The 2015 Investec Super Rugby season continued with four games involving New Zealand sides. (The Reds observed a BYE round)
This week, it feels like we are starting to build into something big. Might be because it is two-thirds of the way through the rounds, all teams have developed their favored gameplan, have had to deal with injury, suspension and are picking players now on form. Plenty of interest in The Chiefs revolving first-five ‘stage’ as head coach Dave Rennie switched his starting pivot, while Todd Blackadder resisted the urge to promote Carter over Slade [sticking with form] The Highlanders bring back some big gun All Black stars and The Blues have begun a ‘revival run’ of home matches. So all NZ rugby sides had important steps to make towards the finals this weekend – and if your a Hurricanes fan, you would still be very happy. They are sitting pretty at number 1 in all of Super Rugby.
SUPER RUGBY ROUND 12 – NEW ZEALAND CONFERENCE OVERVIEW
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Match : The Highlanders v The Sharks
Venue : Forsyth-Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Score : 48-15
At times, teams put together a performance of note. If your unlucky or have not prepared adequately, then it can be a nightmare show but on Frday night at their ‘fortress’ home stadium, The Highlanders were clinical in putting away a visiting Sharks side. And the manner in how the home side began, how they continued (especially up to the break) and then completed their whole task that was worthy of celebrating. For the visitors, they lost their advantage early, attempted a fight-back only to be out flanked and out passioned.
A set-back for The Highlanders was in losing Joe Wheeler this week. The smiley lock had played every match for this group and was “yet another blow to the forwards group” said Jamie Joseph. On top of losing guys like John Hardie and Shane Christie already, he was replaced in this well performed pack by Tom Franklin, but the team would have been motivated for this match as they would have wanted to take maximum points as they readied for a hard journey over to South Africa, returning via West Australia. This match was pivotal and the team looked focused pre-start.
Good teams plan to start well, but their execution for the first quarter was outstanding. The Highlanders have good fitness, all running back into their line eagerly to hit-it-up again and are very organised in blowing over their own ruck ball. Presented well for Aaron Smith to shift it to his backs, early midfield busts were a key part of their ammunition tonight and it wasn’t surprising when young flanker Gareth Evans impressed further when scoring out wide. A fine development player, that put a bounce in the stride for all the team and was a better start then many games this season. A good strike, they would still need to respect a tough Sharks side who denied them repeatedly in advances many times, but they [Sharks] did not use their own ball in a positive manner.
The Highlanders have not started well often, so they would have been wary of a comeback. That might have been so when the likes of Springboks Willem Alberts and the (now available) Bizmark du Plessis used their mite to promote their side and a determined Tendai ‘The Beast’ Mtawarira crossed the blue line. That cry of “Beast” follows him worldwide and university students had fun shouting it out loud. This crowd was enjoying the occasion and while their stars looked concerned, “quick as a bolt” their tyro halfback tapped it and ran! Scintilating stuff and after 2 phases Lima Sopoaga chose the wide kick to perfection, Waisake Naholo collecting it with ease and they had nullified the Beast’s points gain.
Such quick responses mean that they are familiar with their plays and aware of their strengths. A great position to be in for any side, and that was exemplified when good forward build-up was shifted left soon after. Sopoaga and Ben Smith injected direction and Patrick Osbourne showed his electric ability to cross-up defenses, and scored on the halftime. Super work, it had fans salivating at the prospect of another 40 minutes – pure rugby excitement. 21-10 was a comfortable position to be in and the team would have been told to “go out and continue that good work”.
What followed was both sublime and continues to underwrite their championship credentials. With three tries already, goal one was their bonus point and they worked quickly to exceed that measure when inside Sharks territory early, a miscued tap-back from Stephen Lewies inside his goaline was fair game and incredibly, lock Mark Reddish pounced on unsecured ball. A huge effort, he deserved the high fives from his mates and the conversion hammered another nail into their visitors coffin. Clean breaks were mounting and that lead to Richard Buckman demonstrating his selection in midfield, to offload for his halfback to score. It was brilliant, and it was not over yet.
