Blues

2022 - 6 - 4

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Live: Blues v Highlanders - Super Rugby Pacific quarterfinal (Stuff.co.nz)

Highlanders pay big price for moment of madness by Andrew Makalio as Blues score twice against 14 men.

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Big blow: Blues star set to miss playoffs, in doubt for All Blacks (New Zealand Herald)

Blues captain and All Blacks flanker Dalton Papalii is expected to miss Saturday's quarter-final with the Highlanders at Eden Park and be sidelined for ...

While his prognosis is better than first feared, Papalii's absence would be a huge blow to the All Blacks. Even if Papalii returns in time for the first test against Ireland at Eden Park on July 2 he would be lacking game-time. The Blues declined to comment when approached, saying the matter was private, but the Herald understands Papalii could miss the remainder of the Super Rugby season and be in doubt for the All Blacks' three-test series against Ireland next month. Blues captain and All Blacks flanker Dalton Papalii is expected to miss Saturday's quarter-final with the Highlanders at Eden Park and be sidelined for several weeks due to a medical issue.

Live updates: Super Rugby Pacific quarter-final - Blues v ... (Newshub)

39 mins - Blues penalty, they'll have one final crack before halftime. Lineout at the Landers' 22m. Coombes-Fabling pounces at the ruck to win a defensive ...

Odds against Landers in Blues clash (Otago Daily Times)

A home venue for the quarterfinal. Those Blues sure have the odds stacked in their favour. But Highlanders coach Tony Brown has heard it all before. He knows ...

And the Highlanders will need that. "They weren’t afraid of taking on the Blues and this weekend we’ve got to be the same. Hard-working loose forward James Lentjes has been ruled out with a shoulder complaint and utility back Sam Gilbert is suspended. Hell, it probably will not be enough. And it might not be enough. They are just an awesome rugby team.

Barrett steals show as Blues cruise into semifinals (New Zealand Herald)

The Highlanders, to be fair, were well in the fight of a scrappy contest until hooker Andrew Makalio was sent off in the 21st minute for a no-arms shot on Blues ...

That try belatedly sparked the Blues. Now on the front foot, Barrett cashed in. This time, Ioane could not be denied after flying onto a short ball from brother Rieko. This wasn't the most polished performance the Blues have delivered this season. Over 23,500 turned out at Eden Park on Saturday night. At the half hour mark Marty Banks extended the Highlanders' lead to 6-0 but the Blues finally found their groove with a string of quick rucks and offloads that went to hand. Far from it.

Barrett leads Blues from the front as Highlanders see red again (1 News)

The Blues march relentlessly on to a home Super Rugby Pacific semifinal – their defensive and counter-attacking ability too much for a Highlanders side ...

And Barrett’s, when he scampered in typical style to put the Blues 14-6 up, was fair reward for his side’s patience and accuracy – at least on defence. There was no way through or around and that, and Banks’ early unsuccessful attempt at a dropped goal as he ran out of ideas, set the tone for the match. They attacked from deep and with purpose.

Chiefs, Blues join Crusaders in Super Rugby semifinals (Associated Press)

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — The top-ranked Blues shook off a sluggish start to beat the Dunedin-based Highlanders 35-6 on Saturday and ensure a home ...

The Chiefs also were physical in defense. “The Chiefs are a classy outfit and they’ve had the wood on us all year,” Waratahs captain Jake Gordon said. While the Chiefs were clinical in attack, the Waratahs made too many errors in attacking positions. Backrower Luke Jacobson and center Alex Nankivell also scored in the first half and No. 8 Pita-Gus Sowakula added to Weber’s second try to complete a five tries to two win. They carried the ball powerfully, crashing into tackles and flooding the breakdown area which allowed them to quickly recycle possession. The Crusaders beat the Queensland Reds 37-15 on Friday.

Blues, Chiefs join Crusaders in Super Rugby semis (CNA)

SYDNEY :The Auckland Blues overcame a gallant Otago Highlanders effort 35-6 at Eden Park on Saturday to win their 14th straight match and join the Waikato ...

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Blues and Chiefs book Super Rugby semi-final berths (RFI)

The Auckland Blues overcame a nervous start and the Waikato Chiefs delivered a lesson in clinical finishing as both New Zealand teams emphatically booked ...

"Last year was a tough year for the franchise and the team," he said. "What an awesome challenge to play the defending champs at home," he said. The in-form All Blacks loose forward is unlikely to feature in the finals and his availability for the Test series against Ireland in July is in doubt.

Blues thrash Highlanders, into Super semis (Rugby.com.au)

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck scored his first try in professional rugby union as his Blues thumped the Highlanders 35-6 to reach the Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals.

"We took a bit of time to find our groove ... but it's great that we finally expressed ourselves and got used to playing our game again." Flanker Akira Ioane stormed over the line to get the Blues on the scoreboard in the 31st minute and soon afterwards a bit of magic from All Blacks flyhalf Barrett for a second converted try had the home side 14-6 ahead. Former NRL superstar Roger Tuivasa-Sheck scored his first Super Rugby Pacific try as the Blues cruised through to the semi-finals with a 35-6 win against the Highlanders at Eden Park.

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