Almanac Rugby: Super Rugby Pacific Round 7

Blues 32 v Moana Pasifika 19

Crusaders 17 v Highlanders 14

Waratahs 38 v Fijian Drua 14

Blues 46 v Moana Pasifika 16

Reds 21 v Brumbies 7

Chiefs 30 v Hurricanes 29

 

 

The quinella of BLUES v MOANA PASIFIKA ‘Auckland derbies’ produced emphatic wins for the locals over the itinerant locals. It was good to see ads during the game for when the Pasifika lads actually get to play at home in a few weeks. That will provide a real fillip to the competition.

 

The CRUSADERS looked rampant in the first half of their clash with the HIGHLANDERS despite the Dunedin boys only being three points down at halftime. To everyone’s surprise, no extra points were added in the second half. Just goes to show the red bulldozer can roll down the hill in second gear as easily as it can go full throttle on a flat pitch.

 

Over here, we had two good hit outs. The ‘TAHS were workmanlike against the DRUA to keep their season alive and the REDS v BRUMBIES game lived up to expectations.

 

The Queenslanders showed remarkable discipline and composure to keep the Canberrans at bay right throughout the game. It really is a toss-up between these two teams for top dog in Australian rugby.

 

On a sunny Sunday afternoon in Wellington, we had another game change course in the last ten minutes. With the HURRICANES down by ten points, Ardie Savea took a quick tap to crash over the line to put his team within one point of the CHIEFS. Another All Black, Bryn Gatland, made a crucial play with a few minutes on the clock. He kicked the ball out in the Canes’ 22 from his 50, thereby getting the lineout feed. They camped on their opponent’s tryline, counting down the clock to secure the nailbiter.

 

With just one loss each the Reds, Brumbies, Crusaders and Blues lock down the top four spots. While we have seen distinct improvements in some other teams this year, the high flyers of the recent Super Rugby incarnations are picking up where they left off.

 

Reds and ‘Tahs get the bye next round while the NZ matchups may produce an upset or surprise as we enter the witching hour of SRP.

 

 

 

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