Chiefs destroy Sharks to be crowned Super Rugby champions
By Daniel Gilhooly, 4 Aug 2012 Daniel Gilhooly is a Roar Guru
- Tagged:
- Chiefs, Rugby Union, Super Rugby
152 Have your say
The Sharks couldn't contain the Chiefs in the Super Rugby final (AAP/NZN Image/SNPA, Ross Setford)
Related coverage
New Zealand’s Chiefs claimed their maiden Super Rugby title on Saturday with a 37-6 win over South Africa’s Sharks in a lopsided final at Hamilton.
In damp conditions at Waikato Stadium the hosts produced another brutal display to become the sixth team – and third from New Zealand – to taste final success in the competition’s 17-year history.
Victory comes in the wake of the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic’s maiden trans-Tasman netball triumph and the golden week for New Zealand’s Olympic rowers – all of whom live and train in the region.
Four unanswered tries were built on the back of accuracy and aggression from the hosts’ pack and clever tactics as showers sprinkled the match.
Rather than employ their usual ball-in-hand methods, the Chiefs used a variety of short kicks which the visitors struggled to handle.
Play opened up over the closing stages but the early pragmatic approach made for a torrid final that was far from visually spectacular.
However, it was too much for an error-prone Sharks outfit clearly battling the effects of a draining travel schedule that involved wins over Queensland in Brisbane and the Stormers in Cape Town in the playoffs.
Sharks five-eighth Frederic Michalak kicked a penalty in each half while Chiefs opposite Aaron Cruden landed three, along with conversions of tries to winger Tim Nanai-Williams, No.8 Kane Thompson, reserve winger Lelia Masaga and centre Sonny Bill Williams.
The hosts trailed 3-0 at the 20-minute mark but Nanai-Williams’ try, set up by some neat interplay between Cruden and Williams, seemed to knock the stuffing out of their opponents.
A 13-3 halftime lead was extended by seven when Thompson barrelled over for a simple score off the back of a scrum.
Masaga pounced on a dropped ball and flashed 45m to seal the match 20 minutes from time.
The final word went to Williams, playing his last game for the Chiefs, who jumped into the arms of jubilant supporters after crossing for the final try.
The Chiefs were in the final for the second time in 17 years.
In 2009 they were beaten 61-17 by the Bulls for the heaviest finals defeat in Super rugby history.
The previous Super championship winners were the Crusaders (seven titles), Northern Bulls (three), Auckland Blues (three), ACT Brumbies (two), and Queensland Reds (one).
© AAP 2013
Have you seen the new Wallabies jersey? Want one of your own? We're giving away a brand new 2013 Wallabies jersey to one lucky Roarer, click here to go in the running to win.
- Explore:
- Chiefs, Rugby Union, Super Rugby
August 4th 2012 @ 8:27pm
Johnno said | August 4th 2012 @ 8:27pm | Report comment
I think this current chiefs squad could beat the wallabies team , even if Richard Kahui is playing or not.
What a team a lot of talent and play with as much pride and spirit as I have seen in any other team. Great team spirit and chemistry. And there front row would destroy the wallabies front row, men like ben robinson could not handle big ben. A few samoans in there kane thompson and Mo swhalger who were part of the Samoan team that beat the aussies at stadium Australia in sydney last year before the world cup.
August 4th 2012 @ 8:59pm
Bono said | August 4th 2012 @ 8:59pm | Report comment
I think most teams, including the AB’s will find it hard to beat the Chiefs in Hamilton. The wallabies would beat them pretty easily I would imagine if the game was being played in Australia.
August 4th 2012 @ 10:53pm
Sprigs said | August 4th 2012 @ 10:53pm | Report comment
The Reds beat them.
August 5th 2012 @ 6:24am
Jerry said | August 5th 2012 @ 6:24am | Report comment
Not in Hamilton.
August 5th 2012 @ 7:05am
Wallaby Fan said | August 5th 2012 @ 7:05am | Report comment
Jerry,
Reds would have beaten them in Hamilton with a display like that….plus you’re talking as if they were unbeaten in Hamilton this year…
August 5th 2012 @ 7:21am
Jerry said | August 5th 2012 @ 7:21am | Report comment
The Reds wouldn’t have played anything like that if it were in Hamilton – they didn’t replicate that sort of form on the road at any point in the season.
