Super Rugby as it happened: Blues v Chiefs at Eden Park

Name: ANZ Sports Scene: Sam Cane returns to Chiefs bench
Uploaded: 2019-05-17T13:12:48+12:00
Duration: 73 s
Description: After suffering a broken neck last year, All Blacks and Chiefs loose forward Sam Cane will make a return to the bench this weekend when the Chiefs take on the Blues

NZ Herald

18 May, 2019 07:00 AM2 mins to read

After suffering a broken neck last year, All Blacks and Chiefs loose forward Sam Cane will make a return to the bench this weekend when the Chiefs take on the Blues

All the action as the Blues hosted the Chiefs in Super Rugby.

Blues co-captain Patrick Tuipulotu has promised his side will bring a hard, physical edge to their match against the Chiefs, a side he believes enjoy using "bully" tactics and who could receive some of their own medicine at Eden Park on Saturday.

Tuipulotu's men, in 14th place, need a win to have any chance of making the playoffs knowing too they have been pushed around for too long by their rivals down State Highway 1.

The Blues haven't beaten the Chiefs since 2011 and lost a thriller last month in Hamilton 33-29 despite a standout performance from midfielder Ma'a Nonu because the home side, led by lock Brodie Retallick, dominated the breakdown area.

Tuipulotu and his side are determined that won't happen again. The Blues, who have won only one derby match this season – a win over the Highlanders at Eden Park in March – showed intensity and physicality in their 22-12 defeat to the Hurricanes last weekend and more of the same is required.

"They're a big, physical side and over the years they've prided themselves on being the bully," Tuipulotu said. "For us, we've come so close so many times it's really up to us to get over the line."

Asked if it was more important to take a stand physically against the Chiefs than virtually any other team, he replied: "Yeah, if you want to bully the bully then that's the way to go."

Tuipulotu added: "We've been put under the pump by the coaches and because of that we've had a good training week. It's been one of the best so far. We have to get one over the Chiefs and we have the confidence we can."

All Black Retallick remains out with a wrist injury but coach Leon MacDonald expects others to step into the breach for the visitors.

"He was a big player in the game last time," MacDonald said. "He had a massive influence. He probably gave his team the recipe they were looking for – the niggle at the breakdown and the relentless pressure. I'm sure someone else will pick up that baton. We're expecting three or four Retallick-like performances from their tight five.

"They enjoy playing us … and we're in the same boat."