Super 14 Rugby 2008

[Doza]

I can't wait for the 2008 Super 14 season to kick off.

This thread is devoted to discussion on the competition, predictions, new rules (did you know?!), teams, players, where to watch in Thailand, and to celebrate the running attacking rugby that is Super Rugby.

Firstly, who's got a draw???

[Doza]

Super 14 2008 kicks off on February 15th with a cracker: the Crusaders taking on the Brumbies in Christchurch. And what a season it should be, with the All Blacks and Wallabies players smarting from their early World Cup exits, and itching to get stuck into the world champion Springboks...(www.superbru.com)

ROUND 1

Round 1

1 Crusaders v Brumbies 15 Feb 19:35 Jade Stadium, Christchurch

2 Reds v Highlanders 15 Feb 19:05 Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

3 Sharks v Force 15 Feb 19:10 Aussie Stadium, Sydney

4 Blues v Chiefs 16 Feb 19:35 Eden Park, Auckland

5 Waratahs v Hurricanes 16 Feb 19:40 Aussie Stadium, Sydney

6 Stormers v Bulls 16 Feb 17:00 Newlands, Cape Town

7 Cheetahs v Lions 16 Feb 19:05 Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein

[Doza]

Experimental Law Variations to be applied in the 2008 Super 14:

Posts and flags around the field

1. Posts and flags around the field (ARC variation)

a. Corner posts will be positioned at the outside junction of the goal line and the touch-line.

i. If a player is in possession of the ball and touches a corner post he <b>will not</b> be in touch unless he touches the touchline or the ground beyond the touchline.

ii. If the ball is not being carried by a player and it touches the corner post the ball will be deemed to be touch in goal.

Inside the 22-metre line

2. When a defending player receives the ball outside the 22 metre line and passes, puts or takes the ball back inside the 22, the following can occur:

a. If the ball is then kicked directly into touch, the lineout is in line with where the ball was kicked.

b. If a tackle, ruck or maul is subsequently formed and the ball is then kicked directly into touch, the lineout is where the ball crossed the touch line.

Lineout

3. On a quick throw in, the ball can be thrown straight or backwards towards the defenders goal-line, but not forward towards the opposition goal line.

Breakdown (tackle/post tackle)

4. Players entering the breakdown area must do so through the gate.

5. Immediately the tackle occurs there are offside lines.

6. The halfback should not be touched unless he has his hands on the ball.

Scrum

7. The offside line for players who are not in the scrum and who are not the teams scrum half, is 5 metres behind the hindmost foot of the scrum.

Sanctions

8. For all offences other than offside, not entering through the gate, and Law 10-foul play, the sanction is a free-kick.

(www.rugbyheaven.co.nz)

Edited December 17, 2007 by Doza

[Donnyboy]

It will be interesting to see how the teams will fare in 2008, notibly the Crusaders without Deans, but Im sure the Team ethos will still be there.

The S.A. teams could drop away this season if their policy of playing more coloured players is followed through-who knows.

Bulls and Sharks still look good though, although NZ wont be holding back any ABs (that are left) due to re-conditioning.

Brumbies are usually there abouts as well.

My home team the Blues look like they could be in with a chance for a top 4 finish.

I am also looking forward to expansive, open, running rugby.

