Chiefs Lose!

Chief’s Loss Rounds Out The First Weekend’s Clashes

Well, the last game of the weekend was ground out this morning in the Republic.  Despite a strong start, the Chief’s couldn’t quite cut the mustard, but the big man Sione Lauaki certainly gave it a decent nudge with the opening try.  No backwards steps from that man, and we hope to see more of him in Super 14 this year, and of course the tri-nations after that.  It’s always difficult to win away from home, and the Chiefs can’t read to much into their first loss.  At least they have one of their many away games out of the way early on, although they may rue the fact that they couldn’t get a bonus point on this one.  Read here for more.

The Sharks of course have their first win and can take some heart from it.  Montgomerey played well, nabbing two tries in the first half, and kicking a boatload of points to take the game in the second.  Well done Percy (shame about the name, but hey, give credit where it is due).  For a break down on the game, read here.

The last game of the weekend, certainly the last one that I will be covering anyways, was the Cats against the Stormers, and well, didn’t the Cats play more like kittens in this one.  23-12 was a bit flattering and they never really looked like doing it.  Seems to me that they are in for another long season and they will struggle for the rest of the competition.  Nothing new in that for them I suppose.  Read here for more on the game.

The Stormers on the other hand have managed a win, but didn’t look too impressive while doing so.  I believe that they will struggle on the road like most of the African teams tend to do in this competition.

So, from the first round of Super 14 there were a few surprises.  I hope that most of you have signed up for the virtual super 14 competition.  I’m starting mid way down the pack after the first week, although I am pleased to say that some of my mates have started much worse than I have.  Hard to pick the first round, and congratulations to those of you that have.  However, now that we’ve seen what the teams have to offer we are better placed for next week.  During the week we’ll look at some of the matches that are coming up and look at comment on who is going to triumph in the coming round two.

Finally, I have to say how much I enjoyed being able to watch first class Rugby action again from the World’s greatest rugby competition.  It was scintillating stuff and there were some fierce encounters.  Bring on the next round…