Many teams are now gaining good habits. They must do, because a bad habit will be targeted by your opposition who will plan to use it to their advantage. What we found this week in NZ Super Rugby Round Six is that the best teams counter opposition tactics–the Highlanders had to battle back from a more energetic Force side who quickly ran up 14 points, the Crusaders had to outlast a Lions side who have a ‘never say die’ attitude and the Chiefs knew that if they played wide, expansive rugby then their skill and execution would mute the Brumbies tight forwards.
There was plenty of action for every fan who enjoyed another full weekend of Super Rugby.
Results: Friday 1st April – Highlanders 32 Force 20 | Lions 37 Crusaders 43 | Saturday 2nd April – Blues 24 Jaguares 16 | Brumbies 23 Chiefs 48 | Hurricanes [BYE]
In compiling these results, an amazing piece of data was calculated. Before the Rebels v Waratahs match, the average points spread over six Super Rugby encounters was 28.66 for the home side to 28.83 for the visitors. Almost identical. Incredible really if you consider those six games were played over three different continents and twelve different teams.
It reflects high scoring matches that began on Friday in Dunedin, when the Western Force ended a three game tour of New Zealand (NZ) with their third loss. No team will find any positives from that, especially as they collected zero competition points. How coach Michael Foley brings his players together once back in Perth will no doubt influence whether the Force proceed over the coming months. If they can take anything from this match, it is that they know how to attack from high-ball kicks–better use of that threat maybe a strategy they need to use more wisely.
Read the full Last Word On Sports match report here, but it was a game where the Highlanders gained much; in terms of character depth and in their ability to overcome early points, but could have lost if certain players are removed from the side. If they lost Aaron Smith, would Fumiaki Tanaka have the same drive and organisational skill? He could do, as he is an International halfback but his lack of time on the field might catch them out in a match when the heat is really on. Aaron Smith is key to much of the Southern teams tactics, he is too valuable to leave out–even though All Black policy dictates he must be rested for two rounds of the regular Super Rugby season.
In South Africa, even though the Crusaders had not traveled well in the republic over recent years, they have done well at Ellis Park so their coaching group needed to have their men peak for this tough Friday night clash with the Lions. A combined score of 80 points is sensational to witness, I highly recommend you watch this match as it highlights how if you rest after scoring a try, your opposition can respond in an instant. And with ten tries scored, there were was no time to rest, it was point-a-minute stuff [literally]
Several stand out performances were the small difference between the sides. Richie Mo’unga was again asked to direct the Crusaders and did a very good job. Five conversions and a penalty rewarded the young man, but it was the confidence he drew from having Ryan Crotty outside him and Kieran Read leading the pack. Key men, Crotty was on the scoreboard inside the very first minute when Scott Barrett stole the ball in the first ruck formed, skip passes freed up Crotty to score the first of three tries. Read, with 15 tackles was ever-present and alongside Matt Todd needed to work hard as the Lions had over 60% possession.
They did well to repel a home side that would ‘never say die’. Lionel Mapoe was a lethal midfield threat, so too was Jaco Kriel who carried the ball tirelessly, but in the end, with all the luck they just could not meet the same level of determination the seven-time champions can muster. A final try to Armand van de Merwe [his second] gave Crusader fans grey hairs but after the visitors got on the front foot, they outlasted the fast-finishing Lions. It was close, and the Lions made sure Todd Blackadder’s men would only take four competition points (not scoring three more tries than the home side)
Being played at North Harbour Stadium, I was present for this first-ever match in NZ for the Jaguares. That saw their fans out in droves, and their supporters brought the colour and latin flavour missing from your regular, subdued Blues crowd. Banging drums and dressed in their national Argentina blue and white, the chant “Jaguares” was a constant background to this mostly entertaining game.
The opening twenty minutes were dominated by the visitors, who used ball-in-hand but too often let themselves down by dropped ball. That they continued in that vein was commendable, but it did not bring the rewards coach Raul Perez had planned. Mind you, after leaving ten players at home he limited their proven combinations and only first-five Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias was a constant. Ambitious, they took their penalties but when Blues number eight Steven Luatua crossed, it could have crushed the Jaguares spirits. Credit goes to them for staying positive, with supporters in the stands cheering them on, they persevered a would have gone to the break 5-6 ahead but they eased off the pedal and a penalty, then a superb try saw the Blues lead 15-6.