2008 Super 14 Draw - all times are local

WEEK 1 - * No D/L Saving in Brisbane

1. Friday 15 February Crusaders v Brumbies Christchurch 19:35

2. Friday 15 February Waratahs v Hurricanes Sydney 19:40

3. Friday 15 February Sharks v W Force Durban 19:10

4. Saturday 16 February Blues v Chiefs Auckland 19:35

5. Saturday 16 February Reds v Highlanders Brisbane * 19:05

6. Saturday 16 February Stormers v Bulls Cape Town 17:00

7. Saturday 16 February Cheetahs v Lions Bloemfontein 19:05

WEEK 2

8. Friday 22 February Hurricanes v Reds Wellington 19:35

9. Friday 22 February Cheetahs v W Force Bloemfontein 18:00

10. Friday 22 February Bulls v Crusaders Pretoria 20:05

11. Saturday 23 February Chiefs v Waratahs Hamilton 19:35

12. Saturday 23 February Brumbies v Highlanders Canberra 19:40

13. Saturday 23 February Sharks v Stormers Durban 17:00

14. Saturday 23 February Lions v Blues Johannesburg 19:05

WEEK 3

15. Friday 29 February Hurricanes v Chiefs Wellington 19:35

16. Friday 29 February Lions v W Force Johannesburg 18:30

17. Friday 29 February Stormers v Crusaders Cape Town 20:35

18. Saturday 01 March Highlanders v Waratahs Dunedin 19:35

19. Saturday 01 March Brumbies v Reds Canberra 19:40

20. Saturday 01 March Cheetahs v Blues Bloemfontein 17:00

21. Saturday 01 March Bulls v Sharks Pretoria 19:05 17:05

WEEK 4 – * No Daylight Saving in Brisbane

22. Friday 07 March Highlanders v Hurricanes Dunedin 19:35

23. Friday 07 March Waratahs v Brumbies Sydney 19:40

24. Friday 07 March Bulls v Lions Pretoria 19:05 17:05

25. Saturday 08 March Chiefs v Cheetahs Hamilton 19:35

26. Saturday 08 March Reds v Stormers Brisbane * 19:05

27. Saturday 08 March Sharks v Blues Durban 19:10

28. Sunday 09 March W Force v Crusaders Perth 17:00

WEEK 5

29. Friday 14 March Chiefs v Stormers Hamilton 19:35

30. Friday 14 March Brumbies v Hurricanes Canberra 19:40

31. Saturday 15 March Blues v W Force North Harbour 17:30

32. Saturday 15 March Crusaders v Cheetahs Christchurch 19:35

33. Saturday 15 March Reds v Bulls Brisbane * 19:05

34. Saturday 15 March Lions v Sharks Johannesburg 17:00

Waratahs/Highlanders Bye

WEEK 6 – Easter Weekend

35. Friday 21 March Crusaders v Waratahs Christchurch 19:35

36. Friday 21 March Brumbies v Cheetahs Canberra 19:40

37. Saturday 22 March Highlanders v W Force Queenstown 14:30

38. Saturday 22 March Blues v Stormers Auckland 17:30

39. Saturday 22 March Chiefs v Bulls Rotorua 19:35

40. Saturday 22 March Lions v Reds Johannesburg 17:00

Hurricanes/Sharks Bye

WEEK 7 – Sunday 30th March Daylight Savings Ends in Australia @ 3am

41. Friday 28 March Hurricanes v Crusaders Wellington 19:35

42. Friday 28 March Waratahs v Cheetahs Sydney 19:40

43. Friday 28 March W Force v Stormers Perth 20:00

44. Saturday 29 March Chiefs v Highlanders Hamilton 17:30

45. Saturday 29 March Blues v Bulls Auckland 19:35

46. Saturday 29 March Sharks v Reds Durban 17:00

Brumbies/Lions Bye

WEEK 8 – Sunday 6th April Daylight Savings Ends in New Zealand @ 3am

47. Friday 04 April Highlanders v Lions Dunedin 19:35

48. Friday 04 April Brumbies v Chiefs Canberra 19:40

49. Friday 04 April W Force v Bulls Perth 19:45

50. Saturday 05 April Hurricanes v Sharks Wellington 19:35

51. Saturday 05 April Waratahs v Blues Sydney 19:40

52. Saturday 05 April Cheetahs v Reds Bloemfontein 17:00

