Crusaders 32 Reds 26

The first match of week 5 began with many a handling error, the teams looked nervous and the usual aplomb of two of the games most successful teams were nowhere to be seen. The scrummaging was problematic and as we've become accustomed in the competition the referee was particularly severe in the tackle situation. The referee, Mark Lawrence of South Africa managed to endear himself to the commentators with his continuous referral to dangerous, every time there was a collapsed maul, hard tackle or ruck longer than a few seconds the protector of the meek called a halt to proceedings with referral to dangerous. A few questionable decisions did not make this a happy day for Mr Lawrence at the office.

First blood went to the Ausies after some good work by Dan Herbert and fast recycling, the key to efficient following phases, Rauluni managed to snipe through almost untouched in the corner, Flatley converted a difficult attempt. The first half was marred by many errors in all departments however lineouts are a proverbial mine field and the own ball has become a 50-50 situation and everyone knows that you must be 80/20 sure of winning the 50/50 ball! The handling errors, as Naas Botha pointed out seem to intensify in the evening matches however talented footballers like Latham should not be making as many errors as he did, probably his worst match of the season. Both teams had a few opportunities and the score would have been far higher had those passes stuck, as it turned out an error attributed to the Crusaders first points and sheer speed after a great pick up of a spilt pass allowed So’oalo through the gap for the Crusader's first points. Ben Blair left his kicking boots at home in the early exchanges however a penalty after some good pressure by the home team's forwards put them ahead for the first time in the match. A football tackle late in the first half by McDonald, Crusader's fullback who otherwise had a very good game was unjustifiably labelled as "dangerous" (surprise, surprise) by the ref and Spooner, on for Flatley slotted the penalty. The last acts of the half was fought in Reds territory and after sustained pressure and some continuity a penalty was awarded which Blair converted to put the champions 11-10 ahead at the break.

The second half began with the now customary high kick off and the Crusaders lead by Greg Somerville looked ready for business, this mobile prop once again underlined his credentials as the best in the competition with strong driving play, a early penalty put them a further three points ahead. The Crusaders played far better this half and their characteristic driving play and hard graft set up scoring opportunities, Blair's kicking was on target and the Crusaders deservedly led the match. The Reds had their chances and they can kick themselves for spilling the ball in prime scoring opportunities, one of the chief culprits being Nathan Spooner who had more success in kicking than catching. Daniel Herbert tried his outmost best to inspire the troops with bollocking runs and creating momentum however this was not the same Reds of old. One of the better passages of play was started by Justin Marshall and also ended by him with a well worked try round the short side, the conversion was taken by Blair. A replacement at this stage for the Crusaders was test incumbent Andrew Mehrtens, back from injury and after a tumultuous welcome Mr Mehrtens directed traffic. The man is a master and the Crusaders sensed his presence, although there were some good moments from the Reds their backline was not up to the usual Ausie standards, had they been the Reds would have walked away with the laurels. A few penalties were exchanged and McDonalds try effectively ended the contest although the Reds managed to score a try by Williams and sneak within 7 points to obtain a bonus point.

The Crusaders were solid at home and with the return of Mehrtens they have finally began the assault on the title, beware visitors - danger ahead.  The Reds miss inspirational captain John Eales and once again the loss of great players vastly influence teams performances. For the Crusaders, Somerville was brilliant and the tight fives performance once again laid the foundation for victory.

Cats 18 Hurricanes 15

The Super 12's visit to Bloemfontein coincided with the first rain falls in six weeks, the pitch was absolutely soaked and it was clear that the match was never going to be the spectacle of running rugby everybody expected on the hard surface of the Free state Stadium. The teams as are customary for duck weather spent more time kicking and spilling the ball than holding on to it.

The first half presented very few scoring opportunities, most of the players including locks were quite happy to chip kick to non-existing gaps or try the old Garryowen to force errors. There was however passages of play when the ball was retained and both sets of forwards did their best to provide a platform for attack. Unfortunately a high percentage of errors put stop to that and the soaked crowd was left with very little to chew on. Clinton van Rensburg replacing Louis Koen on flyhalf for the Cats was maybe not the correct player for the circumstances and a few missed touches could have cost the Cats dearly.  In one incident a kick was misdirected at Jonah, no-one knows how you can miss the man and he made a storming run down the field bumping off old RWC ’95 nemesis Japie Mulder. The big man could not however penetrate the defence as errors contained the dangerous backs of the Hurricanes. 

