looking to make it 12 successive Super Rugby wins over the Blues when the two teams meet at Eden Park on Friday.

Not since 2011 have the Blues come out on top in this fixture as from then on it has been a nightmare run against the two-time champions. They will be desperate for that to change especially after no doubt feeling unhappy with their recent defeat to the Stormers at Newlands.

Currently the Blues are 10 points off the fourth-placed Highlanders in the New Zealand Conference and finishing above them would probably secure a play-off spot, such is the form of the country’s franchises. Subsequently this game on their home patch is vital to their hopes.

For the Chiefs they will also be hurting after losing to the red-hot Crusaders but they’re still in a strong position, albeit one that is likely to see them travel from the semi-final stage. In truth, top position in New Zealand looks all but sealed for those unbeaten Crusaders.

What may give the Chiefs hope of replicating their impressive win over the Blues from Round Two is that they have won three of their last four regular-season away games against fellow New Zealand opposition; three of those four matches were won by the team trailing at half-time.

They face a Blues side whose situation on the table this season has been down to losses against their countrymen – they have won only one of their last 21 New Zealand derbies, despite leading at half-time in four of their last seven – which they simply must change on Friday.

How the Chiefs picked apart the Blues early in the campaign is hard to ignore and while the Blues have improved since then, Dave Rennie’s outfit are rightly favourites, with the Blues also having to factor in a long flight back from Cape Town compared to Fiji for the Chiefs.

Put simply, the hosts need all of their All Blacks to make statements to the national selectors this week and if they can create for the likes of the Ioane brothers then a Blues win is by no means impossible in Auckland.

Gaining such front-foot ball against this streetwise Chiefs side though will be difficult, but with the weather forecast suggesting rain throughout the day that may be a leveller in an intriguing game to kick-off Round 14.

The last time the teams met: The Chiefs ran out 41-26 winners in Hamilton earlier this season. First-half tries from Liam Messam, Damian McKenzie and Hika Elliot saw them go into the break 22-9 ahead before Lachlan Boshier and James Lowe crossed early after the break, with Anton Lienert-Brown also getting on the board. The Blues, despite having Steven Luatua red carded towards the end of the first-half, got second-half scores from Patrick Tuipulotu, Charlie Faumuina and Rene Ranger but it was too little too late as the Chiefs got the maximum.

Players to watch: As mentioned above the Blues only really clicked into gear against the Chiefs in Round Two when lock Patrick Tuipulotu and prop Charlie Faumuina came off the bench. They start this time around and will be key to their hopes on Friday, with the former also hoping to press his claims to return to the All Blacks matchday squad. The Blues need both to have a big impact if they are to prevail.

For the Chiefs we were impressed with fly-half Aaron Cruden last week in Fiji. While his goal-kicking was poor – no doubt he would have worked hard on that during the week – his form in every other aspect was excellent. He set up Tim Nanai-Williams with his break and pass before his kick led to James Lowe crossing. Cruden also claimed a try, but no doubt he will rue those missed kicks at goal at full-time.

Team news: All Black Patrick Tuipulotu returns to the Blues’ starting line-up, while Michael Collins also returns at full-back after both came off the bench for the match against the Stormers in South Africa last weekend. Charlie Faumuina will make his 98th appearance for the Blues and is in superlative form this season, setting up two tries in the game against the Stormers. Two others will near milestones with wing Matt Duffie and prop Sione Mafileo playing their 19th games for the Blues, one cap away from their blazer games. Piers Francis will start at fly-half after coming off with a head injury against the Stormers while there is interest in the potential debut of former New Zealand U20s player Stephen Perofeta, who is listed on the bench. Perofeta has been sidelined with an ankle injury for most of the season.

Chiefs head coach Dave Rennie has made three changes to the starting line-up for Friday. There’s just one change to the forward pack with number eight Liam Messam contributing 156 caps of experience to the starting XV. The remaining two changes effect the backline with Johnny Faauli returning to the playing 23 to start at inside centre. The potent midfielder reunites with Anton Lienert-Brown who moves out to 13.