Crusaders/Stormers Bye

WEEK 9

53. Friday 11 April Highlanders v Sharks Dunedin 19:35

54. Saturday 12 April Crusaders v Lions Christchurch 17:30

55. Saturday 12 April Blues v Brumbies Auckland 19:35

56. Saturday 12 April W Force v Waratahs (TBD) Perth 19:05

57. Saturday 12 April Stormers v Cheetahs Cape Town 15:00

58. Saturday 12 April Bulls v Hurricanes Pretoria 17:05

Reds/Chiefs Bye

WEEK 10

59. Friday 18 April Chiefs v Crusaders Hamilton 19:35

60. Friday 18 April Reds v W Force Brisbane 19:40

61. Saturday 19 April Waratahs v Lions Sydney 17:30

62. Saturday 19 April Brumbies v Sharks Canberra 19:40

63. Saturday 19 April Bulls v Highlanders Pretoria 15:00 1

64. Saturday 19 April Stormers v Hurricanes Cape Town 17:05

Blues/Cheetahs Bye

WEEK 11

65. Friday 25 April Crusaders v Blues Christchurch 19:35

66. Friday 25 April Brumbies v Lions Canberra 19:40

67. Saturday 26 April Chiefs v Reds Hamilton 19:35

68. Saturday 26 April Waratahs v Sharks Sydney 19:40

69. Saturday 26 April Cheetahs v Hurricanes Bloemfontein 15:00

70. Saturday 26 April Stormers v Highlanders Cape Town 17:05

W Force/Bulls Bye

WEEK 12

71. Friday 02 May Crusaders v Sharks Christchurch 19:35

72. Friday 02 May W Force v Chiefs Perth 19:05

73. Friday 02 May Cheetahs v Highlanders Bloemfontein 19:10

74. Saturday 03 May Hurricanes v Lions Wellington 19:35

75. Saturday 03 May Reds v Blues Brisbane 19:40

76. Saturday 03 May Bulls v Waratahs Pretoria 15:00 13:00

77. Saturday 03 May Stormers v Brumbies Cape Town 17:05

WEEK 13

78. Friday 09 May Hurricanes v W Force Wellington 19:35

79. Friday 09 May Bulls v Brumbies Pretoria 19:10

80. Saturday 10 May Highlanders v Blues Dunedin 19:35

81. Saturday 10 May Reds v Crusaders Brisbane 19:40

82. Saturday 10 May Sharks v Cheetahs Durban 15:00

83. Saturday 10 May Lions v Chiefs Johannesburg 17:05

84. Saturday 10 May Stormers v Waratahs Cape Town 19:10

WEEK 14

85. Friday 16 May Blues v Hurricanes Auckland 19:35

86. Friday 16 May W Force v Brumbies Perth 19:05 :05

87. Saturday 17 May Crusaders v Highlanders Christchurch 19:35

88. Saturday 17 May Reds v Waratahs Brisbane 19:40

89. Saturday 17 May Lions v Stormers Johannesburg 15.00

90. Saturday 17 May Cheetahs v Bulls Bloemfontein 17:05

91. Saturday 17 May Sharks v Chiefs Durban 19:10

SEMI FINALS

92. Friday 23 May

93. Saturday 24 May

FINAL

94. Saturday 31 May

[Doza]

Deans will be coaching the Crusaders this comp and takes up the Wallabies position after that. They will be hard to beat as usual. Sharks as well, but the big improvers will be the Waratahs.

Rocky Elsom is on fire, David Lyons is hungry, Kurtley Beale just got MVP in the Aussie comp and as a second year player has a lot more experience now - he could dominate. Lachlan Turner, another youngster is also a rising star and is faster than Tuquiri now, second year could see him improve out of site as well.

Also they they have league gun import Timana Tahu who is all class - can't wait to see how he goes at outside centre.

The front row is a concern but not so much impact in Super rugby as test rugby so Baxter and Pie Boy should hold their own.

[Donnyboy]

Deans will be coaching the Crusaders this comp and takes up the Wallabies position after that. They will be hard to beat as usual. Sharks as well, but the big improvers will be the Waratahs.

Rocky Elsom is on fire, David Lyons is hungry, Kurtley Beale just got MVP in the Aussie comp and as a second year player has a lot more experience now - he could dominate. Lachlan Turner, another youngster is also a rising star and is faster than Tuquiri now, second year could see him improve out of site as well.

Also they they have league gun import Timana Tahu who is all class - can't wait to see how he goes at outside centre.

The front row is a concern but not so much impact in Super rugby as test rugby so Baxter and Pie Boy should hold their own.

agreed on the Tahs, they have had a terrible 2007 with 3 wins, 1 draw and 9 losses. Need a bit of leadership there I reckon, a far cry from 2005/06 when they played some great footy. Possibly a void since the departure of Matt Rogers in 2006. Had a look at Beale and he looks good on paper @ 6ft and 90 kgs but part of a record breaking 4 x 100m winning team last year. Might be still green? @ 18.

Looking at the form from last season during the last 4 rounds The Chiefs and The Bulls were unbeaten, with The Brumbies, and Sharks not far behind with a loss from the last 4 rounds. However, its a new season with new laws that will speed the game up. Theres no incentive to kick the ball deep into the opposition 22 now. And I like the law about the backline during a scrum being 5 metres back from the hindmost foot of the scrum. Big centers (Tahu) may be able to get a good bustling run from a distance back, than being smothered by a rush defense in the past.

roll on Feb 15th

[Doza]

Roll on indeed.

I think the new rules will aid NSW, and also Brumbies, but I think Brumbies played above their weight last year and may struggle this year although they have a not bad team on paper. Can't see the Chiefs putting together, but the Sharks and Bulls should be strong again provided they get used to the new rules early.

Force could improve again and the Crusaders will be hard to beat with every man out to avenge an average world cup.

Would love to see a dark horse like Force or Cheetahs really improve and rattle some cages - and of course the Reds to stop being so useless.

[Doza]

One of the highlights of the Super 14 season will be watching the duel between Barnes and Beale for the Wallabies no. 10 spot. They are both cracking youngsters who played their first season last year as teenagers and impressed. Big opportunity for them so step up this year:

BERRICK BARNES and Kurtley Beale will battle it out for the Wallabies No. 10 jersey, according to a keenly interested observer - All Blacks five-eighth Dan Carter.

With star pivot Stephen Larkham having left to play in Japan, Carter - who will face his replacement in the Bledisloe Cup - believes the door is open for a number of players to fill the void. He told the Herald he saw Beale, Barnes, Matt Giteau and Julian Huxley as the key contenders.

http://www.rugbyheaven.com.au/news/news/ba...0764169411.html

More less Aussie-centric news to come.

[Donnyboy]

Tahs do well in pre season game, even PieBoy got on the scoresheet!

Waratahs trample Brumbies

February 2, 2008

The NSW Waratahs came from behind to pile on 38 unanswered second half points to down a depleted Brumbies line-up 48-19 at Bluetongue Stadium tonight.

Down 19-10 at halftime against a Brumbies outfit with only one of its Rugby World Cup stars, the Waratahs turned the screws in the second 40 minutes, and they did it without star recruit Timana Tahu.

Tahu played the the first half for the Waratahs but wasn't given anything like the room afforded him by Queensland last week.

It was supposed to be NSW unleashing the potent attacking forces of their backline but instead five of the home side's eight five-pointers came through forwards, with Adam Freier, Wycliff Palu, Matt Dunning, Sekope Kepu and Tatafu Polota-Nau scoring tries, along with backs Tom Carter, who got two, and Robert Horne.

Kurtley Beale and Brett Sheehan each booted two conversions as Lachlan Turner had an off night and missed with his three attempts.

For the Brumbies, Pete Kimlin, Afusipa Taumoepeau and John Ulugia grabbed five-pointers while Anthony Faingaa booted two conversions.

In front of 5185 in Gosford, the four 20-minute quarters did produce plenty of ball movement and quick taps under rugby's new laws - as well as handling errors in greasy conditions.

