Key Battles: Chiefs vs Blues

In a relentless game of the Battle of the Bombays there were key battles that separated these two sides. In the end it was the Chiefs who managed to sneak in a 33 - 29 victory. But, the Blues will feel that they deserved to win tonight as they did most of the playing. One will really have to look and give insight on what is wrong at the Blues. But let’s look at the five key battles that won the Chiefs the game this evening.

Ma'a Nonu vs Anton Leinert-Brown

As the weeks go by time runs out for World Cup spots. Week in week out players must think about their own place and play their hearts out. And the one who won this battle this evening would surely put his side on the front foot. And while the Blues did not get the victory tonight it was the 38-year-old veteran that surely gave the away side a glimmer of hope. Two tries and some bulldozing runs, Ma'a Nonu kept coming at the Chiefs every time the Blues were dead and out.

The Lineout

With Brodie Retallick starting to regain the form that saw him chosen as a youngster in the All Blacks squad, he was certainly going to cause headaches for the Blues lineout. New Zealand sides have been known for their attacks from deep and especially from lineout play. However as there was some disruption at the lineout tonight that led to some frustration for the away side. However Patrick Tuipulotu was equally up to the challenge at the set piece.

Melani Nanai vs Damian McKenzie

It was unfortunate to see Damian McKenzie leave the field at the beginning of the second half as he lit up the first. He had won the first half battle between these two sets as he put the Chief in good scoring ground. And no one will forget his behind the back pass anytime soon. Nevertheless, it was the Blues fullback who had the rest of the second half to himself as he racked up 164 running metres.

The battle of the wingers

With the ball being spread out numerous times in the game, it became increasingly important for some clinical finishing for the outside backs tonight and they did not disappoint. Rieko Ioane's finish which required the TMO to come was one of the better finishes of the game as he just managed to stay in field. It was the lovely footwork of Sean Wainui that set up Lachlan Boshier's second try as he kicked a ball softly to himself and went on to take his side within scoring range.

Execution and Finishing

Once again, the Blues will be wondering how they let this one slip this evening. More possession, more territory and more running metres they had all the attacking statistics in their favour, however at the end of the game they had less tries. From the experience of Ma'a Nonu to the dangerous Ioane brothers to the electric Melani Nanai. On paper the Blues team looked much better on paper. But like they have done in the past weeks they were let down by their finishing. On the other hand the Chiefs found themselves in the lead for most of the game as they hit back every single time the Blues thought they had sniff.