Super 12 2005 trials...
3 weeks before the Super 12 2005 kicks off, the teams are speeding up their preparation and getting involved in some interesting games...
Everything started on Friday night in Dubai when the Stormers took on the Newport Gwent Dragons youngsters, with no less than 8 top players missing due to the 6 Nations tournament opener in which Wales defeated England 11-9.
And the Taffies did all right, at least during the first half, before letting the Stormers obtain an encouraging first win,47-17, despite some rather crappy movements. Percy Montgomery, facing his former teammates, must not have been very impressed by a South-African side lacking of discipline and flair, as usual. The first half saw the young Welshmen on top of their opponents, taking advantage of the Stormers mistakes and scoring a try through their flanker Ringer. A few Montgomery goals reinforced their lead but just before the break, Joubert scored a lucky try, giving his side a narrow lead at half time, 21-17.
Back on the field, the Super 12' side put on a much more attractive game and rolled over the Taffies who eventually snuffed it. Speedy winger Tonderai Chavhanga scored twice and gave some hope to a side which will have to improve substantially if they want to stand a chance against the Wasps in London, next week.
In Brisbane, The Reds slaughtered the Waratahs 38-0, confirming their potential, one week after a convincing victory against the Brumbies. The Queenslanders seem to have the necessary depth this year which could strengthen their outsiders position in the coming Super 12. Their big guys did well, providing good and clean footballs that guys like Pelesasa, Hynes, Mitchell or Tune didn't spoil, all of them scoring a try.
On the other side, the 'Tahs did what they could, which was not much!, and still have a hell of work to do. One of the positive things was the game played by ex-league lad Wycliff Palu, who showed all his strength and ability ball in hand. The 1.94cm/122kg flanker is confirming the excellent game he showed in Argentina during the off-season tour, and will be a contender for a spot in the back-row.
The Kiwis played a couple of duels, too, this week-end. The Hurricanes outclassed the Chiefs 59-14, with Ma'a Nonu scoring 3 of his team 9 tries. It was an encouraging display from both sides, as the Chiefs which were missing 10 of their top boys, did show a few good movements. This season will be a lot thougher for them, as they will be expected on each grounds they will visit, after their superb last Super 12.
The Highlanders defeated the Crusaders 43-38 in Dunedin, 7 tries to 6. It was a lively game in which Ben Blair showed his former team that he deserved more than a spot on the bench and played a important role in the Highlanders win.
Finally, The Bulls beat the Sharks 22-3 in a very hot Sun City. The 2 South-African sides suffered from the heat and didn't show much. Nonetheless, the Bulls forwards were impressive and with the new rules affecting the 2005 Super 12, they should have a real strong impact in their team. Big guys such as Victor Matfield or Bakkies Botha will be able to show their strength and skills in static phases like scrums or lineouts this year. A few weeks ago, the Super 12 referees agreed to allow more contest in those specific phases, which was welcomed, of course, by all the South-African franchises, eager to show the Aussies and Kiwis what the real game of rugby is all about....
Everything started on Friday night in Dubai when the Stormers took on the Newport Gwent Dragons youngsters, with no less than 8 top players missing due to the 6 Nations tournament opener in which Wales defeated England 11-9.
And the Taffies did all right, at least during the first half, before letting the Stormers obtain an encouraging first win,47-17, despite some rather crappy movements. Percy Montgomery, facing his former teammates, must not have been very impressed by a South-African side lacking of discipline and flair, as usual. The first half saw the young Welshmen on top of their opponents, taking advantage of the Stormers mistakes and scoring a try through their flanker Ringer. A few Montgomery goals reinforced their lead but just before the break, Joubert scored a lucky try, giving his side a narrow lead at half time, 21-17.
Back on the field, the Super 12' side put on a much more attractive game and rolled over the Taffies who eventually snuffed it. Speedy winger Tonderai Chavhanga scored twice and gave some hope to a side which will have to improve substantially if they want to stand a chance against the Wasps in London, next week.
In Brisbane, The Reds slaughtered the Waratahs 38-0, confirming their potential, one week after a convincing victory against the Brumbies. The Queenslanders seem to have the necessary depth this year which could strengthen their outsiders position in the coming Super 12. Their big guys did well, providing good and clean footballs that guys like Pelesasa, Hynes, Mitchell or Tune didn't spoil, all of them scoring a try.
On the other side, the 'Tahs did what they could, which was not much!, and still have a hell of work to do. One of the positive things was the game played by ex-league lad Wycliff Palu, who showed all his strength and ability ball in hand. The 1.94cm/122kg flanker is confirming the excellent game he showed in Argentina during the off-season tour, and will be a contender for a spot in the back-row.
The Kiwis played a couple of duels, too, this week-end. The Hurricanes outclassed the Chiefs 59-14, with Ma'a Nonu scoring 3 of his team 9 tries. It was an encouraging display from both sides, as the Chiefs which were missing 10 of their top boys, did show a few good movements. This season will be a lot thougher for them, as they will be expected on each grounds they will visit, after their superb last Super 12.
The Highlanders defeated the Crusaders 43-38 in Dunedin, 7 tries to 6. It was a lively game in which Ben Blair showed his former team that he deserved more than a spot on the bench and played a important role in the Highlanders win.
Finally, The Bulls beat the Sharks 22-3 in a very hot Sun City. The 2 South-African sides suffered from the heat and didn't show much. Nonetheless, the Bulls forwards were impressive and with the new rules affecting the 2005 Super 12, they should have a real strong impact in their team. Big guys such as Victor Matfield or Bakkies Botha will be able to show their strength and skills in static phases like scrums or lineouts this year. A few weeks ago, the Super 12 referees agreed to allow more contest in those specific phases, which was welcomed, of course, by all the South-African franchises, eager to show the Aussies and Kiwis what the real game of rugby is all about....
posted by nico h at 5:33 PM
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