Sports After Dark

The 2008 edition of the Super 14 features new rules and a host of new players. More attacking rugby, youthful exuberance and the best club rugby competition in the world, let the games begin!

A large group of players from all three nations in the Super 14 have made their way to the higher pay of the Northern Hemisphere competitions, but in doing so have brought a number of young players up to Super 14 level. These inexperienced players will either sink or swim in the coming weeks, but the sheer number of new faces makes the opening rounds difficult to pick.

Crusaders vs Brumbies
The round opens in Christchurch where last year’s semi finalists host their arch rivals from Australia. Both sides have been hit hard by the departure of key players such as George Gregan, Stephen Larkham, Aaron Mauger and Chris Jack. The difference between the two teams is the Crusaders have been able to fill their gaps with up and comers such as Stephen Brett and transfer players like All Black Ali Williams.

Last year’s encounter between the teams was a dour encounter, played in difficult conditions and was won by the Brumbies by 15-6. The conditions tomorrow night are not expected to be ideal, but should still allow an expansive game. If the Crusaders can control the tempo of the game and force the Brumbies to feed off scraps of possession, they should win this game at a canter.

Red vs Highlanders
The Highlanders, New Zealand’s weakest test last season, have been hit hardest by player losses, losing veteran Anton Oliver overseas and last year’s standout Nick Evans to the Blues. By contrast, the Reds are fielding largely the same squad as last season, but a 1-12 record in 2007 doesn’t make that a good thing.

Neither side is known to be strong starters but the Reds are the more known quantity, given the number of Highlanders who are untested at this level. The Reds should get their season off to a good start, but it will be close and the Highlanders are certainly capable of an upset.

Sharks vs Force
South Africa’s Friday night game features last year’s finalists against the pick of the Australian teams. The Sharks have been able to replace their departing players with quality, most notably replacing Butch James with French star Frederic Michalak.

The Force have done a good job of keeping their squad together, looking to build on last year’s good showing. However, without Bryan Habana’s last second heroics, the Sharks would be the defending champions and will prove too stern a test first up for the young Force team.

Blues vs Chiefs
The first of the Super 14 derby matches sees the still powerful Blues, taking on the improving Chiefs. Both sides have the core of their squad from last year available, plus the Blues have added All Black Nick Evans.

A poor start to the season cost the Chiefs a semi final spot, something they will be keen to avoid this year, while the Blues have to be considered one of the front runners for this year’s title. This game has all the ingredients of an absolute cracker, but the Blues should get home by a try.

Waratahs vs Hurricanes
Two of last season’s biggest disappointments face off at the Sydney Football Stadium. Both are better than last year would suggest and will be looking to correct that anomaly.

The Waratahs are fielding league convert Timana Tahu on the wing, and many will be interested in his performance given how hit and miss converts have been. In spite of this big addition, and the Hurricanes traditional slow start, the visitors should be too good in this one.

Stormers vs Bulls
The defending champion Bulls have kept their monstrous forward pack together, as have the Stormers. Both teams have had to rearrange their backlines a little, but the core remains the same. These South African derby matches are always tight, hard fought affairs and this one is likely to be no different, but the Bulls have a few more game breakers in their squad, that was the difference in last year’s final and it will be the difference again here.

Cheetahs vs Lions
The final game of the round is between two South African teams in the middle of a rebuilding process. Both have many good young players on their roster and will put in some good showings this season, but with youth comes inconsistency. Unfortunately for both teams, neither will be in the semi final picture, making the outcome of this game a little academic.

The new laws and new faces will certainly spice up a competition that was starting to look a little tired last year. Given the sheer amount of talent on show, this is year’s tournament has the potential to be one of the best, and closest, yet.

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The Super 14 is back, and it’s looking better than ever by Hamish McBrearty, unless otherwise expressly stated, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.