Sports After Dark

New Zealand’s top sports blog

Archive for April, 2008

If you don’t know the laws of the game, please refrain from commenting

Posted by Hamish McBrearty on 27th April 2008

In a nation where rugby is king, it is simply baffling how many people do not know the laws of the game but in New Zealand, ignorance seems to be no hurdle to voicing your opinion. What makes it worse, is when those in the media exhibit that same ignorance.

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Posted in New Zealand, Super 14, opinion, rugby | No Comments »

Crusaders stay at the top of the table, but only just

Posted by Hamish McBrearty on 25th April 2008

In a close but error filled game, the Crusaders beat the Blues by 26-22 in front of a capacity crowd at AMI Stadium. The Blues were desperately unlucky, having two close calls go against them and another go in favour of the home team.

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Posted in New Zealand, Super 14, rugby | No Comments »

Super 14: Can the chasing pack claw their way into the top four?

Posted by Hamish McBrearty on 24th April 2008

With just four weeks left in the 2008 edition of the Super 14, the chasing pack will need to cause some upsets if they are to live to see the semi finals.

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Posted in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Super 14, rugby | No Comments »

Super 14: Can the top four keep their places?

Posted by Hamish McBrearty on 23rd April 2008

As the Super 14 nears the end of the round robin, there are still nine teams who could claim the four semi final spots on offer. But who stands the best chance of claiming those spots and who has left their run too late? Today Hamish McBrearty takes a look at the chances of the top four keeping their spots.

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Super 14: Crunch time as semi finals loom

Posted by Hamish McBrearty on 17th April 2008

As the Super 14 hits week 10, the Sharks and Crusaders have established a good lead at the top of the table, but with just three points covering third to eighth, points will be vital for those still in the semi final hunt, while those down the bottom of the table are playing for pride.

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Posted in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Super 14, rugby | No Comments »

Young Crusaders shine as they survive being thrown to the Lions

Posted by Hamish McBrearty on 12th April 2008

After a poor start to the game the Crusaders found their feet and beat the Lions 31-6 in front of 16,500 fans at AMI Stadium on Saturday evening.

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Super 14: Playoff hunt hots up as the season gets to the business end

Posted by Hamish McBrearty on 10th April 2008

The top two teams in Super 14, the Crusaders and Sharks, have established a small lead over the chasing pack, but there’s a real log jam developing with the Blues, Chiefs, Force, Waratahs and Hurricanes separated by just three points as they battle for two semi final spots. The clash between the Force and Waratahs could well decide those teams’ fates, while the others will need points just to stay in touch.

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Posted in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Super 14, Uncategorized, rugby | No Comments »

When referees get it wrong

Posted by Hamish McBrearty on 5th April 2008

Referees have the hardest job in sports, when they get it right nobody notices, when they get it wrong everyone bays for blood. During Saturday night’s game between the Hurricanes and the Sharks, referee Paul Marks made four huge decision and the video evidence would suggest he got two of them horribly wrong.

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Super 14: Pack looks to keep leaders in sight

Posted by Hamish McBrearty on 3rd April 2008

Round 8 of the Super 14 has the Highlanders and Cheetahs with their best chance of racking up their first wins of the season, while the Sharks look to keep their unbeaten record intact in Wellington. But it is those teams in the middle of the table like the Brumbies and Chiefs who need the points the most if they are to keep in touch with the leaders.

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Posted in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Super 14, rugby | No Comments »

 
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