Well, what can you say other than WOW!
What a start to the season.
Highlanders went crazy against the Brumbies in the first 20 mins leading 19-0 with only 28% territory. Then their only All Black (Cowan) left the field with a sore finger (but mullet still intact) and they were lost in the wilderness for the next 30 mins as the Brumbies controlled the game and took it to 19-30. All of a sudden they decided to setup camp with their bonus point and rest on their laurels.
God damn that Scottish spirit. The next 20 mins was all Highlanders just charging at the line and the Brumbies let them. 31-30 and the Highlanders looked home. A drop goal was had in the 78th minute and 31-33, with 3 bonus points shared, saw an unlikely close game taken home by the Brumbies.
Surprisingly good skills considering the first game of the season.
More across the break
The Force turned up for half a game of footy as per usual. They probably surprised themselves that they were leading at half time.
All round a very sloppy game and painful to watch. Even my Ma said that they played like “learners”.
Good to see Pat Lam back in action coaching the Blues.
The Crusaders were lucky that Stephen Donald was on 2008 form and not 2007.
In 2007 he kicked about 90%, then last year he started off woeful and managed to scrap through the year with about 70% spot kicks.
Saturday night he started with some shocking kicking again, and may have cost them the game in the end.
I really though the Chief were going to be the upset of the round, but not to be. Even with a young Crusaders team, with McCaw leading them, and the depth they have on the register, they just grounded through another win. More of the same this season, they’ll still be in the top 4 even with the loss of some great names.
The Tah’s were also a surprise. Looked quite tight and their defence was just outstanding. The Canes had a lucky try with a charge down but only have themselves to blame for not winning. They had the lions share of the territory and possession, but just couldn’t convert. Meanwhile the Tah’s made the most of any ball they had and charged to a winning lead early in the first half. Surprised they didn’t choke in the second half.
Filed under: auckland blues, blues, brumbies, chiefs, crusaders, force, highlanders, hurricanes, queensland, queensland reds, rugby, super14, waratahs | Tagged: blues, brumbies, chiefs, crusaders, force, highlanders, hurricanes, reds, rugby, Super 14, super14, waratahs
