Super 15 Review – Round 5 (Video Highlights and Team of the Week)

Results

Rebels 30 -29 Force

Blues 25 -26 Hurricanes

Waratahs 34- 30 Sharks

Crusaders 28 – 21 Cheetahs

Brumbies 33- 26 Highlanders

Lions 19- 24 Stormers

Bulls 61 – 8 Reds

Summary

Round 5 saw the return of the King, as Dan Carter took to the field helping the Crusaders to victory over the Cheetahs in the first match at Christchurch’s new ‘Rugby League Park’. The Cheetahs clawed their way back from a large deficit but even Johan Goosen couldn’t ruin the Party, as they eventually went down 28-21.

The Hurricanes upset the Blues once more thanks to a late Conrad Smith try following a truly magical break from the ‘man who would be king’; DC’s heir apparent Beauden Barrett. The Blues now lurk near the bottom of the table. Unsurprisingly Pat Lam is getting roasted but Hammet’s Hurricanes look like a dark horse.

The Brumbies also continued their surprisingly good start to the season showing too much passion for a Highlanders side inspired by James ‘the Brand’ Haskell in Canberra. The Brumbies backline didn’t seem to be miss the injured Matt Toomua, as Christian Lealifano marshaled them beautifully.  Stephen Larkham’s coaching is paying dividends it seems and everyone can now see why Jake White resisted England’s overtures. The Highlanders though had to cop a season ending injury to pivot Colin Slade. Good luck to the guy. He’s had his fair share of injuries…. he needs a break (ouch).

Four points automatically went to the Chiefs this round as they benefited from their bye. They face the Waratahs in Hamilton next weekend.

The Reds would have wished they had their feet up at home too after a torrid 80 minutes at Loftus Versfeld. The Super 15 takes no prisoners (even if you are ‘reigning Champions’) and the Bulls crushed them 61-8 in a rampant display of power.

The Stormers meanwhile surged to the top of the table, repelling a second half comeback from the Lions to win 24-19, with two well taken tries from Tian Liebenberg (who was earning his 50^th Cap for the Cape Town Franchise) and Bryan Habana (scoring his 50^th Try in Super Rugby).

Danny Cipriani also gave us an impromptu audition for Strictly ‘Down Under’, as he got his dancing shoes out after leading his Rebels to their first victory of the season against the lowly Force. The match ended 30-29.  The moves were something to behold (from the player voted ‘worst tackler in Super Rugby’ during 2011). Sale fans can know what to expect, as they have announced his arrival for next year’s campaign.

Sydney’s Allianz Stadium meanwhile showcased yet another tight match as the Sharks dominated the Waratahs for most of the game…but still lost. John Plumtree will be tearing his hair out and his men will be hoping to get their season back on track in the self proclaimed ‘most competitive conference’ in Super Rugby.  The sharks seem to be drowning under the weight of expectation.

Dumptackle ‘Team of the Week’

This week’s team sees a few positional changes and has a large influence from the victorious Brumbies and Bulls sides. Ben Franks is included at tighthead prop (despite playing loosehead) to leave space for Ben Alexander who had a blinding game against the much vaunted Highlanders pack. With the abundance of top fly half performances this week (a feature of the 2012 campaign thus far), some tinkering also sees Beauden Barrett at Full Back (a position he has employed at NZ U21 level), while Zane Kirchner moves from Fullback to the Wing. If you disagree with any of the choices, please leave your comments below!

1.Ben Alexander, 2.Bismark DuPlessis, 3.Ben Franks, 4.Juandre Kruger, 5.Nathan Sharpe, 6.Jacques Potgieter, 7.Michael Hooper, 8.Ben Mowen, 9.Aaron Smith, 10.Johan Goosen, 11.Joe Tomane, 12.Christian Lealifano, 13.Conrad Smith, 14.Zane Kirchner, 15.Beauden Barrett.

Dumptackle Player of the Week

Beauden Barrett (Huricanes) - Barrett capped what has been a mesmerising debut start to the season with the kind of break every kid dreams about. His offload to Conrad Smith led to the matchwinning try which he duly converted. If there is anyone who looks like a guaranteed future All Black, its him. Honourable mentions go to Michael Hooper of the Brumbies and Johan Goosen of the Cheetahs who gave excellent individual performances against the Highlanders and the Crusaders respectively.