Blues Rieko Ioane is tackled during the round 9 Super Rugby match between the Chiefs and the Blues. On one hand, it was the same old Blues in their first test of whether they were true contenders. Having not beaten the Chiefs in 14 games, and not victorious in an away New Zealand derby since 2013, the Blues needed to prove they could produce in more than just home comforts. Most impressively for the Chiefs – or perhaps worryingly for the Blues – is the fact they triumphed despite losing Damian McKenzie to a concerning knee injury. Instead, McKenzie's replacement - Ataata Moeakiola – crossed just two minutes later, giving the Chiefs a buffer that was tested, but never overcome.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 13, 2019 22:18 UTC