The Sharks attempted some play obviously, only getting so far when either an infringement or loss of ball ended their offensive effort. That inability to score only encouraged The Highlanders, who now had space to work the ball up the middle of the field, runners like Osbourne fed the flying Dan Pryor and he promoted the ball well to barnstorming Brendon Edmonds to make the score 43-10. At that point, Sharks players could be forgiven for giving in, but du Plessis showed much resolve to score but it was too-little too-late. That score was matched by Elliot Dixon who crossed out wide, only being denied a half century when Marty Banks missed conversion.
The manner of the win was of comfort to the home side, as it was a total group performance but for The Sharks to begin a tour like this is far from ideal. In 2014 they showed a desire, winning with less than a full compliment, but without Frans Steyn and starting with Fred Zeilinga, the side ‘once feared’ had played below their abilities. If they cannot correct those deficiencies, then The Hurricanes are going to wreak havoc on the Natal side.
For The Highlanders, their trip abroad is paramount to staying within the top 6 table. The Lions are a handy team, so will believe they can defeat this side, but as in last years journey, “Landers on tour” is a massive test for Jamie and his troops. Achieve 2 or 3 wins, and they will hold their future in their own hands.
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Match : The Blues v The Force
Venue : Eden Park, Auckland
Score : 41-24
While only one third full, the walk up crowd would have been buoyed by victory over The Brumbies recently and did hold a previously strong home ground ‘fortress’ record. In fact, The Blues had won the last handful of matches up against Australian opposition, so the omens were good. Sir John Kirwan would have spoken to his side of the importance of gaining back the crowds support. So, how to do that?
Well, you need to score early, and in that goal they looked focused from the whistle. Looking to work it tight before spreading any ball, Jerome Kaino continued to demonstrate to others ‘how to’ be the consummate loose forward and Jimmy Cowan used his wisdom to direct the action. Favoring the left hand side for most of the half, they peppered the line and The Force could only manage fleeting periods of possession. It was only a matter of time.
Against this fine play, a hush fell on the ground when we noticed Kaino had gone to the sideline (just onfield) and those concerns were true, as he was substituted early for Steven Luatua. Without the aid of television playback, we could not tell that he sustained a hand injury [out for the season now] but Luatua is a fine replacement. While the game was drifting along, the key strike was in recycling the ball and slipping down the touchline. In this case, Cowans vision allowed Melani Nanai to scoot over in the corner and it was a great team moment. They now set about achieving victory – pleasing to see that they were more measured in their approach. Not getting over-cocky and some fine interplay was backed-up by good defense.
Seldom did The Force opt to use wing Nick Cummins, so often kicking away ball and missed several place kicks to make matters worse. Not a free-flowing match, their tackling was quite assured and limited Blues players ability to ‘kick-out’ of tackles. And that is where Charles Piutau normally exceeds, strong on his feet but it was a sorry sight to see his face when two covering tacklers pulled him down awkwardly. He reached for his knee in pain and was removed from the competition too soon [now out for the season]
The re-shuffled Blues backline was interrupted once more with a fearsome mid-air collision between Lolagi Visinia and Dane Haylett-Petty. The fullbacks both going for a bomb, Haylett-Petty’s timing was poor, colliding and Visinia slammed heavily into the ground. The call to send him off for a Yellow Card penalty may have been in the higher penalty scale, but it’s result was immediately felt by his team mates.
Luatua has had time to develop at number eight over the last 18 months, and when presented with a scrum close to the line he chose the most direct option – charged it directly up and over his opponents. Spectators were out of their seats applauding the loose forward and that was a great way to end the half. With no points to their name The Force were looking very much like a side on a nine match losing streak and needed to change their fortunes quickly, but tonight’s Blues side had a job to do and were rewarded quickly after re-start when George Moala carried on his improving form, penetrating the defense, hard working Brendan Pratley followed up and Nanai was there to cross for an impressive team try.
Having to be converted by Visinia, Bowden now fell injured with a leg issue which allowed Ihaia West to bring his initiative and speed to the match. While many players were showing new resolve, Charlie Faumuina and Hayden Triggs were turning up all across the park. But the most impressive of all was Akira Ioane. This 19 year old is still learning, but in one powerful run in the 48th minute, he made men look like boys as he evaded Sias Ebersdohn, Cummins and Haylett-Petty in a 50 metre run to bring the crowd to their feet. The tall player will do very well if he can sustain that speed and back it up with good defense too.
