Well, that pretty much says it all doesn't it?
What, you want some slightly more in depth analysis? ok, but be warned ... I watched the game at the pub sans-sound (we won the battle of the TV channels and sent a bunch of Richmond supporters away grumbling about this being Victoria and Rugby Union supporters should all bugger off back where the came from - but I digress).
I did tape the game with the intention of watching it again this morning complete with commentry, but I donwanna, I'm notgonna .... and youse can't make me!!
At the end of the day, while the Reds were sneaky cheaty bastards in Round 15 and were lucky to come away with the win, they deserved this one.
The Crusaders had the overwhelming majority of possesion and territory in the first half, they failed to stake their claim on the score board, so, in the second half, when the Reds kept hold of the ball the Crusaders had a lot of work to do - in the end, they couldn't do enough.
One of the punters sitting in my general vicinity (although, to be fair most Reds fans seemed to steer fairly clear of the rabid cantab fan foaming at the mouth) observed that it looked like a good team playing a quick team. And that's a pretty fair cop.
I must say that I was very impressed by the dicspline shown by players on both sides. This game was never going to be won on cheap penalties, it was going to have to be tries, and unfortunately the Crusaders only managed one.
Both sides managed to shut down major attacking threats, neither Quade Cooper nor Sonny Bill were allowed as much room as they'd like.
While the Crusaders passing was sharp, clean and accurate, somehow things just kept going wrong at the last phase, while Reds managed to break the advantage line almost every movement.
The Crusaders scrum was again dominant, I didn't see the exact figures but I counted at least two penalties awarded to the grey and reds (I know, don't get me started about the way they ALWAYS play in that bloody strip... it's like the heart's been ripped out of the side) for screwing the the Reds through 90.
But Corey Flynn didn't do his All Black chances any favours with a couple of crooked throwins.
So, that's Super Rugby done for the year. Now we embark on what could be (espcially if the Aussies and Kiwis follow the South African lead) a sham of a Tri Nations before we get down to what 2011 is really about, the WORLD CUP.
I won't be writting about the Tri Nations - I'm going to be AFR (away from rugby for you non-regular readers) - for most of the series.
I am going to be heading home for the big tomali, got tickets to four pool games in the North Island and really looking forward to it :)
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Monday, July 4, 2011
And then there were two ...
They weren't the prettiest, or the closest, semi finals ever. In both cases one side took control fairly early and never really looked like losing out. But now we know who'll be battling it out for the first Super 15 title. And it's confirmed, Suncorp Stadium will, once again, be a sea of red (and black).
It felt really odd supporting Auckland, I can almost hear collective gasps of astonishment that I would even contemplate such a thing, especially when I basically felt they hadn't a hope in hell (Sportsbet the odds really surprised me, 1.40 to 2.90), but I felt the Cru could do it in Cape Town and I knew who I'd rather face in the final.
Cooper had a great night, on the park but not so much with the boot.
His fancy footwork down the sideline was crucial in helping Rod Davies to his hat-trick, the Reds first in Super Rugby - although, he didn't need any help with his first ... An intercept on his own 22, run in under the posts.
The Blues just didn't have the imagination to give the Queensland defence too much trouble.
The Blues struggled to get over the advantage line for most of the night, and a couple of promising breaks all came to nothing.Their first, and only try went to Chris Lowrey, replacing the injured Anthony Boric, on the stroke of half time.
History will show the Reds missed more tackles, but watching the game, I could have sworn it was the other way around. Maybe it was just that the Aucklanders missed the important ones ....
Stephen Brett continued to make Danny Cipriani look committed as he fell off more tackles than he made, including one on Davies enroute to the try line for his third.... Although, to be fair Mealamu missed him too.
In the end, the result was as expected, almost exactly! I'd picked the Reds by 15, and the final result was 30 - 13.
I was fairly confident the Crusaders would get up, although some people suggested that my heart was over ruling my head and the travel would be too much for them. That was certainly the view of the Aussie commentators after the first semi final, only Phil Kearns showed his intelligence and good sense, the rest of 'em backed the Stormers. SUCK IT ....
