Author: Steve Kefu

Steve’s Selections I had submitted a post from last week’s tips but it got missed in the chaos that was Easter, and trying to do everything a day earlier. I know it’s a little bit outside what I normally talk about, but I wanted to share my thoughts on the Pat Lam racism story. There are a number of stereotypes that Pacific Island and Maori players play dumb rugby, running it when it’s not on, unable to control the strategic elements of a match. That Pacific Island players are soft, and they crack under pressure and make stupid decisions, they’re…

I was pretty happy with my 5 from 7 last week – the Hurricanes’ last-minute heroics got them up over the Blues, and the Brumbies surprised a lot of people with their win over the Highlanders, so I was close to 7. But using that logic, with the closeness of all the games (except the Bulls) I could’ve also tipped only 1 for the week. The games aren’t getting any easier to pick – by this time of the year you can usually pick a side that’s struggling, but that’s not the case this year. 23 from 34 – respectable??…

Before I get started – I must apologise for these being posted up late over the past few weeks. I get Taps’ tips by twitter (say that fast 4 times!) and the time difference means I am getting them at very strange times. After my 6 from 7 the week before, last week I decided to do a bit more research before deciding who to tip, I consulted with experts, I carefully evaluated their viewpoints, and weighed their reasoning against my own before making my decision. I tipped 3 from 6. I actually tipped the Force over the Tahs…

I managed 6 from 7 last week and I’ve lost count of the number of people who have asked me if I fluked it. Nope GAGRs, I truly believed all of them would win (yes, even the Blues against the Bulls!). So I’m now sitting at 15 from 21. If I thought last week was hard, this week is even harder! Much is being made of the Auckland Blues and the Chiefs injury woes. For NZ teams, I tip using the game plans of the teams and where they are playing, rather than who is available for selection. This is…

Steve Kefu runs his eye over his picks for the weekend along with Ben Tapuai

I tipped 4 from 7 last week , missing the Crusaders, Highlanders and Lions, which all ended up being close games anyway. I’m pretty filthy about not checking the team list before I tipped the Chiefs because Chris Noakes and Phil Burleigh, who I played with at Bay of Plenty in ITM Cup, were both playing for the Highlanders– had I realised, I’d have tipped them! A particular highlight for me was the Blues v Crusaders game. Pollock refereed that game really well. I know some decisions were contentious, but the way he reffed that game allowed two good teams…

We welcome a bit of rugby royalty this week to the GAGR contributor list: Steve Kefu and Ben Tapuai. Steve is a former Wallaby, Super Rugby, Top 14, Heineken Cup and Premiership player, and Ben Tapuai is a forum favourite. Each week, Steve will give us a round preview of how he sees all the weekend’s games Taps will tip for us. Steve’s Selections Blues v Crusaders – Eden Park This one’s going to be a tight game but I’m going for the Blues. Hobbs starting at 10 is an interesting choice- he has a massive opportunity and has been…