Week 3 of Super 14 for me is always a crucial week in separating the Men from the boys. It generally produces a pecking order that is often hard to change dramatically. What it has highlighted is who the contenders are going to be.

The Sharks and Bulls look like semi final material, and the augers well for South Africa. Disappointingly my pre season prediction has been shot, which I always knew would depend on the way they started, but the Stormers for my mind will definitely not win it, and will struggle to make the top 6.

From Australia the Worrytahs are never a great team, but they will continue to produce their dour rugby that gets them enough points to possibly make the semis. I still think they may lose games against the harder opposition, but they can’t be discounted. The 3 other Aussie teams will all struggle to make the top 6.

The Kiwi teams are the most interesting. They aren’t and won’t dominate like previous seasons, but the Horrorcanes and Crusaders will still be tough. I think those 2 will have their chances to be semi-finalists. The Chiefs and Islanders will definitely be in the bottom half of the draw, and the Blues will prboably be around 6-8 in the final standings.

So I see 4 semi-finalists coming from the Bulls, Sharks, Worrytahs, Horrorcanes and Crusaders. I’m hoping for a couple of South African home semis, and a Sharks v Bulls final would be my ideal scenario!
I’m also picking the Cheaters to come dead last, with the Islanders, Chiefs and Lions to be keeping them company…

Crusaders v Hurricanes
The upset of the week. As I have mentioned I don’t think there is a lot separating the 2, but away from Home the Horrorcanes simply showed more passion and determination to get the log points on the night. What it does is to ensure the Crusaders will have to work hard to make the semis and may not have the luxury of home ground advantage as they have had in the past, if they make it.

Waratahs v Highlanders
The Islanders were never going to really test the Worrytahs, who achieved their mission and got the bonus point. The fact that the rugby was unattractive, and the bonus point was only sealed towards the end of the game does not really matter, for the Worrytahs are never going to dominate their opponents.

Chiefs v Sharks
A must win game for the Sharks, and they should tremendous heart, courage and skill to win this one. Their defence was magnificent and saved their bacon. But that’s what champions teams do. Unfortunately losing Jean Deysel will be a massive blow, but their is enough class to be able to cover for it.
Like the Stormers, the Chiefs never seem to start the season well. 0 from 3 effectively kills their chances.

Brumbies v Farce
Another major upset. Away from home the Farce seem to be a better side. The Brumbies have started off fairly well and actually have quite a few decent players, so this result may come back to haunt them.

Lions v Bulls
Condititions weren’t great for a clash that always used to be collossal. Unfortunately the Lions simply aren’t the team they used to through the 90′s and this was never really in doubt. The Bulls started off well and after a great try to Pierre Spies, took their foot off the accelerator as they have a lead that was never going to be seriosuly threatened. No bonus point, but the job was done.

Stormers v Blues
The major disappointment of the round for me. The Stormers suck. Too much talk, not enough action, and lack of grey matter being applied. You must play for possession and territory, then use your chances. Stomers don’t know how to do that.
Every season since 1999 they have started badly, and lose home games they really have to win. The players need to suffer consequences. Some of their Springboks should be dropped from the Springboks, and more Bulls and Sharks should be rewarded.

I don’t think Schalk Burger is the same player at Super 14 level. Too innacurate. Doesn’t win enough turnovers, and doesn’t have a presence.
Jantjies has never done anything extraordinary at Super 14 level, so why would he at test level. Rather reward a super consistent player like Terblanche.
And for god’s sake get some players who can scrum, and win lineouts consistently!

Reds v Cheetahs
I think it was great to have a day game. Not many agree with me, but rugby was meant to be played in sunlight as far as I am concerned. We want to see attractive running rugby so why not play in the best conditions of the day (the reason is money! They think that audiences want to watch games at night. But I believe they will watch during the day…the experience of making a day out of a rugby game is what it’s truly about. And the fans will respond to that in my opinion. I certainly don’t want to watch late at night when I want to go to bed…ok my bedtime is early, but do you get my point!)

The only problem is that the Cheaters suck! They are never going to win away from home, so they may as well have spread the ball around and really gone for it. As much as I hope they do for the rest of the tour, the conservative men from Bloemfontein won’t do that. Do they really think they will win a game? Who are they kidding!