That try ballooned the score out to 31-0. Great heights for a Blues team not used to this position, could they retain that momentum? Sadly no, but more so due to The Force’s pure tenacity, as the home side took their foot off the pedal too early. That resulted in a number of tries to the visitors, but a side more in-tune with defending leads would have proved harder to score against, and unfortunately its ‘foreign territory’ for some of the 2015 Blues squad. Whether spooked, unsettled or affected by injury and substitutions, it wasn’t coincidence that Mealamu, Woodcock and Cowan had all exited when the opposition scored their four tries. Not entirely the reason, but its a concern when senior players leaving the field are scoring opportunities for teams to make a ‘comeback’.
At the end of the match, while walking among the crowd I sighted former All Black Joe Stanley. I asked what he thought of the result “You know we both scored 24 points in that second half, so pretty lucky to have such a big lead.” I questioned was it due to subs? He concluded that “with such a big lead, its harder to concentrate on holding onto it. They haven’t been there enough, so maybe it was inexperience but a good win”
I’d trust his assessment, and it was good to see former Auckland and Blues players like him and Robin Brooke present in the stands to support this franchise. With 4 home matches (as well as a bye) at Eden Park, by the time they meet The Hurricanes or Crusaders, the home town support might give these players more experience of being in strong positions. The key will be to go forward after all these injuries are accounted for. They cannot afford to stall in matches again like they did tonight. Practice [at winning] makes perfect.
Next up the travel to The Rebels in Melbourne – a big task that they have failed twice before at. If they can regain any self assurance, a win in Australia (any win on the road for that matter) will be well received by home fans, encouraging them to support the upcoming home-run of final games.
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Match : The Hurricanes v The Crusaders
Venue : Westpac Stadium, Christchurch
Score : 29-23
Match of the round for most, the leading side playing their rivals from Canterbury, it was worthy of a grand final. Glad to report, we were not let down by either side.
This game began with some crisp rugby and for fans at the ‘Caketin’ it was enthralling stuff. Signalling their intent early, The Crusaders built on a number of rucks well inside ‘Canes territory and when the ball went to Colin Slade, he had no trouble out-flanking Jeremy Thrush. He penetrated the line and brought the ball back towards support – in this case, a flying Dan Carter following up as a good inside centre should. Great movement, it was a nice combination and indicated how the game would be played. At speed.
Not fearing that style, the home team just needed to tighten up on their own line and in doing that, there is a chance of working yourself into a position to grasp onto any loose ball. Beauden Barrett is so nimble in defense, he collected a dropped pass and out sprinted the chasing Crusaders. “Counter-punch” such a genuine threat used well by the All Blacks, it must have brought a smile to the selectors faces to see such high level rugby from all their squad members. And they would have been watching because a count of up to 13 current and former All Blacks players were present.
They would have been impressed again by Nehe Milner-Skudder’s injection of class, setting up the ball in midfield and with options either side, Barrett chose Ardie Savea who linked with Conrad Smith, regathered and then passed to his fellow loose forward Brad Shields for a ranging try. The speed of their flankers is special, demonstrating good use of angles, decoy runners and good support play. 14-7 and we were still to see the best part of the game yet.
Awarded a string of penalties, it was not all going the home sides way, but sometimes the combination of infringements can only be tolerated for so long. With The Crusaders metres from the line, Ma’a Nonu who erred when he could not retreat behind the last players feet and came in from the angle – judgement: Yellow Card. Often a forwards mistake, Nonu was pushing the line and Slade converted that penalty and it soon allowed more space for the team in red to break into The Hurricane line. Ryan Crotty was often a decoy, players like Matt Todd and Jordan Taufua hitting up the ball, but the industrious Slade again demonstrated a renewed self-confidence to dummy, dance and almost ‘pirouette’ his way over the line. A fantastic early display, he is putting his name up for national selection and it brought the sides back to ‘even Stevens’ at the whistle call. 17-17
Entertaining and a great example of these two competitive sides ambitions, we would be served up more in that second half as firstly the forwards pushed and parried the other, the Franks brothers enjoyed a unique battle and prop Wyatt Crockett was again prominent. Celebrating his 150th Super Rugby match, he was again very mobile. That trend for forwards to work tirelessly is a great development of the game and after so many seasons it’s commendable for players like Crockett to still be chugging around consistently.
