Riptide
Dave Cowper (27)
Just wonder what Hammett has brought to the Hurricane's franchise. He clears out several outstanding strong-personality players (Hore, Nonu, Weepu - and then Cruden, Gear choose to not to play for him) all with a view to providing more structure to a traditionally hot n' cold, often flakey team and then this game happens in his second season on the job? There was a complete absence of structure, and tactics that played into the Chief's hands. The Hurricane set-piece is not the best after 1 1/2 season into Hammett's tenure and the team still relies on individual brilliance to secure wins.
Crusaders are clearly missing the oomph of Thorn and the nous/workrate of McCaw. Carter will take a few good weeks to return to anything close to his average form. Crusaders look like they have had too much rugby with RWC etc. taking it's toll on their key players. I don't see them rebounding to threathen a final place; they are not the strongest Crusader vintage.
Highlanders and Chiefs are great fun to watch. I love the Clan's commitment to the set-piece and breakdown but dont think they have the depth upfront to go really deep into the comp. They are a different team with Thompson and "Whoppa" on the park and their work ethic is only matched by the Brumbies.
Chiefs are winning despite losing most of their starting front five early in the season. Cruden is growing into being a complete player now and his ability to take a flat ball and pick out the right runner and choose the correct option is getting up there with Carter and Cooper. Kerr-Barlow looks like he has all the skills even if his option taking needs to mature somewhat.Not sure what their front row injury return looks like but if Masaga and a few props return, they might have the game to win it all.
The Blues have no appetite for the game and seem to lack directions. Riddled with talent, they have lost their way under Lam whose selection policies must have players scratching. Who the hell is that franchise's starting 10 after 3 years under Lam? Who is the preferred 9? Lam is not a head coach and has been given every opportunity but the Blues only get going going under new management.
Crusaders are clearly missing the oomph of Thorn and the nous/workrate of McCaw. Carter will take a few good weeks to return to anything close to his average form. Crusaders look like they have had too much rugby with RWC etc. taking it's toll on their key players. I don't see them rebounding to threathen a final place; they are not the strongest Crusader vintage.
Highlanders and Chiefs are great fun to watch. I love the Clan's commitment to the set-piece and breakdown but dont think they have the depth upfront to go really deep into the comp. They are a different team with Thompson and "Whoppa" on the park and their work ethic is only matched by the Brumbies.
Chiefs are winning despite losing most of their starting front five early in the season. Cruden is growing into being a complete player now and his ability to take a flat ball and pick out the right runner and choose the correct option is getting up there with Carter and Cooper. Kerr-Barlow looks like he has all the skills even if his option taking needs to mature somewhat.Not sure what their front row injury return looks like but if Masaga and a few props return, they might have the game to win it all.
The Blues have no appetite for the game and seem to lack directions. Riddled with talent, they have lost their way under Lam whose selection policies must have players scratching. Who the hell is that franchise's starting 10 after 3 years under Lam? Who is the preferred 9? Lam is not a head coach and has been given every opportunity but the Blues only get going going under new management.
