Umaga hails Blues’ game-plan

Blues head coach Tana Umaga was full of praise for his players after they ended a three-match losing run with a  38-14 win over the Bulls in North Harbour on Saturday.

The opening half was an even contest and the sides were level at 7-7 at half-time and the Blues eventually outscored the men from Pretoria by six tries to two.

Umaga was understandably delighted with the result and attributed the win to the way his charges stuck to their game-plan despite playing with 14 men while Jimmy Tupou was sin binned for a neck roll.

“We knew that if we stuck to our plan and stuck to our game that they would tire,” said Umaga.

“I thought our defence was excellent especially with 14 men, and once they began to tire then it presented an opportunity for our running game to show.

“That is what we have been working on and I am pleased with the improvement. We have a long way to go and we have to get back to training on Monday and prepare for the Force who will be a tough challenge.”