Exclusive: Round six of the Super Rugby season has just passed, and what a good weekend it was for most of the Australian teams. There have been some great individual and great team performances throughout the past weekend’s matches.
Full credit and a big congratulations goes to the Crusaders and the Sharks for their displays of great Southern Hemisphere rugby — running rugby at it’s best.
With this style of play, I think the game will attract a huge number of supporters. And you may also see more European players heading to our shores in the not-to-distant future.
The Reds versus Cheetahs game was always going to be a tough match for the tourists, with thee Reds at their attacking best for most of the game.
It was a great game for Beau Robinson, in particular. He was everywhere, and the link between the forwards and backs over multiple phases was great to watch.
The Brumbies playing the Waratahs was another tough one to pick. Big Sitaleki scoring the winning try against his old side would have been sweet for the big man. But I really feel for the Brumbies. I think that they are so close but lack the spark they need at crucial times of the game.
Unfortunately for the Force, they weere up against one of the strongest, if not the strongest, defensive teams in the competition. And the scoreline of 50-10 does not reflect on how the team have been traveling through this competition.
I have to give a huge rap to my team, the Rebels, for their efforts to achieve a fantastic win over the Hurricanes. 17-0 down after 20 minutes, with many writing us off! To win the way they did was a great effort by the boys.
While I would’ve loved to have been out there, I’m slowly getting there with my shoulder injury. It’s progressing very well, so I’ve been back training with the boys this week.
The win over the Hurricanes now sets up a good clash for us this weekend against the Force in Perth.
The highly sought-after number 10 jersey at the national level is going to be a interesting contest for those who are after it. Names like Quade Cooper, Matt Giteau, Berrick Barnes, and James O’Connor all have their pros and cons.
To see this impressive battle makes me think we are in good hands for a number of years.
You look at a O’Connor and see his versitilality, as well as Giteau and Barnes. But remember who also put his hand up for the 10 jersey at Super level?
Kurtley Beale.
I feel he has come along in leaps and bounds this year.
ExpatTahSupporter
Guest
The staff at the Roar could have edited this one a bit better.It must actually suck to be you Paulyboy,Brumbies smoked again by the Tahs!Your shout for beers next time Im at the Goldy!
P.Tah
Guest
Glad you're back Mark, good luck on the weekend.
sixo_clock
Roar Guru
Well the Chiefs are struggling to find form this season so maybe not much of a test but they are Kiwis so there is always a good game lurking inside.
itsuckstobeyou
Roar Pro
Winner of the Rebels v Force encounter will be awarded the honour of being my second-favourite/soft-spot team... for this week anyway.
TembaVJ
Guest
Welcome back from injury! I am excited to see you and Kingi running things in the backs, I was hoping they pick him on wing after last weeks performance. He is an exciting player. Any reason why he has moved to 14 instead of a direct replacement for Vuna? The rebels have missed the calming effect you bring at 15. Good luck to you and the team for saterday! -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
soapit
Guest
nah, he runs across field too much to be as good in every other position than fullback (not so much of an issue at fullback). my theory is its left over from his school days where the overall standard was obviously lower and his pace got him around defenders every time. we'll see if hes still doing it these days on the weekend i spose.
thurl
Guest
Come Mark, two good wins to Aussie teams doesn't equal most. The Force got thumped and I don't think either the Worrytah's or the Bumblies would be happy with their games
kovana
Guest
Awesome win by the rebels! Game of the Round IMO. To be down 17 -nil... Then come back to win by that margin takes a lot of Character. Im hoping Vuna gets better too. Go rebels. Good luck against the Force. (However... Im picking the Force to win..)
sixo_clock
Roar Guru
Cheers Mark, Kurtley could own any number he wanted, he is a great athlete and competitor. He most likely wants to have the ball a bit more than he gets at fullback but he is at his best when he is free to insert himself into an attacking opportunity. A possible alternative is that he could share the 10 with JOC. Not merely offensive/defensive but for periods during games, provide a different headache for the opposition. They are both smart enough and skilled enough to make a go of it. Really looking forward to the Rebels v Force game. Both have something to prove.