The Crusaders tight five absolutely dominated this match.
The Stormers pack had the weight advantage, 50kgs, but that was all they had going for them! The red and black scrum was unstoppable and, yes it's cliche - but true, was the platform on which Canterbury built their win.
It was the fourth trip to the semis in five years for the Crusaders,they know how to win this kind of rugby, but you'd imagine this one was a bit special after the season they've had.
It was also Corey Flynn's 100th game in the red and black .... Not a bad effort from the hooker whose had 5 broken arms along the way .....
A couple of obscure similarities with the Blues Reds game.
The Stormers, like the Blues, had the first real opportunity of the match, also around the five minute mark. And the first try if the game was an intercept, against the run of play,this time to Sean Maitland.
Speaking of intercepts, Kieran Read obviously got a taste for them last week, he spent a bit of time lurking on the wing looking for another one.
There were some big tackles from both sides, but the Crusaders defence was outstanding. Special mention must got to Zac Guilford and Kahn Fotual'i for their try savers.
The Stormers never regained the early lead, a massive 3 points, and, despite an overwhelming majority of possession - 67%, only managed to score 10 points in the first half (which was 10 more than they could do in the second when the Crusaders had more ball).
Carter had a good night with the boot.
Even his first miss had a good result. A rebound off the post and back into play gave the Crusaders a line out on the 22 which set the stage for what has become a classic Robbie Fruean try, off a miracle ball from SBW who was double teamed in a tackle.
Schaulk Brits didn't quiet have the impact his controversial selection warranted. Coming on at half time replacing the injured Schaulk Burger, Brits immediately started a fight and conceded a penalty. That sort of behaviour might be tolerated at Saracens mate ...
So the southern men live to fight another day. Toddy took the Crusaders to 3 titles as captain, now he's one step closer to his first as coach - I just wish the team standing in the way wasn't in such good form ...
It felt really odd supporting Auckland, I can almost hear collective gasps of astonishment that I would even contemplate such a thing, especially when I basically felt they hadn't a hope in hell (Sportsbet the odds really surprised me, 1.40 to 2.90), but I felt the Cru could do it in Cape Town and I knew who I'd rather face in the final.
Cooper had a great night, on the park but not so much with the boot.
His fancy footwork down the sideline was crucial in helping Rod Davies to his hat-trick, the Reds first in Super Rugby - although, he didn't need any help with his first ... An intercept on his own 22, run in under the posts.
The Blues just didn't have the imagination to give the Queensland defence too much trouble.
The Blues struggled to get over the advantage line for most of the night, and a couple of promising breaks all came to nothing.Their first, and only try went to Chris Lowrey, replacing the injured Anthony Boric, on the stroke of half time.
History will show the Reds missed more tackles, but watching the game, I could have sworn it was the other way around. Maybe it was just that the Aucklanders missed the important ones ....
Stephen Brett continued to make Danny Cipriani look committed as he fell off more tackles than he made, including one on Davies enroute to the try line for his third.... Although, to be fair Mealamu missed him too.
In the end, the result was as expected, almost exactly! I'd picked the Reds by 15, and the final result was 30 - 13.
I was fairly confident the Crusaders would get up, although some people suggested that my heart was over ruling my head and the travel would be too much for them. That was certainly the view of the Aussie commentators after the first semi final, only Phil Kearns showed his intelligence and good sense, the rest of 'em backed the Stormers. SUCK IT ....
The Crusaders tight five absolutely dominated this match.
The Stormers pack had the weight advantage, 50kgs, but that was all they had going for them! The red and black scrum was unstoppable and, yes it's cliche - but true, was the platform on which Canterbury built their win.
It was the fourth trip to the semis in five years for the Crusaders,they know how to win this kind of rugby, but you'd imagine this one was a bit special after the season they've had.
It was also Corey Flynn's 100th game in the red and black .... Not a bad effort from the hooker whose had 5 broken arms along the way .....
A couple of obscure similarities with the Blues Reds game.
The Stormers, like the Blues, had the first real opportunity of the match, also around the five minute mark. And the first try if the game was an intercept, against the run of play,this time to Sean Maitland.
