Blues and Chiefs face up for pivotal match

An improbable late victory against the Blues a shade over a year ago breathed new conviction into the Chiefs' Super 12 campaign.

Even though it was just the third round, the result was pivotal as the Blues lurched through the rest of the series while the Chiefs forged on to make the playoffs for the first time in their history.

The franchise rivals meet again tonight in Hamilton, with the Chiefs under the greater burden at the same early stage of the campaign. A third straight loss would make the semis almost fantasy while victory would revive the feelings inspired by Sione Lauaki's winning try last year.

It is a delicate balance and on the evidence of two rounds, there has not been a huge difference between the two sides. The Blues may have two wins but their Highlanders and Reds victims were inferior opponents to the Waratahs and Crusaders, who both nobbled the Chiefs.

The Blues have been steady and indifferent, the Chiefs average. Both have made far too many basic errors to inspire bookmakers' confidence.

Their reaction tonight will be absorbing. How will the neighbours approach this match?

Will the Blues ease away from the conservative approach used so far to try some razzle-dazzle invention? And can the Chiefs apply a choke-hold on the visitors to open cracks in their temperament?

The Chiefs will have this match firmly in their sights and are desperate for a result, while the Blues might be have one eye on the huge fourth- round clash with the Crusaders. Any mental detours will be costly.

The fight for the tackled ball, the tussles between Marty Holah, Daniel Braid and others, will also test the disposition of referee Kelvin Deaker. His rulings and any consequent goalkicking from Luke McAlister and David Hill can change the momentum of such a clash.

The Blues have signalled they are in this campaign for the long haul, their tight five forwards have responded to demands for more impact, while the high workrate of looseforwards Angus Macdonald, Xavier Rush and Braid has been dependable.

Problems have been the turnovers, handling errors and indecision, mostly from those with larger numbers on their jerseys.

Expect the Blues to continue with a setpiece confrontation, where they will meet resistance at the lineouts from Sean Hohneck and Jono Gibbes, but perhaps uncertainty at the scrums.

The ability of Steven Bates and Byron Kelleher to deal with dodgy deliveries will be one critical area.

It was not necessary for the Chiefs to have any fancy video analysis to note the awkward defensive combination of Sam Tuitupou and McAlister in the Blues midfield.

They have yet to gel and will be a pressure point for the Chiefs to attack. The Blues will fancy making inroads against the new Derek Maisey/Mark Ranby combination.

Handling errors, then missed tackles, hurt the Chiefs in two matches. If they can trim those mistakes, they can apply the tenacious teamwork - their biggest weapon.

So far the Blues have simmered, especially in the backs.

If halfback Steve Devine gets into the rhythm of this match after his long injury layoff, then his confidence should make a difference in organising a hardworking pack.

The flow-on from there could be just the spark for Carlos Spencer and co to cut loose.

Similar theories prefaced the Eden Park clash and the Chiefs' boilover last year. That is why tonight's match has an extra edge.

Waikato Stadium, tonight 7.35pm

CHIEFS
Adrian Cashmore
Sosene Anesi
Mark Ranby
Derek Maisey
Loki Crichton
David Hill
Byron Kelleher
Steven Bates
Marty Holah
Sione Lauaki
Sean Hohneck
Jono Gibbes (c)
Deacon Manu
Scott Linklater
Simms Davison
Reserves: Aleki Lutui, Ben Castle, Bernie Upton, Wayne Ormond, Kevin Senio, Stephen Donald, Grant McQuoid.

BLUES
Mils Muliaina
Doug Howlett
Luke McAlister
Sam Tuitupou
Joe Rokocoko
Carlos Spencer
Steve Devine
Xavier Rush (c)
Daniel Braid
A. MacDonald
Ali Williams
Greg Rawlinson
John Afoa
Derren Witcombe
Tony Woodcock

Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Taufa'ao Filise, Bradley Mika, Justin Collins, David Gibson, Tasesa Lavea, Isa Nacewa