Super treats for Easter weekend
CHIEFS v LIONS
The inbox has been chokka with correspondence about Israel Folau’s stance on the gay community over the last week. It’s clearly a touchy subject, and let’s just say the Wallabies backline ace isn’t isolated in spouting tripe. But enough! Let’s shuffle away from that wee bonfire and focus on the topic of Super Rugby and what goodies it will provide during the Easter break. Hopefully there will be plenty of treats for the fans. And for some coaches, that will inevitably mean more heartburn.
1. Don’t go reminding Highlanders fans of their team’s 33-26 loss to the Blues on March 22.
If you’re silly enough to do so, then duck. That’s a warning, right there. The Blues’ snatched their first win over a New Zealand team in more than three years to continue a mini-resurgence, of sorts, that has since resulted in them bounding into the top eight. The re-match, at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on Saturday night, is sure to be a sharp reminder of why coaches and players will be chuffed to see derby games reduced from 2021. This could be brutal.
And, remember, the Highlanders haven’t lost to the Blues in Dunedin since round 11 in 2011. They will be desperate. They have to be or their season is toast.
2. How good was Karl Tu’inukuafe’s at handling the oval pip during his side’s loss to his former team, the Chiefs, in Hamilton last weekend?
The loosehead prop featured twice in the try to fullback Melani Nanai, getting quickly to his feet to suck in a pass that could have gone to ground. His soft hands and balance would have embarrassed some backs. The terrific Tu’inukuafe story keeps delivering.
3. Sonny Bill Williams and medical appointments.
They, unfortunately, go together like salt and vinegar crisps and onion dip. The 51-test All Black midfielder’s body isn’t made of stainless steel and wire, and images of him sinking his boot sprigs into the grass on a regular basis are all too rare.
This does nothing to lighten the mood of the national selectors, or his supporters. Not with a World Cup looming. Last season Williams could only manage five outings for the All Blacks, and since joining the Blues in 2017 he has totalled just 17 appearances in Super Rugby. Currently recovering from a knee injury, he will be off limits for about six weeks.
4. Which, of course, brings us to his Blues team-mate and former All Black Ma’a Nonu.
If picked for the World Cup squad, this would be some story. Although he doesn’t possess the offload game of SBW, Nonu’s ability to bang long wipers kicks, set up his wings and pulverise tacklers is proving to be a real asset.
5. When Damian McKenzie’s knee gave up the ghost last weekend, the only thing the All Blacks coaches could do was . . . well, nothing really.
More than two years of investing in developing the mercurial fullback/No10’s talents ahead of the World Cup went up in smoke. And you have to feel for the Chiefs. It was no fluke that their fight back from a horror start to the year coincided with McKenzie running amok from fullback.
6. But even with McKenzie gone for the season, it makes no sense to say the Lions will beat the Chiefs in Hamilton tomorrow night.
The Lions appear to be imploding. It could be a
heavy night in the Tron.
7. Crusaders coach Scott Robertson can rest easy in Fiji.
While his counterparts are suppressing the urge to direct death stares at the officials or their players, or hoping they can keep their heart rates below 200bpm, Robertson will be enjoying the bye week.
8. Even better for the Crusaders, they are not going to be overtaken.
When the Crusaders return refreshed from their break they will still be at the top of the leaderboard.
9. Fingers and toes should be crossed that whatever is going on with All Blacks and Crusaders tighthead prop Owen Franks’ shoulder isn’t a major.
Franks has been shipped off for a second scan because of ongoing issues and won’t be back for the Crusaders’ next fixture against the Lions. It could be longer. Who knows? News that Atu Moli has been called in for the All Blacks’ foundation days as cover for the injured test centurion indicates Steve Hansen is looking at all his options.
10. Let’s not forget the Aussies.
The Waratahs and Rebels will be glad to get on the park, for differing reasons. The Waratahs are coming off the bye, but after the blow-up involving Folau they haven’t exactly been resting their minds. The Rebels got spanked last weekend; the Stormers’ aggressive and fast defensive line made sure of that and rattled Rebels playmaker Quade Cooper clearly wasn’t in a mood for jokes.
Tahs coach Daryl Gibson will have noted that in his jotter pad. Anything to distract him from the Folau mess will be welcomed right now.