Category: Rugby

Super 15 Rugby Results Round 9 2015

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Super 15 Rugby Results Round 9 2015, catch all the results from the latest round and see how your predictions played out. We picked 50% of the results, not our best weekend of picks thanks to some upsets.

 

Super 15 Rugby Results Round 9 2015

 

Blues (16) v (14) Brumbies

Conference and league leader’s cellar dwellers the Blues hosted the Brumbies in Auckland. This game was potentially a banana skin for the boys from ACT as the Blues were due for a win. The game relatively messy in the first quarter with errors from both and ill discipline from the Brumbies allowing Dan Bowden to sink some easy penalties (4th and 7th). Bowden was at it again close to the break after the Blues had an attacking scrum 15 out with a huge open side to attack they spun it wide then some grinding work and good patience by the forwards close in was awarded moments later as Bowden took a beautiful gap beating the tackler to dive over (34th). The second 40 started much like the first, the Brumbies finally getting on the board with Leali’ifano slotting a penalty (45th). Some excellent patience, phase play, and ruck work saw the Brumbies put together 25 phases of hard grinding work close to the line, credit the Blues for strong goal line defense which was eventually sucked in and Nic White simply spun it wide for Taliauli to dot down uncontested (56th). Leali’ifano hitting a couple more penalties for ill discipline late in the game from the Blues (67th & 73rd) and Ihaia West (77th) bringing the deficit to two. The Brumbies had a chance in 79th minute to take the game as the Blues front row was penalized 50m out for collapsing the scrum. Nic White, renowned for hitting long buzzer beaters couldn’t convert; Blues pick up their first win of the season.

Hurricanes 
Tries – D. Bowden
Pen – D. Bowden 2, I. West
Con – D. Bowden

Brumbies
Tries – L. Taliauli
Pen – C. Leali’ifano 3

 

Canterbury Crusaders (20) v (25) Otago Highlanders

The Crusaders hosted the Highlanders, a local derby with both teams showing good form and exciting running rugby of late. The sure boot of Sopoaga put the visitors on the board first (5th) but the Crusaders were quick to reply with some hard running and quick recycling putting the fringe attack on the front foot, Nadolo attracting 3 defenders 10 out, offloaded nicely for Todd to crash over in the corner (7th). Sopoaga was also binned for a shoulder charge leading up to the try. An attacking Crusaders scrum 10 out was held nicely by the Highlanders, Nadolo taking the ball close, beating the first two tacklers, taken down 5 out and Taufua performing an excellent scoop and dive to dot down uncontested (19th). Sopoaga was out of the bin to convert a penalty (23rd). An aimless kick from the Crusaders was punished as the Highlanders counterattacked from inside their own half seeing Sopoaga get inside some forwards and offload nicely for Ben Smith to run away 4o out and dot down (38th). Into the second half what looked to be a promising Crusaders attack was cut short by a perfectly timed interception by Naholo who raced to dot down (44th). Naholo was at it again after a line out 5m out was spun infield and the Crusaders followed suit expecting the Highlanders to continue left but Aaron Smith ran right and spun it out wide where Nadolo cruised over uncontested (50th). Slade replied with a penalty after some good pressure from the Crusaders (56th), the second half proving to be a physical battle with both teams cancelling each other out with solid defense. Slade hit another penalty (76th) but were still 5 points behind with 3 minutes to go, Higlanders holding on with possession to kick it out for the win.

Crusaders
Tries – M. Todd, J. Taufua
Pen – C. Slade 2
Con – I. Dagg, C. Slade

Highlanders
Tries – B. Smith, W. Naholo 2
Pen – L. Sopoaga 2
Con – L. Sopoaga 2

 

New South Wales Waratahs (18) v (32) Stormers

The Waraths at home, well rested after their bye week face a Stormers outfit who have been on the wrong side of a tough battles with the Highlands and Hurricanes  but have looked progressively better each week. Catrakilis opened the Stormers account early taking the points with a converted penalty (6th). But the hosts replied through a great run from Beale and Folau out wide for Folau to feed a rampaging Naiyaravoro 22 who beat 3 defenders to dive over in the corner (12th). The Stormers pressing forward through their left hand channel sucking the Tahs defense in 5 out, some great hands back to the right hand side giving the Stormers and overlap and another 5 points courtesy of de Allende (20th).  Moments before halftime the Waratahs retained possession and pressure meters out from the line replicating the Stormers previous offense sucking the men in and feeding it wide to Horne who battled his way over (39th). Inside of halftime an excellent chip kick bounced favorably for van Wyk who raced away from 50 out to dot down (46th). Excellent defense from the Stormers smothered the Waratahs attack and nullified their playmakers around the field, de Jongh getting a hand out to intercept a Tahs attack fed de Allende on his inside        who ran away 40 out for 2nd of the night (70th). A Waratahs knock on just outside the Stormers 22 was scooped up by Kolbe who raced away to seal the victory for an impressive Stormers (76th).

