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Editor's Note
Brilliant! My word, what a weekend! Who
would have rightly predicted such congestion at the top of the table after
week 11 of the Super 12 competition? Unlike the Premiership in England where
the winner was well known months before the final round there are three teams
out of contention, three certain of a place in the semi-finals and an
unbelievable six teams vying for the fourth spot!
Welcome to week 11 of RF, this is the biggest
issue to date and one where I stick my neck out and select a Springbok XXII.
The selection of a Springbok team is an occasion that every supporter
cherishes, firstly to hear who is in the team then to initiate the critiques,
counter arguments and debates at any subsequent formal or informal gathering.
Harry Viljoen will keep most pundits happy with his 30 man squad however there
are only so many positions where substitutes and apprentices can be
accommodated. Be sure of a few surprises, as with his previous selection Mr.
Viljoen will include a few youngsters worthy of a test place in a season or
two to come, I believe the term is called “blooding“.
The Super 12 is not even dead and buried yet and
already the international stage is being set. The keenly awaited Lion’s tour
to Australia will be the main attraction but do not forget another famous
team, the Barbarian’s tour of Britain. The famous black and white hoops
rekindle memories of one of my hero’s and quintessential “Barbarian”
Gareth Edwards, the scrumhalf many believe to be the finest rugby player ever
and the one who scored “the try”. Great players have donned the
illustrious jersey and their legacy will inspire a new crop of “greats” to
similar feats. Look out for players like Jonah Lomu, Bob Skinstad and Joost
van der Westhuizen to name but a few.
The final round robin weekend for Super 12 has
arrived and I hope that your favorite team will reach the semi-finals, get out
there and support your teams!
Enjoy!
Ps: For all new readers, please mail RugbyForum@freemail.absa.co.za to
include or remove your address or to request previous copies of RF.
Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor
From France, many thanks again for a Forum that is getting more and more interesting. You have two jewels in Mark Foster and Tom Marcellus. I really enjoy their articles and humour. After reading TM about Butch James, and hearing some other weird things about this flyhalf, I am starting to look forward to see this guy play. Not that I support violence on the field, but I simply have to see if what they say about him is true! Thanks as well for the accurate and interesting match reports. On this side all the little details are read and absorbed with great interest. Keep up the good work!
Regards
Helen Albrecht- Esperandieu, Metz, France.
Thank you Helen, nice to see that RF's appreciated on the
"continent"!
The garrulous debate surrounding comments and
articles made about certain rugby teams and/or players have dragged our ultra
modern constitution into the fray.
In a democratic society, freedom of speech is regarded as one of the corner
stones of the said ideology. Since it is a fundamental right prominent in
most constitutions including ours, how come there is always uproar, outrage
and a fair bit of criticism leveled at the excerpters exercising the most
basic of rights?
The comments made by Nick Mallett in his guest column for Planet-Rugby
regarding the Bulls are not the first and will certainly not be the last of
this kind. The critiques of these columns and their utterances are
devoid of the true meaning of free press and the influence on the average
man on the street. The cardinal point in reading the offered material is to
form an opinion, educated or not and enter in debate.
The lack of debate in our country is in stark contrast to Britain where the
strong and sometimes fanatical press ensures that the average man is
“armed” with more than enough educated opinions to form his own. This in
turn develops a culture of debate and the susceptibility of another’s
views and opinions. The crux is not for all to agree but to respect one
another and to do so in good faith.
The sooner we encourage and apply a propensity for debate and exchange views
and opinions our own understanding of a subject will improve not to mention
the standard of our education.
Sincerely
P. Blackwell
Dear Ed.
The Super 12 team you chose is interesting.
I do however think that your locks lack mobility so please see my choices.
