2013 Super XV: Fixtures, Results & Table

or it would turn them into a very dangerous side... imagine the bulls having a pivot like Goosen to run their attack.

I would hate it... but I would also hate it to see the guy struggle behind a Cheetahs pack which continually gets chipped away by Europe/the other provinces one player at a time.

Ludeke will NEVER NEVER allow Goosen to play his natural game.

Naas Botha said on Boots and All that at a training session Ludeke told him in no uncertain terms, the Bulls plan is here to stay

lucky for us I guess. With Steyn gone who can they get to replace him?

Can they draft anyone in or will they stick with Fouche and Pollard perhaps?

Probably stick with them for now.

Seems its the horses for courses thing. Good thing about the Bulls coming this week is the Blues get to test their pack on safe ground with points on the board already, and not having to meet the Bulls at home. They have the best of draws this year.

Hansen said on Reunion tonight theyll be looking to try a few new things, pinch a bit of this and that from the sxv and the 6N so that everythings on the table this year. Meyer alluded to doing the same towards the end of last year and it will be interesting which way he swings this year. Gut feeling says Steyn will be the 10 and Meyer will be justified in picking him if his form, which is pretty good after the first two matches, continues. He looks to be playing wider with quick passes from the front foot, and his try showed he does have a knack for the gap. And Goosens goalkicking could be a liability Meyer doesnt want to carry. Steyns form last year merely a glitch.

But the last two matches have showcased what depth there is in NZ around so that makes it all the much easier for Hansen. Rangers timing couldnt be better, Centre being an eyesore with Kahui gone and Smith looking a little out on his own. Based on Crudens form I would have him in ahead of DC at the moment but that means he should be kicking at sxv. Anscombe though is a top notch goal kicker and has been his entire albeit short career.

Ive always maintained great sides have great 10's and Crudens the pick of the bunch. I was hesitant about Aucklands 2 10's but both Noakes and Kerr have come out of nowhere to play some sublime rugby, and thats part of why theyve started so well.

Taylorman

Amazing that Anscombe was dropped by the blues don't you think. I remember him showcasing on debut in the Versfeld last season where he was awesome.
I know they had a bad season but to drop the kid is surely an obtuse decision by JK in the longrun. Looks like he's got them into shape though.

The problem for Meyer is justifying Steyn's position as he moves to Europe and also if Lambie and Goosen are in better form. Unless he wins the title next year with Steyn... if Steyn plays and they don't I think he will be in trouble. I like Jantjies but he's a good club player.... no more (a bit like Derick Hougaard was). He just doesn't have the goods for test rugby IMO.

Yeah JK was adamant Anscombe didnt fit the style he wanted from a 10 but Chiefs had the foresight to pick him up as a Fullback probably because of his goalkicking initially, Cruden being the only real kicker at the Chiefs. I'm not sure JK is rueing that decision just yet but he may do later on if either of the new 10's fails or is injured.

SA have good options at 10. I think its just more how they use them. Lambie seems the most rounded, Goosen the most talented and likely to spark something and Steyn a little limited but hugely experienced and usually rock solid as a goal kicker and when the forwards get on a roll. Thats why I think he'll go with Steyn. The pack will be that much bigger, faster and uglier this year.

Looks like round 4 has a series of great match-ups this weekend. Will be interesting to level-set where Hurricanes and Crusaders are, and how good are Highlanders and Brumbies? The Stormers-Chiefs match will be like a full on international. Blues-Bulls should be a lot of fun.

Nail-biter at the Caketin.
Crusaders seemed to be home & hosed leading 28-19 with what seemed like a try in the corner (to Dagg?) but the ref spotted a tiny knock on from Todd. Then a PG and a tidy intercept try by Leiua converted by Barrett made it 29-28 to the Canes.

That was a slick intercept try. Match was a bit sloppy, but entertaining and fast. Nail biter at the end.

Yeah DC was both hero and villain with the missing droppie but great skills to control the ball for his try.

