Super Rugby 2020: Round 2 Ruminations

Results for Round 2;

 

Highlanders 20 Sharks 42

 

Brumbies 39 Rebels 26

 

Chiefs 25 Crusaders 15

 

Waratahs 12 Blues 32

 

Lions 27 Reds 20

 

Stormers 13 Bulls 0

 

Jaguares 23 Hurricanes 26

 

Sunwolves BYE

 

The opening game of Round 2 was a gem. The HIGHLANDERS were playing their first game after a Round 1 bye. They looked fresh and dangerous in the first 25 minutes of the game. Wave after wave of attacks, though, were repelled by mind boggling defense. The SHARKS absorbed so much punishment and looked down for the count. The way they turned the tables and scored three tries in the last ten minutes of the first half to just blow their opponents out of the water was one of the most impressive passages of rugby I’ve seen in many a moon.

 

In contrast, the game in Canberra was pedestrian. The BRUMBIES set the pattern early with game winning control and confidence. The REBELS didn’t know how to respond and played catch up for the rest of the game. Their season is on the line when they host the Tahs for their first home game this Friday night.

 

Back across the ditch for the first game on Saturday, the CHIEFS took on and took it up to the powerhouse CRUSADERS. Chiefs coach, Warren Gatland, could hardly contain his glee at pulling off a game plan that thwarted the interlopers from the Canterbury plains. The template laid down here will be studied all season long as it is common knowledge that if you can match the Crusaders you can win the title.

 

The REDS were valiant in defeat in Johannesburg while the BULLS never looked likely against the STORMERS. The hard fought win by the HURRICANES will give them a lot of confidence they can be a serious threat once they return for their home stand of games.

 

And finally the Six Nations rumination – Ireland and France are laying down markers while Eddie Jones and the Poms are now officially rivaling the Springboks as the most hated team in world rugby!

 

 

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