1. Nic White 2. Anton Oliver 3. Greg Somerville 4. Johan Ackerman 5. Troy Flavell 6. Johan Erasmus (Captain) 7. Phil Waugh 8. Vahafolau (not sure of spelling see Highlanders No 8) 9. Byron Kelleher (Strongly overshadowed Gregan in matchup) 10. Stephen Larkham 11. Jonah Lomu 12. Paul Steinmetz 13. Tana Umaga 14. Breyton Paulse 15. Christian Cullen 16. Matt Burke 17. Trevor Halstead 18. George Gregan 19. Andrew Merhtens 20. Mark Andrews 21. Totai Kefu 22. Dean Hall Thanks
Bryan
Hmmm, a few good selections, Kelleher was
certainly better than Gregan during their epic battle however over the season,
Gregan has been consistent and more often than not brilliant. As to the locks,
I agree with the mobility factor but with loosies like Vos, Smith and Rassie
somebody needs to do the donkeywork. Phil Waugh is a very good player, he's
been in my team on numerous occasions but played second fiddle to Smith in
their little one-on-one a few weeks ago hence his omission and hey you must
have a loose forward with dreadlocks nowadays!
"Too much
chocolates..." by Mark Foster
Well what do you know! After an 11-week slog the
Super 12 competition’s final standings is a riddle best solved by the
lateral thinking of De Bono and the mathematical genius of Einstein, I have
neither so let’s not even go there.
The results over the past weekend was somewhat
surprising, the usual home ground advantage (yawn, yawn) surfaced except in
the case of the Chiefs. I would like to pause here because this team,
perennial punch bags of the competition surprised friend and foe with their
performances this season. I am a fan of their style and Deon Muir is, in my
mind one of the players of the tournament, a great pity they find themselves
in a spot of bother for the final match. They must win with 5 points to reach
the semi-finals and standing squarely in their way are the indomitable
Brumbies. The way the Chiefs played against the Hurricanes epitomized their
underdog status and the same will apply Friday, come what may for South
Africans match 62 will be the most keenly anticipated result of the
competition.
The other matches were sort of all right, the
rugby was not brilliant, stirring stuff neither horrible, boring epics maybe
I’m suffering from a mild bout of over exposure, too much chocolates, even
the best Swiss variation will eventually make you sick. Like most of the
players we also need an off weekend to recharge and invigorate the
attention!
The Reds, in official 4th place hinted how much
they really want this title as a fond farewell to captain and demi god John
Eales. A warning to the Reds, sentiment is a bad emotion where sport is
concerned, many teams have found to their detriment it is not worth playing
for somebody in particular as the focus is on the person and not the job
(remember the Currie Cup final for Mac, Teich, Jouba and King Henry?). A
similar attitude might prevail amongst the Brumbies as coach Eddie Jones will
be leaving for higher coaching honours. We all know and admire the Australian
professionalism; this is a good opportunity to witness it in action.
South African teams are enjoying an unbelievable
renaissance in a competition historically dominated by Kiwi teams. If the
gargantuan permutations (and the Cape press) can be believed we will see three
SA teams in the semi finals, if that happens Elvis is alive… hallelujah! I
for one are a bit of a non-counter if you know what I mean, show me apples in
a basket and I can tell you how many there are, as it is there are very few
apples in the basket and we should not be counting them as yet.
The poor Kiwis, the unthinkable may happen and to
discard my own apple theory, the counters out there predict that the
semi-finals may be contested, for the first time in history without a team
from the land of the silver fern, shock horror! Well, too much of a good
thing…
National team selection is another hot topic under
discussion and Harry Viljoen with his new Australian assistant coach (Tim
Lane) and Andre Markgraaf will be selecting Springbok edition 2001 on
Saturday. Predictions and team selections is a great hobby however unlike
Nostradamus I prefer to leave these things to good old hindsight, never been
proved wrong before! I do believe though that with a squad of 30 players, the
selection will be justified as far as form is concerned then it is up to
combinations and the all important game plan.
The rugby rumour, a custom employed by various opposing media men has once again reared it’s ugly head and straight talking Cats coach Laurie Mains has bluntly accused the bleating of Bok coach’s personal adviser and Springbok media manager (Mark Keohane) as the root of the so-called rift in the Cats side rumour. If this is true and as a columnist it is hard to do the journalistic integrity checks, we are faced with a serious breach of trust and honour. I suggest, in the true fashion of African politics that a “conmittee” be set up to investigate any corruption and foul play charges...
