Tag: Crusaders

Super Rugby Round 5 Review

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

We were one game short of the perfect round in our predictions last week.  The Cheetahs falling to the Sharks at home was the only match we tipped incorrectly.  In hindsight, it was an ambitious ask of the Bloemfontein franchise, however, we did the same to the Chiefs, Rebels and Highlanders and they served us well.

The rugby was slightly more watchable this week with a couple of crackers making up for a lacklustre few weeks.  Check out the individual results below:

Hurricanes (30) v Blues (23)

You have to admire the Blues’ desire to play even in the face of such massive adversity.  Without a win in the competition, and with the media turning on coach John Kiran (rather than questioning the player efforts), the Blues played with expansive abandon and tested and probed the Hurricanes often during the first 60 minutes.  However, the final 20 proved to be the winning and losing of the match as the Hurricanes  sealed the points with a late Julian Savea try.  The Hurricanes remain unbeaten, while the Blues are firmly rooted to the bottom of the table and rumoured to be feeling out Robbie Deans for a return to top level coaching.

Hurricanes: Tries – TJ Perenara, M.Proctor, J.Savea 2, Pen – B.Barrett, Con – B.Barrett 3

Blues: Tries – L.Visinia, F. Halai, Pen – I.West 3, Con -I .West 2

Force (17) v Rebels (21)

The Melbourne Rebels put a couple of unfortunate losses behind them to get back in the winners circle against fellow strugglers the Western Force. After an opening round win against the Crusaders, they have suffered narrow losses to the Waratahs and Brumbies.  Friday night was to be different though as they immediately benefited from their attacking intent.  Mike Harris and Mitch Inman scything through early; Harris scoring on his own and Inman teeing up Dom Shipperley.

The Force on the other hand couldn’t find much momentum of their own, and it took former All Black, Alby Mathewson to eventually cross the line; diving around asleep forwards close to the line.

The Rebels controlled most of the encounter despite not scoring themselves after the 66th minute, and even with a late late try to Tetera Faulkner.

Force: Tries – A.Mathewson, T. Faulkner, Pen – L.Burton, Con – L.Burton 2

Rebels: Tries – M.Harris, D.Shipperley, Pen – M.Harris 3, Con – M.Harris

Crusaders (34) v Lions (6)

Todd Blackadder stacked his side with All Blacks and was rewarded with the easiest win of his coaching tenure on Saturday afternoon.  The Black (and Reds) completely dominated their overwhelmed opponents in every facet and got decent returns out of Colin Slade and Dan Carter.  The 57th / 58th minutes were decisive at Christchurch Stadium as a penalty try for a collapsed scrum and a quick follow up to Kieron Fonotia effectively sealed the points (four try bonus point included) for the Crusaders.  The competition points take the Crusaders to just 9 points after their four games and languishing in 10th place.  The Lions three places worse on five points and facing a challenging couple of weeks in Australia.

Crusaders: Tries – A.Ellis. Penalty try, K. Fonotia, K.Read, Pen – D.Carter 2, Con – D.Carter 4

Lions: Pen – E.Jantjies 2

Highlanders (26) v Waratahs (19)

The first major upset of the round came courtesy of  an excellent performance from potential competition dark horses, the Highlanders.  The Otago outfit rolled on from beating the Chiefs at home to toppling the defending champions the Waratahs with a fine all round display.

The Waratahs got the better of the start.  Free flowing backline plays straight out of the playbook saw the Tahs hit the early lead.  Rather than lose composure the Highlanders gained in strength and tries to Wiasake Naholo, Ben Smith and Patrick Osborne – all who would do an All Black jersey justice this year – justified their hype and delivered them a deserved win.

The Tahs a bit too fumbly, too impatient to win this one.  They need to lift to compete with the Brumbies next week.

