What a weekend of fun – or not so much if you’re a fan of two teams – but for the other two teams it was the weekend that was won. Now we are down to a Final fling, as the Crusade embarks on another rugby journey, returning to the ground that was front-in-centre in their thinking, post that final whistle in the round robin, versus the Reds. The Crusaders now have their chance finish the fairies and end this tale with a happy ending.
Speaking of fairies, I was thinking as a nice way to start things after a weekend that didn’t quite go the way many in the Republic would have liked; we could have some brief refrains on moments that stood out to this scribe post this Saturday. Just be glad I didn’t write a post about each, which should also provide you the opportunity to comment and share your own!
1] The Reds are the Real Deal – Easier Conference draw, with three of their conference rivals finishing in the bottom four, they have still proven their worth in the big matches that mattered. Reds can win this title, but the Crusaders will. Well, you wouldn’t expect any other answer after this post.
2] The Crusaders have exemplified again the importance of team culture as a dynamic toward success, proving that if you come together off the field, you can beat anything once you step on – Since the end of that first year of Super rugby, where the Crusaders finished dead last, this franchise has proved that rugby is a simple game on the field, if the complications off the field are made plain, where individuals not only buy into a team culture, but celebrate it. In 2011, far from being crushed by their context, they have become empowered by the sense they are playing for a bigger cause then just 80 mins on a grassy field, which has added further fuel to their fire that is the consumption of their rugby genius!
3] Possession of the ball that is not coupled with success can very quickly turn to detrimental – The Blues would have 60% possession in their Semi versus the Reds, but would lose 30-13. The Stormers would gain 55% possession in their Semi versus the Saders, but would lose 29-10. These numbers for the Stormers would be much higher in the First half, underscored by the fact that the Crusaders would make 70-20 tackles, while still leading 23-10 as both sides went into the break. Offense wins matches, while defense wins championships, remains a famous quip, but tends toward axiomatic. While the worth of this defense is vital, in and of itself, it is also the impact that this has on the side who continues to knock on the door, but who can summon no positive response. Defense becomes empowered, which matriculates into the offense when the ball is finally turned over.
4] Blues brought the wrong game plan into this match; not to mention the wrong personnel – Given the Blues visit on their previous occasion, they were given a witness of what to expect, but still, they went headstrong; eyes stuck shut. The Blues had the opportunity to take the Reds out of their comfort zone and ask them to win another way – ugly. Instead, they tried to out-duel this Reds side, going from side to side, in an attempt to get round the Reds defensive. There were moments when the home side would bend, but ultimately it would be the attack that would break, providing the Reds with unstructured ball that is fodder of the highest order. Against the Waratahs, Brumbies, and even Crusaders, the Reds did not enjoy the pressure game, and after the Crusaders performance against the Stormers; this seems like just the ticket!
5] This SupeRugby Final could be won in the Scrum – Many rather rotund men are now shaking with excitement as years of SupeRugby exile are slowly but surely in each successive season starting to make their way back home. Cooper v Carter may dominate the headlines, but even Berquist behind that forward pack against the Stormers would have looked more International than ITM Cup player.
6] Quade Cooper could be a better Fullback than First-Five – Also; make sure you kick the ball out when Cooper is at the back. In all the hullabaloo after Reds semi-final when Cooper captivated with a couple of moments of audaciously insightful play, the masses starting gushing. To be sure; Cooper is an outrageously talented kiwi [by the way; Sean Maitland and he are cousins], but there are a couple of factors that need to be entered into the equation. First, he is completing some of these acts as a quasi-Fullback. The Crusaders would use this option with my man Mehrtens on defense. He didn’t quite have the physical gifts. Therefore, when people are equating these movements with talk of him being the best First-Five Eighth, there is a category error. Secondly, he has shown when put under pressure that his game is susceptible.
7] No matter how talented your 10-15 may be; they are near useless if your 1-5 are being denied – The Stormers in numbers 10-15 are blessed with more than a little World Class. They are still waiting for some quality frontrow-foot ball.
8] The next Movie about a rugby context will be this SupeRugby season of the Crusaders – Greg Martin made the comment on the Rugby Club in Australia before the semifinal that if the Crusaders were victorious at Newlands then someone will make a movie out of their season. Given the drama of the natural disasters, and all that has unfolded on the sporting field; count me in!
9] Fulltime Assistant Referees – The miss from the Jaco Peyper down the Crusaders left-hand touchline was inexcusable. I can only assume he wasn’t watching as closely as should, as I could see live in the coverage that Schreuder had taken the ball in the field of the play. This very nearly cost the Crusaders a try, which could have been a catalyst for who knows what.
10] The Crusaders are the best side in SupeRugby – Yes.
11] Jean De Villiers has a mental issue with Sonny Bill Williams – In their first clash, I noted the timidity in his body language, and the silence in how he tried to exert himself on his opposing player. I have watched and listened to De Villiers in the build-up, and noted this same sense, which almost seems like he is doing his best to stay away from any type of confrontation. Maybe he has a cunning plan?! While in the Semi he would play the Second Half of the match on the wing; in the First Half where the Stormers dominated possession, I can’t recall a single significant moment where he took on the defense. Given his leadership role in the team, and the importance of the moment, I find this rather surprising to say the least. Yet, who can forget the work of SBW unloading to the Fruean Factor in the First Half Try?! In a season where these two individuals should see plenty of each other, Jean De Villiers is doing little to prove that he is the Boss in 12. It seems he is wearing the majority of the doubt.
12] Brits is indeed in the UK – Didn’t think this was a great idea to begin with. What message does it send to the opposition when one feels the need to go for the Hail Mary. It seems more a sign of desperation, and after Saturday’s performance, the people in charge at the Stormers need to sober up.
13] There can be no Fatboys anymore – In this match, on defense the Crusaders would make a total of 143 tackles; the Front Row combined would make 31, with Crockett topping this with 14 [only 4 behind McCaw who was top in the side]. On the other hand, the Stormers would make a combined total of 105 tackles; their Front-Row combined would make 11 tackles, with Brok-en Harris on top with 5. The Stats don’t lie – no need to remind everyone about what happened in the scrum.
14] McCaw has a motor like few else – Bob Skinstad uttered in commentary that this man was one of the greatest to have played the game. Just think if his body can withstand four more years. His personal playing record will read – incomparable. Already played 100 plus Super matches; at a time when people are beginning to talk about how SupeRugby will limit a player’s career in this context, the McCaw machine proves we have a special witness on our hands. One day you will tell your grandchildren you were witness to this man – you will be able to admit to it then.
15] The Bye can be a weapon worth winning; but it can also blunt your edge – I did not see much comment in any other context; but it is worth reflecting on. Over the years in another related sport – Rugby League – we have numerous examples of the importance of momentum in the playoffs. Just as in the SupeRugby season, some teams enjoy the playoff a week later, while others endure it in their next match. Take your pick from the weekend!
16] Tell Divvy that Sonny Bill Williams can pass! He should also stay with the Crusaders – Yes, playing under Wayne Smith will be significant with the Chiefs, but playing for Belfast will be better (Club team in Christchurch). Given where his career is heading; more game-time outside Carter can only be good domestically and internationally.
17] Craig Joubert should be flying to Brisbane – Not only is he the best Referee in the Southern Hemisphere, if not the world; the context of the Final should have a Referee who demands no attention. By having a New Zealand Referee in the Final there is a narrative offered that could go either way. Yes, his interpretations may favour the New Zealand side. However, given that he will know that this perception will be part of the locals perspective, there is a greater possibility that he will make sure he can not be accused of such, encouraging him to call it so that others do not see it as such. One match does not make a winter. The Bryce is not always Right! 😉
18] Christchurch is a devastation with a silver sporting lining – Ewen McKenzie has already tried to balance this conversation referencing the natural disasters that have happened in Queensland, as he understands the story of the Crusaders season can impact on those involved. After the match, I would tweet the following from the players: Richie McCaw – “… We decided after the earthquakes to stand up for the people at home and that is what we did here.” Corey Flynn – “We’re not just playing for ourselves and our team. We’ve got a city back home that’s broken and needs some fixing…” … and for 80 minutes if we can entertain them and take their minds off real life then that’s our job done.” There is a team in All Black that will also find much personal worth, resolve, and capital from this context.
19] Reds have their own Vuvuzela behind the Mic – “We Are Red.” It will only get worse this weekend, as he seeks to whip the home support into a fervour. Crowd intensity is a definite plus for the home side, but when does this become over the top? If someone can arrange a partial power cut to Suncorp on Saturday night; please do!
20] South Africa and Australian rugby contexts were waiting for the Semi to Rise – While many talk about the crowd sizes in New Zealand, the population context must be factored into thr equation. To be sure, 18,000 in an Auckland playoff was disappointing, but such has been an apathetic fan-base for some time. However, 12,000 in Nelson, with the direct community less than 10,000 in number, helps to put this in perspective. However, the energy of both Semi-Final destinations was a good sign to see. This week’s final should be epic!
21] It is going to be a huge week in Queensland and at Suncorp – State of Origin Game 3 decider on Wednesday at Suncorp. SupeRugby Final on Saturday.
22] I am free if anyone wants to send me on a Trip – I can carry luggage with the best of them!
23] Resolved – Still
I have brought out my 23, now – What About You?
One would think you have something significant to add to the Conversation?!
Please share your perspective on the weekend that was.
What Say You?
Until Next Time
iamjonnyking