Waratahs
Tries – T. Naiyaravoro, R. Horne
Pen – B. Foley 2
Con – B. Foley

Stormers
Tries – D. de Allende 2, J. van Wyk, C. Kolbe
Pen – D. Catrakilis, K. Coleman
Con – D. Catrakilis 2

 

Western Force (15) v (24) Free State Cheetahs

A desperate Western Force host the Cheetahs in Perth, the Force on a six game losing streak and the Cheetahs sitting at the bottom of the South African conference. The Cheetahs first to open their account with wing Raymond Rhule dotting down after some sustain pressure from the Cheetahs pack early (5th). The Force worked their way close to the line and replied with a try to Luke Morahan who was on the end of a beautiful offload from Dane Haylett-Petty (14th). The Force were dominant through the first half but could not convert on their possession, two penalties rounded the half out (Pietersen 36th and Burton 38th). The Force brought an unexpected approach to the 2nd 40 with an all in driving maul crashing that could not be stopped, Chris Alcock claiming the spoils (42nd). Pietersen took the points (46th) and a drop goal (49th) to make a 1 point game, the Force still dominant but lacking discipline. Brussow was over next with a dive close to the line (67th) and Pietersen slotting the conversion making it a 6 point game. The Force failing to capitalize on possession and opportunities gifted Pietersen another easy 3 points with a penalty (76th) which put the game out of reach for the hosts, sweet victory for the Cheetahs.

 

Force
Tries – L. Morahan, C. Alcock
Pen – L. Burton
Con – L. Burton

Cheetahs
Tries – R. Rhule, H. Brussow
Pen – J. Pietersen 3
Con – J. Pietersen

D/Goal – J. Pietersen

 

Lions (23) v (21) Sharks

The Sharks coming off a drubbing courtesy of the Crusaders and the loss of key personnel through injuries and suspension, the Lions a hard fought win over the Bulls last round. The Lions took points on offer early on after some good pressure, Jantjies (9th and 18th) but the Sharks were quick to reply with Renaldo Bothma crashing through to open the Sharks account (20th). Mvovo outran the Lions defense for their second, the speedster getting an overlap which he took full advantage of (31st). Before half time the Lions replacement wing Howard Mnisi dove over to open his account (39th). The Sharks starting slow in the second 40 leaked 2 tries inside 6 minutes to Frans de Klerk (43rd) and Harold Vorster (46th).  A quality battle resumed for the rest of the game, whilst not high scoring the game see-sawed with the Sharks getting the better of possession but unable to capitalize with the Lions showing a lot of heart on defense. Thomas du Toit did break the Lions hold crashing over (77th) with Zeilinga converting. Zeilinga did have an opportunity to convert an ambitious penalty on full time but his went wide, Lions taking the victory.

Lions
Tries – H. Mnisi, F. de Klerk, H. Vorster
Pen – E. Jantjies 2
Con – E. Jantjies

Sharks
Tries – R. Bothma, L. Mvovo, T. du Toit
Con – F. Zeilinga 3

 

Bulls (43) v (22) Queensland Reds

Loftus Versfeld hosted the Bulls and Reds, both sides coming off loses last round with the Reds injury toll climbing. The Bulls running the ball like they did against the Crusaders 2 weekends ago, Hougaard picking up the first try of the night (7th). Lachlan Turner was quick to reply as makeshift fly half Nick Frisby got a good bounce of the ball to offload pre tackle to Turner who gassed the Bulls 40 out (15th). The Bulls hot on attack replied minutes later with Spies crashing over close to the line (17th).  Hougaard added to his tally running away for another try catching the Reds asleep to round the half out (34th).  A fired up Reds outfit came out all guns blazing in early stages of the second half with Genia capitalizing on some good work from the forwards and lazy ruck time defense to crash through from 10 out (45th). Minutes later Genia put through a pin point grubber 5 out and Frisby claimed the spoils diving over (47th). The Reds losing their momentum when Adam Thompson was binned 3 minutes later for collapsing a maul and the Bulls took full advantage with Marcel van der Merwe being on the end of a man overlap to dot down (52nd). A huge bust from Samu Kerevi up the centre saw the big man run 45m only to be taken around the ankles but quick ruck time play saw Marco Kotze dive over (56th). Odendaal caught the Reds napping on the line as he darted through the fringe of the ruck to dive over (59th) and van Zyl replicated that try again catching the Reds napping (68th) to close the game out.

Bulls
Tries – F. Hougaard 2, M. Van der Merwe, B. Odendaal, P. van Zyl
Pen – J. Potgieter 4
Con – J. Potgieter 3, T. Schoeman 2

Reds
Tries – L. Turner, W. Genia, N. Frisby, M.Kotze
Con – L. Turner

Super 15 Rugby Results Round 8 2015

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Super 15 Rugby Results Round 8 2015. Can the Hurricanes continue their winning ways and extend their overall lead? Could the Lions make it 3 in a row against the Bulls? Will there be a Crusaders backlash for their humilating loss in round 7? We recap all the games for you.