Form: The Blues had a three-game winning streak ended last week at the Stormers as they went down 30-22. Before that they seemed to have turned a corner with victories over the Brumbies, Waratahs and Cheetahs so that was a setback to their slim hopes of making the play-offs.

The Chiefs also lost last week, going down 31-24 to the Crusaders in a thrilling game in Suva. They had won their previous four games but know that loss to their New Zealand rivals has left them with a tough job in usurping them at the summit. They are 11 points behind them but do have a game in hand. They have averaged four tries per game in 2017 and concede just two while the Blues score four and leak three.

Prediction: In big games the Chiefs tend to stand up. They looked solid last week in defeat and we fancy them to bounce back. Chiefs by 5.

Previous results:

2017: Chiefs won 41-26 in Hamilton
2016: Chiefs won 29-23 in Hamilton
2015: Chiefs won 23-16 in Hamilton
2015: Chiefs won 23-18 in Albany
2014: Chiefs won 11-8 in Auckland
2014: Chiefs won 32-20 in New Plymouth
2013: Chiefs won 26-16 in Auckland
2013: Chiefs won 23-16 in Mount Maunganui

The teams:

Blues: 15 Michael Collins, 14 Matt Duffie, 13 George Moala, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Piers Francis, 9 Augustine Pulu, 8 Akira Ioane, 7 Blake Gibson, 6 Steven Luatua, 5 Scott Scrafton, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 James Parsons (c), 1 Ofa Tu’ungafasi
Replacements: 16 Hame Faiva, 17 Alex Hodgman, 18 Sione Mafileo, 19 Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 20 Kara Pryor, 21 Sam Nock, 22 Stephen Perofeta, 23 TJ Faiane

Chiefs: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Tim Nanai-Williams, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Johnny Faauli, 11 James Lowe, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8 Liam Messam, 7 Sam Cane (c), 6 Mitchell Brown, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Dominic Bird, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Nathan Harris, 1 Kane Hames
Replacements: 16 Hika Elliot, 17 Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, 18 Atu Moli, 19 Taleni Seu, 20 Lachlan Boshier, 21 Jonathan Taumateine, 22 Solomon Alaimalo, 23 Shaun Stevenson

Date: Friday, May 26
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off: 19:35 local (07:35 GMT)
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant Referees: Nick Briant, Angus Mabey
TMO: Glenn Newman

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Blues coach Tana Umaga laments costly refereeing blunders in loss to Stormers

Tana Umaga will save the sting of his criticism for Sanzaar referees boss Lyndon Bray but the Blues coach was justifiably frustrated an incident which saw Piers Francis knocked out went largely unpunished in the loss to the Stormers in Cape Town.

Francis is expected to miss Friday’s match against the Chiefs at Eden Park due to concussion after copping an errant swinging arm from Stormers second five-eighth Shaun Treeby on the chin in the 47th minute.

Speaking after the 30-22 loss which probably ends the Blues’ playoff hopes, Umaga said the team doctor confirmed Francis was unconscious as a result of the blow. The first-five was taken from the field and replaced by Bryn Gatland.

Despite reviewing the incident and dishing out three other yellow cards, South African referee Jaco van Heerden and TMO Shaun Veldsman decided Treeby only deserved a penalty.

Asked whether it should have at least been a yellow card, Umaga said: “From what’s happened in previous games you probably could say that. We made the right call bringing him off because he definitely was concussed. We now need to make sure he follows the right protocols in trying to get back and play when he can.

“We knew going into this game the South African referees had been giving away a lot of yellow cards, and cards in general, so we talked a lot about being disciplined and we would expect that consistency throughout the whole game.”

Treeby is now almost certain to be cited but that does not help the Blues’ cause.

Umaga made it clear he would approach Bray for an explanation.

