Super 14: New Zealand Snapshot, Week One

Two wins and three losses in the opening round—the glaring synopsis is that the Crusaders' machine still looks menacingly efficient despite losing key operating parts.

Robbie and Dan who?

The Crusaders' fans would have said or asked. And despite being put under pressure by a potent Chiefs' team, the rugby clinic known as Canterbury continues to hum along.

Blues

The freewheeling, attacking culture of the Auckland-based franchise effectively won them the game in boiler room conditions in Perth.  A 22-point blitzkrieg in 30 minutes showcased the all-consuming strike game of the Blues that will have them threatening the finals, if consistently unleashed for the entire 80.

The Force kept Pat Lam’s side honest for periods in the match, mostly due to the brilliance of players such as Matt Giteau, but there was plenty to excite from the visiting team.

Their brutal defence ensured that the Force did not break the advantage line often, but focus will be needed to ensure that the Blues remain capable of enforcing structure and pressure when facing more decorated opponents.

Taniela Moa and Anthony Boric were probably the most impressive on the field—the former epitomising the Blues' attack in all-costs culture and Boric having a game worthy of an All Black representative. 

Missing a host of test players, they will be a daunting prospect when at full strength—especially at home in the Garden of Eden.

Crusaders & Chiefs

It would be insulting to Robbie Deans to suggest that the Crusaders would not be a force without him at the helm.  Indeed, it is indicative of their resplendent culture that they can operate irrespective of who walks the hallowed halls of arguably New Zealand’s strongest province.

Coach Todd Blackadder clearly has no desire to change such a coldly, efficient blueprint.  They showed their hallmark traits.  They soaked up attacking raids, controlled their own set piece, and led by All Black captain Richie McCaw, put trademark pressure on the loose ball.

They were highly methodical when it mattered.  Of course, there were expected wobbles, since it was the first game of the season.  But this was due to pressure from a hungry Chiefs' team and the marquee Crusaders pattern of easing into the season slowly.

The Waikato-based franchise was disappointed, as they brought their impressive preseason form to the game—tearing into the defending champions. Although the Crusaders' midfield led by Casey Laulau kept the Chiefs largely All Black backline in check, the venomous backline looked the part.

Most pleasing for Coach Ian Foster had to have been the solid showing from his tight five—peddled by detractors as their Achilles heel.  They stole the Crusaders' line outs and even affected a tight head against the red and black scrum.

Brendan Leonard made a very welcome return to top-flight rugby and shaded All Black Andy Ellis around the field.  His impressive form showcased the embarrassment of riches that New Zealand rugby fields at scrum half.

Both of these teams will feature prominently in the top half of the Super 14 table.

Hurricanes

Many pundits’ title favourites, Wellington will be disappointed to concede their first home game. 

Put under pressure by a well-structured Waratahs' team, they will take plenty of heart from their ability to come back against adversity in the second half.  They kept the Waratahs scoreless for the middle 50 minutes of the match after conceding three early tries. 

Despite missing the vintage hallmarks of strong Wellington and Hurricanes' rugby, the home team was good enough to string together an unorthodox pattern to win the last 53 minutes of the contest 22-7. 

Traditionally, the Hurricanes start with ferocity, and if they can blend this with their strong finishing performance shown against NSW, they will get better as the season progresses.

The Canes welcome back front line All Blacks Piri Weepu, Andrew Hore, and Conrad Smith in the next couple of weeks and their performance will lift accordingly.  Most pleasing for the Wellington faithful will be the performance of their rookies—Daniel Kirkpatrick and Dane Coles both having strong super rugby debuts, and Hosea Gear looking set to continue the devastation that he wreaked in last year’s Air New Zealand Cup.

Highlanders

There was plenty to like in the Highlanders first performance of the season against a strong and structured Brumbies' team. 

The opening 19 point burst and five tries for the match showcased their attacking potential against one of the more organised defences in the tournament—featuring nine past or present Wallabies in their starting fifteen.

Early losses of two out of their three All Blacks (Captain Jimmy Cowan and Vice Jamie Mackintosh) did not help, but the tenacity shown by one of the weakest squads in the competition—especially in the face of 30 unanswered points by the Brumbies—showcased character with an almost game-winning comeback.

They will not be embarrassed by anyone but will need all personnel on deck to compete with the glamour teams.

New Zealand Team of the Week:

15–Israel Dagg, 14–Hosea Gear, 13–Casey Laulau, 12–Tim Bateman, 11–Fetu’u Vanikolo, 10–Colin Slade, 9–Brendan Leonard, 8–Sione Lauaki, 7–Richie McCaw, 6–Liam Messam, 5–Jeremy Thrush, 4–Anthony Boric, 3–Neemia Tialata, 2–Keven Mealamu, and 1–Sona Taumalolo

Player’s out/injured/niggling:

Blues: Benson Stanley, Taniela Moa, Rudi Wulf, Joe Rokocoko, Ali Williams, and Jerome Kaino

Chiefs: None to report

Crusaders: Brad Thorn and Leon Macdonald

Highlanders: Jimmy Cowan and Jamie Mackintosh

Hurricanes: Andrew Hore, Conrad Smith, and Piri Weepu