Super Rugby: 5 Things We Learnt From Round 18
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1 The conference system determining log
positions means that it is not the top six teams playing in the qualifiers. The
Stormers end third on the official SANZAR log and are awarded a home qualifier
this weekend despite earning fewer log points than four New Zealand teams and
fewer log points than two Australian teams, and finishing seventh on a strictly
merit list of log points accumulated. In the end, picking up the fewest bonus points
of all 15 teams has not proven costly to the Stormers.
2 After another dismal performance to
end a miserable season, Sir John Kirwan must now surely be replaced as Blues
head coach.
3 After another dismal performance to
end a miserable season, Richard Graham must now surely be replaced as Reds head
coach.
4 After another dismal performance to
end a miserable season, Frans Ludeke has stepped down as Bulls head coach. With
the Cheetahs new coach having started in Round 17, three
other SA franchises (Bulls, Stormers, Sharks) will also have new head coaches
for Super Rugby 2016.
5 Sonny Bill Williams has some way to
go if he is to challenge Ma’a Nonu for the All Black 12 jersey.
