It was a sleepy start to Super Rugby’s Round 12. Commentator John Kirwan repeatedly referring to Blues fullback Melani “Nigh Nigh”, before Cheetahs winger Raymond Rhule was made groggy by a head clash.
A turnstile all night in defence, Rhule’s head injury assessment (HIA) would have been interesting.
“How many tackles have you made tonight Raymond?”
“Um… seven or eight?”
“Actually it’s none, you’re delusional, you can’t go back on.”
This match was like one of those old school Super Rugby games that were so derided in the northern hemisphere; low intensity, ‘your turn, my turn’ try scoring, and some of the worst ‘I’m not sticking my head in there’ maul defence from the Blues.
The Lion slept that night too in Canberra; at least for the first half when they were comprehensively outplayed by the home side. The trouble for the Brumbies, however, was they never translated their territorial and possession advantage into points, taking only a 3-0 lead into halftime.
A complete front-row change early in the second half seemed to re-energise the Lions, complemented by their excellent back-row really stepping into their work, with captain Warren Whiteley outstanding in contact.
At first glance, the only try of the game, a 70-metre runaway by Kwagga Smith, seemed a remarkable dash by a flanker, but of course those familiar with his work for the ‘Blitzbokke’ South African sevens side have seen this many times before.
It was an off night for the Lions. They lacked authority in the halves and were disrupted by the Brumbies, but they will be delighted to return home with three road wins and every chance of securing a treasured home run right through the finals.
Likewise, the Brumbies won’t be too disheartened. This was by no means a poor performance and they still lead the Australian conference. However, they badly need to rediscover the attacking mojo they showed against the Reds back in early April.
(AAP Image/Paul Miller)
The heavyweight New Zealand clash between the Crusaders and the Hurricanes may not have delivered the silky tries many hoped for, but it certainly was full of enough intensity and tension to keep fans happy. The Crusaders were ultimately better organised and more efficient, posting a 20-12 win.
If anyone has underestimated the Crusaders this season – myself included – consider this match against the reigning champion was played on return from their South African tour, without their two best forwards, Keiran Read and Sam Whitelock.
Coach Scott Robertson doesn’t always front the camera like he’s about to appear on the final of Mastermind, but he has certainly tapped into a few hidden secrets and has his team totally united behind him and each other.
The continued absence of Dane Coles is starting to hurt the Hurricanes, who are missing his direct play, aggressive leadership and, most of all in this match, stability at the lineout. Their scrum too is a concern, and while they are a side that doesn’t need set piece dominance to win, they need to be far more convincing up front than they have been over the last couple of weeks.
In Melbourne, Reds’ coach Nick Stiles was delighted to secure a rare win away from home, although he needed to rely on a late try to his outstanding skipper, Samu Kerevi, to clinch the match in the 79th minute.
Incredibly, Kerevi revealed at the after-match press conference that he had no idea of the amount of time left to go in the match. Scary on one hand that a captain can be so unaware of the match situation, but on the other hand, as Kerevi himself noted: “No need for words from me, I’m just happy to lead with actions.” Indeed.
Scoring five tries to two, the Reds were certainly good for their victory. Kerevi, Eto Nabuli and Scott Higginbotham were afforded plenty of running room off the back of quality distribution from Quade Cooper.
But they only just fell in, after the Rebels mounted a determined second half comeback, drawing level in the final ten minutes after backing themselves more and feeding off the energy provided by Sean McMahon, who saw his first action since last November.
Winger Marika Koroibete was an enigma, running strongly with the ball, but inexplicably kicking the ball away twice when given a clear running opportunity from the back. It wasn’t just the poor option choice; his execution was awful, the second kick gifting Kerevi his first try.
(AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
For the second week running, the Highlanders escaped with a late victory, this time a diagonal 50-metre run from an otherwise invisible Malakai Fekitoa sealing the deal, 17-10 against the Bulls.
Before that, Matt Faddes provided the class, plucking the ball one handed on his way to a first-half try, then undid his good work by failing to cover a loose ball and presenting a try to Bulls fullback Warrick Gelant.
In what were very difficult, sloshy conditions, the Highlanders floundered in the second half, more than once not playing to the whistle and conceding huge amounts of territory to the Bulls as a result. Then, with the score at 10-10, Waisake Naholo was sent off in the 64th minute, for what was ugly looking contact with the shoulder, and it looked grim for the visitors.
But remember this was the Bulls, a side that doesn’t really know how to win. When Pierre Schoeman finally slithered over for what looked like their winning try, it was reversed because of a stupid ‘shoulder to the face’ clean out by RG Snyman, which also earned him a red card, and evened up the numbers again.
Talk about dumb and dumber.
It seems that everyone’s second team now is the Kings. They have made huge strides this year, and seem unaffected by the speculation and uncertainty about their potential exclusion from Super Rugby. Perhaps they know something the rest of us don’t?
This time, a late try to Pieter-Steyn de Wet secured what must rank as their best win, their first ever against another South African franchise, 35-32 against the Sharks.
The Jaguares and Force and finished off the round; passion meter high, skill level low.
