Super 14 Talk

[Shayne]

You think at this stage of the season the games would be closer. Some big hammerings over the weeknd.

The next two weekends may see the dust settle, but don't count on it. Enjoy the action!


Blues:
Current position: 1st
Best possible finish: 1st
Worst possible finish: 12th
Remaining matches:
14 Apr: v Sharks, home
21 Apr: v Stormers, away
27 Apr: v Bulls, away
5 May: v Force, away

Crusaders:
Current position: 2nd
Best possible finish: 1st
Worst possible finish: 12th
Remaining matches:
14 Apr: v Highlanders, away
20 Apr: v Hurricanes, home
28 Apr: v Brumbies, away
4 May: v Chiefs, Christchurch

Sharks:
Current position: 3rd
Best possible finish: 1st
Worst possible finish: 13th
Remaining matches:
14 Apr: v Blues, away
21 Apr v Chiefs, away
28 Apr: v Lions, home
5 May: v Stormers, away

Brumbies:
Current position: 4th
Best possible finish: 1st
Worst possible finish: 14th
Remaining matches:
20 Apr: v Force, home
28 Apr: v Crusaders, home
5 May: v Highlanders, away

Force:
Current position: 5th
Best possible finish: 1st
Worst possible finish: 14th
Remaining matches:
14 Apr: v Chiefs, away
20 Apr: v Brumbies, away
27 Apr: v Cheetahs, home
4 May: v Blues, home

Chiefs:
Current position: 6th
Best possible finish: 1st
Worst possible finish: 14th
Remaining matches:
14 Apr: v Force, home
21 Apr: v Sharks, home
27 Apr: v Waratahs, away
4 May: v Crusaders, away

Bulls:
Current position: 7th
Best possible finish: 1st
Worst possible finish: 14th
Remaining matches:
14 Apr: v Stormers, home
21 Apr: v Lions, away
27 Apr: v Blues, home
5 May: v Reds, home

Highlanders:
Current position: 8th
Best possible finish: 1st
Worst possible finish: 14th
Remaining matches:
14 Apr: v Crusaders, home
21 Apr: v Waratahs, home
27 Apr: v Hurricanes, away
5 May: v Brumbies, home

Lions:
Current position: 9th
Best possible finish: 1st
Worst possible finish: 14th
Remaining matches:
21 Apr: v Bulls, away
28 Apr: v Sharks, away
5 May: v Cheetahs, home

Cheetahs:
Current position: 10th
Best possible finish: 1st
Worst possible finish: 14th
Remaining matches:
13 Apr: v Hurricanes, away
21 Apr: v Reds, away
27 Apr: v Force, away
5 May: v Lions, away

Stormers:
Current position: 11th
Best possible finish: 1st
Worst possible finish: 14th
Remaining matches:
14 Apr: v Bulls, away
21 Apr: v Blues, home
28 Apr: v Reds, home
5 May: v Sharks, home

Hurricanes:
Current position: 12th
Best possible finish: 1st
Worst possible finish: 14th
Remaining matches:
13 Apr: v Cheetahs, home
20 Apr: v Crusaders, away
27 Apr: v Highlanders, home
5 May: v Waratahs, home

Waratahs:
Current position: 13th
Best possible finish: 3rd
Worst possible finish: 14th
Remaining matches:
14 Apr: v Reds, home
21 Apr: v Highlanders, home
27 Apr: v Chiefs, home
5 May: v Hurricanes, away

Reds:
Current position: 14th
Best possible finish: 4th
Worst possible finish: 14th
Remaining matches:
14 Apr: v Waratahs, away
21 Apr: v Cheetahs, home
28 Apr: v Stormers, away
5 May: v Bulls away

[biffon]

geezus!!! all the way up to 14th can still get into the top 4
thats amazing!

i would say that would be a cold day in hell but you never know!

Although id like to see to force in the top 4 i think to be realistic their easiest matches were first and their true colours were exposed quite vividly this weekend :D
Tiger is spot on when he says the top 4 are already there... i would like to see a Brumbies / Crusaders final but it will likely be Blues / Crusaders.

[Shifty]

Wowee, the Sharks were on fire this weekend.

They played really well, but for goodness sake, please don't tell Edmonsta.

Otherwise we'll never hear the end of it. :biggrin:

Nice to see the Hurricanes are still in the running. Pulling the rug from under everybodys feet at the last minute was always part of their strategy. :icon10:

[Shayne]

For the botom teams to get into the top four a number of results have to go their way. Highly unlikely but anything is possible.

Sharks were on fire. I'm hoping for a mixed final in the respect that i dont want it to be NZ vs NZ. Would love to see Sharks, Force or Brumbies there.

[Edmonsta]

Wowee, the Sharks were on fire this weekend.

They played really well, but for goodness sake, please don't tell Edmonsta.



Too late! Too late! I'm here, Whoohooo!

Good game this weekend - what a tryfest! Happy that the Sharks have found their bite again, and will be full strength for the Blues game. That is going to be one tough nut to crack.

Not so happy that the Cheatsaders are back on form. What an arse kicking they gave the Force? Didn't see that coming.

