Well folks, if you didn’t enjoy watching the Blues demolish the Rebels last night I can only assume you either one, don’t actually like rugby much, two, you have a strong bias against Auckland, or three, you are a diehard Rebels supporter.
Whatever the case, my personal evening viewing was entirely satisfactory and watching the young talent unleashed brought more than one tear to the eye. Bring back a bit of star quality still not on the field and there will be few Blues matches missed over the season.
And a mouthwatering clash next Friday in Hamilton is already being anticipated.
So, on to tonight, whereby the Chiefs head to Dunedin to attempt to break a losing sequence against the southern men who will be primed for a huge effort. One Chiefs fan told me “we thrashed them at the tens,” as if that is a signal of things to come.
The Chiefs were certainly impressive at the Tens in Brisbane, however they had raw emotion and a hero in Liam Messam to largely thank for that. They lost two key players and will head into this game understrength with Augustine Pulu plying his trade in Auckland and Brad Webber on the sidelines leaving the wet tracker Tawera Kerr-Barlow in the spotlight. Unfortunately, with a roof over the stadium, the ground will be firm and fast.
Brodie Retallick and Dominic Bird are there but there’s no Sam Cane to help the ever-reliable legend that is Messam. The Chiefs have a forward pack capable of dominating everyone.
Aaron Smith will look to regain his number one spot with a sound performance and as always Ben Smith will add his array of skills to a Highlanders side that does not look outstanding on paper.
Because it is a New Zealand derby it will be hard, intense and probably close, but this doesn’t instil the same anticipation as watching the Blues did.
Later in the evening, we have the Reds, the team I rate as potentially being number one in Australia this year, facing off against South African side the Sharks at home.
The Reds have a had a couple of poor years and, as more than one of their supporters has said, appear to have lost their mongrel. But with sound recruitment and some old-fashioned coaching theories, they are set to explode this season.
Of most interest will be how Quade Cooper sets about resurrecting his career. I am a huge fan of the Tokoroa Pirates prodigy and expect him to be one of the leading lights of the whole competition this season. His skillset is immense and he is one of the fittest athletes, rivalling even Sonny Bill Williams.
Given good service from behind a solid pack, he will dominate games and I will be stunned if the Reds don’t begin the season with a big win.
Early in the season, the Sharks will be a watch and see outfit and it will be interesting if they can unearth a few monster forwards. Oh, watch for some yellow cards as well.
Speaking of yellow cards, I am still wondering just what Rene Ranger did to deserve an early shower last night when some other maul/ruck infringements looked equally or more severely negative throughout the game. Refs are funny creatures at times.
Thanks to the Blues the multi is up and away and anticipation set to build throughout the day at the thought of a healthy balance at the end of the night, and I have to say the Chiefs at $2.20 looks pretty enticing.
Good luck everybody.
Hello Everybody.
Guest
I know right!? Another guy said the Crusaders dont look good on paper in an article. All ABs in up to 10 of the first choice 15 and the ones that are not ABs are guys like Richie, Taufua etc. Imo NZ has the 5 best teams in the comp on paper and probably in reality too. Dont forget Squire and Dixon for the Landers.
Hello Everybody.
Guest
Ahhh no. You cant swing around the player like that. If hes 'weakened' you push him out of the way, you dont swing around him and attack the ball after the refs just told you not to do such things. To counter ruck you go straight through, not halfway and then around.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yeah I thought that was a terrible call. The gate was open to the side but he came in from a backwards enough position. One of those calls that could be seen as 50/50 when it really isn't and dangerous in the hands of a suitably biased ref.
ebop
Guest
I don't think we should ignore xenophobic comments
Jibba Jabba
Roar Guru
it was ignored, like zgs comments should be.
Jibba Jabba
Roar Guru
He didn't, - came in though the gate and opposition weakened in front f him gave way causing him to progress round the side = poor decision by ref.
grapeseed
Guest
Do you guys not see the "ACL within 30 mins" comment immediately above ZG's? Stop winking, it's making you blind.
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
4 tries
Jibba Jabba
Roar Guru
No one makes juvenile comments as well or as often as zg
Jibba Jabba
Roar Guru
Hes a fly half, how can he look intimidating and terrifying, they are cannon fodder for the loosies...
Snob
Guest
He wasn't much cop against the Sharks either!
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Pray tell me Zero, how do Kiwi's hate, as you say? As really, comments as such, makes your input, as your nome de plume, suggests. After all, we are all allowed to have an opinion!!!.
taylorman
Roar Guru
And that was in response to? Or did you just get up in the morning, sun shining brightly, beautiful day ahead and just go onto any old Roar article and get it out there. There, now the day can begin?
Mapu
Guest
He hasn't done anything in years.over rated by red supporters.
ebop
Guest
No one does a sweeping generalisation better than you Zero Gain
Cynical Play
Guest
Just watched the Red Stormers...safe to say Quade didn't dominate, in fact he f..cked a few things up. he is not the messiah. He is a good No 10 but not a great one, and never will be. He ran sideways as much as he has ever done. He was shown up tonight by Lambie- out of position, hidden in defence, and afraid of contact, .
Zero Gain
Guest
No one can hate like Kiwis can.
piru
Roar Rookie
To be fair he was fighting somebody's kid they grabbed out of the crowd
Smiggle Jiggle
Roar Guru
ACL within 30mins
Rangi
Guest
Stu B I had a beer whie reading your post and I sprayed it all over the floor ! Are you serious ? Quade's opponent didn't look strong enough to open his own lunch bag. That sort of matchup is a disgrace and demeaning to the sport of boxing. Just because people pay to watch that junk does not mean if should be put on. If Quade is serious let him fight someone who will put the wind up him like most of the players he sidesteps because he doesn't want to tackle them.