SuperXV Semi final threads

by Taylorman Sat 02 Jul 2011, 8:00 am

Keeping the intro short im picking saders to do it easier then most expect purely because they have so many big match players.

The guts of the AB team is here and this is the big time. Matches to date have been about preserving the top 6 spot. Now its about winning or out. Im picking the unstoppable force to beat the invincible defence.

Blues is much tougher and seems to be a 10s battle that will determine a lot. It may well do. Reds are favourites and that may suit a quietly confident very experienced blues side.
Odds are we will get one from tonight. Im picking 2.
Saders by 12
blues by a nose.

by welshjohn369 Sat 02 Jul 2011, 8:03 am

Reds v Stormers final

by Taylorman Sat 02 Jul 2011, 8:54 am

that would be a first i think. Oz vs Sa final and could well be. Realy dont want to be waking up to that scenario tomorrow but that would certainly be a deserved final if they both get through tonight.

by MBTGOG Sat 02 Jul 2011, 8:56 am

While I want the Crusaders to win after this incredible season of theirs, a Reds v Stormers final would be good as it would guarantee a new winner.

by Taylorman Sat 02 Jul 2011, 9:03 am

On another note of the four teams running on tonight several players will be holding the world cup up in a few weeks time. Guarantee it. Just not sure which ones!

by MBTGOG Sat 02 Jul 2011, 9:07 am

Taylor,

What are you talking about, there's no Irish players playing today Whistle

by Taylorman Sat 02 Jul 2011, 9:17 am

True. Perhaps theyll be the ones following them up the steps. You can blame my tea leaves on that one. Now talk about new champions! wouldnt that be great. Said in an earlier post ill be down at molly malones on courtney place if the irish get up.

by MBTGOG Sat 02 Jul 2011, 9:25 am

I have no idea where I'll end up if Ireland managed to get up but anyway.....

In the first game, I can see the Reds winning it. They are praised for their exciting brand of rugby but against the better sides, they play very smart rugby and seem to choke them of possession. I see them doing this to the Blues, who if they had a better first five could really have a go at this game. Brett has it in him, but will he ever find it.

by chewed_mintie Sat 02 Jul 2011, 9:27 am

Oooooh my giddy knickers I'm excited!!! I'll stand by my picks, Reds (although Blues are capable of the upset) and Crusaders. All the motivation in the world for them, two more games on the road and they can finally go home. Importantly with a trophy and the utter respect of the sporting world. Win this comp and I'd be very surprised if they didn't get team of the year at the laureus awards.....

by Taylorman Sat 02 Jul 2011, 9:37 am

Thing with the saders is before the quakes this team was probably the strongest sxv team ever on paper so thats part of why theyve hung in there. No other team could have. Tonight i think is finally about who the better team is and thats why i think theyll win. Tonight isnt about earthquakes and miracles. Tonights about sorting out who has the better rugby team and who wants the win more.

by **Pal Joey** Sat 02 Jul 2011, 10:53 am

Intercept by Davies, Reds lead 7-0

by Taylorman Sat 02 Jul 2011, 10:55 am

Yep blues backs doing their old tricks

by doctor_grey Sat 02 Jul 2011, 11:04 am

Gotta like the match so far, which which ever side you favur. Good high speed match. End-to-end stuff so far.

I am in America for the summer, unfortunately a working summer. Sadly for watching the match, everyone in the housde is asleep. And my kids have friends sleeping in the TV room left over from some kiddue party last night. So I ams stuck watching on my computer, although with a terific high qualty feed. Only 06:00. On me third cup of coffee.

by Thomond Sat 02 Jul 2011, 11:06 am

Fair play Grey. I was over there 2 years ago for the Lions tour. It wasn't too bad though as I had to get up at 9 or so.

by MBTGOG Sat 02 Jul 2011, 11:06 am

Blues not earning the right to play the expansive game they're attempting.

by TheGreyGhost Sat 02 Jul 2011, 11:07 am

The nicest way that I can put this, is that the Reds certainly are doing a great job of earning penalties at the breakdown.

by **Pal Joey** Sat 02 Jul 2011, 11:10 am

Good to see a capacity crowd there...imagine if it was in Auckland. 20k?

by **Pal Joey** Sat 02 Jul 2011, 11:12 am

Genius

by TheGreyGhost Sat 02 Jul 2011, 11:13 am

Munroe is having an absolute shocker.

by yappysnap Sat 02 Jul 2011, 11:15 am

12-0 to the Reds, am only getting score updates so how was the second scored gents?

by Taylorman Sat 02 Jul 2011, 11:17 am

Blues are not in it yet. If they dont score soon reds tail will lift and get away.

by **Pal Joey** Sat 02 Jul 2011, 11:18 am

Cooper flirting with sideline, fend off, 2 dummies and inside pass to Tapui.