Speaking of intercepts, Kieran Read obviously got a taste for them last week, he spent a bit of time lurking on the wing looking for another one.
There were some big tackles from both sides, but the Crusaders defence was outstanding. Special mention must got to Zac Guilford and Kahn Fotual'i for their try savers.
The Stormers never regained the early lead, a massive 3 points, and, despite an overwhelming majority of possession - 67%, only managed to score 10 points in the first half (which was 10 more than they could do in the second when the Crusaders had more ball).
Carter had a good night with the boot.
Even his first miss had a good result. A rebound off the post and back into play gave the Crusaders a line out on the 22 which set the stage for what has become a classic Robbie Fruean try, off a miracle ball from SBW who was double teamed in a tackle.
Schaulk Brits didn't quiet have the impact his controversial selection warranted. Coming on at half time replacing the injured Schaulk Burger, Brits immediately started a fight and conceded a penalty. That sort of behaviour might be tolerated at Saracens mate ...
So the southern men live to fight another day. Toddy took the Crusaders to 3 titles as captain, now he's one step closer to his first as coach - I just wish the team standing in the way wasn't in such good form ...
Monday, June 27, 2011
"It's business, it's business time ...."
I know I'm supposed to be talking about the Quarter finals this week ... Is that what they're called? Can they be called Quarter finals when only 2 games were played? I'm still trying to get my head around this new format .... And I will, I just want to start with a couple of buts and pieces from my time away.
Apologies for late, and absent, blogs. Internet access in China was not as accessible as I had, perhaps foolishly, anticipated - this is a google blog after all. The Shanghai Shangrila was the first, and only time I had full access, and I think that was because they ran a VPN out of Hong Kong.
In an apparently misguided attempt to let you all know I was AWOL, AFR, I, naively, gave my password to the boyfriend and asked him to post 2 entries I'd written. I apologise for the fact that you got 3 ......
While unauthorised, I do however feel no small degree of pride in the wooden spoon post. Not bad for someone who watched his first game ever just three years ago, in a pub, to which he brought a newspaper. I feel a bit like Obi Wan, the force is strong in this one.
I have taught you well grasshopper.
Anyway, that is not to say I didn't actually manage to see the Rebels last game of 2011. I did, in an Irish pub, in Shanghai, and it turned out to be kiwi night! Very surreal. Tui, hoki poki, pav and lamb, it was all good ay.
But now, back to the games that matter. I'm proud to say I called em both, not that you'd know since I haven't been able to make my picks in three weeks .... But I did.
The Blues v Warratahs, I actually watched second. I was in the air while it was played and upon returning home opted for a nap before the Crusaders game.
So, while watching on Monday morning, I knew who won, but not the score.
Conditions weren't pretty at Eden Park which kept fans away and made for some tricky handling. The 15,000 who did show up certainly looked very small in the recently expanded 50,000 seat stadium.
It was scrappy rugby with crooked throwins, some shocking passes and abysmal kicks from both sides.
The Blues missed a lot of tackels, 11 to the Tahs 4 in the first half, and Brett missed 5 of 6 attempted during the match.
If the Blues were struggling a bit in defence, it was discipline letting down the Warratahs, who's bad luck with injury continued, including some 'friendly fire', a lock and a winger knocking heads while attempting to tackle a rampaging Joe Afoa storming down the wing in his 100th game for the Blues.
If they weren't 6 feet under already, the Ali Williams try was the nail in the Sydneysiders coffin and Phil Wagh ended his long career with the Tahs leaving the field in the 65th minute.
The Blues just never gave the Warratahs any ball in the second half. Putting on 16 unanswered points before Lachie Turner went over in the 74th minute, after Pat Lam rung in the changes and pretty much emptied the bench, including brining Daniel Braid back on the park for the first time in 14 weeks.
On to game number two.....
Before the 2 sides even ran onto the pitch, there were two things I was happy to see:
1, the Crusaders were playing in their 'proper' strip, and 2, it looked bloody cold in Nelson, the Sharks bench were sitting under duvets, not blankets, DUVETS (donnas for the Australians amongst us).
