Super Rugby: Round 2 Review

Round 2 of Super Rugby carried on the theme of unpredictable results from Round 1. While we’re getting a little closer to being able to predict who the major players in this season’s comp will be, there’s still a few exceptions (the Hurricanes for one) causing a bit of confusion and trouble at the bookmakers.

Here’s the wrap up of all the Super Rugby Round 2 action:

Chiefs (19) v Brumbies (17)

This match between the Chiefs and the Brumbies was always to be a close one. On this evidence, it could be that these two will end up competing for the Super Rugby title in July. They look two of the more accomplished sides in 2015, and neither gave an inch in this brutal New Plymouth encounter. The boot’s of Cruden and Lealiifano were the major contributors to the action and the scoreboard, as both sides traded penalties to see-saw the scoreboard. With their noses in front through much of it, the Brumbies committed a final play indiscretion to hand Cruden an opportunity to kick for the win which he duly grabbed.

Chiefs: Tries – C. Ngatai, Pen – Aaron Cruden (4), Con – Aaron Cruden

Brumbies: Tries – I. Vaea, Pen – C. Lealiifano (3), N White

Rebels (28) v Waratahs (38)

The Waratahs were very disappointed with their effort in Round 1, so it was no surprise they bounced back with a victory against the Rebels. With a point to prove, the Waratahs, led by a brilliant Kurtley Beale performance, ran in four tries to secure a bonus point win and help the memories from week one disappear. Beale scored one try and set up another fro Stephen Holies in a performance that finally got him some publicity for the right reasons – not the sexist text incidents he’s been more famous for recently.

The Rebels showed enough to be dangerous for the rest of the tournament. They backed up their win against the Crusaders with one bonus point after just missing the losing bonus point due to a late penalty.

Rebels: Tries – S.Higginbotham, L.Timani, L.Burgess, S.Naivalu, Con – M.Harris (4)

Waratahs: Tries – S.Hoiles, Ta. Naiyaravoro, K.Beale, Pen – B.Foley, K.Beale (3), Con – B.Foley (3)

Bulls (13) v Hurricanes (17)

The Hurricanes South African leg clean sweep (their first since 2006) was about as expected as an Afghanistan win in the Cricket World Cup. Nevertheless, it was achieved with a gritty defensive display at the imperiously difficult Johannesburg home ground of the Bulls.

The Bulls again struggled to convert pressure into points, and for the second match in a row were left to rue general indiscipline, and inaccuracy on attack. With the exception of wonderkid Handre Pollard, the Bulls look susceptible this year, and are one of only four teams yet to record a win.

The Hurricanes may be this years unexpected package. In truth they needed a late Savea try and the boot of Beuden Barrett to get them home here, but the talented backline will only get better in weeks to come with more rugby under the belt.

Bulls: Tries- H. Pollard, Pen- H. Pollard, Con- H. Pollard

Hurricanes: Tries- J Savea, Pen- B. Barrett (4)

Highlanders (20) v Crusaders (26)

The Highlanders and the Crusaders never combine for dull encounters. This was no exception. The Crusaders, dominant for most of the match, had to withstand a late Highlanders fightback to take their first points of the 2015 Super Rugby season. Colin Slade grabbed his opportunity to steer the side without Dan Carter with aplomb. He was excellent in general play and with the boot, and will force Todd Blackadder into a tough decision when Carter’s fit.

The Highlanders were brave in the second half after trailing by 20-7 at the break. All Blacks Aaron Smith and Malakai Fekitoa scored tries to close the gap, but it was only enough for one bonus point as the Crusaders did what they couldn’t do the week before.

Crusaders on the board, the Highlanders with some work to do.

Highlanders: Tries – A. Smith, M. Fekitoa, Pen – L. Sopoaga (2), Con – L. Sopoaga (2)

Crusaders: Tries – S. Barrett, J. McNicholl, Pen – C. Slade (4), Con – C. Slade (2)

Reds (18) v Force (6)

Cyclone Marcia meant that many of us were unsure whether this match was going to happen or not. The game did go ahead, and despite the other type of snow (read cocaine) also bearing on the match, the Reds snuck a win against a pretty weak Force side. The game plan from the Reds was simple; boring, but it proved to be too effective for the more fancied Force. Territorial kicking and tackling your heart out is a commendable strategy for a team under such enormous off-field pressure, and its testament to the character of the players that they pulled it off.

The Force managed just two first half penalties to the boot off Sias Ebersohn, and couldn’t penetrate the energetic defence of the Queensland side.

Reds: Tries – L.Turner, Penalty Try, Pen – L.Turner (2) , Con – L.Turner

Force: Pen – S.Ebersohn (2)

Stormers (27) v Blues (16)

The Stormers went to the top of the Super Rugby ladder with their second win of the year. This one was pretty much over in the 24^th minute when the Blues were reduced to 14 players as Hayden Triggs was red carded for an idiotic punch. Granted the recipient was the annoying Duane Vermeulen, but the act itself was thuggish and he deserved to go. With just 14 men the Blues couldn’t compete, and the Stormers ran out winners by 27 points to 16.

Ihaia West was one of the few bright sparks for the Blues. We were critical of him last week, but on this matches’ evidence he is the right man to guide the Blues this season. The Blues just need to discover a way to win away from Eden Park, something we’re not sure they can do.

The Stormers may not have enough to their game to stay at the top of the table all season. They managed only two tries despite playing the bulk of the match with a one man advantage, and didn’t do enough to suggest they’ll be able to beat team when they travel to Australasia.

Stromers: Tries – N.Groom, D.Leyds, Pen – D. Catrakilis (4), K.Coleman, Con – D. Catrakilis

Blues: Tries – J.Cowan, Pen – I.West (3), Con – I.West

Sharks (29) v Lions (12)

The Sharks bounced back from a horror opening round loss to record a bonus point win at home to the travelling Lions. The match, played in driving rain, saw the Lions dominate the early possession but fail to turn any of it into meaningful points. That proved to be crucial, as the Sharks eventually overturned the wave of possession and score four tries to none to get their campaign back on track. Patrick Lambie was the star of the show for the Sharks, kicking for 14 points and guiding his team around nicely in the difficult conditions. The Sharks go to 5th on the Super Rugby standings while the Lions are firmly rooted to the bottom.

Sharks: Tries – A.Ndungane, C. Reinach, M.Coetzee, Pen – P.Lambie (4) , Con – P.Lambie

Lions: Pen – M.Boshoff