Here he goes again...having a blinder so far.

by disneychilly Sat 02 Jul 2011, 11:19 am

How good was Cooper for that try? Amazing.

by TheGreyGhost Sat 02 Jul 2011, 11:19 am

Did Kaplan just issue a team warning for tackling, rolling away, getting to your feet, and then contesting the breakdown?

by Taylorman Sat 02 Jul 2011, 11:20 am

Cant see what that was for. Might gave been a try anyway.

by **Pal Joey** Sat 02 Jul 2011, 11:20 am

Reds should be up by more than 20 with 3 missed kicks so far. 15-0 now with that penalty from QC.

by doctor_grey Sat 02 Jul 2011, 11:23 am

Weirdly sloppy match amongst the good plays. Also strange that Blues can't convert possession to points. But Reds did convert thoier breaks, and should be up by more.

by yappysnap Sat 02 Jul 2011, 11:23 am

Hows Digby doing on his return to action?

Am stuck doing a course work and can't get to a screen!

by Taylorman Sat 02 Jul 2011, 11:25 am

Reds 10 clearly outpointing a poor brett and even duller backline. Try time at the whistle! borics replacement lowry!
Halftime.

by Thomond Sat 02 Jul 2011, 11:25 am

Try right on half time. Game on! 15-7 Reds.

by Taylorman Sat 02 Jul 2011, 11:29 am

Ioane hasnt really figured. Wrong side and blues have had most of the ball. Coopers been huge. Blues ineffective on attack and defence. Reds making loads from zip ball.

by disneychilly Sat 02 Jul 2011, 11:33 am

Yappy Digby's going well. Feeding off Cooper and making yards down the left. Busy. Though Rokocoko is playing well too-all over the shop. Really like some of the lines of the Blues' backs. Great covering D by the Reds to restrict those to half breaks. The Blues 8 is playing well too.

Munro has been rubbish GG. Off with injury as the commentators said or off for just being useless?

Game's pretty tight too. Reds' counterattack has been phenomenal. So good to watch even though I'm cringing as I want the Blues to take it. Great game.

by **Pal Joey** Sat 02 Jul 2011, 11:34 am

A gap as wide as Moreton Bay there...

Reds can't afford those defensive lapses. Blues will finish with a wet sail no doubt. Qld need to maintain same intensity (save that last minute) and defend, defend, defend when they're not blitzing in attack.

by disneychilly Sat 02 Jul 2011, 11:35 am

Ha Taylorman and I just made completely contradicting statements about Digby!

Also a thing about the Blues-they're being patient which is great but it's another thing to get the thing over the line and they've been too lateral inside the Reds' 22.

by doctor_grey Sat 02 Jul 2011, 11:36 am

Score probably accurately reflects play, though.

Cooper is a weird guy. Inconsistently inconsistent. Wild runner. Shiftiest runner I have seen in a long time. But, his kicking could cost them.

by Taylorman Sat 02 Jul 2011, 11:40 am

I just havnt seen anything on the left fron the reds thats all.that try at half time could be telling.

by Thomond Sat 02 Jul 2011, 11:42 am

15-10 Reds. Blues looking hungrier at the moment.

by TheGreyGhost Sat 02 Jul 2011, 11:42 am

Rene Ranger completely taken out behind Payne then! How did the TJ miss that?

by **Pal Joey** Sat 02 Jul 2011, 11:43 am

Rocket Rod scores...!

by Thomond Sat 02 Jul 2011, 11:44 am

Looks like I was wrong!

by TheGreyGhost Sat 02 Jul 2011, 11:46 am

So Kaplan pings the blues for a technical breakdown infringement when they're on attack, which leads to a reds try from the lineout...but then waves play on when cooper runs a blatant obstruction line?

by Taylorman Sat 02 Jul 2011, 11:47 am

Weird thing is other than pieces of reds brilliance blues have had the running. Theres another reds try. Great pass from cooper.blues run it through ten phases and get nowhere. Reds get half a chance and are gone!
Blues need to score here.

by Taylorman Sat 02 Jul 2011, 11:51 am

All that and still only 7 points. Brett doing a donald duck

by TheGreyGhost Sat 02 Jul 2011, 11:53 am

What were the Blues thinking with that stupid low percentage chip kick in defence? That's just criminal.

by **Pal Joey** Sat 02 Jul 2011, 11:54 am

Davies in for his third try.

What a weird game. High risk from both sides, spectacular play, some inconsistent and questionable reffing but oh so entertaining.

Cooper lands one at last. 27-13

by Thomond Sat 02 Jul 2011, 11:56 am

Ulster fans will be happy with what their new signing did there!

by welshjohn369 Sat 02 Jul 2011, 11:57 am

Cooper playing a superb game what an outstanding Australian guy he is. More flair than Carter and will eventually take his crown as worlds best.

by Taylorman Sat 02 Jul 2011, 11:58 am

Blues need a miracle. Dont deserve this. Reds have all the tricks and my initial comnent re the 10s couldnt be more true. Brett a shocking tackle while coopers been allowed to dance. Finals in brissy.

by TheGreyGhost Sat 02 Jul 2011, 11:58 am

Cooper is a poor man's Spencer.

by TheGreyGhost Sat 02 Jul 2011, 12:00 pm

Reds getting away with murder at every breakdown, it's giving them momentum on attack and stopping the Blues getting any cohesion.

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