The new Super Rugby season kicked off with a bang last night producing some truly remarkable results that already have fans celebrating the new season.
Last year’s two finalists, the Hurricanes and the Highlanders, were both upset by lower ranked teams in the first matches of the season.
The season opener saw the Blues – just one rung off the bottom of the ladder last year – shock the reigning champions the Highlanders with a 33-31 win.
In the following match the Brumbies then absolutely flattened the Hurricanes 52-10. If there’s a better way to see a new season begin than to have each of last year’s finalists beaten, we’ve not seen it.
To finish off the opening day of the 2016 Super Rugby season we saw the Jaguares play their first match, against the Cheetahs, and it was no quiet start to the team’s history.
They were down 24-3 at one point but remarkable recovered to post a 35-34 win, a historic moment for the team and for the competition.
And lastly, would it really be sport without the occasional streaker? Of course not! Thanks to this brave, naked hero for make the return of Super Rugby official.
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Working Class Rugger
Guest
There was comfortably more than 12,000 at the SFS.
Davo
Guest
There was a streaker at the Tahs v Reds game too. Must be the warm weather.
Davo
Guest
I don't understand why you would write a comment bemoaning "the declining popularity of the game" when you clearly didn't bother to watch it yourself. The crowd was actually 24,000+. I'm guessing you didn't watch the RWC either.
BeastieBoy
Guest
Waratahs vs Reds had only about 12,000, for usually the biggest game of the year. Very disappointing. The game is declining in popularity as is the participation amongst boys, in Australia. Its a professional game. Without spectators its not successful. Why is this so. The rules make for a poor spectacle. Elite school pathways and scholarships are excluding most boys and hence their families from being interested. More options today too.
Brett McKay
Expert
Pretty solid - averaged more than 20,000 across the board: ranged from 13100 in Christchurch to just over 40K in Cape Town.. (Note, I've not seen a figure for Force-Rebels yet, which may affect the average..)
Taylorman
Guest
Yep, Blues need to get away from Eden park. Highlanders could have won that even though the Blues were better overall..just. Chiefs I think will get better, Canes have to. Crusaders are good talent spotters and have the most amazing environment to nurture players. Don't think they'll be last for that reason. They know they can't go to Naholo all year so will come up with something. Biggest thing for me is who's coming through...the 19,20, 21 year olds. Already a few are shining.
PeterK
Roar Guru
Highlanders and blues look the best of the nz conference. Speed, intensity and skills well ahead of canes, crusaders and chiefs. Surely the canes will improve, at least get fit. Crusaders remain most likely to be last in nz conference. Brumbies great , tahs ok, only oz teams that look like contenders. Stormers only SA team to impress. Sharks and Jaguares need to tested against reasonable opposition to make a determination. Early days and a lot could and will change.
Lostintokyo
Guest
No, but I heard the howls!
Taylorman
Guest
Because that's largely how our game is funded.
Taylorman
Guest
Yep will do Shop, so much on it seems the best way to watch this tournament outside your fave sides is to wait till someone recommends it then watch the replay. With the additional time slots even the most ardent fan will struggle to watch these live so I think viewer habits are going to change, and that could have downstream impacts on how corporates, advertising, media etc target their revenues, audiences. Recording functionality via the fox, sky boxes or offering the game online immediately after its finished may be in bigger demand, as will those review shows that package the shows here every Sunday...like Re-Union...may be the first time many see the games...as a one hour package that frees up the rest of their weekend. It's a case of more is becoming...too much.
fiddlesticks
Guest
who cares? how about the quality of games? why do we care so much about the amount of people that turn up? shouldnt it be about the quality of the game? or are we all looking for some validation so that we can feel better that more people like our game?
Shop
Roar Guru
If you get the chance to watch the Jaguares v Cheetahs TM do it. A great game with just about everything!
kevin dustby
Guest
no, no it wasnt
Brumbies had 13,000 ish, Sunwolves had just under 20,000, Auckland game had I think 11,000 ish
Chris
Guest
What were the crowds for the opening round like.
DaniE
Roar Guru
Ah bliss... good effort by the Sunwolves! Did you see Pinging?
Lostintokyo
Guest
Just arrived Chichibi Rugby Ground. Full hose sell out. Great to see. Very hard to get tickets, as raffled. Just hope the Sunwolves are competitive. Go Sunwolves. Nice sunny day, grog, rugby friends-------- rugby heaven. Super
Taylorman
Guest
Yeah I agree. First thing people go for is bias with a bad performance. That is a biased view own its own and isn't a logical conclusion every time as it suggests it's rampant, and I don't think that's the case.m
Taylorman
Guest
Blues win wasn't so surprising. All it proved is history isn't everything. With three convincing pre season wins, at Eden park and a real undercurrent of a feeling that good things are happening in the camp, a win was always possible. Challenge is when they go away from their beloved stadium and base as always. Highlanders will get better, and will get better refereeing. Canes margin more than the loss was a shock, especially when they had just put 70 on the Crusaders in pre season. What's that about! Brumbies have sent the warning signs out that's for sure. The Canes will certainly get better than that but the road back isn't easy. Welcome Jaguares! Haven't seen the match but a huge comeback from all reports, like the Pumas a strong finishing side indeed. Amazing start to the tournament. What on earth will tonight bring. We've had our quota of upsets already, and some great tries.
pjm
Roar Rookie
I have trust in the professionalism of referees. Waste of money having neutrals plus too demanding on refs traveling.