Rene Ranger returned to his midfield role, and while not always a threat before the siren sounded he broke the line and while on the ground, popped a pass to Ihaia West who scored for the second game in a row. West had place kicking issues again though, and was floored in the second half but the Hawke’s Bay pivot is tough and his use of penetrating kicks the sideline in the second forty maintained territory. The Jaguares were a threat, but not effective–in one flourishing move, they shifted the ball upfield and if only for a dropped ball by the replacement hooker, might have scored more than their single try.
Hands let them down, they sadly could not maximise a Yellow Card period for Tevita Li (was he guilty?) and they gifted the Blues second half penalties that cost them a bonus point. The match ended with forwards throwing wild punches as frustration grew on both sides. Losing 24-16, they got no reward from their visit to QBE Stadium but personally (and mentioned often on Sky TV coverage I viewed the next day) it was as entertaining off the field, as the rugby was on it. NZ rugby needs more enjoyment in the fan stadium experience. Jaguares fans brought that and it will be a lasting memory of mine to have heard and enjoyed that atmosphere first-hand.
We then had the ‘match of the round’. Top of the Australasian conference, an amazing team performance from the Chiefs that saw them handle everything the Brumbies could throw at them (which was pretty formidable) It opened with Christian Lealiifano bringing up 700 career points when he kicked the first goals. His role is key for the Canberra side and they began with their normal standardized play while opposite them, after a turnover the ball was spread instantly to speedster Toni Pulu. A huge hit to the Brumbies effort, it was just the tip of an offensive display where James Lowe and especially Damian McKenzie were lingering to pounce at any opportunity.
They withstood pressure though. Pressure that would crack other teams because the Brumbies are potent in their own attack. Scott Sio broke through in a typical front rowers try. Pats on the back were soon quietened when Charlie Ngatai ran 40 metres, passed to Lowe who shuttled the ball inside and when recycled, Cruden rifled the ball out to Tom Sanders to answer emphatically. Wonderful stuff. Allowing the Chiefs to go into the sheds 13-20, the visitors were outstanding in their attitude. Could it last for 80 minutes?
Brumbies firepower is limited, although Tomas Cubelli is a very inventive halfback but when your fullback coughs up ball and your opposition can attack in an instant, even a try for big Scott Fardy was never going to combat the out-and-out lethal Chiefs team that often bedazzled their hosts. This second forty minutes produced some fabulous play and even forwards like Hika Elliot and Michael Allardice rolled the ball up and managed a few passes themselves, but it was directed expertly by Brad Webber who is like a human dynamo. He may keep Tawera Kerr-Barlow on the sidelines if his impressive work continues.
This match was a great example of Aaron Cruden’s growing generalship. Evident from the outset, his array of chip kicks, lofted passes and importantly following up on attack was lauded by all. His only failure seems to be the place kicking. If that element of his game returns, the consummate first-five can lead his men to the top of the table. Winning for the first time in 8 years at Canberra, captain Sam Cane had to salute his backline.
“The backs are electric at the moment. Our jobs as forwards is just to give them some ball, and seems whatever ball we give them, they seem to be making the most of [it]”.
His smile was clear to see, and so would Dave Rennie’s. To overcome the massive injuries sustained so far this season is a compliment to the team spirit in Hamilton.
The most points ever conceded at home; 23-48, it will make Stephen Larkham scratch his head and look at his options. They are still the Australian team who look most likely to gain the automatic home quarter final, but after the loss in Africa and now this, they are no longer the leaders most had assumed they could be. That title now sits squarely on the Chiefs shoulders.
POINTS STANDINGS: Chiefs 24 | Highlanders 22 | Crusaders 18 | Hurricanes 15 | Blues 11
FUTURE FIXTURES: Friday 25th March – Chiefs v Blues, Hamilton | Force v Crusaders, Perth | Saturday 26th March – Hurricanes v Jaguares, Wellington | Reds v Highlanders, Brisbane
STANDOUT PLAYER OF THE WEEK: James Lowe (pictured) The look on his face shows the attacking attitude that saw Lowe scored a brace of tries and demonstrate his formidable natural attacking flair. In combination with Aaron Cruden, Lowe is a weapon that the Chiefs can almost rely on. He has scored five tries, which is only bettered by his team mate Damian McKenzie. That pure strike rate means that a Chiefs backline is to be feared and will only grow in confidence as they return home, all smiles and ready to entertain their home fans next friday.
“Main photo credit”
