Cream has risen to the top of the SA crop
Due to a number of results going their way, the Sharks and Lions have secured themselves a spot in the play-offs of this year’s campaign.
Although their opponents still need to be decided both teams will be eager to find out who they will be playing. There was very little doubt that the Sharks and Lions would be challenged in their conferences, although the Jaguares came close in Africa 2. There is no denying that these are South Africa’s two best teams, with the remaining teams being somewhat disappointing. The Lions are South Africa’s number one side and will most likely be their major hope when it comes to another South African team lifting the trophy once again.
Augustine Pulu is no slouch on defence
In my opinion, Augustine Pulu has been a revelation for the Blues. Having been brought across to Auckland in pre-season, he has no doubt been one of the Blues’ star players this season.
He is a live wire on attack and is one of the most exciting number 9s in the game. His ability to read the game is uncanny and although he is competing with the likes of Smith and Perenara, he can definitely be commended on his efforts. Especially this tackle on McKenzie at the weekend.
Bryce Hegarty, look away
Waisake Noholo is a next level monster. We all realised this in 2015 when he broke his leg only 6 weeks out of the Rugby World Cup. Only to fly home and come back stronger in under a month.
This weekend’s antics were no different. Once Naholo gets speed, it’s a defender’s nightmare. Bryce Hegarty unfortunately was in the wrong place at the wrong time. He definitely won’t want to see this tackle on the highlights reel. Although props on him going for the tackle, however, if you going to go that high on a beast that size, you better get ready for the consequences.
Blues come agonisingly close
You can’t help but feel sorry for the Blues. They have been one of the best sides in the competition but find themselves in the toughest conference. They nearly got one of over their rivals from Waikato at the weekend but they will have to settle with a draw.
The Blues have not beaten the Chiefs in over 13 matches and it looked like they may finally get their first win on Friday. It was a case of close but no cigar as Piers Francis pushed a penalty agonisingly wide and the boys from Auckland had to settle with a draw. You can’t help but support the Blues. No matter who they play, they always give 110% on the field. Their backline may have been somewhat disappointing this year but they still aren’t afraid to play expansive rugby and ultimately, the they are the best spectator side in the competition.
Bulls get some good news
After a season to forget for the Bulls, the finally got a breath of fresh air with the announcement of John Mitchell as the new executive of rugby at Loftus.
Mitchell comes with an incredible amount of experience and can definitely turn this team around. The Bulls are not short of talent, and with the right man steering the ship, the Bulls will be back with a bang. Mitchell put the Lions on the rugby map after they were relegated from Super Rugby before Ackerman took over. He has been in this situation before and will thrive in Pretoria. Although with his impressive work he has done in the past, he will be under pressure to perform but if he can look past the media and concentrate on the job at hand, Loftus may become the fortress it used to be.
By Tristan Renaud