Pretty scrappy week of rugby. The 2 best games were the Blues v Crusaders and Lions v Bulls. But before i carry on i guess its only right to spare a thought for the people of Christchurch. Whether you like them or not that region has given us endless hours of entertainment, but behind all of that are normal people who suffer just like the rest of us. Saw a thing on Youtube just now showing the devastation, man its hectic!!
Its only right that another one of the weeks top clashes between the Saders and the Canes be cancelled and called a draw...
Last weekends games...
Australia's games, the biggest disappointment was the Reds, expected much from them but they failed to fire at all. I fast forwarded this game to try and catch some highlights but they were few and far between. The pacemen outside didnt get much good ball to work with, and Cooper was pretty average on the day. Genia seemed very frustrated on the day too because he wasnt getting good ball from his forwards nor were his backs giving him options. A very average performance butThe Force on the other hand were very competitive made a few crucial mistakes but they are looking good. The Brumbies did well for their win, their first half was superb and surprisingly they had a very solid scrum, but i think the Chiefs made them look a hell of a lot better than they were. they butchered 3 try scoring opportunities in the first half. The backs were nowhere, they looked like a bunch of lazy louts on a sunday stroll. The Tahs made short work of the Rebels. I was very dissapointed with the Rebels i expected a little more than they delivered. The Tahs on the other hand were merciless! they were ruthless and clinical in their execution, they were the most promising of the Australian lot.
For the Boks, the Cheetahs v Sharks game, my oh my what a bore-a-thon! the conditions didnt help, neither did those stupid up and unders that both the Cheetahs and the Bulls employed over the previous weekend. Sharks have a formidable pack and it showed over the weekend with all those penalties agains the Cheetahs. The backs hardly got any ball so it will be hard to judge them. The Cheetahs were poor they missed Juan Smith. I like Sarel Pretorius, he really had a good game behind a struggling pack. Lions v Bulls, the inexperience of the Lions was their undoing over the weekend. They started off not believing in their ability and thus let the blue machine get on and impose themselves on the game. But at halftime Mitch must have laid into the them because in the second half, they were a totally different team and almost won the game, but as the saying goes a miss is as good as a mile!
In New Zealand, Ma'a....brain explosion. I hoped he had gotten rid of that dirty side of his game, because that act was dangerous and reckless and wrong and he is bloody lucky he only got 1 week, cos that shoulder is massive and being propelled towards the neck/head area of a person off balance could cause some serious damage. That aside, the Canes are a team with sooo much talent and ability but they were pretty toilet on friday, but take nothing away from the Highlanders! Good to see Adam Thomson back he was massive. I like the Highlanders, team of no names playing as a team and for each other. Respect to them. Blues v Crusaders, lived up to its billing, very high quality game for so early in the season. The Saders snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. The kicking was disgusting though. But loving my Blues at the moment and hope its not another win one lose one season
this weekend
Highlanders v Chiefs....i am calling the Chiefs, but once again it will be a tough scrap. The Chiefs coach has culled some of the non performers from the week before and they youngsters and Mike Delaney will be very keen to make the starting jerseys theirs...watch Adam Thomson again for the Highlanders and Kerr-Barlauw(scrummy) for hte Chiefs
Brumbies v Rebels....Brumbies too strong, Rebels have plenty injuries
Cheetahs v Bulls... I want to call Cheetahs, but the Bulls are settled, got their first win and they are the Bulls. The Cheetahs have Juan back but he is just one man adn i dont think he will be able to carry the team. It will be a tough rough scrap and there will be some casualties, i am so hoping its not a game of aerial ping pong.
Saturday is a hot day
Tahs v Reds...even though the Reds have the Tahs number in this competition, i think the Tahs will win this one, just based on last weeks performances. I do believe that Cooper and the Reds will have a better outing
Sharks v Blues, Blues better give me a fat birthday present and win this one. Unlikely though because its in the Shark tank and the Blues have had to travel. But hope there is no rain and the ball gets some air because both teams have impressive backs and a solid hard working forward pack...Willem Aleberts...EISH
Stormers v Lions...another cracker. I am calling the Lions just because i like them but if i had to betm i would have to put my money on the Stormers. Springbok aplenty v the south african highlanders...
Happy viewing
Y
No comments:
Post a Comment