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!
Clark
Guest
I can only dream haha. That game in Dunedin was an absolute classic. I can't wait til the final round clash, i'll be heading to AMI stadium for that one for sure.
Pau
Guest
Waratahs will lose two games and miss out. Crusaders and highlanders final
Pau
Guest
Waratahs will lose two games and miss out. Crusaders and highlanders final
Clark
Guest
They also have been able to gain bonus points (which they haven't done in past seasons due to a lack of attacking flair) which has helped along the way. If the Backline can get going again, it could be exciting times.
Chan Wee
Guest
I think the final standing might look as follows Waratahs 55 Sharks 53 Crusaders 53 Brumbies 45 Hurricanes 42 Force 42 Chiefs 41 Bulls 41 Highlanders 40 Blues 40 the closeness of the NZ 5 will come to haunt them this year.
El Gamba
Roar Guru
Agree Clark but I think the Sharks will be a game short and will rue the home losses against the Highlanders and Stormers last round. It is almost a shame after their valiant NZ tour but the way I seee it is they need to win both remaining games and the Waratahs need to lose two of their three. The Crusaders can also upset their bid for a home gf. The Highlanders have the Chiefs, the Waratahs (in Sydney) and the Crusaders (in Chch). One of the tougher runs home but they are in a good spot right now, and they can win those three then they'd have to go into the finals favourite.
El Gamba
Roar Guru
Thanks WNM, though I preferred yours! That being said, I did suggest "Wallabies will Destroy the AB's but over to Super Rugby..." I dare not do the math but I would still like to see three Australian sides in the finals and intuitively I feel it might be possible with the NZ derbies coming up. Unfortunately for the Brumbies they have one less game and, dare I say, two tough ones coming up. A win against the Force should be possible (as much as I hate to say it!) at home but this isn't in the bank whilst the Waratahs were looking good and should be buoyant after some international time. I am interested in the team also, one glaring omission is that I didn't mention Stephen Moore either. I agree with your point about Toomua, he is very solid in the midfield. Perhaps Pat McCabe would have assisted in filling this gap but it looks shakey for him too, and he can't play the ball like MT. All in all, the tahs are there, The Brumbies and Force have some work to do! I plan on being in Canberra for that last game and I think a fair bit will come down to it for both teams.
Clark
Guest
Hoping the Highlanders can get up into the finals. Those poor matches against the Blues and the Force may come back to bite them. I also think if the Sharks finish top of the table, nobody will beat them at home, Maybe the Crusaders and that's about it (Highlanders did beat them over there earlier in the season too though).
Who Needs Melon
Roar Guru
The most relevant, factual and interesting article on the Roar this morning... ... and almost the fewest comments! What were you thinking? You need to throw in a controversial headline, write off a NZ team (the Crusaders?), call South Africans boring and perhaps insult someone like I did (inadvertantly) with Michael Essa this morning. Seriously though, it's nice to be brought back to the here-and-now reality of Super Rugby. You're right, what a period of rugby we have coming up ahead of us. I hadn't realised my Brumbies were in such dire trouble but I fear you are correct. I think the loss of Toomua might hurt them more than many might suspect. He's not as noticeable as, say, Folau but he adds good structure. And with McCabe also out the centres might become an issue. Unlike the Waratahs, I don't think the Brumbies have named their team yet. Andrew Smith to 12 maybe? Where's Brett when you need him?
Hertryk
Guest
GO FORCE! The Sea of Blue will be with you all the way! Bring it on!
El Gamba
Roar Guru
As long as rugby is the winner Digger :) and the Force :)
Digby
Roar Guru
Am definitely more interested in seeing them help themselves first ;)
PeterK
Guest
Go canes, highlanders, force and Tahs
El Gamba
Roar Guru
:) they can do the Waratahs a massive favour this weekend!
Digby
Roar Guru
Go Canes!!