A final thought before the weekend’s rush of
activities begin, I would like to quote the old master of subterfuge Koen
Nienaber (if you have not heard of him it is testimony to the man’s mastery
of his art!) “rules may be written in the rule book but ultimately the rules
are what the referee say they are, sela”.
RF's Springbok Team
Selection
Team
Selection
Would you believe it, the Super 12 is drawing to a close and of course the
age-old debate will resurrect, who should pull the coveted green and gold over
his head? A Springbok rugby supporter not involved in this time old practice
is, well... not a real Springbok supporter! The old days were easy, a real
Springbok supporter drank Castle, tattooed the flag on his face and sported a
bag full of biltong. Today, fortunately we have different beer to drink,
tattoos are old and Woolies are selling Boots&All biltong! Unchanged
through time however is the selection of your team and to debate the
“correct” selections vociferously.
To break a tradition is of course akin to seven years of bad luck and having
had more than enough of that (bad luck) here is the Rugby Forum Springbok
squad. The criterion for selection is everybody that played in the Super 12,
injured or not except where broken limbs rules out any quick recovery
(although with the recovery time of today’s players that is not even a
problem anymore!). Here goes, with motivation and players who came close.
1. Robbie Kempson
The strong man from the Stormers has been in good form and without Cobus
Visagie his experience will be invaluable to the pack. Cobus Visagie will walk
into my team if and when his played a few matches. It was quite clear how
valuable a player he is during his absence. Ollie is the versatile impact
player we all know and love, we will keep him at what he does best, make an
impact.
2. John Smit
Undoubtedly the best hooker in South Africa, his driving play and ball skills
is par excellence, he needs to work on his lineouts, as this is a major
headache for all hookers and an absolute vital phase of the game. Second
man is Dalton, more commitment and experience you can’t find anywhere else,
a big plus is his motivational presence and his throwing into the lineouts is
perhaps the best in the country, he lacks fitness though but will be a very
good impact player.
3. Willie Meyer
One of the best players in the Super 12 and he only gets better with age. No
competition and also nobody close. Kempson and Ollie can double though.
4. Albert van den Bergh
On our hard fields he is a must, his agility in the lineouts secure valuable
turnover ball and his speed around the park is invaluable in creating pressure
on the opposition, a proven contender at test level. Victor Matfield has been
a revelation and will be in my Bok side again as an impact player until he
gains confidence at that level and with time will take over Andrew’s role in
the team.
5. Mark Andrews
The man’s prowess, influence and presence are legendary and few have the
attitude the “veteran” brings to the pack. Undoubtedly an asset to any
team he plays for, solid in the lineouts, irreplaceable during kick offs and
has remarkable agility around the park on defence. Close call is Johan
Ackerman, a great driving forward with a menacing presence but unfortunately
contending in a crowded position.
6. Johan Erasmus
Need I say more, probably the only uncontested player in the squad. His skills
are beyond comparison and his defence fearsome. A must in any World XV.
Charl van Rensburg has done some sterling work for the Sharks but once again
South Africa are blessed with awesome talent in this position.
7. Andre Venter
Another player whose having a great Super 12 and one of the guys you would
rather play with than against. His combination with Erasmus borders telepathy
and as a workhorse he's tireless. Corne Krige is in the fray, his fetching
abilities and creation of turnover ball, so important in modern rugby is
essential and it’s a pity that he can’t be accommodated because few
players has his guts and commitment. An outsider is Warren Britz, his speed to
the breakdown and brilliant linking makes him a very valuable player, a bit
like Josh Kronfeldt. Unfortunately vying for a position crowded with
world-class players.
8. Andre Vos
Vos, as part of the best loose trio in rugby has played more than his part to
establish that reputation. His work rate is phenomenal, tackling intimidating
and he's a proven contender on the international stage. Bob Skinstad is not
yet at his formidable best but his deft creative touches and linking game is
important to create a different dimension. Unfortunate for him the
Stormers’ pack never afforded him the chance to fully exhibit his remarkable
skills. Given time he may yet again upset the applecart.
