Rugby Results and Cell Phone Antics from Round Four

The Hurricanes finish round four with a loss to the Cheetahs in the Republic, who continue to surprise in their first season. I think having the big men in the front row is the secret to their success, and wasn’t it great to see the big Os get a try! Fantastic stuff, although it did serve to knock the Hurricanes from the top spot. Then again, given the history of that franchise it was about time that they started their collapse, and add to the comment made on this blog that the Hurricanes can win any game except a final or semi. The Africans remain realistic with their feet firmly on the ground after a disappointing weekend for their teams. Check out what the Africans have to say about the pride of the Cheetahs here.

Of more concern is the injury to Tana Umaga that is reported here to have the captain out for the rest of Super 14. That will be a loss, and clearly injuries played a role in the team coming out second best. However, injuries, and it seems suspensions, are part of the mix for the Super 14 and depth is one thing that will be tested in all teams each season. The ‘Canes get beaten in South Africa and the only question is, will this be the end of their good run, and will the rot that has beset them each season in the era of professionalism now set in and see them in the middle of the table at the end of the competition? Only time will tell, and they have shown a bit more heart than in previous seasons.

Elsewhere the Blues woes have continued when a 10 point lead at half time was blown out to a loss of 39-10 with the Crusaders running in 39 unanswered points in the second half for a win over the traditional foe. It didn’t all go badly for Auckland (except the refereeing decisions which saw Rockococko sent from the field for 10 minutes in the second half, and also Ali Williams spend 10 in the bin at the end of the game too), although the result was somewhat predictable, and yet again they have let a game go in the second half. However, they were competitive for longer and the score line doesn’t really do them justice. Canterbury were too good at the breakdown and Auckland allowed McCaw to get away with too much offside play. Perhaps they were all worried about being suspended. In any event, a superb display from the best number 7 in the world, and the usual playing style of the Crusaders won out. I hate to be a critic, but you wonder when the Crusaders will start to score from well developed back line moves instead of pouncing on the mistakes of their foes. For a full match report read here and here. For a very positive spin, check this out here.

Despite being rated favourites, the Stormers were unable to justify that tag and wilted to a 15-30 loss at home to the Highlanders. It seems that the men in tartan are doing okay over in the Republic this time around, however they will be tested next week against the Bulls at home. For a full match report click here and here.

The Warratahs predictably ate the Sharks at home 31-16. It was all over red rover pretty early on and while the punters in Aussie are talking down the Tahs so far this year, they haven’t done too badly all things considered. They may well be there in the finals this year. For a full match report click here. Mat Rogers made a good return to football and we’ll all be looking forward to him making a contribution as the season continues after his reversal of his earlier decision not to play this year. Good to see him back and all the best to him after a shocking series of personal life events.

And finally, a human interest story from New Zealand emerges in the Aussie and Kiwi media. Byron Kelleher seems to have truly entered the digital age and made full use of his new partner’s ‘former’ racy occupation by taking saucy snaps and films of himself and his partner allegedly indulging in private lewd acts. The device by which he accomplished this? His cell phone. Interesting use of the new technology my friend, and just the kind of thing the so called role models of our community ought to be doing.

But wait. What’s that? Some cad nicked your phone? And now he’s trying to pawn them off to the media? Who’d a thunk of that? Rob Lowe perhaps? Doubtless even Pam Anderson or Paris Hilton could told him that might happen!

The article which you can read by clicking here identifies some other indiscretions that have been taped involving New Zealand’s best hope of winning the World Cup in France in 2007 and two young French backpacker chicks. Seems the French might be onto him and may have sent the two Feme Fatales to take care of young Daniel in the lead up to the competition! Now that is some nice off field material to have to be released at the right time. We’ll have to wait and see how that develops!

Well, that’s all the news that is fit to print from Round 4. We’re seeing the clear emergence of the top teams now, and the finalists will not be far from being identified soon. The only real question is, will the Hurricanes still be there, at the end. Bring on Round five!