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 undisciplined. That they’re lazy at training, and are all brawn and no brains. When a team is playing well, people hail their brilliance in attack, their freakish ability to turn a game and create something out of nothing.
Australian sport has a term for this: Black Magic. It’s the way people talk about Aboriginal and Polynesian players as naturally gifted, freakishly athletic, and like they have a sixth sense for playing the game (whatever game that might be). But in doing so, their effort, their ability to read the game and make decisions, and the sacrifices they make are largely ignored. This makes way for the criticism that these players are mercurial, unpredictable and potentially risky.
Obviously, all of that is complete s**t and most of the time people don’t think that way, But when a team is struggling, fans will look for any justification as to why, and in the absence of good reasons, it’s easy to revert to stereotypes.
So on to the games for the week
Blues v Sharks – Auckland
The Blues won’t need any extra motivation for this game and I hope that the controversy of the past week has galvanised the Blues. They are still a good team with good players, they just need to play the simpler game and execute well. Regardless of whether the opposition knows what’s coming, if you do it well the points will come.
Force v Waratahs – Perth
I’m tipping the Force; their record against the Tahs is impressive, and they have a game plan that is very hard to score against. I wish the forwards would play wider to get their outside backs a bit more involved, but what they are doing is working for them, and I expect it to work again this week.
Crusaders v Stormers – Christchurch
I think last week was the start of the inevitable march-to-the-finals for the Crusaders. With Carter back, expect Dagg and Maitland’s fantasy points to skyrocket. A brilliant 10 like Carter is able to distribute the ball to the spaces those guys can find, and he is experienced enough to do so.
Brumbies v Rebels – Canberra
I’m going for the Rebels to go back-to-back. I like that they are actively aiming to score their own points, rather than simply waiting for the mistakes to come from their opposition. I think the battle of the back-rows will be crucial – Hooper made such an impact last week and I think the Reds can count themselves lucky that he wasn’t brought on earlier in the game.
Cheetahs v Chiefs – Bloemfontein
I’m picking the upset here – Cheetahs. When I last played in Bloemfontein I couldn’t leave the hotel without a security contingent, and there wasn’t really much to leave the hotel for. The Cheetahs have been very impressive, even when they haven’t won.
Lions v Bulls
I can’t see the Bulls losing to the Lions here, especially given the Lions are still in a major injury crisis.
Taps’ Tips Digby’s Decrees
A special treat this week – shirtless star of the Social Pages, Digby Ioane has given us his thoughts on how he thinks the games are going to go. When I spoke to him he was fully clothed, by the way. Taps will be back next week.
Blues – “if they can’t win here, there’ll be some even bigger questions asked”
Force – “I like the Force (used to play there) and they should do the Tahs”
Stormers – “the Stormers have to be considered favourites for the comp right now”
Rebels
Chiefs – “class outfit, and style across the park”
Bulls
