Chiefs Down Canes In Pre Season Clash

In their pre-season Super 14 match this week, the Hurricanes were defeated 17-33 by the Chiefs who have signalled that they may be looking to better the mid table form that they were able to produce last season. Neither side will be particularly impressed by the game, or read much into it. They both failed to get out of first gear on attack, in spite of the Chiefs knocking up 30 points, and the real difference between the two sides was the verocity of the Chiefs defence. The coach will be pleased with that effort, and the Canes will be happy that the new front row have stood up to the opening salvos of the season. Each side was clearly trying combinations, new tactics, and using the games well as testing options before putting together the final tactics for their first game of the season. Good stuff, not long to go now!

Robbie Deans has also dished out some praise for the new Western Force franchise, predicting that they could win the competition in this their second year. This praise came after the Crusaders came home late in the game to seal a win, 28-12 against the Force in Perth. By all reports Rugby League convert Ryan Cross went well in his first game in the new code, and even managed to score a well worked try changing the angle off a ball from Pelesasa. Keep your eyes on this guy, Rugby League converts seem to be the players that are keeping the code going in Australia.

The Crusaders were of course without 6 of their All Black players who are being rested in anticipation of the World Cup tournament later this year. The Force were also without captain Nathan Sharpe and Giteau, who are also being rested. Funny how there hasn't been any comment about that devaluing the competition, although it could be argured that they are only being rested for the pre-season. A lot of good that did for Latham. In any event, while the Force will go better in their second year, thanks in no small way to some great player acquisitions in the off season, it would be a brave person to suggest that they will win the competition. However, it is early days yet.

Elsewhere there is still much comment about the Wallaby pack. In essence, everyone recognises that at present they are very much below par. Michael Foley the assistant coach, has been talking about the heads of the forwards, and getting them into a place where they want to improve. Well, I would have thought that a backwards tour of the playing fields of Europe ought to have galvanised the tight five to assure a better performance in the coming games. However, has time run out? It would be a big ask to expect an improvement before RWC 2007...but they've improved before and are always a tough to beat side in World Cup games. Don't worry Wallabies fans, your team will be there come the finals.

David Nucifora's Blues triumphed over the Reds 38-9 in their pre-season clash at Whangarei in Northland, New Zealand. His team performed well, especially in the second half having on lead 10-6 at half time. He will be pleased by this win, however Reds coach Jones read nothing into his sides loss. Correctly he noted that at this point in the season you don't have to be ready to win a Super 14 game, and his team wasn't. But it isn't that far away and they will have to be ready to win, and win as many games as they can, down their starting fullback. The Reds have been inconsistant since the Super 14 started, their only consistant feature having been disappointing their fans by failing to deliver each season. Maybe Jones can turn things around.

Well folks, not long to go now. Kick off in just a few weeks time, and I can't wait. All of you that are looking to go the World Cup games later this year - I envy you! It will be a great tournament, and I would go if I could, but live on tv will have to do. Stay tuned for more coverage of the Super 14. Bring it on!