 

Wellington Hurricanes (25) v (20) Stormers

Conference and league leaders hosted the Stormers in Wellington, the Hurricanes looking to extend their good fortune. Penalties were exchanged early on throughout the first half and with a solid drive outside the 22 from a lineout the Canes looked to attack with a pinpoint cross-kick bouncing just out of reach of both attacker and defender for Milner-Skudder to juggle the pill and crash over (25th). Milner-Skudder was at it again after the Canes had an attacking scrum 40 out, Perenara fed the backs attacking the short side where Milner-Skudder found a huge gap and offloaded to Savea 10 out for the bus to dot down (35th). Moments later the Stormers had possession inside the Hurricanes 30 and were building phases but a steal by Goodes began a counterattack by the Hurricanes. Nonu and Shields breaking out up the middle of the field with excellent support of each other throwing multiple passes where Shields finally found Barrett racing up his outside who took the pass and dove over for a 90metre try (39th).  Early into the second half a series of scrum penalties inside the Hurricanes 22 saw the Stormers awarded a penalty try after the final collapse (47th) getting the Stormers back into the game. The Stormers continued their fight back with some powerful running gaining the advantage line each time and with Vermuelen running hard at the line 10 out he took the tackle and offloaded to Jones who dotted down in the corner (65th). The Stormers having the best chances rounding the half of were repelled nicely in the last 10 with the game going into 82 minutes, ended with a Hurricanes turnover. Hurricanes 25-20.

Hurricanes 
Tries – N. Milner-Skudder, J. Savea, B. Barrett
Pen – B. Barrett 2
Con – B. Barrett 2

Stormers
Tries – Penalty Try, H Jones
Pen – D. Catrakilis, K. Coleman
Con – D. Catrakilis 2

 

Melbourne Rebels (23) v (15) Queensland Reds

Melbourne Rebels hosted the Queensland Reds, both sides with checkered form throughout the season. The Reds camping inside the Rebels 22 through some nice phase play early on seeing Horwill crash over after 16 phases and a well timed short ball from Genia (5th). The Reds were at it again with Cooper and O’Connor switching receiver roles multiple times to ensure quick ball through the line and with a storming run from Liam Gill bumping off one and charging into his next with an offload in the tackle, Schatz running a perfect line off his shoulder to claim the spoils (13th).  Horwill was sent from the field for a punch (20th) and the Reds capitulated. Minutes later a strong line out drive from the Rebels inside the Reds 22 made its way over the try line, exposing the man advantage (22nd) Timani claiming the try. The Rebels continued their onslaught with some powerful running with slick ruck time play ensured they were on the front foot, with numbers the Rebels made it 5 out near the posts and turned it back into the backline where they found an overlap and English picked up his first (31st). A second half dominated by poor play from both sides was eventually closed out with a Rebels try from Stirzaker (66th), an excellent counter attack and hands pushing the Rebels over the advantage line and a perfect inside cut from Naivalu into a small gap his shear pace seeing him through forcing the last man to take him, a nice offload to Stirzaker who dotted down for the win.
Rebels
Tries – L. Timani, T. English, S. Naivalu
Pen – B. Barrett 2
Con – B. Barrett 2

Reds
Tries – J. Horwill, J Schatz
Pen – Q. Cooper
Con – Q. Cooper

 

Waikato Chiefs (23) v (16) Auckland Blues

Waikato Stadium hosted the Chiefs v Blues. The Chiefs clear favorites after the Blues have had a horrible start to the season losing 7 on the trot. The Chiefs were first to dot down after a scrum infringement led to an excellent kick from Cruden, cementing a Chiefs lineout 10 out. Good defense but even better patience and retention from the Chiefs saw Lowe dive over close to the posts (25th). Into half time some good pressure and position the Blues with a scrum 5 out managed to twist the Chiefs pack and a charging Kaino from the base of the scrum was unstoppable so close (47th). The Chiefs broke out from their 22 with Leitch leading the charge for 40 meters were he offloaded to settle the play down, the Blues struggling to contain the Chiefs counter and finally after 10 phases of pressure Marshall bet his man on the outside to dive over (68th). The Chiefs do the double on the Blues for the season, taking this one 23 – 16.

Chiefs 
Tries – J. Lowe, T. Marshall
Pen – A. Cruden 3
Con – A. Cruden 2

Blues
Tries – J. Kaino
Pen – D. Bowden 2, I. West
Con – D. Bowden

 

ACT Brumbies (20) v (3) Free State Cheetahs

The Brumbies hosted the Cheetahs GIO stadium Saturday night, the hosts currently on top of the Australian conference. The hosts were on the board inside 5 minutes with with Leali’ifano crashing through a weak Cheetahs defense (3rd).  Leali’ifano and Pietersen exchanged penalties for the remainder of the half (16th) (20th) and (40th) in a half dominated by defense. Much like the first half the Brumbies were quickest out of the break scoring early, their forwards dominating the early exchanges and lock Blake Enever crashed over for his maiden try (44th). The Brumbies could not extend the lead any further with multiple errors around the pitch seeing attacking opportunities squandered. An excellent display of defense from the Brumbies, closing out the match 20-3

Brumbies
Tries – C. Leali’ifano, B. Enever
Pen – C. Leali’ifano 2
Con – C. Leali’ifano 2

