Super 14 highlights 2010 – Round 5: Part 1

Part 1 – Friday’s games:

Chiefs VS Crusaders: Match 1 of round 5 of the 2010 Super 14 kicked of with a derby between the two current powerhouses of New Zealand rugby, The Chiefs VS the Crusaders.

In a game that, on paper, promised to be one of the most exciting so far in this years competition, many felt that the Chiefs, playing in Hamilton, would use their home ground advantage and come off with the win after last weeks defeat to the Reds, but it was not to be so.

The Chiefs drew 1st blood through a penalty after the bulk of the Crusaders team were caught advancing in front of the kicker. The Crusaders pretty much had the game in their hands from there on out though. The Chiefs were never far behind, but ultimately, it was the way in which the Crusaders managed to keep the ball, and take it through 73 more phases than the Chiefs, that won the game.

My two cents worth:

Congratulations to Dan Carter who overtook Andrew Mertens on the All time Super Rugby points list. He now sits in second position, just behind Stirling Mortlock.
Kieran Read had a cracker with ball in hand, gaining a total of 96 metres.
The Crusaders are making strong statements for the playoff rounds, but one has to feel that they build their ame around Dan Carter and Richie McCaw too much. What will they do if those two players suffer season ending injuries?
Both teams hookers were outstanding at the ruck, forcing 3 turnovers a piece.

Chiefs VS Crusaders 2010 Highlights: [WRNrugbynews]

Scorecard:

Waratahs VS Lions: It seems as if playing against the Lions in this year’s competition is the equivalent to playing against a blind school, so to speak, and any team still to face them has to be licking their lips at the guaranteed bonus point win on offer.

One has to wonder what is going on with a once mighty franchise within South African rugby, as they have been reduced from the Lions to the toothless pussy cats.

The Waratahs scored early in the first half with Mitchell crossing after a quick tap in only the sixth minute. However, he went from hero to villain minutes later when he lost control of the ball in his own in-goal allowing Lions speedster Tonderai Chavhanga to dive on the loose ball. He redeemed himself thereafter, crossing over for 3 more tries on the night. All in all, there were 11 tries scored against the hapless Lions, as it looked like they were more interested in playing touch rugby than contact.

My two cents worth:

Something is clearly wrong in the Lions camp, and it’s fast becoming disgraceful. Some one needs to do something to salvage that sinking ship,and fast.
Three Waratahs players, namely, Drew Mitchell, Wyclif Palu and Lachlin Turner, each gained over 100 metres with ball in hand. A stat I can’t say I have ever seen in the past.
The Waratahs were good on the night, flinging the ball around like a circ de soleil trapeze act, but it was the Lions who were just so much worse, helping to make the home team look like superstars.