Darry Worthington previews the Round 2 Super Rugby clash between the Chiefs and Blues which is being played on Saturday the 20th of June.
Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
The Blues will be looking top build on their solid win over the Hurricanes when they travel to Hamilton to take on a Chief side that suffered a dramatic defeat to tournament underdogs, the Highlanders, last Saturday afternoon.
While it’s early doors in the competition, this game is something of an acid test for both sides as the Blues will be looking to prove that they are capable of being consistent while the Chiefs will be looking to make a statement after last weekend’s surprise defeat.
Chiefs v Blues
Saturday 20 June
FMG Waikato Stadium
To Win (80 Mins)
Chiefs 15/20
Draw 22/1
Blues 11/10
Handicap
Chiefs (-2.5) 9/10
Blues (+2.5) 9/10
Chiefs
Warren Gatland will be one angry man after his side went down to the Highlanders courtesy of his son Bryn who showed great poise to slot the match-winning three-pointer.
The Chiefs had looked to have sewn up the game when fullback Damien Mckenzie popped over a drop goal of his own on the 86-minute mark. It wasn’t to be, however, as the Highlanders returned fire with just a minute and a half left in the game.
There were a few worries for the Chiefs last week. They struggled big-time at the lineout losing four throws to the Highlanders. This is an area they really need to sort out as the Blues have the locking duo to really have a go at the setpiece.
It’s going to be extremely hard for the Cheifs to rectify the aforementioned area as they are likely to have to field to 20-year-olds in their starting second row in the form of Naitoa An Khui and Tupou Vaa’i with no other locking options available.
Blues
The Blues got their Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign off to the perfect start by beating the Hurricanes 30-20 in Auckland.
Strangely enough, the game saw Beauden Barrett make his much-anticipated debut at fullback rather than fly-half with Otere Black slotting into the pivot position. The move worked a treat, however, as Black – who like Barrett also had a stint with the ‘Canes – played an absolute blinder.
Black wasn’t the only Blues youngster to have a great day with number eight Hoskins Sotutu also producing an eye-catching performance with his barnstorming runs and some silky touches.
Verdict: Blues 11/10
The Chiefs may bring a few internationals back but I can still see them struggling against a Blues side that looks the real deal.
Written by Darry Worthington for Hollywoodbets.
