On Saturday night in Auckland, two occasions were observed. Fans were out in force to recognize the ‘Auckland Blues’–the side who had fought out the very first Super Rugby final in 1996. Former players from that team formed a Guard of Honour as current players ran onto the ground. That self-reflection was planned to celebrate the anniversary and subsequently, inspire a Blues victory.
That moment when the 1996 Blues legends flanked our team’s runout ???#BLUvSHA https://t.co/HSh2cf5pYd pic.twitter.com/mzptNQtJGQ
— The Blues (@BluesRugbyTeam) April 16, 2016
There was also an emotional content to the match, as former Blues lock Kurtis Haiu who had passed away during the week, was also remembered. Players wore black armbands and a moments silence was observed–very nice to see Sharks fans taking off hats in a form of respect, and if anything the emotion might have gotten the best of the group.
Secondly was that a streak had been broken; a losing streak to the Sharks by the hosts that had run up to a sorry ten matches. The removal of that record in this 23-18 win was one of many positives to be taken out of the match by coach Tana Umaga. A good collective effort, it did require some individual brilliance from Rieko Ioane (pictured) to grasp the win, but the Blues did very well to hold out a strong Sharks side.
From notes that I took while reporting on this match, many moments held significance over the course of the 80 minutes. Thankfully there were no major injury stoppages; not like the weeks past, and that made for a fast paced game with less than 20 penalties handed out and just one incident of fisticuffs, when the imposing Akira Ioane stood toe-to-toe against the equally immovable Sharks players.
The challenge in front of the home team was large. In results to date, they had won only two and a frustrating draw had removed some of the public support of the new management, but through the recent struggles Umaga knew that he would be able to instill a good work ethic in his players over time. Last night they displayed his influence, his men showed integrity, respect and their self-worth. Sticking to a gameplan of denying the Sharks the ability to return high kicks, Ihaia West and Bryn Hall passed over one hundred times and attacked with ball close in hand.
Highlights included:
Rieko Ioane. The ‘boy who would be king’. His reputation proceeds him after stellar All Blacks Sevens performances and tonight their were good things from the outside back/centre, he is very capable of running good lines and with work on the different types of defence between Sevens and XV’s. That is not a negative, as the ability to open up space for others might be his best weapon.
Tonight he created a 50 metre attacking move from an open field with hardly any options. Simply magic, so what would he be like within a well-constructed Wayne Smith attacking pattern?
Willie le Roux. The recent recruit has endeared himself with the side (since losing Francois Steyn, the du Plessis brothers and Pierre Spies) so they need the Springbok fullback to perform. He was a big part of both tries and while not a dominant kicker like Israel Dagg, is more than capable of seeing this team challenge many sides on their NZ Super Rugby tour.
Lolagi Visinia. A nice chip, recover and pass realized the Moala try and even though he may have dropped ball on occasion, played a useful part in this blues victory.
James Parsons. The nominated captain has decided his actions are better than words. A constant ball runner and at one time, a decent target on the wing for a wide kick [aka Sean Fitzpatrick of 1996] the Harbour player is injecting his energy for the time he is present; hookers today are not expected to play more than 65 minutes, so why not run your tank empty while at it.
Telling reporters post-match “We knew this week was important. We need to make sure our preparation is consistent, and the emotion might have gotten the best of us early [in the first half] but we closed out the game really nicely”.
Daniel du Preez/Jean-Luc du Preez. Two big brothers have a history here. Strong lads, primary in pushing Bryn Hall off the ball in a good display, the young men will now be the leading pair in South Africa rugby.
Mind you, the Auckland side has a history of siblings themselves: Gary and Alan Whetton, Robin and Zinzan Brook and now Akira and his younger brother. It seems to suit the Blues franchise more, as these young men have always referred to themselves as ‘brothers’. Shout-out to the Savea, Whitelock and even the Fainga’a boys from Brisbane.
Back to the match, and while the final quarter is sometimes the most stressful part of any fans night, tonight was somewhat different. Many sitting uncomfortably at 13-18, they were extremely happy to witness the supreme 50 metre run from Rieko Ioane that accomplished the win and it left them in a better position to withstand potential attacks from the Sharks but turnovers in the last moments spoiled those moments, ruining the streak and not exactly helping the Sharks season. Sitting back from the top African conference teams, it will only get harder for them as they look at visiting the reigning Super Rugby champions [Highlanders]
This Blues squad now take an unnecessary break to sit out their final bye. Coinciding with a holiday weekend in NZ, coach Umage joked that ‘he might give them a day off’ but it is probably not required. At just two-fifths of the way through the season, who needs a rest? Not this team and while they respectfully acknowledged their alumni, this vintage really must practice what they preach and just get on with the job of more wins and building good, winning habits.
Umaga spoke of his team needing more intent, that his group has talent across the board–important, as they will need to adapt to an injury sustained by Rene Ranger (his exact diagnosis should be known this week) but that is very debilitating to this sides attack. Moala can drop in for sure, and is devastating at his best but it will be replacements like Michael Little and Male Sa’u that must be tuned-in quickly to the team strategies, so the bye week could be used to develop those back-up players and sharpen the skills of young men like Tevita Li (pictured below) Our thoughts go out to Ranger, who had ambitions of a black jersey in his return from Europe.
When at halftime a short video collage showed fans the ‘good times’ enjoyed by the 1996 team, it highlighted a difference. That side had real talent, bristling with All Blacks and what todays coaching staff of the Blues would give to have that depth but they do have the likes of Charlie Faumuina and the Super Rugby centurion Josh Bekhuis. Each were rocks that the team will continue to rely on. Experience is everything, as you are not going to enjoy a result like this unless you can reinforce your players. Ofa Tu’ungafasi is able replacement in the front row, while Akira Ioane can come in and the Blues have the option of moving Kaino to lock to retain his tackling muscle.
A more adaptable side today, the Blues will have goals of reaching the semi finals and there is nothing artificial about that objective. Seven matches in a row could be a daunting task, but you have to make your own luck today. Nine points from the last three games has given them a fair reward. Coach Umaga said that every player has a role to play, so over the next seven weeks (when they play the Rebels on 30 April) every man will be tested.
NOTE: After Round Ten the Ioane brothers will be required to play in the final two World Rugby HSBC Sevens Series legs of Paris and London, as part of the Olympic program they signed up to. Such a staff removal only emphasizes Umaga’s stance that every player will be asked to show more intent. Add into that the loss of Blake Gibson, and the task will be difficult for the Blues side–but not impossible.
They had all of the possession and stole a number of vital lineouts late in the game, so Sharks coach Gary Gold was not complimentary of his side. “This is a game of margins, we did well enough in the first half but it was not to be. Frustrating, especially as we lost setpiece and were dysfunctional in the lineout”. Gathered reporters could sense the frustration and as he did acknowledge a ‘big lift from last week’ he will need more in their next game down in Dunedin.
Highlanders v Sharks, Dunedin, 7:35pm Saturday 23rd April
“Main photo credit”
