Even though we are only two rounds in, each match up begins to slowly reveal who is going to earn a playoff spot in June. Some of the weekend’s action had viewers begging for more, while some fans would happily have taken the final whistle a few minutes early to preserve their sanity.
It’s early days but one can say with much certainty that neither the Lions nor Reds will have a sniff of the knockout games. Both teams looked like they would have preferred to stay in bed, as did most of Johannesburg, with neither team playing with much tempo or direction. The Australian sides are a blur of mediocrity currently, with only the Brumbies being mild exceptions, as the Waratahs and Rebels have left very little to be impressed with so far.
Returning to winning ways were the Hurricanes and the Blues who benefited from sleepy opponents. The Jaguares will be kicking themselves for allowing the ‘Canes two late tries to snatch a lucky win, while the Aucklanders were comfortably better than the men from New South Wales. The Sunwolves may be licking their lips at the possibility of a farewell conference win, should the Aussies not come to the party.
Laying down early markers are the Chiefs, Stormers and Sharks. Warren Gatland’s Waikato warriors were immense in all aspects against a quality Crusaders team. The Sharks outpaced late starters the Highlanders and the Stormers have miraculously survived two matches without conceding. Trust Elton Jantjies to end that with at least a penalty on Saturday, but it’s fair to say that may not be enough to save the Lions at Ellis Park.
Game of this weekend could well be the Sharks away at the Hurricanes on Saturday morning. The Wellington crowd will be expectant but the Sharks are playing without fear. There are also three conference derbies with two on Friday – Blues at home to the ‘Saders and Waratahs away in Melbourne – before Saturday’s opportunity for the Lions to show the Stormers they still have a little roar left in them.