Another bright note was the re-introduction of Dane Coles. Recovering early from elbow surgery, he came on and seemed well at ease with the game. Maybe rusty in the lineout throwing, but his positive was complimented by the home sides outside backs, where Cory Jane worked hard to prevent Nemani Nadolo from using his strengths to any advantage. In tandem with Skudder and Smith, they worked as a unit in denying their opponents to continue to score tries at will [Crusaders lead all teams in tries scored] and they could not capitalise when down in Hurricane territory. When the home side did enter the redzone, territory was used intelligently. Wide ball was retained, props made their hit-ups and when Nonu layed the platform, Regg Goodes was only too happy to push through for the third ‘Canes try.
At 24-20, by the third quarter this match was hitting a high intensity. Test match quality, the game was balanced finely – enter Barrett once again. His ability to cover fullback means that he views the defense, calculating the most favorable side of play to target. From a good recovery, play went upfield and with men to burn, Blade Thompson ranged up to collect the final pass and was thrilled to score. True Hurricanes brilliance, it was their bonus point try and helped put them six points clear but unfortunately Barrett pulled up lame soon, which might be of major concern [he is being assessed and will likely sit-out the next game]
Excitement plus, the ‘sea of yellow’ fans were wanting more but it is a good side who can remember to maintain the basics foremost. Previous sides would have thrown the ball around (as they did at times against The Waratahs) but in this game they knew that it only takes a moment for the game to be taken from them. Lessons learnt from closely lost games had now built-in a newly found perseverance value that has lacked. The home team knew better than the “give it some air” and kicked smartly, held the ball and were up in the face of a hard-charging Crusaders team. Skilled enough to threaten, but just not as effective as in years past, I’d think that The Crusaders would have scored against 90% of other sides, but in Super Rugby Round 12 they could not force a way past a matured Hurricanes side.
For each team now, they will have a home game against overseas competition. For The Crusaders, they meet The Reds and will likely take a a much needed haul of 5 competition points. Staying only just within reach of the top group, its “now or never” for Kieran Reads men, but for The Hurricanes they must turn around and host The Sharks next saturday night. Themselves coming off a lashing from The Highlanders, you might expect a more emphatic African side to run out onto Westpac Stadium. If they do what they did in 2014, they might unsettle this Wellington side with an 80 minute performance. Is that likely – I’m assuming not, because this 2015 ‘Canes side are smarter, are better prepared and are definitely ‘on fire’. I can’t see them losing myself and hope to see another class act from this leading side.
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Match : The Rebels v The Chiefs
Venue : AAMI Stadium, Melbourne
Score : 16-15
It was a short trip across the Tasman, meant to return The Chiefs 5 competition points and also ‘test’ new pivot Andrew Horrell. Judging whether he could run this Waikato side (in the absence of Aaron Cruden) but neither of those objectives were achieved, with a disjointed match and another exhibition of poor discipline in a loss that will be felt by the entire squad – not least, Liam Messam himself.
The Rebels were not in any position to be favorites of any sorts at home. Not since that initial win against The Crusaders; which was their ‘high-point’ of the competition to date, has this side been a leading side. Admittedly, they came within a scoring play of upsetting The Brumbies last week. “But almost” is very nearly their franchises nickname now, with a series a coaches, imported players and wide ebs-and-flows in crowd support that meant you never knew what to expect.
And that would have been the expectation of Dave Rennie and his administration. In their early season planning, when they wished to rest some of their All Blacks, then this trip to Melbourne would probably would have been ideal. But all of that was brought to a halt when Cruden fell injured, and this week too when Brodie Retallick injured his shoulder [out for up to 4 weeks] his future role is in question and that means the pressure was squarely on Messam’s shoulders.
