Highlanders 61 v Force 10
Crusaders 37 v Brumbies 26
Fijian Drua 34 v Moana Pasifika 19
Blues 53 v Reds 27
Hurricanes 22 v Waratahs 18
Chiefs 33 v Rebels 30
For the first time since trans-Tasman hostilities commenced, there was no local flagbearer to prevent a Kiwi whitewash. The most resistance, also, came from the most unlikely of sources. With two rounds to play, we need the Aussie teams to pick themselves off the canvas as this competition is still there for the taking.
The HIGHLANDERS continued their recent run of form with a comprehensive display against the FORCE. It wasn’t the greatest of curtain-raisers for the anticipated showdown that followed.
Despite being played in front of the Canberra faithful, the BRUMBIES were outclassed by the CRUSADERS on Friday night. The set pieces by the visitors, when in scoring position, were simply sublime. They were keen to send a message they intended to add more silverware to their bulging trophy room.
In the warm sunshine at Parramatta Stadium on Saturday afternoon, the Pacific community celebrated a slice of history as their two teams faced off for the first time. While the game itself never reached any heights, the joy of seeing FIJIAN DRUA and MOANA PASIFIKA run around the same pitch warmed the cockles of many rugby fans.
The REDS were disappointing AGAIN on Saturday. While there is no denying the BLUES are taking their game to the next level, it is dispiriting to see a clearly talented team relent so insipidly.
Speaking of disappointing, the WARATAHS blew a great chance to beat the HURRICANES in front of their fans at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday night. They played some great rugby to take control of the game, for the most part, only to cough it up in the last quarter of the game.
The Sunday hitout between the REBELS and the CHIEFS followed a similar pattern to the preceding game. This time, however, the hosts weren’t expected to threaten. Instead, on a warm Melbourne afternoon, the locals played enterprising rugby and overcame an error-ridden first half to go close to getting the upset. A try on the bell robbed them of a great win, but goes down as the closest loss of the Aussie teams this round.
Over the next two weeks, it is anticipated that the NZ teams will get a stranglehold on home finals. The Reds have Moana next week so that should stop the rot. The Brumbies host the other behemoth from across the ditch in the Blues. Let’s hope they don’t let them jump them early.
Super Rugby Pacific is coming down to the wire. Rugby in this country got a filip the other day with the announcement of the men’s and women’s World Cups coming to our shores. It’s time for our Super Rugby teams to show the kids that it means something more than marketing spin.
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Brian, the more things change (competition names, participants) the more they stay the same (dominated by the Crusaders and Blues). The Brumbies look the best Oz hope while the Reds are underperforming in this stage of the comp in spite of their good roster.