9. Joost van der Westhuizen
Experience can’t be bought and he has been there done that and bar the Super
12 he’s a proven winner. Scrumhalf is a problematic area and was it not for
my choice at flyhalf I would have opted for Niel de Kock, this young man has
the best service in the country and his speed around the field coupled with
good vision will make him a great in the mould of Garth Wright. Craig Davidson
is also very good at the moment and these two are our future unfortunately you
can’t throw away experience and experiment with a rookie halfback pairing.
Looked what happened to Gaffie Du Toit and Dave von Hoesslin.
10. Butch James
The best there is available and the only player with an entire Super 12 under
his belt. Butch is a very good player indeed and the only problem is his
defence, not the lack there of but the style he adopts. Harry will no doubt
sort this out but pressure does strange things to the head. His kicking is
solid and his deftness of hands has made Trevor Halstead look very good
indeed. Gaffie Du Toit is my second choice.
11. Stefan Terreblanche
The man has speed and all the skills of an all-round footballer, like Cabous
van der Westhuizen’s grandma he can score tries and his defence is
excellent. As a player who has doubled on fullback and centre he can add a few
different dimensions to the backline. Dean Hall is a very good player but
unfortunately has been riding on the big wave of one try against the
Highlanders. His attacking is excellent but his awareness and defence is not
the best and there is vulnerability under the high ball. Likened to Lomu but
my friends, after seeing Lomu I can say he has a fair bit to go to be
mentioned in the same breath as the Big Fella. A great player for the future
is Friederich Lombaard, who has plenty of speed and a good defence, he needs
experience and within a year or so will be right up there.
12. De Wet Barry
The creator in the Stormers’ backline and one of the straightest runners
around, his defence is solid and vision excellent. Japie Mulder comes close as
well as Trevor Halstead but for pace and abrasiveness Barry is the man, he is
also young enough to play plenty of tests. Jacobs is a prospect but needs to
gain consistency in performance.
13. Deon Kayser
The man is playing great rugby at the moment and must be the form centre in
South Africa, his pace, good hands and wonderful linking play makes him ideal
to be paired with the hard running Barry. Robbie Fleck is the next best choice
and a good performer in the Springbok jersey. He needs to rediscover the
spark that made him one of the best outside centres at RWC 1999. Grant
Esterhuizen is not quite the finished article and his lack of vision under
pressure to make the correct choices count against him. Andre Snyman is a
sentimental choice but at this level it takes a while to gain the old skills
back but he will and at his best there is none better.
14. Breyten Paulse
Superbly talented, we all know what this man can do given some space. His
covering at the back is of great help to the fullback however he must become
more involved in general play and his defence is not bad but not up to
international standard. He only needs the ball in a little bit of space
though… Wylie Human and Stefan Terreblanche are the contenders but they will
have to be more spectacular to oust the little man from the Cape. Both
are great finishers and good defenders but might find themselves in the cold
until injury or a really bad drop in form affects Breytie.
15. Thinus Delport
The best runner from broken play in South Africa and he scores great
tries, ask the All Blacks, his defence can sharpen but he’s very solid under
the high ball and his positional play is excellent. He needs to impose himself
on the game more and get involved in the phases leading up to tries.
Montgommery’s probably the next best available but some of his blunders will
future prominently in “Sport Blunders – The Video”. He is a good
footballer and has a lot of experience but it is time to play to his potential
so ably displayed in 1997 and 1998.
Captain: Johan Erasmus
The only player sure of his position in the team and with proven leadership
skills, his stature amongst friend and foe is very high and he’s respected
everywhere. An all-round nice guy he will be perfect for the demanding PR role
the Bok captain faces every day.
The team with seven reserves is thus the following:
1. Robbie Kempson
2. John Smit 3. Willie Meyer 4. Albert van den Bergh 5. Mark Andrews 6. Johan Erasmus (c) 7. Andre Venter 8. Andre Vos 9. Joost van der Westhuizen 10. Butch James 11. Stefan Terreblanche
12. De Wet Barry
13. Deon Kayser 14. Breyten Paulse 15. Thinus Delport 16. Ollie Le Roux 17. James Dalton 18. Victor Matfield 19. Bob Skinstad 20. Niel De Kock 21. Robbie Fleck 22. Gaffie Du Toit Rugby Quiz
(answers at the end) Match Reports
Hurricanes 27 -
Chiefs 51
The all Kiwi affair between the Hurricanes and
Chiefs promised to be a thriller. Both teams are blessed with great backlines,
a lot of speed out wide and very good loose forwards. The game did not
disappoint and what a good exhibition of rugby it was.
