Week 11 confirms the status of three of the semi-finalists and shows just how tough the last spot is going to be. The top 2 South African teams once again proved their worthiness with crushing wins. The aussies showed once again they are stuggling and the kiwi teams have been a mixed bag with strong running rugby that at times can leave them vulnerable.
Super 14 Log
Crusaders 37
Blues 37
Sharks 34
Chiefs 27
Bulls 27
Brumbies 27
Farce 26
Horrorcanes 23
Islanders 22
Lions 21
Cheaters 18
Stormers 18
Worrytahs 14
Reds 7
Cheaters ill-disciplined and sloppy
The Cheaters had field position and posession but failed to take their chances due to lateral running and a lack of execution of the basics of rugby. Even when the Horrorcanes were reduced to 14 men they couldn’t capitalise. Jannie Du Plessis was cited for biting, emphasising the lack of discipline this Cheaters outfit has. For so called Currie Cup champions, they are very average.
Horrorcanes 37: Tries by Chris Masoe, Jerry Collins, Jason Eaton, Hosea Gear. Piri Weepu kicked four conversions and three penalties.
Cheetahs 15: Tries by by Gavin Passens, Juan Smith. Willem de Waal kicked a conversion and a penalty
A century in Hamilton as Farce crushed by Chiefs
These 2 teams decided to throw defence out of the window as they embarked on a try scoring spree with the Chiefs scoring more than the Farce to emerge victors by 64-36. This keeps the Chiefs in the running for 4th spot but probably ends the hopes of the Farce.
Chiefs 64: Tries by Kinikinilau 3, Leonard 3, Masaga, Latimer & Lavea. Donald kicked 5 conversions and 3 penalties.
Farce 36: Tries by Giteau 2, Sharpe, Shepherd & Mitchell. Giteau also kicked 4 conversions and a penalty
Crusaders sloppy but win convincingly
The Crusaders were sloppy in the first half, only taking a 10-3 lead at the break. The replacements in the second half made a massive difference and they were able to run in 4 second half tries to win 38-3.
Crusaders 38: Tries: Casey Laulaula 2, Dan Carter, Rua Tipoki, Caleb Ralph.Conversions: Dan Carter 3 and Stephen Brett 2. Penalty: Dan Carter.
Highlanders 3: Penalty: Nick Evans
Super Sharks give Auckland the Blues at Albany
The Sharks started well and dominated an ill-discplined Blues outfit that did not adjust well to a late starting match due to a fire alarm in the main stand delaying the kickoff. However the Sharks adjusted to wet conditions well with a superb kicking game and outstanding defence. The Blues had all the ball in the first half but the Sharks were down the right end of the field to capitalise on expected errors. The first try by Odwa Ndungane was superb with great handling and from that moment the Blues were forced to play catch up. the in your face defence rattled the Blues whose discilpine disappeared and they were lucky ref Stu Dickinson did not take matters further. Although the Sharks missed out on a bonus point due to some poor kicking and option taking in the second half, the skill and defence of their team, and especially Steyn and Skinstad should not take anything away from an exceptional win.
Sharks 32: Tries by Odwa Ndungane, JP Pietersen 2. Percy Montgomery kicked two penalties and Francois Steyn two dropped goals, a conversion and a penalty.
Blues 25: Tries by Keven Mealamu, David Gibson, Daniel Braid. Isa Nacewa kicked two conversions and two penalties.
Worrytahs finally get a win in the battle for the wooden spoon
These 2 Aussie teams scored 3 tries between them in a dull game at Aussie stadium. This was the first win for the Worrytahs at home this year and their first at Aussie stadium in over a year. for the Reds, it is time to rebuild for next year.
Waratahs 26: Tries by Josh Valentine and Beau Robinson. Peter Hewat kicked two conversions and four penalties.
Reds 13: Try by Clinton Schifkofske. Schifkofske kicked a conversion and two penalties.
Bulls stampede over Stormers
The Bulls played some sublime rugby and some poor rugby in overcoming a Stormers team that is a disgrace to Western Province rugby. The Bulls were helped by a packed stadium of over 50000 fans who created a magical sea of blue. A stadium so full should entitle them to a bonus point! The Stormers socred the first try due to a piece of Brent Russell magic, who unfortunately left the field early on. Just why he has never been put at flyhalf in a team that was never going to be a semi-final contender is beyond me. Spies, Habana, Roets and Olivier provided the attacking spark that got the Bulls on the front foot and showed they are always difficult to beat at home. The most refreshing aspect being coach Heyneke Meyer’s comments that they wanted to throw the ball around, play attacking rugby and simply score more tries than the opposition. It is that sort of attitude SA rugby needs to be successful. The words of Nick Mallet 2 years ago that the Stormers would not be masacred at Loftus again seem to have been forgotten too.
Bulls 49: Tries by Bakkies Botha, Wikus van Heerden, Gary Botha, Wynand Olivier, Pedrie Wannenburg, Heini Adams. Derick Hougaard kicked two conversions and two penalties and Morne Steyn two conversions.
Stormers 12: Tries by Brent Russell, Dylan des Fountain. Peter Grant kicked a conversion.
