2013 Super XV: Fixtures, Results & Table

Linebreaker wrote:

ChequeredJersey wrote:

Linebreaker wrote:

ChequeredJersey wrote:How is JOC only 22?

He was born on 5th July, 1990

I meant how on Earth can he already be key to the Wallabies' efforts and the player he is at age 22!

He was an International at 18 and had his Super Rugby debut at 17. Freaky, I know.

I thought that was funny.
However, if O'Connor is now 22 and making some good money, do you think he could figure out how to get an adult haircut?

doctor_grey wrote:

Linebreaker wrote:

ChequeredJersey wrote:

Linebreaker wrote:

ChequeredJersey wrote:How is JOC only 22?

He was born on 5th July, 1990

I meant how on Earth can he already be key to the Wallabies' efforts and the player he is at age 22!

He was an International at 18 and had his Super Rugby debut at 17. Freaky, I know.

I thought that was funny.
However, if O'Connor is now 22 and making some good money, do you think he could figure out how to get an adult haircut?

That abominable failed mohawk has grown out a bit now and he is starting to lose that 'baby-faced assassin' look after being knocked around by Rene Ranger (mainly). Maybe there's some roughhousing/horseplay going on at the Rebels too? Playing rugby at this level makes you grow up quick(ly)!

On a similar note - I always think Jonathan Sexton has the head of a teenager on a man's body! Another baby-faced assassin!
Maybe he'll have to upgrade his razors to heavy duty at some stage down here...

Linebreaker wrote:

doctor_grey wrote:

Linebreaker wrote:

ChequeredJersey wrote:

Linebreaker wrote:

ChequeredJersey wrote:How is JOC only 22?

He was born on 5th July, 1990

I meant how on Earth can he already be key to the Wallabies' efforts and the player he is at age 22!

He was an International at 18 and had his Super Rugby debut at 17. Freaky, I know.

I thought that was funny.
However, if O'Connor is now 22 and making some good money, do you think he could figure out how to get an adult haircut?

That abominable failed mohawk has grown out a bit now and he is starting to lose that 'baby-faced assassin' look after being knocked around by Rene Ranger (mainly). Maybe there's some roughhousing/horseplay going on at the Rebels too? Playing rugby at this level makes you grow up quick(ly)!

On a similar note - I always think Jonathan Sexton has the head of a teenager on a man's body! Another baby-faced assassin!
Maybe he'll have to upgrade his razors to heavy duty at some stage down here...

Cool, perhaps we can look forward to a bit more of that again perhaps LB? now theyre both playing at the top again

He (O'Connor) has always struck... excuse the pun... me as being tougher than he looks but that hit by RR was like a coal car off its rails.

I think the Suisse multivitamins must have aided his recovery!

Yeah I know...he's fearless JOC and has a lot of instinct for gaps and go forward, knows the meaning of gaining the advantage line. Thats why I've always liked him- never flinches.

One of those that has the goal line in his mind all the time- you can tell that with some players. Rangers similar that way. So are Beale, Cooper, Ioane and Genia. Dagg 'was' like that and is facing somewhat of an identity crisis at the moment...'Dagg...meet game Dagg' kind of thing- they seem disconnected at the mo, perhaps the ongoing effect of Savea's hit earlier this year??

Another thing...Weird to think our French series will be over in 19 days...

Only a few hours to go now Taylor. Looking forward to the game!

Brumbies 39 Rebels 17

I'll update the table after tomorrow's match.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Dear fellow Rugby posters,

I've decided to leave the Site after some careful consideration in the last 24 hours or so.

Like BB, I'm finding it intolerable and I have been receiving abusive emails from a few irrational members.

Taylor, laurie, kia, ngan, doc, george, CJ, and co. (apologies for missing anyone out) - it's been great chatting with you but I need to concentrate on other things. I'll still watch some sport but I won't be on here anymore. I apologise for leaving the tables as they currently are.

Thanks for all of your rugby contributions (you are second to none!) and I wish you & your teams all the best!

Only saw this now as there hasn't been any Super rugby.

Seeing as you're back, how about fixing up the tables you lazy son of a gun.  

Carter was in imperious form against the Highlanders. Marshall had a good game. Started ominously with the Ellison miracle offload but looked like the break did the Crusaders some good. If they can keep their momentum going (which infuriatingly has been beyond them in recent years) they'll prove a handful in the knockout matches.

