Super 14 Opener – Too early for some

I said in my Super 14 preview that this monotonous competition had come around again all too soon for most. This was backed up by a few striking aspects of the opening fixtures.

In Australasia tickets sold like Mbeki T-shirts at an IFP rally. Crusaders vs Chiefs, a massive opening derby, managed to attract only half of a half completed stadium. (That’s a ¼ full for Bulls fans.) Turnouts everywhere overseas were pretty average as a Kiwi commentators would say. We could write a thesis about why no-one’s going – but I’ll list my top 10 theories in an addendum – for those sick of hearing my “too much rugby speech”.

The S14 also seemed to come around too early for Rassie and the Stormers. Pattern and style of play seemed identical to last year. From the start Januarie looked slow and under-prepared – just like the first 3 games last time round. Grant set off determinedly at the exact same gentle angle across the field, and the backline moved the ball prettily with the ferocity of a white wine spritzer once the ice has melted. Defense was aggressive and impressive except when it wasn’t – Rassie can explain that to you if it doesn’t make sense, and the overall formation of play will see the Stormers well into 7th place this year – if they can keep up the good work.

The Sharks played rather terribly but somehow I thought always looked like they would win by 5-9 points. With a lumbering John Smit, a disinterested JP, a disturbingly dull Pienaar, a mostly subdued Kankowski, a pasteurized Terreblanche, an under-utilized Jacobs, an under-weight K-Daniels and a sporadically potent scrum – the Sharks seemed to score quite easily when they needed to and picked up what may be important away points. Sharks fans should be happy, not with the lack-luster overall performance, but with the fact that the nature of their play is effective – even when individuals don’t shine. Kockott aside (being everything that Januarie is supposed to be; a hyperactive, tenacious menace) the Sharks were sub-standard but churned out a win and expended 1/3 of the energy the Stormers did.

If the subdued class of the Sharks was there then the subtle genius that is supposed to be Erasmus was rather less in evidence. The “Summer surprise” of Koster on the wing turned out to be like moving a star cover fielder to fine leg. At least he can spring the same surprise on the Reds on Friday since he didn’t do a damned thing to get noticed – and I doubt even the most sophisticated video-game-player-tracking would have any footage at all. Chavanga chased the kick-offs to the point of cramping and Jantjes positioned himself superbly to make almost no impact on the game what-so-ever. I have no experience as a rugby coach and my skill with differently coloured table-tennis bats is severely lacking, but it is my opinion that Jantjes is the most ordinary of attacking players – and though half his speed and twice his age Monty added more bite to the backline as a 2 minute sub than Conrad did for the whole game. For my money Conrad can goose-step around ineffectively on the wing and Monty can straighten the backline, kick the easy but crucial penalties and add 12 years of unparalleled Springbok experience at fullback! Watson and Monty should have been on with a full 30 to go because it was very clear the Shark nets were removed at half time and some change was needed.

De Villiers – it seems will be fit for the Reds – and that is a relief for Rassie and for Newlands season ticket holders who must be wondering about the 40% increase in ticket prices they have paid, presumably helping finance Monty on the bench. Enjoyed watching Joe Pieterson kick long, low, unchallengeable and unchaseable drop-offs. Is this his specialty? Wondering why Springbok flyhalf incumbent Grant can’t manage this task. Bewildering.

The Super 14 also seems to have come too quickly for online journo’s who have very little interesting to say about the opening games – even though there were some good ones. Perhaps they are still trying to learn the names of the Samoan franchise, err, I mean The Blues. On the rugby365 site the Craders vs Chiefs match report is still supported by a photo from the fixture last year. C’mon guys!

The Wellington faithful had to watch NSW referee Dickenson pull out all the stops to ensure a Tah’s victory. I missed the game, but am offering cash for Mexted’s off-air opinion of having the Aussie Dickenson blow his home team right out of the windy cake tin.

Newlands had had the biggest crowd until the Bulls pushed through the Reds in the last game of the weekend. No bonus point for the Bulls according to planetrugby.com maybe the match reporter left early – since Spies did get the fourth try – more evidence that this year’s S14 is high on the priority list. The Lions will be happy to accompany 5 teams with bonus point wins, but one expects it may be a little tougher in the Shark Tank come Saturday.

Mortlock scored twice as the Brumbies were also well assisted by another Australian ref, beating the Highlanders down in Dunedin. To be fair, any team who has to go down to Dunedin should be allowed to take their own ref, and all reports say this was the match of the week. Rumour has it though that Matt Goddard battled to find anyone to even serve him a warm Speights after the game. Oh the joys of “Merit Selection”. Brumbies just push the team bus up the South Island to Christchurch next week – even if they take Goddard with them it will be a tough fixture.

I gotta watch one Highlanders game this year – just to hear the commentators call Israel Dagg’s name. That is quite a tag Mr Dagg. In case you were wondering how good Dunedin sheep farmers come up with a name like that – I can tell you he’s from Hawke’s Bay, an area in New Zealand well known for being a little left of sauvignon blanc.

Remember to stretch between games fellas.
Nag Ou Grote.
reuthers