Super Rugby Pacific champions, the Blues are the definition of what the All Blacks have not been in recent years, and are closer in DNA to the Springboks, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane praises the Blues for their emphatic performance in trumping the Chiefs in Saturday’s Super Rugby Pacific final, likening their physicality and authority to that of the Boks.
He recalls the Blues’ glory days of 1996, 1997, and 2003, highlighting their powerful pack and game-changing backs. Keohane notes that the Blues, under coach Vern Cotter, have returned to this form, blending natural attacking brilliance with a formidable forward unit.
He emphasises the significance of the Blues’ win by comparing it to historical greats, and also highlights the emotional moment of Caleb Clarke scoring three tries, reminiscent of his father Eroni’s prowess.
Keohane shifts focus to the full-house atmospheres at Eden Park and Loftus Versfeld, emphasising the rugby heritage of New Zealand and South Africa. He warns South African supporters to expect a formidable All Blacks team in the Rugby Championship due to a resurgence in Kiwi rugby.
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“The Blues are a proper rugby side. Watching them physically dominate the Super Rugby Pacific final against the Chiefs, at times it felt like watching the world champion Springboks,” he writes.
“It is the biggest compliment I could give to Blues coach Vern Cotter and his champions.
“The Chiefs on Saturday were no Springboks, but the Blues played with the same physical presence, calm and dominance as the Springboks have at the past two World Cups. They were disciplined and when they needed to unleash, had incredible game-breakers and a goalkicker who kicked seven from seven.
“This was how I always remembered the All Blacks growing up: Power up front and blessed with skilful backs.
“The Blues, in 2024, are the very definition of what the All Blacks between 2019 and 2023 were not. They are closer in DNA to the current world champion Springboks.”
Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
