Blues vs Force: Five things we learned

Sat, Apr 1, 2017, 8:03 AM
Sam Phillips
by Sam Phillips
The Western Force showed glimpses of what they're capable of in Auckland but eventually went down swinging 24-15 to the Blues at Eden Park. Here is the best of the action

The Force were blown away by a Blues outfit that just did enough at Eden Park this afternoon.

Here are five things we learned from the 24-15 loss.

1. Gulf in conference quality widens

Two Trans-Tasman Super Rugby clashes for two Kiwi wins so far in round six. Neither the Force nor the Rebels were expected to win but the Blues were not sharp today and the Force could not take advantage of the opportunity. Conversely, when New Zealand teams make line breaks, they have the skill set to turn the opportunities into points. That's how the Blues kicked clear today. That's now three wins for Australian teams from their last 34 matches against opposition from across the ditch.

2. Brache at his best at 13

Marcel Brache showed some touch at outside centre. Photo: Getty ImagesMarcel Brache provided some serious go forward for the Force this afternoon. He shifted to outside centre in place of the injured Curtis Rona and was strong with each carry. A stat line of eight runs for 90 metres, two defenders beaten, three clean breaks and an offload makes for impressing read.

3. Haylett-Petty shows class

Dane Haylett-Petty was dearly missed against the Crusaders last week and he showed his class tonight. His carries from the back produce a consistent platform from which the Force can launch attacks from, though they are yet to capitalise on his prolonged purple patch of form. Just as Brache's stat line was impressive, Haylett-Petty managed an imposing line of 15 runs for 108 metres, six tackle busts, a line break, three offloads and a try, albeit a consolation one.

4. Force attack yet to click

With the amount of ball and territory the Force had in the opening 25 minutes, a sole Richie Arnold try off the back of a rolling maul was not enough points from the amount of pressure they applied. Bill Meakes' return to inside centre helped the flow on attack but the statistics say the Force are the worst attacking team in Super Rugby and they did not do much to change that point of view tonight.

5. Polota-Nau powerful in second start

Tatafu Polota-Nau was left out of the Force starting XV in the opening weeks but he has stepped up in place of Heath Tessman. His throws were on the money and he got through his usual amount of work around the park. He said preseason that he still harboured hopes of being Australia's best hooker. He's not there yet but consistent form like this can only help his cause.

Share
Neville recalls 'deafening' experience playing against Lions, backs Brumbies approach
Fiji want chance to beat Wallabies on their home turf
Stoked with win but not performance: Wallabies' White
The final names for the 30-man squad have been unveiled ahead of Saturday's historic clash with the British and Irish Lions at Adelaide Oval.
AUNZ Invitational XV full squad confirmed ahead of historic Lions clash