Beginning the match, quick movement from The Rebels stretched their opposition. Any ball The Chiefs held was too quickly lost or they were penalised for holding. Possession stakes sat continually in the home sides advantage [a horrible Chiefs stastistic of only 30% in the first half] and resulted in despair and referee calls going against them. They needed to come to grips with a Rebels side who aimed to use their maul and then use darting runs up-field. In one slick move, halfback Nic Stirzaker used the blindside superbly with captain Scott Higginbotham flying over in the corner which was on the back of good ball control, so the pressure was on The Chiefs early.
What did hurt them was a poor piece of individual discipline from the talented James Lowe. Some modern techniques in Super Rugby involve ‘off the ball’ gamesmanship, and when he felt he was being held for too long, Lowe unconscionably lashed out with his knee. The contact would be consequential, as the officials literally ignored a fortunate punt upfield from big Ben Tameafuna that Liam Messam chased well. It seemed to result in Charlie Ngatai crossing – all for nought though. The officials highlighting the cumbersome indiscipline and Lowe was sent to the bin. Frustrating to watch, it was compounded when a lineout play saw nimble halfback Stirzaker score himself. A hint of defensive interference was judged a fair try and the score was 16-3.
NOTE: Dave Rennie was scathing after Ben Tameafuna was removed by on-field medical officials for a concussion test and in that time, when no substitute was permitted under ‘trial medical procedures’ the opposition scored. Reports are that The Chiefs will place a formal enquiry to Sanzar for clarification on their processes and on future medical assessments.
Outplayed in the first forty minutes, it called for The Chiefs to redirect their efforts, hold the ball and they now had to be absolutely sure in those 50/50 passes that were not quite there. Rennie would ask for better control to be put into their behavior, as well as in their onfield leadership. Michael Leitch was performing that task, as was Sam Cane but the experiment of Horrell was not allowing Sonny Bill Williams the space he needed to free his arms. They were being held well by a less glamorous side (even when missing Mike Harris and his kicking boots) If the game was to be brought back, then a concerted effort was needed and after 9 minutes, once substitutes like Damian McKenzie were brought in, the hope was to bring more ambitious play to help spark the side? In a way, it did but it did not.
Gaining some ground by moving into the Rebels 22 metre zone, the play selected was more akin to a ‘Melbourne Storm’ rugby league move, a grubber kick from Tim Nanai-Williams bouncing fortuitously for Ngatai to gain an awarded try. The fight back should have carried on in normal Chiefs style – they have won in South Africa like this before. So with cheers from their supporters in their ears, it was a tipping point.
To The Rebels credit though, they held out many offensive waves and at times looked to kick it deep and then halt oncoming phases of play. Augustine Pulu came on and introduced some urgency (as a good sub halfback should) and then Leitch seemed to make a Superman impression, reaching over for a super try but it just became so much more difficult when Messam was adjudged late in the game to have entered a defensive maul from the side. A very tough call, he remonstrated as most players will, but on this night the calls went the home sides way. All too much, Chiefs were stopped-short and The Rebels took their first ever victory against this New Zealand side.
Tony McGahon spoke to ESPN Scrum after the match “It wasn’t really nice watching that second half in the box [under pressure] but it was a really clear example of what the players put in for each other,” McGahan said. “I’m delighted for the players” as well he should be.
But his opposite would be less than delighted and it would be a grueling bye week for The Chiefs. Some might feel like they tried, but it is a consistent delivery of their gameplan that they are missing. For them to now face a series of local derbies, they must develop better strategies and be in control of their fortunes. The next match against The Hurricanes is nearing critical point in 2015. A real test for Messam and his group, we hope they can show their resolve and bring a smile back to fans faces, because this week there was nothing to be happy about on Saturday night.
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NZ conference standings | Hurricanes (Position 1st) 43 points | Chiefs (4th) 38 | Highlanders (5th) 33 | Crusaders 9th) 26 | Blues (13th) 16
Future fixtures – Friday 8th May : Crusaders v Reds, Christchurch | Rebels v Blues, Melbourne | Saturday 9th May : Hurricanes v Sharks, Wellington | Lions v Highlanders, Johannesburg
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