Crusaders, Chiefs, Blues running hot
Temperatures at the Brisbane Global Tens didn’t reach the same unbearable levels as last year’s maiden event but with three unbeaten New Zealand teams, the theme is the same. Expect the title to again be won by a Kiwi side.
It wasn’t quite as taxing as last year, when a heatwave brought 40 degrees, but Blues coach Tana Umaga was grateful to be on the sideline.
“I don’t envy these guys running out there in this heat,” Umaga said. “It’s amazing what they put themselves through.”
Umaga’s men, alongside the Chiefs and Crusaders, were most impressive on day one. First up, the Blues trounced the Reds 29-7 and then monstered Robbie Deans’ Panasonic Wild Knights 47-10, the biggest win in the tournament’s tenure.
Carlos Spencer made his comeback, knocking over a couple of easy conversions, but didn't need to attempt any special trick plays, with his teammates turning it on.
“I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time. I’ve been away for 13, 14 years, so to be back is a privilege for me. I was very excited to get out there with these young guys,” Spencer said.
On one occasion, Spencer loomed up inside Caleb Clarke but the teenager opted to back his pace.
“I can imagine Eroni Clarke sitting up there saying ‘you better give it’ and he didn’t, so he might get a clip around the ears from the old man,” Spencer said. “I’m just happy to get through the game. I took bugger-all contact, if any, and hopefully it goes that way if I get another opportunity.”
Melani Nanai and Sam Nock were influential but it was collectively aggressive defence and support play that set the tone for the Blues.
Expectations must be tempered somewhat, as the Blues are yet to face Kiwi opposition, but confidence appears to be building in this format.
Should Tim Nanai-Williams continue his magic touches, the defending champion Chiefs will also be in contention. Nanai-Williams’ quick feet proved impossible to contain, while Taleni Seu and Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi also had their moments as the Chiefs squeaked past the Highlanders, thanks to a controversial last play call, and thrashed French club Pau, who despite carrying seven former All Blacks look out of their depth and comfort zone after arriving from snow.
The Crusaders, last year’s beaten finalists, cruised past the Hurricanes 22-0 in their opening derby with a statement of intent.
The experienced Hurricanes consistently made errors and never really fired a shot. It was a disjointed, bumbling team effort that suggests they may be the worst of the New Zealand sides, and the only one unlikely to contest the title.
The Highlanders and their high vis jerseys which resembled road workers bounced back from their opening defeat with a late try to defeat the Waratahs.