Praise of the Chiefs

Astounding. Simply astounding.

How can a team start off a season by losing the first three games and then make the finals? The Chiefs have done so, by winning 10 out of the following 11 games. Their only other loss was a hard-fought game in Pretoria, which leaves the count at 10 victories and 4 losses for the Chiefs, and still counting.

What have they done today? They have used their weapons to full efect. Even without May, without Leonard and without Kahui, even suffering a bit in the set-piece. But Sivivatu was attacking from everywhere, Masaga, too. Muliaina being everywhere and Donald kicking and passing wisely. Just unlike Willie Ripia.

I said at the beginning of the season that the weak point of this Hurricanes was at 10. Well, today they lost the game there. Senseless kicking and an accurate Chiefs defense and counter-attack put the Chiefs on top.

Back to 2006 memories for the 'canes as in the final 5 minutes an old foe came back; the fog. Bad omens for a team that had everything to win the Super 14, but this year they came up short. Again.

Congratulations, Chiefs. Robbie Deans predicted a Hurricanes-Crusaders final. I hope he'll be right in at least one name of the two finalists.

Colin Cooper, you should learn from the Cheetahs

The Hurricanes coach blasted the Super 14 calendar when his sided had so little time to recover after a trip to SA followed by a game in Perth.

Wonderful. Then, what should the Cheetahs, whose seven starting games have been played outside Bloemfontein, think about the calendar?

No complains, mister, as the calendar is not specially difficult for the Hurricanes. The conference system, if ever the SANZAR reaches an agreement over that matter, will certainly ease travel troubles which, I swear, are not bigger for the kiwis than are for the saffers.

Hurricanes, eternal contenders

Shwalger, Hore, Tialata, Thrush, Eaton, Waldrom, Lavave, So'oailo, Weepu, Kirkpatrick, Gear, Nonu, Smith, Guilford, Jane.

Would anyone dare to deny Hurricanes claims to have a team good enough to win it all? And yet, only after rounds one and two we have started to see them playing the way we know they ought to.

Only a good win against the Cheetahs next week is acceptable. If we are to think that the loss against the Waratahs was an exception, the Hurricanes should show it on the field. Winning at Christchurch was a good effort, but we all know they are capable of good efforts. What we do need to believe is that they can win 5 games in a row.

Or else they are not ready to win this Super 14.

Blues top Hurricanes

In a extremely tense match, the Hurricanes were defeated by the Blues in Auckland. Thus, now they both have chances to make the semifinals but they also need the Stormers or the Sharks or the Waratahs not to win in their own final matches.

Blues 19 - Hurricanes 17

Hurricanes win

In slippery conditions at Wellington and despite a ferocious defense by the West Force, the Hurricanes managed to win and have moved a step forward to the semifinals.

Hurricanes 21 - West Force 10

All Blacks mid field

I have said throughout this 2008 super 14 season that I would pick the Blues front row, the Crusaders second row and the Hurricanes third row for the All Blacks.

Now I begin to wonder whether 12 & 13 would not be wisely given to the Hurricanes.

After the flights of both Mauger and McAlister to U.K. voices raised about the All Blacks mid field. Credit is for Graham Henry as he said that he had no worry about the mid field. Ma'a Nonu is playing simply great. Just watch him fire in the game against the Bulls, while Conrad Smith may certainly be the most serious player at centre.


What will Henry choose? Brett at 12? Toeava at 13? Nonu and Smith?

Whatever he chooses, he has a wonderful pool available.

(Update: April 13th, Wayne Smith seems to agree)

Hurricanes win, Chiefs lose.

4 in a row is the number of straight wins for the Hurricanes after defeating the Brumbies at Canberra by 15 - 33 some minutes ago. The Hurricanes are on fire and install themselves firmly on the top 4 places with 18 points.

Let's see if the Waratahs (who happen to rest this week) can keep the pace. The Hurricanes make a halt now and will rest during week 6 just to resume with a hard game against the Crusaders on week 7 before another hard game against the Sharks on week 8.

On the other hand, a very irregular Chiefs team has not only lost to the Stormers at home, but have also managed not to get a single point; 26-35 being the score. It's five games past for the Chiefs now; if they are to be the second-leg champions again, they should start gearing up now.

