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Opinionated Rugby Commentary - by Fans for Fans
Spill what you really think about events in the rugby world.
Super Rugby Round 7 Review - My Trip To Forsyth 14 views
31 March 2013 by The Swede Eaters
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Scotty Donaldson reviews Super Rugby Round 7 and looks at his first visit to Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.
Super Rugby Round 7 saw the action start at Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium on Friday night, and I made my first visit to New Zealand's fully indoor stadium to watch New Zealand's worst team, play in the best stadium.
The Reds were too clinical for the toothless Highlanders and it was only some much needed urgency off the bench, which saw the Highlanders save face but eventually lose 34-33 to the smart Reds. Winning is a culture that the Highlanders don't have and each time they threatened to break their losing streak, they would then make some handling or lineout errors and let the Reds off the hook. It is like they are lacking the confidence and precision to win. They also lack the spark of Tamati Ellison and Adam Thomson, while they also lack the big defence that won them so many games in the past. They now sit stone cold motherless last.
The elevation at the stadium provided a perfect view to watch the most liberal interpretation of the knock on laws that I have seen in a long time. It was like the referee didn't want to see many scrums, but there were times when some blatant knock ons went unnoticed and some forward passes could easily be seen from the elevation of the steep seats which saw some of Quade Coopers' forward passes, not called. Ma'a Nonu's passing game needs to improve following some terrible cutout passes!
There were only seats down one end zone, but this was mainly empty because the Zoo was lacking students. At the other end there were no seats. Without the students there was not much atmosphere and annoyingly they seem overly strict on seating given the stadium wasn't full.
In other games, the Chiefs and Crusaders secured good wins this round and look like the best New Zealand teams. The Crusaders win without Dan Carter and Kieran Read was impressive given it was away against the team considered by many as Super Rugby title contenders in the Stormers.
The Chiefs win at Mount Maunganui made me wonder if it is worth taking games outside the main franchise home. Places like Invercargill (Rugby Park), Mount Maunganui (Bay Park) etc. don't have the population or facilities for Super Rugby matches.
The Brumbies and Reds are definitely the best Australian teams following the weekend with the Brumbies win over Bulls absolutely necessary to stay at the top of the conference. The Reds were slow starters, but are mounting a challenge following a gritty win in Dunedin. Both the Brumbies and Reds were far from convincing, but you have to win the tight ones.
There is now becoming a tier of bottom ranked teams including the Highlanders, Force, Rebels and Kings, while the Blues, Cheetahs, Waratahs and Bulls look likely to finish midtable.
Who impressed you in Super Rugby Round 7?
http://www.superrugbytips.com/2013/03/super-rugby-round-7-review-my-first.html
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