Players to Watch in Aotearoa Round Two - The Blues Back-Rowers
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Round One of Super Rugby Aotearoa did not disappoint with New Zealand’s finest coming up with the goods to delight a global audience and whet the appetite for the weeks to come.
One particular highlight from the round was the performance of the Blues pack, in particular, their loose forwards; Tom Robinson, Blake Gibson, Hoskins Sotutu and Dalton Papali’i.
The Blues’ victory on the weekend is owed in no small way to the tireless efforts of those four individuals.
Gibson set the tone for the Blues’ dominance with a mighty midfield hit on Hurricanes winger Wes Goosen in the third minute. The openside was his usual, busy self before leaving the field with what appeared to be hamstring trouble just before the half-hour mark.
Gibson was replaced by Dalton Papali’i who took his opportunity with both hands, scoring a try early in the second half, putting in 12 tackles, carrying the ball 4 times and making an impressive 3 turnovers. Papali’i is busy setting the groundwork for a bright future ahead. The 22 year old is not short on size; standing 1.93m and tipping the scales at 113kg, however, it is his work-rate around the field which lends favour to the notion that he will rise to prominence soon in New Zealand. Already with 3 All Black caps under the belt, much is expected from the youngster going forward.
#SuperRugby Aotearoa Stat Leaders π
π Dillon Hunt βοΈ
πβοΈ Anton Lienert-Brown πΈ
π¨ Shaun Stevenson πΈ
π₯ Caleb Clarke π΅ pic.twitter.com/hMDOiMckvT
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) June 17, 2020
Tom Robinson continues to impress on the blindside of the scrum and was second overall on the tackle count for Round One with 16. The 25 year old has a massive engine on him which he utilises to full effect, rendering himself an ever-present threat to the opposition, especially on defence. At nearly two metres tall, he is also a very useful option at lineout time and managed to steal two Hurricanes throws on the weekend.
Hoskins Sotutu is the full package at number 8, having established himself as a noteworthy weapon on both attack and defence. The 106kg back-rower made 15 carries and 12 tackles on the weekend while, at the same time, exhibiting his skills on the ground, executing two crucial steals.
β Round One done and dusted
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) June 15, 2020
Here is our #SuperRugby Aotearoa Team of the Week pic.twitter.com/jzwiPAP9HX
The Blues square up to the Chiefs in Hamilton in Round Two and will be hoping that their back-rowers will be able to emulate their efforts in Round One and thus put in them strong position for victory.
