The Chiefs have beaten the Waratahs 39-27 in an absolutely fantastic game in Hamilton.
From the very outset to the final play of the game it was non-stop excitement and both sides played their part in creating a wonderful game to watch.
That second half was so tight and there were just a few key moments where in the end the Tahs mistakes cost them dearly but that shouldn’t be taken to mean they played badly.
Israel Folau was very impressive yet again but in the end the Chiefs just had enough class and accuracy to get the points.
Stars such as Damian McKenzie, Brodie Retallick and Charlie Ngatai all had good games and played their part in key moments but the key was that other Chiefs also stood up and players like Brad Weber and Toni Pulu had great games.
The Tahs can take a lot of heart from this performance and their last three matches against Kiwi sides have shown that they really can mix it with the best from New Zealand.
At the same time it’s another loss and that will hurt for the Sydney siders. They can feel aggrieved in some ways as there were a couple of questionable calls that cost the Tahs points but they also just slipped at a few key moments and those all combined to lead to the loss.
Bernard Foley’s kick late in the game for example that went out on the full was just a small error but it really hurt the Tahs and put pressure on them when they needed to be forcing the Chiefs to defend.
The Chiefs played a good game and McKenzie is looking better and better at No.10 – he really has evolved as a player this season with the extra responsibility and both he and Mo’unga are pushing Barrett hard for that All Black spot.
ThugbyFan
Guest
Bitter taste of lemon - Meet Smug! zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
piru
Roar Rookie
And now you know, and knowing is half the battle. GO JOE!
Reverse Wheel
Guest
Nuthin.
Reverse Wheel
Guest
Yeah would agree with that.
Taylorman
Guest
Thanks DC, nothing lime adding a bit of pressure to the Blues pile?
Taylorman
Guest
Yes who was it last week that said the tahs should be able to take care of a returning jaded and injury ridden Chiefs? Hmmm.
Taylorman
Guest
Yeah agree, thats rubbish. For one we shouldnt be allowing them our fees frees uni here. Dont get @nything lime that in oz.
Faith
Guest
Remaining trans-Tasman games: Blues v Rebels, Auckland, June 2 Blues v Reds, Auckland, June 29 Brumbies v Hurricanes, Canberra, June 30 Chiefs v Brumbies, Hamilton, July 7 Highlanders v Rebels, Dunedin, July 14
Paulo
Roar Rookie
As an aside, you know Kiwis haven't been able to get the dole in Aussie for a very long time, eh? And there is a whole raft of other benefits they don't get. Despite paying as much tax as everyone else. Compare that to an Aussie in NZ who gets all citizen rights straight away. Just saying. And now you know, and knowing is half the battle.
Taylorman
Guest
Yeah single incidents define a referees ability too much these days. Barnes, Joubert etc all have the odd bad game, or even one bad decision and for one set of fans it defines them. Players, coaches etc all have good and bad days but rarely are they first choice then fodder from one match, but it does happen.
cuw
Guest
and to think that a weight was lifted off the NZ teams when Waratahs broke the 40 : 0 streak !!! i thought the team selection by Highlanders showed it....
DC NZ
Guest
There's a new number to fixate on. 31. The number of consecutive NZ wins vs Aus teams in NZ. Last win was three years ago May 2015. When do the Blues team play an Aus team in Auckland next ?
cuw
Guest
while ur on refs - did u guys see yesterday's Pro 14 final? and guess who was the ref ?? Mr. Strawberry - who was removed from super rugger panel after some horrible reffing. how thigs can turn - and so quickly :D
Taylorman
Guest
Yes I agree but until theres more evidence than a few disgruntled fans why would they unnecessarily complicate things for fans. What will happen is refs will still get called biased because they want this or that team to win to push the cause of their own sides. That is the fickle nature of ‘the fan’. So all theyll do is add a constraint to their scheduling and still have the same problem...that referees still favour certain sides. Ive heard of studies as well and the on,y ones Ive seen is where someones added up the number of penalties given to home sides being ‘up 10%’ on visiting sides. That in itself doesnt prove bias. Ive always said theres an equally compelling logic in the visiting team being more ‘hostile’ in an away environment and potentially more likely to infringe more. And with 23 players in that state, it could easily cause a 10% swing in favour of the home side due to a slighter more aggressive mindset across the board. For me a more compelling logic than a Ref wanting to ‘make the crowd happy’. And after all its the players that infringe, not the Ref. So if theres better evidence than a perception, or a slight increase in home town refs numbers perhaps they need a little more convincing before introducing what might be a large constraint on their resources, for possibly no improvement.
PeterK
Roar Guru
i posted yesterday listing 4 sources of studies showing refs bias for teams from their country
PeterK
Roar Guru
imo the ball was out but the player was never onside , he started halfway along the ruck before the ball was out.
Reverse Wheel
Guest
I seem to recall a study from south Africa a couple of years back that supported the notion that hometown bias in SR is a thing. If it's good enough for international rugby then why not for super rugby?
Taylorman
Guest
Disagree. By appointing neutral Refs they would be admitting they were biased when the only evidence of it are disgruntlred fans of losing teams who are without doubt generally definitely bia@sd. They would add an administrative complexity they just dont need.
Peter Kelly
Guest
Weber shows the debth in some positions in NZ, a big problem for Aus rugby lose you first string player and it daylight to the next Genia a good example in same position and a crucial one. A year out from next WC, Cheika needs to blood, 9s and 10s, if Genia and Foley break Aus got huge issues - Midfield the same and if Folua breaks or walks there will be no combinations and no attack left, although on Folau at least defense at back may improve.
Reverse Wheel
Guest
I didn't have a problem with the ref, but seriously sanzaar are making themselves look like rank amateurs by refusing to address the perception of referee bias and assigning neutrals.