Just feel the Saders by bringing nothing new to the table are being left behind this year. Blackadders not win it with this side and though McCaw would probably have made a difference thats not the point. The Canes and certainly the Blues and Chiefs have a freshness and energy about them that is leaving the Saders behind.

The Chiefs Stormers game tonight should be a cracker.

Taylor,
You made the point about the Crusaders before, but I wasn't sure whether it was a slow start of something else. Now, I agree. The Crusaders almost give the impression of going through the motions. I guess they will still win a lot of games due to sheer talent. But certainly seem to be missing something.

That Chiefs team is scary good and very fast. Blues are playiing real high risk Rugby, but it is fast and attacking. We might have quite a fun season in front of us.

If anybody isnt watching the Highlanders v Cheetahs game then your missing something.

Half time score 30 points to 7.

Great game, Cheetahs defence is winning this game for them so far.

Half time stats

Highlanders had 65% of territory and possession, but the forst time tackles are keeing them lateral.

Labuschagne and Pretorius are both having good games.

Nyakane is imoressing me at loosehead, the Highlander haven't had one right shoulder at scrumtime yet.

Enjoyable game to watch

Pretorius is having a cracker of a game, Aaron Smith looks like a school kid.

Excellent win for the Cheetahs, winning 36-19

They keep doing this, winning games nobody gives them a chance to.

am watching brumbies v warathas.

9-3 brumbies so far.
Pocock gone off injured, smith on, to a great reception.

finally (thanks to the girlfriend wanting sky movies, also getting sky sports), I can watch this great tournament after 6 long years.

Love waking up on a saturday morning and watching super rugby.

14-3 now, try mowan.

missed conv.

westisbest wrote:am watching brumbies v warathas.

9-3 brumbies so far.
Pocock gone off injured, smith on, to a great reception.

finally (thanks to the girlfriend wanting sky movies, also getting sky sports), I can watch this great tournament after 6 long years.

Love waking up on a saturday morning and watching super rugby.

yeah, been doing it for years, Saturday Super Rugby. Great fun.

it is indeed.

19-3 now.

good try from the 12.

and he converts 21-3

Biltong wrote:

westisbest wrote:am watching brumbies v warathas.

9-3 brumbies so far.
Pocock gone off injured, smith on, to a great reception.

finally (thanks to the girlfriend wanting sky movies, also getting sky sports), I can watch this great tournament after 6 long years.

Love waking up on a saturday morning and watching super rugby.

yeah, been doing it for years, Saturday Super Rugby. Great fun.

Great weekend of rugby. Super rugby, then 6 nations later.

westisbest wrote:

Biltong wrote:

westisbest wrote:am watching brumbies v warathas.

9-3 brumbies so far.
Pocock gone off injured, smith on, to a great reception.

finally (thanks to the girlfriend wanting sky movies, also getting sky sports), I can watch this great tournament after 6 long years.

Love waking up on a saturday morning and watching super rugby.

yeah, been doing it for years, Saturday Super Rugby. Great fun.

Great weekend of rugby. Super rugby, then 6 nations later.

i am looking forward to some six nations today, haven't been able to watch a full game yet this year, only saw bits and parts.

Massive result for the Cheetahs. Didnt pick or expect that. Biggest surprise (for me anyway) so far.

South Island sides have not won a match yet. North Island sides have lost one. Tide is definitely turning. ABs with a top heavy North Island contingent is something Ive been waiting for years for. Cant wait for the Stormers Chiefs and Blues Bulls matches.

Going to watch Ireland v France at 5.

I see there is a super rugby game at the same time.

Super Kings vs somebody.

What town, city are the kings from?

Sorry not up to date with them.

Cheers.

Nobody in SA thought the Cheetahs would win.

But this is exactly what happened last year as well. It is wins like that where the Cheetahs do the SA teams a huge facour. They are likely to lose all their derby matches, but then goes travelling and take points away from other teams.

westisbest wrote:Going to watch Ireland v France at 5.

I see there is a super rugby game at the same time.