“I’ve got to go through the right channels in terms of reporting back – that’s what we’ll do to make sure we get some answers to some of the questions we have.

“There were some tough calls that we felt went against us but that’s the way it goes. The Stormers brought a brutal intensity on defence and made it hard for us to build continuity in our game.”

Blues wing Matt Duffie was sent from the field with 14 minutes remaining after being shown his second yellow card for diving on a player on the ground. Duffie’s first card came early in the match for repeated team infringements after the Blues conceded four successive penalties near their line.

Earlier in the match the Blues scored two tries after Springboks lock Eben Etzebeth was binned for an open-handed push to the face of Akira Ioane.

The loss to the Stormers is likely to have quashed the Blues’ playoff hopes, leaving them six points behind the Highlanders who play the Force in Perth on Saturday night.

While defeat in Cape Town provided the killer and controversial blow, and the unfair finals format does them no favours, the Blues will only have themselves to blame for missing the finals after five losses to Kiwi opposition.

“We always knew we had to win every game to be in contention. We obviously didn’t do that tonight. It’s disappointing but we’ve still got games to play and we want to make sure we finish on the right note. If we do get some results go our way you just never know.

“We’ve created a lot of opportunities to win games against Kiwi teams but we just haven’t taken them. We’ve got to make good decisions when we get those chances because you don’t get many.”

Francis’ absence for the Chiefs match is likely to see Gatland start at No 10, though Ihaia West and the uncapped Stephen Perofeta are in line to return from injury.

 – Stuff

Blues come up short in Cape Town

The Blues Investec Super Rugby playoff hopes have been dealt a hammer blow with a 30-22 loss to the Stormers in Cape Town.

In a fiery encounter between two desperate teams, the Blues had the edge in most facets of the game but were let down by their ill-discipline. With the game up for grabs at 19-20 with 12 minutes to play, wing Matt Duffie was red-carded for a late tackle and the Stormers scored immediately to stretch their advantage beyond seven points.

In the end it was a bridge too far for a 14-man Blues side as the Stormers clung onto a hard fought victory.

While the Blues discipline let them down late in the game, it was the Stormers who lamented early when lock Eben Etzebeth was yellow carded for instigating a scuffle close to the line. Normally known for his grunt work up front, Charlie Faumuina turned playmaker by setting up two quick tries for the Blues.

In the first, he attracted three defenders before offloading to George Moala for a simple try under the posts. Faumuina showed a quick turn of pace in the second to stretch the Stormers defence before popping a superb ball to Captain James Parsons to score.

Trailing 12-3 with time up in the first half, Stormers captain Siya Kolisi made the brave decision to go for a lineout instead of taking a shot at goal. The skipper was rewarded when he muscled over from the ensuing lineout drive to make it 12-10 to the Blues at halftime.

Sonny Bill Williams showed his danger early in the second half when he joined the forwards for a pick and go from the base of the ruck. Attracting a number of defenders, Williams popped a trademark offload to put impressive loose forward Blake Gibson over.

Gibson’s try stretched the Blues lead to 19-10 and the Stormers were lucky to not go down to 14 men when Shaun Treeby was penalised for a swinging arm on Piers Francis.

The dangerous tackle resulted in Francis leaving the field injured and put the Blues hot on attack. In a crucial period of play, the Blues pressed on the Stormers line but couldn’t finish their opportunities.

The final quarter belonged to the Stormers as they began to find holes in the Blues defence and crossed for tries to Sikhumbuzo Notshe and Dillyn Leyds to secure the hard fought win.

The loss leaves the Blues on the foot of the New Zealand conference ladder after 12 games and their playoff hopes hanging by a thread.

Scorers: Stormers 30 (Siya Kolisi, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Dillyn Leyds tries, SP Marais 3 pen, 3 con) Blues 22 (George Moala, James Parsons, Blake Gibson tries, Piers Francis 2 con, Bryn Gatland pen)

HT: 10-12

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