An average of 51 points per match were scored during the 1st round of Super 14 2010, with a grand total of 361 points scored throughout the much anticipated 1st weekend.

The 1st games of the season were always going to be difficult to judge, as referees trialed the new rule interpretations, and players had some difficulty adapting to the new style of refereeing, particularly to calls at breakdowns. Things should settle soon enough though, and I think we are in for a more closely competed and exciting Super 14 than ever before.

The Blues and the Hurricanes kicked off the 1st round of the 2010 Super 14 at North Harbour stadium, where a record attendance of 23000 spectators were recorded to have attended the game.

The action started thick and fast as Hurricanes’ and All Black #13, Conrad Smith put in a crunching hit shortly after the kickoff, resulting in an obstruction penalty to the Hurricanes. It was however the Blues who scored the 1st try, through Stephen Brett running onto a flat pass. Just minutes later, Brett again broke the Hurricanes’ line, offloading to John Afoa who crossed the chalk to score only his second Super 14 try.

The Hurricanes didn’t give up there though, they kept at it, chipping away at the Blues’ lead through penalties. The turning point of the game came their way through a Hosea Gear intercept try in the 57th minute, and they eventually went on to win the game 34 – 20.

My two cents worth:

• Stuart Dickinson needs to do some revision on the rules of the game. In order for a player (Piri Weepu in this case) to mark a ball, he needs to field the ball cleanly, without fumbling it in any way.
• Possession and territory were pretty much even throughout the game.
• There were a colossal 26 penalties and 4 free kicks in the opening game, not exactly the desired result of the new law interpretations.
• Isaia Toeava, during his shortened time on the field, due to a yellow card, still managed to miss 4 tackles.
• Stephen Brett showed that he’s keen to take his chances in the #10 jumper, and managed to make 3 turnovers.
• Conrad Smith is one of the most talented #13’s in the game, and silenced his defensive critics by making 13 tackles during the game, the most of any player on the field.
• I would hate for Hosea Gear to be running full tilt at me. He looks like a beast, a very quick one at that, gaining a total of 143m during his powerful runs
• The Hurricanes missed 24 tackles, with Nonu missing 4. A habit they better snap out of quickly or they will be punished with tries against them as the competition gets into full tilt.

Blues VS Hurricanes 2010 highlights: [WRNrugbynews]

Scoreboard: