Faumuina a very big loss
OPINION: Reacquainting yourself with Super Rugby can be dispiriting. The points table’s the obvious place to start, but it only reminds you that the Brumbies and Stormers are about to host quarterfinals.
That’s life in the conference era and there’s really no point complaining about it. Still, it’s hard to look at the battling Brumbies – with just six wins all season – and not wonder how a, supposedly, elite competition came to this. Anyway, let’s move on.
Not every New Zealander who opts to continue their rugby career overseas is a big loss or going before their time.
But Blues tighthead prop Charlie Faumuina still had a lot to offer the franchise and the All Blacks. Instead it will be French club Toulouse who’ll benefit from the 30-yearold’s allround ability for the next wee while.
Rightly or wrongly, players tend to be judged on looks and quotability and tryscoring deeds and prominence with ball in hand.
Despite playing 50 tests for New Zealand, Faumuina will depart as something of an anonymous figure to many. But he was an excellent prop, who could scrummage and carry and tackle and he leaves a big hole in the All Blacks’ frontrow rotation.
He’ll leave the Blues, following Saturday’s clash with the Sunwolves in Tokyo, having made 99 appearances for the franchise. New Zealand watch Beyond the Blues – who again delivered next to nothing this year – the Chiefs and Highlanders should also register big wins this weekend.
The Highlanders host the Reds – another team who were hyped up and produced little – while the Chiefs have the Brumbies in Hamilton.
But the significant Kiwi encounter sees the Hurricanes and Crusaders meet in Wellington. The Hurricanes have been this year’s nearly team, tipping over ordinary sides but struggling against better ones.
The Crusaders – much to everyone’s surprise – have gone unbeaten. You’d imagine they’re primed for a loss, it’s just that – hand on heart – there’s little to suggest the Hurricanes are the team that can inflict it. All the same, the TAB have the Hurricanes as favourites. Bye then It’s the end of the road for the Kings and Cheetahs, who ironically meet in Port Elizabeth on Sunday (NZT). Punted from the competition, as part of Sanzaar’s threeteam cull, Europe might beckon for the pair.
The Cheetahs have certainly had a chequered time of it in Super Rugby. Out, then in, they were also part of the Cats merger with the Lions, back in on their own and now gone. At least they’ve made a decision in South Africa. Australia are still to announce if it’s the Rebels or Force who are losing their Super status.