The difference was that the Force lowered their error rate as their confidence improved in the second half, while the Jaguares kept on bumbling. The Jaguares’ promising start to 2017 is now a distant memory, and whatever happens from here, they are not yet a finals-worthy side.
The result was just reward for the Force, for whom winger Semisi Masarewa was a handful and No.8 Richard Hardwick inspirational, another NRC standout showing he can foot it on the big stage.
What their win has done is help spark up the Australian conference which provides local fans, ready to give it away because of the lack of success against New Zealand opposition, with a genuinely compelling focus for the rest of the home-and-away season.
The conference ladder now reads Brumbies 19 points, Reds 16, Waratahs, 14, Force 13, Rebels 8, with all sides having played ten matches, except the Reds who have played 11.
Having endured a horrible season on and off the pitch, the Rebels are now the first side out of business although it is probably worth noting that if their games against the Waratahs and Reds had finished two minutes sooner, the table would be looking very different.
(AAP Image/Tracey Nearmy)
The four remaining sides all have an interesting schedule ahead; a mix of South African, New Zealand and Argentine opposition, as well as a couple of crucial derby matches. Another factor is the enforced layoff for the June Test matches; three more rounds before a three-week gap and then two more rounds to finish.
Whatever form Super Rugby takes next season – and that is still far from certain – at least World Rugby has ensured that this momentum killing interruption won’t be repeated.
So how is it going to pan out? Which Australian franchise will emerge from the ruck and fly the flag in the finals, whether they deserve to be there or not?
Despite the narrowness of their lead, that three-point buffer is crucial for the Brumbies. It is hard to imagine any of the four sides winning more than three matches. Which means that if the Brumbies can win three, this should be enough to get them home.
They play, in order, the Kings (A), Jaguares (A), Rebels (H), Reds (A) and Chiefs (A). A good next three weeks, in what are all winnable games, might mean that even if they drop the last two, it may not matter.
But if the Brumbies only win two from their next three, then it’s game on for everyone, and the Reds versus Brumbies and Force versus Waratahs matches will become pivotal.
It’s been a tough season for Australian fans, with the ledger against New Zealand sides in particular hopelessly skewed. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t exciting times ahead; far from it.
The Australian conference still has a heartbeat. In fact, it’s very much sprung to life. All four remaining franchises have their destiny in their own hands, and all will fancy that they have a real chance of coming out on top.
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Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
The Highlights package shows the action pretty clearly: https://youtu.be/5Eei75dIVmg?t=2m10s Both Coleman and Falkner are on side at the time of contact so there is no equivalency to the Retallic incident. Both were wandering towards where the ball is going to land and are well within their rights to do so. The number 15, without looking runs into the back of the man mountain that is Adam Coleman and then cannons into Falkner, who is in the process of taking a step back so that he isn't landed on by the catcher. The Argentinian player deserves an Oscar for his performance to draw attention to the incident. 10.1 Obstruction (a) Charging or pushing. When a player and an opponent are running for the ball, either player must not charge or push the other except shoulder-to-shoulder. Number 15 Charged Coleman, so he obstructed - the first infringement, against Argentina. 10.1 Obstruction (d) Blocking the ball. A player must not intentionally move or stand in a position that prevents an opponent from playing the ball. The debate would be over intent. Falkner's movement looked a bit suspect but I don't believe there was any intent. He was getting out of the way of his own airborne player. The 15 would not have been able to legally contest the ball at that time anyway and probably should have backed off to make the tackle instead of starting his rendition of Hamlet. Could go either way. I would have let it slide but can't criticize the ref's decision either.
Quin
Guest
Oh so on one of the lowest rating Sky channels no wonder I havent seen it.
Quin
Guest
You totally missed the whole point of that post didn't you ScottD?
Quin
Guest
I'm sorry but what an absolute crock of rear end matter. You are asking New Zealand rugby to now be responsible to development the entire Southern Hemisphere? Here's a clue, how about just copy the NZ system it may just actually work. Save me the what works in NZ won't work here mumbo jumbo, because clearly what you are doing now isn't working. You harp on about money yes that is true we all need it but you also forget AIG are pumping millions of dollars into the ABs and the NZ domestic market to the point I believe all bar two unions finished in the black last year. So yes NZ may take a hit but nowhere near as catastrophic as you predict. NZ rugby is successful because of its internal workings, it keeps competition high because to wear the National teams jersey you have to play with the best and test yourself against the best. The only rightful thing to do here is have the best teams on points qualify for the finals stop looking at NZ to sweep up your mess. You say put three ABs in each of the SR teams, WHY? Are you looking to kill NZ rugby to empower your own? These All Blacks would take spots that should be available to local players and therefore weaken your teams further oh wait you only want All Blacks or do you want our 2nd and 3rd choice players too? Australian and South African rugby were once powerhouses in their own right. Go back and have a look at how you structured your unions and rugby then and you might just get a clue on how to rebuild your footy without resorting to destroying New Zealand's for your short term gain.
Brett McKay
Expert
Like. Very much.
