super 14 wk 1

BLUES vs HURRICANES

the blues have been disappointing for a couple of seasons now - the complete opposite to the hurricanes who have been a force, losing the last 2 years at the semi final stage. However, the blues always seem to find a way to start their season off well. They have won their last 3 first up matches ( 2 at home ). In stark contrast the hurricanes have dropped their previous 3 season openers ( all on the road ).

Both teams over the last 2 seasons have been ok against NZ opponents ( blues 7-6 hurricanes 8-6 ) so no big advantages there BUT in that time against NZ teams the blues are 4-1 @ home whilest the hurricanes are just 3-4. The blues home record in general over the last 2 seasons is only 6-7 so it seems they get themselves up well for the homeland derbys.

The hurricanes have a favourable draw after this match ( home against both the force & lions ) so plenty of scope to drop this game and still rebound in the next few weeks.

With all the hype of Ali Williams returning it could be seen as a let down with him ruled out however im banking on that at home they use this as motivation to put on a good showing against the slow starting hurricanes.

Little bit of gravy ( not that important ) the blues knocked over the hurricanes a couple of weeks back 19-17 aswell.

Couple of downsides - Hurricanes mauled the blues in their encounter last year 45-27. This was, however late in the season when the hurricanes were rolling nicely with a head of steam into the semi finals. Also the last time the blues lost in rd 1 was coincidentally TO the hurricanes in rd 1 - 2006.

Blues @ $2.10

BOL

this is hard to watch atm ... blues absolutely dominating and had game well under control & they have gone into self destruct mode.
Would be different if the hurricanes just came storming back into the game and were too good etc - but the blues are throwing intercepts, giving away penalties, getting charged down .. its brutal

however - if the canes go on and win this tho especially convincingly (on the scoreboard) good chance to fade them ats in the next 2. Two "easier" games coming up and i think the line inflates after a "good win" in week 1 whereas i dont think their form has been hot in the slightest ..

Blues are playing horrible right now,,,

Self destruct mode the perfect way to describe it,,,

Another Super 14 season starts and another season were the Blues will be absolute losers

although it was a terrible 2nd half there WERE good signs. Brett was impressive although you get the feeling he is trying to do EVERYTHING which will have to be addressed. Not willing to write them off just yet especially as a $$ maker but one more chance might be it lol

You won't ever see a worst 2nd half performance from any team in any sport then what the Blues have shown here,useless franchise

Stephen Brett is asolutely horrible