The Hurricanes started like a house on fire and
within 3 minutes Paul Steinmetz scored an excellent try after a few phases and
some great driving support from the Hurricane forwards. The following twenty
minutes was a delicate chess match with little chip kicks and some flowing
phases from both teams to gain ascendancy and outwit the opponent’s defence.
The Chiefs had a chance to score through Johno
Gibbs, who had an excellent match but he lost the ball going over the tryline,
on reflection it seemed justice after some interference running was missed by
Paddy O’Brien. The Chiefs’ first points came only after 20 minutes and the
their confidence was given a small boost with a penalty from Hill, the
Hurricanes though struck back through a Lomu move on the blind side. Excellent
defence by Rhys Dugan and Roger Randle kept the big fella off the scoreboard
after the TV referee adjudged a foot in touch. Both sides enjoyed some good
chances but a few small errors cost them scoring opportunities.
The Chiefs scored an excellent try 5 minutes from
the break through a move that originated 50 meters out when the ball was
recycled a few times and Keith Lowen burst through. The Chiefs, now on a roll
seem to shift to a higher gear and after great work by Holler and Randle
Reihana finished a 40 meter sweep to score two tries in two minutes. The
Hurricanes were under severe pressure after an excellent kick through forced
Cullen to carry over in goal, the subsequent scrum Muir, Duggan and Reihana
combined on the blind side to score a well worked try. The Chiefs led by 17
points at the break and the Hurricanes were left stunned by a magnificent
first half performance.
The second half the Hurricanes was forced to play
catch up rugby and with Jackson back at flyhalf the Chiefs played a superb
tactical match to ensure the pressure remain on the Hurricanes. The errors
crept into the ‘Canes play and the kickable penalties were coolly dispatched
through the post by Jackson to keep the scoreboard ticking over. The
Chiefs were good in defence and their fourth try, scored by Reihana came after
a forced turnover from a mistake by Jason Spice.
The Hurricanes managed to hit back with yet
another television decision and scored only their second try. The game was now
a free for all and both sides staged wave after wave of attack in an excellent
display of free flowing, running rugby. Spice scored after yet another
television decision, the technology certainly earned its keep in this match!
The Hurricanes now looked like they could threaten the huge lead after a
Darryl Lillee try that begun from their own 25, with 10 minutes left the
Chiefs lead was only 11 points!
The final 10 minutes was a war of attrition and
the sides produced a sterling effort to maintain the quality. Somehow the
Chiefs manage to rise to the occasion, with fine defence they kept the
Hurricanes at bay and for good measure Jackson slotted every penalty within
distance. Collins scored a final try on full time for a magnificent victory to
a courageous Chiefs outfit.
Men of the match:
Deon Muir, Johno Gibbs and Bruce Reihana
Blues 7 - Brumbies 35
The ACT Brumbies travelled to Eden Park with
one goal in mind to collect 5 points and head the Super 12 log. The mission
was accomplished and against the Blues it was definitely not mission
impossible. The big disappointers of the season were simply outgunned by a
superior outfit, simple as that.
The First half was dominated by some of the best
rugby the Brumbies played since their opening match against the Crusaders.
Wave after wave of attack created space out wide, their tactics were superb
and finely controlled by George Gregan who handled the ball an astonishing 100
times during the match! Larkham signalled the intentions with an early slice
through the Blues defence for a well executed try. The Brumbies were clearly
set on winning for every opportunity was used to tick the scoreboard
over with Mortlock enjoying mixed success. The second try, a glorious
effort from Andrew Walker was a blueprint of the Brumbies’ rugby model;
relentless pressure, intelligent multiphase moves and more patience than Job
that prompted the Kiwi commentators to remark that their play resembled a
“training run” and right they were. The Blues were lucky to only trail by
25 points at half time, they defended their hearts out and very few teams
would have absorbed never mind overcome the kind of pressure they were under.
