Happy Monday G&GRs. Well there are, predictably, no Aussie teams left in the Super Rugby Pacific Championships of 2024 after the Brumbies bowed out after an admirable performance. Leaving only two teams, the Chiefs and the Blues, to battle it out at the Big Dance.
Let’s start off with the game by game, look at the timings for the grand final, and then wind up for my ‘Old Man Shouting At Clouds’. So log on to work, grab a big cup of you know what ☕ and let’s dive in.
Super Rugby Pacific 2024 – Semi-finals
Auckland Blues 34 defeated ACT Brumbies 20
The last remaining Australian team was knocked out of the Super Pacific Rugby Championships for 2024, going down to the Auckland Blues 34-20 on Friday night in Auckland. This is the second time the Blues have reached the grand final in the last three years.
Notwithstanding the loss of their talismanic captain, Patrick Tuipulotu, the Blues managed to pick off from where they left off on in their last game, starting strongly with four tries in the first half. AJ Lam bagged the first try for the Blues, and was followed shortly after by hooker Ricky Riccitelli, lock Sam Darry and winger Caleb Clarke.
The Brumbies desperately tried to get back into the game, and managed to crawl their way back going into the sheds down 27-13. Coach Larkham must have said some strong words during the break, because the Ponies held the Blues scoreless for the next 20 minutes. But, eventually the wall broke and in form Blues backrower Hoskins Sotutu (who has to be a monty for ABs selection) crossed over around the 60th minute. And that was enough to ensure victory for the Auckland boys. Although Big Bobby V crossed for the Ponies in the second half, his efforts were in vain, as the Blues were just too strong.
While pressing hard to catch up Nick Frost was given a slice of cheddar cheese 🧀 for a dangerous high challenge; this summed up the Brumbies game. A game of small margins where the Blues just seemed to have the edge everywhere all over the park, not by much, but enough. So it was the sum of parts, really.
The Blues will be happy they got through this relatively unscathed, this will help them going into the grand final next week. Well, that, and the home ground advantage.
Waikato Chiefs 30 defeated Wellington Hurricanes 19
In what was destined to be a belter of a game, the Chiefs v Canes delivered. In one of the most intense, high tempo games that I’ve watched in a while, this cracker delivered on all the pre-match hype. The only downside would be for KARL and his fellow Canes fans that came out on the wrong side of the score line.
The boys from Waikato came out of the gates hard and fast. The Chiefs managed to score two of their three tries in the opening six minutes to wrestle control of the game from the Hurricanes. Despite losing two hookers and two players (Samipeni Finau and Luke Jacobson) getting some cheddar cheese 🧀 they managed to hold control of the game and take the chocolates.
The key to this seemed to be their rock solid defence, seeing off wave after wave of Canes attacks. The Wellington boys fought very hard, but just couldn’t seem to get into their groove and get their attack firing.
While the Chiefs won this game, to this author it looks like they may have left it all out on the paddock this time. Two injured hookers doesn’t bode well for next week, as well as the physical toll this will’ve taken on the rest of the squad, defending for 20 minutes with only 14. It’ll be a hard ask to travel to Auckland and repeat this for the third week.
Super Rugby Pacific 2024 – Grand Final
Here we are, the big show. None of the G&GR favourite teams, or even KARL’s team, are left. So we will be watching it for the pure love of the game. To see the two best teams going at it hammer and tongs.
SATURDAY 22 JUNE 2024 – 1705hrs AEST – Eden Park
For the record, I think this will go to the Blues. They seemed to have gotten through their semi in a lot better shape. The Chiefs have lost both of their hookers and won’t be as well recovered after two brutal games in as many weeks.
Old Man Shouting at Clouds
For the third week in a row my rant is about referees, and again this week Doleman is firmly in my sights. Last week KARL gave his view on Doleman and his officiating, but this weekend even KARL stated on the crapparazi that Doleman was appalling. So I didn’t feel so bad sticking it to him for a third week in a row.
His officiating wasn’t up to Super Rugby standard. In fact, I reckon the U15Ds from Wagga Wagga got a better standard of refereeing than the crap Doleman dished out this weekend. But, as like last week, I will stipulate that it didn’t affect the result of the game. The Blues were a better team and deservedly won. But, surely Nic Berry or Damon Murphy were better options than Doleman?
Knock ons, forward passes, breakdown mayhem, you name it, it was just a really poor standard of refereeing. SANZAAR have to step in at some stage and send Doleman back to the lower grades. In complete contrast, Angus Gardner had a blinder of a game. I think he is the best of the Southern Hemisphere referees by a mile.
Anyway, enough of this old man ranting. Over to you G&GRs. Have at it.