The Crusaders were first on the board, courtesy of a Willem Alberts infringement right in front of the sticks after 18 seconds. Yep, 18 seconds. The only change to the Sharks line up from the team that beat the Bulls was certainly making his presence felt. He 'redeemed' himself shortly afterwards crossing the line for the first try of the match and giving the boys from Durban the lead.
The Crusaders know how to play 'finals football' though, and the most successful team in super rugby history was always going to be tough to beat. Once Sonny Bill Williams went over, the Crusaders never lost the lead.
It wasn't all sunshine and lollipops though. The Sharks outmuscled the Cantabrians at the break down effectively cleaning out the rucks and making life difficult for Andy Ellis as the Crusaders just didn't commit the numbers in the first half.
Ok- sidebar. An ad for Hahn Super Dry that screened during half time ... Who gave a sub standard Aussie beer permission to usurp the theme tune from knight rider?
The game wasn't as pretty as the one played at Twickenham during the regular season - that one was spectacular - but the second half got a lot better for the red and blacks and the Sharks never really looked in it.
So, despite the multitude of 'extra' challenges faced by the Crusaders this season, the crew will add to their massive tally of air miles - over 80,000 this season already, travelling to Cape Town to face the Stormers. They will get Richie back for the semi final, but might have lost Kieran Reid .....
Apologies for late, and absent, blogs. Internet access in China was not as accessible as I had, perhaps foolishly, anticipated - this is a google blog after all. The Shanghai Shangrila was the first, and only time I had full access, and I think that was because they ran a VPN out of Hong Kong.
In an apparently misguided attempt to let you all know I was AWOL, AFR, I, naively, gave my password to the boyfriend and asked him to post 2 entries I'd written. I apologise for the fact that you got 3 ......
While unauthorised, I do however feel no small degree of pride in the wooden spoon post. Not bad for someone who watched his first game ever just three years ago, in a pub, to which he brought a newspaper. I feel a bit like Obi Wan, the force is strong in this one.
I have taught you well grasshopper.
Anyway, that is not to say I didn't actually manage to see the Rebels last game of 2011. I did, in an Irish pub, in Shanghai, and it turned out to be kiwi night! Very surreal. Tui, hoki poki, pav and lamb, it was all good ay.
But now, back to the games that matter. I'm proud to say I called em both, not that you'd know since I haven't been able to make my picks in three weeks .... But I did.
The Blues v Warratahs, I actually watched second. I was in the air while it was played and upon returning home opted for a nap before the Crusaders game.
So, while watching on Monday morning, I knew who won, but not the score.
Conditions weren't pretty at Eden Park which kept fans away and made for some tricky handling. The 15,000 who did show up certainly looked very small in the recently expanded 50,000 seat stadium.
It was scrappy rugby with crooked throwins, some shocking passes and abysmal kicks from both sides.
The Blues missed a lot of tackels, 11 to the Tahs 4 in the first half, and Brett missed 5 of 6 attempted during the match.
If the Blues were struggling a bit in defence, it was discipline letting down the Warratahs, who's bad luck with injury continued, including some 'friendly fire', a lock and a winger knocking heads while attempting to tackle a rampaging Joe Afoa storming down the wing in his 100th game for the Blues.
If they weren't 6 feet under already, the Ali Williams try was the nail in the Sydneysiders coffin and Phil Wagh ended his long career with the Tahs leaving the field in the 65th minute.
The Blues just never gave the Warratahs any ball in the second half. Putting on 16 unanswered points before Lachie Turner went over in the 74th minute, after Pat Lam rung in the changes and pretty much emptied the bench, including brining Daniel Braid back on the park for the first time in 14 weeks.
On to game number two.....
Before the 2 sides even ran onto the pitch, there were two things I was happy to see:
1, the Crusaders were playing in their 'proper' strip, and 2, it looked bloody cold in Nelson, the Sharks bench were sitting under duvets, not blankets, DUVETS (donnas for the Australians amongst us).
