It’s been a somewhat eventful week in Blues camp. We started last week witnessing a great game between the Blues and the Cheetahs at Eden Park, where the Blues walked away with a much needed 40-30 point win.
Then came the shock news that half-back Piri Weepu has suffered a stoke in early March, putting him out of action for at least four weeks. Later tests found that he has a heart defect and may require surgery to repair a small hole in his heart. This isn’t good news for Blues fans, as they must put their trust in the less experienced Bryn Hall to get the job done. It can’t be an easy job, filling in the boots of such a beloved player in New Zealand rugby but Hall has the skills to do so. And he certainly proved that over the weekend, he has it under control while Weepu is assessed and brought back to full health. Along with all rugby fans, I wish Weepu a speedy recovery back to health and hope to see him back on the field again soon as he will be missed over the coming weeks.
Not having Weepu for Saturday’s game against the Highlanders made many feel extremely anxious as the Southerners visited Eden Park with high hopes of keeping the Blues down, like they did in Dunedin, in round one of Super Rugby this year. However, a very physical and strong backline and a strong pack of forwards were able to keep the Highlanders at bay in the 30-12 victory.
Coach Sir John Kirwan made five changes to his side who beat the Cheetahs the previous week. Making room for All Black Ma’a Nonu, for his first start of the year, after coming from the bench last week, meant shuffling the backline a little. Jackson Willison was moved into the centre position and George Moala moved out to the wing.
The Blues dressed a back three of Charles Piutau, Frank Halai and Moala. That’s a fairly explosive back three if I do say so myself. Two of whom, got tries against the visitors. Moala with an exceptional run away try in the left corner and Piutau also crossing the line in the second half.
Moala has been the Blues standout player of the season so far. His sheer strength and physicality bring so much to the game. It’s easy to see why his team mates gave him the nickname “Silverback” as he bursts through tackles and pushes his way over the line. He is definitely a player to watch for the very near future.
Another standout player this season has been Simon Hickey. Hickey has stepped up and taken on the role of starting First Five Eighth and had wowed fans and viewers alike with his spot on kicking skills. He currently sits with the highest kicking percentage for the season sitting at 93% going into the game. He’s always been good with the boot, having had the pleasure of witnessing Hickey’s talent from when he started playing premier club rugby in Auckland, it’s clear that he isn’t just having a good season. Where will that boot take him? All Blacks level? Possibly. It won’t be easy, considering Aaron Cruden is also having a good season with the Chiefs and also shows a lot of consistency. A back-up perhaps. I’d say, prepare him for 2015 and when it comes to World Cup time, the All Blacks will always have back up kickers on hand.
Speaking of the All Blacks, how about the return of Jerome Kaino and Nonu? How good were they? I’ve always been a fan of Kaino for obvious reasons but having him back on New Zealand soil, has made me realize just how much of an impact he brings to a game. He is a great leader for younger players like Steven Luatua, who have the skills but perhaps need to develop further. He has such a strong presence on the field and leads from the front. Whether, I’d have him in the number 6 jersey, with Luatua at 8, I’m not sure. I think I’d personally prefer it to be the other way around. But regardless, they both played exceptionally well against the Highlanders and Kaino has found his spot back in the team with ease.
Nonu also had a fantastic game. He’s always been known as an impact player, and having him in the midfield, seems to cause a lot of problems for the oppositions defence. He helps create space by simply bursting through the defence. He’s also fairly quick on his feet which helps when he does burst through, not many people can bring him down.
So, as the Blues climb their way up the ladder, to sixth place overall and as they prepare to take on the Brumbies in Canberra this weekend, I don’t expect to see many changes to the team. If any at all. Not the starting lineup anyway. We did get the news that Francis Sai’ili is back from injury, so there will surely be room for him on the bench.
All fingers crossed that the composure we saw last week will last at least through the next few games, and the Aucklanders can keep climbing the ladder to secure a place in the play-offs. The Brumbies on their own soil are a tough team to beat, but doing the little things right and sticking to their guns will surely help to push the Blues to victory.
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