August 5th 2012 @ 7:07am
Wallaby Fan said | August 5th 2012 @ 7:07am | Report comment
Cheifs will not qualify for th playoffs next year with Taumalolo and sonny bill leaving and then this year’s victory will be regarded as a fluke…
August 5th 2012 @ 7:52am
Riccardo said | August 5th 2012 @ 7:52am | Report comment
A fluke?
What a thoughtful and mature insight.
I reckon Kahui is more than able to cover SBW’s departure.
Toby Smith may not be able to produce Taumololo’s current form but given exposure as 1st choice loosehead he may develop into that role, surely.
I’m prepared to bet right now the Chiefs will be there or thereabouts come finals time. They have a pretty exciting roster IMO and fully deserve all plaudits
The Reds finished 6th & managed to host a preliminary final. Now that was a fluke.
August 5th 2012 @ 1:40pm
Spencer said | August 5th 2012 @ 1:40pm | Report comment
Riccardo – I think you may have missed the tongue firmly in side of check from Wallaby Fan. I.e. reaction of some people to Reds 2011 title.
August 5th 2012 @ 7:34am
biltongbek said | August 5th 2012 @ 7:34am | Report comment
Well done boys real mature debate here. The Chiefs won the tournament, anything else is subjective opinion.
August 5th 2012 @ 9:02am
gekko said | August 5th 2012 @ 9:02am | Report comment
Voice of reason. Well said.
August 5th 2012 @ 3:28pm
Winston said | August 5th 2012 @ 3:28pm | Report comment
Sharks beat reds
August 6th 2012 @ 3:00pm
Ryan said | August 6th 2012 @ 3:00pm | Report comment
Hurricanes beat the Reds in 2011 what’s your point?
August 5th 2012 @ 6:31am
Wallaby Fan said | August 5th 2012 @ 6:31am | Report comment
Reds 42 – Chiefs 27….
August 5th 2012 @ 8:38am
AWCMONREF said | August 5th 2012 @ 8:38am | Report comment
@biltongbek absolutely agree, Jerry cut it out and Wallaby Fan if the Reds were better then either of these teams they would have been on the field LMAO anyway well done to the Sharkies great tournament guys, you absolutely deserved to play in the final but I hoped for a much tighter game, Chiefs fantastic season. brilliant team to watch all year, BIG BIG CONGRATULATIONS on your win and awesome Haka, Captains of both teams WELL SAID!
August 4th 2012 @ 8:48pm
katzilla said | August 4th 2012 @ 8:48pm | Report comment
Well done Chiefs, those set pieces held up really well when the crunch came on. And that rolling maul in the first half was excellent.
It was always going to be a bridge too far for the Sharks but they have been awesome to make it this far. The result would have been opposite had the chiefs travelled and ended in Durban, so good on them.
They can probably be a bit peeved by a few no calls, but it wouldn’t have even made it close with those calls.
SBWs shoulder was harmless and rightly only penalised. Tameifuna probably could have been yellowed for his shocker, Kanko showed how tough he was getting straight up.
I didn’t see as much of the ruck holding as last week, the early penalty may have stopped that.
Also Masaga’s try came from a knock on, though small and probably unrecognisable by the naked eye. When the Shark player passed it, it came off Horrells arm and back forward into the Sharks player, then to Masaga.
Regardless wouldn’t have changed the result.
Dave Rennie is well on his way to the top job, although I’d like to see him run the franchise without Smith. It’s hard to distinguish what’s him and what’s Smith. We all know Smith is a big defensive coordinator, and that’s been the big Improvement this year. Still I’m sure Rennie is up to it.
August 4th 2012 @ 8:58pm
AndyS said | August 4th 2012 @ 8:58pm | Report comment
That was one of my first thoughts too. Rennie leaves the U20s and they lose for the first time, while the team he goes to wins the SR final. Big one to back up next year, but he’d have to be big on the radar at the moment.
August 5th 2012 @ 4:29am
Kuruki said | August 5th 2012 @ 4:29am | Report comment
A Dave Rennie + Jamie Joseph All Black coaching combination would be brilliant.
August 5th 2012 @ 8:32am
nickoldschool said | August 5th 2012 @ 8:32am | Report comment
agree with your analysis katzilla. I dunno how the sideline ref missed Tameifuna’s high tackle on Kankowski! Should have a been a yellow card. Guess kanko should have stayed on the ground. what a shame he is heading to japan at 26yo!