ClarkeG
Guest
I tend to agree with your last point but I'd still be surprised if he is off the radar.
kiwi
Guest
The Rugby Channel on Sky. There was a match televised last Saturday 6:00pm-ish?
Carlos the Argie
Guest
Yes, I wrote about it. The origin of rugby was in the wealthier English school of Buenos Aires. Now, it is spread across the country. As I said that time, it is fascinating that the strongest "province" on a per capita basis is Tucuman. They are ferocious in their play. Their fans are crazy too. Ask some Saffas in the group, they wrote about it before. I don't have the roster of Pussycats or Pumas in front of me now, but I assume that is is probably 60/40 for the interior.
Carlos the Argie
Guest
No complacency. Classic Argie mentality. "We know better".
Carlos the Argie
Guest
Please, don't misunderstand me! The Pussycats are playing terribly INDEPENDENT of the game with the Force. I think that the Force did a very good game and deserved the win. I also am impressed how they managed to get under the skin of the Pussycats and got them off their playing intent. It is not easy to play against teams that harass you from the first moment of the game and do not give up. I hope they stay in SR.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Don't agree with that. SBW has never been the incumbent, Nonu was. You could say SBW would have taken over as starter but he has never regularly started, so never consolidated himself in the position. He's done nothing this year to confirm he's start material and will be lucky to make the bench. Far too many off the game issues as well. For me by far the strongest two 12's this year are Laumape and Crotty. SBW I'm guessing is not even on Hansen's radar. I'd say he's had enough of his theatrics, I certainly have.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yes neutral, from an outsiders point of view it's ok for you to just move our players around the world map like chess pieces in support of some concept just because the Americans are doing it...largely within the one country that is. You're used to seeing it in the northern hemisphere where supporters will turn up and madly support a team heavily fortified with kiwis, Ozzies and South Africans, and that's the case simply because if the stronger dollar combining with a lack of talent to fill the sides themselves. I for one am not going to support a concept where we water down our sides for the only reason being that they're too good, so five current All Blacks turn out for the Rebels on Friday night. Nah, stuff that. I'd rather remove the Super concept and go back to local competition than having some process where we not only have to prop up the northern hemisphere but the southern as well, and end up getting told NZ rugby is weak as a result.
Londoner
Guest
Agreed. Kings got to be favourites at home. They have gotten better as the year has gone on. They will be tough to beat now. They play some lovely rugby, and their coach surely deserves a look for helping out with the National Team.... For what its worth, although the OZ Franchises are having a poor year, the combined team of all 5 of em, plus Genia, looks very competitive. NZ aside who are really playing on another level to all other teams, and are not going to loose more than 5-10% of internationals for the next few years, , there is no other international team who are significantly better in terms of best 23. Just need a reliable goal kicker........thats where England have a edge. So its not all bad for OZ.........
taylorman
Roar Guru
Well I don't see the point of normalising the teams just so all sides are competitive. That is clearly a promoters incentive, to make sure each game is as competitive as possible so that they're all attended, promoted, supported equally? Rugby built its strengths based on the local school and club scene and in NZ the basis of most sides is the local talent, although that is eroding fast. The idea that one plays as a kid dreaming to represent his province etc is still largely alive but albeit dissipating fast. Long may it continue, though I appreciate the relentless march professionalism has had on the game. It's certainly taken its toll on Auckland rugby, who are still providing the game its largest number of professionals, albeit for everyone else. Who cares about the American system? They usually stuff most things up and the foundation of all their sport is the dollar hence their inability to trust anyone to enter their precious realm other than a few Canadian hockey teams. Agree a conference system works best when teams are even but when it's across several very competitive nations it doesn't work to even the sides up because then you would have to have trade offs in who you support...mostly Boks and Wallabies in say a Highlanders side perhaps? Nah, wouldn't work.
ScottD
Roar Guru
Spoken like a true forward☺
ScottD
Roar Guru
Spoken like a true forward☺
Nobrain
Roar Guru
Thanks for getting all these staff together . I was at the Amalfitani stadium last Saturday and Jaguares proved what I have anticipated in the tipping round in "the sure thing". Jaguares attitude on the field is a reflection of something is no right between the coaching staff and the players. As I posted in the article I suggest a coach from abroad to replace Perez asap and start changing thing around for next year.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Well I am far from sure about SBW, like you I wanna see a lot more. But even if he does not show anything special before the Lions, it would not be first time Hansen picks a tried and tested veteran before a form player in SR. I would pick Crotty if I was picking the AB's, just for the record. But maybe Hanse wants to see that Gatland has in store first? If Gats choses Farrell at 12, that might makes Hansen to rethink about SBW ahead of Crotty.
ScottD
Roar Guru
Sorry ignore that Totally missed the context
ScottD
Roar Guru
Actuslly there isn't much difference between the Force coming home from Argentina after 2 hard weeks on the road and Highlanders coming to Perth on their way home after a vouple of weeks About 9hrs flight from J'burg or 24 hrs from BA Only a slight home advantage as both teams will be shattered If Perth had 5 or 6 players they left behind they'd be fresh but they took every fit player with them and only sent home early the ones injured plus TPN Still should be interesting but Highlanders favourite