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Will the Chiefs get the support they deserve?
The Harlem Globetrotters of Super rugby, otherwise known as the Chiefs a worthy of a full-house at Waikato Stadium at the moment but it doesn't mean the fickle fans of the upper North Island will oblige.
The competition darlings have put on no fewer than 16 tries in the last two weeks - 15 of which have been to their all-star backline.
16,000 fans turned up to watch the Chiefs eye-bulging performance that hammered the Blues but a South African side, particularly the Lions, for some reason just doesn't quite have the same appeal.
The Chiefs confirmed on Friday morning that they had sold 8,000 tickets for the match on Saturday - which is about the same number that turned up to watch the high-flying Sharks on a stormy night in round three - and are hopeful of a crowd in excess of 12,000.
The Chiefs have been high on promotional activity this week as well, visiting local schools and rugby clubs, and offering free tickets to children with one paying adult.
Good on them but if truth be told these guys are so hot right now they shouldn't need to give any extra incentive.
By virtue this column doesn't believe in plugging but this is an exception: if you can, get behind the Chiefs - you won't be disappointed!
Hit of the round?
A metaphor of the times: has there ever been a symbol more appropriate than the Sharks' John Smith 'accidentally' smashing referee Bryce Lawrence?
Now no disrespect to Lawrence - he has been one of the best performed adjudicators - but this was a watershed moment that struck a chord with all rugby fans.
The refereeing of the Super 14 has been abysmal, and while not even God himself could decipher the tackle ball area, the consistency of interpretations has been found wanting.
Amazingly, the ELV review failed to address this - it is biggest blight on the game.
Bring back the maul?
The ELV review may have failed to fix the tackle ball lottery but at least they have bought back some of the sport's soul.
It's not as if the maul ever went anywhere but by allowing the pulling down of a rolling team brought a despicable negativity to the game that should never have been allowed.
So bring back the maul and while you're at it - give us rucking back too. The code in the Southern Hemisphere was beginning to look more and more like rugby league and without these elements is clearing losing its point of difference.
Shouldn't have Napier got a Highlanders fixture?
Now no disrespect to the good folk of Pamerston North because they certainly turned up in solid numbers to roar home an inspired Highlanders outfit.
But the Hawke's Bay Highlanders, as the perceptive have dubbed them, had no fewer than four influential figures (Israel Dagg, Jason Shoemark, Matt Berquist and George Naoupu) from the magpie province that powered them to the upset of the season.
If the Highlanders are worried about gate-takings, as they obviously are, I'm certain the sunny city of Napier would turn out in their droves to watch their lads foot it with the best.
Snub of the week?
Australia's golden boy, Drew Mitchell, has come out this week and said that he's impressed with the Reds in an interview that reeks of an intended shift back to the Sunshine State.
Even though he claims that he is undecided on his future there is little doubt that the Western Force a staring down the barrel of losing another marquee player.
Rumour has it; again from the reputable source of the Kalgoorlie Pub, that WA is not big enough for two Mitchells.
Match of the round?
While some may be tempted to trump for the Bulls visit to Christchurch on Friday night, the Hurricanes match against the Sharks has way more WOW factor.
The match also has huge ramifications for the Hurricanes' play-off aspirations and the Sharks minor premiership march.
Waking up at the strike of dawn on Sunday morn may be a problem but.
Muppet of the week (1)?
Giant Waratahs number eight Wycliffe Palu obviously ain't hard to miss so it was hardly a surprise when he was caught driving with a suspended licence for the second time.
For his troubles he was he was placed on an 18-month good-behaviour bond and ordered to pay a fine of more than $1000.
Muppet of the week (2)?
Taniela Moa was a enjoying several beverages at Marist Rugby club in Ellislie on Saturday when he was reportedly ejected. Moa was apparently none to happy and threw a bottle at the famous Auckland clubhouse.
Now let me guess: Moa will be suspended for one game, be given a $1000 fine and ordered to go to alcohol counselling. All too predictable.
Biggest hard luck story?
It's been a devastating week for the Brumbies with team-mate Shawn Mackay in a critical condition after being run-over early on Sunday morning in Durban.
Then to further rub salt in the wound some of the Brumbies had cell phone and laptops stolen from their hotel room. When it rains it pours.
MVP round seven?
Give it up to Highlander Adam Thomson, playing better than an energiser bunny, and the certainly the man against the Bulls.
His stats say it all: 15 tackles, nine hit-ups and three turnovers
Should the game have two referees?
Big Ali Williams is single-handedly increasing the intellectual property of tight forwards around the globe.
Once the village idiot who infamously (and not to mention ambiguously) turned up at media session dressed up as Spider Man has seemingly put the joker days behind him and coming up with some terrific insight.
His latest idea, not involving pole-dancing, is calling for rugby union to follow league's lead and employ two referees.
Not a bad idea Ali. One ref could attempt to control the ruck area while the other would make sure the defensive line remains on-side.
The only problem is that with the Matt Goddard show back in the mix there is clearly a drought of adequate officials doing the rounds.
What are your burning questions? Feel free to comment below/
Add a Comment:
Post new commentsamuelleague said on 2009-05-15 @ 15:30 NZDT: Report abusive post
Im a fan of Waikato Smash ya'll, and the auckland burn in hell. Have nice rings to them, All that matters is the Chiefs are going to win the comp unless the bulls finish first then we'll get 2nd
samuelleague said on 2009-05-15 @ 15:30 NZDT: Report abusive post
Im a fan of Waikato Smash ya'll, and the auckland burn in hell. Have nice rings to them, All that matters is the Chiefs are going to win the comp unless the bulls finish first then we'll get 2nd
Bullethole said on 2009-05-15 @ 14:40 NZDT: Report abusive post
The Waikato Burn
Bullethole said on 2009-05-15 @ 14:39 NZDT: Report abusive post
I've always been of the opinion that the Force should recognise Perth's rich maritime history by renaming themselves the Western Australian Anchors, or WAAnchors for short.
Zaz01 said on 2009-05-15 @ 12:50 NZDT: Report abusive post
Canterbury All We've Got Is Rugbys or Waikato Wish We Were Aucklanders