The 2015 Investec Super Rugby season continued with four games involving New Zealand sides. The Bulls observe a BYE round.
Super Rugby Round 5 – New Zealand Conference Review
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Match : The Hurricanes v The Blues
Venue : FMG Stadium, Palmerston North
Score : 30-23
20 years since we were first introduced to professional rugby when Super 12 entertained us in a historic first match, those same two sides that featured when it all kicked off, visited that same venue as host in round five. The visiting side might have eagerly welcomed back many of those formative stars to help re-create the magic that occurred back in 1996. While Sir Graham Henry has only recently ended his coaching/advisory role with The Blues, securing them two titles out of the three that the Blues team have acquired, The Hurricanes have not met with the same success as their Auckland relatives. Yet in saying that [today] they are no longer envious, for this match they were heading in as strong favorites, unbeaten and standing at the top of the New Zealand conference.
It didn’t take long to see which team would control the ball. The Hurricanes used the width and power of in-form Julian Savea to set up their first try by T.J. Perenara. It wasn’t easy, with forwards doing the hard work first to set-up the backline, but it showed their intent. Up tempo rugby is working well for the team in yellow.
The Blue team however were having to cope with introspection from every angle, and that wasn’t helped by the withdrawal of their regular captain Jerome Kaino. He succumbed to concussion symptoms over the week (injured against The Lions a week earlier) so with Luke Braid assuming the skipper’s armband and Steven Luatua stepping in as number 8, they needed to reply quickly to hold off the leading NZ side.
They met fire-with-fire with some massive tackling and well drilled defense; something they have actually done well in 2015, though it was an opportunist intercept from tall fullback Lolagi Visinia who spoiled a blindside move from the home side. 7 points was eagerly deposited, and play then seemed to go The Blues way for much of the match.
With 27 minutes up, The Blues used a set move off their scrum feed to run two phases of play up to the 20 metre mark before a bulldozing Frank Halai put his name down as tryscorer, surprising the crowd as much as the fringe defense of the ‘Canes side. The way he pushed over Beauden Barrett will be of concern, with teams wanting to rush at first-fives in the modern game, so Barrett will not want to repeat that weak effort. It compelled the teams to work more in line with ‘close contact’ rugby methodology, less of the helter-skelter we saw from these two sides in 1996.
The game was headed towards halftime with the score at 11-17 but nobody told the players at the forty minute mark, as each side pushed the clock into ‘referees time’. Savea took a quick-tap that sent his side on a wondrous move up field resulting in a lucky bounce of the ball that landed cleanly in Matt Proctors hands to score. The 5 points gained, (the kick was unsuccessful) was a boost for The Hurricanes and just what the game needed.
Broken play is vital in today’s game, as you can use intuitive play to ‘outwit’ opposition planning and The Blues are as unpredictable as any side in world rugby. You could not assume the game would play to any script, with exchanges of possession followed by simple errors that blighted any Hurricanes continuity. After an Ihaia West penalty put The Blues back in front, it was looking like the game was at a tipping point and that is what Ma’a Nonu is now famous for being able to influence. From a lineout, his deft unload to his fullback led to Savea running in for a great try. The momentum had swung in the home sides favor, and if the ball had stuck in-hand for several resulting plays, the game might have been like that Force encounter in round 3.
While a second West penalty kept the visitors close (and complimented their play) at 25-23, John Kirwan would have wanted his substitutions to inspire a fight back, but they spoiled more chances than they gained and if a team can be their own worst enemy, it’s The Blues. Not withstanding, they did impress with a good wall of controlled defense, reacting well to all that was put up by the home teams forwards, but it was only ever as ‘a reaction’ to what the leading team were producing. Counter attack was shut down, both sides were happy to kick and their back three made few mistakes and it seemed to simply run-down-the-clock.
70 minutes soon elapsed, but the flow of the game was under the control of The Hurricanes. Conrad Smith drawing on his team to counter all that was thrown at them, the ball moved quickly and they were cool under pressure. The Blues lacked a certain ‘polish’ this season, and while they endeavor and toil away it was thwarted by the men in yellow shirts. Today it only takes an instant to turn defense into attack, so when West kicked the ball down the throat of a talented backline, the result was emphatic.
Moving the ball to the flanks and back across field, the ball landed in young Blade Thompson big hands, and he drew in the defense well to set-up a second Savea try.
The result was not always in doubt, but its commendable the way this Blues side are working tirelessly yet without reward. Like the Irish, the are as skilled as other sides [Schmit and Kirwan are both working extremely hard] but when the All Blacks play them, the lucky charms fall off within sight of a win. St Patrick has not shined on the Irish in any All Black victories, and even with their own saint (or Sir) this Blues side can’t get over the line when the games are there for the taking.
The Hurricanes have now found some extra edge and no longer seem to need luck on their side. They withstood the fire from the opposition, and even though it will be a red hot atmosphere in Dunedin next week, they will be thrilled to have returned from a week off with the same intensity and winning habit. That’s not luck anymore. That is through hard work and an extremely confident and well driven Wellington side.
* James Broadhurst was later suspended for 1 match, for a careless knee to the head of Luke Braid.
