HURRICANES vs BLUES
The Blues put up an improved performance but not enough to deny the Hurricanes the points in a match that entertained but never really rose to any great heights.
REBELS vs BULLS
After this performance against a fired up Rebels team the Bulls emerged with a full house of points and moved to the top of the South African conference.
But the uncomfortable feeling persists that this might be the only win they get overseas if their defence is this porous against the Highlanders and Chiefs in the weeks ahead.
For a team that can strut around Loftus beating its chest they sure become very meek and mild on foreign fields! So it looks as if they might turn out to be more paper tigers than snorting bulls after all when this tour concludes.
CHIEFS vs LIONS
The Lions came- missed tackles, dropped passes, knocked on, scored a few tries and lost. As usual.
The Chiefs, on the other hand, went through the motions without any great degree of enthusiasm and got the job done for the expected 5 points.
So another week goes by without any team able to make inroads on the dominant position that the Chiefs now command in this competition. The pressure is well and truly on the chasing pack in the NZ conference. And opportunities are steadily draining away.
BRUMBIES vs WARATAHS
The Brumbies continued their impressive 2012 improvement when they put the Waratahs away and, in doing so, probably ended the latter’s challenge for a playoff spot.
SHARKS vs HIGHLANDERS
The Sharks, despite again playing poorly for long periods, deservedly ground out a win against a willing but injury ravaged Highlanders side.
Of great concern to the home side must be the lethargy and shocking decision making which presently characterises their playing style.
The Highlanders will return home needing to re-stock their player resources as the injury toll is starting to grow to an alarming level for them.
CHEETAHS vs WESTERN FORCE
The Cheetahs made heavy weather of defeating a toothless Western Force side in Bloemfontein.
But ultimately they finished on the right side of the scoreboard for a change although one got the impression that they held their breath for the last 10 minutes in anticipation of another last minute defeat.
CRUSADERS vs REDS
The most anticipated match of the weekend did not disappoint and produced a test match like contest between two top sides.
One has to delve into the history books to find a match where the Crusaders last failed to score a try at home but a resolute Reds defence managed to achieve just that on Sunday morning.
In the end the Crusaders ground it out for a valuable ( cynics might say ‘desperate’ ) four points but, in doing so, have slipped further behind log leaders the Chiefs. Despite a stellar lineup of talent the magical championship quality and swagger still seems to be missing.
The Reds are right back to their best but will also be hard pressed to overhaul the Brumbies at the top of the Australian conference.
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