Super 14 Round 12

Crusaders v Brumbies: The Crusaders were too good and never really looked like losing this one. The Crusaders, like most teams in this competition, always play better at home and after 3 succesive losses on the road would have been relieved to win. The Brumbies fought hard but everything just seemed to click for the Crusaders. Zac Guildford showed his class and it's only a matter of time before he is a regular starter for the All Blacks one feels. They are still not quite the team of old but if they had managed a home semi then things could have been different. The fact that they now have to travel back to South Africa to play the Bulls might prove to be too much for the 7 time champions.

Warratahs v Hurricanes: Still waiting on the Hurricanes to fire...oh, the match is over? It always felt like it was just a matter of time before the visitors would kick into gear but unfortunately, they never did. The Warratahs dominated possesion in the first half and took a handy lead into the 1/2 time break. Had they made more of their opportunites it could have been a lot more. Kurtley Beale celebrated his 50th match in style with 2 tries but more importantly he is starting to live up to the hype that has surrounded him since joining the Warratahs. Despite what people are saying I still think he is better suited at 10 but at least he is getting regular game time. The Hurricanes tried in vain in the 2nd half but nothing seemed to work and in the end were outplayed by the home team.

Highlanders v Reds: Almost every game the Reds play is exciting to watch and this was no exception. After dominating the first half the Reds could have been forgiven if they thought they had it in the bag but the men from NZ's deep south had other ideas. They must of had a blast at 1/2 time because they came back with vengance. The game was decided in the final mintes when the Reds scored and Cooper converted to give the home team a 2 point victory.

Sharks v Force: If the Sharks had performed like this earlier in the season they may have had a chance to make the top 4. The Sharks, along with the Cheetahs were the 2 teams to finish strongly and this bodes well for South African rugby. The Bulls and Stormers have played the best rugby all year and deserve to be in the finals but the Cheetahs and Sharks are not that far behind. Another disappointing year for the Force and this loss cemented their place near the bottom of the ladder.

Stormers v Bulls: Stormers were far too strong for a committed but understrength Bulls side. This was a no win situation for the Stormers because they were expected to win, and win comfortably. They had to work for it and even though the Bulls rested most of their top side there was real intensity in this contest. Andries Bekker and in particular, Schalk Burger were outstanding. They were everywhere and both played vital roles in making sure the Stormers lived up to their name sake.

Blues v Chiefs: The Blues ended a mixed season on a high by beating the Chiefs at home. Not much in it and if the Blues were more consistent they would not be far off a top 4 finish. Too many positional changes from week to week to have any real chance this year. They need to get their act together because NZ needs another team to rival the Crusaders. The Hurricanes are doing their best but NZ rugby is strong when Auckland rugby is strong.

Lions v Cheetahs: Cheetahs won by plenty. The end of the season couldn't have come quick enough for the Lions and although they battled well at times, they failed to win a game.