We have to wait for the main course Blues vs West Force which is served tomorrow. And a sweat cake afterwards: Crusaders - Cheetahs. A pity that the Chiefs self-destructed.

Blues, Crusaders and Sharks on top of table

With 3 wins out of 3 matches, Blues, Crusaders and Sharks are still the leaders of the Super 14 with the only difference between them being the four-tries bonus points gathered: three for the Blues, two for the Blues and one for the Sharks.

After their 3rd-week victories, the Hurricanes and the Brumbies have looked impressive and seem the main threat for the 3 above.

French first five eighths Frederic Michalak (he destroyed us oming off the bench on October the 6th) seems to have perfectly found his place in the South African team, and has scored for second straight week. Meanwhile, Blues backs Rocokoco and Toeava had a monster day against the Cheetahs, and certainly the Blues are the top scorer team with 45,7 points per game and top try scoring team with an average of 6 tries per game. On the other hand, the Crusaders have only allowed their oponents 7 points per game.

On the opposite side are the Highlanders. The Otago franchise failed, for third straight week, to gather a win. While young Vainikolo looks certainly promising, it is the more experienced players of the team the ones who have to step up. Next week Dunedin will host the Hurricanes in a must-win game for the Highlanders.

Hurricanes power past Chiefs 39-19

The Hurricanes defeated the Chiefs at Wellington 39-19 and gathered a bonus point due to their six tries scored.


Unlike the first two games, the Hurricanes made less handling errors and converted their opportunities into tries. The Chiefs played well, although own errors condemned them to gather no points today. The Chiefs game, with Muliaina at centre and Sivivatu covering up the full back position shows how important is to avoid injuries early on the season.

I won't cease to repeat what a fabulous third-row the Hurricanes possess. Jerry Collins is simply the best blindside flanker I have ever seen. And today, both Masoe and So'oialo showed how damn good they are. They scored a try a piece and were the leaders at the breakdown.

Next week, the game is in Dunedin. If the Hurricanes win, they will find themselves playing for the semifinals later on. If they don't, it will be a pretty standard season for them.

Online Score: Hurricanes vs Reds

23 - 18 (full time)

0-3: Clinton Schifcofske (penalty goal)
0-8: Van Humphries (try)
0-10: Clinton Schifcofske (conversion)
5-10: Tane Tu'ipulotu (try)
7-10: Jimmy Gopperth (conversion)
7-13: Clinton Schifcofske (penalty goal)
10-13: Jimmy Gopperth (penalty goal)
15 - 13 Ma'a Nonu (try)
17 - 13 Jimmy Gopperth (conversion)
20 - 13 Jimmy Gopperth (penalty goal)
23 - 18 Jimmy Gopperth (penalty goal)
23 - 18 John Roe (try)

After a sluggish start, the Hurricanes went on to defeat the Reds by a close margin.

Super 14 round 1 wrap up

It has not been such a great start of the Super 14 season. Blues and Crusaders won showing an impressive form and gathered a bonus point each while Chiefs, Highlanders and Hurricanes lost. Specially disappointing was the performance of the Hurricanes in Brisbane, the only NZ team unable to score any try.

The Highlanders were close to bounce back and get on with a victory against the Reds during the second half, which makes us think that they are meant to gather some important victories this year.

The post-match comments of some players and coaches and aficionados about the ELVs and their effect are also interesting.

• Monsieur Rugbycan is surprised at the speed that the game is played under the new ELVs.
• Fourie du Preez, on the other hand, is a bit reluctanct to accept these ELVs as this very increased speed drives to more errors.
• David Nucifora is happy with the physical conditioning of his players that ended up high in the second half and reckons intensity as the key factor this season.

Next weeks will be all important for the Auckland Blues as they face the Sharks, Lions and Cheetahs in South Africa and depending on their performance, they could set a foot in the semifinals path as early as round 5.

Hurricanes defeated in Sydney

The Waratahs are showing they are a more powerful side than most people thought. 3 wins and no losses during the preseason and a convincing victory over our Hurricanes in this first round, with our Hurricanes not getting even a single bonus point.

