My appologies for the late post this week. I’m still busy trying to regather all my systems and get back up to  speed after being robbed last week. I have posted the first three games of the weekend today, and will have the rest out for tomorrow

Chiefs VS Bulls: The Bulls reclaimed there spot on top of the Super 14 log when they got the better of the tug-of-war like match, where the lead changed hands on numerous occasions, taking advantage of the Chiefs fading away in the last quarter of the game, and achieving the bonus point win.

They Bulls opened up the try scoring when young winger, Gerhard van den Heever snatched a floated pass out of the air, in one of the best handling displays I’ve seen this season, to cut through the Chiefs defense and cross over for the try.

The Chiefs hit back three minutes later though, when All Black #9, Brendon Leonard hacked on a chip kick, and then dived on the ball over the line, after Morne Steyn made what was possibly the biggest hash up of his career thus far, when he failed to clean up in his own 22m.

The game seesawed back and forth after that, the Bulls allowing the Chiefs to stay in the game through some poor discipline, until the Bulls took advantage of the Chiefs’ slump, sealing the bonus point and reclaiming the top spot.

My two cents worth:

  • Gerhard Van den Heever is a superstar for the future. He seems to grow in confidence with every game.
  • Both teams were relatively poor on defence with the Chiefs and Bulls missing 25 and 30 tackles respectively.
  • Richard Kahui was impressive at the breakdown, effecting 5 turnovers in the midfield.
  • Lelia Masaga gained 125m with ball in hand.
  • Tanerau Latimer made 17 tackles, whilst none of the Bulls players made it into double figures.
  • Fourie Du Preez really is the best rugby player in world.

Chiefs VS Bulls 2010 Highlights: [WRNrugbynews]

Highlanders VS Force:The Force put on their best display of the year when they downed the Highlanders 41 – 27 in Queenstown on Saturday.

Cameron Shepard made a welcome return to rugby this year when he opened the try scoring account in the 28th minute. The Highlanders hit back next when Chris King drove over the line for the try.

It was pretty much the Force’s game from there on out though, crossing the line a total of 6 times, and banking a good victory.

My two cents worth:

  • Fetu’u Vainikolo scored an absolutely sensational try in the 80th minute of the game.
  • Ben Smith was great with ball in hand, gaining a total of 124m.
  • Jason Rutledge made 5 turnovers at the breakdown, not bad for a hooker.
  • Both teams had some pretty poor defence, but Mark Bartholomeusz was the worst of them all, missing 6 tackles on the day.
  • James O’Connor really is a superstar to play such a massive role within the team at such a young age.

Highlanders VS Force 2010 Highlights: [WRNrugbynews]

Blues VS Stormers: The Stormers out-muscled the Blues with their weekest defensive display of the year to snatch their first win on tour this season, against a determined Blues outfit.

The Stormers made the early onslaughts, scoring the first two tries, before falling into their customary mid-game slump, allowing the Blues to score, through some pretty, uncharactristically poor defense,  before coming alive again to hold out for the victory.

My two cents worth:

  • Fancois Louw, although getting handed off once, made an incredible 22 tackles in the game and surely has to be a shoe in for the Springbok squad this year.
  • The Stormers have one of the most effective loose trios in the competition, if not the best in 2010.
  • Peter Grant finally put in a noteworthy display in the #10 jumper this season.
  • Keven Mealamu is still a force to be reckoned with.
  • It was great to see Luke McAlister back in the mix. Although he may not be at his best form, he will get back there.
  • Sireli Naqelevuki made a total of 123m with ball in hand.
  • We all know that Stuart Dickinson is kak, but surely it’s a prerequisite to be consistent. Blowing up the Stormers for obstruction, when no contact was made, or no impact on the game, then letting the Blues play on after making contact in the same situation just doesn’t cut it.

Blues VS Stormers 2010 Highlights: [WRNrugbynews]