Blues vs Reds, Sat 14 May, 2022. Eden Park.

[Dismal Pillock]

Blues vs Queensland Reds

Date: SATURDAY 14 MAY 2022

Time: 19:05

Venue: Eden Park

Auckland Blues Official Team Matchday Graph:

Queensland Reds Official Matchday Supporters Jersey:

 

[Marce]

Ouch I can't see how Reds could beat them

 

[Dismal Pillock]

 

[Dan54]

This will be good DP, I think a good step from Rebels for the Blues a good building block towards finals.

 

[Upthenuts]

worlds fastest centre to make massive gains on the reds centre outside, get the confused out of position reds wingers stranded and tries to the blues wingers untouched

 

[Jeffrey]

THis is your year Pillock!

 

[zer0]

Seems all is morbidly quiet on the western front. Which is to be expected, I guess, given the Reds will be going over-the-top right into the teeth of the Blues nuclear artillery.

 

[The Phoenix]

Here's an idea - let's just kick it away every chance we get. That'll show em.

 

[gel]

Blues 53
Reds 16

 

[PhilClinton]

Well we have reached that dreaded crossroads where the Brisbane Broncos have finally made themselves relevant again, just as the Reds are starting to fall apart. And this isn't the game you want to be playing for some 'Red-emption'.

For all the good stuff the Reds have achieved domestically the last two years, I can't help but feel this regression (with a number of key players on the sidelines) is leaving a lasting impression on the fan base.

Bookies have the Reds at $7.50 which I imagine is their longest odds in the last three seasons, the line is 15.5, Blues supporters should be all over that.

 

[Wilson]

REDS (1-15): Dane Zander, Albert Anae, Feao Fotuaika, Ryan Smith, Angus Blyth, Connor Vest, Angus Scott-Young, Seru Uru, Tate McDermott (c), James O'Connor, Jordan Petaia, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell

RESERVES: Matt Faessler, Harry Hoopert, Sef Fa'agase, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Tuaina Tualima, Kalani Thomas, Hamish Stewart, Lawson Creighton

O'Connor, Paisami and Hoopert back, McReight, Asiata and Wilson out

 

[RugbyReg]

Anae at hooker. Shees. Goodbye lineout.

Talk about vertical injuries

Mafi - Nasser - Asiata

McReight- Wright

Tupou - Nonggorr

 

[Adam84]

Anae as starting hooker… sheesh

 

[BDA]

Where is Fraser Mcrieght?

 

[LeCheese]

Where is Fraser Mcrieght?

Him and Asiata are both ill

 

[Wilson]

More detail on the outs:

Angus Scott-Young will start at openside flanker with Fraser McReight ruled-out with non-covid related illness,
...
Angus Blyth returns to the run-on side at look, as does veteran hooker Albert Anae who will start for Queensland for the first time since 2014 with Richie Asiata unavailable.

...
Seru Uru shifts to number-eight to replace Harry Wilson as the backrower continues to recover from concussion

Reds confirm side for Blues clash at Eden Park

Queensland Reds playmaker James O’Connor will make his return from injury against the Blues at Eden Park in Round 13 of Super Rugby Pacific this Saturday night.
 


reds.rugby

 

[LeCheese]

Anae as starting hooker is dire. Choosing him over Faessler is interesting - but going with experience, even if somewhat out of position, is probably the right call.

Anyone know if Stephen Moore's still on a retainer after travelling with them to Melbourne? Mostly joking, but if we have one more go down we could be in some serious strife.

 

[RugbyReg]

I reckon Faessler has looked good this season. I’m surprised he’s not starting with a Alby on the bench.

 

[RugbyReg]

In saying that, it is one of the better benches we’ve had which has been an issue of late. Let’s see how it’s used.

 

[LeCheese]

In saying that, it is one of the better benches we’ve had which has been an issue of late. Let’s see how it’s used.

I don't mind Stewart coming on as a closer - but at the same time, I probably still would've chosen him to start over Flook, given how strong his performances have been this season.