Hoskins Sotutu Sports Benches
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Hoskins Sotutu

Rugby

Rugby News, Crusaders conquer Eden Park in Auckland once again in a nail-biting win from last night v Blues

by Sports Benches

Looking back from Super Saturday yesterday, what a contest it has been by the Top 2 Super Rugby sides that went down the wire between Blues & Crusaders in a grand final rematch of last season at Eden Park (Auckland). Blues may have the opening say & did continue scoring but the Crusaders didn’t waste any time with a couple of big points on the board where they hold a small lead at the break (21-24). Crusaders continued to extend their lead while Blues never gave up at the doorstep in the hope of revenge later on (2nd half), but the Blues sadly couldn’t see it out with a six-point loss (27-34) as the reigning Super Rugby champions got away unscathed on their turf once again.

Unlucky to see the Blues being denied with two potential late tries that could’ve seen them not only get payback, but also see the reigning champions lose another game as well. They fired off really well with Mark Talea on the board for the first five-pointer of the night. Now the Blues replied to the Saders’ well with another TRY or two, even though they’re only a few points behind at the break. Although their 2nd half attack effort was very threatening where they’re still in the mix all long, but sadly the Blues were not just unlucky, but also couldn’t get past the Saders where pressure piled them up massively before it’s too late by the full-time siren. They might have an easy game next Sunday at home again v Western Force, but if there’s one thing they can improve to go one better then it will be adding a bit more execution so things won’t go wrong for them next time.

And it’s great to see the Crusaders back on track once again following their one-point defeat (25-24) last weekend v Fijian Drua. They know how to get the job done, even though the Saders may not have struck the first blow of points. The way they structure out their attack before making these conversions is exceptional as always where they managed to build a good lead ahead of half-time. Now they might have been under threat by the improving Blues attack from their end later in the 2nd half, but they defended really well including when the Saders stuffed them out with the ball which saw the ref not approve with back-to-back cancelled tries. And that gave the Saders a sigh of relief when they held off with another win at Eden Park, just like the Final last year where they took home the Super Rugby title. Now they just need to watch their discipline on top of a good defense & attack if the Saders are to end the Brumbies unbeaten start to their 2023 campaign on Friday night in C’Church.

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Rugby

Blues overcame their lost penalties with a brilliant defensive shift before Ofa Tu’ungafasi saved the day that secured a spot in next Saturday’s Final v Crusaders

by Sports Benches

What a game that is to close out the semi-finals of the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific by a one-point difference at Eden Park in Auckland, NZ. ACT Brumbies didn’t waste any time getting it started in the first few minutes before the Blues responded well with two tries ahead of half-time, 20-7. Now the Brumbies began to hold back the Blues when a couple of ill-discipline from their end helped them close the gap later in the 2nd half, with credit from a couple of new faces off the bench, including, Lachlan Lonergan. The sweet revenge was almost sent to the Blues for payback that would’ve sent the Brumbies to Christchurch for next Saturday’s final v Crusaders via the drop goal. But Ofa’ Tu’ungafasi deflection off Noah Lolesio’s kicking boots, as well as a tougher defensive unit saved the day for the Blues with the win at home, 20-19.

Unlucky from the Brumbies who were just eliminated from the Final 4. They started off well in within the first couple of Montreal from Inside Centre Irae Simone in the No.12 shirt. The usual change of faces in the 2nd half have certainly helped them return in contention, especially with Lachlan Lonergan’s superb two-try performance from sub hooker that almost gave them a chance to overtake the Blues for the win in the dying seconds. Yes, it’s hard to watch if you’re a Brumbies fan when Noah Lolesio’s drop-goal attempt was blocked by Ofa Tu’ungafasi where the ball eventually went into Blues’ hands that confirmed their spot for next Saturday’s final at home v Crusaders. Unfortunately, an inconsistent 1st half spell left them a lot of pressure to get the job done before a robust Blues defense sent them the final message which was too late.

And congratulations to the Blues with the win on home turf at Eden Park in Auckland. They responded really well to the Brumbies’ early headstart where the Blues put in an excellent first-half display; Credit to Hoskins Sotutu & Mark Telea with the tries alongside Stephen Perofeta begins the kicking tee towards the goal posts. Yes, there were a couple of disciplinary issues later in the 2nd half when the Blues couldn’t extend their winning share, as well as leaking a couple of tries – that almost got their ticket stolen by the Brumbies at the last minute for next Saturday’s final v Crusaders. But they hung in there tough right until the final hooter where their robust and desperate defense gave the Blues and its home supporters a sign of relief. As long as the Blues watch their discipline, there’s no doubt they can run the Saders ragged en route towards another Super Rugby championship with a mix of talented and big-name stars in their squad.

90 matches done, one to go with the Final to close out the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season at Eden Park in Auckland next Saturday at 5pm AEST.

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Rugby

Rugby News, 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman Final: Top 3 players from the Blues v Highlanders

by Sports Benches

Hoskins Sotutu has wowed his Blues fans all night at Number 8. Where he was part of building a great defensive shape. As the Highlanders began to suffer with the poor discipline despite leading early. The reading was there to help convert the focus from defense to attack. Before he made them stabilise with the patience.

That is how he was able to help get away with the winning penalties. In which did lead towards a spectacular first 40 touchdown from Mark Talea. While the next half after the break may not exactly been the same. But once again Hoskins found a way to expose their main weaknesses. And it would be the lack of conversion/execution going forward.

As soon as the Blues found them isolated at the back of their danger area. Hoskins picked up the pieces before he gave Blake Gibson the winning moment. Such an all-round performance on the back row that backed his natural game. Hoskins has improved over the past year starting with Super Rugby Aotearoa. And he puts so much hard work for his provincial team every week. So the tight competition is there should he start for the All Blacks.

Mark Talea

He also played really well on the right wing tonight for Auckland Blues. The credit was there at the start when his side were patient. Having seen the opponents struggle to find their way past the Blues terroritory. So Mark took care of that defensively with the vision & tackle.

Then he was so ready when Blues found a way to process these conversions. And Otere Black at one point cross kicked straight to him. Where he has the tall reach to keep the ball in play on the far left. Before Mark unleashed the pace to cap off an easy ride for the touchdown.

It helped his side lead towards the half-time break. Now they may have lost the lead again before the final 10 minutes of the night. But Mark lended a hand to protect his own forward pack. It prevented

the Highlanders from smashing The Blues brick wall. Before they went on to turnaround the away team’s isolation on their own half. That helped Hoskins set up another TRY which ultimately confirmed as the winners. Overall Mark is such a team player where he can haunt any other opposition. Courtesy of his attacking awareness such as the pace to provide the execution. Plus the defensive skills with the tackling & protect his forwards.

Jona Nareki

He ran really hard on both fronts in attack & defense. Where Jona did his best to stop The Blues from bypassing his own way. The physicality and pace is there to cancel these phases on occasions. It helped the referee choose a couple of winning penalties to his Highlanders team.

As they were able to make up the correct three-point penalty kicks possible. But the one big weakness that let him down tonight is the executions. They did have their chances to build some pressure back to The Blues upfront. It was either a lack of long-term planning or just rushed through it. There was no way Jona was unable to get past The Blues end, When they were held back by the ill-discipline.

And despite seeing his side leading again it was still not enough to hold off. It is quite hard for Jona to go through this as runners-up. The Highlanders came from a long way from the back half of Super Rugby NZ. Before they wowed everyone during the Trans-Tasman leg out of nowhere. Especially when they had a free run against the five Australian teams. He now to go one better next year regardless of the format. Whether it will be Super Rugby NZ or a full Trans-Tasman season.

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