Although the table suggests a Chiefs win this will be tough I think. They have some quality players returning including the formidable Botterman We are without Claudia M.M and Maddie Feaunati. The weather does not sound to bad but expect a very slippery ball with lots of scrums and Botterman in her element. We need to win but am a bit worried Chiefs 35 Bristol 32
We’ve got a strong pack with a very good front row on the bench too, so I’m hoping we can match them up front. Our backline looks a bit more piecemeal and hasn’t looked totally convincing this season, particularly without Claudia M-M. Ruahei Demant at 10 for the Bears may be a handful, but if we can be a little more tactically astute than we were at Sale last week, I think the combination of home advantage and Bristol’s lack of form should see us shade it.
An excellent win. the Chief's defence was immense with several critical turnovers in key areas of the pitch. The Chief's scrum was dominant and Botterman never really was prominent in the match - one break but some penalties in the loose. I think most of the scrum penalties were down to the other prop and power and timing generated in the push of the Chief's pack Sarah Bern was massively missed by Bristol. Flo Robinson had an excellent game as did the pack generally but Maisy Allen had a remarkable one . Several turnovers, two brilliant kicks, tackling, an excellent offload leading to a try and one of her own. The dominant player in the match.
It looks like Amy Rule and Abby Duguid have proved to be very astute signings. Rule dominated Botterman in the tight and Duguid’s carrying is excellent. Our backline looked far more cohesive this week and I really like the combination of Luv McGoverne, Gabby Cantorna and Alex Tessier. I thought Alex Tessier had an outstanding match with some fabulous breaks and great tackles. I also have to give a special shout to Maddie Flutey for that last-ditch, try-saving tackling in the closing minutes. I was a great fan of her father when he was at London Irish and hopefully she’s a chip of the old block.
A genuine whole team performance they should be proud of. 7 tries by 7 players; 3 in the forwards and 4 in the backs - including one each for 9 and 10. Oddly, neither of our wingers got on the score card. Dominant right across the field. 👏
In Rob we trust.
By the way - cream on first. There's nothing to debate.
A slow first 10 minutes, after which we really went up a gear, good in attack and excellent defence. A great all round performance on a very blustery afternoon. Very impressive across the board. And a decent crowd of over 1,700. An enjoyable afternoon.
I missed the first 15 minutes but what I did see was probably the best rugby I can recall the women playing. After a performance like that it seems a bit unfair to pick out particular players but as has already been mentioned, Maisy had an incredible match and deserves to be considered again by England.
I see on the offy that Maddie Flutey returns to New Zealand to play in the Global Youth Sevens tournament - hopefully she'll be back in a Chiefs shirt later in the season.
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