Super 15 Week 3 Wrap Up
Super Rugby Wrap Up - Week 3
Hello, and welcome to another edition of the Super Rugby Wrap Up, I hope you enjoyed all the weekend's action.
Three Things I Liked
1. The Crusaders winning at home “ They really needed it, didn't they? After the devastating earthquake that rocked Christchurch a couple weeks ago Dan Carter and the rest of the squad put in a great performance that ruined the Waratahs unbeaten record. If you were wondering why the Crusaders were wearing white and red, as opposed to their usual red and black, it's because they were honouring the miners who died at the Pike River coal mine on New Zealand's South Island last year. Rising star Robbie Freuan notched two great tries, while Sonny Bill Williams in his first game back from injury picked up his debut Super Rugby score.
2. Quade Cooper “ After showing no glimpses of last year's unpredictable dynamism, Cooper finally showed his skill in Week 3. The fly half scored 23 points to lead the Reds over the Brumbies, in the form of six penalties, one conversion and one drop goal. The Brumbies looked like they were poised to take the lead just after half time, but Cooper always kept the Reds ahead, and even though his drop goal wasn't the prettiest thing you've ever seen, it ultimately got the job done.
3. The Higlanders “ Super Rugby's 'fifth franchise' for so many years finally looks like the team to beat in the competition. They knocked off the Bulls by seven points, which is no easy feat considering the personnel standard they boast. They consistently retained ball possession, which seems like they key to success this season, and took their chances when they were available. The victory breaks the Bulls unbeaten record on their home turf after a remarkable 21 matches.
Three Things I Didn't Like
1. Victor Matfield “ Yes the Highlanders were impressive, but Bulls fans will be rueing the referee appointment committee after they selected Stuart Dickinson to referee the encounter with the Highlanders. Matfield has a well documented rivalry with Dickinson, and it took only five minutes for them to get into it. This not only cannot help the Bulls chances, but is a distraction for the player and the team. Matfield is a veteran, and should put his personal differences aside to do what is best for the team.
2. Cheetahs vs. Stormers “ The game was, simply put, a snoozer. I know not every match can be riveting for 80 minutes, but neither team scored a try, and the game came down to how well Peter Grant has been practicing his goal kicking. Furthermore, neither team really looked like they wanted to be there, not showing the intensity that makes squads like the Highlanders so successful. Both squads will have questions to ask themselves going into week four.
3. The Melbourne Rebels “ They are newcomers to Super Rugby, and they certainly played like it. After a thrilling last minute win against the Brumbies last week they looked like a completely different squad against the Chiefs. They lacked the intensity on defence that made them successful last week, and paid the price for it in a blowout win for the Chiefs. The lone bright spot was the try by former Welsh international Gareth Delve, as he went over for a late try, which was converted by Danny Cipriani.
Hero(es) of the Week “ The Crusaders
This is the last I will write of it, but the Crusaders paid homage to two important disasters in their victory. They played well, and it was a good game for the neutral viewer. They will be playing at 'home' again on Friday against a struggling Brumbies side, so look for them to go 3/3 this season.
Villain of the Week “ Victor Matfield, Lock, Bulls
I've already touched on it, but his behaviour is inexcusable, especially as every game could prove to be the difference in this competition. When Matfield's words could be heard through Dickinson's microphone it was clear that he wasn't doing himself any favours.
Best of the Rest
- At this point in the season the Sharks look like the favourite to go all the way. Barring injury to Patrick Lambie or any other key player, they should keep on rolling.
- Speaking of the Sharks, Odwa Ndungane was taken to hospital after getting tip tackled against the Western Force, but reports say he is alright and should be back at training soon.
- Injuries this year are something fierce, especially to flankers it seems. First Juan Smith, and now David Pocock. Get better soon.
- Sonny Bill seemed to pick up confidence as the match went on for the Crusaders. Started out a bit shaky, but found his feet and played very well I thought.
- Who then, will be occupying the All Blacks midfield? It's too early to tell of course, but is Ma'a Nonu really putting his hand up to be selected at 12? Or Conrad Smith at 13?
- Further All Blacks selection woes “ Andy Ellis or Jimmy Cowan at 9? Both have been spectacular this season for their respective clubs.
- Moving to the northern hemisphere, Marc Lièvremeont has to be the worst coach with the best team right now in world rugby. Taking Imanol Harinordoquy out of the squad for Sebastian Chabal is a huge gaff. I know it's just against Italy, but still.
- England will win the Grand Slam “ there I said it.