Also think the kiwis spent some time off side and weren’t penalised for it. But overall the Chiefs deserve the win, no question. Masaga, Elliot, Afeaki, Leonard: what a bench!
August 6th 2012 @ 5:38am
mania said | August 6th 2012 @ 5:38am | Report comment
nos – kankowski is going to japan?! what a waste. he’s earmarked for the boks based on his performance for the last few weeks. oh well they still have vermuelen
August 4th 2012 @ 9:20pm
biltongbek said | August 4th 2012 @ 9:20pm | Report comment
some credit to Steve Walsh as well, he allowed the game to flow and considering the conditions he did really well.
Looks like this week at least there will be no complaining about the referee.
August 5th 2012 @ 1:26am
Wal The Hooker said | August 5th 2012 @ 1:26am | Report comment
Touche BB! Thought Walsh apart from a couple of misses was generally very good. Credit to Sharks for their fantastic spirit to get this far, a really gutsy effort. They’ll be a force in the next couple years, but last night the fantastic Chiefs just played like they have been all season, aggressive, tough and skillful positive rugby.
The Waikato Draught will be flowing for days Go the Chiefs
August 5th 2012 @ 12:35pm
Shungmao said | August 5th 2012 @ 12:35pm | Report comment
Biltongbek, I thought Walshe was terrific, his man management of the players was excellent, great to see the assistant refs not wanting thier 10 seconds of glory . I must say some of the tackles would of resulted in yellow cards and one in particular a yellow with white to boot, the open hand hit on swalgers face from Janie would of been a chance red in any other fixture, and SBW’s shoulder charge a yellow for sure in any other game. Tameifuna has been sited but was lucky not to be on the sideline , you compare his contact to that of coopers on Barnes and the only difference is Barnes didn’t get up hence what transpired to Cooper. ( that shouldn’t be the interpretation of the rule, just because Barnes is soft and kankowski isn’t ). But my main point is these infringements while obvious were let go by the officials and guess what the sky didn’t crash on our heads, people didn’t end up in hospital, Janie’s open hand slap didn’t cause 47 twelve years olds to street fight. For me this is exactly how the games should be ref’ed, like a contact sport. Sure for stiff arm, spear tackle, biting, ball grabbing, gouging go to the pocket, but for all the other stuff a waring on the run or a full arm definitely surfices. I’m sure that di&k Lyndon Bray will give the officials a spray for some of the above stuff but seriously he needs a uppercut before breakfast everyday. Well done Chiefs and great effort Sharkies you did the comp proud!
August 5th 2012 @ 4:00pm
biltongbek said | August 5th 2012 @ 4:00pm | Report comment
Shungmao, I am in agreement with you regarding yellows and reds, shoulder charges etc is really only part of a physical contact sport, there is much to be said for the contact of a shoulder charge and the intent with which it is made.
Like PD.v said , this isn’t ballet, if a tackler decides to go over the top he risks injuring a player and must take the consequences if he goes to far, be very harsh on that, in fact if a player deliberately injures a player ban him for a year, but if nothing comes from it let play continue and don’t affect the flow of the game.
In my view is if a player gets injured during foul play, illegal tackles, shoulder charges etc. issue a white card.
If the resulting charge causes injury then ban the bugger for a year, otherwise let it go. I have seen enough yellow cards and red cards issued unfairly and it spoils the game. Look at Warburton last year in the semi final, yes he dumped the player. But sure as anything he didn’t mean to do it, it was a spur of the moment situation.
Etc.
August 6th 2012 @ 5:40am
mania said | August 6th 2012 @ 5:40am | Report comment
thought walswh reacted very positively to the holding. instead of pinging the sharks for what looked like retaliation he warned the chiefs to stop holding players around the rucks. get sick of this happening and glad walsh nipped it in the bud.
August 6th 2012 @ 6:16am
biltongbek said | August 6th 2012 @ 6:16am | Report comment
Problem is Mania it didn’t stop. The Chiefs conitinued doing it, at one of their attacking scrums the flanker and eightman broke away from the scrum in front of Kerr Barlow and ran solid interference as obstruction.
I am not saying Walsh would see everything, but post match analysis should bring these things up.
I have been of firm belief that South African players when faced with a team doing this should go hell for leather and tackle the toffee out of these obstructive runners, it isn’t blown if there is no contact, so the only way you are going to make the referee focus on it is to take them out hard.
