This is why Super Rugby is the toughest competition ever
NEW ZEALAND’S Blues may be their country’s biggest under-achievers and perennial bottom-feeders, but the Lions won’t make the mistake of underestimating Tana Umaga’s wounded side.
Blessed with pace, skills and power the Blues have battled to make an impression in Super Rugby since the early days and again this season are struggling to get going. They have done plenty of playing but lost both their opening matches this year and the stuff.co.nz website is already using terms like “on the brink”, “broken Blues” and “coulda, woulda, shoulda” to describe their start to 2018.
Now they’re in South Africa, and Joburg to be precise, to tackle the high-flying Lions who’re already three from three after registering wins against the Sharks, Jaguares and Bulls.
One man who knows how dangerous the Blues can be and who certainly isn’t taking them lightly is Springbok and Lions fullback Andries Coetzee. He’s been on the receiving end of an All Blacks demolition job and also knows just how dangerous the New Zealanders can be if they click on the day.
“We know how good these guys are, especially with ball in hand, on the counter-attack,” said Coetzee on Tuesday ahead of this weekend’s match at Ellis Park.
“They’re excellent at capitalising on one’s mistakes so the key for us is to limit our mistakes and keep our discipline ... that’s the team that will win. We’re excited about the challenge, our first New Zealand opposition this year.”
Coetzee added his team would have to be switched on for the full 80 minutes. “We’ve won three matches, but it means nothing really at this early stage of the competition. It’s a long season and anything can happen in any week ... there’s just no room to slack off. That’s why it’s the most difficult competition in the world; you need to concentrate every week and do proper homework on your opposition, otherwise you’ll get hurt.”
And the Blues certainly are a team who have the potential to punish their opponents. The Lions will do well to keep in mind the visitors have such devastating runners at the back like Melani Nanai, George Moala and Rieko Ioane, and up front powerhouses like Akira Ioane, Patrick Tuipulotu, Jimmy Tupou and Ofa Tu’ungafasi.
Coetzee said his team-mates opted to rather focus on what they had to do this week to make it four from four, with his personal form and that of his team-mates big motivators going into the clash.
“Look, the team is playing well and that means the individuals are doing their work; the forwards especially.
“It’s a good start yes, but there’s a long way to go.
“Personally, I think the fact I played Test rugby last year has given me greater confidence going into this season,” he said.