Highlanders: Tries – T. Franklin, W.Naholo, B.Smith, P.Osborne, Con – L.Sopoaga 3

Waratahs: Tries – N.Phipps, M.Carraro, S.Hoiles, Con – B.Foley 2

Reds (0) v Brumbies (29)

The Reds were held scoreless and resorted to wrestling moves to make an impact against the Brumbies.  Liam Gill impersonated WWE wrestler Batista when he “bombed” Brumbies scrum half Nic White when clearing a ruck in the only significant contribution to the match by a Reds player.  The move was super dangerous and, ironically, cleared the ruck long enough for Ben Alexander to dive over and score.

The Brumbies look as composed and controlled as ever.  They lead the competition outright after having played one more match than the Hurricanes.  The Brumbies look the only Australian team likely to feature in the qualifying rounds, and could possibly go all the way if there defence is anything to go by.

Reds:

Brumbies: Tries – S.Moore, B.Alexander 2, I.Vaea, C.Lealiifano, Con – C.Lealiifano 2

Stormers (19) v Chiefs (28)

The Chiefs were expertly guided to an away win against the Stormers by All Black first five eighth Aaron Cruden.  Cruden sparked an impressive turnaround for his side that had suffered a shock loss to the Highlanders only a week prior.  He was in everything as the Chiefs ran through and around a surprisingly sedate Stormers outfit.  Sonny Bill Williams survived a nasty head clash with Vincent Koch, James Lowe continued his try-scoring feats, and the entire Chiefs forward pack were staunch in the face of a first half onslaught.  The win capped off a great week for the New Zealand conference.

Chiefs still very much the team to beat in New Zealand.

Stormers: Tries – K.Van Wyk, Pen – K.Coleman 3, Catrakilis, Con – K.Coleman

Chiefs: Tries – A.Cruden, J.Lowe, S.Cane, Pen – A.Cruden 3, Con – A.Cruden 2

Cheetahs (10) v Sharks (27)

The Sharks have two playing temperatures; Hot and Cold.  The hot is good, South African conference winning good, but the bad that has reared its ugly head on too many occasions this year. They opted for the hot option in the final match of the round against the Cheetahs.  The solid win, just their second of the year was brought about thanks to a season high four tries, including two to the tournament’s joint top try scorer, Marcell Coetzee.

For Sharks fans the win will hopefully put their side’s season back on track.

Cheetahs: Tries – F.Venter, Pen – W.du Plessis, Con – F,Brummer

Sharks: Tries – F.Steyn, M.Coetzee 2, J.Wilson, Pen – P.Lambie, Con – P.Lambie 2

Super Rugby Round 5 Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

No one could have accurately predicted the spanners thrown into the mix by the Lions and the Highlanders in last week’s Super Rugby action.  Round 5 shouldn’t feature as many potential banana skins, but it probably includes more games that could go either way.  Particularly, the Chiefs start to their South African tour against the table topping Stormers.

Our picks for Round 5 below:

Hurricanes v Blues

Hurricanes – $1.21

Blues – $4.50

John Kirwan is under all sorts of pressure and an away match against the New Zealand conference’s only unbeaten team is not what he needs.  Thus, the Blues could be heading back over the Bombay Hills winless and coachless after they lose to the Hurricanes on Friday night.  Coming off the bye won’t be a factor for the Canes, nor will throwing Nehe Milner-Shudder a first Super Rugby start.  Hurricanes too strong from 6-13, they’ll win by 13+.

Force v Rebels

Force – $1.62

Rebels – $2.30

The poor cousins of the Australian conference will battle it out in what shapes to be an incredibly even contest.  For once the Force are favourites (they have won just two of the eight encounters between the teams in Super Rugby history), probably because of the home advantage rather than compelling form.  Both sides have won one game thus far, both coming in the first week against more fancied opponents.  Since then though it’s been slim pickings.  The Rebels had a bye last week too, but in their last match were unlucky in a narrow loss to the Brumbies.  The Force seem to be getting worse, so we’re backing the Rebels by 1-12.

Crusaders v Lions

Crusaders – $1.09

Lions – $8.00

There’s is zero possibility of the Lions doing to the Crusaders what they did to the Blues last week.  The Crusaders will be far too strong at home, and I for one like their approach of using Dan Carter at 12.   The All Blacks will like the approach too.  Because of Aaron Cruden’s kicking woes (you can’t play him in a World Cup final at the moment), they need to see Slade at ten to see how he’s progressing, but also need Carter on the paddock because he might be the best option even with all the injuries.  The return of Kieran Read and Sam Whitelock also delivers a big boost for the home side.  Crusaders 13+.