August 6th 2012 @ 6:21am
mania said | August 6th 2012 @ 6:21am | Report comment
its funny u should say that biltongbek – imo SA teams are the worst at this. NZ teams are reacting to SA and aus also getting away with it. if everyone is doing it then your at a disadvantage when you dont.
i still think it should be stamped out tho and if NZ team is made an example of then all good provided all other teams get stomped on as well.
August 6th 2012 @ 6:30am
biltongbek said | August 6th 2012 @ 6:30am | Report comment
Mania, I am pretty sure we won’t agree on this, but the Franks brohters have been doing thecA pillar blocking and holding for some time now.
i remember doing an article in 2010 for another websit where I looked at “how to negate All Black momentum” and even then the All Blacks were doing it.
But as I say, we’ll have to agree to disagree.
August 6th 2012 @ 6:33am
mania said | August 6th 2012 @ 6:33am | Report comment
biltongbek – agree that we’ll have to agree to disagree
i remember a few years back watching matfield and bakkies do this a lot in the line outs. its not new. aus arent angels either
August 4th 2012 @ 9:53pm
Ash said | August 4th 2012 @ 9:53pm | Report comment
That was quite possibly the biggest anti-climax ever. The game was perhaps wrecked by the weather and the Sharks travel schedule.
I was expecting an exciting game. It was a borefest.
–
Comment left via The Roar’s iPhone app. Download The Roar’s iPhone App in the App Store here.
August 5th 2012 @ 10:18am
JC said | August 5th 2012 @ 10:18am | Report comment
Came here to say this too Ash – what an anti-climax of a game. Felt more like a boring beginning of the season game where both teams are a week or two away from finding their rhythm rather than best-of-the-best grand final.
Kinda feel like we would have seen a better game if it were the force vs the rebels.
August 5th 2012 @ 7:39pm
DC of nz said | August 5th 2012 @ 7:39pm | Report comment
Ok it wasn’t a tense thriller so it was a bit of an anti climax …
Could have been worse though – if it was an Aussie conference derby !
August 6th 2012 @ 5:43am
mania said | August 6th 2012 @ 5:43am | Report comment
JC – u so gotta be kidding bout force vs rebels. now that woulda been a snore fest
August 6th 2012 @ 9:18am
Justin2 said | August 6th 2012 @ 9:18am | Report comment
The first half of their Perth match was a belter actually. Reds v Brumbies was ordinary.
August 4th 2012 @ 10:05pm
Johnno said | August 4th 2012 @ 10:05pm | Report comment
-SANZAR have to look at changing the schedule next year , maybe have a 2 week gap between final and grand final. So teams can stay fresh eg the sharks. Maybe have 1 less by, or play super rugby in 1st weekend of June test window. But something has ot be done but like home grand finals not neutral place as it rewards regular season form.
August 4th 2012 @ 10:32pm
atlas said | August 4th 2012 @ 10:32pm | Report comment
nothing will change for 2013, with the season already under so much pressure form the B & I Lions v Wallabies commitments – early start and a proposed 5 week break? no chance of ‘finding’ another free week.
August 4th 2012 @ 10:42pm
Johnno said | August 4th 2012 @ 10:42pm | Report comment
well maybe extend the season by 1 week, and play 1 less euro warm up game or finish season 1st week of december it can be done surely, the showpiece grand final super rugby has to be no 1 it is important,
August 5th 2012 @ 4:04pm
biltongbek said | August 5th 2012 @ 4:04pm | Report comment
There is a simple solution for this, if a travelling team beats a higher ranked team then give them the home advantage of the vanquished team. They in my opinion earns the right of a home final if they beat the highest ranked team.
If it was the case this year, the Sharks could have had a home final, saved on trip and the match would have been more of a contest.
August 6th 2012 @ 5:45am
mania said | August 6th 2012 @ 5:45am | Report comment
biltongbek – but then the chiefs would’ve been punished for not having played the stormers. chiefs finished higher on the table and have been more consistent. the sharks only just scraped thru.
August 6th 2012 @ 6:19am
biltongbek said | August 6th 2012 @ 6:19am | Report comment
Yes that is true, my suggestion is when does a team that has beaten number 3 and 1 on the log gain any benefit?
