Auckland feel the blues at home despite squeaking past Force

THE Auckland-based Blues scored two breakout tries in the second half yesterday to secure an unconvincing 24-15 win over the Western Force in Super Rugby.

Centre Reiko Ioane and fullback Michael Collins finished tries which began deep in Blues’ territory to ensure the home team cemented a victory which had been in doubt when they took a tenuous 12-8 lead to half-time.

The Blues took 38 minutes to gain the lead with tries from backrower Akira Ioane and winger Matt Duffie to take a slim lead into halftime.

The match remained in the balance until the 73rd minute when Ioane scored to stretch the lead 19-8.

The Force hit back in the 78th minute with a try through fullback Dane Haylett-Perry which cost the Blues a bonus point for a win by a three-try margin. The Blues appeared to have regained that prize with a last-minute try to Murphy Taramai but the flanker was called back for a forward pass.

The match again demonstrated the Blues weaknesses in Super Rugby this season. Their set piece was disorganised and their defence and attacking play had no coordination or finesse.

Former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga was appointed to the role of head coach this year without the benefit of building experience at other levels and his shortcomings are demonstrated in the Blues’ lack of organisation and quality across the field.

Captain James Parsons said the Blues were forced to “play too much rugby” to gain what should have been an easy win.

“I would have liked us to set a better platform for the players off the bench to bump on and get that bonus point but it wasn’t to be,” he said.

“We’ll enjoy the win but we’ve got plenty to work on.”