Super 14 team Reviews and Previews

Blues: Had a strong tour of South Africa and looked, along with the Crusaders the team to beat. But since then things haven’t gone as well, a poor performance against the Force, followed up by two scratchy wins against South African opponents. Even at this stage they were still ok but well off their best, then horror struck as they copped at hammering in Sydney against a determined Waratahs side. Some rethinking to do if they want to land a finals berth.

Brumbies: Plagued by injuries throughout the season, they have done pretty well considering. Mounting to this, they lost a big crop of experience after the world cup and this is really shaping as a rebuilding phase for them. None the less, the boys from Australia’s capital have been a tale of inconsistency throughout the season, a couple of decisive victories, along with some poor defeats. They are still a mathematical chance for the finals, but I don’t think Laurie Fisher’s men will be thinking of finals at this stage.

Bulls: Possibly the unluckiest side of the competition. The defending champions haven’t been showing the form they had last year but have been on the wrong side of a number of close games. They now have four games at home to gain some respectability and bring back the passionate Pretorian crowd.

Cheetahs: Gained their first win against the Reds on the weekend. But their poor defence seems to show up week after week, the blokes from Bloemfontein will have to muscle up in the tackling department if they want to notch some wins together.

Chiefs: The Mooloo men are just hitting their straps at the right time, three bonus point wins in the last 3 weeks has seen them jump into the top 4. They play an exiting, attacking brand of footy are a tough side to keep out. They score tries but they can also concede them and I fear that good sides can put them to the sword for that reason. Another one of those sides that are vying for a couple of spots in the top 4.

Crusaders: Consistently the best team out there, and will take some beating. The Cantabrians are out to give Robbie Deans just one more super title to add to his CV before he heads across to Australia. A strong leader in Richie McCaw and a good mix of youth and experience. They have a unique ability to score tries by tiring out opposition defences as well as a staunch defence, who would bet against them.

Force: Easily the most exiting team across the ditch, the Force look a decent side. Matt Giteau directs them magnificently and Nathan Sharpe provides the stability in the pack. The real concern is the lack of depth. Being still a relatively new team, the stocks are low and an injury to a key player would be a huge setback. Besides this, the Force are Australia’s best hope.

Highlanders: Finally got a deserved win on the weekend against a lesser Lions team. The highlanders are one of the hardest hit by the European attraction loosing their entire feared front row as well as losing their Star playmaker, Nick Evans to the Blues. The highlanders now have a young side and are definitely in a rebuilding phase to bring back the crowds at the dreaded house of pain.

Hurricanes: Started poorly with a loss to the waratahs and a scratchy win against the Reds, the Hurricanes now look to be finding their feet. The Wellingtonians have one of the stronger scrums in the competition and a much improved defence. Their attack hasn’t been as effective in the last few weeks but it must be said that they were against the frontrunners. They do lack a quality goal kicker, with Jimmy Gopperth not being the most reliable around. They are about to venture abroad to South Africa in a tour they must win at least 2 from 3 to keep their hopes alive. Starting to find consistency and along with the Sharks look the teams most likely to spoil Robbie Deans’ party.

Lions: Poor side, nobody cares about them. Play just like the Cats did, never have challenged for the title and don’t look like they will in the near future. If by the remote chance you are a Lions supporter, keep dreaming…

Reds: Australia’s worst, last weeks loss to the Cheetahs pretty much sums up their season to date: dull, very dull. Chris Latham continues to attempt to inspire his beloved Queensland but so far has gained little in response. The only positive performance to date was a one-off comprehensive victory over the Bulls.

Sharks: South Africa’s main hope, still yet to lose this season although they got a little lucky in Wellington. They Love playing in their own Durban. Have a very staunch defence that will not let many points in to go with a very capable attack. Plenty of experience in the likes of Johann Muller and Stefan Terblanche. The Sharkies are a very tough side to beat. The fellas from Natal look on the road to the semis and don’t be surprised if you see them lining up against the Crusaders in Christchurch come final time.

Stormers: Very much a resurgent team, they suffered a couple of blows early in the season but bounced back strongly in their tour down under. An exiting backline with speed to burn on the outside coupled with an aggressive loose trio featuring Schalk Burger the Stormers are still alive heading into the finals but must keep notching up wins or else they will fall off the pace.

Waratahs: Responded extremely well to the sacking of Coach Ewen McKenzie with a drubbing of the Blues. Suffered a case of the mid season wobbles but now are looking to put their campaign back on track and send McKenzie out a winner. Other sides will have plenty to say about that though as they are one of a number of teams fighting for limited playoff spots. If the Waratahs can maintain the flair they showed last week they could be a force come the business end.