The Crusaders were first on the board, courtesy of a Willem Alberts infringement right in front of the sticks after 18 seconds. Yep, 18 seconds. The only change to the Sharks line up from the team that beat the Bulls was certainly making his presence felt. He 'redeemed' himself shortly afterwards crossing the line for the first try of the match and giving the boys from Durban the lead.
The Crusaders know how to play 'finals football' though, and the most successful team in super rugby history was always going to be tough to beat. Once Sonny Bill Williams went over, the Crusaders never lost the lead.
It wasn't all sunshine and lollipops though. The Sharks outmuscled the Cantabrians at the break down effectively cleaning out the rucks and making life difficult for Andy Ellis as the Crusaders just didn't commit the numbers in the first half.
Ok- sidebar. An ad for Hahn Super Dry that screened during half time ... Who gave a sub standard Aussie beer permission to usurp the theme tune from knight rider?
The game wasn't as pretty as the one played at Twickenham during the regular season - that one was spectacular - but the second half got a lot better for the red and blacks and the Sharks never really looked in it.
So, despite the multitude of 'extra' challenges faced by the Crusaders this season, the crew will add to their massive tally of air miles - over 80,000 this season already, travelling to Cape Town to face the Stormers. They will get Richie back for the semi final, but might have lost Kieran Reid .....
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Rugby Grrrl AWOL and AFR
For the next few weeks this blog will be in hiatus while I am globetrotting in Asia.
While I will have access to the blog, via ipad and internet café, I will not have regular access to a very necessary ingredient: Super XV rugby games.
To tweak an internet acronymn learned from Dr Sheldon Cooper, I will be A (away) F (from) R (rugby).
Feel free to share your thoughts about the next three rounds with me and each other via the Comments section.
Hui jian
Rugby Grrl
Saturday, June 11, 2011
And the wooden spoon goes to......
Every great entertainment show has it's guest format - guest presenter, guest writer, guest singer. And this week, you lucky lucky people, you get a guest blogger, as Rugby Grrrl is still running around China taking a great leap forward. Now, obviously one cannot compete with the Grrrl in many areas - to quote a certain judge, 'Your vision of her probably will never disappear. Has she elegance? Has she fragrance?"
Actually, probably not a good quote, as the judge then went on to talk about something not very nice at all in the case he was commenting on, but I won't bring the tone down. er.....that looks like Rugby Grrrl was on trial, so I should clear that up -no, she has never been charged with a felony.
Not easy this guest blogger stuff. Don't think I'll be invited back.
So - this week the Rebels reached for the wooden spoon for the Australian conference and firmly wrested it from the Brumbies. The rejoining of Danny Cipriani to the starting lineup gave supporters hope that they might repeat the performance of week two, this time in an away format much more chilly - in all senses of the word - than Melbourne had been.
Rebels watchers have learned to dread the 20 minute burn - that initial 20 or so minutes when the brains of the team havent yet warmed up, and opposing teams slam 15-30 points away before a slow fightback begins. true to form, the Brumbies dominated the first half, with 13 points in the first 20 and another 12 before the mid-term whistle. 25-3 was not the score hoped for at this juncture.
And then......once again, a different team walked out in the second half. Quick balls, flicking back and fowards between multiple blue jerseys, fast breaks, and a willingness to drive hard up the middle (at one point I am sure there was a 18 phase attack!) gave the Rebels two unanswered tries, bringing them within one converted try and a penalty to win. Rousing stuff....especially as Prettyboy Danny actually made a couple of tackles without looking like he was trying to save on the washing powder.
But, in the end, the Brumbies pushed another try over, and the whistle cemented the spoon; nice for them, as it was the final game in the stadium for a number of their key players who are moving on. For the Rebels, the question now must be how can they prepare for the next season to avoid another spoon for the dressing room wall.....
One more thing before I hand back to the Grrrl - congrats on Gareth Delve on getting a Welsh jersey for the World Cup in just a few months. I for one will be cheering him on from the sidelines of at least a couple of the games.....
right, I am off to find a lawyer who can protect me from vengeful kiwi wimmin......
