Super Rugby Aotearoa round 3 review

Blues to win by 7 over the Highlanders

Crusaders to win by 12 over the Chiefs

Both teams won, but the scores were much tighter than I predicted- read on to find out how it unfolded at the weekend.

Blues vs Highlanders

The Eden Park game saw an in-form Blues side host the Highlanders, who were looking for some more points in the competition. The initial 10 minutes of the game saw no penalties conceded by either side- a strong sign for the rules adjustments that players were adapting to the new interpretations- until the 6th minute where the classy Caleb Clarke stormed through the Chiefs defence from close range for a sublime score. 7-0.

The Chiefs weren’t quelled by this initial score, though, as they quickly got down to the other end and got a line out on the 5′. Some high quality phase play ensued and captain Ash Dixon crashed over the line. 7-7.

Penalties were exchanged either way between Mitchell Hunt and Otere Black before the 23rd minute, where a brilliant Beauden Barrett grubber kick landed awkwardly on the try line for ‘Landers fullback Scott Gregory, who’s botched clearance was charged by Blues 8 Sotutu, and open side Dalton Papali’i dived over for an opportunistic try for the Blues. 17-10

An exceptional Blues try was scored next though, with the incredible Clarke blasting over the half way line to give the ball inside to Rieko Ioane, who’s pace got the third try for the Blues- a try of the season contender even! 22-10

It was half-time next, where Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger clearly fired up his team, as they came out dominant in the second half. First, fly half Mitch Hunt slid through the Blues defence from close range and scored, after some huge carries by his forwards. 22-17

The ‘Landers thought they scored another in the 50th minute, before it was ruled out for a knock-on. However, Rieko Ioane was sin-binned for repeated offsides and the away side received a penalty. Shortly after, blindside Shannon Frizell made a powerful drive for the line and scored, taking the total to 22-24

The Blues weren’t down yet though, as they scored again through Papali’i in the 58th minute after a strong rolling maul. 27-24. Despite a last minute surge by the Highlanders, the home side’s maul defence stayed strong, with Sotutu winning the turnover and effectively the game. Full time 27-24

It was an enthralling game in Auckland, as the Blues go into the bye week 3-0 and the Highlanders staying mid-table with 5 points. The away side showed periods of high quality, especially in the second half but just didn’t have enough to clinch the game.