Round One 1/2 Way Stage Round Up

And we are off. Round one kicked off last night, and I was able to enjoy watching the game live on tv, although I had no commentary for the match, I enjoyed it immensely. This was mostly because I have been missing rugby, the off season is too long for fans, and not long enough for players! Maybe we just need a few more decent siozed competitions that can kick off at different times. In any event all of the specualtion and preseason hype is over, and the game have begun.

Blues Over Crusaders

The Blues took out their first at home game of the season in a scrappy display that wont give their fans that much confidence for the rest of the season. Of particular concern was the Blues scrum that was shunted off the ball several times by a no name pack of Crusader young pretenders. The game was won by Auckland out in the backs, and the 9 point gap ought to have been much greater. The final score was 34-25, however the Blues failed to snag a bonus point, the difference between the two sides being the kicking game of the Blues and their ability to slot the penalties. Perhaps crucially the Blues denied the Crusaders a bonus point that may be important in the latter stages of the season. Not much to take out of this game except that the Blues have a long way to go with an average forward pack. Troy Flavell also was sin binned in the final ten minutes for stomping, something that wont assist his journey back to the black jersey...shame really, apart from that he had a very strong game.

Force Fails in Firey Heat against Highlanders

In spite of making several expensive purchases over the off season, the Western Force failed to win at home against an understrength Highlanders side. The bookies got this one wrong, however it was very close, the Highlanders getting home by one point, 8-7. The Highlanders are without All Blacks Oliver and Hayman, were also without playmaker Nick Evans who has another injury...this seems to be something that is dogging his otherwise promising career. The underdogs ground out the win, and points from road trips must be cherished. Well done Highlanders, and the Force can at least take some heart from the bonus point they picked up, and the narrow margin of their defeat. Plenty of time yet for them to improve.

Waratahs Tame the Lions

The South African team known formerly as the Cats, may have changed their name to the Lions but are still failing to deliver the goods on field. Last night they went down to the Waratahs 25-16 at home in the republic. Lote Tuqiri was beaten for pace by a young winger to make a game of it in the second half, however the Tahs got home 3 tries to 1. No bonus point here for either side, and with the New Zealand franchises understrength for the first 7 rounds every point will count this year, more than others. Discipline cost the African side, a stupid spear tackle on Tuqiri resulted in a sin binning for centre Fourie and the Tahs took out the game during the 10 minute moment of numreical supremacy. The Tahs are looking to make the finals for the third straight year this season...

So, that's the round up so far. More rugby to come this weekend yet, thankfully. Somehow I feel compelled to break with tradition for this blog and remark upon the upset victory at Sydeny Cricket Ground last night where England finally managed to knock off the Australian cricket side after 9 straight losses to that side. A remarkable win, and this makes the next two games extremely important, with the likely outcome being New Zealand and England playing for the final berth in the showdown series with the home side. Good stuff, but not rugby so I wont go on about it any longer! Check back soon for more results as they come in.