After an intense weekend of rugby, including upsets, close calls and blow outs, here’s what I have for you in my global rugby weekend review.
Super Rugby: Chiefs 36 versus Stormers 20
A match where the Stormers inadequate rugby has truly raised it’s ugly head.
Allister Coetzee is no longer a viable coach or deserved of his position.
There is brilliant talent in his squad but he has stunted their attacking ability and the once unbreakable defensive line is now like a sieve.
Let’s hope that they survive being demolished too much. With that said, the Chiefs showed why they are defending two-time champs. Great rugby and exploiting every opportunity to score points.
Crusaders 25 versus Rebels 19
The seven-time champs are shadows of their former selves. Not to take anything away from the Rebels, who have come out to play this year, but it took 55 minutes for the Canterbury men to score a try, which is a long time to cross the chalk, regardless of opposition.
Even if Dan Carter or Richie McCaw took to the field, the coach hasn’t instilled the belief that they once had of being an almost unbeatable team. Rebels kicked too much ball away allowing the Crusaders to control the game.
Hurricanes 60 versus Cheetahs 27
What happened to the boys from Bloemfontein?
This time last year, they were the talk of the town with a very successful Australasian tour, but they have lost something in the space of a year.
I can’t put my finger on it, but they are lacking the brutality that they had last year and are leaving too many gaps for the opposition to glide through, as did the Hurricanes. The ‘Canes completely dominated the second half, putting the Cheetahs to the sword and not letting up.
Force 31 versus Highlanders 29
I never watched the game, just followed it via mobile media and match report, but it looks like the Force had something more to offer than just making up numbers this weekend.
They played brilliant rugby last week and continued from where they left off.
The Highlanders finished fast in the second half but the damage done in the first by the Force was enough to see them through – just.
Brumbies 28 versus Waratahs 23
By now, everyone has heard that Cheika slammed the coaches’ box door when leaving after the final whistle and broke the glass.
He will be sent the repair bill within the week, but he blames the frustrations on the referee and the scrums.
I expected the Waratahs to win this one, but the Brumbies inflicted enough damage in the first half to secure a win, regardless of how strong the Tahs finished.
Two tries against in 20 minutes is difficult to combat, especially when scrumming is difficult and any attacking option is smothered.
Lions 39 versus Blues 36
This one was a surprise for many reasons. One being that not a single point was scored in 30 minutes of rugby. At least a penalty or drop goal is recorded but in this game – nothing – then the flood gates opened.
75 points scored in 50 minutes of rugby with the Lions grabbing the majority of them.
This is the first time that the Lions have won against former champs (remember the Blues have won the title before). The Lions have been consistent and I still think that some teams take them for pussycats at their own peril.
Sharks 35 versus Reds 20
I still have to watch this game, but again through mobile media and match reports, I can say that the Sharks are have the title in their crosshairs. The Reds threw everything at them, but with Lambie’s radar switched on and Steyn kicking like an angry mule, their was a double threat with penalties and it cost the Reds.
Each team scoring two tries but seven penalties converted from the Durban Boys (I still remember The Banana Boys days), the Reds were kicked out of the game.
Six Nations: England 52 versus Italy 11
England had all to play for and had a huge points difference to make up to even think about challenging Ireland and had to hope for France to win in Paris.
England did all that they could and absolutely trashed Italy, with Italy’s only try coming from an intercept late into the game.
Mike Brown was a problem for the Italians and they couldn’t handle him or the centre pairing. Italy had ascendency in the scrums but nothing else.
Too many missed tackles and missed attacking opportunities gave England a whiff of Six Nations glory.
Wales 51 versus Scotland 3
When will Scotland learn to play smarter, better rugby? Scotland went down a man early through a red card.
After that Wales had their way with the Scots. The outcome of the match would have no effect on the Six Nations, except pride. The Scottish fly half, Duncan Weir, was reckless with his boot and gave Wales easy possession.
A boring match after 20 minutes as Wales had their way and absolutely embarrassed Scotland.
Ireland 22 versus France 20
The big one – the match that would decide who would take the 2014 title.
If France won, England would be awarded the title, if Ireland won, they would take it.
Ireland controlled their own destiny and took it. Brian O’Driscoll would play in the emerald green for the last time and his team wanted to send him on his way with a medal and they did.
He was also awarded man of the match, but I think that Rob Kearney was the better player on the day.
It was an intense match for the last ten minutes.
France was in striking distance of destroying Irish dreams but just couldn’t get it done. They were denied a try in the 77th minute because of the last pass going forward.
TV replays would confirm this and Ireland dodged a bullet. France piled on the pressure but couldn’t break the Irish line and the men in green rose victorious.
Final words
Thank you Brian O’Driscoll – the last 15 years have been a pleasure to watch.
The Sharks have the talent to make a run for the title.
There is a coaching crisis in South Africa.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
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