2 It was an extremely popular decision. Donnellys exit meant Luatua went to lock, with Kaino, who left his tracksuit top on almost until he took the field, moving to the blindside flank. Nonus entrance pushed Jackson Willison to centre. Their initial duties were almost entirely defensive; at 30-16 down, the Cheetahs were only two converted tries away from the Blues and they played like a team with belief in themselves. Kirwans men have turned the fast finish into something of an art form this season, but after finding themselves up by so many, there was a momentum shift and not in the way the coach would have liked. Kirwan had asked for effort ahead of this match, an important one to get his side back on track. He has tinkered with his side in order to create competition, but it seemed a little contrived. However, with Kaino and Nonu on the bench, it was noticeable how much effort No8 Peter Saili, in particular, was putting in. Luatua had fewer opportunites, but it is the former who is the most vulnerable following Kainos arrival. In the midfield, Willison, apart from a defensive drop, which was generously ruled as knocked back, had an intelligent game. His ability to see space and take advantage of it with kicks put the Blues on attack time and again in the first half. It was his kick and assist which set up Tevita Lis try, a movement which fullback Willie le Roux will have trouble forgetting. It was embarrassment, rather than an injury, which kept him on the ground long after Li had scored, his failure to pick up a simple ball out of character. Kaino appears fit and lean after two years in Japan and Nonu engaged with proceedings. Both players will become more and more important for the Blues as the season progresses. For now, though, Kirwan will be happy they came through unscathed, as did his team, with five points for and up down fairground ride and extremely valuable dividend.
Posted on: Sat, 22 Mar 2014 13:31:29 +0000
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