Cheetahs
Pen – J. Pietersen

 

Sharks (10) v (52) Canterbury Crusaders

After being humiliated in round 7 by the Bulls the Crusaders had a lot to play for and were hosted by a Sharks team guilty of ill discipline over the course of the competition. The Crusaders explosive out of the blocks with Ellis dotting down early (2nd) after a messy attack in the middle expose the Sharks fringe defense with Read ranging down the sideline to feed Ellis on his inside who casually dotted down. Next Dagg was on the board after he had an attacking run inside the 10, simply too quick (4th). A good kick chase from the Crusaders caught the man on the end of the kick after he was thrown a poor pass, Crusaders blowing over, grinding pick and go feeding it out flat and wide for Fonotia (21st). The Crusaders were camped in the Sharks 22 and more pick and go phase play close to the line was rewarded when the Crusaders spun the ball out to the backs, Dagg hitting the line and offloading in the tackle, Crotty too strong close diving over (34th). Minutes later the sin bin curse struck, Laulala was binned for a shoulder charge (36th), Fonotia was next for a shoulder charge on Deysel (38th) and then Nadolo for kicking the ball away after the refs whistle (39th). The final act of the half was a brave defensive display from the Crusaders a red card for Jean Deysel who struck the the head of a Crusaders player in the ruck with his knee (40+1). 2 men down the Crusaders managed to apply pressure early on and pin point chip from Slade saw a favourable bounce right back into his hands and he raced away to dot down (42nd). An attacking scrum 40 out turned into a cross field kick from Ellis, the ball contested into the Sharks hands and scrappy unsupported play for the Sharks players was blown over by a rampant Crusaders counter-ruck, quick play catching the Sharks out with Havili shear pace getting on the outside of his opposite (46th). Crusaders dominating play with men still in the bin scoring again with a tactical line out move (similar to what the All Blacks used in RWC final) 22 out, Todd racing threw the lineout opening to dive over (51st). The Sharks retaining the ball for multiple phases finally got over the line after sucking in the Crusaders defense, a perfect long pass from Lambie right into  the hands of Ndungane (54th). A turnover late in the game from a Sharks knock on was toed ahead by Taylor, a nice pickup seeing the young playmaker run 70 meters to close the game out (79th).

 

Sharks
Tries – O. Ndungane
Pen – P. Lambie
Con – F. Zeilinger

Crusaders
Tries – A. Ellis, I. Dagg, K. Fonotia, R. Crotty, C. Slade, DK. Havili, M. Todd, T. Taylor
Con – C. Slade 5, T. Taylor

 

Lions (23) v (18) Bulls

Ellis park hosted the Lions v Bulls, the Lions looking to make it three in a row v the Bulls and for the Bulls to extend their season winning streak. Penalties were exchanged throughout the half, both teams dealing with pressure and defending well. Jantjies (10th & 16th) and Potgieter (26th, 34th, & 37th). The second 40 similar to the first, both teams pressuring the other only to be countered or nullified in their attack, again penalties exchanged by Jantjies (57th & 61st) and Potgieter (65th & 69th). The final 10 minutes dominated by the forwards play, grinding for ascendancy with Jantjies (73rd) and Potgieter (78th) take the points on offer. With minutes to play the Bulls were caught napping with a quick tap from Faf de Klerk putting van der Merwe in possession close to the line, to be and strong powering over.

 

Lions
Tries – A. van der Merwe
Pen – E. Jantjies
Con – E. Jantjies 5

Bulls
Pen – J. Potgieter 6

Super Rugby Round 8 Preview

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Super Rugby Round 8 Preview

With few upsets in last weekends Super Rugby, round 8 should follow suit with some exciting local derbies that could go either. The Crusaders thrashed in round 7 by a powerful looking Bulls side now face a Sharks outfit missing Bismarck du Plessis and Frans Steyn.

 

Hurricanes v Stormers

 

Hurricanes $1.27

Stormers $3.50

The Hurricanes are playing their finest rugby since Super Rugby started, the only remaining unbeaten side in the competition. It is a big ask for the Stormers who were physically beaten by the Highlanders last weekend to show up in Wellington and put on a mighty performance to put an end to the Hurricanes reign. At home and in fine form the Hurricanes will be too strong, Hurricanes 13+

 

Rebels v Reds

 

Rebels $1.62

Reds $2.60

Both teams letting last week’s fixtures get away from them through ill discipline and momentary lapses of judgment or concentration. The Red’s see disgraced rugby league convert Karmichael Hunt returning to the bench who could support Quade Cooper’s style of play. The Reds scrum is looking strong however the consistency of the backline is questionable; the Rebels will hold their own in the scrum battle and will possess a better quality of rugby union players in the backline, Rebels by 1-12

 

Chiefs v Blues

 

Chiefs $1.25

Blues $3.70

The Blues are in the worst draught on the clubs history, winless after 7 rounds of rugby. With recent news that All Black Charles Piatau will leave Auckland & New Zealand in 2016 for Ulster this may inspire the Blues. The Chiefs have played consistently during the season apart from the ugly loss vs the Sharks. The men south of the Bombay hills will be too strong across the pitch however being a local derby we shouldn’t see the Chiefs romp to victory, Chiefs 1-12

 

Brumbies v Cheetahs

 

Brumbies $1.11

Cheetahs $5.75

The Brumbies come off the bye week against a touring side that were thrashed by the Crusaders 2 weekends ago but showed some attacking flare and backbone against the Chiefs in a high scoring match where the Chiefs ran away with the game . The Brumbies will want to keep the game at their pace as the Cheetahs are renowned counter attackers with some very quick men and a complete package of Willie le Roux at full back. A fresh face Brumbies will struggle to adjust to the Cheetahs style of play early on but should be too good, often an 80 minute team, Brumbies by 1-12.

