S14 - Halfway Marks

[cyclopath]

Well, about half-way through, give or take a bye or two. Where are we all?
Despite apparently being the most ugly, boring and unentertaining team in the comp (don't worry, I've said all these things myself) the Tahs somehow sit 2nd with 5 wins. Defence and forward play keeping them in it, but the lack of good attacking play continues to be a worry.
The other Aussie sides sit in 10th-12th which is frankly disappointing. What are the differences?
Defence does not seem to be the biggest problem; taking out the Reds giving up 50 points last night, their record was pretty good and from what I've seen of the Force and Brumbies, defence has been solid.
All the Oz teams are struggling to score points, and indeed bonus points in wins particularly. Despite the more obvious "razzle-dazzle" the Reds (with a game in hand I concede) have scored 9 points less than the Tahs.
Who are the movers and shakers? Well the Chiefs are the easy answer, now they've "clicked", but having scored 113 on their last 2 outings, they only had 80 odd points from 5 matches prior which is hardly exciting. They've had a lot of latitude in the last 2 weeks, and other sides may not give them so much. Do they have a plan B? Interesting that their coach responded last night to the question of whether he was worried by the points they had conceded in their 2 big wins by saying "No, not really". I would be.
For mine, the Sharks are the team to beat, not only because they are now pretty much camped in Durban, but because they do everything well. They score points well from structure, and loose stuff, they defend well and have a very good mobile pack. Kind of like a team in Red and Black for so long.

 

[disco]

Cyclopath,
I also thinks the Sharks are the favourites for the title & that the wheels will come off for the Chiefs before the finals although they are definitely the form team.

The kiwi teams are starting to find form but most still have to go on safari also.

 

[Scarfman]

I put some of the kids' college fund on Frans Steyne slotting a FG from over halfway and he hasn't even come close. Shithouse!

Feel sorry for those who backed Tunkiri to score 3 in a game. I'll post a picture of my smalls on the internet if he manages that.

 

[Pfitzy]

For mine, the Sharks are the team to beat, not only because they are now pretty much camped in Durban, but because they do everything well.

The only trip they have to make is Bloem to play the Cheetahs I think. Home and hosed! The Reds loss will have reminded them what they need to do and they'll continue to do it well. I wish someone would punch Rory Kockett square in the face though. Little fucker needs taking down a peg or two.

None of the Kiwi teams look like staying long-term - the Chiefs did what any team with that back three would do to the Blues (the Tahs couldn't) but if that style of rugby gets shut down or doesn't come off, like the Blues they'll fold under the pressure of trying to score points, rather than accumulate enough for a win. Still, the Highlanders might surprise a few people and derail a few title hopes should they reproduce the form that saw them smash the Bulls like a bunch of cheap guitars...

I'm disappointed in the Reds somewhat - great team on paper and they've shown they can do the job, but just critical points in time are letting them down. Hope they can keep their core systems and team members on the field to make a run from here. When you look at their run home you realise another 28 points to get them close to the semis might be beyond them - Force (Perth), Clan (Invercargill), Lions (Brisvegas), Blues (North Harbour), Brumbies (Bris), Offsaders (ChCh), Canes (Bris). I reckon they could beat all those teams - they showed it when they did the Sharks - but you get the feeling they just won't.

The three Aussie franchises outside NSW look like they're out of contention, even with a game in hand over the Tahs. The Tahs themselves aren't looking certainties for the semis either - Stormers (Sydney), Bulls (Sydney), Force (Sydney), bye, Cheetahs (Bloem), Sharks (Durban), Lions (Jo'burg).

The Sharks is too tall an ask at this point I think. But the games in Sydney you might expect them to win, and you'd also like to think they could put both sets of pussycats away. But jeez funny things happen on a rugby field - they were meant to bury the Offsaders!

 

[RugbyReg]

Well, about half-way through, give or take a bye or two. Where are we all?
Despite apparently being the most ugly, boring and unentertaining team in the comp (don't worry, I've said all these things myself) the Tahs somehow sit 2nd with 5 wins. Defence and forward play keeping them in it, but the lack of good attacking play continues to be a worry.
The other Aussie sides sit in 10th-12th which is frankly disappointing. What are the differences?
Defence does not seem to be the biggest problem; taking out the Reds giving up 50 points last night, their record was pretty good and from what I've seen of the Force and Brumbies, defence has been solid.
All the Oz teams are struggling to score points, and indeed bonus points in wins particularly. Despite the more obvious "razzle-dazzle" the Reds (with a game in hand I concede) have scored 9 points less than the Tahs.
Who are the movers and shakers? Well the Chiefs are the easy answer, now they've "clicked", but having scored 113 on their last 2 outings, they only had 80 odd points from 5 matches prior which is hardly exciting. They've had a lot of latitude in the last 2 weeks, and other sides may not give them so much. Do they have a plan B? Interesting that their coach responded last night to the question of whether he was worried by the points they had conceded in their 2 big wins by saying "No, not really". I would be.
For mine, the Sharks are the team to beat, not only because they are now pretty much camped in Durban, but because they do everything well. They score points well from structure, and loose stuff, they defend well and have a very good mobile pack. Kind of like a team in Red and Black for so long.

mental toughness I reckon.

