BluesForceBlues

[MysticBalls]

BluesForceBlues

Blues….v Force
Published Friday, 14-Apr-2006
Written by The Tighthead
Super14.com ……..edited by M’Balls

( Result; Blues 39 v Force 8 )
………………………..
“Auckland's six-try victory earned them maximum championship points, lifting them from 10th to seventh place at the start of the competition's crucial 10th round. There was little suggestion, however, that the star-studded Blues are about to loom into playoff contention as their win came at the expense of a team wrecked by injuries and worn down by travel and repeated losses.

The return to the Auckland backline of All Blacks flyhalf Luke McAlister, sidelined with a broken jaw since the opening round, gave them backplay new direction and sharpness.

McAlister scored Auckland's first try, adding three conversions and a penalty for 14 individual points, and had a guiding hand in two of the three tries scored by Tipoki.

Tipoki's third, in the 11th minute of the second half, gave Auckland a 32-3 lead and seemed to presage a massive Blues victory but the Force defended courageously through the game's last 30
minutes.

They scored a consolation try through fullback Cameron Shepherd five minutes from full-time then, in a lapse of concentration characteristic of their night and season, allowed Auckland a sixth try as the final hooter sounded.

"It's probably the most disappointing game of the season for us," said Force captain Nathan Sharpe.
'We made a lot of mistakes,…… let too many kicks bounce in behind the defensive line and missed too many tackles. That's disappointing for us because we pride ourselves on our defence.

"I'm not happy with the intensity we played with. It was hard conditions with a slippery ball but it was hard for Auckland too."

The Force now return home to face the defending champions and competition leaders, the Canterbury Crusaders, in the 11th round.

"That's going to be a huge game for us and we're looking forward to it," Sharpe said. "It will be good to be back playing at home and in front of our own crowd."


( Hilgendorf going off early injured didn’t help matters!)

[The EnForcer]

yup, and, excuse the language My’Balls but it was extremely ****ing dirty play that got them started.

[MysticBalls]

Fair enough comment TEF, given the circumstances. SANZAR did the right thing by immediately giving Tipoki 16 weeks suspension after a post match review ( and probably protestations from the Force).

Unfortunately, the short right arm jab that smashed Hilgendorf's eye-socket wasn't seen by any of the refs or touchies, otherwise he would've been red carded, and the scorecard wouldn't be the same with them a man down.

Maybe they thought it was a clash of heads. But a swollen face from a punch is pretty well known to refs eyes. Is there any provision for refs to go TMO about suspicious accidents on the field ? After all , they go upstairs for possible penalties before a try, grounding the ball, feet or ball in touch.

What was the ref thinking with Hilgendorf motionless on the ground - that he hit his head on the ground? Professional players are pretty savvy about not doing that, unless they've been knocked out cold before they reach the ground.

Hopefully Brock James can fill 5/8 role, but his defence needs improving.
In the meantime we wish Hilgy a complete recovery from his injury. He's been one of our standout successes this year.

[Darren]

In the meantime we wish Hilgy a complete recovery from his injury. He's been one of our standout successes this year.

and so say all of us ...