This week sees us change the format of the weekend’s Super 14 highlights posts. I will be breaking the posts into two sections from now on. Part 1 will be the Friday’s games, posted on Mondays, whilst Part 2 will feature the Saturday’s games, posted on Tuesdays.

Part 1 – Friday’s games:

Crusaders VS Sharks: The Sharks made it 0 for 3 on Friday after they were annihilated by a rampant Crusaders team, keen to make a statement after last weeks loss against the Reds.

It is becoming clear that something is amiss at the Durban based franchise, and whispers are starting to surface that it might have something to do with the meddling of two men who should have long ago been banished from being involved in any form of South African rugby, Rudolf Straeuli and Brian van Rooyen. Whether there is merit in this or not, one thing is clear, the Sharks have to do something, and do it fast, if they have any hope of salvaging the sinking ship that is their 2010 Super 14 campaign.

The Crusaders on the other hand looked like they have put last week’s loss behind them and are re-focussed on getting to the playoffs.

My two cents worth:

• The Sharks look as if their is absolutely no sense of urgency in getting back on defence.
• Zac Guildford is going to be a superstar for many years to come.
• I still don’t see the point of bringing in Andy Goode. Can anyone help me out with this one?
• The Crusaders look to have been boosted from the return to action of their inspirational skipper, Richie McCaw

Crusaders VS Sharks 2010 Highlights: [WRNrugbynews]

Scorecard:

Oh jeez, I think I just made another KAK call...

Stormers VS Brumbies: The Stormers went down 19 – 17 to the Brumbies at Newlands on Friday night. In a game that was hugely dominated by the, usually sound, referee, Craig Joubert, being absolutely kak on the night, neither team could really get going. Both teams were very equal stats wise, and both put up a sublime display on defense.

From a Stormers point of view, they are in dangerous waters, not scoring enough tries to pick up vital bonus points at home. They will be disappointed with their discipline. Whilst the Brumbies will be happy with their first win on they road, albeit a narrow margin.

In a game that was tight from the start, the team that capatalised on the opposition’s mistakse was always going to take the win. That moment came for the Brumbies in the 78th minute, when George Smith intercepted a wayward Stormers pass and sprinted down field to dot down under the posts.

The Stormers hit back at full time with a Pieter Louw try. He seemed a bit lethargic in trying to get closer to the poles, and the conversion was missed, handing the Brumbies the win.

My two cents worth:

• Pieter Louw’s disallowed try in the 7th minute was a definite try. To prove it, I have taken a screen shot of the moment of downward pressure, and superimposed a pink line on the outline to show that he was in the field of play. I circled the ball, showing his hand on the ball, applying downward pressure, whilst the ball is at no time in touch. If you aren’t convinced, watch the clip below and pause at the 23 second mark. Double tap ’spacebar’ until you get to the screenshot featured on your right, and judge for yourself.
• Pieter Louw was an absolute revelation on the flank for the Stormers, making 15 tackles, one line-break, an offload, and gaining a total of 73 metres during his runs with ball in hand.
• Rocky Elsom and George Smith were equally impressive for the Brumbies, making 11 tackles and 16 tackles respectively.
• As I said before, that was the kakest refereeing performance that I have ever seen by Craig Joubert, who is normally one of the best refs in the business. He especially made his point with Brian Habana. Do I smell a “Celebrity Death Match” coming on?
• Both teams had an enormous defensive battle, but Francis Fainifo of the Brumbies, finished the game with no tackles made, and a 100% failure rate of attempted tackles.

Stormers VS Brumbies 2010 Highlights: [WRNrugbynews]

Scorecard: