Hurricanes v Chiefs

[Chris B.]

Of interest to NZ teams:

Stormers have Cheetahs (A), Sunwolves (H) and Bulls (A)

Brumbies have Reds (A), Chiefs (A)

Sharks have Bulls (H), Lions (H)

Lions have Sunwolves (H), Sharks (A)

Aside from a slight mathematical chance of the Stormers being tipped out, I think the top 8 is locked in - just the order to be decided.

Surely the Highlanders will be good enough to take a bonus point win against the Reds in Dunedin - which will make it very difficult for the Sharks to get past them (unless the Lions roll over for them, which you'd hope they wouldn't after last year's disaster in Argentina).

I'm hoping it will pan out:

Crusaders vs Sharks
Lions vs Highlanders
Stormers vs Hurricanes
Brumbies vs Chiefs

Which I think will be the "fairest" result - including after last night's game.

[mariner4life]

@Siam ooorrriiigggiiiinnnn!!!

[Rapido]

Great step by Stevenson for Chiefs last try, ruined by a shocking pass.

Just a tad forward.

[pakman]

@Chris-B. That suggests to me Crusaders, Lions, Stormers, Chiefs for semis. Who would Chiefs play?

[Bovidae]

@pakman The lowest ranked team plays the highest ranked team in the SFs. In your example, the Chiefs would play the Crusaders.

[pakman]

@Bovidae Thanks. Second place in NZ conference well worth fighting for!

[Bovidae]

@pakman said in Hurricanes v Chiefs:

@Bovidae Thanks. Second place in NZ conference well worth fighting for!

Yes, and avoids a trip to SA for a QF. Winning over there is achievable but returning to play a SF is usually a bridge too far.

[Nepia]

@Bovidae said in Hurricanes v Chiefs:

@pakman The lowest ranked team plays the highest ranked team in the SFs. In your example, the Chiefs would play the Crusaders.

Hopefully they get to play tonights Crusaders!

[Rapido]

Was at the stadium.

I liked how dominant scrums in this game resulted in turnover scrum rests rather than penalties.

Was this a result of laws that front tower must actually hook? Or is that law being trialled elsewhere?

No idea if these were correct rules, , new rules, or rogue reffing. But I liked it, but am cautious of mexted-style unilateral ignoring of rules you don't like.

[Stargazer]

@Rapido said in Hurricanes v Chiefs:

Was at the stadium.

I liked how dominant scrums in this game resulted in turnover scrum rests rather than penalties.

Was this a result of laws that front tower must actually hook? Or is that law being trialled elsewhere?

No idea if these were correct rules, , new rules, or rogue reffing. But I liked it, but am cautious of mexted-style unilateral ignoring of rules you don't like.

Do you mean the rule trialled at U20s at the moment? (4th bullet). If that's the case, that's your answer:
Law trials to be rolled out at U20 Championship

[Billy Tell]

The guy who does the weekly wrap on the Roar said Ngatai schooled Laumape - didn't see the game myself, is that correct?

[No Quarter]

@Billy-Tell said in Hurricanes v Chiefs:

The guy who does the weekly wrap on the Roar said Ngatai schooled Laumape - didn't see the game myself, is that correct?

Strange comment, Ngatai played well but he hardly made Laumape look bad at any stage. Laumape was well contained - the Chiefs made sure they had 2 - 3 tacklers on him whenever he got the ball, but I don't think you can just put that down to Ngatai. ALB had more of a hand in the strong defense to contain the Canes midfield.

[taniwharugby]

am liking the way ALB has progressed this year, also looks to have put on a few kgs