 

Lions v Bulls

 

Lions $2.20

Bulls $1.62

The Bulls mauled the Crusaders last weekend in an impressive display of physicality and running rugby. The Lions pipped the Reds by 1 point showing they can play for 80 minutes. The Lions will really have to muscle up at scrum time and at the breakdown to compete here, the Bulls are looking very dangerous and will look to continue the momentum. Bulls 13+

 

Sharks v Crusaders

 

Sharks $1.70

Crusaders $2.05

The Sharks were their own worst enemy  in a dour match last weekend against the Force fortunately still coming away with the victory. Franz Steyn has been banned for 5 weeks after SANZAR appealed his “not guilty” verdict on spearing Chiefs #10 Aaron Cruden 2 weekends ago. With Bismarck and Steyn missing through suspension the Sharks could be ripe for the picking especially with the Crusaders being humiliated last weekend at the hands of the Bulls. Crusaders 1-12

Super 15 rugby results round 7

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Could the Hurricanes extend their unbeaten start to the competition and would the Blues finally get a win? Here’s how the round played out. Super 15 rugby results recapped!

 

Wellington Hurricanes (36) v (12) Melbourne Rebels

Conference and league leaders hosted the Melbourne Rebels at the Cake tin, Wellington. The Canes opened their account 11 minutes in with an overlap on the short side of the Rebels defense, TJ Perenara sitting on the shoulder to take the inside pass, converted by ex Rebel Jason Woodward. Both teams guilty throughout the half of breakdown infringements with Mike Harris and Woodward trading conversions, the half finishing 10-12 Rebels. The Hurricanes applied pressure early into the second half with good line out maul and grinding work finally spreading the ball out close and wide for Cory Jane to dot down (43rd) with Woodward slotting the sideline conversion. Midway through the second Callum Gibbons picked up his first super try after a turn over inside the Hurricanes 22 and a punt down field saw Cory Jane deflect the bounce of the ball with his chest and Gibbons scooping the ball up and running away for the try (57th). Perenara picked himself up a yellow card (68th) for continuous infringing around the ruck. The Rebels could not get the upper hand with the extra man and the Hurricanes subs made a strong impact with Milner-Skudder picking up his first try (76th) and a 2nd moments later through soft hands out wide (80th).

 

Hurricanes 
Tries – TJ Perenara, C.Jane, C. Gibbins, N. Milner-Skudder 2
Pen – J.Woodward
Con – J.Woodward 4

Rebels
Pen – M.Harris 4

 

Queensland Reds (17) v (18) Lions

Quade Coopers return couldn’t inspire the Reds, a relatively uneventful first half full of fumbles and mistakes. The Lions were on the board first with sustained pressure from the forwards and aggressive running from the backs, Vorster got slightly outside of his opposite in the far corner to gracefully dive with an outstretched arm to dot down (13th). Just outside of half time a poor line out throw by the Reds was claimed and the Lions counterattacked with a hard run by flank Tecklenburg saw him crash over by the posts with Jantes converting (48th). The Reds had the scrum feed 10 out from the line and powerfully drove through to be awarded a penalty try as the Lions pack disengaged (52nd), Cooper converting. The Reds were next to score again through more forward pressure and quick hands through the backs close in to see centre Kerevi crash over to put the Reds ahead (67th). 3 minutes later, ill discipline from the Reds cost them 3 points when Jantjies converted (70th). The game rounded off with the Reds in possession and lining up a field goal, yet Cooper too slow out of the blocks and his kick was charged.

 

Reds 
Tries – Penalty try, S.Kerevi
Pen – Q.Cooper
Con – Q.Cooper 2

Lions
Tries – H.Vorster, W. Tecklenburg
Pen – E.Jantjies 2
Con – E.Jantjies

 