Highlanders v Waratahs

Highlanders – $2.40

Waratahs – $1.59

We might be the only ones but we like the Highlanders in this one.  The New Zealand side have shown a resolute defence in the tournament thus far and that’s exactly what they need to contain the talented Waratahs backs.  Israel Folau is expected to spend some time in the centres, creating a mouth watering showdown against All Black Malakai Fekitoa.  Fekitoa’s defence has improved markedly since becoming an All Black and has added breakdown turnovers to his repertoire; the winner of that particular contest could determine the overall victor.  The Waratahs are unchanged and despite them having the better overall record, we’ll go Highlanders 1-12.

Reds v Brumbies

Reds – $3.60

Brumbies – $1.30

Unfortunately, this match is a foregone conclusion.  The Brumbies are the best team in the conference, and the Reds are a rabble of misfits and past performers.  They’re also badly affected by injuries with James O’Connor again ruled out, Lachie Turner sitting out due to a concussion and Quade Cooper still on the sidelines.  They were well off the pace against last week and don’t deserve much attention against the Brumbies.  Brumbies 13+.

Stormers v Chiefs

Stormers – $1.75

Chiefs – $2.10

This is the toughest game of the round to call.  The table topping Stormers against the third placed Chiefs is a dream come true for Rugby fans who are noticing their sport suddenly lose marketshare to cricket.  The fifth round rugby savour will match up two of the more dangerous midfielders in the world – Sonny Bill Williams and Damian de Allende.  The match up between Liam Messam and Duane Vermeulen is also worth the admission alone.  Both teams have opted for a significant number of changes to their teams, presumably managing the workload of a busy calendar year.  We’ll vote against the masses and pick the Chiefs 1-12.  We think they’ll be embarrassed by last week and bounce back strongly.

Cheetahs v Sharks

Cheetahs – $2.15

Sharks – $1.72

Two teams who are playing hot and cold rugby face off and make the final match of the round also difficult to predict.  The Cheetahs have two wins and the Sharks, surprisingly, have just one.  Bismarck du Plessis returns to lead the Sharks, and former England international Mouritz Botha also enters the fray.  Free State Stadium may give the Cheetahs an advantage if they can recover from the shock points ambush inflicted by Handre Pollard and the Bulls last week.  Cheetahs 1-12.

The Multi

A head to head multi on these selections pays $38.40

A margin mutli on these selections pays $282.64

Super Rugby Round 4 Review

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Super Rugby continues to throw up its share of surprises after a couple of absolute shockers in Round 4.  The jet-setting Chiefs suffered their first loss of the year to fellow New Zealand outfit, the Highlanders, and the Blues lost at home to the perennial under-achevers, the Lions in a match that heaps even more pressure on coach John Kirwan.

Not only was Round 4 difficult on punters, it was also a difficult watch for rugby fans.  The games were incredibly boring, and only the Bulls and Brumbies were worth watching.  Here’s our take on Super Rugby Round 4.

Chiefs (17) v Highanders (20)

An error prone performance subjected the Chiefs to their first loss of the 2015 campaign and with it costed them top spot on the Super Rugby ladder.  Friday night’s poor execution was in stark to their exemplary performance of a week ago against the Crusaders, but was somewhat understandable in the face of committed Highlander’s defence.

The sloppy loss is not worth panicking over, however it does reinforce Steve Hansen’s comments about rugby getting boring if teams continue to play a high defensive line and place too great an emphasis on killing opposition momentum rather than countering it with their own.  No heroes to point out for either side.

Chiefs: Tries – Penalty try 2, Pen – A.Cruden, Con – A.Cruden 2

Highlanders: Tries – P.Osborne, Pen – L.Sopoaga 3, M.Banks 2

Brumbies (27) v Force (15)

The Brumbies were the most efficient Australian conference side of the round.  They secured a four try bonus point win in comfortable circumstance against a trying Western Force side, who despite asking the Brumbies to make 234 tackles in the game, couldn’t find any real momentum.

