Blues v Highlanders

[broughie]

Note sure what Collins offers. Glad that Moala is replacing Francis. When SBW comes back Francis will be lucky to be in the development squad. When the replacements came on the game became more direct which is where Auckland can succeed. Nanai needed a kick up the arse so his demotion is fine although what about Collins. Who the fuck is this guy and what info does he have on the coach? Ioane's strengths are running (when he does not do all the fend and brush off crap) and tackling. He should be put in the position to play this game kind of like Read as well as the rest of the forward grunt work. Set him up for success. No doubt the pack around him in the first half, including the poor decision making at the line out and the tendency to kick to much, did not help him.

[Bovidae]

I was surprised to read people talking up Akira vs the Chiefs. Even though he only played 40 mins I didn't really notice him at the game. Gibson was always near the action in comparison.

I do think Ioane could be an excellent impact sub though and he will have a point to prove.

[Dice]

Here's a short recap on what happened in this match-up last year.....

The weather up here isn't too bad at the moment, hopefully it's OK for the game.

[Nepia]

Flying headbutts?

[KiwiMurph]

Looks like Faumuina has been ruled out

[Tim]

@KiwiMurph Back injury according to sky tv.

[KiwiMurph]

Shit first throw from Parsons - and a shit high ball take from Collins.

[Tim]

Looked ok?

[mariner4life]

Fekitoa is a parody now

[mariner4life]

@Tim the throw. I'm normally pretty lenient but that was outside the jumper, made to look worse because it was a bit short

[KiwiMurph]

Early set piece wobbles for Blues like last week.

[mimic]

Would it have been a 22 if the blues had the advantage from the knock on?
Instead of a scrum from 5m out

[KiwiMurph]

Collins looks out of his depth at this level.

[Tim]

God damn it!

[Hooroo]

Auckland look a bit shit street at the moment. But reckon they will get going as game gets going.

Naho going off helps

[mariner4life]

@KiwiMurph you reckon? He's got excellent skills, his work rate is high, and he links with his other backs well. Bad decision there though.

He's under the pump because Pulu and especially West are kicking terribly

[Donsteppa]

Comical...

[mariner4life]

Okay that was bad. Ranger no better.

[Hooroo]

@mariner4life said in Blues v Highlanders:

Okay that was bad. Ranger no better.

Fucking hopeless.

[Hooroo]

Here's me thinking Luatua would be missed but Auck backs are avin a larf