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With the 2015 Rugby World Cup just around the corner, the Super Rugby finals were set up perfectly with the Brumbies meeting the Hurricanes in Wellington and the Waratahs hosting the Highlanders in Sydney. This is what we learnt.
The year of the Hurricane
With the Hurricane’s dominant performance over the Brumbies, they will start hot favourites when they line-up against the Highlanders in next Saturday’s Super Rugby final.
The question is, can the Highlanders snatch a maiden title from their grasp or will they simply be blown away?
I have never seen a Super Rugby team with the attacking flair that the Hurricanes of 2015 possess. Ardie Savea has taken his game to another level this year and was at his dangerous best against the Brumbies. Many in New Zealand were surprised about his All Black omission and he definitely came out with a point to prove.
Julian ‘The Bus’ Savea doesn’t stop for no one and had Brumbies halfback Nic White doing his best Mike Catt impersonation. The Hurricanes brand of rugby is great to watch and hard to defend. It is the Hurricane’s title to lose.
The puppet master
The Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph and his coaching staff delivered a tactical masterclass against the Waratahs.
The Highlanders dominated territory in both halves through Aaron Smith’s perfect kicking game. Their lineout was far superior, winning four against the throw, and Bernard Foley’s kicking game could not get the Waratahs out of trouble.
The Highlanders don’t have the same attacking flair as the Hurricances, however they do know how to grind out a win. Waisake Naholo showed his lightning speed and skills once again for his 13th try of the season and Smith is on his way to becoming the All Black’s greatest ever halfback.
Take a bow Highlanders, you stuck to your game plan and it worked.
No one wants to be a referee
You don’t stay the world’s best rugby referee for very long. Craig Joubert went from hero to zero in the space of 60 minutes during the Waratahs versus Highlanders game. Joubert went from being named the world’s best referre by former Wallaby Rod Kafer to being slammed by Phil Kearns for having a shocker while ANZ stadium chanted “you are a waiter” or something similar.
Although I did not agree with the yellow card given to Jacques Potgieter, the way Phil Kearns carried on in the commentary box was embarrassing. It’s time to go Phil. Does that make Glen Jackson the world’s best ref, Kafe?
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.