Good to have you back LB. Moderators are like refs. It's a thankless task and you only ever hear complaints. But if we didn't have you here, it'd descend into anarchy. So here is my heartfelt support.  

Now fix that rucking table.  

And we wont mention what happened over in Durbin.

Ok good because I don't have any idea!

If the other "plays of the week" are like this one ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=l9slqya2RSA#at=83

 

I love it when Justin Marshall gets excited. Grammar, syntax, logic go out the window. You can see his brain tripping over his tongue as the words come out. Still like him as a commentator. He calls it as he sees it, just doesn't say what he'd like to say.

The last try to the Crusaders was a gem. The threat of holding a ball with two hands out in front should never be underestimated.

Zac Guildford has signed a 12 month contract extension with the Crusaders

Here's hoping he stays off the sauce.

Here's hoping that keeps his good mate Dagg there. Maybe Nonu will try his next franchise and go for the Saders. Might be a good match for him. We need someone in midfield after the loss to Fruean and his heart problems.

Nonu carries the hoodoo of all hoodoos kia and the saders just doesnt look like Nonu's type of side. Hes a bit all me me me at the level.
Logical move tactically though with Fruean out and DC there. But 3 failed franchises in a row?...eeek.

I think environment is important. The Crusaders and the senior players could well keep him in line. Playing at the right end of the competition won't hurt him either. But he does seem a bit of a curse but frankly we need some punch in the midfield.

Half Time Crusaders 19. Waikato 8.

aucklandlaurie wrote:
Half Time Crusaders 19. Waikato 8.

  

Of course we need 2 bonus point wins and the Chiefs to not even get any bonus points to even tie them at top of table, but it's a start.

Crusaders are doing the Bulls a big favour here.

43-15  
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/8885479/Crusaders-hit-top-form-to-hammer-Chiefs
 
And McCaw will likely be back playing next week!

I'm not so sure I'd like McCaw to play against the Hurricanes Pete. I think back to the final with the earthquake year and Todd should've played in the final. Richie was off his best. Now is not the time to bring his match fitness on. You can't put in a comprehensive forward performance like that and then say good job but we're bringing back the King.

Now it's time again to put in a similar performance against Wellington. They can only do what's in their control and that is to get a bonus point win and hope the Blues do them a favour. But more importantly, it sends out a message that the crusaders are finally turning it on consistently at the right end of the competition and whoever has to face them will be wishing they weren't.

This has been an up and down season again for the Crusaders, but every time their pack has put in a big effort, they have looked formidable. Hats off to them but they need to keep making those kinds of performances. Having Richie in the camp will help but I'm not so sure having him in the team is the right move.

kiakahaaotearoa wrote:I'm not so sure I'd like McCaw to play against the Hurricanes Pete. I think back to the final with the earthquake year and Todd should've played in the final. Richie was off his best. Now is not the time to bring his match fitness on. You can't put in a comprehensive forward performance like that and then say good job but we're bringing back the King.

Now it's time again to put in a similar performance against Wellington. They can only do what's in their control and that is to get a bonus point win and hope the Blues do them a favour. But more importantly, it sends out a message that the crusaders are finally turning it on consistently at the right end of the competition and whoever has to face them will be wishing they weren't.

This has been an up and down season again for the Crusaders, but every time their pack has put in a big effort, they have looked formidable. Hats off to them but they need to keep making those kinds of performances. Having Richie in the camp will help but I'm not so sure having him in the team is the right move.

 To be honest I was thinking of Richie off the bench next week, to try and get in some match fitness

Even that I'm not so happy about Pete. I really don't know what condition he's in but I'd imagine he was in fairly good nick. It's the contact he won't have that'll mean he's off his game. It's tempting to bring in the AB superstar but we've seen plenty of performances from ABs this season that have been below par and given the performances I fail to see why anything should be changed. Having him on the field just because of who he is doesn't always work.

Highlanders leading Hurricanes 27 6 after 30 minutes.

I remember the opening round against the Chiefs and the Highlanders narrowly lost. They promised so much and yet gave so little.

Good to see them playing like Otago days of old with some nice backline moves. Don't know if it's a coincidence but has the arrival of Brad Thorn given the Highlanders a bit of no nonsense graft in the pack?