The reality is to win a final away is nigh on impossible, it would probably have been a better chance for the Stormers to win if the Chiefs had to travel.
The point is they beat number 1 and 3, and recieved no benefit whatsoever.
Just think about it.
If there is no credit or benefit for a team coming 5th or 6th by qualifying for the final, then there may as well not be play offs.
Cancel conferences, let everyone play everyone else and just have semi finals.
August 6th 2012 @ 6:27am
mania said | August 6th 2012 @ 6:27am | Report comment
biltongbek – basically comes down to sharks not doing better in the round robins. yes sharks had a massive travel schedule and it was a hard ask. but cant see why sharks should be rewarded for pulling finger in the last couple weeks when chiefs have been consistent thru the whole season.
its is unfair on the sharks but it would be a bigger travesty to punish the chiefs because sharks show form late in the season
August 6th 2012 @ 6:32am
biltongbek said | August 6th 2012 @ 6:32am | Report comment
Then I repeat what I said when I wrote my first article when I joined.
super XV lacks credibility.
Cancel the format in 2016 and come up with another one.
In the meantime cancel play offs and guarantee semi, and let the best four teams play the semi’s
August 6th 2012 @ 6:35am
mania said | August 6th 2012 @ 6:35am | Report comment
biltongbek – your singing my song. this all comes down to our on going saga of whats wrong with the conf system.
August 6th 2012 @ 6:42am
biltongbek said | August 6th 2012 @ 6:42am | Report comment
Yep, boils down to this commercially driven flawed system.
Surely the bean counters can find a format that keeps their calculators busy and the comp logical and fair for all.
By the way, I really enjoy having these mature and well thought out debates with you.
Wouldn’t mind talking rugby over a few beers one day.
Cheers mate.
August 6th 2012 @ 6:55am
mania said | August 6th 2012 @ 6:55am | Report comment
biltongbek – any time u in NZ, wellington i’d be happy to host you. a couple of beers while we sit around telling lies of how great we were is a common NZ past time.
i agree bout our debates. its nice to have a debate without all the name calling and it turning into a school yard fight.
i enjoy the fact that your a saffa and you give me awesome insights on the saffa psyche and game without all the BS and posturing. love the boks game and finally have someone who tells it like it is without all the angst. unlike Keo
August 6th 2012 @ 7:16am
biltongbek said | August 6th 2012 @ 7:16am | Report comment
Will let you know the day I plan to fly there, one thing I would like to do though is have a traditional Hangi?
I watched a program where a bunch of youngsters who were coached by Ian McDonald and Louis Koen went to NZ for a short tour and the boys had this meal that is cooked underground in a hole.
They loved it and said it tasted like home.
August 6th 2012 @ 7:24am
mania said | August 6th 2012 @ 7:24am | Report comment
biltongbek – hangi’s rock! thats easy to arrange. i absolutely love hangi’s and have a friend who puts one down every now and then.
August 4th 2012 @ 11:00pm
Bono said | August 4th 2012 @ 11:00pm | Report comment
Simple solution, get rid of either the Force or the Rebels, and go back to the old s14 format where every team played each other. Aiding Australia’s rugby development has really screwed up this comp imo. It’s way too long and incredibly unequal the way it stands atm.
August 4th 2012 @ 11:18pm
Short-Blind said | August 4th 2012 @ 11:18pm | Report comment
Myopic viewpoint bonehead – get past the aussi chip & you’ll feel better
August 5th 2012 @ 7:10am
Short-Blind said | August 5th 2012 @ 7:10am | Report comment
Apologies Bono – self uppercut for playing the man but I still disagree with your opinion. Not sure if Ur a kiwi but if you are, how do you think RL, netball and soccer might be going in NZ if OZ didn’t allow kiwi teams to compete in OZ competitions?
August 5th 2012 @ 7:30am
Jerry said | August 5th 2012 @ 7:30am | Report comment
NZ teams don’t compete in Aus Netball comps, it’s a trans Tasman competition. And I seem to remember the Silver Ferns winning a few World Championships and Commonwealth Golds before it’s existence, so you might wanna give yourself another uppercut for that one.
