There were a few Super Rugby matches played this weekend that carried more significance than just the table points normally available. The competition had reached the halfway point and already some fancied teams were in danger of slipping off the list of likely finalists. Others needed to prove to themselves and their supporters that they possess the required talents to challenge any opponent, come the finals. The results of those matches were actually a mixed bag.
The Blues had to prove that they can contain a decent opposition attack, to support their own undoubted attacking ability. This question remains unanswered. Once again they got off to a roaring start, this time against the Rebels, but then – again – they seemed to lose focus and allowed the Rebels back into the match. You can’t win this competition in April, that’s true, but eventually the Blues are going to have to prove that they can take an opposition by the throat and squeeze the life out of them.
The Highlanders looked world-beaters a few weeks back, when they overwhelmed the Bulls in Jo’burg, but a few other teams have since proved that this year’s Bulls are not the team of old. The Highlanders then went off the boil a bit, and also needed to prove their credentials against the big boys. This they did – against the biggest boys! They were deserved winners over the Crusaders and, though both teams were without numerous star players, they showed that they will threaten anyone. At their best, only a very good side will beat them.
The Reds and the Waratahs – the Reds on a roll and the Tahs desperately needing a win to stay in touch. This was a weird game. The Reds looked much the better rugby team, but I thought that the Waratahs lost the game, rather than the Reds won it. The only try of the match was an individual effort from the brilliant Quade Cooper – but the Waratahs should have had the penalty (and an easy shot for goal) from the scrum that started this play.
A powerful Tahs shove drove the Reds back and around and Guy Shepherdson broke his bind to support himself with his right hand on the ground! Scott Higginbotham deliberately impeded Drew Mitchell when Mitchell chased through – he even had to look back over his shoulder to be sure! Tom Carter definitely got the ball to the ground – it was impossible to see whether he got it over the tryline – and this should have given the scrum feed to the Waratahs for the 5-metre scrum.
The Waratahs had six kickable penalties in the last 20 minutes and should have kicked them – this would have almost certainly won the game for them. Their attack was woeful and the Reds are never lacking in courage and commitment – this combination means no tries for the Tahs! Without Tatafu Polotu-Nau, the Tahs’ scrum power is considerably reduced. With James Hanson, the Reds scrum is considerably stronger. The Waratahs should have known this. And who decided to take Phil Waugh off? Without him, the Tahs have been leaderless all year. The Tahs proved that they haven’t got what it takes to even qualify for the playoffs. This game was theirs for the taking and they couldn’t take it.
The Bulls needed to be able to beat the Force – even in Perth and even in the final game of their tour. They were not good enough and will need a miracle to go through to defend their title.
The Sharks are almost as big a mystery as the Waratahs. They needed to beat the disappointing Hurricanes. The Canes have a truckload of ability, but this season it’s been mainly on paper. The Sharks did come through in the end — even John Smit looked reasonable (I must be getting soft) — but it did take two yellow cards to the opposition to help them over the line.
I thought that a lot of the play, across the board, was thoughtless and disappointing from many of the teams. One-pass crash rugby should be beneath the dignity of players of this class. Power and drive definitely form an important part of the game, as do courage and passion, but they cannot form the major part. Pretty well the only tackle contest option being coached appears to be the ruck – frequently preceded by a voluntary tackle – and this is actually the worst option for the attacking team.
The almost mandatory slow ball is a cancer that has afflicted the game. Take a look at the pathetic attempts by the Waratahs to construct meaningful attack against the Reds. Scrum-halves who spend an eternity setting up their forwards for a boring series of crash-ball plays should be immediately subbed off the pitch. Get someone on who wants to play and put pressure on defences. And while we’re at it, get some coaches who are brave enough to try to help their players to realise their potential that this great game offers.
While I’m on a roll, how did the IRB decide that Steve Walsh (a mate of Paddy’s) is a better ref than Stu Dickinson? The performances of both on the weekend were chalk and cheese. Steve was terrible in his half; Stu, as usual, was good – firm but fair. Now that I mention it, he’s also a lot better than Kaplan (ask the Irish), Poite (ask anybody) and Joubert, but I don’t think that any of these has had the temerity to penalise the New Zealand scrum. Maybe this is a story for another day!
