Haaaayyya!

Crusaders VS Waratahs: The Crusaders were the eventual 20 – 13 victors, in what can only be described as one of the most tightly contested match-ups of the season, when they faced the Waratahs on the weekend.

The game was by no means a pretty affair, with bad kicking letting both teams down, but the battle of the breakdown was the highlight of the match.

The Crusaders showed why they have been so successful over the year’s, by holding out for the win. Whilst the Waratahs highlighted just how tightly contested this years competition is by gaining the crucial bonus point for losing within 7 points.

My two cents worth:

  • Phil ‘little girl’ Waugh seems to be near the form that got him into the Wallabies squad to begin with, but it remains to be seen whether or not he will be in Robbie Deans’ plans.
  • The moment of the match for me, was when Phil Waugh stole the ball out of Richie McCaw’s hands over the try line, denying him the try.
  • Dan Carter is nowhere near his best for, kicking terribly and missing 4 tackles.
  • Ben Mowen made 18 tackles on the night, other than that, no one really stood out.

Crusaders VS Waratahs 2010 Highlights: [WRNrugbynews]

Brumbies VS Cheetahs: There really isn’t much more to say about the Cheetahs’ dismal season. They were robbed of their talismanic captain, Juan Smith just before the game, after he flew home to due to the unexpected death of his father. With Juan Smith departing, so went any hopes of them putting up a decent fight against a much stronger Brumbies outfit.

In the end, the Cheetahs were annihilated 61 – 15 by the Brumbies. They now face he reality that they may end up in scuffle with the Lions for the infamous wooden spoon.

My two cents worth:

  • The dismal Cheetahs missed a total of 55 tackles on the night, a lack of defense that could probably only be outdone by the Lions Pussy Cats.
  • Kabamba Floors was the worst defensive offender of them all, missing 7 tackles on the night, and when he did finally stick a tackle, he spear tackled Julian Huxley, copping a 5 week suspension for the deed.
  • Ben Alexander scored 2 tries on the night, not bad for a prop.
  • Jongi Nokwe may not be the most gifted defender on the planet, but he made 4 turnovers on the night

Brumbies VS Cheetahs 2010 Highlights: [WRNrugbynews]

Lions VS Reds: The Reds put on yet another free running display this season when the beat the Lions 41 – 26, at altitude, on Saturday. At times it was as if the Lions thought they were playing a game of touch rugby, as the Reds just stepped through their lack of defense, unscathed.

The Reds have had their best season in a decade, but were definitely made to look better on the night by a well below par Lions outfit, in desperate need of a defensive clue.

The Lions did manage to show glimpses of hope when the hit back with a few tries of their own, but this only seemed to happen after some of the replacements took the field, and by then it was too late for any hope of redemption.

My two cents worth:

  • Will Genia and Quade Cooper’s half back combination continues to grow, and with the likes of Matt Giteau, James O’Connor, AAC, Berrick Barnes, Digby Ione, Lachie Turner, Drew Mitchell, Julian Huxley, Cameron Shepard et al, the Wallabies seem like they are quietly buildig an artilery in the backline.
  • Carlos Spencer may be well past his sell-by date, and definitely imploded on the night, but he did manage to cause 4 turnovers.
  • Michael Killian showed why he should always be picked ahead of Earl Rose.
  • It’s great to see the Reds back at a realistic competitive level as in the days of Tim Horan.
  • Doppies La Grange is always a solid bet in the mid-field and one of the only consistent players in an otherwise poor outfit. He managed to gain 124m with ball in hand.

Lions VS Reds 2010 Highlights: [WRNrugbynews]