Highlanders vs Reds
In a battle of teams unlikely to feature in the knockout rounds of the competition, the Highlanders deserved their 20-13 win against the injury-decimated Reds, who had several new names in their lineup. To the losers, Genia seems to have found a new lease on life and O’Connor hinted at his talents. Anthony Fainga’a is always committed, but he concedes too many penalties. The Highlanders will struggle up front against the more powerful teams, but their defenses, with the Smiths, Ben and Aaron, Banks, Fekitoa and Naholo being standouts, will continue to pose problems for any team.
hurricane force
The Hurricanes have given new coach Chris Boyd the best possible start to the season with three road wins out of three. Coupled with their consistent distribution of the ball down the back, the Hurricanes now have a competitive group of forwards. They were quick at the break, strong at the scrum and have added a rolling mallet to their arsenal. In the absence of Jeremy Thrush, Broadhurst and Abbott were splendid in blocking. At the back, Barrett is full of ideas but Julián Savea’s hands let him down at times. Lee-Lo had a useful performance in the absence of Conrad Smith and Smiley was fair, but it’s not Perenara. (Force 13 Hurricanes 42)
Cheetahs vs Blues
It is becoming a somewhat worrying trend in rugby that the team that wins the most aspects of a game ends up being the loser. The Blues completely dominated this matchup in terms of territory, possession, and just about everything else. However, as is their wont, they squandered several chances, giving away soft tries and making wrong choices. Faumuina’s substitution late in the game prompted a penalty at the scrum, allowing the Cheetahs to kick the winning points. West continued his excellent form with the boot and Kaino, in his 100th super rugby match, was a powerful presence. Those dynamic game breakers, Willie le Roux and Sarel Pretorius, eventually won the day for the Cheetahs, who are punching above their weight right now. (Cheetahs 25 Blues 24)
Chiefs vs. Crusaders
This was a physical matchup in which the Chiefs were hit hard by the loss of Retallick early on, while the Crusaders lost Robbie Fruean. Judging by some of the penalties awarded in this game and in other recent matches, any contact between players competing for the ball in the air results in at least one penalty and often a yellow card against one of them, which it’s a ridiculous situation. Both defenses were aggressive, with Tameifuna for the Chiefs and Taufua for the Crusaders throwing big shots. The Chiefs were much more effective on offense with excellent kick chasing and quick support play, while the Crusaders continue to run their attacks from side to side making them much easier to defend. The Chiefs of Pulu’s selection over Weber was crucial and Elliot’s line shooting was much improved. Heem and, to a lesser extent, Weber are the only weak links on this Chiefs team right now. The Crusaders are struggling but will soon welcome several All Blacks to rest. (Bosses 40 Crusaders 16)
Rebels vs Brumbies
This was another game that the dominant team lost. The Rebels dominated both halves but made some poor decisions, failed to take advantage of opportunities and made too many dumb mistakes. Higginbotham’s lack of discipline sets a bad example for a captain and scrum-half Nic Stirzaker takes too much on his account. The Rebels weren’t helped by the fact that the Brumbies’ cynical play went unpunished, while Steve Walsh had one of his worst games as referee. The Brumbies played smarter rugby and their use of the rolling maul, coupled with their defense, were far superior to the Rebels. (Rebels 15 Brumbies 20)
bulls against sharks
This probably wasn’t an appropriate game to award to a rookie referee, but it was rather TMO Johan Greeff’s fault that one and perhaps two tries, which shouldn’t have been awarded, were certainly awarded to the Bulls. The match showcased the skills of what are obviously the best fly-half in the country, in Lambie and Pollard. Labuschagne and Strauss’ work-rate for the Bulls was exemplary and they are proving to be excellent buys for the Bulls from the Cheetahs. Matfield had a better showing and for the Sharks Kankowski made a successful comeback while Marcel Coetzee was excellent in the break in particular. The Bulls will be happy but the Sharks had a bit of bad luck (Bulls 43 Sharks 35)
Lions vs. Stormers
In a change from last year, things tend to go in the Stormers’ favor rather than against them. In wet conditions, which don’t follow the Lions, the scrums were fairly even, but the Stormers lineout suffered from poor throwing by Mbonambi, who was otherwise pretty good in the park. Muller was effective in contesting the Stormers’ lineout and the Lions did well in the breakdown. However, in the first half in particular, they looked disorganized and right-back Koch continued to impress the Stormers at the scrum. Behind the Lions’ pack, de Klerk struggled and this affected Jantjies, who didn’t always make the right choices, made a crucial penalty and dropped a high kick, leading to the Stormers’ only try. More of the skills and fluidity of last year’s Currie Cup campaign showed up for the Lions in the second half, but some will say their insistence on going for the win, rather than an easy kick for the tie, was foolish. . However, that is part of his positive approach to rugby and if Mnisi hadn’t dropped the ball over the line after his colleagues had achieved 28 phases without fail and then minutes later dropped it again a few meters from the line , the Lions would have been victorious. . De Jongh and de Allende were good in center for the Stormers. The Lions should think about giving hooker Armand van der Merwe more playing time and consider Jaco van der Walt as a starter. (Lions 19 Stormers 22)