A fascinating weekend awaits in the Super 14 next week, with six teams in line for semi-final berths. And by a quirk of scheduling, they are all involved in matches amongst themselves.
Friday night will be a cracker; first-up, the Crusaders play the Brumbies in Christchurch. The winner will almost certainly make the play-offs, although the Crusaders could do with a five-pointer. Attention then turns to Sydney, where the winner of the Hurricanes vs Waratahs match will also make the play-offs. The Hurricanes will take momentum into the match after four consecutive wins, but the 'Tahs looked pretty handy last night against the Chiefs. That match should be a ripper, and by the end of the night, one of the teams could be in second place.
The final match of the round worries us; the Bulls host the Stormers in Pretoria. Until the Sharks upset the Stormers overnight, it seemed assured that the two Saffer teams would host semi-finals. Now, there's the possibility of a semi-final in any of Canberra, Sydney, Wellington or possibly even Christchurch. D'ya reckon the SARU will allow that to happen?
We won't ignore the elephant in the room. We are 100% sure that SARU will ensure that whatever needs to happen to ensure two SA-based semi-finals happens. Both teams will know the state of the table before the match kicks off. Form would suggest that the table-topping Bulls would win, and win well at home, at altitude, in front of rugby's most die-hard fans. But needs must.
Get down to the TAB, and get your money on the Stormers early. And remember; we picked this a week out!
10 comments:
We are 100% sure that SARU will ensure that whatever needs to happen to ensure two SA-based semi-finals happens.
You obviously have no clue at all as to what happens in SA rugby. Neither the Bulls or the Stormers would ever allow SARU to tell them to throw a match against their biggest (and hated) rival, and SARU just does not have that sort of power.
It is time to get over your prejudices against SA.
mawm
mawm - I'd venture to suggest that most of those involved in South African rugby have any idea what goes on behind closed doors at SARU!
Perhaps there's an element of tongue in cheek in this post (only perhaps!), but I really believe that SARU will be keen to see the full S14 play-offs being conducted on South African soil.
Once the dust has settled after Friday night, that will necessitate the Stormers to beat the Bulls, as at least one of the Aus/NZ teams will be more than 2 points ahead of the Cape Town lads.
SARU will not want South African players to have to travel to Australia or New Zealand this close to the international season for a one-off, must win game. Words will be spoken. Deals will be done. Louis Luyt will be dragged out of hiding if need be.
Nobody knows what goes on in SARU, I sometimes think that they don't even know themselves with all the contradicting media releases. Most of their time seems to be spent trying to get rid of white players and replace them with black ones. It is quite a joke that Stofile is offering an apology to the Maori for racist interference in the past, when he is such an out and out racist himself.
There is far too much bad blood between north and south that dates back to the Boer War - really it does - something to do with the Cape Afrikaners supporting the Brits against the Boers. This has been a cause of division in Bok teams (and between supporters) for years.
Of course SARU and the franchises would like to have two SA semi's because of the money it rakes in, but that does not mean that they will call for the Bulls to throw the game. BTW have you noticed that SARU has a totally different hue compared to the old SARFU. I don't think Luyt would be welcome.
However, with a home game, I think that the Stormers must be the favourites. Also the game will be so physical (as it has always been) that both teams will not be in a good shape for the semi's.
Whatever the results next week we are looking at an all SA final. No NZ team or Australian team has the capability to beat either of those teams at home.
By the way I have taken advantage of the TAB's generosity and put $10 on SA to win the World Cup at $4.75. I would have thought $2.00 generous this far out. The first time I have ever bet against the All Blacks.
PDM the Buls have hardly been a rock at home. They only just beat both the Crusader and the Canes. Personally I think an away game against the Bulls is one of the easier Semi Final games. They score lots of points but all leak like the Titanic at times. Stormers are more balanced if you ask me.
Tonight on the news it was talk about Aussie teams pushing for the semis but both the Crusaders and the Canes have to be a chance. Crusaders at home and the Canes on a roll.
If they do both win all the talk about the improvement in Aussie rugby might be for nothing. Take the REDS. They claim to have been the form team but only sit 2 points above the hapless blues.
In my dream both the Canes and Crusaders win and then both go to SA and stuff them at home and we have a festival finish at either Lancaster park or the Cake Tin. Don't wake me!!!
Ozy - sorry cannot agree.
The Bulls have developed a mentality where they do not lose the games that matter at home. The Stormers similarly so a final between the two will be a tough battle.
While the Crusaders are a good chance to beat the Brumbies - when did the Hurricanes last win in Sydney and they are serial chokers in games that really matter.
The Crusaders are the only NZ likely to win at either venue in a final or semi final and the travel schedule is right against them this year.
yes the bulls are strong, especially when the games matter. But i think they are just to focussed on forward play.
While I am a one eyed rednblack supporter when the canes get on a roll they are hard to stop.
lets hope my dreams, rather than your sound logic, is the result this weekend.
Ozy - at the end of the day top sport is about winning.
Only brainwashed New Zealanders think it is how the game is played that matters. Watch the Aussie cricket team or the SA top rugby teams - they lay to win when the trophies are up for grabs..
And you're right again:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-14/3679790/Bulls-set-to-rest-13-stars-against-Stormers
Cheers for that Bearhunter; we've blogged accordingly!
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