Super 14 Round 11

Chiefs v Cheetahs: A match that never rose to any great heights and it would be safe to say that the Chiefs sunk to the Cheetahs level. The lacklustre Chiefs only had themselves to blame and struggled throughout. Although a 'gutsy' performance by the Cheetahs they often looked like seagulls waiting for any scraps that came their way and the Chiefs kindly obliged. The Chiefs did manage to score 5 tries but their woeful kicking, in particular Stephen Donald's, kept the Cheetahs in the match. This was far from vintage Chiefs and they have completely unravelled since their promising start to the season. They are a team down in confidence and will be playing for pride only for the remainder of the season.

Reds v Stormers: If last week's game was a defining one for the Reds then tonight's proved they are the 'real deal.' This match proved they are worthy of title contention and are a team to be taken seriously. Obviously, final placings will have a bearing because home advantage plays a part but whatever the outcome they can draw confidence form the fact that they have now beaten all teams currently sitting in the top 4. There is a 'steely' feel to this Reds side and much has to be contributed to the influence of Ewen McKenzie. He is a no nonsense, tell-it-like it-is type of coach that is rubbing off on his players. Another key aspect to the Reds success is their tactical approach to each game. They have the ability to adapt their playing style to overcome opposition. Last week they used the short side effectively and this week they cleverly used a kick over the head of right winger, Sireli Naqelevuki, several times too good effect. One of them even lead to a try. The dynamic duo of Will Genia and Quade Cooper were quieter this week but still managed to do enough to tame the Stormers. The Stormers had the edge at set piece and disrupted the Reds at the breakdown but couldn't turn this advantage into points. The Reds defence was outstanding and made the classy Stormers look ordinary on attack. Like the Bulls, their one dimensional approach proved ineffective, but this is a red hot Reds team and they deserved the win.

Force v Crusaders: When the Crusaders appeared in their horrible, away strip, grey jumpers I had a feeling an upset was on the cards. Seriously, is this a conspiracy? Why is it that the Hurricanes and Crusaders are asked to wear these ill-fated colours. I'm not a pyschologist or looking for excuses but there is a direct correlation between wearing grey and below par performances. Surely there are other colours to choose from except grey. This was an ambush from the Force. For the Crusaders it was just another game and could have almost been forgiven if they were a little complacent given the Force's mixed form this season. However, the Force had other ideas. They had obviously targeted this game in pre season planning. The theory being that if they were able to topple the 7 time champions, the Crusaders, then anything was possible. That, if they could beat the Crusaders then surely they are a team to be taken seriously and self belief would sky rocket. Personally, I'm not convinced that this is the right approach. It's a long season and targeting 1 game won't make you champions. In my view, it's flawed. Spending all that time, effort and energy into 1 game would be better spent on developing consistency ie winning week in, week out. Just look at the what the high flying Reds have done. Hats off to the Force and it did show what they are capable of but 1 game doesn't make a season. The Crusaders are still a champion team and will move on from this. The only question is, will the Force?

Highlanders v Hurricanes: The Highlanders fans should feel short changed. If only the Highlanders had played like this all season. In an entertaining game, this was by far the best performance from the Highlanders this year. Sure they didn't win but at least they could come off the field with their heads held high knowing they had done their best. They were running onto the ball, charging into rucks and mauls and had a couple of things gone their way, could have easily won it. Jimmy Cowen looked lively and was quite within his rights to feel aggrieved when the Hurricanes were awarded a try under the posts in the first half. He was clearly taken out a ruck that he was not part of and was prevented from making a tackle on the try scorer. A penalty should have been awarded to the Highlanders. Aaron Cruden made plenty of line breaks and always looked threatening but his goal kicking, like a few others this season, was astray. Piri Weepu made an impression when he came on and was in everything. The Hurricanes were lucky to escape and would have breathed a sigh of relief when the final whistle blew.

Warratahs v Brumbies: This was a local derby that promised much, but delivered little. These are 2 teams desperate for a top 4 spot but they both played like they didn't want to lose. At some point the Warratahs will have to lose their conservative approach if they want to be a serious threat of taking the title. Again, it was probably a match that could have gone either way but referee, Steve Walsh, helped ensure it went the way of the Warratahs. How they could have ruled Adam Ashley-Cooper's try a double movement without at least referring to the video referee is beyond me. It was clearly a try and at worst, benefit-of-the-doubt, should have been given. It was a stop/start kind of game and although the Brumbies have quality players on paper, they are not playing like it on the field. Unfortunately, it appears off-field dramas may may be hindering them.

Sharks v Blues: How the mighty have fallen. The Blues, once the pinnacle of NZ rugby, were anything but. There used to be a saying 'when Auckland rugby is strong, the All Blacks are strong.' If this rings true, then the AB's are in trouble. The Blues are just too inconsistent to be considered a serious threat. They lacked urgency, their tackling was half hearted, body heights too high at the breakdown and overall a lazy performance from the Blues. The Sharks, although steady, haven't exactly been setting the world on fire but are managing to win. They don't win by many but they don't lose by many either. Not much to report on this game execpt to say the Sharks scored more points than the Blues.

Bulls v Lions The final score actually flattered the Bulls and they actually had to work quite hard for this win. The Lions were competitive and tried to run the ball at every opportunity but lack the penetration upfront. They often struggle to get over the advantage line which places too much pressure on their backs to find holes in the defence rather than creating them. The Bulls took awhile to get into the game, which is understandable considering their recent travels, but when they did they were back to their barnstorming best.