One player who made a brilliant impression was Steinmetz in for Jason O’Halloran, the man had a very good game with some fine breaks.  The Cats loose trio once again performed a lion share of the work and the efficient combination allows Erasmus to reign supreme on the field.  The man dominates a game like few other players and his value to the Cats is extremely high. A late flurry in the first half after sustained Hurricanes pressure was only stopped by a great tackle from Vos on Umaga and shortly after a scuffle erupted between two of the game’s powerhouses Jonah Lomu and Dean Hall, a promoter’s dream!  The Cats had to wait till the 38th minute before scoring and the teams gladly took refuse in the changing rooms with the Hurricanes leading 9-3 at halftime.

The second half opened with a penalty to the Cats after some great work by Vos and Koen slotted the chance on an evening where penalty kicks were vital. Holbeck had an exceptional outing with the boot and his 4th penalty shortly after stretched the Hurricanes lead to 12-6. The match like many the past weekend was not immune to dangerous play and the Jerry Collins tackle on Eugene Meyer forced the midfield dynamo to leave the field. In a strange tactic Chester Williams replace Hall for his first Super 12 touch of the season and it was exactly that, a kick straight into touch!

The Hurricanes employed some great driving mauls from New Zealand era’s gone by and forced the transgression from the Cats to present Holbeck with a standard kick at goal and at 15-6 the Hurricanes looked in charge of the match. A further kick straight into touch from Chester Williams created unnecessary pressure and Japie Mulder, once best defender of Springbok rugby turned shoulder charge exponent extraordinaire conceded a stupid penalty in what could have put the game out of reach for the Cats. As it turned out, Holbeck missed for the first time and the Cats may have sensed a turn in fortunes.  A promising Cats attack was foiled by Alcock taking the wrong option, the scrumhalf had loads of players on the outside yet chose to go by himself resulting in a turnover penalty and lost opportunity. An astute move saw Werner Swanepoel replace Alcock and the springbok provided some much needed direction. The referee, Peter Marshall was forced to dish out loads of penalties as a result that the game never really flowed, this as much as the weather and the mistakes was the reason for poor continuity.

The Cats did well to turn around a few promising Hurricanes moves and with Koen on the field quickly reduced the deficit, a long range penalty from halfway underlined the value of a good kicker to a team. The score was eventually 15-15 after Swanepoel once again utilized the long raking kick to the corner. The game was on and after a terrible spill from Tromp the Hurricanes used Lomu to great effect only to be foiled by Erasmus. A Lomu knock on didn’t help the Hurricanes cause and after consistent pressure from the Cats they conceded a penalty, which was converted by Koen, a great pressure kick! The restart was crucial and with the end drawing near the Hurricanes led by Tia Tia threw everything but the kitchen sink into their attacks, the Cats defence was under tremendous pressure but held firm. A sweeping backline move and an unnoticed forward pass forced a penalty to the Hurricanes, in a bizarre decision the captain refused the opportunity to equalize and opt for the try. The Cats clawing for dear life managed to keep them out and a Mulder hack up field after a loose ball saved the day for the Cats.

The Cats were lucky to win the match and they must be worried for their lack of commitment the entire 80 minutes, one plus point is the successful return of Werner Swanepoel and the form of the loose forwards. The Hurricanes is in a precarious situation second from bottom and can now only create upsets to other fancied teams.

Highlanders 32 Bulls 10

The match saw a spirited Bulls team play some of their best rugby for approximate 10 minutes of the first half. The forwards drove well, phase upon phase was forced and there was strong running from both loose forwards and backs. A rarity in modern rugby occurred, a try from first phase saw Danie van Schalkwyk score after a deft touch from Franco Smith. The Bulls looked like a Super 12 outfit that could command more respect.  The bubble unfortunately burst soon after and the Highlanders playing without stalwart Tony Brown was too good for the Bulls. The midfield was a lucrative area for Alatini and he looked sharp slicing up the non-existent defence to create a wonderful try. The Highlanders controlled the match from here on and the Bulls were reduced to damage control. Voihofala had a great game again and his strong driving is an asset to the team’s offensive strategy, they should try and create more opportunities running off this powerful gamebreaker.

