2013 Super XV: Fixtures, Results & Table

oops...sorry doc...wont spoil the rest then... Blues later today!!! My pick for the title...totally unbiased of course. Also picked them last year... and picked the Highlanders to be leading by now this year Theyre last! But just about every star player has been injured...

What's happened to Jamie Macintosh, Highlanders Prop, and resident leader and tough guy?

What a terrible game from the Blues. Not sure where its written that Blues players must continuously drop the ball. Last 10 minutes every single first touch of the ball was dropped, knocked on, lost. Its looking more like the Blues we are all used to seeing. No energy and Tahs made tons of mistakes as well but in the end deserved their win, taking more chances. Chiefs are going to eat the Blues next week.

Rander can hold his head high though. Couple of huge hits and big steal to supply the ball for the try.

Taylorman, I was more concerned about just the blatant lack of effort, There were parts of that second half where they just looked like they didnt want to be there. Even a bit of digging in for the last couple of minutes and play out for the draw would have been nice, but no they looked like they couldnt care.

JK will be super p.......d off at the moment.

Really pleased with yesterday's win... Auelua was dealt with comfortably... Although we probably have one of the best defensive packs in SR. Nevertheless, AUS have to think about playing Auelua.. When was the last time they had an eight an with that go to aggression??? Kefu?

Jantjies was again disappointing... Grant is a better player and jantjies doesn't do much for our game.

2 wins vs two of the top sides this year on the bounce... Got to be happy with that

Whats up with Beale? Smacks Delve then Vuna who came in to help. Ne's lost the plot alright. Doesnt help Ozzies Lions ambitions...

aucklandlaurie wrote:
Taylorman, I was more concerned about just the blatant lack of effort, There were parts of that second half where they just looked like they didnt want to be there. Even a bit of digging in for the last couple of minutes and play out for the draw would have been nice, but no they looked like they couldnt care.

JK will be super p.......d off at the moment.

Havnt heard a word out of JK. He'll be spewing. and whats Captain Ali doing pushing guys in the back? McCaw,,,he aint. True colours come out under pressure. Watch for more of the same.

Havent heard boo from kirwan all day.

I really don't know what to say. The Blues just switched off in the 2nd half - except that last foray from Ranger. It was bloody hot yesterday so maybe they simply ran out of energy? but I do realise that is no excuse for a professional rugby team.

Our blokes were lucky to scrape home. Some OK signs there... but more question marks too. I just can't have any confidence in them from week to week. The pass to Issy was marginal I thought but the coin landed our way this time.

aucklandlaurie wrote:
Havent heard boo from kirwan all day.

Did they get an early flight out or did they hang around for a day? The weather was really nice and hot today - maybe he took them for a dip in the ocean and told them to 'wash it all away' or something? Sometimes it's better for a coach not to say too much.
The players know what went wrong and will be hurting. It's more important for them to try and re-kindle the sort of form and understanding of those first few rounds. They are still a devastating team in my eyes.

Is Kirwan not pushing them too hard?

Yeah, only 2 hours in the casino this trip.
(and the limit has been dropped to $3,000 per visit)

Would still like to see Ranger in the AB's this year. He's exciting to watch and nice and unpredictable. Odd we havnt performed vs the overseas sides in contrast to the Saders who can't win the local derby's yet.

That will be a problem as like last year the Chiefs had the measure of them also. Last year the NZ sides tended to cope with the Saders.

I think Ali's part of the problem with the Blues. He doesnt inspire others to follow in my book. Composure's going to be a problem this year.

The other thing I seem to be saying every year at this time is SA have some obscene talent spread through their sides and this lack of unison in taking the Boks to a level that reflects this continues to be frustrating. I'd say the AB's probably improve on the best of the 5 NZ sxv sides by around 30-40%.

In contrast SA would be lucky to improve 5-10% some years the sum of all parts looking less than the best side- 2010 SA vs The Bulls probably the best example.

The lack of unity amongst the franchises is amazing. An interesting comment from the Kings coach after the Saders match...He commented at length how proud he was of the diversity that went in to the side and that because of that how so many wanted his side to fail.

Incredible the forces that must be in play in the minds of some people in this sport.

A bit more to it then that really... The Kings got their place out of political pressure. They didn't earn their place... they aren't even the next best side in SA after the old SR South African franchises... that is Griquas (who have placed ahead of them in Currie Cup for what the last 10 years).

Not sure if its the same in NZ but there is a lot of bias towards differing provincial players and teams. You're either from the Highveld, Natal or the Cape. They are literally seen as separate countries... more so then Wales and England for instance.

The Stormers did the double over the bulls last season, won the SA conference and the Currie Cup yet were only getting say 3 players into the bok starting squad... and all the marginal decisions were going to Meyer's former players at the bulls... Meyer even chose a Bulls replacement scrumhalf over Duvenage and Van Zyl who start regularly for the Stormers and Cheetahs respectively.

There is an obscene amount of talent in SA, but the hurdles that are self imposed in our country are numerous, and I don't think there is a solution for it.

I spoke to a colleague who deals with the under 21 currie Cup tram for the Lions, he has a lot of insight into how provincial rugby is run.

Without saying which province it is, but where we deem administration to be incompetent goes a lot further than that.

People who has been entrenched in these provinces have been there since the amateur era, and I am not talking about business men with credentials, I am talking about Aunt Judie and her family who would be involved in the running of one of these provinces, they are more focused on stopping any threat from outside that can take their places that the province is falling apart.

To a lesser extent this is the case higher up where nobody are actually doing what is brst for rugby, but only best for them.

The reality is, the rugby machine in SA is established and because of the sheer numbers of participation can function regardless of poor administration.

It has an influence on who is selected, contracted etc.

If someone could start at the top, work their way down with a sincere effort to eradicate nepotism and everything that goes along with it, and somehow manage to get the whole rugby setup in SA work as a collective for SA rugby, I have little doubt we will be the best in the world.

But even then, politics will hugely influence processes, appointments and selections.

The reason we dont have this diversity is because when we started on this super series venture, we split the country into 5 areas, allow the entire country to always be represented in the tournament from day 1.

We had to endure the usual boundary conflicts- the thought of North Aucklanders supporting Auckland players in the Blues when there was previously such a rivalry proved difficult and there are still ramblngs. But overall it works and with the ITM they all get to go back to their traditional sides up and down the country.

But logically, it works, its all inclusive and we have simply set new boundaries that everyone took a while getting used to. To have whole areas strong in rugby not involved at all seems criminal, illogical and divisive at best.

Oz are the same but the main reason their entire country isnt involved is because they dont have the players.

But in saying that, even amongst the 5 that are there for SA the Bok representation of them pales against its real potential. Broken record I know but to think that its people, staunch rugby men who believe passionately in the Bok jersey thatcontinue to cause all this. Must be frustrating- even to the instigators themselves...

I don't think it helps either, that the different regions in SA have such different rugby philosphies. The Bulls, stereotypically, play forward orientated, 'un-creative' kicking rugby, whereas the Sharks and Cheetahs, stereotypically play more running, 'adventurous' rugby (although you wouldn't have thought this to be true of the Sharks in their first couple of games this season!) Province, who used to be the free-running rugby team in SA (twenty years ago) are now almost half-way between the two styles. My impression of AUS and NZ rugby is that there seems to be a more similar approach to rugby shared by all the franchises in each nation (although some teams do it better than others).

So when the Boks come together, at least half the team is going to have to change their style of rugby to suit the prevailing bok coaching philosophy.

Mr Fishpaste wrote:

So when the Boks come together, at least half the team is going to have to change their style of rugby to suit the prevailing bok coaching philosophy.

So true...For us its a matter of the AB's setting the standards- first deciding how we want to play as a national side, then dictating to the franchises that if you want your players in the national side (and we are lucky that everyone does) then this is what we want to see.

Generally they take it on, and that in turn flows down to the lower levels- ITM, schools, age etc. In the end everyones generally in unison.

The eventual AB side that turns out is usually a product of some fairly heavy foundation work rather than some fly by night selections you often see with other sides, trying this player and that.

I'm worried Australian players might be building up some form and fitness. It's quite upsetting

Especially Beale- hes certainly building up to something.

Beale is one who gives his all on the field and more. he just doesnt handle it well off field...hence the turps and downward slide.

Personally I think hes frustrated being in losing teams- have always said the top gun attack guys in the Oz side should be in the best sides.
Theyre too few and theyre being asked to lose, and defend a lot, risking both injury and confidence for when they play for Oz.

And losing form whilst playing in those losing sides.

They hardly gst opportunity to play an attacking game, and even when they do the guys sround him aren't up to the task, not where they are supposed to be, and eventually as you say, loss of confidence.

Biltong wrote:And losing form whilst playing in those losing sides.

They hardly gst opportunity to play an attacking game, and even when they do the guys sround him aren't up to the task, not where they are supposed to be, and eventually as you say, loss of confidence.

Yes thats kind of what I meant Biltong. I watched JOC and Beale playing for their sides the Force etc last year and not only did JOC get few attacking opportunities he also had to tackle a lot. Because theyre so much quicker than their team mates and have a never say die ethic, theyre often first to the tackle, even on the big guys, intent on not giving an inch. Injuries and despondency kicked in big time last year- JOC out because of it.. And its continuing. Beale and JOC should be playing minimum Reds or Brumbies, working out combinations, using their speed on attack etc not holding weak sides up and standing under the posts all the time.

Its ok to spread the talent out amongst the franchises but those select few required for winning tests, and theres only a handful, need more 'protection' in a better side.