The Tahs are able to grind out wins. And I don't mean win ugly. They just have the mental fortitude to be able to (1) stay in the game and keep fighting away and (2) play and an acceptable level 2 weeks (and more) in a row. When you look at the caps the Tahs have its not really a surprise. They have over 300 test caps v the Reds 80 odd (obviously depending on what 22 you use, but I tried to use the best available at the moment, although I did pick Freier I have just realised). The Brumbies have about 300 as well, a few more than the Tahs, whilst the Force have 200 odd.

Breaking it down further, the Tahs have almost 200 caps in the forward pack alone, and that's pretty critical. Brums have about 190, Force have about 80, Reds about 50.

That's all pretty key experience when it comes to turning up every week I reckon.

I've said it before, the Reds can't swing to good games together. Its good then bad then good then bad. The fact that they haven't won back to back since 2006 is proof of this.

 

[fatprop]

I think Link instilled a much harder edge to the Tahs.

There may be lots of complaints about tactics & style, but there were the same complaints last year and we ended up in the final.

 

[Biffo]

I put some of the kids' college fund on Frans Steyne slotting a FG from over halfway and he hasn't even come close. Shithouse!

Feel sorry for those who backed Tunkiri to score 3 in a game. I'll post a picture of my smalls on the internet if he manages that.

Please, Lote, please.

 

[Mainlander]

I put some of the kids' college fund on Frans Steyne slotting a FG from over halfway and he hasn't even come close. Shithouse!

Feel sorry for those who backed Tunkiri to score 3 in a game. I'll post a picture of my smalls on the internet if he manages that.

If he gets four will that mean you'll spare us.

 

[PaarlBok]

The Sharks look clear and dry for top spot. The Brutes also pretty handy. Tonites 1 point will serve them well and think this is the best they had ever from a start.

Think there are still a few tail twist before you can have a clear semi lot. All the others bar Cheetahs still in with a change.

If you look at the Tahs vs Saders, Saders vs Stormers & Brutes, exct, exct no clear cut.

This is the beauty of this competition, why oh why, do anyone want to change it?

 

[Lindommer]

This year's competition is now at the stage when critics, fans and followers can start to fantasise abut their team's chances for the finals. Or think about planning for next year.

The top four:

The Sharks, Chiefs and Tahs have yet to have their bye. It's difficult to see the Sharks not making the four as their only away game is against the weakest side, the Cheetahs. The Tahs have two home games at the SFS (where they are bloody near impregnable) against the Force and the Bulls before their bye and three games in SAf. Fortunately for them two of those are against the weakest sides, the Lions and the Cheetahs. If the Tahs beat the Bulls this Saturday they can still be in front of them after their bye. They should win two out of three in SAf to put them into the semis. Following their bye the Chiefs have three games in SAf, against the Cheetahs, Bulls and Stormers; one win and a bonus point or two should see then camped in the top three before they return home to face the Canes and the Brumbies. But the way they're playing I wouldn't be surprised to see the Chiefs drop a game or two. The Bulls probably have the toughest run home of the top four with away games against the Tahs, Brumbies and Sharks. Very difficult. One factor in their favour is the bye: the team right behind them, the Saders, have yet to have theirs.

The team to watch from here on in are the Saders; they have a bye this week followed by three games in SAf, two against the weakest sides, the Cheetahs and Lions. They return to play the Reds in Chch and finish up with the Blues in Auckland. They could conceivably win all five but I think three wins might be about it.

Things look a bit challenging for the Canes, at 6 on 20 points, the Clan, Brumbies and Blues down to the Force at 10 on 17 points. Realistically, the Stormers, Lions, Reds and Cheetahs are out of it for 2009. For me the Stormers have been the major disappointment this year after promising so much in 2008.

The Tahs/Bulls game this weekend is a huge one for both teams. Presuming they both lose to the Sharks in Durban, two losses for either of them in the remainder of the competition could prove to be expensive.

 

[PaarlBok]

after saturday I wont see the Lions as a easy game at home anymore and expecting the Cheetahs to hit right back. Pretty disappointing on Goddards performance on saturday. If the Lions dont get injuries to their expereince Bokke , Petoors, Mossie & Jannus they sure will win a few down the road.

Havent gave up on the Stormers just yet, if they can get on a roll they can beat anyone anywhere.

The closer the Lion tour comes the more steady performance you can expect from the top Bokke with the Sharks, Brutes, Stormers & Lions.

 

[Gagger]

Probable run down of points Aussie contenders will end up with: http://tinyurl.com/d2yjjr

 

[PaarlBok]

Probable run down of points Aussie contenders will end up with: http://tinyurl.com/d2yjjr

Not so sure about a Lions win in SA for the Tahs. All depend on injuries but if they field the same lot as last week, no easy beat at home. You have to take into account players like Jac Fourie (he have been classy cutting Nunu & Smith at will and the Chiefs duo), genl Petoors and other Bok candidates into consedaration. They will play even better the nearer the Lions Tour comes. Baywatch will keep the Tahs poachers busy, make no mistake.

 

[Scarfman]

For me the Stormers have been the major disappointment this year after promising so much in 2008.

Tell me about it - I took them for the championship at 7/1. Should've bought beer instead.

 

[Lindommer]

One should ALWAYS buy beer instead.

 

[Scarfman]

Imagine how much beer I could have bought if they'd won!