Blues 24-15 Force: Unconvincing win for Blues at Eden Park
By AP
Last Updated: 01/04/17 1:17pm
The Blues scored two breakout tries in the second half to secure an unconvincing 24-15 win over Western Force at Eden Park.
Center Reiko Ioane and full-back Michael Collins finished tries which began deep in Blues' territory to ensure the home team cemented a victory which had been in doubt when they took a slight 12-8 lead into half-time.
The Blues took 38 minutes to gain the advantage, scoring tries from Akira Ioane and Matt Duffie while Isi Naisarani was in the sin bin.
The match remained in the balance until the 73rd minute when centre Reiko Ioane scored to stretch the lead to 19-8.
The Force hit back in the 78th minute with a try through full-back Dane Haylett-Perry to deny the Blues a bonus point.
The Blues appeared to have regained that prize with a last-minute try to Murphy Taramai but the flanker was called back for a forward pass.
The match again demonstrated the Blues' weaknesses in Super Rugby this season. Their set piece was disorganised and their defence and attacking play had no co-ordination or finesse.
Former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga was appointed to the role of head coach this year without the benefit of building experience at other levels and his shortcomings are demonstrated in the Blues' lack of organisation and quality across the field.
Captain James Parsons said the Blues were forced to "play too much rugby" to gain what should have been an easy win.
"I would have liked us to set a better platform for the players off the bench to bump on and get that bonus point but it wasn't to be," said Parsons.
"We'll enjoy the win but we've got plenty to work on."