Match : The Crusaders v The Golden Lions
Venue : AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Score : 34-6
Striving for improvement, and after a bye-week to reflect on their humbling loss to The Chiefs, it was a resurgent Crusaders team that handled the occasion and dispatched a courageous Lions squad (in week 2 out of a 4 week trip). The weather was great, the crowd built up well and would have been relieved to see many returning stars running out on the park – Sam Whitelock, Kieran Read, Nemani Nadolo with Andy Ellis all starting for the team in red.
The visitors had endured The Blues at Albany in a dour contest, with a combination of pure resilience and tenacity seeing them out muscle the north island side, but they would need to employ some smart tactics to overcome the southerners. It was a little surprising then that within five minutes, Ellis literally had the ball handed to him to score one of his easiest tries. Was it the return of Read that created it? More likely it was the fact that they used the goal posts as he glided in, set by a good platform and multiple options, McCaw an obvious threat no side could ever ignore. That try had the crowd enthralled early and was probably the highlight of the first half.
With Carter standing at second-five for this match, their were literally ‘too many’ attacking choices and play seemed to be somewhat indecisive. Scrums dominated through-out, typical counter rucking and the fluency in the match was a little too stop-start. Colin Slade kicked well, Dan Carter took on the line more often than usual and The Lions only seldom made it out of their own half. Repetitive scrum resets being a continuation of the visitors disrupting tactics that cost them in penalties [a crucial call in the final minute of the game most glaring] but for most of the game, The Crusaders played with a professionalism that comes from so many current and ex-All Blacks in your side.
Spectators were crying for their wings to receive the ball, Nadolo was effective whenever he did search out the ball and only occasionally did any player reach their top-speed. Defense was enveloping from either side, Lions spoiling any moves and looking very one dimensional. With classy players, they should really attempt to involve the likes of Elton Jantjes, Andries Coetzee and last weeks try scorer Ruan Combrink, but play seemed to be indirect, as infringements occurred far too often and were an impediment to any form of ‘Super Rugby’.
While the referee used his whistle more often than we’d have liked, it was a cruel blow when he reached into his pocket to discharge a Yellow Card and sent forward Julian Redelinghuys to the chair. Warned many times, that ruling was to the detriment of the game and after five minutes and a series of strength-sapping scrums, referee Nick Briant awarded a penalty try. This ruling followed on from the Chiefs/Highlanders decisions, and was in part due to good policy from Read who pushed a weakened Lions team who infringed all too easily – he is now an astute captain and has been schooled well by McCaw and Hansen.
Not content to only push the opposition around, in one exciting movement from a defeated Lions attack, Nemani finally got his legs going and the ball was smartly spread out to a ranging Whitelock, who shared the ball to an substitute winger Kieron Fonotia to cross. That was a good phase of play and ensured a quality result that was rewarded with a 4th try bonus point when Read easily intercepted a slow Lions offensive move (lurking in their line) His wide smile was a huge plus sign, as was the teams renewed enthusiasm.
The only downside was an injury to Johnny McNichol and if the All Blacks have any influence on selection, Slade might find himself on the wing to maintain his ‘utility role’. While that is unknown, this Crusaders side will be happiest that DC finished the match unfazed by his leg or by fans expectation. If he can ‘get on with his natural game’ this team perform well at even 90%. with a final hit-out against The Cheetahs next weekend that will then see them head over to the republic, we should expect better things to come from the red & black machine.
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Match : The Highlanders v The Waratahs
Venue : Forsyth-Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Score : 26-19
Facing the reigning Super Rugby champion side of The Waratahs would be a daunting challenge for most teams, but a resolute Highlanders side have a deep belief in themselves, so it was not a surprise to see the outcome of this tightly fought match. Well prepared by Jamie Joseph, it would have been a key match for several reasons: to judge themselves against the best, to aim at improving on a solid defensive match (the week prior against The Chiefs) and with home field advantage, their aim would have been to collect 4 points that will be valuable when they must travel later in the season.
A big crowd made the stadium a heaving cauldron, scattered with the light blue Waratahs fans who would have been euphoric when Michael Hooper entered the backline early to split the Highlanders open. Spread quickly for Nic White to score, it was followed quickly by another set move which resulted in a second Waratahs try to Matt Carraro. Such a lightning start was repeating the trend of this home side in having to claw back point leads early, but for one New Zealand team at least, they looked confident to regain that ground and got that even footing through an assured defense. While in the bluezone, veteran prop Sekope Kepu received a yellow card for ‘holding’ which was a little harsh myself, referee Craig Joubert as ever dilligent on the gate entry and ‘niggly’ play from the ruck. The resulting scrum saw Aaron Smith lead a forwards move that credited Tom Franklin in collecting his first Super Rugby try.
That made the scores respectable at 7-12, but it was a piece of Malakai Fekitoa magic that was the point of difference in the first half. Known for his front on tackling style, Fekitoa did the unthinkable and ripped a ball out of superstar Israel Folau’s hands and sent flying winger Waisake Naholo away to dance his way down the sideline in a blistering counter-attack. Breathless stuff. The students who had packed out ‘the Zoo’ roared with delight as the winger crossed, and the balance of the half now favored the southerners.