The skill of the Brumbies lies in their ability to soak up vast amounts of defensive pressure, which came in spades on Friday night, but was suitably death with for the third week in a row.

Even Nick Cummins return to the score sheet wasn’t enough to spark the Force.  They did improve from a week ago against the Highlanders, but they need to get more inventive on attack to compete regularly.

Brumbies: Tries – R.Arnold, J.Tomane, B.Alexander, N.White, Pen – C.Lealiifano, Con – C.Lealiifano 2

W.Force: Tries – N.Cummins, S.Mafi, Pen – Z.Holmes, Con – Z.Holmes

Blues (10) v Lions (13)

The Blues are in crisis mode after their fourth straight loss.  They are now the only team without a win in 2015, and looking increasingly like welcoming a new coach at some stage during the year.  The Blues fell from 10-3 up to lose to one of the least successful franchises in the history of Super Rugby.

The home defeat was especially disappointing given the Blues actually dominated in every facet of the game.  Sure, they lack leadership – Kain, Cowan and Braid are asked to shoulder too much responsibility, but they have All Blacks in Piatau, Halai and Saili who need to start shepherding the backline and making more penetrative plays when offered the opportunity.

Well done to the Lions for sticking at it in Albany, exceptional resolve.

Blues: Tries – J.Kaino, Pen – I.West, Con – I.West

Lions: Tries – R.Combrinck, Pen – E.Jantjies 2, Con – E.Jantjies

Reds (5) v Waratahs (23)

Folau is inside the top five for defenders beaten, offloads, metres and carries.  The attacking weapon is one of the reasons the Waratahs have fought back so strongly from their shock first round defeat.  Him, and the rest of the backline that is.  The uber-talented backs including the likes of Foley, Beale, Ashley-Cooper and Betham were excellent against the Reds despite some moments of sloppiness.

Reds could be in for a long season.

Reds: Tries – M.Kotze

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

Cheetahs (20) v Bulls (39)

The game of the round featured a plethora of tries and the first time we were able to bring out the drop goal on the match scoreboard below.  Handre Pollard got the entire set of point options (try, conversion, penalty, droppy) in a characteristically awesome individual display.  The Bulls now look super dangerous, and if I was going to place any Super Rugby bet this week, it would be on them to win the South African conference.

The Cheetahs have been very decent this year, and they were unfortunate to run into such an emphatic Bulls side, to end their unbeaten run.

Pollard could not have asked for a better platform from his forwards that put in an impressive shift and completely dominated their opponents.  The Cheetahs pack showed some signs of weakness that will need to be addressed before the meet the Sharks this week.

Cheetahs: Tries – R.Rhule, B.Prinsloo, Pen – J.Pietersen 2, Con – J.Pietersen 2

Bulls: Tries – H.Pollard, B.Basson, J.Serfontein, Pen – H.Pollard 5, Con – H.Pollard 3, Drop – H.Pollard

Stormers (29) v Sharks (13)

The Stormers remain unbeaten and at the peak of the Super Rugby summit after a win against pre-tournament favourites the Sharks.  The Stormers flawless start to the season is showing no signs of slowing, after an imperious display in this match.  The Sharks who we gave a real chance to, failed to get in to the contest, and are now languishing in 10th position on the ladder.

Stormers centre Damian de Allende was arguably the player of the round.

Stormers: Tries – J.Kotze, Penalty try, Pen – D.Catrakilis 4, K.Coleman, Con – D.Catrakilis, K.Coleman

Sharks: Tries – P.Lambie, Pen – P.Lambie 2, Con – P.Lambie

Super Rugby Round 4 Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Kicking off in just under 3 hours, it’s time to preview the latest round of Super Rugby, and this week we’re confident we’ll go 7 from 7.  So without further ado, the Super Rugby Round 4 Preview:

Odds taken from Tom Waterhouse.