Would like to see a Blues, Sharks, Force, Brumbies (or Bulls) Semi... and would love it if the Cheatsaders choked and crumbled. Not gonna happen though is it? I've probably got more chance of falling pregnant. Through the post. To Jessica Rabbit.

[Shayne]

Jessica Rabbit is hot.

[biffon]

haha!!! i agree on the cheatsaders - i think they must have doped the Forces hotel water with fucking horse tranquiliser or something!!!
and that McCaw character he's the worst of the lot!

[Edmonsta]

haha!!! i agree on the cheatsaders - i think they must have doped the Forces hotel water with fucking horse tranquiliser or something!!!
and that McCaw character he's the worst of the lot!

They're so blatant, and the refs just turn a blind eye, like they're too scared to ping the champions.

And don't get me started on Richie "Come in fron the side" McCaw!! :motz: :1336:

[Shifty]

Jessica Rabbit is hot.

Mmmm Jessica

[Shayne]

:smiley20: :smiley20:

[Edmonsta]

:smiley32: :smiley36: :smiley32: :smiley36: Quality you two...

[Blazzo]

yy5THitqPBw

[Shifty]

Btw this new scrum law is really, really, really starting to grate on my nerves.

I hate it with a passion. :smiley6: I just had to share that with you.

Thanks for listening.

[Shayne]

What new scrum law?

[Poison]

The Touch, Pause, Engage one??

[Shifty]

Ah you know, the whole ‘crouch, touch, pause, engage' procedure for the front rows.

At the moment there seem to be some real problems with the setting of the scrum generally and from my perspective it seems to be having an impact on the flow and attack in the S14 this year.

It just feels like there are a helluva lot of resets and penalties at the scrum, which I find very frustrating.

Of course that's just my opinion.

[biffon]

there are actually less restarts this year than last year so the change has been for the better, but the problem is in the fact that the whole scrummaging style has changed and you generally dont have two boababs in the front row anymore, props are lighter and more mobile and generally cant hold up the scrum as easily. well at least thats what i think.

[Shifty]

Ja, I think there's some truth in that. There does seem to be some problem in holding up the scrums.

Less restarts you reckon? Interesting.

In hindsight perhaps it's the length of time that it's taking to set up the scrum that's doing my head in. I don't know...

[Edmonsta]

It does seem to me as if the scrums are messier. Almost as if the players don't know what to do, and neither does the ref, but neither party wants to admit it to the other one.

Here's a snapshot of what is going through a few of the players heads at the time...

Os Du Randt - "Um... krouch, tuch... wat se kak praat die man nou?"

Jerry Collins - "eh choice bro, I can't remember which way it went, eh, crouch touch engage pause or touch pause engage touch... eh... um...."

Gavin Henson - "All that crouching and touching must be bad for your skin, i'm glad I'm not in the srcum..."

Matt Dunning - "If that fucker crouches and touches me once more, I'm gonna wreck his taxi!"

Wendell Sailor - "Bugger the new scrum law, I'm playing in the SNOW..."

Juan Smith - "Maaat Daaaamon...."

Clyde Rathbone - "Hmm, I wonder what the pay is like in Argentina?...."

Okay, I'm straying off the topic now... :smiley36: :smiley36:

[Shayne]

Bwahahahaha! Hilarious. This thread hasnt stayed much on-topic!

[biffon]

haha! good one ed!

[Edmonsta]

Ah bugger.... A blow for the Sharks... but it's not all bad...


AJ Venter has a cold and is injured, so he's out for the Blues clash. The good news is that Ackerman is back from injury and replaces him. Percy is back from injury and at at Fullback, which means Francois Steyn moves to flyhalf (which I think is is best position if he's on a good day) as Butch is injured. Skinny Bob is in the starting lineup for the 3rd week now.

This is going to be a hum-dinger! I can't wait...

[Shayne]

Skinny Bob as in Bob Skinstaad? Zambezilover was talking to him yesterday.I think he was just looking for a signature on his ballbag

[Edmonsta]

Skinny Bob as in Bob Skinstaad? Zambezilover was talking to him yesterday.I think he was just looking for a signature on his ballbag


Hahahahhaha, yeah, Skinstad.

[biffon]

Bobbys folks used to live in Kwekwe i believe so you could call him a Zimbo.. although hes a naturalised Capetownian

[Shifty]

Reading through one of the online newspapers and the views of the so-called sporting “experts” today, it seems that absolutely all of them are convinced that the Blues will definitely beat the Sharks tomorrow. These same experts (ten in total) also predict that the Chiefs will beat the Force.

I’m absolutely amazed that their predictions are so unanimous this week. Jeez, some weeks I struggle to believe that they even know what sport they’re talking about.

This week I really don’t think that the outcome of these two matches are going to be that easy to predict.

After all, the Sharks are going to be the first bit of serious competition that the Blues have had for a while. I think that overconfidence could very well be the Blues undoing this week. With respect to Blues supporters, I’m still not that convinced that they are as good as they look on paper. However I’m quite prepared to eat humble pie if they thrash the Sharks tomorrow.

What about the Chiefs? Have I missed something here? They’ve lost to the Blues, the Hurricanes, Stormers, Bulls and Brumbies. They drew against the Cheetahs and narrowly beat the Reds by two points a couple of weeks back.
Now, this panel of experts is unanimously predicting a win over the Force.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion but this prediction? Well I just don’t get it. Call me confused… :confusing:

My predictions for this week?

I think that I’ll be going against the flow this week and say that the Sharks will narrowly beat the Blues, and that the Force will most definitely beat the Chiefs. :pee:

Anyone agree/disagree?

[zambezilover]

Skinny Bob as in Bob Skinstaad? Zambezilover was talking to him yesterday.I think he was just looking for a signature on his ballbag


ya he stopped me to pass a message onto your mom, something about how she liked to play touch rugby

[Shayne]

Well lucky Bobby, thats all i can say.

As for the Chiefs beating Force? Well home teams always have a huge advantage and visiting teams really have to be on their top game. What happened with Reds vs Sharks last week doesnt happen very often.

On paper with past results, the Force should take this but I would still be inclined to say Chiefs by 1-12 due to home advantage. If you've ever been to Hamilton, you'll know what a depressing shit hole it is. Force are going to get pissed senseless tonight just to try pass the time.

[biffon]

haha - I think its going to be a war of attrition. Junior Pelesasa is back at 12 and Giteau back at Fly half.. that means a tighter defence and more room for Giteau to move in and around the scrum... O-young will need to tie in well with Giteau though, he is a slick distributer but he rarely tries to make line breaks.. hopefully tomorrow will be his day!

I also hope Staniforth gets a run on, he is another heavy hitter and has great sense for gaps in a defence!!

On the other hand to watch from the Chiefs, will be Kinikinlau he is outstanding, also "pornstar" Kellerher if hes playing

[TiGeR]

It does seem to me as if the scrums are messier. Almost as if the players don't know what to do, and neither does the ref, but neither party wants to admit it to the other one.

Here's a snapshot of what is going through a few of the players heads at the time...

Os Du Randt - "Um... krouch, tuch... wat se kak praat die man nou?"

Jerry Collins - "eh choice bro, I can't remember which way it went, eh, crouch touch engage pause or touch pause engage touch... eh... um...."

Gavin Henson - "All that crouching and touching must be bad for your skin, i'm glad I'm not in the srcum..."

Matt Dunning - "If that fucker crouches and touches me once more, I'm gonna wreck his taxi!"

Wendell Sailor - "Bugger the new scrum law, I'm playing in the SNOW..."

Juan Smith - "Maaat Daaaamon...."

Clyde Rathbone - "Hmm, I wonder what the pay is like in Argentina?...."

Okay, I'm straying off the topic now... :smiley36: :smiley36:
Excellent! You forgot these blokes:

Olly Le Roux- " Do i have time for another burger?"
Lawrence Sephaka- "Eish..."
Percy Montgomery- "Mustnt forget my next hairdressers appointment..."
Jono Gibbes- "Next bloke who laughs at my ears is gonna get it!
Jeremy Paul/John Smit Vs ABs- "OH MY GODFATHERS Anton Oliver is FUGLY!"

[TiGeR]

Bobbys folks used to live in Kwekwe i believe so you could call him a Zimbo.. although hes a naturalised Capetownian

The Skinstads were Byo folk...moved to Dbn by the sea- Bob is really a Natal boy although he studied at Stellies & then stayed on in the Cape until his stint in Joburg with the Cats & then heading overseas...

[TiGeR]

Reading through one of the online newspapers and the views of the so-called sporting “experts” today, it seems that absolutely all of them are convinced that the Blues will definitely beat the Sharks tomorrow. These same experts (ten in total) also predict that the Chiefs will beat the Force.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion but this prediction? Well I just don’t get it. Call me confused… :confusing:

My predictions for this week?

I think that I’ll be going against the flow this week and say that the Sharks will narrowly beat the Blues, and that the Force will most definitely beat the Chiefs. :pee:

Anyone agree/disagree?



I call it the same as the experts- Chiefs are starting to grow in confidence, hitting their straps & building their resolve... Force, like the Lions have surprised a few teams but ultimately dont have the tight five to compete with the big guns (was the same problem the 'canes had for yrs...star studded backline but no quality front foot ball to play off) I will be rooting for the Force, i like what they're trying to do, but i suspect the Chiefs will be a shade better at home. As far as the Sharks go, i think they will struggle to contain the Blues backs & will struggle with the aggressive, abrasive Blues pack at the contact points- they got bullied by the Brumbies (who are not a heavy weight pack by any stretch of the imagination) in Durbs & certainly the Reds' best spell was when they were dominating the Sharks up front... i think it could be close, but the Blues are another team thats really built a foundation at home around non ABs- they have a smart coach, a solid game plan, pace all over the park & a real desire to be successful... & i suspect tsome of their players who are pushing for AB recognition (Greg Ralinson, Troy Flavell, Daniel Braid, Doug Howlett, Ice Toeava, Sam Tuitupo, Jerome Kaino) will lead the onslaught... I hope the Sharks can pull it off!...my heart says Sharks but my head says Blues by 10-15...

[biffon]

ok so i was half right... almost but not quite :D thanks for the clarification mate!..
So how are the Lions going do you reckon?

[TiGeR]

No worries mate!...Lions have exceeded ALL expectations in SA... they were supposed to be our worst team... they have 3 Boks, average age of the squad is 24, no players with more than 30 caps in Super Rugby... if they keep on growing & improving, they will be a force (excuse the pun) in S14 in yrs to come... i look forward to their rivalry with the Sharks who are about 2 yrs ahead of them at the moment...BRING IT ON! :smiley32:

[Raevoyn]

Yee-fecking-ha!

My boys came to the party, knock the Blues off the top spot by beating them, although they are still 3rd!

GO THE SHARKS!!!!!!

[Patson]

YA BLUES R MY BOYS THANK GOD I DIDNT GET TO SEE THAT Match. but hey its all about the final.

[Shifty]

I think that I’ll be going against the flow this week and say that the Sharks will narrowly beat the Blues, and that the Force will most definitely beat the Chiefs.


Ha ha ha. What an eejit I am. I couldn't have been more wrong with my prediction if I'd tried. Think I'll stick to my day job.




I think that I’ll be going against the flow this week and say that the Sharks will narrowly beat the Blues, and that the Force will most definitely beat the Chiefs.


Wowee! What a genius. My predictions are so accurate, it's spooky. I could make some serious money out of this.



Moving on, I see that Percy Montgomery had a very good game again. Despite what some SA critics think, he really is a South Atrican rugby legend.

Odwa Nduguganeyumdiddelypompom (Look, I can spell it, I just don't know when to stop) had a very good game too. I particularly enjoyed his juggling trick just before scoring a touch down.


Very pleased to see that the Hurricanes are finally starting to settle although it may be too late. On the off chance that he should read this, I'd personally like to thank Graham Henry for his help in this, and to extend a gesture of my 'appreciation' :fing07: . Bastard....

That aside, the Crusaders game this weekend will be very tough.
But since my life, I is to be being very excited about the coming weekend. As far as I'm concerned, beating the Crusaders will be even just as good, if not better than actually winning the S14.

[Edmonsta]

Me I'm veryy heppy with this weekends performance. Thet wun the Sharks, ey, they played nice nice.

And they won me 5000 Baboon Bucks.


I don't think the scoreline represented the game we should have put a few more on the board... and a bonus point would have been nice... but hey, nice to see the Blues lose their cool. They looked desperate!

Pity I missed the Chiefs Force game - what I thought would be a boring affair actually sounded like a complete try-fest. 15 Tries I think?

Bring on the Chiefs!!! :wavey: :dancingemoto:

[biffon]

14 tries to be exact.. it was a genuine display of great attacking play from both sides and how NOT to defend!

but thats the thing when theres a good defence then rugby is considered boring, but when there are 100 point scorelines then they complain that its a farce!!.

I think the Crusaders are the only team that has managed to consistently be able to marry the two together.. and are deserved semi finalists.!

[zambezilover]

YA BLUES R MY BOYS THANK GOD I DIDNT GET TO SEE THAT Match. but hey its all about the final.


seriously Patson do you have to support the Blues of all the teams in the super 14

[Shifty]

It could be worse.

He could be a Crusaders fan :icon12:

[Edmonsta]

It could be worse.

He could be a Crusaders fan ;-)


Eh... I reckon they're on about par...

[biffon]

i prefer blues over crusaders cause someone else needs a turn at the top for a change!

[Chidakwa]

l too hope the blue's outdo the crusaders,but l dont believe they have the finishing touches. What a pleasure if the Blue Bulls could sneak into the top 4. Even if the semis are played away l think the bulls could pull something off.

[biffon]

theyd be very lucky to sneak in, in front of the Brumbies, Chiefs or Hurricanes... all three are looking hot to trot and are hitting form at the right time of the tournament....
I fear the force are spent but they sure opened some eyes this year!

[TiGeR]

WHAT A GREAT W/END OF RUGBY! :smiley32: :smiley20: :smiley36: :smiley3: :smiley2: ...the Sharks win will have dented a bit of the confidence the Blues have been building & in conjuction with another top [performance from the red & blacks has given the 'saders the opportunity to play a home semi by propelling them into 1st place... HOW ABOUT THE CHIEFS!?!?! :smiley17: WOWEE! They are starting their late charge as predicted & are going to be a factor in who makes the last place out of themselves, Bulls, Brumbies, Sharks & Force! WHAT A GREAT FINISH its going to be!... The 'Canes sadly have left themselves with a MOUNTAIN to climb...'Saders @ Jade... a wee bit difficult i'd say!

I think the semis will look something along the lines of Blues & Saders home to Sharks & one of (in order of suspected finish!): Chiefs, Brumbies, or Bulls...with POSSIBLE show stoppers in the form of the 'Canes or Force (but at this stage, highly unlikely unless they can DRAMATICALLY regain their early season form!)

I say BRING IT! :smiley20:

[biffon]

whole-heartedly agree with you Tiger.. if it werent for the predictability of the Saders id say this years finish is going to be the tightest in at least the last 3 or 4 years... That fourth spot is going to galvanise the 4th -8th placed teams into some spectacular rugby... and its not going to be a walk in the park seeing as most of them play each other in the last few games...

