The Final

Just watched the first half. Reinforced what we saw at the ground really, but harder to see some of this on TV.

So, this was a really physical game. Both forward packs just smashed each other - hard carries and some bruising defence. Halfway through the second half you could see the toll the defensive effort took on the Chiefs forwards They got really passive - just worn out really.

Blues game was simple. Clear objective to run at DMac all day and tie him up; you could see some players change direction to get towards him. In back play he was bonuced, tackled, niggled all night; legally but annoying.

DMac played really well. AB10 for me. They contained him on the back of a big forward effort - but he still made great choices and opened up metres on the back of Ken Labans' s second man plays. Kicked well, passed well, ran well - threw a tremendous ball to ALB for their try.

Blues clean and ruck support was top tier, again. They ahve been practicing it all year and you could see it tonight - often second players moved the runner forward a few metres. Body position excellent; it was just simple, brutal rugby. Well complemented by Plummer just doing the basics well. Handling was generally

Hot take: scoreline flattered the Chiefs :P

Ref didn't blow up a lot, only really obvious penalties. Was very reluctant to card for repeated infringements; multiple advantages seemingly didn't count for much. There is such weird inconsistency in refs and how they ref this -- one of the random things that drove me away from professional rugby this year.

All in all, i twas just sweet to finally get over the line in the full comp. The organisational improvement came from the board changes a few years ago - and you can see competence starting up in the org, the talent identification, development, training, selection, fan experience, coaching an dfinally on the field with silverware.

Clarke's ribs weren't good after his try. I think Ofa's ribs are the same way - but they won't care today.

Finally, all redit to the Chiefs. They really stood up at times, defended hard and ran with brutality when they got the ball. Just came up against a side that was more accurate and hungrier on the night. Overall great handling from both sides in very difficult conditions.

Roll on the international season now I guess ... I slept like a baby last night and woke up happy. Good times eh