The opening week of the 2011 Super 15 season was full of action packed Rugby. There was a whitewash result, a couple of close encounters and some shock wins for a few unfancied sides.
It all started with a surprise win for the Highlanders, over a highly rated Hurricanes side who fielded the likes of Hosea Gear, Ma’a Nonu, Conrad Smith and Cory Jane. Considering the Hurricanes have a whole host of backs who can do some damage, the Highlanders sneaked to a 14-9 away victory. Fly-Half Lima Sopoaga was the man of the show, as his try and two penalties secured a surprise victory for Jamie Joseph’s side. Hurricanes centre Ma’a Nonu was sent off via a second yellow, and having a man advantage paid dividends for the Highlanders as they grabbed a 14-9 opening victory.
In game two last season’s third place side the Waratahs, gave Super Rugby newcomers the Rebels a real thrashing. Both Kurtley Beale and on form Drew Mitchell both scored two tries, while hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau, youngster Rob Horne and captain Phil Waugh added to the Waratahs try scoring list. Considering seven tries were scored, Berrick Barnes along with Kurtley Beale could only convert four of them. It was a resounding win though for one of the major title contenders, as they picked up a 43-0 opening round victory over the Rebels.
The first Saturday game resulted in a surprise win for the Blues, even though the Blues have a very good side it was the early season favourites in the Crusaders who should have won this one. It was a close encounter at Eden Park, but considering the away side were 19-6 in front at half-time, a resurgent performance from the Blues warranted in an amazing comeback victory. Tries from Benson Stanley, Tony Woodcock and Keven Mealamu stunned the Crusaders, as the Blues were able to hold onto their amazing comeback, by winning the tie 24-22.
Meanwhile the Brumbies managed to beat the Chiefs in another exciting encounter, the side from the Australian conference led 18-3 at half-time, thanks to two tries from Robbie Coleman and Francis Fainifo. The Chiefs managed to hit back in the second period, as wingers Sitiveni Sivivatu and Lelia Masaga both went over the try line, aswell as Tawera Kerr-Barlow but the Brumbies also managed to add to their score thanks to a try from substitute Salesi Ma’afu. Matt Giteau also had a decent kicking day, as the Brumbies managed to hold off a dangerous Chiefs side to claim an opening weekend victory with 28-20 being the final score.
The Sharks also picked up a scrappy opening victory, as they beat the Cheetahs 24-9. It was a match of great power by the Sharks, as the tight five produced a stunning display aswell as the back row. Jacques Botes and Bismarck Du Plessis scored the only tries of the game, as the Sharks scored an easy victory against the Cheetahs.
The current holders of the Super Rugby title had to deal with a difficult Lions side, as the team who didn’t win a single game in Super 14 2010 produced a very good performance against the Bulls. The Bulls started the game well as Zane Kirchner and Gerhard Van Den Heever both went over in the first half, Van Den Heever scored a wonderful try as he pounced onto a loose ball to run a good 50 yards, beating a number of Lions players to dive over with ease. The Lions didn’t give up as they put in a performance to be proud of, Martin Bezuidenhout and Warren Whiteley scored two tries; however if Elton Jantjies converted all three tries the Lions would have secured a draw, but his kicking cost them the match as the Bulls picked up a close thought win by a scoreline of 24-20.
The final game of the opening weekend ended in a dramatic finish, the Western Force came out all guns blazing in the opening half and led at half-time, thanks to a number of penalties by James O’Connor. The Reds fought back in the difficult encounter, as great work by Saia Fainga’a at the line out produced good rewards, as he’s short throw was laid back to him, as the Aussie hooker ran down the line to go over in the corner. The Force quickly went ahead again, as a poor pass from Quade Cooper hit teammate Anthony Fainga’a, James O’Connor latched onto the resulting loose ball to speed home. The game wasn’t over though as the Reds fans got behind their side and replacement hooker James Hanson squeezed over for a late try. Despite a poor performance by Quade Cooper, the Reds managed to battle to a 21-20 victory.
Jimmy Cowan had a very good game and I can see him being NZ’s number 9 at the world cup even if Weepu is back. Not surprised the Blues won tbh they are a decent team anyway. I fear for the reds, teams seem to be working them out and Copper individually.