Blues vs Hurricanes Week 2 of Super Rugby Pacific is certainly bringing out the best of teams who are itching to make the most of the opportunity and seize the momentum in their favor. Blues are likely to make some changes to their squad, giving chances to youngsters who might be seen in action on Sunday.
Hurricanes have lost their first game; however, the Blues are yet to play their first game of the season. It’s expected that Blues would be coming in the game strongly, whereas Hurricanes would be looking to find a win and get the miles back on track. One thing is for sure; both teams require fine-tuning going into the game and making amendments to their playing squads.
Saturday 26 February 5:05 pm AEDT – Blues vs Hurricanes at Forsyth Barr Stadium, ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport
BLUES (1-15): Alex Hodgman, Kurt Eklund, Nepo Laulala, Luke Romano, Josh Goodhue, Tom Robinson, Adrian Choat, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Harry Plummer, Caleb Clarke, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Rieko Ioane, Mark Telea, Zarn Sullivan
RESERVES: Ricky Riccitelli, Ofa Tuungafasi, Marcel Renata, Sam Darry, Anton Segner, Sam Nock, Stephen Perofeta, Tanielu Tele’a
HURRICANES (1-15): Pouri Rakete-Stones, Asafo Aumua, Tyrel Lomax, James Blackwell, Justin Sangster, Reed Prinsep, Blake Gibson, Ardie Savea, Jamie Booth, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Salesi Rayasi, Julian Savea, Bailyn Sullivan, Wes Goosen, Jordie Barrett
RESERVES: Jacob Devery, Xavier Numia, Ben May, Devan Flanders, Brayden Iose, Richard Judd, Ruben Love, Peter Umaga-Jensen
Referee: James Doleman
Assistant Referee: Paul Williams, Marcus Playle
The Blues take this one 32-21.
The boys head to Christchurch next Sunday to play the Crusaders before returning for the final game at home against the Hurricanes on the 15th#WeAreHighlanders #HIGvBLU pic.twitter.com/drZPZ5f8FO
— Highlanders (@Highlanders) August 2, 2020
Hurricanes- Planting a Comeback Against the Blues
Going in the upcoming fixture, Hurricanes are would surely be sensing the pressure and intensity of the game, which can swing either way. Hurricanes have lost 3 games out of 4 played previously, making them fewer favorites of winning the clash. Their home and away form has been under the radar; however, Blue’s Away form was pretty consistent. Hurricanes in their last game were blown out by the Chiefs, and the final scoreline was (24-27). If Hurricanes are planning to make a strong comeback in the league, it’s time that they pull up their socks and go all in.
The head-to-head statistics always help predict the winner, and in this case, it had to be the Blues who have certainly dominated Hurricanes over the past four seasons. Blue’s debutants and experienced players would be looking to grab the opportunity with both hands and win their season’s opener.