The second half was more of an even contest and
the Brumbies actually looked mortal, mistakes were made and the turnover ball
allowed a spirited Blues revival. They managed to score their first points
after sixty minutes in the match and it was a fine forward effort from
veteran, Craig Dowd. The Brumbies after a brilliant first half looked mediocre
but fine defence and turnovers of the Blues ball mainly by George Smith
created enough opportunities to score two more tries and collect a vital bonus
point. There was however too many errors by both sides and the half never
really fulfilled the potential of the first.
The Blues’ forwards did not impress and to
perform well against the Brumbies it is essential to put them on the back
foot. The Brumbies deserved the victory for playing high-octane, classy
running rugby, the brand their renowned for and one gets the feeling that they
are beginning to peak when it matters most.
Man of the match: George Smith
Waratahs 25 - Crusaders
22
The Waratahs managed to keep their impressive home
record intact as they defeated the champions at the Sydney Football Stadium.
The conditions was not conducive to running football as the players slipped on
the soggy surface, both teams however tried their best to run the ball.
The first half was a very tight affair with the
first points only coming after 36 minutes, the teams spent a large amount of
time between the two 25 meter lines and scoring opportunities were few. The
conditions and high error rate was an ideal situation to pit two of the best
flankers against each other in the fight for the loose bal, Scott Robertson
and Phil Waugh had a battle royal.
The Crusaders, again without Mehrtens did not play
well enough to win this match and Matt Burke’s unusual misses with the boot
made the score look far closer than the actual game was. The Waratahs although
they scored a superb effort through Luke Ingham lacked the same authority they
had in the beginning of the competition. The “unknown quantity” is only a
luxury for the first few times then the other teams catch up and thoroughly
analyse the play.
The Waratahs may have a very, very small chance of
reaching the semi finals but somehow the permutations are too great, they will
have a big influence on fellow Australian outfit, the Reds’ chances when
they meet next week. The Crusaders are in similar territory and the team they
can prevent from qualifying is the Highlanders.
Man of the match: Scott
Robertson
Bulls 23 - Stormers 34
The Bulls Stormers clash was played in front of a
very large crowd in Pretoria, the Bulls win last week or the presence of the
Stormers increased the attendance by 30,000 people! The punters did not see
the home team win or any sparkling rugby for that matter. For the record the
Stormers collected 5 points (contrary to what Joel Stransky thought!) and form
part of the 25 point crowd hoping for modern day miracles to play in the Super
12 semi-finals.
The match was highlighted by a superb hat trick
from whom else but Breyten Paulse, the small wing scored an intercept, an
assist and a finishing off try to display his all round skill. The man for
once was looking for work and as soon as he does this his name can be penciled
in on the score sheet because his vision enables him to be at the right place
with perfect timing to boot unfortunately his fellow players take a while to
realize this.
The Stormers’ forwards did not dominate the
exchanges again but against a spirited Bulls pack it was going to be difficult
anyway. For all their losses this season, the Bulls’ forwards never
disgraced themselves against any of the opposing teams. James Dalton led ably
and could mature into an excellent captain at this level, he inspires with
example. The Bulls however let their suicidal tendencies prevail once again
and the two gift tries to Paulse and Barry effectively sealed their fate.
The Stormers were not at their best as captain
Corne Krige remarked afterwards but the men from the Cape know how to pounce
on any opposition mistakes, a quality that ensures a try or two per match.
Rugby however is about slogging it out on attack and defence and the way young
Adrian Jacobs sliced through the backline augurs bad news for the weekend
ahead. Take nothing away from the Cape bred centre, he has an uncanny nack of
running the right angle at pace and there are few people around who can do
that.
The Bulls struggled with hotheadedness, something
I’m sure James Dalton will address if he remains captain against his old
comrades this coming weekend. Tap penalties is a good method of advancing ten
meters when you are 50 out but right in front of goal the defending side is
far more focused and aware so the 3 points should be taken. The match was very
much a ding-dong battle and an extra 3 points here and there could have
changed the entire outcome.
