Super Rugby Weekend 2022
Super Rugby Pacific 2022
From a land down under.
A Super weekend of 5 games in Melbourne.
A personal question. Does anyone agree with me that the Kiwi referees, refereed these matches far more stringently than the earlier matches in New Zealand, especially at the breakdown? I think they’re pitching for world cup games.
All 5 games were played at Melbourne’s Ammi Park this weekend starting on Friday evening at 7 pm and finishing at 4-30 pm on Sunday. A feast of rugby designed to lure the resident Kiwis to Ammi Park, to support their teams.
Chiefs 51-Waratahs 27
The opening game of the weekend featured the Chiefs and the Waratahs, but mainly a contest between Sam Cane and Michael Hooper, rival No 7s, and both captains of their national sides. Winning the tackle contest critical if you want to win the game.
The Waratahs had Angus Bell sent off in the second minute!! Coach Coleman could have walked out then. A lifting tackle, spearing the player into the ground.
Despite this, the Waratahs played with great spirit, enthusiasm, and opportunism. However, they met a Chiefs side, who despite missing several top players, played with team mobility, was strong at the line and always a threat. 51-27 tells the story.
Next up for the Waratahs are the Crusaders. Judging by the number of Waratahs who left the field damaged, selection will be an issue.
Blues 35 Fijian Drua 18
The hot team in New Zealand, the Blues disposed of the Fijian Drua, but at times it was fiercely competitive and the Drua was always in contention. (35- 18)
The real challenge for the Drua, is discipline. Can they keep 15 players on the field? Can they show technical discipline, especially at the breakdown?
Lambs' early try for the Blues suggested a try fest, but Fiji demonstrated great skill with precise grubber kicks, leading to tries. Their offloading always asks questions of opponents, can they re-organise quickly in defence? If they can’t the free-running Fijians will score tries.
The Blues are top of the competition and despite making several changes always had the edge. At half time 21-10, at full-time 35-18. Some creativity at the lineout based on technical competency produced another try for Lamb. An Ioane intercept kept them away from Fiji.
The Fijians did show that when they play with discipline and flair they can compete with the best. They will continue to improve and be a force in the seasons to come.
Hurricanes 30 Reds 17
When you lead by 17, and have 70% possession and field position, just before half-time, you may think you are in control.
However, Kiwi teams are never influenced by the score. They just keep on playing and when the stats return to favour them, they score! In this case 30 unanswered points. At the heart of everything is Ardie Savea. His second efforts at the ruck are a delight!
The Reds are the best team in Australia and their young players are developing, tactically, technically, physically, and mentally.
Having said that, I’m not convinced about Taniela Tupou. When the momentum and go-forward is with the Reds he can be effective. But when the momentum needs regaining, he goes missing and his work rate drops.
The Autumn internationals in Europe will be a litmus test for Taniela.
In Fraser McReight Australia has a ready replacement for Michael Hooper. He may be ready now? His work rate, anticipation and technical competency is excellent. He is attracted to the ball.
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Can the Reds get up for next week’s home clash with the Chiefs? Tough ask. I doubt the Chiefs will be as generous with 17 points.
Highlanders 17 v Brumbies 28
Brumbies restored some pride in Aussie rugby with a laboured win over a Highlanders team with one win from 8 games played.
The Brumbies as they have often done, started well, with patterned plays and enthusiasm. Brown and Loneghan are very prominent but Kiwi teams always rally even when 14- 0 down.
Lolesio’s kicking proving crucial in keeping the Brumbies ahead.
For a period late in the second half, the Highlanders were in contention at 17-28, but despite pressure could not find the winning score.
The Brumbies will enjoy the win, knowing that the Hurricanes will be tougher opponents next week.
The Highlanders will rue a slow start and need to be more clinical against the improving Fijian Drua…….in Fiji.
Crusaders v Rebels
If you get the basics wrong the game deteriorates into a mess!
The Crusaders dropped more passes in one half than the entire season to date. Add some poor passes and poor decisions on whom to pass to and you have a half-time score of 7-3.
The Rebels were only in the game for 10 mins, despite coming into this game off 3 wins. Their scrum was moving backwards alarmingly. Yet at half-time, they were still in with a chance. (7-3)
Surely the Crusaders must improve!
And they did finally winning the game 42-17. The Rebels scored 2 late tries.
Can the Rebels take anything from this game? Missed tackles cost them dearly. Philips looks a test second row. Kellaway lacked ball at 13. Their line speed in defence was effective at times and it will need to be next week when they play Moana Pasifika.
The Crusaders take on the Waratahs in Sydney and it is hard to imagine another error-ridden performance. Plus, Will Jordan will play, and he is worth the ticket money alone.
All in all, an interesting weekend. Plenty of Kiwi support in the crowd. Australian based Kiwis that is. Would the crowds be bigger in Sydney and Brisbane? I think so.
Points scored Kiwi teams 175, others 107…. hmmm
Mike Penistone
Coaching thought. “Making players attack the ball at training is the best way to recover after a poor performance”