Blues Triumph Over Chiefs in Super Rugby Pacific Final
In a dream final for the Auckland-based Blues, the team ended a 21-year wait for a Super Rugby title after dispatching the Chiefs 41-10 at Eden Park in the season finale. The outstanding performance from the Aucklanders concluded the last game before Scott Robertson names the first squad of his tenure as the new All Blacks head coach.
Winners
Caleb Clarke’s hat-trick in the final was an absolute dream, as the winger deserved the accolade for his tireless work, ball-carrying, and clinical finishing on the biggest club stage. This performance could see him firmly in the mix to secure a starting role under new All Blacks coach Robertson.
Scrum-half Finlay Christie had an interrupted season due to injury, but his assured, confident, and pure performance in the final should be enough to earn him a spot in the All Blacks squad once again.
Another standout was lock Patrick Tuipulotu, who remarkably returned from injury far earlier than expected and was a colossus for the Blues. This shift will surely cement his place in the All Blacks setup.
Hooker Ricky Riccitelli has been consistently impressive this season and could be in line to be the third choice behind Codie Taylor and Asafo Aumua, with Samisoni Taukei’aho currently injured.
Lastly, Blues center AJ Lam’s try-scoring performance in the final has done his All Blacks chances no harm, as the depth in the midfield continues to be a point of consideration for the national selectors.
On the Chiefs’ side, rising stars Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson, and Tupou Vaa’i all stood out with their mammoth defensive efforts, showcasing their readiness for the step up to the international level.
Losers
Unfortunately for the Chiefs, Shaun Stevenson and Etene Nanai-Seturo struggled to make an impact, with some uncharacteristic errors that could count against them in the All Blacks selection process.
The Chiefs’ front-row pairing of George Dyer and Aidan Ross also had a tough day at the office, as they were outmatched by the Blues’ dominant scrum, which was a key factor in the final’s outcome.
With the All Blacks squad announcement looming, the performances in this Super Rugby Pacific final will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping Robertson’s first selection as the new national team head coach.
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