Actually, probably not a good quote, as the judge then went on to talk about something not very nice at all in the case he was commenting on, but I won't bring the tone down. er.....that looks like Rugby Grrrl was on trial, so I should clear that up -no, she has never been charged with a felony.
Not easy this guest blogger stuff. Don't think I'll be invited back.
So - this week the Rebels reached for the wooden spoon for the Australian conference and firmly wrested it from the Brumbies. The rejoining of Danny Cipriani to the starting lineup gave supporters hope that they might repeat the performance of week two, this time in an away format much more chilly - in all senses of the word - than Melbourne had been.
Rebels watchers have learned to dread the 20 minute burn - that initial 20 or so minutes when the brains of the team havent yet warmed up, and opposing teams slam 15-30 points away before a slow fightback begins. true to form, the Brumbies dominated the first half, with 13 points in the first 20 and another 12 before the mid-term whistle. 25-3 was not the score hoped for at this juncture.
And then......once again, a different team walked out in the second half. Quick balls, flicking back and fowards between multiple blue jerseys, fast breaks, and a willingness to drive hard up the middle (at one point I am sure there was a 18 phase attack!) gave the Rebels two unanswered tries, bringing them within one converted try and a penalty to win. Rousing stuff....especially as Prettyboy Danny actually made a couple of tackles without looking like he was trying to save on the washing powder.
But, in the end, the Brumbies pushed another try over, and the whistle cemented the spoon; nice for them, as it was the final game in the stadium for a number of their key players who are moving on. For the Rebels, the question now must be how can they prepare for the next season to avoid another spoon for the dressing room wall.....
One more thing before I hand back to the Grrrl - congrats on Gareth Delve on getting a Welsh jersey for the World Cup in just a few months. I for one will be cheering him on from the sidelines of at least a couple of the games.....
right, I am off to find a lawyer who can protect me from vengeful kiwi wimmin......
Ravenous Brumbies storm the thin Red line
ok, now this time the extreme tardiness really isn't my fault ... I blame delayed flights and inconstant Internet access ....
Well I'm writing this week's entry somewhere fairly unique. Seat 40A, 38,000 feet somewhere above the Molucca Sea (I didn't even know there was such a thing).
Needless to say I've had some things other than rugby on my mind this weekend, but I still managed to squeeze in a game or two.
Two that I wish had seen, but didn't, were the Blues v Chiefs and the Sharks v Cheetahs. The highlights I saw on Fox Sports' Inside Rugby made both look like crackers. That, almost, full length of the field run by Joe Rokothoco, only to end up, almost, at the other end if the park courtesy of Mills Mulinia looked pretty exciting.
The games I did see ... My last trip to AAMI Park for the Rebels, then the highlanders v Force and the Reds v Brumbies.
I'll start with the Highlanders as they played first even if I saw them second.
Now I'm not going to pretend to know the full story or all the arguments for and against the new strip. I just wasn't sure why they didn't choose to e d an era by playing Carisbrook's last Super Rugby game in the old jerseys.
Tradition runs deep at the house of pain and, to me, it would have made sense to retire the stadium and the strip at the same time and start over with a new look and a new home next season.
But, like I said, that's just me.
The Rebels v Stormers was just the sort of game no rugby fan wants to see - BORING.
When the members are reading the newspaper and cracking jokes about the feasibility of sailing to New Zealand for the World Cup, you know you've lost a key demographic.
Personally, I spent most of the game translating the Afrikaans banners brought along by the many Stormers fans in attendance. I don't think they all made the trip especially for the occasion. Previously, I had supposed that the Rebels fan-base was rooted across the Tasman, now I'm not so sure. Over 15,000 in attendance and I think a significant number of those were from much further afield (originally).
The Reds v Brumbies was an interesting proposition, playing for the wonkiest trophy I've even laid eyes on. I guess most of the blame for that should go to the Brumbies since they've held it most of the time.
The Brumbies were hungry, and it showed. They shut down the Reds, who didn't seem to be able to adapt and come up with anything new in response.
The Queenslanders frustration was obvious, they were losing the game and started to lose it with each other as well. Anthony Fa'inga threw his twin brother the mother of evil looks, and a bit of strong verbal when he put down a pass from the Hooker that could have been a real try scoring opportunity.
