A Look At What Round 5 of Super Rugby Produced

Round 5 of Super Rugby is done and dusted, never failing to produce quality play. The major talking points being the Blues putting a surprising end to the Stormers' winning streak, the Rebels putting one over the Highlanders and the Sharks' end to an impressive tour of Australasia with victory over the Reds. 

Highlanders v Rebels

The Rebels made the majority of the first half their own, flying to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter.

The Highlanders consolidated and clawed back, scoring two tries for a half-time score of 21-14.

For a while in the second half the game seemed eager to tip in the Highlanders’ favour, however, the Melbourne outfit displayed a stubbornness which saw them protect their lead up until the final whistle.

Waratahs v Lions

The Lions started off their Australasian campaign with a loss against a much improved Waratahs outfit.

The home side started strongly, dotting down three times inside the first quarter, and looked like they would run away with the game. However, the Lions showed some resolve and put the brakes on the Waratahs’ attack and hit back with a penalty and a try of their own to go into the shed with the score at 19-10.

The second half was a decent contest but the Waratahs managed to hold onto their lead, adding a further two tries to the Lions’ one to seal a final score of 29-17.

The Waratahs host the Chiefs next week while the Lions move on to Melbourne to take on the Rebels.

Hurricanes v Sunwolves

The Hurricanes blitzed the Sunwolves with a 10 try romp in Wellington on Saturday. The home side dominated the visitors in all facets of play with their efforts well reflected on the scoreboard. Kobus Van Wyk bagged a hat-trick in the 62-15 victory.

Reds v Sharks

The Sharks beat the Reds 33-23 on Saturday, ending a successful tour on a high. While there is room for improvement in the set-piece, the Sharks showed flair on both attack and defence for which the Reds had no answer.

Stormers v Blues

The Stormers received their first beating of the tournament against an impressive Blues team. The latter have been decidedly unpredictable thus far, however, Saturday showed the true quality of their potential with a convincing 33-14 victory over a tough Stormers outfit.

Bulls v Jaguares

The final game of the round saw the Jaguares down the Bulls at Loftus Versveld on Saturday. It was an entertaining, attacking spectacle with both sides’ defence letting them down on various occasions. The Jaguares out-scored the Bulls 6 tries to 3 for a final score of 39-24.