Force v Blues
brumbies v Force
Saders v Canes
brumbies v Saders
Saders v Chiefs
Chiefs v Sharks

of all the Teams i Reckon the Sharks have the easiest run into the finals from this point. Their last two games are against the Cheetahs & the Lions who have both shown some good form but have hit a bad patch at the tail end.

Force Have two tough games, Blues and Brumbies

Blues have two toughies as well, Bulls and Force both away from home :D

Brumbies have Saders & Force

Chiefs have Sharks and Saders

Saders have Chiefs, Brumbies & Canes so they seem to have the toughest draw..


let the Fun begin!!!! im sensing some BIG scores as some teams step up and some fold....

[Edmonsta]

Well, no surprises there - David Nucifora, the Blues coach is having a go at everyone for the Blues loss this weekend. The ref, The Sharks, the touch judges, the grass, the height of the poles, the chick in the crowd with the big nungers, and even Bart Simpson.

He's complaining that the Sharks employed foul tactics!!!?! For fuck sake! The Blues were the ones using elbows, throwing punches and tackling players late / without the ball! The Sharks were no Angels, and it was a heated game, but geez, if anything the Blues were the desparate ones in that game and if anybody should have fingers pointed at them, it's the Blues!

Did any of you guys watch the game and have an unbiased opinion on what went on?

[biffon]

I have to be honest i havent watched the game yet..... fox probably will show it at some point on reruns this week and will let you know what i thought

[Edmonsta]

of all the Teams i Reckon the Sharks have the easiest run into the finals from this point. Their last two games are against the Cheetahs & the Lions who have both shown some good form but have hit a bad patch at the tail

Nope, even better, we've got the Stormers and Lions. We've already played the Cheetahs. Having said that, I'm not going to be too confident - anything can happen.
There's gonna be some exciting shit going on in the next few weeks. I think this this the least predictable S14 in a few years.
Some huuuge games this weekend...

[Shifty]

Did any of you guys watch the game and have an unbiased opinion on what went on?


From my perspective the Blues just didn't do enough to get the win. They certainly had their chances.
Their discipline was pretty terrible at times, they really didn't do themselves any favours.

Tuitupou fully deserved to be sin-binned and from my perspective I think Nacewa should have been sent off as well.

Bottom line, the best team won on the night.

[Edmonsta]

From my perspective the Blues just didn't do enough to get the win. They certainly had their chances.
Their discipline was pretty terrible at times, they really didn't do themselves any favours.

Tuitupou fully deserved to be sin-binned and from my perspective I think Nacewa should have been sent off as well.

Bottom line, the best team won on the night.

Thank you. My thoughts more or less exactly plus minus.

Crusaders for you guys this weekend. Nervous?

Please please please, can you pull a rabbit out of a hat and give them a smashing? Do it for rugby...:smiley36:

[biffon]

agreed

[leggless]

seriously Patson do you have to support the Blues of all the teams in the super 14
patson only supports a team that is on the ladder. you watch if the top of the ladder shifts patson will change his mind. hahahhaha:smiley20:

[spuff]

I have a slightly different opinion of the Blues game, but I will qualify first, that the Blues deserved to lose, and were outplayed in most areas. However, two of the Sharks tries were dodgy at best - the forward pass to Indugwananye , and the ball being hit out the hand of Flavell, for the second, surely needed to be looked at. As for the punching mentioned above - clearly on the replays you can see the Sharks lock hit an uppercut first into Tooweetoopo's head, so his reaction was unfortunate, but justified. As for the Devine/Nacewa incident with Percy, well that is inexcusable and should have been dealt with. But by then the ill feeling was boiling over. Blues let themselves down, with their inability to adjust to the wet, and the Sharks borderline play. But I most of all blame Nucifora, for NOt playing all of the AB's available, and NOT playing Holwell sooner at FH in conditions that suit his game much better than Naciwa. However, I have no doubt the two will meet again, and the boys in blue will be a bit wiser this time...

[Edmonsta]

I have a slightly different opinion of the Blues game, but I will qualify first, that the Blues deserved to lose, and were outplayed in most areas. However, two of the Sharks tries were dodgy at best - the forward pass to Indugwananye , and the ball being hit out the hand of Flavell, for the second, surely needed to be looked at. As for the punching mentioned above - clearly on the replays you can see the Sharks lock hit an uppercut first into Tooweetoopo's head, so his reaction was unfortunate, but justified. As for the Devine/Nacewa incident with Percy, well that is inexcusable and should have been dealt with. But by then the ill feeling was boiling over. Blues let themselves down, with their inability to adjust to the wet, and the Sharks borderline play. But I most of all blame Nucifora, for NOt playing all of the AB's available, and NOT playing Holwell sooner at FH in conditions that suit his game much better than Naciwa. However, I have no doubt the two will meet again, and the boys in blue will be a bit wiser this time...

That's a fair view, I reckon. The Sharks weren't squeaky clean and I tend to agree on the forward pass, and Ackerman did punch first.

I guess what got my back up was the Nucifora complaining about Sharks tactics when the Blues had their fair share of irresponsible play. Maybe if the game went the other way he would have kept quiet and the Sharks may have said something.