The Bulls’ Jacobs had a influential match and his diminutive size and age belie a good rugby brain explosive speed and the ability to summarize and react at speed. One of the better moments of an entertaining half was Lombaard’s turn of speed to round his opposite number, always good to see a wing beat his man on the outside without resorting to chip kicks or grubbers. Mr Erikson had his best match to date and this more sedate version can only benefit the game. The Higlanders were too good for the Bulls and deserving leaders at halftime.

The wind and rain played a large influence in the second half and the Bulls as if ordered refused to use the up and under or kick the ball at all. This was commendable but as the Highlanders demonstrated and ably led by Laney the conditions must be used to every advantage. Victor Matfield again towered above his peers and this man is having the season of his life, his efforts though were not enough as the Bulls lacked any plan in their running or build-ups. The Highlanders were presented with easy targets on defence and they never faltered, was it not for the lack of experience from the new flyhalf their attack would have held more venom. The weather eventually took its toll and the good handling of the first half was spoiled by elementary knock ons.

The match had it’s own fair bit of niggle and in one incident Aisea Tuilevu, the right wing lost his mind completely and aimed a kick at Naka Drotske’s head. As the commentator professed that was not the last we heard of the incident. It was one of many over the weekend that fuelled an ongoing discussion over punishment of transgressors.

Ultimately the Highlander won this game however against the bottom of the log team. This performance was not good enough and they will seek a vast improvement to challenge for semi final positions. Tony Brown should return and a fir Jeff Wilson will make a world of difference. The Bulls? They are back at home and should now focus on making life as difficult as possible for teams visiting Loftus.

Brumbies 40 Stormers 25

Sharks 42 Waratahs 17

The Sharks retained their enviable unbeaten record after five matches; they are now the only team unbeaten in the competition. They are also the only team to have played all their matches on home ground, an impressive feat for last year’s whipping boys.

The match was attended by a capacity crowd of nearly 52 000 people who enjoyed a game bristling with tries and exhilarating attacking play from their heroes. The Sharks team boasted a few changes from the previous week’s line up and coach Straueli once again displayed astute selection policy. The touring squad now contain a host of players both confident and with valuable match practice.

The Waratah’s after a narrow defeat in Johannesburg was disrupted with the withdrawal of inspirational captain Matt Burke. The team was as Bob Dwyer explained the best available and a strong selection on paper however the lack of a pivot cost them dearly. Nathan Gray was not a success at flyhalf and the man’s strong running and elusive eye for the gap only returned when switched back to center. The damage however was done already; the Sharks had piled up enough points in the form of some great tries by Justin Swart and accurate kicking from Gaffie Du Toit.

The Sharks have changed all preconceptions held of a boring one-dimensional team incapable of using their backline. The tries they scored were all from turnovers and reminiscent of All Black teams of the past they exploited the errors from the Waratahs unmercifully. The Australian team rued the quantity of errors they made and the complete off day experienced, their first in the competition. Unlike previous matches their forwards struggled to gain ascendancy and Phil Waugh brilliant in the loose was not quite as influential as always however still the best loose forward on the field. A player similar in style has worked himself into a very valuable player for the Sharks, SA sevens captain Warren Britz with his brilliant vision and speed he is the catalyst to many a Shark counter attack.

The match had its fair share of errors however far less noticeable than other games probably due to the entertainment factor of superb running tries. The now traditional fireworks after the match was eventually matched on the pitch and the home team can look forward to a successful tour of the Antipodean. First up is the Cats in Bloemfontein, a huge game from many perspectives, log points, Springbok contracts, local pride and off course all important momentum before playing four matches overseas.

The Waratah’s, unsuccessful on their “African” tour will contemplate their position and reflect on lost opportunities however they are a young team with mouthwatering talent who will only learn from their sojourn in South Africa. Watch them, they will soon be back to their winning ways at home in Sydney.

The log after week 5:

Sharks     22,    Brumbies     20,    Cats     18,    Waratahs     16,   Highlanders   14,    Crusaders   10,    Blues    9,    Chiefs    9,    Reds    8,    Stormers    6,   Hurricanes    5,     Bulls    2