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'It was a step back' - Error-ridden Blues rue mistakes after another loss
By Online Editors
New Blues coach Leon MacDonald has given a stark assessment of his side's losing effort against the Sharks in Durban.
After a close 22-20 defeat to the Crusaders at home last weekend, the Blues were handled 26-7 on the road against a classy Sharks outfit.
"It was a step back, no doubt about it," MacDonald said after the match.
"The most disappointing thing is we were responsible for most of the mistakes.
"We're all very disappointed with the performance."
The Sharks scored four tries to the Blues' one, with an 80 metre Curwin Bosch intercept try sealing victory for the home side.
Despite having most of the ball, the Blues failed to capitalise as they chalked up 362 metres to the Sharks' 449 in almost twice as many carries. The Sharks also broke the Blues line 14 times, which will be an area of concern moving forward.
MacDonald drew on the conditions that his side failed to adapt to.
"We struggled to cope with the heat, really battled in that first half and never got our game going.
"The ball was sweaty and slippery and we didn't cope with it.
"In the heat some of our big men struggled to get around the park and we struggled to keep our attacking shape which meant we looked disorganised at times."
The Blues, now 0-2 to start the season, have another tough task ahead as they prepare to face the Jaguares in Buenos Aires, still searching for their first victory under MacDonald.
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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