Waikato Chiefs (37) v (27) Freestate Cheetahs

Waikato Stadium hosted the Chiefs v Cheetahs. A high scoring affair with ill discipline and red mist rearing its ugly head. The Chiefs opened their account inside the first 2 minutes with Sonny Bill Williams gaining the advantage line and with a short offload found the hands of Leitch who crashed over (2nd). What looked to be the Chiefs opening the flood gates saw Messam race away for another Chiefs try after what looked to be a regulation maul, Messam peeled away and dotted down (17th). Fitzgerald was binned (23rd) for sacking the support mauler and the Cheetahs hit back with a try to Prinsloo (27th) after the Chiefs were caught napping at the maul with no defenders driving the Cheetahs pack. Tameifuna was next in the bin after he sacked the maul illegally (32nd). The half rounding off 14-13 Chiefs, setting up an exciting 2nd 40. Cruden slotting penalty goals (45th & 52nd) in an uneventful opening. Fullback McKenzie blundering a grubber inside the Chiefs 22 which was deflected, Cruden attempted to clean up only to fumble the ball and Brussow pounced to score under the posts to even it up (53rd). Inside the final quarter Cheetahs lost Brussow for 10 minutes due to ill discipline (66th) and the Chiefs took advantage of the extra man at scrum-time inside the 22 with Leitch twisting off the back of the scrum and feeding Sam Cane who crashed over (67th). Augustine Pulu gutted the Cheetahs up the middle with a brilliant run, off loading in the tackle to a charging Horrell with the help of Sam Cane crashed over for the try (75th). Sustained pressure from the Cheetahs in the final minute saw them claw back a try with Brussow taking a quick tap and driving over (80th), too little too late.

 

Chiefs 
Tries – M.Leitch. L.Messam. S.Cane. A.Horrell
Pen – A.Cruden 4
Con – A.Cruden 4

Cheetahs 
Tries – B.Pinsloo, H.Brussow 2
Pen – J.Pietersen 2
Con – J.Pietersen 2. W. du Plessis.

 

Otago Highlanders (39) v (21) Stormers

The Highlanders hosted the Stormers at Forsyth Bar Stadium in Dunedin. The opening quarter was shaky from both sides; Highlanders slow to start were caught out through good retention from the Stormers albeit some dubious passes and knock on’s during the phases, de Jongh holding on nicely to an overhead pass, stepping inside for the try (18th). The Highlanders seemed to come alive after the try striking back with some fast thinking courtesy of Aaron Smith who planted the ball against the bottom of the posts. The Highlanders were on the board again after Naholo anticipated a Stormers pass perfectly and ran away to dot down under the posts (33rd). On the stroke of half time an Aaron Smith grubber just outside the Stormers 22 was deflected into the hands of Naholo who raced away for the line with one man to beat, Naholo steam rolled Kolbe to score. The hosts continued their first half dominance early into the 2nd half with great retention play from backs and forwards. Patrick Osborne first man off the ruck powered his way over the line (47th) courtesy of an excellent Aaron Smith short pass. Aaron Smith was binned for infringing at the breakdown (56th) resulting in Stormers hitting back through Rhodes (60th) driving over the line to eat away at the deficit. The host’s hard running was taking its toll on the visitors with replacement flank Dan Pryor splitting two defenders 22 out wide after the Stormers were caught short. Late into the half Kolbe cut up the Otago defense through a well run move from the backs which ended with de Jongh taking a pass 10 out to stroll over for his second (75th), Marty Banks rounded the game off went a converted penalty (79th).

 

Highlanders 
Tries – A.Smith, W.Naholo 2, P.Osborne, D.Pryor
Pen – L.Sopoaga, M.Banks
Con – L.Sopoaga 4

Stormers
Tries – J.de Jongh 2, M.Rhodes
Con – D.Catrakilis, K.Coleman 2

 

New South Wales Waratahs (23) v (11) Auckland Blues

The Blues winless so far in the competition were hosted by Waratahs in Sydney. Phipps opened the hosts account early on with a well constructed backline move opening the Blues up and Michael Hooper running a great angle back inside to feed Phipps who dotted down under the posts (7th). The Tahs continued to dominate but failed to convert their opportunities through the half. Daniel Bowden converted two penalties (13th & 23rd ) to see the Blues close in on their hosts in an uneventful, stop start half of rugby. The Blues hit back with a try of their own in the second half, an excellent pick and go by veteran Mealamu put the Blues on the front foot and some quick ruck play and slick hands saw Francis Saili dissect 3 Waratah defenders on the line to score (53rd). Ill discipline from the Blues saw Foley convert three penalties (57th, 60th, & 68th) to put the hosts back in front, Kaino was sent to the bin (71st) for a high tackle on Dave Dennis. The extra man proved vital for the Tahs who went from right to left stretching the Blues defence, Betham cruising over (74th) to put the game out of reach for the Blues.

 

Waratahs 
Tries – N.Phipps, P.Betham
Pen – B.Foley 3
Con – B.Foley 2

Blues
Tries – F.Saili
Pen – D.Bowden 2

 

Sharks (15) v (9) Western Force

Durban played host to the Sharks and the Force. Rain affected the possibility of a fluid running game however both teams resembled amateur outfits who decided to play a game of rugby. Ebersohn converting two penalties (30th & 38th) was all the action accounted for in the first half. Inside 2 minutes the Sharks were the first to dot down after Steyn through a dodgy pass where the pass interrupted the defense and Marais took advantage to run away for the try (42nd).  Ebersohn missed a penalty from out in front and the Sharks countered with Marais darting out of his 22 to pass off to Mvovo who gallantly raced away (67th). The Force playing for the bonus point took the points on full time with Burton slotting a penalty (80th). A dour game.

