BREAKING: In Auckland, the Blues defeat Fijian Drua, but an injury claims an All Blacks star.
BREAKING: In Auckland, the Blues defeat Fijian Drua, but an injury claims an All Blacks star.
Saturday’s 36-5 victory over the Fijian Drua in Auckland showed that the Blues were too powerful for them, but the victory came at a price as they lost skipper Patrick Tuipulotu to injury.
Due to a clatter from his second-row partner Josh Beehre during general play, Tuipulotu was taken off the field halfway through the first half with a knee injury.
He had to leave the field right away, and scans will be necessary to determine the exact degree of his injury.
In addition to All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson being concerned about Tuipulotu’s injury ahead of the upcoming Tests against England and Fiji in July, the Blues will be hopeful that he heals in time for the Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals.
After veteran second-row players Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick announced their retirements from international rugby following the Rugby World Cup in France last year, New Zealand was lacking in lock depth. Tuipulotu is thought to be a player who might step into the All Blacks’ engine room as a replacement.
Caleb Clarke led the home team with a brace, and Dalton Papali’i, Finlay Christie, and Kurt Eklund also over the whitewash as the Blues defeated the Drua by a score of five tries to one at Eden Park.
The Drua’s lone point was a magnificent try by Selestino Ravutaumada. Their other points came from three conversions and a penalty from Harry Plummer. Stephen Perofeta also added a two-pointer from the kicking tee.
After dominating the opening minutes of play, Dalton Papali’i of the Blues scored the first goal of the game in the ninth minute after a lineout drive.
A cross-field kick from Plummer inside the visitors’ 22 was not dealt with by them ten minutes later, and the Blues reclaimed control before Christie crossed in the left corner.
The home team dominated the first half and were rewarded when Clarke scored his first five-pointer in the closing minutes of the half, giving his team a 22-0 advantage at the intermission. Plummer had scored a penalty in the 23rd minute.