[TiGeR]

Nice tight wins for the Brumbies & 'saders...thought the Force showed some BIG kahunies but they just couldnt finish... looking forward to the w/end! BIG one here in SA 2moro with Bulls Lions & Blues Stormers... Cheers for now.

[biffon]

Yeah Tigs your too right.. Pockock had a blinder as did Vedelago and Sharp!..

[Edmonsta]

Some huuuuge battles this weekend - Blues v Bulls and Highlanders v Hurricanes are gonna be the biggest fights, I reckon.

Everything to play for.

Speaking of Highlanders - has anybody heard that incredibly homosexual sounding Highlanders song that they play at Carisbrook?

Something like "Goooo Highlanders ..... welcome to the house of paaain."

The players must cringe when they hear that. Sounds like a nursery school swimming competition song if anything... :smiley36: :smiley36:

[Patson]

ok ok cuss thread people just watch the blues and legggggless i have always been a blues supporter i used have the biggest crush on spencer hahahaha

[Shayne]

And then there were seven! Yes, contrary to popular belief, seven teams still have a shot at a place in the 2007 Super 14 play-offs.

Admittedly, number seven, the Western Force, have only a remote, mathematical chance of sneaking into the last four.

It would require of them to secure a bonus-point win over the Blues in Perth on Friday and then for the Blues or the Bulls (who face the bottom-placed Reds) not to get a single point from the final round. It would also require the Force to beat the Blues by at least 42 points, to get ahead of them on points difference.

Victories by the Brumbies (over the Crusaders) and Bulls (over the Blues) ensured that no team is yet assured of a place in the semi-finals and home advantage in the playoffs could fall to any of four teams.

Add to that victories by the Sharks and Chiefs meant that yet again the competition will go down to the wire - with the very last game, game number 91 one in the round robin stage (when the Bulls play the Reds in Pretoria on Saturday), would determine the final play-off place.

Despite their 6-15 loss in a tryless clash with the Brumbies, the Crusaders continue to head the congested points table on 41, one ahead of the Sharks (40) and then the Blues and Bulls (37).

The Chiefs (36) sit one point outside the top four, and one point ahead of the Brumbies (35) with even the Western Force (32) still holding faint hopes in seventh place.

Final round of league fixtures will see the Crusaders host the Chiefs. The Crusaders need one point from the game, a bonus point in any form, to secure their place in the play-offs. They need a win and maybe even a bonus-point win, to secure home ground advantage.

The Chiefs must beat the Crusaders, with or without a bonus point, and then hope the Blues and/or Bulls come unstuck. Should the Chiefs win with a bonus points, and beat the Crusaders by 54 points or more - while the Sharks, Blues and Bulls lose, then the Chiefs can still finish first on the standings.

The Sharks, who face the Stormers in Cape Town, have a simple scenario. They must win to finish first or second and get home ground advantage in the play-offs. Defeat could see them drop out of the top four.

The Blues play the Force. The Blues need a win to confirm their play-of place, while a bonus-point win could see them finish first.

The Force can reach 37 points, the current cut-off for the play-offs, but would need to beat the Blues by at least 42 points and then hope the Chiefs and Bulls don't win.

The Brumbies play the Highlanders and must win, while they will have to hope that two of the Blues, Bulls and Chiefs lose for them to sneak into the top four.

Here's each team's prospects for the final round!

Crusaders:
Current position: 1st
Best possible finish: 1st
Worst possible finish: 5th
Remaining match:
4 May: v Chiefs, Christchurch

Sharks:
Current position: 2nd
Best possible finish: 1st
Worst possible finish: 6th
Remaining match:</B>
5 May: v Stormers, away

Blues:
Current position: 3rd
Best possible finish: 1st
Worst possible finish: 7th
Remaining match:
5 May: v Force, away

Bulls:
Current position: 4th
Best possible finish: 1st
Worst possible finish: 7th
Remaining match:
5 May: v Reds, home

Chiefs:
Current position: 5th
Best possible finish: 1st
Worst possible finish: 7th
Remaining match:
4 May: v Crusaders, away

Brumbies:
Current position: 6th
Best possible finish: 2nd
Worst possible finish: 7th
Remaining match:
5 May: v Highlanders, away

Force:
Current position: 7th
Best possible finish: 3rd
Worst possible finish: 10th
Remaining match:
4 May: v Blues, home

Hurricanes:
Current position: 8th
Best possible finish: 7th
Worst possible finish: 10th
Remaining match:
5 May: v Waratahs, home

Highlanders:
Current position: 9th
Best possible finish: 7th
Worst possible finish: 10th
Remaining match:
5 May: v Brumbies, home

Stormers:
Current position: 10th
Best possible finish: 7th
Worst possible finish: 10th
Remaining match:
28 Apr: v Reds, home
5 May: v Sharks, home

Lions:
Current position: 11th
Best possible finish: 11th
Worst possible finish: 13th
Remaining match:
5 May: v Cheetahs, home

Cheetahs:
Current position: 12th
Best possible finish: 11th
Worst possible finish: 13th
Remaining match:
5 May: v Lions, away

Waratahs:
Current position: 13th
Best possible finish: 11th
Worst possible finish: 14th
Remaining match:
5 May: v Hurricanes, away

Reds:
Current position: 14th
Best possible finish: 13th
Worst possible finish: 14th
Remaining match:
5 May: v Bulls away

[biffon]

Closest super14 weve had in a long time i think...

