Super Rugby: 5 Things We Learnt From Round 9
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Super Rugby: 5 Things We Learnt From Round 9
1 The
Blues (at long last, happily) and Cheetahs displayed the skill and will and
discipline and perseverance to win a game after a miserable run of defeats, and
showed that beating them will not be a given for any teams in the second half
of the competition. After three consecutive defeats, the Stormers convincing
win over the Waratahs in Sydney gave notice that they could still win the SA
conference – if they take their opportunities and half-chances to score tries
as they did on Saturday, and sustain their improved defence.
2 Predictions on which team is likely to win the Super Rugby competition this year have become little more than mere speculation. Certainly, on the evidence of their performances in Round 9, the reigning champion Waratahs and last year’s finalists, Crusaders, and the Brumbies all have much to do if they are to be 2015 champions.
3 Refereeing has been so inaccurate and inconsistent that it is no wonder that only four of the 16 officials appointed as Super Rugby referees have been selected to referee at the World Cup.
4 Unless Stephen Moore makes a more substantial contribution as hooker for the Brumbies, and shows more effective leadership when the Brumbies are struggling, Wallaby coach Michael Cheika may well be tempted to consider Michael Hooper or David Pocock as captain of Australia.
5 The roles played by Richie McCaw and Dan Carter for the Crusaders have been so modest – partly though rest and injury – that one can only assume the plan is for them to move from a limited role in Super Rugby to a greater contribution in the Rugby Championship to hitting their peak in the World Cup. Moving from a minor contribution for the Crusaders to a major contribution for the All Blacks may not help the Crusaders but it does make sense for bigger picture New Zealand rugby
2 Predictions on which team is likely to win the Super Rugby competition this year have become little more than mere speculation. Certainly, on the evidence of their performances in Round 9, the reigning champion Waratahs and last year’s finalists, Crusaders, and the Brumbies all have much to do if they are to be 2015 champions.
3 Refereeing has been so inaccurate and inconsistent that it is no wonder that only four of the 16 officials appointed as Super Rugby referees have been selected to referee at the World Cup.
4 Unless Stephen Moore makes a more substantial contribution as hooker for the Brumbies, and shows more effective leadership when the Brumbies are struggling, Wallaby coach Michael Cheika may well be tempted to consider Michael Hooper or David Pocock as captain of Australia.
5 The roles played by Richie McCaw and Dan Carter for the Crusaders have been so modest – partly though rest and injury – that one can only assume the plan is for them to move from a limited role in Super Rugby to a greater contribution in the Rugby Championship to hitting their peak in the World Cup. Moving from a minor contribution for the Crusaders to a major contribution for the All Blacks may not help the Crusaders but it does make sense for bigger picture New Zealand rugby