20 - 3 was the score after the 80 minutes

But next week the Reds are surely to suffer the Hurricanes revenge.

Preseason coming to and end

Preseason games are over. In 7 days time the franchises must be ready. It ends in a roll for Waratahs and Hurricanes while it may leave a few headaches to Nucifora's Blues and Deans' Crusaders.

If you can just leave aside all what is not strictly rugby in this article, you may realise what one of the main problems for the 'saders can be: the second five eighths. What will Deans try for the starting game against the Brumbies?

I am glad of what the 'canes have shown.

Jason Eaton is back and is a promise of a powerful forward pack for the Hurricanes. Something that will undoubtedly give Piri Weepu a lot of play.

Outside the two islands, a question mark over the Waratahs real power. What will Timana Tahu show? Can he lift the 'tahs up to 2006 and 2005 standards? Fisher's Brumbies have not showed their best but... are they really the force they used to be?

Meanwhile in another continent, we hear that Cheetahs and Lions could end up struggling because of an alarmant lack of depth. Not certainly the thing you would like your side to show in a season where a lot of emphasis on physical condition is expected.

What now? Who's going to make the semifinals? What are your picks? I still expect a lot of Blues, Crusaders and Hurricanes.

Which Super 14 side should I support?

Ok, the Super 14 is about to start. In two weeks time the ball shall be kicked and everyone shall be supporting his/her side.

If you just have slightly got the idea of this blog, you won't need me to tell you that I only consider New Zealand sides, but anyway, which New Zealand side should I pick?

This is a very appealing side to me. I like Nick Evans and Joe Rocokoco and I think that Isa Nacewa is going to play a fundamental role for New Zealand in years to come. Besides 2007 Air New Zealand Cup showed how strong Auckland's youngsters are. Thus, they combine players I like and a lot of potential.

Well, the Chiefs would certainly be a good option: they have Stephen Donald, Leonard,... but I think I just could never back someone called "Chief". Should they change their name to "Thiefs" it would be all funnier and I would probably change my mind. History says that the Maori Kingdom created around 1880 was founded in this region and thus the name and symbol of the Chiefs are a maori chief. It's wonderful but... Why did they choose a pakeha word for the team? Interestingly, maori had no word for "King" before the arrival of the europeans, and the movement to appoint a maori chief was called "Kingitanga".

I can't choose the Crusaders. I just cannot. I like the players (Carter, McCaw, Williams, McDonald...) I like the coach... but they are just too successful for me. I could not support the L.A. Lakers nor Roger Federer, so I think I won't be backing the Crusaders.

This is a very interesting option. They have got probably the most capped pack (together with the Crusaders) and their skipper is a player I couldn't like more: Rodney So'oialo. Besides, the great Umaga played for the Hurricanes.

These would have been my last year's choice. In a place whose name reminds me of my favourite book, Nick Evans played for th Highlanders until last season. They used to be a very strong franchise but have somewhat struggled for the last 4 or 5 years... And the future does not look very appealing...

So, Blues, Highlanders or Hurricanes? I think I'm going to support Hurricanes and Blues and perhaps will flip a coin to see who I back on week 14, May the 16th.

This is my choice: What is yours?

BTW: According to the ngata online dictionary, the word in maori for chief is "rangatira"

New Zealand Super 14 franchises for 2008 campaign

32 days left and the ball will be in play again with an interesting Blues vs Chiefs at Eden Park.
A great number of players have headed northwards, and quite the same lot of new players are joining the Super 14 for the first time with a lot of new hopes on them. It seems that, as usual, after a World Cup year, it's time for a renovation. Besides, Auckland's Air New Zealand Cup perfect season (they went to win the Cup undefeated) makes us expect anything from the Blues this season.

Here we can take a look to the 2008's squads: I have noted in white the ones that have been capped for New Zealand and in red the new faces of the franchise.

