Scotty Donaldson looks at his findings following Round 5, it is funny how much can change in a week.
Super Rugby Round 5 threw up some interesting results, here are my brief findings from the weekend.
Firstly, I had my best round of tipping this season to move up 14 places and wear the gold cap for the round of Super Bru picking.
10 ▼ 7 chriscullen 29.92
This week I picked six out of seven winners, with the Brumbies the only thorn in my side against the Highlanders. With the exception of the Bulls rampaging win over the Reds, all of the other games were close. It is a common theme this season with plenty of tight matches making it difficult to predict, especially with some last minute tries or goals. The travel factor did come into results this week and so did the mounting injury tolls, especially for the Blues, Highlanders and Reds. If you are a goal kicking first five eighth in New Zealand or Australia, you should be getting a Super Rugby contract soon, especially with the Force, Highlanders and Reds running low on options. Finally, I think being booed off their last game at home inspired the Waratahs to win this week. On the rise
Brumbies and Hurricanes - these two teams have young sides in the rebuilding phase. Jake White and Mark Hammett are getting plenty out of their young guns and it is exciting for Super Rugby to have such amazing young talent. Could the Brumbies and or Hurricanes win their conferences? That would be amazing.
Now that the Crusaders have a temporary home stadium in Christchurch and welcomed back the world class Daniel Carter then things are looking up for them. Even with these two crucial factors they only just got up over the Cheetahs.
The Cheetahs may not be winning many matches, but they are winning many fans with their open style of play. I love watching this team play and they never seem to get thrashed, they just keep losing narrowly despite scoring plenty of great tries. Johan Goosen and Willie Le Roux are going great.
The Stormers are still the best South African team, but the Bulls showed that when they get their heads up they are unstoppable at home. It will be interesting to see how these teams go on the road.
On the fall
The mounting injury toll at the Highlanders and Blues has shown everyone how crucial it is to have quality players in certain positions. Both of these teams missed their star loose forwards Jerome Kaino (Blues) and Adam Thomson/ John Hardie (Highlanders). The Highlanders can't win without Thomson and now that Colin Slade, John Hardie and Lima Sopoaga are out for the season then things are going to get tougher for the Highlanders, while the Blues are almost out of contention already despite starting the season with such a strong squad. The physical nature of this competition has a ridiculous attrition rate. The Highlanders were looking so promising a few weeks ago.
Could the Reds be losing their mojo? They have also struggled with injuries to fly halves, but will return home soon to lick their wounds. With the Brumbies going so well early, it seems that the Australian conference could have a new top side. Things can change so quickly in a few rounds and with a few injuries to key players.
What did you think of Super Rugby Round 5? Have your say!
http://www.superrugbytips.com/2012/03/super-15-rugby-round-5-review.html
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