After Round 1 of Super Rugby we know for certain the Waratahs cannot possibly win the championship and the Wallabies should be stacked with Force and Rebels players.
In fact I will go one further and say that the Rebels’ win over the Crusaders means the All Blacks are now on a downward spiral to mediocrity.
It is also obvious that we should just hand the trophy over to the Brumbies.
If my sarcasm isn’t obvious than let me say of course none of the above is true.
Last season the Waratahs proved that the ball-in-hand style is a double-edged sword. A few too many drop balls and the style becomes entirely flawed. As I wrote many times last year, we need to take the good results with the bad. They will win many games with their style of play, and often it will look like they are unbeatable. However there will be times when things do not click.
If you look at the possession, territory and run metre stats, the Waratahs were easily the superior side on Sunday. For instance the Waratahs made just about double the amount of run metres as their opposition. This is was what they consistently achieved last year.
So we should not be worried at all. We should insist that they keep playing with the intention that they had because it is now a proven way of winning a championship. It will help that they played with a bit more aggression. I’m almost certain the loss is a blessing in disguise on that front.
In terms of the performances of the Force and the Rebels, they were very pleasing displays. If their form continues some more of their players will no doubt start to put pressure on the Wallaby starting XV. However I can not see the Rebels or the Force maintaining the ability to beat the better sides because they lack the quality other sides have.
There are some up and comers no doubt but let’s not romanticise their deeds too much without paying due attention to their flaws. For example Angus Cottrell is a genuine good player. I’ve been saying that for years. But does he have the physicality for the next level? Lopeti Timani is a good ball carrier but can he have a season without giving away ridiculous penalties? Time will tell.
As for the Crusaders losing to the Rebels, we all know what happens when we start writing off the Crusaders and for that matter their obvious extension the mighty All Blacks. It’s best not to even say a word about them. Let’s just go about our business and try and stay under the radar.
Last but not least is the fact that the Brumbies looked fantastic. Time will tell whether their performance was a result of their weak opposition or their own doing.
It is just too early to tell.
Crazy Horse
Roar Pro
There are lies, damn lies and statistics. Rugby games are not won by the team with the best stats. They are won by the team that scores the most points. The Tahs were lucky that Eberson had an off night with the boot and the Force fluffed a couple of tries. Their score could easily have been double what it was.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Picked the Brumbies for this game, even without Pockock. I reckon Butler will do a decent job at 7 as he has been doing all last year. My only concern would be Robbie Coleman who didn't really get tested last week especially in defence. Brumbies backline from 10-14 are all excellent defenders and up against this Chiefs back line especially with SBW they will need to be on their toes. Speight was quiet last week and I'm expecting him to have an outstanding game against his old provincial side tonight.
RobC
Roar Guru
Thanks for the post, Michael. Early days still. Good luck today. re the Force. They turned over the Tahs 12 times. Rebs are going to look to do the same, if the Tahs cant get their clean outs right.
Realist
Guest
Petulant Waratahs fan pens an article. Get over yourself.
The Battered Slav
Guest
Brumbies for the win (obviously!). Putting my bias to one side, it's going to be a close game I reckon. Chiefs will look to play pretty open so the Brumbies are going to need to smother as much of the Chiefs attacking ball as possible. Brumbies backline and Chiefs backline, hard to pick between the two for quality... But, on the basis of how drilled and sharp the Brums were first up, my head is backing them as well as my heart. Cheifs, although missing players, did not look as settled as the Brumbiess last weekend. Go Brumbies!
AussieKiwi
Guest
Chiefs look the goods to me. They had half their squad unavailable, and still beat a very decent Blues team. I think they are both a team of champions and a champion team. They seem to have the right attitude as well as the talent. Hard to beat that combination. And for all the hype, SBW looked better than ever, really fit, focused and determined. Family life apparently agreeing with him. Can't wait for tonight's game, Brumbies are looking better than ever (admittedly against sub-standard opposition). Even without Pocock they will give the Chiefs a real test. Having said all that, go the Mighty Highlanders! Definitely one of the better backlines in the comp, so could spring a few upsets and make the finals again.
Maxt
Guest
Which is exactly what they did to the Reds....will see how that goes minus Pocock.
Harry Jones
Expert
If Chiefs get a lot of quick ball, they'll break the line and beat defenders a lot. Brumbies need to stifle/pressure.
taylorman
Roar Guru
All I can at about this match is what a game this will be tonight. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!
Lano
Roar Guru
Chiefs have this one!
Rugby is still about balance, there is a time to attack and a time to manage the game, be it through defence or tactical kicking. The secret is to know when to do what. Of course the stock you play with makes winning a lot easier.
flying hori
Guest
Yes the Brumbies do look sharp in their first hit out, will be a great game tonight against the mighty Chiefs who faded a bit in the 2nd half of thier game against the Blues, some interesting match ups as well. Go the Chiefs!