Blues kill the thrill for Chiefs with a comeback – Super Rugby match report
The stubborn Chiefs squad has been given a shock by the Blues, with their yet another late comeback. The second half revival of Blues caused Chiefs a damage of 16-13 in a Super Rugby affair today at Waikato Stadium. The heavily rain affected ground was turning
out to be a problem for both sides, but Blues managed to throw a few points at scoreboard before the final whistle.
Chiefs started well and were looking decent after a bit shaky tournament so far. The 38th second try from Liam Messam, the number eight, was a real shocker and boosted Chiefs side. Their lead was given a double boost when Sona Taumalol the prop steered his
way through the Blues’ defense and scored a try half way through the first half.
Luke McAlister, the fly half for Blues, brought his side back into the game after slotting two back to back penalties. Blues played strategically and ended the entire Chiefs’ attacks with scrums every now and then. This resulted in to consistent whistling
of referees’ mouth organ and Chiefs were penalized consistently by Ian Smith, the referee. Blues kept on setting scrums, while the pressure was going back on Chiefs. At an occasion, referee avoided a yellow card against Chiefs and they narrowly escaped the
possible damage.
A try during the second half by Jared Payne the center provided the Blues with a lead and later on the conversion from McAlister gave some room to breathe for Blues. Just after the hour mar, Mike Delany the fly half for Chiefs then stood up to bring things
back to level after kicking from tee. The battle went on and soon enough McAlister scored an impressive try to get Blues back on lead and giving them enough lead to carry them to success.
Blues have made it to the second position in New Zealand rugby conference after this win. Blues have played six matches and lost one fixture only and drew one, earning 20 points so far in the tournament. Blues are statistically one of the top three favorite
teams for this year’s Super 15 title.
On the other hand Chiefs are bottoming the New Zealand conference with just two wins out of six fixtures. They have eleven points under the belt, out of which three are bonus points.
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