There were some nasty injuries: Digby Ioane unwittingly contributing to the planking craze sweeping the nation when he was knocked out cold, Ben Lucas taking a trip to la-la land (although he returned to the field and played on), and Mark Chisholm hobbling off with a bung knee.
All in all the Brumbies were the better side on the day and 13 knocked off the top dog. They played well, but as the commentary team pointed out, "They should have a few (good games) stored up, they've been rubbish all season!"
Touché.
Well I'm writing this week's entry somewhere fairly unique. Seat 40A, 38,000 feet somewhere above the Molucca Sea (I didn't even know there was such a thing).
Needless to say I've had some things other than rugby on my mind this weekend, but I still managed to squeeze in a game or two.
Two that I wish had seen, but didn't, were the Blues v Chiefs and the Sharks v Cheetahs. The highlights I saw on Fox Sports' Inside Rugby made both look like crackers. That, almost, full length of the field run by Joe Rokothoco, only to end up, almost, at the other end if the park courtesy of Mills Mulinia looked pretty exciting.
The games I did see ... My last trip to AAMI Park for the Rebels, then the highlanders v Force and the Reds v Brumbies.
I'll start with the Highlanders as they played first even if I saw them second.
Now I'm not going to pretend to know the full story or all the arguments for and against the new strip. I just wasn't sure why they didn't choose to e d an era by playing Carisbrook's last Super Rugby game in the old jerseys.
Tradition runs deep at the house of pain and, to me, it would have made sense to retire the stadium and the strip at the same time and start over with a new look and a new home next season.
But, like I said, that's just me.
The Rebels v Stormers was just the sort of game no rugby fan wants to see - BORING.
When the members are reading the newspaper and cracking jokes about the feasibility of sailing to New Zealand for the World Cup, you know you've lost a key demographic.
Personally, I spent most of the game translating the Afrikaans banners brought along by the many Stormers fans in attendance. I don't think they all made the trip especially for the occasion. Previously, I had supposed that the Rebels fan-base was rooted across the Tasman, now I'm not so sure. Over 15,000 in attendance and I think a significant number of those were from much further afield (originally).
The Reds v Brumbies was an interesting proposition, playing for the wonkiest trophy I've even laid eyes on. I guess most of the blame for that should go to the Brumbies since they've held it most of the time.
The Brumbies were hungry, and it showed. They shut down the Reds, who didn't seem to be able to adapt and come up with anything new in response.
The Queenslanders frustration was obvious, they were losing the game and started to lose it with each other as well. Anthony Fa'inga threw his twin brother the mother of evil looks, and a bit of strong verbal when he put down a pass from the Hooker that could have been a real try scoring opportunity.
There were some nasty injuries: Digby Ioane unwittingly contributing to the planking craze sweeping the nation when he was knocked out cold, Ben Lucas taking a trip to la-la land (although he returned to the field and played on), and Mark Chisholm hobbling off with a bung knee.
All in all the Brumbies were the better side on the day and 13 knocked off the top dog. They played well, but as the commentary team pointed out, "They should have a few (good games) stored up, they've been rubbish all season!"
Touché.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Game of the season?
Billed as the match of the season the final game of the round had much to recommend itself, but I guess its official, although the Highlanders are rumoured to be changing their strip - lime green anyone? It's the Crusaders who appear to have gone and done it by stealth. They are no longer the red and blacks ... Those bloody grey jerseys seem to have been out more often than the real ones
The game was played at a frenetic pace, and end to end action wasn't uncommon - although only one of these relay exchanges resulted in a try, to the Reds.
The battle of the number 10s, was a preview of what could be on show in the Tri Nations, and hey, I'll take Carter's boot, and defence any day. Cooper missed a couple of sitters but Dan the man seemed to have the ball on a string (when it didn't come off the side of his boot).
Although first blood went to the Crusaders, the first try was awarded to the Reds, despite an obvious, no, I'm not being one eyed, the commentators saw it too - FORWARD pass!!!
