Regardless of Bill Pulver’s opinion regarding sabbaticals, the June international window has provided just that (if only for a month) for many Super Rugby players.
There are many naysayers of the June window, but it must be acknowledged that the international games provided much passion among rugby supporters across both the northern and southern hemispheres.
From comments on The Roar, the English were the best side through this time, although the fact the All Blacks beat them 3-0 demonstrates their continued dominance.
The Springboks were halfway there, with one dominant performance before a second that gave credit to their Welsh opponents. The Wallabies did nothing for their credentials by beating a French side more interested in the perfect Australian winter than providing any kind of competition.
Let’s leave these comments and debate for later in the year when the Rugby Championship can decide – though perhaps we could save the time and effort by awarding New Zealand all of the trophies now – and get back to the greatest provincial competition in the world.
Super Rugby is facing one of the closest races for the finals in the history of the competition.
The Sharks, Waratahs and Crusaders are clearly vying for top spot, with the all-important home finals on the line. The Waratahs must be favourites to pull off number one, with an injury depleted Brumbies, Highlanders at home and a Reds derby without Will Genia or Quade Cooper the hurdles in their way.
The Crusaders don’t necessarily have a harder run home, with the Hurricanes, the Blues and the Highlanders, however they are in a position where they have to win all three and hope the Waratahs drop one.
The Sharks must win two away games against the Cheetahs and Stormers and hope for both the Crusaders and Waratahs to lose one or two, so let’s put them third.
Now let’s look at the other three spots up for grab and the important games in the next round.
Brumbies versus Waratahs: a buoyant NSW side full of Wallabies will be excited to play a side without Matt Toomua, Pat McCabe and Sam Carter and the boys in baby blue will be too strong.
Highlanders versus Chiefs: one side will drop out of contention this week. I like the Highlanders at home, but have given up on picking what both of these teams will bring to a performance on any given week.
Hurricanes versus Crusaders: A must-win for the Crusaders if they want top spot, and a must win for the Hurricanes if they want a finals appearance.
Force versus Blues: A Force supporter, I have left this one for last. The Blues, unbeatable at Eden Park but atrocious away, must win this to stay alive. But if the Force win, they must be an excellent chance of a maiden finals appearance and considering other contenders must play each other, a win here is a step towards an unlikely home final.
The Blues will find a tough reception at the Force field, albeit buoyed from their recent world club 10s victory.
All in all, what a round of rugby – four out of five games are crucial to the finals aspirations of the eight teams involved. I look forward to the live blogs – and go Force!
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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