2 Grand Finals

Crusaders v Chiefs.

Reds v Brumbies.

The 4 best teams in Rugby Aotearoa and Super Rugby AU.

Both games could be seen as All Black and Wallaby trials. Both teams stacked with internationals and potential internationals.

At this level you must bring your A game, and be able to demonstrate it instantly. In Rugby Aotearoa, the starts have been fast and ferocious. Decision making instant. If you can’t turn the ball over instantly, don’t try. Hence defensive lines are numbering off early. You need accuracy when passing and fast feet close to the defender in attack.

Reece and Jordan demonstrated this early, and the Crusaders led 12-3.

Despite losing coach Gatland to the Lions, the Chiefs have gone from strength to strength. They are in the final on merit and have resolve and purpose, plus the courage to try something new. The Chiefs have a lineout 5 meters from the Crusaders line and put 13 in!!!!! Seconds later Damien Mckenzie scores in the opposite corner. He kicks the conversion, it’s now 12-10. As I said in previous weeks, you must put the Crusaders back in their own half from the re-start. The Chiefs didn’t and Mo’anga kicks the penalty. 15-10 at the break.

The second half is for superstars, players who can produce perfect execution in attack, in individual performance, and as part of the team. The ability of Mo’anga to run at the line and make flat passes to 2 or 3 flat support runners is skill of the highest order. The defenders have zero time to pick the receiver. The format ensures the line breaker has support.

(Josh Flook made a similar break for the Reds, but it is a rare occurrence in Super Rugby AU)

Mo’anga then demonstrated his quality. He increased his involvements. His acceleration into space is formula one fast. You sensed then that the Chiefs were in trouble. They needed McKenzie, but he missed 3 kickable penalties. Final score 24 -13.

Back across the ditch and the re-match, Reds v Brumbies. A crowd of 42K and raging with passion. For those in the Northern Hemisphere, the passion is covid derived. Basically, the states have done what they want throughout the pandemic, often ignoring the Federal governments wishes. So, they get behind their states like never before. Prior to covid you could look at the crowd and see some reading magazines!!!!

The reformed James O’Connor, the Reds trump card. How would he play, especially as his opponent was Noah Lolesio, an alternative Wallaby Fly Half?

Early ball movement suggested a mirror of the game in Christchurch.

Tom Banks, (favourite for the Wallaby full-back spot) slipped in for an early Brumbies try. After 20 minutes the Brumbies led 10-6.

The game was becoming scrappy, the passing inaccurate, and some poor kicking in phase play.

At half-time the Brumbies led 13-6.