Almanac Rugby: Super Rugby Pacific Round 14

Crusaders 61 v Fijian Drua 3

Reds 34 v Moana Pasifika 22

Chiefs 54 v Force 21

Hurricanes 45 v Rebels 22

Blues 21 v Brumbies 19

Waratahs 32 v Highlanders 20

 

 

We had one Aussie team return to the winners’ circle with a NZ scalp in an otherwise lacklustre round for local rugby. The top teams are doing just enough to secure their positions and there isn’t a lot of jockeying for other positions. It will be good to get to the finals and see better contests.

 

 

The CRUSADERS made short shrift of the DRUA to kick off the round. The REDS had to toil a bit more against MOANA PASIFIKA but that result was never really in doubt either.

 

 

Saturday action started off with the CHIEFS playing steady rugby to ease past the FORCE. There were glimpses of a fight in the REBELS’ loss to the HURRICANES but they really let it slide late in the game.

 

 

All eyes were then cast on Canberra. While some were occupied with the carnival of democracy snags and swinging seats, rugby fans had high hopes of a BRUMBIES win over the BLUES. Our best team played within themselves mostly, hoping for a win by attrition. Their best team, in turn, also played cautiously for the most part.

 

 

The Ken Behrens had their chance to close out the game when they had their opponents pinned down close to their line when the final siren went. Ill discipline allowed the crafty Aucklanders to get back into a scoring position so Beauden Barrett could slot through the winning field goal. Ultimately, that result may not have any real consequence but it will no doubt leave some scars on a group of young men flying the flag for the game in this country.

 

 

The WARATAHS gave us something to smile about on Sunday with a classy win over the HIGHLANDERS.

 

 

With one round to go, the Blues, Crusaders and Brumbies have secured home finals. The last spot is technically up for grabs but the Chiefs play the Drua so it is hard to see them coughing that one up.

 

 

 

 

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