Chiefs v Highanders

Chiefs – $1.20

Highlanders – $4.70

The Chiefs were so dominant last week against the Crusaders its hard to see the Highlanders causing them any trouble.  The Chiefs have the best performing 10 and 12 combination in the competition, and despite the Highlanders sneaking a win against the Reds last week, the Cheifs winning margin will be similar to last week’s.  The Highlanders have been unable to get enough ball to Fekitoa or Waisake Naholo, and thus aren’t finding the points of previous campaigns.  Chiefs by 13+.

Brumbies v Force

Brumbies – $1.15

Force – $5.60

If the Chiefs are currently the best team in the competition, the Brumbies aren’t far behind.  The brilliantly coached and disciplined Brumbies side should prove to strong against a team they have always enjoyed an edge over.  The Brumbies are conceding the fewest penalties of any team (although they probably regret on of the penalties they did concede), and that’s turning into significant pressure for their opponents.  In positive news for the Force, the Honey Badger, Nick Cummins returns.  He’s destined to bring more entertainment – both on field and in front of a post match interviewer.  Brumbies by 1-12.

Blues v Lions

Blues – $1.16

Lions – $5.35

If the reports are true, the Blues are already tapping up replacements for John Kiran, in the strongest indication yet that JK won’t be around next year.  Whether they are true or not, the Blues need wins.  Only wins will prevent the axe from falling, and Round 4 is an excellent opportunity to get one.  The Blues are yet to win a game, and look decidedly average on attack, but they’ve been beaten soundly.  Therefore, we think (along with most of the bookies) they’ll record their first win.  The Lions will find the travel a little too demanding.  Blues by 13+.

Reds v Waratahs

Reds – $2.80

Waratahs – $1.44

The oldest rivalry in Australian sport has traditionally been edge by the Reds.  Of the 23 previous encounters, the Reds have 13 wins to their names against the Waratahs 9.  However, the most recent was a a comprehensive win to the eventual 2014 Super Rugby Champions, by 32-5.  Neither team has reached top form in 2015, so form’s not a reliable indicator as to which way this one will go.  All we know is we’re looking forward to the individual matches – Nick Phipps and Bernard Foley vs James O’Connor and Will Genia, and Liam Gill vs Michael Hooper.  Waratahs by 1-12.

Cheetahs v Bulls

Cheetahs – $2.00

Bulls – $1.82

The Bulls finally got going last week as they returned to their attacking best spearhead by impressive youngster Handre Pollard in a win against the Sharks.  The Cheetahs also had a win; a lucky one against the self destructing Blues franchise.   The Bulls have completely dominated the historical matchups between the sides and we expect that to continue this weekend.  The only possibly of the Cheetahs sneaking a win is through the running game of Willie le Roux or goal kicking of Joe Pietersen.  Bulls 1-12.

Stormers v Sharks

Stormers – $1.62

Sharks – $2.32

A hotly anticipated South African conference duel is especially interesting because the Stormers haven’t won four in a row since 2012.  That’s the year that they were minor premiers (to steal a term from the NRL), and if they manage it in Cape Town it will ensue all sorts of Super Rugby belief.  The Sharks who beat them in a semi-final in 2012, have made an inauspicious start to the 2015 campaign, and need to improve drastically to overturn their results.  Pat Lambie is the crucial figure in the game, the young five eighth has already knocked up 58 competition points and will need to be watched closely.  Only because we haven’t picked an underdog this week, we’ll go Sharks 1-12.

This Week’s Multi

A head to head multi on our picks pays $9.73

A margin multi pays $253.02

Super Rugby Round 3 Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

It’s that time of the week again, Super Rugby Round 3 Preview with odds from Sportingbet Australia.

Highlanders v Reds

Highlanders – $1.35

Reds – $3.25

James O’Connor’s return from rehab Europe is the major feature of Round 3’s opener at Forsyth Barr.  The Reds are the underdogs for their trip to Dunedin despite their strong performance against the Force last week, and will look to the former Wallaby to provide the inspiration.  The Highlanders have gone for Marty Banks instead of Lima The Highlanders will be without Lima Sopoaga who hasn’t trained all week.  Just one spot separates the two teams on the Super Rugby ladder so it should be a close encounter.  In the end we’re tipping the Highlanders backline to be the difference in a 11 point win to the home side.

