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The Folau saga seems to be dragging on and on and on and on and doesn’t look like losing traction anytime soon.
It’s negative headline after negative headline and rugby is taking a battering because of it. Donate to him, don’t donate to him…whatever.
Enough already. It’s time to get excited again. Let’s focus on rugby union again. This current season has been the best Super Rugby season in the last five years, maybe longer. New Zealand sides have still been strong but not to the extent as previous seasons. Yes, they still had four teams make the finals but only by the merest of margins and some inept performances from other teams in the last round.
The Australian and South African conferences were competitive right up to the last games of the regular season. The top eight was not decided until the final whistle of the final game. Some of the rugby played this year has been exceptional.
The season is hurtling towards a quality climax with two fascinating semi-finals this weekend. It starts off with the ACT Brumbies taking on Argentina, or the Jaguares from Buenos Aires. Each of these two sides topped their respective conference.
The Brumbies tossed aside the Sharks last week and look in good form while the Jags overcame a spirited Chiefs team to lock in a historic home semi-final. History shows the importance of home ground advantage come playoff time in Super rugby. The crowd could be the defining reason the Jaguares create history again and march onto the final next week.
Prediction: Jaguares win 27-20.
In New Zealand, the winners of the past three Super Rugby titles, the Hurricanes and the Crusaders will duke it out in chilly Christchurch. If this match lives up to its potential, it should be enough to get the gloomiest of rugby fans excited.
There will be All Black selection battles all over the park. The prospect of Beauden Barrett matching up against Richie Mo’unga is worth the price of admission alone. The Crusaders have never lost a playoff match at home.
Let that sink in…never. With home ground advantage, the Crusaders will be slight favourites. However, if any team can blemish the Crusaders’ record, it is the men from Wellington.
Prediction: Crusaders 32-22
Whichever way the semi-final results go, the final will be a fitting conclusion to a cracking season of rugby. The Rugby Championship kicks off in July. The World Cup is sneaking up and getting tantalisingly close.
To all the jaded rugby fans, good times are coming and it’s time to get excited again.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.