Something old or something new?
Another week of close games and high quality rugby, two-thirds of the way through the season, are we seeing anything new or the same old same old? Mike Penistone takes you through the weekend's action and tells you what he thinks.
Two thirds of the way through both Southern hemisphere competitions and we start to look for something new. Who are the movers and shakers, the innovators, coaches, and players?
Overall, Rugby Aotearoa games have been more exciting, the Highlanders away win at the Crusaders emphasising the closeness of the competition.
In Super rugby there has been a couple of close games featuring mainly the Reds and Brumbies, but both have lacked quality play compared to games from across the ditch.
At this stage of both tournaments, which players are emerging as future internationals?
The All-Black back row could be Shannon Frizzell at 6, Dalton Papalii at 7 and Ardea Savea at 8?
If we believe what we read in the papers, James O’Connor will play at 10 for the Wallabies and Michael Hooper will retain the captaincy.
On the field are we seeing anything new or are we all playing the same way?
The Highlanders continue to be the innovators in Rugby Aotearoa. Tony Brown, the coach who replaced Aaron Major, proving the instigator.
- Look at their tail of the line-out plays, some start there and come back round the front?
- Their players seem to have the freedom to make their own decisions.
- We see more chip and chases from 10 and others.
- More one handed off-loads. (they do it because they expect a runner.)
- Wingers appearing in mid-field in phase play.
- Hugely impressive late angled line running onto the ball and into space.
These attributes accounted for second placed Auckland Blues 35-29 in this weekend’s opening game.
In game two of Rugby Aotearoa, the Chiefs hosted the Crusaders. The Chiefs having won their last 3, the Crusaders scraping home in extra time against the Hurricanes last week.
Coaches must be courageous, so Crusader’s coach Scott Robertson replaced 7 of the previous week’s forwards, choosing only to retain captain Scott Barrett.
The battle for the All-Black back row spots continues, Luke Jacobson and Lachlan Boshier for the Chiefs and Ethan Blackadder for the Crusaders. (Personally, I think the All Blacks have a selection issue at 8).
The continued theme of fast paced starts ensured the huge crowd was engaged early and the game fluctuated first this way then that! Will Jordan surely an All Black, full back or centre, the class act. He sees spaces before they become spaces. Crusaders led 22-16 at the break.
Winning does breed resilience and the Chiefs battled back into the game and after 61 minutes led 25-23. Then you must outplay the Crusaders immediately, preferably in their half! The Chiefs didn’t and the Crusaders re-took the lead, now it’s 23-25. Up steps the mercurial Damien McKenzie who pops over a 40-meter penalty, now it’s 26-25, Chiefs. Back come the Crusaders and camp in the Chiefs 22. In the 79th minute, the Chiefs are awarded a penalty. Barrett uses the captain’s referral, and the 18000 crowd are hushed. He loses the referral and the Chiefs win, an epic finish.