Nucifora: winning margin crucial
Sun, 11 May 2008 14:00
Blues coach David Nucifora says his side's 40-15 winning margin over the Highlanders could prove crucial in the Super 14 semifinal race.
The Blues kept alive their play-off chances with a comprehensive victory in Dunedin on Saturday.
The bonus point win, and other results going the Blues' way at the weekend, means that a Blues victory against the Hurricanes at Eden Park on Friday could be enough to claim fourth spot.
"The winning margin was also important, as the points differential could be very important after next weekend's game," Nucifora said.
"I am very happy with how we played in the first 40 minutes. I think that was some of the best rugby we have played for a while. We were patient and stuck to the game plan, and scoring three tries in the first half took the pressure off us," he said.
"The whole team's defence was excellent and tackles like the bone crusher Benson [Stanley] put on Fetu'u Vainikolo, was a moment in a big game that makes the difference."
Blues captain Troy Flavell was also pleased with how the win was achieved.
"We are thrilled with the performance and lucky that some of the other results went our way as well. Obviously it is the crunch time of the competition and that win was vital for us," he says.
"We put a lot of emphasis on the first 20 minutes, as we knew if we could break them down then, and show some attitude and stick to the structure, then we would go all the way. It has set up a cracker against the Hurricanes."
