The Waratahs and Sharks both travelled to New Zealand on the weekend for the first round of the sudden death play-offs for the Super Rugby title. The Waratahs were massively, almost unbelievably, under-strength due to injuries and were over-powered by a resurgent Blues team, while the Sharks were unable to stem the seemingly unending run of Crusaders play-off victories.
For both of the visiting teams, these were always going to be difficult matches. Conditions in New Zealand are frequently foreign to both Australian and South African teams and, stupidly, both matches were controlled by New Zealand referees. This is a ridiculous state of affairs, which totally ignores the accepted wisdom that justice must be seen to be done.
When discussing the matter of referee appointments, we might as well talk to brick walls. It’s not as if either appointee is an outstanding referee, so there can be no reason for their selections, other than sheer bastardry. The resigned looks on the faces of both visiting captains said it all.
Not that the refereeing affected the outcomes – not at all. The winner in each match was decidedly the better team; in fact, if anything, the refereeing served only to detract from the victors’ performances.
The Waratahs arrived in Auckland massively under-strength, with eleven first choice players unavailable from their best 22. They have, however, competed for most of the Super Rugby season with wonderful courage and commitment and their fans hoped that these most desirable qualities would carry them forward, even against the huge odds. Alas, this was far from the case. They have, likewise, been short on execution all year and lack of technique will always be exposed under mounting pressure.
And so it was. A focus on outcomes will always leave you short on performance; this sometimes results in white-line fever. Poor positional play in support will, almost always, result in potential receivers over-running the ball-carrier. Further, it will often leave you dangerously short of numbers at the tackle contest. A complete lack of interest in realignment meant that, more often than not, there was no attacking line to capitalise on opportunities. Cross-field running and long passes will always make the job easier for the defence. Poor set play execution gives no foundation whatsoever for continued play. The Waratahs had all of these problems in spades.
From the kick-off, the Waratahs’ errors began and then continued. They committed four in the first four minutes. Josh Holmes especially, and a few others, had huge faith in the chip-kick and kept hoping for a miracle for the entire game. The Blues were well pleased; even when they lost the set-play, they were assured of the ball within a short time. There seemed to be no sensible plan for achieving a victory. We were treated to a succession of crooked throws, puerile chip-kicks and penalties at the tackle.
I lost count of the number of Waratah kicks that were fielded on the full by the Blues. They had always three men, and sometimes four, back for the kick. They clearly realised that we had no constructive attack, save Kurtley Beale’s wonderful footwork and Tom Carter’s raw power. How could we, when we take an eternity to use recycled ball, with inane posturing from the scrum-half as he arranges, then rearranges, yet another ponderous forward charge, while the defence can barely hide their smiles.
The Blues, on the other hand, fully understood the value of a formed attacking line and seemed to pressure the Waratahs wide defence, almost at will. Our ability to drift and reorganise a threatened defensive line was generally panicked and lacking a plan. The Blues capitalised early in response to Tom Carter’s well-taken try and, as the second half continued, they did so more regularly. Powerful Blues tackling, with Jerome Kaino in the vanguard, kept the Blues line generally intact and, as the Waratahs began to doubt their ability to stay the course, their superior attack capitalised on an avalanche of possession.
A few Blues players lifted their chances of World Cup squad selection considerably. Ali Williams was everywhere – frequently in places not normally allowed by the laws of the game, but when Chris Pollock referees Kiwis, pretty much anything goes. I had thought that Williams had been struggling to produce his old form, but this match, I am sure, will have him right back in contention. Jerome Kaino, likewise, has been under severe pressure to hold his All Black position, but his powerful, driving tackling was one of the keys to his team’s decisive victory and he is now right back in the picture.
For the Waratahs, a couple of players have, in my opinion, played themselves right out of the forefront for selection. Dean Mumm made absolutely no impression in either attack or defence. He has no presence whatsoever and a poor work-rate did nothing to help. Dave Dennis, on the other hand, was a tower of strength and kept offering himself for more work and he was invariably effective. I have him several places above Mumm on my selection list.
Further, recent comment that has suggested that Mumm has been anointed as the heir-apparent to the Waratahs’ captaincy, is totally misguided. Just take a look at next season’s probable Waratahs pack and you will see that Mumm cannot be a first choice, let alone captain. If they sign Rocky Elsom, as they most certainly should, it makes Mummy’s task impossible. Lachie Turner was another who did harm, perhaps irreparable harm, to his Wallaby selection chances. He seems totally incapable of beating a tackle and his defence was juvenile!
It was never going to be easy for the Sharks. With a long, long trip coming straight after a sudden-death encounter with the Bulls in Pretoria – I shudder at the very thought – they had to contend with a ref who had a different set of laws for each team. The Sharks’ self-restraint was admirable; the greatest level of dissent was a mocking smile, when Bryce Lawrence gave a full penalty against the Sharks front row, before they had even packed. Even the Kiwi commentary team mocked the decision.
Clearly though, the Crusaders were way too good, and needed no outside assistance. The Sharks threw everything and anything at them – and they’re good at it also – but the Crusaders were more than ready, both physically and mentally. Sonny Bill Williams, Zac Guildford and Sean Maitland – back after a long lay-off – were all dangerous with every touch. Sonny Bill revealed yet another side: powerful, direct confrontation, in both attack and defence. Keiran Read was his normal outstanding self and the complete Crusaders pack were dominant.
Wyatt Crockett continues his individual dominant form around the park, but some referees may not be as tolerant of his left hand on the ground at the scrum. Some refs may even be critical of the flankers joining the front row of the scrum. Maybe. Perhaps they have to ask Paddy’s permission first!
