Blues vs Waratahs Match Report (25 April 2014)

Apr 25 • General News, Super Rugby • 1983 Views • Comments Off on Blues vs Waratahs Match Report (25 April 2014)

Amidst the media frenzy and controversy surrounding Benji Marshall’s departure from the Blues rugby franchise, the True Blue fans still arrived in their masses to Eden Park on Anzac Day. The NZ Army, NZ Airforce and NZ Navy flanked both sides of the tunnel as the Australian and local New Zealand teams ran out onto the field on this important day in New Zealand and Australian history: Anzac Day.

After a moment of silence for the fallen and returned war heroes, the game commenced. In the 2nd minute, the Blues dodged a bullet when a try effort by Rob Horne, for the Waratahs, was not awarded. In the 8th minute, Simon Hickey put the Blues on the scoreboard by slotting a successful penalty kick. The Blues’ lead was further extended in the 22nd minute when Logali Visinia scored a try for the Blues. However, the try was not converted and the score remained 8-0 for the Blues. Then, the 35th minute, Bernard Foley slotted a penalty for the Waratahs, bringing the score to 8-3 for the Blues at half time.

In the 46th minute, Simon Hickey extended the Blues’ lead to 11-3 with a successful penalty attempt. In the 53rd minute, Francis Saili scored a beautiful try which was converted by Simon Hickey to bring the scoreboard to 18-3 for the Blues. The Waratahs responded in the 58th minute with a try scored by Jacques Potgieter and converted by Bernard Foley, bringing the scoreboard to 18-10 for the Blues. The Waratahs responded with penalty of their own in the 69th minute by Bernard Foley, but the Blues responded with a penalty of their own by Simon Hickey, bringing the score to 21-13 for the Blues. Bernard Foley, for the Waratahs, had a go at the poles in the 75th minute, but missed, keeping the score at 21-13 for the Blues. In the final minutes the Blues fought galiantly to get one last try, but the Waratahs stole the ball and the game ended with a win for the Blues at 21-13.

One can’t help but wonder why it seems that the Blues remain unbeaten at Eden Park, but just can’t manage a win anywhere else on the planet. Excellent game never the less.