This season's Super XV has been one of the toughest to predict, I don't think I have ever had such a poor prediction percentage as in this one, standing around 62% and it is only going down.

I hear you mate. I don't know how my brothers have 50 points more than me but it's embarrassing.

That was ugly with Slade. That guy has worse luck than me!

Final score 49 44 to the Highlanders.

What a see-saw match. Highlanders looked to be coasting at times only for the Hurricanes to come back and look like snatching the game away from the Highlanders. Like Brad Thorn said, they were the games they previously found a way to lose.

Well done to the Cheetahs for making their first ever Super Rugby play offs, took 8 years in the making.

Good on them indeed. Enterprising rugby deserves to be rewarded.

Tom Marshall is off to the Chiefs next season - understandable given that Dagg is blocking his path at the Crusaders, but a shame, as he's quality. Hopefully there's someone else coming through the 'saders' development system, as Toddy's not been the greatest recruiter.

I've been impressed with him. Strange he's going to Chiefs because I see them blessed with backline talent in the back three. Maybe fullback is his best bet but wing has been where he's contributed most for Canty. We need a couple of impact backs to replace Fruean and a pacy strong winger would be most welcome. I agree he's been rubbish at signing new talent.

This week is turning out to be a mixed bag for some:

Ali Williams looks like hes off to Toulon.

A week after steering one of the backlines around in the most important game in the world last weekend, poor young James O'Connor is relegated to the bench at the Rebels.

Meanwhile Richie starts his 2013 season.

And I become a Blues supporter Laurie.  

kiakahaaotearoa wrote:And I become a Blues supporter Laurie.  

Are you truely considering becoming a follower of the mighty J.A.F.A. Sir J.K.


Meanwhile Crusaders are leading the Hurricanes 13 . 5. at halftime.

25 canterbury, 17 Wellington full time.

We need 4 tríes against the Hurricanes and the Blues to beat the Chiefs and deny them any points. Those are my requirements as a Blues supporter this round. Otherwise all bets are off and JK can go and get all those kids going off to league and get them playing union.

Cracking turnaround in the Rebels v Highlanders game. Crazy stuff

Looks like we're playing the Bulls.  We never do well there. Stormers have been a much happier team to play in finals footy in recent times. Only have ourselves to blame though. Do or die is not such a bad thing for us. The trick is to limit the travel.

I hear the turnaround was ironically largely due to JOC's passing and playmaking!

13 all at half time, Auckland have been down to 14 men for the last 20 minutes.

Chiefs and Crusaders by far our most consistent sides, either capable of winning this. McCaw says hes ok to play next week after 80 mins club yesterday so that can't hurt their chances. The away factors are once again going to hurt some sides.

If you guys aren't watching the Stormers vs Bulls you are missing a brilliant game.

yes thought Bulls might grab this and top spot but Stormers making all the play. Reckon I could just about pick a sidr from these two to win the RC! Habana and JDV combined well for Habanas try. Hope we get to see more of this finals and RC time.

Super Rugby Qualifier No.1
Crusaders vs Reds in Christchurch

Super Rugby Qualifier No.2
Brumbies vs Cheetahs in Canberra

http://www.superxv.com/39781/1/super-rugby-qualifiers-confirmed-for-next-week


Chiefs and Bulls have a bye.

My prediction for the semi's

Chiefs vs Crusaders and Bulls vs Cheetahs.

Biltong wrote:If you guys aren't watching the Stormers vs Bulls you are missing a brilliant game

Good post Biltong, I only caught the secong half and just sat back in bed watching it (you guys might have to revisit this playing games at 5 am business)it was a cracker, that was one of the best examples of quality, big players playing at pace, and Craig Joubert managed one of the best refereeing displays that Ive seen for a very long time.

Yeah, laurie, I was actually thinking the Bulls needed to win to end top of the log, but the Stormers at last this season played such great rugby I was rooting for thiem to score more tries, Etzebeth in my view is turning into one of the best locks in world rugby. His general play, defence, Ball kn hand is only lart of him, he is a great line out exponent of the game as well.

just shows how hard this comp is. bulls with a playoff to get to facing a side wanting to dig deep one last time and give Meyer something to think about one last time.