August 5th 2012 @ 5:38pm
Short-Blind said | August 5th 2012 @ 5:38pm | Report comment
So netball is a trans Tasman comp – just like like the trans tas/Indian S15 that bono is decrying OZ team participation in. No uppercut there Jerry. Why is it that NZers are so selfish about protecting the ITM cup for themselves and not letting a couple of OZ teams in so we can develop our second tier depth – what are you guys afraid of – maybe its losing your crutch ? The NRL & OZ soccer opened their domestic comps to aid expansion of the game in NZ, at the same time raising the standards of both (after some time). The NRL has a 100 odd year history but were happy to let in NZ for the good of the game – and international standards. I’ve seen no such altruism in NZ rugby – why is that Jerry and what does it tell you about NZ sport?
August 5th 2012 @ 5:49pm
Jerry said | August 5th 2012 @ 5:49pm | Report comment
Bono didn’t mention Netball, you did and you said it was an Aussie comp. How about you just admit you were wrong?
The NRL didn’t let in the Warriors for the good of the game, they did it cause it was increasing their market. There’s a crossover of interest, sure, but it’s hardly a wholly altruistic move.
More to the point, why would NZ rugby care about whether Football Australia is helping Football NZ or if the ARL is helping the NZRL? They’ve got their own issues to deal with.
August 5th 2012 @ 9:26pm
allblackfan said | August 5th 2012 @ 9:26pm | Report comment
SB, I think NZ rugby should allow Aussie teams in to help them but it has to be done carefully.
It’s easier for a larger country to open its domestic competitions to a smaller neighbour then the other way around. For example, Aust could probably easily field 3-4 competitive rep teams (Qld, NSW, ACT, Melb?) and almost as many development sides for the amateur Heartland competition (SA, NT, Vic). That could easily turn the ITM into a trans-tasman competition (which it is not!).
The major problem, as usual, is money.
Very, very few of the NZ unions could probably afford to play Aust teams in Oz (Auckland did in 2005 as a preseason and got a decent crowd). It all depends on how much TV money can be injected into it (something not likely to happen as long as Super rugby is hanging around).
Of course, the Ranfurly Shield would be off limits.
Perhaps, to gauge interest, Auckland or Waikato or even Christchurch should play a preseason game over here, say at one of the suburban or even regional grounds?!?
August 6th 2012 @ 6:03am
mania said | August 6th 2012 @ 6:03am | Report comment
shortblind – why does aus insist on being part of our domestic comp? the key word here being domestic. we’re afraid that oz will firstly dilute the quality of the ITM and then effectively kill it off. aus clubs/teams arent good enough to play ITM. letting an aus team into ITM would be the equivalent of letting in force, rebels and lions.
aus issues with player depth are solely to do with lack of domestic comp. sort that first and then you maybe allowed to play with the big boys.
itm cup is an NZ domestic comp. get that into your head. if aus were allowed in then we would have to create another domestic cup but with less money. dont screw up both countries just because your ARU is too lazy to do anything for grass roots rugby in your own country
August 6th 2012 @ 12:02pm
Short-Blind said | August 6th 2012 @ 12:02pm | Report comment
Thanks ABF for your balanced response….Jerry I’ve given up on as he is missing the bigger point. mania I don’t think anyone in OZ is ‘insisting’ on anything, I merely suggested that it might be a good idea for both OZ & NZ to let a few aussi teams I to the ITM cup – mutual benefits are possible if handled correctly as ABF points out. It’s been done before the other way with NRL – although I agree ABF point about it being easier to assimilate into a larger countries comp. The bottom line for NZ rugby to consider is their ITM cup lacks $ which could change with bigger exposure in the OZ market with a few OZ teams, also having the AB face a better Wallaby side (down track if their tier 2 is supported by NZ) is great for international rugby and the Bledisloe. Do you really think the kiwi RL team would be world champs without OZ allowing them to play in our domestic comp? It’s good for the game gents!
August 6th 2012 @ 1:13pm
Jerry said | August 6th 2012 @ 1:13pm | Report comment
I’m not missing the bigger picture, the bigger picture is the entire reason why it’s not gonna happen.
Firstly, Australian rugby is not really comparable to NZ football or basketball or even NZ League. No, the Kiwis probably wouldn’t be world champs without the Warriors, but in case you haven’t noticed Australian rugby isn’t exactly a minnow – the Wallabies are two time RWC winners and currently ranked 2nd in the world.
Secondly, while Bono’s point wasn’t well made, NZ is already sacrificing its domestic game in favour of Super Rugby to a large extent. So pardon me if the NZRU doesn’t want to further erode it’s tradition.