 

Sharks 
Tries – S.P.Marais, L.Mvovo
Pen – F.Zeilinga
Con – F.Zelinga

Force
Pen – S.Ebersohn 2, L.Burton

 

Bulls (31) v (19) Crusaders

The Bulls hosted the Crusaders in Pretoria. A surprise for both supporters with the visitors making so many uncanny mistakes and turnovers, the Bulls running the ball from the get go seeing early tries to Hougaard (3rd) and Odendaal (7th).  Carter struck back with two penalties (14th & 18th) and Nadolo crashed over minutes later (22nd) with Carter converting to put the Crusaders in the lead. Carter and Pollard traded penalties to go into the half with the Bulls up 18-16. Pollard (52nd & 55th) and Carter (63rd) traded penalties.  Carter attemped to fed an inside ball only to be struck at by Hattingh who juggled the ball and raced away 50 meters to dot down (65th) Pollard converted taking his tally to 16 for the night.

 

Bulls 
Tries – F.Hougaard, B. Odendaal, G.Hattingh
Pen – H.Pollard 4
Con – H.Pollard 2

Crusaders
Tries – N.Nadolo
Pen – D.Carter 4
Con – D.Carter

 

Many critics have called for a review of the Super Rugby officating and use of the TMO in light of the high amount of yellow cards and strange decisions. Dubious calls regarding the definition of a high tackle such as players ducking into tackles only to be caught high. Ruck and maul laws such as an uncontested drive from a line out to a maul, what is considered obstruction? With referees focusing heavily on cleaning up these area’s are they being to harsh? Let’s see what SANZAR referee boss Lydon Bray can do to help clear this up.

Super Rugby Round 6 Review

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Super Rugby’s Round 6 had everything.  Red Cards, yellow cards, slurs, tries and upsets.  Catch up on Round 6 in our wrap up below:

Highlanders v Hurricanes

Round 6 kicked off with the Highlander’s hosting the unbeaten Hurricanes in Dunedin. What promised to be a spectacle of attacking rugby between two confident sides turned out to be a rather sluggish first half affair as both teams pushed passes and spoiled opportunities for that elusive first try. Half time, 3-3. The Hurricanes took a solid pick and go approach building phases early into the second half finally scoring through a powerful Reggie Goodes drive for the line. Both team continued to battle for supremecy however the Hurricanes struck again close to the line with Perenara driving through a weak fringe defence. A late consolation try (77min) courtesy of Sopoga brought the Highlanders back into the game and after the restart the men from the deep south found themselves attacking a tired Hurricanes defensive line and looked to have broken the Hurricanes defense to dot down with a kick to come for a draw, however the officials ruled a forward pass to save the Hurricanes and keep their unbeaten record.

Hurricanes win 20-13.

Rebels v Lions

The Melbourne Rebels played host to the Lions, both teams lingering just outside the top half of the competition ladder. The hosts dominating possession and territory for the first half,  dotting down twice through Mitch Inman and debutant at fullback Jonah Placid. The Rebels pressure was not always rewarded as they blew multiple chances throughout the half to extend the lead. Half time 13-3. The Lions came out of halftime with a long range try early on, Mastriet drew the last defender perfectly and offloaded to Boshoff who dotted under the posts and converted to bring the match level. Mike Harris replied with a penalty (2 from 5) midway through the second half to lead 16-13. A strong phase of attack and strength from the Lions in the dying minutes caught the Rebels short on the wing, Lions dotting down to take the game 20-13.

Lions win 20-13

Crusaders v Cheetahs

Saturday evening the Crusaders hosted the Cheetahs in Christchurch. A 6th minute yellow card early on for Keiron Fonotia for taking the man in the air resulted in a relatively quiet opening 15 minutes from both teams. Taufua strong drive for the line after some good pressure from the Crusaders saw the hosts go up 7-0. Cheetahs had the better of the half dotting down twice in quick succession through a 70 metre interception to Francois Venter then 3 minutes later to Sadie courtesy of some slick play. Carter working on the defecet with a penalty goal on half time, Cheetahs up 10-14. The second 40 painted a different picture for both sides, fullback Willy le Roux binned early into the second half for a high tackle on Nadolo and sustained pressure resulted in a penalty try. The Cheetahs appear helpless with le Roux in the bin as the Crusaders ruthlessly chalked up 4 tries in his absence. The Crusaders continued their onslaught of a degraded Cheetahs outfit dotting down another 3 times throughout the game. Carter returning to his former best with 2 tries and 7 conversions. Full time 57-14.

Crusaders win 57-14.