Auckland Blues:
1st row: John Afoa, Tony Woodcock, Nick White, Keven Mealamu, Bronson Murray, Tom McCartney, Chris Heard
2nd row: Troy Flavell, Anthony Boric, Bryn Evans, Kurtis Haiu, Chris Smith
3rd row: Daniel Braid, Justin Collins, Jerome Kaino, Onosai'i Tololima-Auva'a, Nick Williams, Chris Lowrey
Half backs: Danny Lee, Taniela Moa, Chris Smylie
Mid-field: Nick Evans, Isa Nacewa, Ben Atiga, Isaia Toeava, Jamie Helleur, Anthony Tuitavake, Benson Stanley, Lachie Munro,
Outside backs:Joe Rocokoco, David Smith, George Pisi, Jarek Goebel, Rudi Wulf

Waikato Chiefs:
1st row: Ben Castle, Simms Davison, Ben May, Craig West, Aled de Malmanche, Tom Willis
2nd row: Jono Gibbes, Toby Lynn, Kevin O'Neill, Kristian Ormsby
3rd row: Tom Harding, Hayden Hopgood, Sione Lauaki, Tanerau Latimer, Faifili Levave, Liam Messam
Half backs: Brendon Leonard, Jamie Nutbrown
Mid-field: Stephen Donald, Tasesa Lavea, Callum Bruce, Richard Kahui,
Outside backs: Sosene Anesi, Lelia Masaga, Mils Muliaina, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Dwayne Sweeney, Viliame Waqaseduadua

Canterbury Crusaders:
1st row: Wyatt Crockett, Ben Franks, Campbell Johnstone, Ti'i Paulo, Greg Somerville
2nd row: Corey Flynn, Ross Filipo, Brad Thorn, Ali Williams
3rd row: Richie McCaw, Nasi Manu, Michael Paterson, Kieran Read, Reuben Thorne, Mose Tuiali’i, George Whitelock
Half backs: Andrew Ellis, Kahn Fotuali’i
Mid-field:Tim Bateman, Stephen Brett, Daniel Carter, Hamish Gard, Casey Laulala, Caleb Ralph
Outside backs: Scott Hamilton, Leon MacDonald, Sean Maitland, Kade Poki

Otago Highlanders:
1st row: Jason Macdonald, David Hall, Jamie Mackintosh, Clint Newland, Keith Cameron, Chris King
2nd row: Tom Donnelly, Hoani MacDonald, Hayden Triggs, Isaac Ross
3rd row: Craig Newby, Alando Soakai, Steven Setephano, Adam Thomson, Tim Boys, Ezra Taylor
Half back: Jimmy Cowan, Toby Morland
Mid-field: Daniel Bowden, Michael Delany, Aaron Bancroft, Niva Tau’oso, Johnny Leota, Brett Mather
Outside backs: Fetu'u Vainikolo, Lucky Mulipola, Paul Williams, James Wilson

Hurricanes:
1st row: Andrew Hore, Hikawera Elliot, Jacob Ellison, John Schwalger, Neemia Tialata, Tim Fairbrother
2nd row: Bernie Upton, Craig Clarke, Jason Eaton, Jeremy Thrush
3rd row: Chris Masoe, Jerry Collins, Michael Johnson, Rodney So'oialo, Scott Waldrom,Thomas Waldrom,
Half backs: Alby Mathewson, Piri Weepu
Mid-field: Conrad Smith, Jimmy Gopperth, Ma'a Nonu, Tamati Ellison, Tane Tu'ipulotu, Willie Ripia
Outside backs: Cory Jane, Hosea Gear, Shannon Paku, Zac Guildford

Super 14: 44 days left

February, 15th. 06:35 GMT.

The ball will be kicked and a new Super 14 season will start off. Robbie Deans Crusaders will face the Brumbies at Christchurch. A lot to demonstrate on the Kiwi side (Does Robbie Deans coaching of the Crusaders allow the usage of half-kiwi and half-aussie for the Crusaders?) both for their coach and for some golden stars on the field.

South African Sharks call for a little bit of victimism as some of their key players were used in the late-year Springboks tour and/or have left for the Northern Hemisphere.

RugbyHeaven warns us to pay attention to the Hurrricanes and Auckland's impressive win in the Air New Zealand Cup together with star appointment of Nick Evans are a matter of joy for Blues supporters.

What do Matfield's Bulls think of all this?