Chiefs Breeze Past Blues to Gain Super Rugby Momentum

The Chiefs won the “Battle of the Bombays” with a dominant 41-26 victory over a terribly average Blues side.

In a six try to three thumping; it was all one way traffic in Hamilton, much to the delight of the over 17,000 home fans. Despite the Blues having a star-studded bench, it was all too late by the time experienced All Blacks Jerome Kiano and Charlie Faumuina arrived. By that point, it was a salvage mission at best.

Dave Rennie’s Chiefs were long gone by then, with a bonus point in hand and counting. All the usual suspects had an impact on the Chiefs success, especially Brodie Retallick who was at his typical best in the line out and manage to steal a lot of possession.

While the Blues did put on a somewhat respectable showing late in the 2nd Half, they blame their loss on two things. Firstly, a better quality of opposition, and second, just poor decision making on the field. One of their most experienced men was red carded, Ihaia West missed too many easy kicks at goal, and the “man of the moment” Rieko Ioane had little to no impact on the game.

Steven Luatua To Face Disciplinary Action After Red Card

He may be departing New Zealand shortly; but Steven Luatua could well face further disciplinary action before his next outing for the Blues. The veteran had a brain explosion, taking out Chiefs runner Tim Nanai-Williams without the ball with a blatant head high shot. Luatua was red carded and is likely to face at least a week on the sideline as punishment.

Luatua’s coach Tana Umaga was less than impressed post game, and said his team would need take a look at themselves.

“We won’t tolerate it, and if you can’t adjust your discipline then it isn’t going to be good for the team”, a grumpy Umaga said.

The Chiefs scored on the very next play with a pushover drive due to the extra man advantage in the forward pack. For a man of Luatua’s experience; his actions at Waikato Stadium was a surprise to everyone. The incident had a significant impact on a game that the Blues were already trailing in; and it forced his side to play an entire half of rugby with 14 men.

The Post Match Lowdown

Umaga blamed a poor set piece game and inability to create any attacking momentum for his sides 41-26 victory. Having said that, the All Black legend praised the impact that his bench made in the Second Half, leading to a respectable three-try run late in the piece.

“All we said was to just work hard, and with a man down you’ve got to work harder”, Umaga said from Hamilton.

Key Notes from Chiefs v Blues

  • Steven Luatua was red carded for a head high tackle and will face future action.
  • Aaron Cruden was sublime in his 100th Super Rugby match, an 89% kick convert rate.

“Main photo credit”