Thirdly, extra sides would increase the cost of the competition for every side. More travel, more games. With no guarantee that the increased revenue would offset this.
August 5th 2012 @ 9:05am
Harry said | August 5th 2012 @ 9:05am | Report comment
Bono this Australian rugby supporter agrees with you 100% about getting rid of either the Force or the Rebels. And the competition is now too long.
Good to see a traditional rugby union centre enjoy their moment of well deserved triumph. And well played Natal, last night a journey too far but they were very impressive.
August 5th 2012 @ 1:01pm
mervyn grimley said | August 5th 2012 @ 1:01pm | Report comment
This australian, melbourne living, rugby supporter disagrees 100%. We all have our own particular axes to grind and trying to strengthen our own case by weakening others does us no favours. The competition is what it is and we all should work with it.
Who’s to say the rebels or the force are not future champions, after all the cheifs waited 17 years and some aussies, kiwis and sth africans are still waiting.
Well done cheifs, a fully deserved victory.
August 5th 2012 @ 3:01pm
Harry said | August 5th 2012 @ 3:01pm | Report comment
Chiefs had made the final before and, more importantly have a proud history of rugby in their district.
Look I hope the Force and the Rebels do really well, like I do all Australian teams (even the Tahs, though they do provide equal pleasure in their failure) but however passionate the Rebs and Force supporter base, its numerically small and there is no great rugby infrastructure. I think its a disgrace the way the ARU have done so little to help Western Australian rugby grow.
As I’ve said, I’d like to see the Force and Rebels combine and share home matches in Melbourne and Perth.
And yes, well done the Chiefs, the best team in 2012, and congratulations to them and their supporters.
August 5th 2012 @ 11:21am
nik said | August 5th 2012 @ 11:21am | Report comment
Also, scheduling the final right in the middle of the Olympics? Took a lot of the focus away if you ask me. Should’ve only had a two week June break (if they had to have one at all).
Dumb, SANZAR but what else is new?
August 4th 2012 @ 11:08pm
Tui said | August 4th 2012 @ 11:08pm | Report comment
That’s chiefs team would SMASH the wallabies
–
Comment left via The Roar’s iPhone app. Download The Roar’s iPhone App in the App Store here.
August 4th 2012 @ 11:36pm
Patrick said | August 4th 2012 @ 11:36pm | Report comment
The Chiefs couldn’t smash the Reds. What makes you think they would smash the Wallabies?
August 5th 2012 @ 4:33am
Kuruki said | August 5th 2012 @ 4:33am | Report comment
Form.
August 5th 2012 @ 4:34am
Kuruki said | August 5th 2012 @ 4:34am | Report comment
They wouldn’t smash the Wallabies but if they played next week it would be a bloody good game.
August 5th 2012 @ 7:57am
Riccardo said | August 5th 2012 @ 7:57am | Report comment
It certainly would be a good game.
The Chiefs pack would decimate the current Wallabies pack.
August 5th 2012 @ 9:08am
Harry said | August 5th 2012 @ 9:08am | Report comment
That would be the same Chiefs pack that got owned at Suncorp by the Reds…
August 5th 2012 @ 10:05am
Kuruki said | August 5th 2012 @ 10:05am | Report comment
Why do you guys keep bringing up the Reds? is that the same reds that lost by 60 points to the Bulls??
August 5th 2012 @ 3:03pm
Harry said | August 5th 2012 @ 3:03pm | Report comment
Yep Kuruki, but you guys started it
August 5th 2012 @ 4:18pm
Harry said | August 5th 2012 @ 4:18pm | Report comment
To be specific, I can’t recall any Reds fans coming on here in 2011 and boasting about how the Reds would smash the NZ or SA forward packs.
August 7th 2012 @ 5:14pm
Riccardo said | August 7th 2012 @ 5:14pm | Report comment
Because Harry, that would be a dream.
The nightmare here is the fact that while the Chiefs have their learning experiences and the game you guys have alluded to is one (fair enough) I think there is a chance that the Chiefs pack would make life very difficult for the Wallaby pack at the moment. Where they got “owned” was the pick and go tactics they didn’t combat, particularly in the 2nd half of that Reds fixture, but they learned from that.
The front row has your measure, sorry. You are missing your Captain Horwill, vital in the 2nd row whereas Clarke/Retallick have been outstanding for the Chiefs, one a new All Black and the other beckoning. Their line out work has come along nicely too.
