Super Rugby Round 8 has come and gone and here are some brief findings from this round.

The Good
The Crusaders looked like the Crusaders of old as they dismantled the strong Stormers in Christchurch.  This match was of the highest calibre and could be a preview of the final.  The return to Christchurch has done wonders for the Crusaders and they have also unearthed a new star in Tom Taylor the young flyhalf who scored all of their 31 points.

The Chiefs look to be the main challenge for the Crusaders in the New Zealand conference and you wonder if coach Dave Rennie is destined for greater things especially since former coach Ian Foster made the All Blacks despite some average showings from the Chiefs in recent years.  How is it that Sona Taumalolo keeps scoring tries from prop?

The Brumbies and Waratahs won Australian derbies over the Rebels and Force.  The quality of the rugby in this Australian conference has been disappointing and you wonder about the Super Rugby format when the winner of this pool will qualify third overall despite having non winning teams from other conferences finishing with more points.

The Stormers and Cheetahs narrowly lost, but still look like they will be challenging down the home straight of the season, especially since they will play their matches in South Africa.  The Sharks won and it will be a difficult trip to South Africa for anyone playing these three teams over there.  What a shame hooker Craig Burden has to play second fiddle to the awesome Bismarck du Plessis usually.  He has been playing well as the Springbok's replacement.

The Bulls beat the Lions, but who doesn't?

The Bad

The hapless Blues couldn't buy a trick on Friday night against the Sharks.  They fumbled and bumbled their way to another defeat.  They weren't helped by a harsh refereeing decision, but it seems that when you are down on your luck these types of calls go against you.

The Rebels and Lions were both easily beaten and you have to wonder if the Lions will be replaced by the Southern Kings.  The sad thing is that the Lions demolished the Southern Kings in pre-season and yet the Lions are struggling as it is.  At least the Rebels beat the Blues last week!  You wonder if the money thrown at James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale makes being thrashed a bit easier for them to handle?

What were your highlights of Super Rugby Round 8?

RESULTS

Blues 23 - 29 Sharks
Force 18 - 23 Waratahs
Crusaders 31 - 24 Stormers
Brumbies 37 - 6 Rebels
Cheetahs 33 - 39 Chiefs
Lions 18 - 32 Bulls

Byes - Highlanders, Hurricanes, Reds

http://www.superrugbytips.com/2012/04/super-rugby-round-8-brief-review.html