Bulls v Force

Loftus hosted the Bulls and Western Force Saturday, prior to the game the pitch subject to torrential rain and a spectacular display of lightening. The Western Force the more aggressive on attack throughout the half seeing them go up 7-0 inside 15 minutes however the Force had discipline issues early on and a dead eye Pollard ensured the hosts kept close with 3 converted penalties going into the break, 9-7 Bulls. Early into the second the Force were reduced to 13 men with cynical infringements at ruck and maul time through sustained Bulls pressure, seeing Coleman and Faulkner binned within minutes of each other. Bulls taking full advantage of the extra men, dotting down minutes later. Pollard ensured the Forces’ ill discipline was punished with converting 2 more chances throughout the half. A light footed Kyle Goodwin took advantage of props in the defensive line and dotted down on the 71st minute mark seeing the defecit return to one as Ebersohn converted. An Ebersohn penalty put the visitors ahead with 3 to go. A match marred by ill discipline for the Force came back to haunt them with Steve Mafi spearing Pollard who bravely converted the penalty to ensure the hosts took the win by 1. 25-24 Bulls.

Bulls win 25-24

Sharks v Chiefs

Sharks hosted the Chiefs in Durban, an ugly affair, both team guilty of ill-discipline. Both Lambie and Cruden converted early penalties. Chiefs hooker Hika Elliot cited for a shoulder charge in the ruck, this saw him red carded inside 15 minutes. Not to be out done by his opposite Bismarck du Plessis lashed out with a boot against a off the ball tackler resulting in a red card 2 minutes later. 10 minutes later Frans Steyn was sent from the field for a cringing spear tackle on Chiefts 10, Aaron Cruden. Lambie and Cruden continued to trade penalties with Same Cane dotting down for the Chiefs  late into the half, 9-11 Chiefs. Much like the first half, ill discipline cost both sides momentum and Lambie clinching the only points on the half with a penalty on the 60th minute. A game that promised much in terms of attacking flair and positional match ups resulted in a flop.

Sharks win 12-11

Waratahs v Brumbies

Sunday afternoon rugby went to Sydney for the Waratahs hosting the Brumbies. A physical battle between two sides in the running for conference honors. At times the game looked much like other games throughout the weekend with cynical play and red mist tempers. The Brumbies opened their account early on with a try to Matt Toomua inside 10 minutes with Fardy binned for intentionally knocking the ball down. Foley and Lealiífano traded penalties with Foley getting the better of the Brumbies in a five minute route dotting down and Folau shortly after. Beale converted a penalty early to extend the lead and a physical half resumed by starving both teams of any spoils until sustained pressure late in the game saw Latu dot down out wide and then in the dying minutes receive a yellow for collapsing the maul after multiple team warnings. The match tainted by claims of Waratah players using homophobic slurs which are being investigated.

Waratahs win 28-13.

Six Nations: Title Decider Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

So, England beat Wales, Ireland beat England, then Wales beat Ireland. The result? One storming climax to the 2015 Six Nations. The last round of fixtures of the  are here, and what a finale it proves to be.

As it stands:

Six Nations Table

Assuming the top three all win – which you would expect – it all comes down to points difference. England currently lead the way on that front with +37, but boast probably the toughest fixture of the challengers, with France the opponents at Twickenham. Ireland trail England by just four points with +33 and could easily be seen to make up that difference against Scotland. For Wales though, they simply need to thump Italy. England did it earlier in the competition, but you’d expect Wales to need a victory margin of at least 40 points in order to take the title.

Italy v Wales – Saturday 12:30 (GMT)

Kicking-off proceedings, Italy welcome Wales to Rome, with Wales still in the title running.

Wales brought the competition back to life last week, beating Ireland with their opponents seemingly cruising to the title. However, with a huge winning margin probably required, you’d probably expect England and Ireland to have a better chance. Even if Wales do win – and win big – they’ll still have to wait until the two later matches to find out if they’ve done enough.

The Welsh may take some solace from the fact that their 2013 Six Nations win followed a similar pattern, losing their opening game before winning the rest to secure the championship.

Wales’ record victory over Italy was a 47-8 scoreline at the Millennium Stadium in 2007. They’ll probably have to improve on that in order to win the tournament, although 26 points will be enough to at least pressurise Ireland and England.

Scotland v Ireland – Saturday 14:30 (GMT)

Scotland put up a greater resistance to England than many people expected last week, and actually led at half-time prior to eventually going down 25-13 at Twickenham.

A comfortable win against the winless Scots could well be enough for Ireland at Murrayfield, but regardless of their own result, they’ll have to wait until around 6.45pm to be sure if they’ve done enough. The more points they get, the more pressure they put on England.

England are favourites to win the Six Nations, but it must be said that Ireland are great value at 9/5 with Stan James.

England v France – Saturday 17:00 (GMT)

England boast a massive advantage heading into the final game – not just because of their points difference – but because they’re on last. England will know, come kick-off, exactly what they need to do.

France haven’t had a great tournament, suffering defeats against Wales and Ireland, but they comfortably disposed of Italy in Rome last week in what was an admittedly drab affair.

England have won the last three meetings at Twickenham, but France edged out England when these sides last met at the Stade de France last year.

If the teams do tie level on points and match-points difference, then England boast a significantly better tries scored record compared to their rivals with 11 tries, compared to Ireland’s four and Wales’ five.

Of course, if France beat England by 13 points, and Ireland and Wales both lose – they would win the Six Nations. I wouldn’t advise you to put that on your bet slip, though.

Betting Tip:

Ireland to Win Six Nations – 9/5 at Stan James