I cant remember when so much has hinged on the last round in determining the final 4 spots

[Poison]

Its been a great competition this year..

[Chidakwa]

Its been a really good exciting season....
l rekon its a good chance of the Sharks,Bulls,Crusaders and the blues going through.All depends on Bonus points though.Brumbies may have an edge on this as they normally are good finishers.

[Shifty]

Really looking forward to the Chiefs/Crusaders game this evening. Should be a real humdinger.. Go Chiefs!!

[Edmonsta]

Really looking forward to the Chiefs/Crusaders game this evening. Should be a real humdinger.. Go Chiefs!!

Absolutely. Go Chiefs.

I'm debating whether to leave work and pick up my wife from the Airport like I'm supposed to... or just forget about her and find a pub with the game on... :smiley36:

[biffon]

Im sure the NZ public beg to differ with us
apparently NZ home crowd attendance has been down 15-20% this year due to the resting policy for the AB's

Western force crowd attendance has been the highest with an average 28200 per game!
with the bulls close behind on 28000 and then sharks at 27000
Crusaders on 24600 and Blues at 24150

lowest have been a surprise with the brumbies at the bottom at 17350
and reds at 18100

[Shayne]

Biffon. Why do you like fat chicks?

[Shifty]

Im sure the NZ public beg to differ with us
apparently NZ home crowd attendance has been down 15-20% this year due to the resting policy for the AB's


Unfortunately that does seem to be the case this year. Hardly surprising though.

For some NZ teams, the S14 was pretty much over before it had started thanks to the reconditioning program.

I really think that the NZ fans have been short changed this year.

Hopefully the NZRU will have learned a lesson from this, but I suspect not..

[Edmonsta]

Biffon. Why do you like fat chicks?

Mmmmmheeeeehhhhooohohoohoohoohahahahhaooooheeeheee heeeeee.:smiley36:

[biffon]

makes it fun rolling them in flour to find the wet spot :D

[Shifty]

Absolutely. Go Chiefs.

I'm debating whether to leave work and pick up my wife from the Airport like I'm supposed to... or just forget about her and find a pub with the game on... :smiley36:


Fantastic game. The Chiefs played brilliantly.

You picked up the wife from the airport yet Ed?:whistling:

[Edmonsta]

Fantastic game. The Chiefs played brilliantly.

You picked up the wife from the airport yet Ed?:whistling:

She got a cab to her sisters place, so I got to see the last 20 mins of the game. :smiley20:

Gonna go and fetch her now and be back in time for the Blues Force game.

Wahooo!

Great result. Sharks need to win to have a home semi... Cmmmmooooon!

[Shayne]

Isnt it a home semi and a home final?????

[Edmonsta]

Isnt it a home semi and a home final?????

Correct!!

[Shifty]

Getting quite excited about the semis tomorrow.

On paper it should be the kiwis all the way, but current form and home advantage could make all the difference.

It's been a very unpredictable S14. Looking forward to next week.

[Shayne]

The bloody game is on at 3.55am. Thats kuk.

[biffon]

WTF... thats like 9 pm our time

strange time.. must be a midday game

[Shayne]

No you dois. The game is on in NZ at 3.55am. Playing in SA at 3pm and 5pm

[Edmonsta]

On paper it should be the kiwis all the way
.

A paper published in 2006 maybe... :smiley36: :whistling:

[biffon]

hahaha i think what he is saying is on paper the kiwi teams have a better track record...
on current form the Saffas are way ahead of the pack!

lets see a Bulls Sharks Final - SA rugby needs it!!!!
and itll give Edmonsta and Raeyvon something to boast about!

[Shayne]

Brumbies are giving other teams a chance this year.

[Edmonsta]

hahaha i think what he is saying is on paper the kiwi teams have a better track record...
on current form the Saffas are way ahead of the pack!

lets see a Bulls Sharks Final - SA rugby needs it!!!!
and itll give Edmonsta and Raeyvon something to boast about!

Admittedly, if you told me at the beginning of the season that the Sharks/Bulls would be 1 and 2 I would have laughed at you. 3 and 4 maybe, but this is better than ever expected.

The hard work aint over though, it's gonna be a bruiser!!! Blues are bleating that the Sharks played rough with them last time (tut tut) and that they're going to take revenge...

Fancy that? The Blues complaining about rough play?

The Oxmen against the Carter XV will be an interesting one too...

If I'm honest, I see the Bulls as a bigger threat in the final than Blues or Crusaders, don't ask me why....

[Edmonsta]

Brumbies are giving other teams a chance this year.

After years of pondering, I've finally made the decision that the Brumbies are my Australian team. They're going to go into one of those "building" phases. Out with the old, in with the new and all that...

[Shayne]

Well you sure wouldnt want to pick the Reds or Waratahs to support. Be interesting to see how the Brmbies do next year with all the retirements etc.

Bulls wont beat the Crusaders. I dont think anyone will this year.

[Shifty]

Bulls wont beat the Crusaders. I dont think anyone will this year.

Hmm, I'm inclined to agree with you about the Bulls match. The Crusaders will have done their homework.

