A Tale of 10 Time Zones
Gaps emerging between the front runners and their conference rivals
Super Rugby threw up a mixed bag this weekend as several teams continue to blow hot and cold. Winning streaks were ended and seemingly hopeless teams sprang into life, even if aided by equally questionable opposition. The log is starting to take shape though and troubling gaps are emerging for teams that are used to playing a bigger role in the later stages.
The Stormers were the last team to see their unbeaten record banished to the record books. A dreadful first 20 minutes at Newlands saw the Blues take a 20-point lead that they would not give up. At the opposite end of the table, the Waratahs earned their first log points in similar fashion when they capitalised on a dozy start by the Lions. By the time Elton Jantjies and crew woke up, the Waratahs had too much momentum, meaning the Lions begin a tough tour on the back foot.
The Reds showed that the Sunwolves made them look good as the Sharks extended their run down under. Saving face for Australia were the Rebels who left the Highlanders unusually close to the bottom of the combined log, and eight points away from their nearest Kiwi rival. The Highlanders will get a shot at redemption at the basement-dwelling Bulls this week. Pressure is mounting on the Bulls who are without a win after being outclassed by the Jaguares at Loftus.
Barring the Hurricanes and Blues derby, the rest of the weekend sees all intercontinental clashes. The Sunwolves and Brumbies may be in the same conference but they are oceans apart in terms of pedigree and structure. The ‘Tahs won’t have as easy a time against the Chiefs, the Reds will dread their trip to Christchurch, and the Rebels will want to heap more misery on the Lions.
Front and centre though on Saturday is the first meaningful top of the table encounter. One point separates the Sharks and the Jaguares, with the Argentines not playing South African opposition again until the two meet back in Buenos Aires in May. The Sharks are fearless after a fantastic tour, but for the Jag’s to leave South Africa with two wins from three, will give them massive encouragement in their quest for a second conference title.
