SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC, QUARTER-FINALS, 2023
AUCKLAND BLUES, team 3 v NSW WARATAHS, team 6
EDEN PARK AUCKLAND JUNE 9th,2023
In what promises to be a monumental encounter, the Auckland Blues are set to face off against the NSW Waratahs in the quarter-finals of the Super Rugby Pacific tournament. This highly anticipated showdown will take place at the iconic Eden Park on June 9th, 2023.
The Blues are bolstered by the return of their star player, Beauden Barrett. After a two-week hiatus to recover from a deep sprig cut across his heel that required 20 stitches, Barrett is finally fit and ready to lead the charge for his team. His return will help offset the absence of All Blacks’ wing Caleb Clarke, who unfortunately suffered an injury and will be unable to participate in this crucial match. Additionally, the Blues will miss the presence of Patrick Tuipulotu, as the influential All Black is sidelined with a broken arm.
The Waratahs, on the other hand, are determined to end their longstanding drought at Eden Park. Having only secured one victory at the ground since the inception of Super Rugby in 1996, the team is eager to rewrite history and emerge triumphant. They have made strategic changes to their lineup, welcoming back lock Jed Holloway, prop Dave Porecki, and No.8 Langi Gleeson, all of whom will add strength and depth to their squad. With the highly promising Harrison Goddard stepping in for captain Jake Gordon, who is recovering from a concussion, and the return of Lalakai Foketi and Lachie Swinton, the Waratahs are ready to confront their formidable opponents.
The clash of these rugby titans promises an enthralling battle on the field. The Blues, under the guidance of head coach Leon MacDonald, have named a formidable starting lineup. Dalton Papalii will lead the team as captain from the side of the scrum, accompanied by the dynamic duo of Hoskins Sotutu and Akira Ioane in the back-row. Tom Robinson and James Tucker will provide stability in the second-row, while Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Ricky Riccitelli, and Nepo Laulala form a formidable front-row. The experienced Beauden Barrett returns at fly-half, partnering with scrum-half Finlay Christie to orchestrate the Blues’ attack. The midfield will feature the combination of Bryce Heem and the electric Rieko Ioane, while Zarn Sullivan, Mark Telea, and AJ Lam complete the potent back-three.
Meanwhile, the Waratahs, led by coach Darren Coleman, are ready to unleash their firepower. They have worked tirelessly during the week, aiming to redeem themselves after a disappointing loss in their last regular season game. With their underdog status, the Waratahs approach this match with a nothing-to-lose mentality. Lachie Swinton’s controversial inclusion in the squad adds an extra layer of intensity, as he aims to prove his worth despite concerns about his disciplinary record.
As anticipation builds for this epic clash, rugby enthusiasts eagerly await a fierce contest at Eden Park. The outcome of this quarter-final match will significantly impact the teams’ journey in the Super Rugby Pacific tournament. With both sides determined to emerge victorious, fans can expect an exhilarating display of skill, passion, and unwavering determination.
BLUES (1-15): Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Ricky Riccitelli, Nepo Laulala, Tom Robinson, James Tucker, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii (c), Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, AJ Lam, Bryce Heem, Rieko Ioane, Mark Telea, Zarn Sullivan
RESERVES: Kurt Eklund, Jordan Lay, Marcel Renata, Cameron Suafoa, Anton Segner, Sam Nock, Harry Plummer, Stephen Perofeta
WARATAHS (1-15): Te Tera Faulkner, Dave Porecki, Archer Holz, Jed Holloway, Ned Hanigan, Lachie Swinton, Michael Hooper (c), Langi Gleeson, Harrison Goddard, Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Lalakai Foketi, Joey Walton, Izaia Perese, Mark Nawaqanitawase
RESERVES: Mahe Vailanu, Tom Lambert, Nephi Leatigaga, Taleni Seu, Charlie Gamble, Teddy Wilson, Tane Edmed, Harry Wilson
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant Referees: Stu Curran, Jackson Henshaw
PREDICTION
I think the Waratahs will get smashed here at Eden Park. While the Blues have looked ordinary at times this season, they will ramp it up against a poor Waratahs team. With the top eight teams in the semi finals it makes a joke for me. I realise the organisation needs to make money from the tv audience, but if you check the viewing audience on Monday for all these games, except the Brumbies-Hurricanes match, all the others are training exercises only. Watch the NRL instead. Personally I think Super Rugby should include Japan, and Tonga or Samoa. I think two teams, one from Australia, one from New Zealand, should travel to say Japan,
Possible games, At the same venue, thereby saving travel costs, etc, and opening up a new audience in the same time zone.
Week 1, Tonga v Hurricanes, Queensland Reds v Japan
Week 2, Queensland Reds v Hurricanes, Japan v Tonga,
Anyway the suits in the boardrooms do not listen to us, the fans. They are too busy drinking G and T ,showing off to the rich and famous in the corporate box.
My prediction for the game is Blues by 15 plus points.
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