Blues vs Chiefs Preview:

If this fixture came up a few seasons ago it would have been a one sided contest, but this season the Blues have a new team a new captain and hopefully a new view on their game plan. Their biggest signing will not be playing this game and it may be a blessing in disguise if they show they can win without him it might give the team allot of confidence. on the other hand the Chiefs would also look to get of to a fast start and that is why i am wondering why players like Anton Lienert-Brown on the bench. It might be to get some fresh legs on the field the last 20 minutes but surely you would want to give your best players more than 20 minutes.

Key match ups:

Patrick Tuipulotu vs Tyler Ardron: The match up of the workhorses. I believe the one that outworks the other will win this match up. Patrick is a huge lock and he will be looking to impress the All Black selectors. I believe that he was the best lock for New-Zealand in 2019, and the only reason he did not play was because they wanted to give Brodie and Sam a good farewell. Tyler on the other hand was the standout player for Canada and the only one who impressed in that team. He had a few seasons playing with the likes of Brodie Retallick, if he learned anything from him he will also be a great player.

Dalton Papalii vs Sam Cane: Well this is the old vs the new. With Cane coming to the end of his career Dalton will most likely be his replacement in the national side, after being in the All Black side before getting injured he will be more motivated than ever to get that position back and if he can outplay Cane it would go along way to get back in the side. That said Sam is not retired yet and will want to show he’s still got what it takes to challenge the young guns. They will both look to contest the breakdown and slow down the ball of the opponents, the reason it is so important is both teams has a very dangerous backline and if they get quick ball on the front foot it will be very hard to defend against.

Rieko Ioane vs Damian Mckenzie: Yes a winger against a fullback. They are the experienced players in both back three’s, Damian Who was injured last year was one of my players to look out for this season and with good reason. He will be a very tough player to defend being so small and fleet-footed, he also gives you another playmaker in the team thinking like a 10 if he gets put into first receiver position. He also defends very well for a small man and his size works in his favor because players underestimate his defending ability which makes them try and run over him every time. Rieko on the other hand is a big fast wings that would want to return to the form that made him part of the 2015 World-Cup winning squad. His season in 2019 might not have been his best but I still believe that he will come back in 2020 and light the competition up with his try scoring ability. The reason this mach up is important is because they are the teams finishers and if they have a good game even if they don’t score themselves they will set up tries which will give their team points and that is how you win. If they don’t have a good game the responsibility would fall to another player and it would hurt the team.

My Prediction: I believe the Chiefs would win it because of their extra firepower on the bench that can come on and make an impact that is why I believe they will be able to get the win in the bag.

Teams:

Blues:

Starting XV: 1 Alex Hodgeman, 2 Kurt Eklund, 3 Sione Mafileo, 4 Partick Tuipulotu, 5 Tom Ribinson, 6 Dalton Papalii, 7 Tony Lamborn, 8Hoskins Sotutu, 9 Jonathan Ruru, 10 Stephen Perofeta, 11 Rieko Ioane, 12 TJ Faiane, 13 Joe Marchant, 14 Mark Telea, 15 Mat Duffie.

Bench: 16 Ray Niuia, 17 Karl Tu’inukuafe, 18 Ofa Tuungafasi, 19 Josh Goodhue, 20 Blake gibson, 21 Sam Nock, 22 Harry Plummer, 23 Emoni Narawa.

Chiefs:

Starting XV: 1 Aidan Ross, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3 Nepo Laulala, 4 Tyler Ardron, 5 Mitchell Brown, 6 Lachlan Boshier, 7 Mitchell karpik, 8 Sam Cane (c), 9 Te Tioroa Tahuriorangi, 10 Kaleb Trask, 11 Solomon Alaimalo, 12 Alex Nankivell, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 14 Sean Wainui, 15 Damian Mkenzie.

Bench: 16 Bradley Slater, 17 Atu Moli, 18 Angus Ta’avao, 19 Naitoa ah kuoi, 20 Pita Gus Sowakula, 21 Brad Weber, 22 Aaron Cruden, 23 Anton Lienert-Brown.