Defence the key for Blues against 'Tahs - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Defence the key for Blues against 'Tahs

26/03/2009 07:07:07 PM Comments (0)

The NSW Waratahs might be feverishly trying to fix their attack, but patching up a porous defence will be the prime aim of the Blues when they resume their rollercoaster Super 14 season at Eden Park on Friday.

The Auckland-based franchise haven't lacked for points in the first six rounds, scoring a competition-high 176, including 23 tries.

The problem has been at the other end of the field, where the 196 points they have conceded is the worst by any team.

The nadir came last week with a 63-34 drubbing by the rampant Chiefs, who scored nine of the 26 tries the Blues have let through.

Skipper Keven Mealamu, for whom the rout in Hamilton came in his 99th Super rugby appearance, said there was a lot of disappointment over the result.

"The boys have been hurting this week and they're really looking forward to getting out there and setting things right," he said.

"We definitely weren't happy. We've leaked too many tries and we want to make sure we fix that this week."

Mealamu said there would be plenty of pride when he led out the Blues at Eden Park to bring up his century of Super rugby matches.

The 65-Test All Black made his debut in 2000, with his main memory being that he forgot his boots and was fortunate that flanker Finau Maka had a spare pair to lend him.

So far this year, the Blues have been consistent in their inconsistency, following every win with a loss, and vice versa.

"They can play territory well and they are the sort of team that will grind you down," Mealamu said of NSW.

"We have to make sure we don't given them any opportunities, and we play well and hold on to the ball."

Brought to you by AAP AAP © 2024 AAP

0 Comments about this article

Post a comment about this article

Please sign in to leave a comment.
Becoming a member is free and easy, sign up here.

« All sports news