Perhaps the back row then? Wallabies have more of a case here but more parity IMO. Latimer/Messam/Kane and Cane are a match for most teams when their front five has some dominance.
August 5th 2012 @ 11:24am
Justin2 said | August 5th 2012 @ 11:24am | Report comment
Oh dear, please keep it sensible. The Sharks last night were like a 2nd 15 schoolboy team. They were woeful, absolutely awful. The Chiefs were very good but even at 50% they would have won yesterday…
August 5th 2012 @ 6:33pm
AWCMONREF said | August 5th 2012 @ 6:33pm | Report comment
@Harry because anyone suggesting the Reds pack of 2011 would smash a NZ or SA forward pack would have been laughed off the planet, I guess the Reds fans are so use to seeing the Australian forward packs pummeled by the Kiwis, South Africans, English, and whoever it didn’t register……..
August 4th 2012 @ 11:11pm
Tui said | August 4th 2012 @ 11:11pm | Report comment
HAha a borefest? Please. it was awesome
–
Comment left via The Roar’s iPhone app. Download The Roar’s iPhone App in the App Store here.
August 5th 2012 @ 4:34am
Kuruki said | August 5th 2012 @ 4:34am | Report comment
I don’t think it mattered to any Chiefs fan how the game went. It was exciting all the way for us.
August 5th 2012 @ 9:10am
Terry Tavita said | August 5th 2012 @ 9:10am | Report comment
a 60-year old tranny gets more penetration than the sharks last night..pathetic..
August 5th 2012 @ 10:08am
Kuruki said | August 5th 2012 @ 10:08am | Report comment
Let me guess they should have more Samoans in their team right? How did that work out for Auckland?
August 5th 2012 @ 6:25pm
AWCMONREF said | August 5th 2012 @ 6:25pm | Report comment
@Kuruki That’s a bit of a harsh comeback…….
August 6th 2012 @ 6:06am
mania said | August 6th 2012 @ 6:06am | Report comment
kuruki – works well for the AB’s. present and past.
August 6th 2012 @ 2:58pm
Kuruki said | August 6th 2012 @ 2:58pm | Report comment
You mean those Kiwis?. Tavita is talking about Samoans who live and play rugby in Samoa. Not New Zealanders with Samoan heritage who live and play rugby in New Zealand.
August 6th 2012 @ 3:12pm
Ryan said | August 6th 2012 @ 3:12pm | Report comment
Agree totally Kuruki, these players are Samoan by ethnicity not because they live in or were raised in Samoa. kane Thompson was raised in New Zealand and is half European as is Sonny Bill Williams or do we just ignore that side of their heritage?
August 5th 2012 @ 11:31am
Justin2 said | August 5th 2012 @ 11:31am | Report comment
Was not a good game for anyone but a Chiefs supporter.
August 6th 2012 @ 5:58pm
Ryan said | August 6th 2012 @ 5:58pm | Report comment
I thought it was a decent game and I’m not a Chiefs supporter.
August 4th 2012 @ 11:32pm
Jutsie said | August 4th 2012 @ 11:32pm | Report comment
Lambie had a shocker, when the game was in the balance midway through the first half he made two half-hearted attempts at catching the high-ball that swung all momentum to the chiefs. I would almost call him soft after those attempts.
August 5th 2012 @ 11:30am
Justin2 said | August 5th 2012 @ 11:30am | Report comment
He wasnt Robinson Crusoe ;ast night. The Sharks had a horro and never fired a shot in anger. Well deserved Chiefs victory, one of the best teams all year and did it when it counted in the finals.
August 5th 2012 @ 1:13am
murph73 said | August 5th 2012 @ 1:13am | Report comment
Given the trolling comments made about the Reds in the aftermath of their QF loss, can we assume that the Sharks didn’t deserve to be there?
August 5th 2012 @ 2:24am
biltongbek said | August 5th 2012 @ 2:24am | Report comment
I suppose nobody can stop you if you want to go that way.
August 5th 2012 @ 4:39am
Kuruki said | August 5th 2012 @ 4:39am | Report comment
There was no more deserving team then the Sharks. They beat the Reds on home soil and also the Stormers on home soil. The Sharks did not host a finals match unlike the Reds who were handed a brilliant opportunity due to the conference system and they choked at home.