Based on current performances and results a Sharks vs Crusaders game
might be a little more unpredictable.

Nah, screw it, If the Crusaders sort themselves out(and they should) then they'll definitely win the final.

But I think it'll be very good for rugby if one of the SA teams wins. Preferably the Sharks because it'll shut Edmonsta up and maybe stop him swapping my avatar.:smiley2: There again I wouldn't count on it... :smiley36:

[Edmonsta]

Bulls wont beat the Crusaders. I dont think anyone will this year.

Do you mean including or excluding the 5 teams that have already beaten them this year....?:smiley17:

[Edmonsta]

But I think it'll be very good for rugby if one of the SA teams wins. Preferably the Sharks because it'll shut Edmonsta up and maybe stop him swapping my avatar.:smiley2: There again I wouldn't count on it... :smiley36:


Hee hee... not a chance....:smiley36:

[Shayne]

Dont get me wrong. I want it to be an all SA final.

[Bianca]

yahoo - my team won!!!

[Angelshark]

Shayne, you are such a NZ lady rugby supporter, Of course it will be an all South Africa final. You are such a Scouse. Any way well done to the Sharks.Going to the Final. ha

[Edmonsta]

:marchmellow: :respekt: :dancingemoto: :D :059: :dancingemote: :shakehands: :tee: :party:


















It wasn't pretty, but we'll take it. :smiley20:

[biffon]

Sharks v Bulls in the Shark Tank!!!
woowoo!!! im chuffed for SA rugby they needed a bit of a lift.

[Poison]

It's going to be one good final thats for sure..

The stadium will be packed..
Imagine the party afterwards..

[Edmonsta]

I would have killed to be in South Africa over this past couple of weeks, and this coming weekend!!!

From a Sharks perspective, I think that the team I would pick to be the biggest threat to the Sharks in a home final would be the Bulls.

It's going to be huge!:smiley20:

[biffon]

gonna be a big match!!!! bigger than the Currie cup final for a change!

[TiGeR]

Sorry been scarce folks...been BUSY! Look out for me in the Shark tank on Sat! Will try run onto the field to 'fix' someone! Go the Sharks..biltong making time!

[barto11]

thats a classic tiger...

[sally]

Sorry been scarce folks...been BUSY! Look out for me in the Shark tank on Sat! Will try run onto the field to 'fix' someone! Go the Sharks..biltong making time!


just be careful!!!its good to see you on here again, mind you i have been scarce to!!! catch up soon!!!

[biffon]

Ya boet!!! ek skeem its gonna be a clash of Brains vs Brawn!
but problem is the brawn now has a bit of brains and the Brains have a bit of brawn!

erm i think ive just confused myself... haha

[Edmonsta]

Ya boet!!! ek skeem its gonna be a clash of Brains vs Brawn!
but problem is the brawn now has a bit of brains and the Brains have a bit of brawn!

erm i think ive just confused myself... haha


Hahahaha, you're hit the nail on the head.

I understand what you mean. :smiley36: :smiley32:

[Shayne]

Bull Blues by 10.

[TiGeR]

Old but good...

[Spanner]

Bulls by 8

[Chidakwa]

sharks totally screwed .

[barto11]

roast beef in durban on saturday night...

[Chidakwa]

Old but good...

as l said sharks ( supporters ) screwed

[Nutts]

Chidakwa with an av like that we shall se who shafts who mate!!!!!!!!!!!

[Edmonsta]

It's finally hear. It's been the longest week of my life.

12 hours to go...

Go Sharks!!! :smiley20:

[Shayne]

I really like both teams. Such a tough choice.

[Edmonsta]

I really like both teams. Such a tough choice.


Admittedly, if the Sharks weren't in the game, I'd go for the Bulls.

Right, off to a braai to watch the game... hopefully I'm smiling when I come back...



Catchyalater...



Go SHARKS!!

[TiGeR]

Pity they couldnt kick properly! Its been F@#$ING AWEFUL putting up with Bulls supporters here in SA! :smiley11:

[biffon]

hahah nice one tiger!

let us know how the camp is going.... I see they havent kicked the pretender out yet...

[Poison]

The Hoff is at it again..

Nice one..

[Shayne]

Hmmm, an old thread but worth kicking off - not that i watch it but always interested to hear whats the news. I think the Force have lost every game so far? Biffon... ??

[Nyala]

Good idea, thanks for finding the thread. I haven't been able to watch any matches so far (- no pay TV) but I'm watching Biffs weekly tips and getting scores from SuperBru.

[biffon]

haha this week was terrible for my tips
i think Boards should do it next week!


PS. Respect to the Chiefs they were Supremely dominant.. their back line were dazzling... and i now have an allergy to cow bells!

[Steve]

haha this week was terrible for my tips
i think Boards should do it next week!


PS. Respect to the Chiefs they were Supremely dominant.. their back line were dazzling... and i now have an allergy to cow bells!

We have a more updated Super 14's. I think...:typing::hmmmm::phone::noidea:

[boards]

alright guys with the aid of my sidekick THE BEAST even Batman fear - Barto, we willl throw something together however even my picks were dreadful so i fear it unlikely we can do better