After a brilliant finish to the half, talk in the changing rooms would have been on continuing their efforts, while Michael Cheika needed to address his teams conviction. He has his hands full, but would have called on experienced players to standup for the New South Welshman. With the better composure of the two sides, The Highlanders returned and had a wealth of possession to utilize early on. Teammates urged on their peers and soon Elliot Dixon was crashing the line and quick ball saw co-Captain Ben Smith bounce out of tackles to score inside three minutes – a blow that had ‘hands on heads’ for the visitors, and an exuberant crowd frothing with delight. It didn’t stop there. Poor options by the Waratahs again presented the ball to the home side who ran 80 metres to work the ball out to the right winger Patrick Osbourne, who after a try the week earlier, had a ‘string in his step’ to cross and make the score 26-12 with 30 minutes to play. It was a blitz that took the wind from The Waratahs sails who disappointed their fans with a lack of enthusiasm.
The remaining 30 minutes was a fight, with some flourishes but too much time wasted in scrums, lineouts and subs that simply did not empower The Waratahs in anyway. They needed to wake up Kurtley Beale who quite literally disappeared and left Ben Foley to spearhead any attack. Dejected captain Dave Dennis said the Waratahs must “stamp out costly concentration lapses to revive their Super Rugby title defence” and while a consolation try to Stephen Hoiles gave them a single bonus point, it was the resolve of The Highlanders that is most impressive. Besides some handling errors that might have seen them extend the winning margin, plus an injury to John Hardie that will test their squad depth, you have to admire their ability to think positively. They try things, they are playing better rugby and have good supporting players who bring value to the side. Its looking good down in Dunedin, but the skies are very grey in New South Wales (for now at least)
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Match : The Stormers v The Chiefs
Venue : DHL Newlands Stadium, Cape Town
Score : 19-28
Sunny Cape Town was a reminder that rugby in Africa is what we all once knew it as. The sun on your back, hard and fast fields and crowds that ramp up the feeling of being in ‘enemy territory’. That tribal feeling is nothing strange to the visiting Chiefs team, who have collected more wins in the last 4 seasons than any other conference side. They are not intimidated, although coach Dave Rennie mentioned how The Stormers might “scrum the life out of us.”
If you had bet on the first try scorer to be from a Chiefs player, then you would have wasted your money because The Stormers were hot on attack early. It was a quality NZ side who held them out for multiple phases of play, but with the crowd behind them, it was a pity that shared penalties were their only reward inside the first 15 minutes. Brutal ball running tested each sides lines, and that resulted in a horror head-clash between Vincent Koch and Sonny Bill Williams. The All Blacks player was left dazed and sporting a shiner that had his fans grimacing at the replay. The mandatory concussion test was enacted, and while he was off the field The Stormers finally used their possession and Jacobus Van Wyk finished a well created try after a fine cut-out pass to Damian de Allende. Great rewards for sustained pressure, the home side looked likely to score again if it was not for the well drilled defensive systems that this Chiefs side bring with them.
Thrilling rugby of a high standard, by the time Willliams had cleared the cobwebs, he was still able to share the ball out to a waiting Bryce Heem who delivered a nice inside ball for Aaron Cruden to cross. Good work by the forwards benefited the visitors and both teams slowly carried themselves off for halftime, hot and bothered in 30′ degrees heat. While Allister Coetzee would have wanted more than a 16-13 advantage from his team, he’d have been pushing his men to continue their hard work. With the temperature and atmosphere at boiling point, Chiefs coach Rennie would have reminded his team of their systems and to park The Stormers inside their own half. A typical tactic, it required Cruden and Damian McKenzie to once again prove his maturity with the boot and it was a resolute Southland representative who faced down a torrent Stormers attack for the next 40 minutes. That test was supported by a strong showing from centre Tim Nanai-Williams and within 7 minutes of the restart, good interplay saw The Chiefs take maximum points from a well deserved James Lowe try.
Stunning the home side almost, it was what fans back in the Waikato had awoken early to enjoy. Loyal supporters in the crowd now made their voices heard and The Chiefs lead for the rest of the match, fighting every attack from The Stormers who were just a shade off their best. And that was all the opposition needed. Like The Blues, trying so hard, errant mistakes were pounced on by The Chiefs and with good field awareness that led up to their final try from standout loose forward Sam Cane. His work and that of Liam Messam was a credit to their fitness. Using pace and superior fitness to their advantage, it was the old tactic of ‘running the big boys out of puff’ and when the ball was spread, missed tackles cost The Stormers badly : 28 defenders beaten is a horror statistic, and while the South African team still lead their own conference, they are now looking over their shoulders at The Sharks. That competition is worthy, but when a team like The Chiefs can travel so well, it makes nonsense of the once vaunted ‘trip to the republic’.
For The Chiefs, its business as usual and they could afford to rest SBW when they meet The Sharks next weekend, as his injury could be similar to Jerome Kaino’s who must have been shoulder tapped to “take a rest”. Best not to aggravate any concussion symptoms. Look at the long term and be confident that next weekend, his team mates treat this game as one they are more used to achieving than most.
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