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We’ll have a massive try-fest this afternoon as the first-placed Chiefs take on the fourth-placed Reds at Waikato Stadium. Join us for live scores and commentary from 2.35pm AEDT.
We’ll start with the Chiefs. In attack they’ve been passing around the ball like cigars at a wedding.
The joviality doesn’t end with the party between the trylines; they seal the deal and have scored more tries than anyone else this year, a skill many other attacking teams haven’t been able to replicate – aka the Highlanders and Waratahs.
They’ve also managed four yellow cards, second behind only the homicidal Rebels who can’t seem to control their synaptic spasms on or off the field.
In terms of offloads and ruck repossessions, Chiefs coach Wayne Smith has them top of the log.
In pretty much every other attacking stat, however, they’re in the shadow of a certain trail-blazer.
Yes, we’re talking about the Waratahs, who are top of the log in terms of clean breaks, defenders beaten and metres gained.
This is where Cheika bows. The Waratahs are on track to a title in the next year or two.
Back to the Chiefs, who provide their opponents with a single technical weakness; their lineout. With an 81 percent completion rate, it’s average. Fourth worst in the comp, in fact.
Their general form about the park, however, ensures this is only a minor technical shortcoming.
It’s curious to consider how different coaches get different results from the same players.
Wayne Smith has taken on Gareth Anscombe, a man who last year was dwelling in career purgatory in an Auckland Blues outfit which was more of a sinkhole than an All Blacks breeding ground.
Hell, fire, brimstone all about him.
Fast forward half a season and how short our memories are.
At the Chiefs he’s been shifted to fullback, given Aaron Cruden’s kicking duties, a bouquet of killer runners about him and a smattering of good atmosphere.
The young man is now absolutely nailing the challenge put in front of him, and sits at top point-scorer in the competition.
And while Sonny Bill Williams dominates every player he comes across in the opposing code, the hole left by his absence is lessening week by week.
Mainly due to the reintroduction of the world’s best midfielder; Richard Kahui.
Now on to the Reds, who haven’t really hit their straps yet this year but have managed a very solid five wins from seven games; albeit from less fancied opponents.
Coach Ewen McKenzie’s team is still a Ferrari running on ethanol.
With Horwill, Genia, Cooper and Gill together again this team has the ability to win the comp.
To do this they’ll need to improve their attacking stats, which started well in 2013 and have dropped away in the last few weeks.
They’re third last in terms of tries for 2013, in front of only the Stormers and the Bulls in last position.
There is some good news, with Quade Cooper having twice the number of offloads of anyone in the comp. Perhaps it’s agent Khoder Nasser’s influence.
Backrower Ed Quirk’s defence is also a highpoint with 87 tackles for the season, just behind Michael Hooper.
Last year the Chiefs took the title from the Reds. If the Reds want it back, they are going to have to show they can win in Waikato, because the final is shaping up to be played here.
No better time than now.
Join us at 2.35pm AEST this afternoon on The Roar, the place to be for live scores and where you can have your say on the go.
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.