Round 10 A Mixed Ba

Round 10 – A Mixed Bag

Hey, back on line for Round 10 and ready to get into it.  In a few short moments the Western Force will kick off in Albany against the formerly mighty Blues, a team who are surely not performing to their potential.  Already the subject of much speculation on this blog, the word is that the Blues only perform when an Auckland is in charge.  I wonder if this has something to do with the unique mix of cultures, classes, wealth and status that Auckland represents for New Zealand rugby?  Could have something to do with it, but be that as it may, only a fool from Perth would give the Force a chance tonight with their best player out.

Another thrashing should be dished out further South to the Cheetahs and the hands of the Crusaders.  Only the most foolish would put any money on the newcomers being able to make any kind of a mark on the competition leaders, even with as many as five changes.  A foregone conclusion if I ever I saw one.

Next up is the first interesting game of the round.  Most punters are suggesting that it will be close between the Chiefs and the Stormers at Mt Maunganui and I won’t shy away from that suggestion either.  The Chiefs, although technically playing at home don’t normally play at this out of the way venue.  Don’t get me wrong, the Mount is spectacular in a poor mans Gold Coast way, but let’s face it, a number one rugby venue it is not, but should give the locals something to cheer about.  After the draw last week, the Chiefs can’t afford another loss, whereas the Stormers are pretty much out of it already.  Maybe this will make the difference?

The Queensland Reds return home to take on the Bulls, fresh of a ‘victorious’ draw against the Chiefs.  Most pundits, in Aus anyways, are backing the home team which is probably a safe move as the Bulls tend not to travel well.  However there is a chance that the Reds will be without Latham, and they will be buggered after the trip home from the Republic and that may affect their performance (as we have seen previously with teams returning from the Republic with the extended tours).  This is perhaps the most difficult game to pick of the Round.

The big yawn game of the round is the Cats against the Sharks.  Who cares?  Both teams aren’t really in it, and no one but the supporters of those two franchises would really care.  The lowly Cats have home advantage, but the Sharks are marginally better this season.  

Highlanders against the Hurricanes will be a rip snorting affair from Carisbrook, allegedly the “House of Pain”.  The Southern men have performed better than most thought that they would this year, but they will be doing well to knock over Wellington who look to be back in the running with the return of their skipper, Tana Umaga from injury.  His return will bolster the midfield and provide the edge.  I cannot believe I am writing this, but the Wellington forwards should be able to hold their own, and the back line has the edge making them favourites to take this one away.  But, this is when the men in Tartan are dangerous.  A game not to be missed.

The other good match up for the Round is the final game between the Tahs and the Brumbies.  The big question appears to be “Will he run or wont he?” a reference to little Georgie Porgie Pudding and Pie.  The speculation is now that the national coach has said he wants to see more dimension to the game at half back, will Gregan rise to the challenge and run with the ball.  A truly ridiculous question if ever there was one for any fan of New Zealand rugby at least.  After watching Justin Marshall run with the ball and ruin try after try for the greatest wingers in the game out wide, NZ was left wishing for a half back that would pass.  I guess you don’t miss what you got until it is gone.  Either way, this is a game that doubles as a selection match for the Aussie coaching staff.  It will be great to see these two teams go at it head to head.    The talk is that the Tahs must be favourites to take this one.  I’d have to agree, but the Brumbies are a class act and when inspired by Larkham are second to none.

Enjoy Round 10 folks and I’m back on line now so be sure to check in and leave some comments.