Super Kings vs somebody.

What town, city are the kings from?

Sorry not up to date with them.

Cheers.

eastern Cape, Port Elizabeth.

thanks. might record that game.

Biltong wrote:

westisbest wrote:am watching brumbies v warathas.

9-3 brumbies so far.
Pocock gone off injured, smith on, to a great reception.

finally (thanks to the girlfriend wanting sky movies, also getting sky sports), I can watch this great tournament after 6 long years.

Love waking up on a saturday morning and watching super rugby.

yeah, been doing it for years, Saturday Super Rugby. Great fun.

Just woke up and turned on the Brumbies-Waratahs. Nothing like breakfast and Rugby. When this is over, will put on the recording of the Highlanders-Cheetahs. And later today the 6 Nations. Nothing like lunch and Rugby.

doctor_grey wrote:

Biltong wrote:

westisbest wrote:am watching brumbies v warathas.

9-3 brumbies so far.
Pocock gone off injured, smith on, to a great reception.

finally (thanks to the girlfriend wanting sky movies, also getting sky sports), I can watch this great tournament after 6 long years.

Love waking up on a saturday morning and watching super rugby.

yeah, been doing it for years, Saturday Super Rugby. Great fun.

Just woke up and turned on the Brumbies-Waratahs. Nothing like breakfast and Rugby. When this is over, will put on the recording of the Highlanders-Cheetahs. And later today the 6 Nations. Nothing like lunch and Rugby.

i prefer to skip breakfast, lunch and dinner, Just get a bag full of biltong and it lasts me the day.

Although it is early days yet, it seems the Brumbies and the Reds will be the top two teams in the Ozzie Conference this year.

Biltong wrote:

doctor_grey wrote:

Biltong wrote:

westisbest wrote:am watching brumbies v warathas.

9-3 brumbies so far.
Pocock gone off injured, smith on, to a great reception.

finally (thanks to the girlfriend wanting sky movies, also getting sky sports), I can watch this great tournament after 6 long years.

Love waking up on a saturday morning and watching super rugby.

yeah, been doing it for years, Saturday Super Rugby. Great fun.

Just woke up and turned on the Brumbies-Waratahs. Nothing like breakfast and Rugby. When this is over, will put on the recording of the Highlanders-Cheetahs. And later today the 6 Nations. Nothing like lunch and Rugby.

i prefer to skip breakfast, lunch and dinner, Just get a bag full of biltong and it lasts me the day.

Hence your nickname here, eh mate?

For me, the early morning Super Rugby matches is my quiet time at home. No one yet awake and just me, a massive breakfast, a coffee, and my tv with the Rugby. A little slice of heaven.

Waratahs were swamped by the 100-year celebrations in Canberra. Brumbies look the strongest Australian team again. Pity about Pocock's knee but at least he could walk off so hopefully it's not as bad as it seems.

Stormers attacking very well against the Chiefs who are just not handling this in your face stuff well at all which is surprising. Havnt seen De Villiers run the ball so well for a while either. Anyones game and a great last 20 coming up with only 6 in it.

Very impressive try Stormers. Chiefs really have no answer to this onslaught.

good straight running Chiefs...more of that needed. Chiefs now in for a chance making that one look a little easy. Habana stretchered off? Didnt look bad. great match.

Very uncharacteristic handling mistakes from the Chiefs. Dropsies and silly passes. Stormers pressure is telling but Id still expect the Chiefs to handle this better.

36-32 with con. to come. 10 mins remaining. Chiefs in with a chance...beautiful conversion. Anscombe has a weird way of straightening the kick up t the end. Seen it a few times now.

Tough win for the Stormers, both the Cheetah vs Higlanders and Stormers vs Chiefs games were high quality stuff.

Good physicality by all four teams.

Just a note on Kolisi, I think he is better than Marcel Coetzee.

He carrie the ball well, doesn't miss tackles and looks for the support runner, something Coetzee never does.