The end of the day the Stormers had more points
than the Bulls although with injuries to Skinstad and Louw the price for
victory could have been a heavy one. Both teams have the ability to upset the
two dominant South African sides next week, a big weekend for South African
rugby.
Men of the match: Neil De
Kock and Breyten Paulse
Reds 33 - Highlanders 22
The second best match of the weekend saw a
spirited Reds side overcome the Highlanders at Ballymore, Brisbane. For the
Reds their win kept hopes alive of presenting captain and Wallaby great, John
Eales with the only trophy eluding his illustrious career. The Highlanders,
also in with a semi-final shout played second fiddle to a team fast reaching
their full potential.
The Reds’ under new coach McBain has had a topsy
turvy season and injuries to key players threatened to undermine their
campaign. The form of Latham was also a cause for worry and last year’s
player of the competition only lately displayed the form everyone’s become
accustomed to, in this match he turned it on.
The game was slow to start and uncharacteristic
errors revealed a fair bit of tension and nerves amongst the players. Byron
Kelleher after his previous brilliant performances did not enjoy a successful
afternoon and his backs were placed under severe pressure with his weak
service. The Reds capitalized and their forwards with Foley prominent
dominated the early exchanges and the backs were given quality ball from which
to create tries. Ben Tune obliged and his devastating runs almost resulted in
two tries but it was the Latham magic that did the trick and the fullback
dotted down twice to race the Reds ahead. The Highlanders were 17-0 down and
threw caution to the wind, attacking from everywhere and in the process piling
the pressure upon them. A try by Simon Malling before the break left the Kiwis
trailing by 10 points at halftime with everything to play for in the second.
The second half was as entertaining as the first,
the video referee denied the Reds forwards a try and a Foley tackle foiled a
try by Josh Blackie. The Highlanders did manage to convert pressure into tries
and Tuilevu picked up two well deserved tries, he does a lot of work this
winger but sometimes are a bit over zealous to get involved and that costs him
and his team, his try-scoring abilities are beyond doubt though. The Reds were
not intent on losing this match and a try by Roalini and accurate kicking from
Flatley, who had a good game, ensured that they always stayed ahead of the men
from Otago.
The Reds performed well on the day and with the
forwards and Tune, Latham (bar injury) Herbert and Flatley on song they might
just sneak a win past the Waratahs next week. The Highlanders are one of the
many teams relying on a host of permutations and a 5 point haul to advance to
the semi-finals, an unlikely prospect against the Crusaders, hell bent on
retaining All Black jerseys.
Men of the match: Chris
Latham and Michael Foley
The log after week 11:
(In the scenario where teams finish on the same amount of log points, the
point's difference determines who will proceed to the semi-finals.)
Opinions
and View
Bulls:
General:
Quotes
I decided that if I was going to compete with the
best I had to be as aggressive and get the psychological edge on my opponent
without going over the top Wade Dooley
Rugby football is a game for gentlemen in all
classes, but never for a bad sportsman in any class Motto
of Barbarians Rugby Football Club
Foul play and cheating are the two factors that
can make the game unplayable... the All Blacks are guilty of both...
international rugby players are amongst the most physical yet literate and I
believe they know exactly what they are doing. Clem
Thomas, 1993
Of all the teams in the world you don't want to
lose to, England's top of the list. The English know no humility in victory or
defeat... If you beat them, it's because you cheat. If they beat you, it's
because they've overcome your cheating. Good teams learn how to win and lose
with graciousness and humility. England hasn't learned that lesson yet.
Grant Fox, 1993
Sport and chivalrous competition awakens the best
human qualities... it helps to strengthen the bonds of peace between the
nations Adolf Hitler, 1935
Super 12 Barometer
The Super 12 team we should choose in case the Six
Nations compiles a similar 1st XV for a match-up on neutral ground of
course. What do you think? - Ed
Answers:
1. Tim
Rodber 2 Francois Pienaar
3. New
Zealand 4. Ian
Jones and John Eales 5. JJ
Williams - 6 tries
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