More misery for Blues
A stunning three-try performance from Highlanders loose forward Shannon Frizell has all but consigned the Blues to the Super Rugby wasteland for 2018.
Frizzell’s star turn on the biggest of New Zealand’s rugby stages at Eden Park on Friday night propelled his side to a 34-16 bonus-point victory that returns them to the thick end of the playoff race. With a 5-2 record, and 24 points, the southerners are right where they need to be.
The same cannot be said of Tana Umaga’s battered Blues whose abysmal record against their Kiwi rivals continues unabated. They have now gone 15 matches winless against their conference rivals and have won just one of their last 26 against sides that call Aotearoa home.
With just two wins from eight matches, and 12 competition points, their season is all but over. It will require a miracle for them to climb into the playoff picture from here.
The Blues, with 19 out injured, had enough possession and territory to be all sorts of closer than they finished, but their executions levels too often let them down. The number of no-look passes to nowhere was extraordinary.
The Highlanders, though, are right on the pace. They were composed and clinical. They were patient and accurate. They absorbed pressure for long periods, and struck ruthlessly when chances presented.
Frizell came of age at this level with a stunning performance. He was everywhere. Tevita Li – one of the many Aucklanders that got away from this Blues franchise – was very, very good as well. Rob Thompson continues to do everything right at centre as well, and those visiting forwards did just what was needed.
The Highlanders started and finished the first half expertly, but rather let the Blues back in through the middle stages where they dominated possession, if not the ability to turn said pill into points.
It had looked like a rout was on the cards when the visitors blasted out of the blocks with two tries, and a 12-0 lead, inside the first five minutes. The first went to No 7 Dillon Hunt when he charged down Bryn Gatland’s attempted clearance from the kickoff, and the second to fellow loosie Shannon Frizell who powered over all too easily as the Highlanders launched from the lineout option, and the first of several Rob Thompson breaks.
Tumua Manu managed a late consolation try on debut for the Blues, but they desperately need to get some of their walking wounded back. All Black Ofa Tu’ungafasi joined that list with a knee injury.