My picks for Round 7: on Superbru:


Highlanders v Reds - Highlanders by 6
Hurricanes v Southern Kings- Hurricanes by 21
Chiefs v Blues- Blues by 11
Brumbies v Bulls- Brumbies by 13
Cheetahs v Rebels- Cheetahs by 17
Stormers v Crusaders- Stormers by 11
Waratahs v Force- Waratahs by 14

Picked Highlanders cause they simply must be getting sick of Joseph's rants and their AB's are back- they have to win one soon, and are at home.

Picking Blues- blind faith, and a weak theory that they will have a 100% record against NZ sides, who know they have to bow down to Mssrs JK and Ted (unlike the ignorant overseas sides )

The rest are to form and without DC and Read at 8 Saders have an uphill fight with the Stormers.

Also following the Warriors, Breakers first semi final tonight and the China open Snooker on the net this weekend- happy Easter all.

Just imagine losing McCaw, Read and Carter from your team at the same time. Surely even our NH brothers would have to agree that that is tough.

True but going for the Saders is their newly found resolve. Theyre back on track AND the newer players are starting to perform- Marshall, McKillop and co so I wouldnt write them off. They're more likely to toughen that resolve with the 3 stars missing. I think they'll be okay, maybe not win, but they'll go ok.

Their tougher matches will continue to be the NZ sides who have their measure last couple of years- especially this year to date.

Good try to Ben May...good result of straight running and mpmentum going forward.

Perenaras a tougher little bu$#ga alright. Is going to push Aaron Smith as he adds another dimension around the scrum and anywhere near the line. That will draw defences in and give the AB backs just as much time out wide as Smiths passes do as they wont know whether he'll run or pass.

He looks a lot better than Smith at the moment, much quicker to the rucks and cleans it quicker.

I think his little snipes are more effective as well.

I haven't been impressed with Smith in the last two weekends at all.

Agree Biltong..Smiths feeling the heat Perenaras putting on him but then he's not getting good go forward ball and doesnt have Nasi Manu at 8 to add stability at the back. He like the Highlanders overall are struggling. Smith will be favoured behind an AB pack for his clearance initially but I agree, Perenara has more going for him long term. That was the feeling before he was injured as well.

Canes still have Ardie Savea to start as well so theyve got some good loosies with Shields, Vito. Surely his ban is over by now?

You picking the Chiefs over the Blues Biltong? Going to be a cracker. I'm going Blues with how thwyve gone against the other NZ sides. This is certainly a step up but its Henry vs Smith at one level here and Henry must have been involved this week to turn the Blues around- discipline, patience etc.

I thought the Kings have been a good side. I like their 10, he's a good goalkicker and as Marshall said a tireless tackler. Reminds of JW- especially with his goalkicking!

The Blues have been inconsistent Taylorman, and I reckon the Chiefs are the best team in the comp this year.

Anscombe's going to get smashed..

Biltong wrote:The Blues have been inconsistent Taylorman, and I reckon the Chiefs are the best team in the comp this year.

Lot of history between the two and physically Auckland can match them. I know what your saying but on the basis of the first 2 Auckland matches they should be up for this. Theres still an inherent fear of Auckalnd when theyre at their best.

Don't think Ranger was that hard done by. Most of Rangers tip was caused by himself.

Its all wishfull thinking Biltong. Blues have to be error free to beat the Chiefs who are already far more consistent. Blues are relying on shock factor as they did against the Canes/ Saders. Chiefs are too polished to fall for that...but we live in hope...

aucklandlaurie wrote:
Anscombe's going to get smashed..

...at the pub after maybe? He's continuing his gold run of fortune thats for sure. I agree though. I expect an injury to Anscombe they'll hit him that hard...

Oooh...no try? geeez.

Ive always liked kaplan as a ref....

Why Piatau didnt pass with 4 outside him I dont know...

How long before Kahui gets injured? massive game though. Some huge hits all over the show...

It is amazing to think the Chiefs have not scored a try yet

Theyve just not finished. Blues are lucky with a 3 point gap.

The Auckland kicking is woeful, if we keep letting them play the game inside our 22, the points will come -To the mooloos.

Have to admit Kahui is class when he gets going. NZ rugby sure has missed him over the years. Lets hope he stays injury free for the rest of the year (and therefore match!)

Interesting to compare the two centres on display here, kahui the traditionalist with all the skills, whereas Ranger is like a knife fighter in a dark alley after the pubs closed.

Auckland are under pressure and are breaking up. Just a matter of time

Well I dont care what anyone says Ali is hopeless. Hes in effective, stands around and leans to much and cant stop yapping. Takes the ball in and makes no gain whatsoever. Too old and slow for the pace of todays game.

I thought Anthony Borich was back this week?

Should be on soon.

oh well...that would have been hard case...a try of a drop kick attempt to deny them of the bonus point...back to the drawing board Blues. Chiefs defence is a class above. You're going to need more than excitement and an open license to win matches. How about...Structure?