Yes good results for SA as well Biltong. The Cheetahs are making the Highlanders have a real good look at themselves- their side initially having the look of a very aged team. Doesnt look good for either South Island side this year. Some will think the Saders will eventually come back being the usual marathoners they are. Dont think it will happen this year as other sides have moved on to better and faster stuff. They have a few ABs but only DC and Read and perhaps Whitlock stand out.

Stormers were excellent I thought and dont know what to take from the Cheetahs just yet theyve been good and bad so far. Solid win though and based on that theyve got top be given a chance at the higher positions.

oh...and Dagg..

I doubt the Cheetahs can remain consistent Taylorman, unless they are very lucky with injuries, their depth does not run through every position.

The Sharks were just poor tonight against the Kings.

Two tries denied because of forward passes, another because of an offside at a scrum I didn't see and Uason Jafta the referee f)$&@d up any chance of a flowing game which played into the Kings hands.

The Sharks need ryhtm and momentum and had none tonight.

The Cheetahs are a very opportunistic side with most of tries coming from intercepts or errors from the opposition. Hardly ever see them construct a try. They're great kickers though. Our Kiwi posters are very kind and generous to them. It was a poor game from the Highlanders but they paid the price with their silly passes getting picked up (after a knock on in one?) by offside Cheetahs. (either that or they are very quick...)

The refereeing in the Stormers match ensured they got off to a great start (as is usual in the republic) and again we had a NZ team scoring more tries and ending up 2 points short in the end. It's so blatantly predictable now it's getting ridiculous. You can always add about 10 points to the home side in SA.

Being a bit unfair there LB, the home town advantage isn't a South African only scenario.

Maybe I just seem to notice it there more and the less we say about the conveniently biased commentary (especially the guy who sounds like he has a mouthful of biscuits) who waxes lyrical over the forward passes, ignores offside play, etc... the better. It's a joke mate.

Are there any websites with a S15 side of the week I could check out? Wouldn't mind seeing who the players to watch are this season. I remember one last year that had a team of the S15 and then an SA team of the week, although I can't remember the website.

Losing hope in rugby up north. Might have to catch more S15 games.

Still thought the Stormers deserved the win because of their second half aggression. The Chiefs made more mistakes than Ive seen in a while because if the pressure. Brumbies sure are firing in Oz and Im not sure thats a good thing with the other sides all falling over eachother. Bulls match today...in DAYLIGHT!- when did that last happen here! Cant wait to see how the coaching of this side handles the Blues pack. Couldnt be two more contrasting styles in this comp.

Rory_Gallagher wrote:Are there any websites with a S15 side of the week I could check out? Wouldn't mind seeing who the players to watch are this season. I remember one last year that had a team of the S15 and then an SA team of the week, although I can't remember the website.

Losing hope in rugby up north. Might have to catch more S15 games.

rory, Supersport does the two teams at supersport.com

Taylorman wrote:Still thought the Stormers deserved the win because of their second half aggression. The Chiefs made more mistakes than Ive seen in a while because if the pressure. Brumbies sure are firing in Oz and Im not sure thats a good thing with the other sides all falling over eachother. Bulls match today...in DAYLIGHT!- when did that last happen here! Cant wait to see how the coaching of this side handles the Blues pack. Couldnt be two more contrasting styles in this comp.

i think the quality of the Blues attack is going to monster the Bulls.

Rory_Gallagher wrote:Are there any websites with a S15 side of the week I could check out? Wouldn't mind seeing who the players to watch are this season. I remember one last year that had a team of the S15 and then an SA team of the week, although I can't remember the website.

Losing hope in rugby up north. Might have to catch more S15 games.

Also: planetrugby.co.za has a super rugby team of the week.

Sharks were disappointing. Though they should've scored four tries: one was undone by a forward pass, another by Mvovo inexplicably not diving for the tryline, another where they should have had penalty try given the repeated collapsing of the scrum on the Kings line, and one undone by a confusing offside call against McLeod...that said, the Sharks looked quite impotent on offence...