2007 Super 14

[TarJak]

Well another Super14 Rugby season has gotten underway with 3 of the 4 Aussie sides taking the spoils. The Force narrowly missing out 8-7 to the Highlanders and the Reds, Brumbies and Tahs all comfortably winning their first round games.

Looks like being an interesting season with the Blues giving the Crusaders a touch up in their first match.

The big questions:

Can the Crusaders do it again?

Who looks like stopping them?

[Konovalov]

I can't believe that the Wellington Hurricanes lost to Queensland. I was happy how the Tahs played over in South Africa on Saturday. NSW should be contenders again but I still feel that the Auckland Blues and the Canterbury Crusaders are the teams to beat this year.

[baggygreen]

*cough* brumbies *cough*

[Konovalov]

*cough* brumbies *cough*

They have been an entertaining side to watch in the past. I must admit that I haven't seen them play in the last year while being over here in the UK. Do they still play the same attacking brand of rugby that they used to from a few years back?

[TarJak]

They try to but IMHO they had trouble firing on all cylinders last season. They have a good line up although a few older campaigners might be for the bullet before this season is over.

The Waratahs have a tendency to self destruct at some time during the season although last year they did make the final only to be soundly hammered by the Crusaders.

The Reds have really struggled in the last few seasons and I don't see this year being any different.

I don't think anyone expects the Force to be much of one in their first year, but strage things happen at sea and it will be interesting to see the most isolated team in the competition try to find their feet in what looks like being an interesting season with something like 45 All Blacks being withheld by the NZRU to ensure fitness and rest for the coming world cup.

I'm not sure how the Kiwi's feel about this as it would no doubt weaken some of their sides in this comp, but also give them the opportunity to blood some new faces.

Are there any South Africans about the board who can comment on their teams?

[baggygreen]

they're getting back into it konovalov, there were glimpses of it in the past 2 seasons but not as much as a few years ago. I actuallly know a lot of the young players they're brought through, and have been to several of their trainin sessions - laurie fisher is really pushing the running rugby idea again, its going to be very nice to watch

[Konovalov]

Thanks guys for the news back home. I have got Sky Sports now so hopefully I should be able to view some of the Aussie Super 14 games this year.

Are there any South Africans about the board who can comment on their teams?

Come to think of it South Africa is one country where there doesn't appear to be many subsim members. :-?

[TarJak]

I gotta say I don't recall anyone from SA being around for a long while. I'm surprised none of the kiwi's are onto this thread yet. Maybe they are embarrassed:oops: by their RU's decision to devalue the Super 14 comp this year in favour of having the All Blacks sitting around watching, getting the nails and hair done....:D

[TarJak]

Well for the aussie teams the results have turned about from last round. Western Force was the only Aussie team to get a win this time around. The Brumbies were pipped at the post by the Blues and the Reds led the Crusaders during the 2nd half but were denied by some late tries.

The Waratahs were lacklustre in their first loss to the Stormers since 2001 and hopefully the loss will shake them up enough to recover for next round.

[mr chris]

It is hard to see beond the Crusaders in my opinon. The did not play that badly last week against the Blues even though they lost. They got back to winning way this weekend even though they were behind till very late in the game. You just had that feeling that they would find the points to get the win.
But they will only get stronger when likes of Carter, Jack and McCaw return.

[baggygreen]

See, what the Aussie and SA teams need to do is put away as many kiwi teams as often as possible before the all black players return. If the Aussie n SA teams can get enough wins under their belt before then, there will be quite a lot of congestion at the top of the board towards the business end of the season.

And as for the brumbies losing last night, well that was the most sickening display of referreeing i've seen since australia got knocked outta the soccer world cup!:nope:

[baggygreen]

by the way tarjak, who's your AFL team?

[Konovalov]

For the record I spport Geelong since I am a Geelong boy. Go the cats. :rock:

[mr chris]

Ah AFL, Well my best mate who has just returned home to oz supports Carlton so when i was in for a bit a few years ago he took me to see them play the bombers wanting to wined him up i was cheering for the bombers and still to this day keep an eye out to see how they do. As for carlton i think they are driving my mate around the bend.:rotfl:

[baggygreen]

fiddlesticks to both geelong and carlton - carlton especially though. There is a poll on afl.com.au, asking when do people think carlton have a chance again - the answer, 66% say 5 years or more!:rotfl: although i'll admit this year both teams have a better chance than they have the past few years.

/thread hijack

For the record i support Hawthorn:rock:

[TarJak]

by the way tarjak, who's your AFL team?
Richmond:oops:

Not that I'm a Melbourne boy. Only been to one game in the 3 years I've been in Melbourne. The Dragons in the NRL is where my heart lies.:yep:

Let's get back to the Rugby though! Unfortunately I do think it will go to an NZ team again although I think it will be tight between the Crusaders and the Blues. My heart says the Tahs to win but my head says no!:nope:

[baggygreen]

Who is game enough to put up bets for the top 4???

[Konovalov]

Auckland Blues.
Canterbury Crusaders.
NSW Waratahs.
Wellington Hurricanes.

Not sure on the order though. :-?

[TarJak]

Konovalov is spot on for my tips as well. I think he's also nailed the order. Though my record of predicting sporting results recently stinks. (See Steed's Ashes thread):oops:

[Konovalov]

I have to say that I am tired of seeing the Crusaders win this comp so often. I'll just be glad if it is an Australian team in the final v Auckland or someone else. :yep:

[TarJak]

Western Force go to the top of the Super14 Table! Breifly (Sunday Morning) they were there but still sit at 3rd. I don't think too many people had slated them for this posistion even early in the comp.

The 'Tahs and the Reds are looking a bit under the waether at the other end of the table.

Round 3 results courtesy of Rugbyheaven.com:

Stormers 21 Chiefs 16 (http://www.rugbyheaven.smh.com.au/articles/2007/02/17/1171405487935.html)
Bulls 27 Western Force 30 (http://www.rugbyheaven.smh.com.au/articles/2007/02/17/1171405487616.html)
Hurricanes 23 Blues 22 (http://www.rugbyheaven.smh.com.au/articles/2007/02/17/1171405499359.html)
Reds 3 Brumbies 6 (http://www.rugbyheaven.smh.com.au/articles/2007/02/17/1171405503544.html)
Cheetahs 30 Waratahs 26 (http://www.rugbyheaven.smh.com.au/articles/2007/02/18/1171733596897.html)
Lions 9 Crusaders 3 (http://www.rugbyheaven.smh.com.au/articles/2007/02/18/1171733596904.html)
Sharks 23 Highlanders 16 (http://www.rugbyheaven.smh.com.au/articles/2007/02/18/1171733596892.html)

[TarJak]

Looks like another sorry weekend for the aussie teams this week. At least the tahs have the bye and are spared any ignomony.

Both the Reds and the Brumbies have gone down with only the Force to play tomorrow against the Lions. Will be interesting to see if they can clean them up or not.