Super Rugby took off over the weekend with a series of fantastic games and couple of huge upsets to boot.
The Chiefs crushed the Crusaders 25-20 in Hamilton to announce themselves as the team to beat. Their pack is breathing fire and the other teams are struggling to stay with them.
The Reds crushed Moana Pasifika in the rain at home 56-36 to put everybody else on notice. Not a great start for Moana.
The Hurricanes put on their worst performance in two years in the Bay and were lucky to come away with a 38-34 win against the Drua.
The mighty Highlanders consigned the Blues to two straight defeats with their stunning 29-21 win at Forsyth Barr. How did the Blues, with a two-man advantage, stuff this up?
If you thought the Canes were bad, the Brumbies were worse as they gifted the Force their second straight win — 45-42 — in Canberra.
As for our tipsters, you wouldn’t read about the Gore results — all of our eight tipsters get six points! Stephen from Level Electrical remains at the top by two points from Michael from East Gore Takeaways. The next four are all on 10 and Adam from Newton Homes is two points adrift.
This week the Highlanders (13+) travel to Auckland to take on Moana Pasifika in the first game of the round. The Landers are on the charge and as long as they get their props back on the paddock they should take maximum points.
The Waratahs (12-) host the Drua, who will be hurting after last weekend’s loss and looking forward to getting home. The Waratahs will make them pay.
Form team the Chiefs (12-) host the Brumbies, who will be looking for redemption after their horror show against the Force. It could be a cliffhanger, but the Chiefs should remain unbeaten.
The big home derby is between the underperforming Hurricanes and the spluttering Blues at the Cake Tin. It’s nearly too close to call. I have a suspicion the Blues (12-) will want it more. They won’t be as dumb as last week, and the Hurricanes are looking a tad thin in the leadership stakes at first five.
A rejuvenated Force are hosting the Reds (12-) and should go in as favourites. But I have a sneaking suspicion the Reds may do enough.
Just one small gripe. Is it too much to ask to put a Kiwi ref in charge of our big local derbies?
