So, Round 13 of Super Rugby kicks off at the Ecolight Stadium in Pukekohe tonight as the Chiefs host the Western Force. We’ll have live scores and a blog from 5.35pm AEST.
According to Wikipedia, Pukekohe is located in the Auckland region of New Zealand.
So quite what the Chiefs, who allegedly hail from the Waikato, are doing playing a home game here, I have no idea.
Perhaps one of our more knowledgeable brethren from across the ditch can enlighten me during the match – it would be much appreciated.
On with the rugby however!
There are only three rounds left until the June international window (four for the Australian teams), and the Chiefs will be very keen to cement their position atop the New Zealand conference before that enforced break.
As it sits now, they are only just ahead of the Blues, who have a game in hand.
Although they are still championship contenders, last season’s winners have never quite hit their stride this year. The Chiefs of this year are both less threatening and less disciplined.
They also have some injury concerns, with Richard Kahui in need of a seventh shoulder surgery and Ben Afeaki still out of action due to a high ankle sprain suffered at the end of March.
Adding even more to coach Dave Rennie’s worries is the fact that over the last few weeks the Chiefs’ defence has been oddly suspect.
The Reds ran in four tries, the Waratahs three tries, the Sharks four tries and the Rebels five tries. He will be looking for a much-improved defensive performance this week.
Thankfully, playing the Force is a different kettle of fish altogether, as describing their attack as anaemic is being generous.
Remember that they’ve just parted ways with their most potent attacking weapon in Alfie Mafi over disciplinary issues.
The Force rarely string together two good performances, and consistency has never been their strong point. They lost to the Rebels in Perth but beat the Crusaders a couple of weeks later.
They turned in a truly pathetic performance against the Brumbies, followed by a very spirited showing where they held the Reds to a draw. Therefore, they are due for a shocker this week.
As always, we will await the appearance of Rory Walton with barely concealed eagerness. However, even that monster won’t be able to stop the home side from claiming the points here.
Join us here from 5.35pm AEST for all the action.
allblackfan
Guest
atlas, do you live in auckland? Heck, do you even live in NZ?
James
Guest
Are you serious about league being more popular than rugby in Auckland? According to what statistics? I find that hard to believe
Kuruki
Roar Guru
Running from the Police is the number 1 sport in South Auckland.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
Crusaders lost to the Force and the Reds had a draw. When you consider how many changes the Chiefs have been making every week, they are doing very well to sit where they are. I expect to see a more settled team after the international window and them to hit top gear coming into the finals. It's crucial to finish top of the table and get the home finals.
Jiggles
Roar Guru
Neither the Reds or Brumbies are a chance, the Lions tour is going to mess up momentum. I think crusaders or bulls.
You don't have to ignore the bye, but the reality of the situation is blurred, marred, clouded, etc by including the byes. I am pretty sure Jake White looks at that table and says to his boys, "listen guys we are behind, the chiefs are 4 points ahead of us with the same number of games in hand, the Bulls have a game in hand and can catch us, the Reds are 3 points ahead of us, with one less game in hand, we must win our next match. I doubt very much, whether any coach anywhere discuss bye points.
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
True both to you, if you remove the bye.......but the bye is part of the comp, you can't ignore it completely. For example, if side A gets the 4 points for a bye, whilst side B loses, there is a 4 point gain to side A. But if side B wins with a bonus point then there is a gain of 1 point to side B. I understand what you are trying to say, but its part of the comp, it cannot be totally ignored.
Correct, with the Reds now on 40 after today.
atlas
Guest
this one http://www.lassen.co.nz/s14tab.php?nobyes=1#hrh Ignore the byes as shows a false number, and won't even out till after the break for test rugby - this one shows how it is - reality is the top three teams have each played 11 games, points gained as follows Chiefs 40 Brumbies 37 Reds 35
Rebel
Guest
Go the swamp foxes
If you remove the bye rubbish, then the log at the top stands like this. Reds played 12 log points 40 Chiefs played 11 log points 40 Brumbies played 11 log points 37 Bulls played 10 log points 33 So it is very close at the top, but the Chiefs are making break.
winston
Roar Rookie
Both those teams have struggled against the force.
The Brumbies will win the Australian conference. However they might end third and have the same scenario as the Reds last year, having to play the early play off match. I agree about the Crusaders, and I don't think the Reds will win. But hey, we'll soon find out.
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
Hate to disagree BB.....but a 1 point win against the Force at home indicates otherwise. As much as I hate to say it as a Brumbies fan, Crusaders or Reds for me.
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
Nope..... Brumbies are now on 45 points, Chiefs 44 due to the bye. Check the SANZAR site....... http://www.sanzarrugby.com/superrugby/
Ra
Guest
Netball No1 I think
The Chiefs are gonna win this mate, they keep on winning in spite of rotating players, by the end of the season these guys will be fresher, all have linked together.
mattocks
Guest
i'd love to watch a game there, I thought it looked great. Only ground i've been to in nz is the cake tin. had the best fish and chips ive ever had at any sport and inexpensive. planning a trip over to see a game against the highlanders maybe next year. their ground "forsythe barr looks fantastic
atlas
Guest
but . . . I still believe if they played the Bulls - as per Hurricanes last week - there would be a similar result. Not championship material.
atlas
Guest
about never play the same 22 twice Anscombe's a big loss.