The Crusaders first try went to, who'd have thunk it ... Brett Ward, who added to his points tally in Super Rugby, an account long thought closed, dotting down off the back of a great run by Robbie Fruean and taking on Digby Iaone in a footrace.
Zac Guilford had another great game. Just overrunning the bounce after some great work getting to the try line and dealing with a bit of interference from Samo.
The Crusaders set piece worked really well, nicking three line outs against the throw and putting loads of pressure on the Reds scrum, but penalties were a problem (would have been a much bigger one if Cooper could land 'em).
Both sides played their best rugby from broken play, and Canterbury did pull off a few more turn overs, but were pinged a couple of times for slowing the ball down. However, I couldn't agree with the commentators: "Richie McCaw still winging ...."
Well if Stu Dickinson won't blow it right, forward passes, knock ons and only one side getting done for holding on or coming in from the side, I'd be "winging" too!!
With a bye this round, the Rebels at least gained some points. Their first since .... their last bye .....
If the Crusaders were hard done by re:'the gate', their southern brothers dispensed with it entirely. Neither the Highlanders nor the Lions came from behind last feet at the majority of the rucks that went down in Dunedin.
Two players can probably expect a call from the citing commissioner after a nasty round the neck clear out right on the try line resulted in a couple of punches, which lead to an all in flare up in the corner.
Sharks flanker, Desyl, replicated the manoeuvre on Tom Carter ... but he coped a yellow card for his trouble.
In other news from Durban, I was so excited ... the hairy caterpillar that had taken up what appeared to be permanent residence on Kurtley Beale's upper lip has GONE!!! Oh happy day.
The Tahs were possibly a little over confident coming into the encounter - apparently the Sharks had only won one of the last 10 matches between the two sides. But the Sharks prevailed and dispatched the Sydneysiders 26:21.
The game was played at a frenetic pace, and end to end action wasn't uncommon - although only one of these relay exchanges resulted in a try, to the Reds.
The battle of the number 10s, was a preview of what could be on show in the Tri Nations, and hey, I'll take Carter's boot, and defence any day. Cooper missed a couple of sitters but Dan the man seemed to have the ball on a string (when it didn't come off the side of his boot).
Although first blood went to the Crusaders, the first try was awarded to the Reds, despite an obvious, no, I'm not being one eyed, the commentators saw it too - FORWARD pass!!!
The Crusaders first try went to, who'd have thunk it ... Brett Ward, who added to his points tally in Super Rugby, an account long thought closed, dotting down off the back of a great run by Robbie Fruean and taking on Digby Iaone in a footrace.
Zac Guilford had another great game. Just overrunning the bounce after some great work getting to the try line and dealing with a bit of interference from Samo.
The Crusaders set piece worked really well, nicking three line outs against the throw and putting loads of pressure on the Reds scrum, but penalties were a problem (would have been a much bigger one if Cooper could land 'em).
Both sides played their best rugby from broken play, and Canterbury did pull off a few more turn overs, but were pinged a couple of times for slowing the ball down. However, I couldn't agree with the commentators: "Richie McCaw still winging ...."
Well if Stu Dickinson won't blow it right, forward passes, knock ons and only one side getting done for holding on or coming in from the side, I'd be "winging" too!!
With a bye this round, the Rebels at least gained some points. Their first since .... their last bye .....
If the Crusaders were hard done by re:'the gate', their southern brothers dispensed with it entirely. Neither the Highlanders nor the Lions came from behind last feet at the majority of the rucks that went down in Dunedin.
Two players can probably expect a call from the citing commissioner after a nasty round the neck clear out right on the try line resulted in a couple of punches, which lead to an all in flare up in the corner.
Sharks flanker, Desyl, replicated the manoeuvre on Tom Carter ... but he coped a yellow card for his trouble.
In other news from Durban, I was so excited ... the hairy caterpillar that had taken up what appeared to be permanent residence on Kurtley Beale's upper lip has GONE!!! Oh happy day.
The Tahs were possibly a little over confident coming into the encounter - apparently the Sharks had only won one of the last 10 matches between the two sides. But the Sharks prevailed and dispatched the Sydneysiders 26:21.
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