Force v Hurricanes

Force – $2.10

Hurricanes – $1.75

The Force have an appealing record against the Hurricanes having won just 1 match in the prior 8 encounters.  However, 2015’s matchup could be a different story with the Perth franchise showing some okay form in their win against defending champions, the Waratahs.  That was balanced out with a subdued loss against the Reds.  The Hurricanes, who enter as slight favourites, had an immeasurably good run in South Africa winning both their road matches.  They haven’t found an attacking spark yet but should still be too strong for the Force.  Therefore, we’re predicting 2015 is not the year the Force get another win against the Canes.  Canes by 13+.

Cheetahs v Blues

Cheetahs – $1.65

Blues – $2.26

The Blues will be filthy the Cricket World Cup is taking away their beloved Eden Park fortress, and while New Zealand and Australia destroy the turf with a drop in pitch, the Blues will travel to Bloemfontein to try and get their 2015 campaign up and running. 0 from 2 is a poor return for a side packed with All Blacks and led by the mercurial Jerome Kaino.  They’ve moved Charles Piutau to centre, while the well-rested Cheetahs welcome back Springbok wing Cornal Hendricks.  The Cheetahs have never won their first two games of a Super Rugby season, but if they were ever going to do it this is the year.  We’re picking them to be as impressive as they were in Round 1 with a 6 point win.

Chiefs v Crusaders

Chiefs – $1.60

Crusaders – $2.36

The perennial clash of the New Zealand conference titans is at its sumptuous best this year.  A powerful Chiefs backline vs a dogged Crusaders forward pack makes for a gripping contest of contrasting styles.  The Chiefs have SBW and the form winger in the competition in James Lowe, whereas the Crusaders will rely on Richie McCaw and the improving Scott Barrett.  Dan Carter’s injury is offset by Colin Slade’s impressive form so we find this incredibly difficult to pick.  At the flip of a coin, we’ll go with the Chiefs by 5.

Rebels v Brumbies

Rebels – $3.00

Brumbies – $1.40

We’ll say it now – the Brumbies will win the comp this year.  Stephen Larkham will celebrate his elevation to the National coaching set-up with another backroom scripted win.  To do so, they’ll need to overturn a horrible run of just one win from their last four matches against the Rebels, and hope the Rebels can’t rediscover their Crusaders beating form.  Stephen Moore returns to captain the Brumbies, and Nic Stirzaker is coming back from suspension, in the two major additions to each side.  Brumbies to win by 8.

Bulls v Sharks

Bulls – $1.83

Sharks – $2.00

The bookmakers have predictably called this one to be especially close.  The traditionally strong Bulls up against the always there or there about Sharks, should in most years be the match that settles the South African conference.  But this year is different.  The Sharks have won one, the Bulls none, in surprising early season form.  The Bulls in particular have uncharacteristically dropped games at home, but get the chance to atone in Super Rugby Round 3.  The most exciting inclusion this week, is Ryan Kankowski the man mountain, who reruns from a Japanese rugby stint for the Sharks.  In a tricky decision, we will tip the Sharks by 6.

Lions v Stormers

Lions – $2.50

Stormers – $1.54

Another Super Rugby Round 3 all South African affair sees the unbeaten and table topping Stormers face off against the Lions in Johannesburg.  The Stormers have gone with a similar side to last week and are hoping to continue their unbeaten run, which has been matched by only the Chiefs and Hurricanes.  The Lions are yet to going this year, they have the worst record in the competition.  Accordingly, they’ve sprung a major surprise and dropped Marnitz Boshoff and given a start to Elton Jantjies.  We don’t think the tactical move will help them get up against the Stormers, we’ll back them by 10.

This Week’s Multi

A head to head multi on our picks pays $25.32

A margin multi pays $1597.84

Super Rugby: Round 2 Review

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

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 24th 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