The Canberra-based side led 19-10 at halftime after three first half tries but, following the sin-binning of Brumbies lock Dan Guiness, the Waratahs clawed it back to 19-17 when Dunning crossed in the 49th minute and Beale converted from the sideline.

NSW capitalised on the sin-binning again seven minutes later when a quick tap sent Kepu crashing over and the conversion gave the home side the lead 24-19.

From there, the inexperienced Brumbies - who played only prop Guy Shepherdson from their World Cup stars - folded and the Waratahs began to run riot with four tries in 13 minutes.

[Ritti]

Tahs have lacked a good front row for years, I am pretty excited about the new boy Sekope Kepu (all 126kgs of him) and throw in the best upcoming hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau (114kg) it's starting to look good/tough

Come on tahs

[Donnyboy]

for those of you that follow the S14 and think you can pick the winners and by what margin, heres a competition that runs during the S14 in NZ. Sign Up and see how you rate. virtual rugby

its not as easy as you think picking winners and by margins.

[Ritti]

NSW NSW NSW

What a win, that will do the boys a world of confidence (I Hope)

[Donnyboy]

NSW NSW NSW

What a win, that will do the boys a world of confidence (I Hope)

yes they have done well in the preseason. Can they finish in the top 4 this year?

[rand12]

I think the sharks will take this season

[Donnyboy]

good news for Aussies......Im so looking forward to next weekend.

Aussies could be the big winners

Duncan Johnstone | February 8, 2008 - 10:48AM

Have we done the Australians a favour by rushing the Super 14 in as the next guinea pig for the Experimental Law Variations?

SANZAR were quick to help out the International Rugby Board in taking things to another level with these questionable tweakings of rugby's rulebook. That required a unanimous decision from New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.

The Australians, even more anxious than New Zealand to spark up rugby as an entertainment, appeared to be the first to put their hand up. more here

Aussie rule . . . Lote Tuqiri should enjoy the extra space under the new rules as the Australians look to maximise their knowledge of the variations being employed in the Super 14.

Photo: Robert Peet

Edited February 9, 2008 by Donnyboy

[Ritti]

This weekend can't come round quick enough, where will everyone watch the games this weekend? Who's up for a beer and banter

NSW NSW

[Donnyboy]

This weekend can't come round quick enough, where will everyone watch the games this weekend? Who's up for a beer and banter

NSW NSW

the 'Canes wont be push overs next weekend Ritti. They had a good win against the Brumbies. The Ab loosies were on fire.

[Ritti]

the 'Canes wont be push overs next weekend Ritti. They had a good win against the Brumbies. The Ab loosies were on fire.

Tahu V Nonu

Should be a great clash, Tahu has brilliant footwork

Waugh-Elsom-Palu V Masoe-Collins-So'oialo

Tough,bruising and a little scarey out there with these guys "WAR"

Beale V Gopperth

Gopperth is solid but Beale can be magical

Weepu V Valentine

Weepu will win that battle

Hosea Gear V Lote Tuqiri

Depends- Gear is always good but if Lote plays well this could be exciting

Lome Fa'atau V Lachlan Turner

Lome is more experienced but who is faster???

The others

Conrad Smith,Tim Fairbrother, Neemia Tialata, Nili Latu

V

Adam Freier, Sam Harris, Sekope Kepu, David Lyons, Tatafu Polota-Nau, , Daniel Vickerman

I am counting down the hours, minutes, seconds

This is put together with no thought of favoring NSW ;-)

[Ritti]

Super 14 rugby

LOVE IT

So far so good with tips

New rules create a fast confusing game

Am happy the Tah's won

Should do a poll and see which team is the most supported on T.V

[sadman]

I managed to see the Sharks v Force game. What a let-down. I'm just hoping it was just first-match rust and that the cobwebs will be blown out.

Not sure about the new laws, though. The free-kicks kept things moving quickly but I'm not sure it's an adequate sanction for being deliberately offside. Hopefully everyone will get used to them, but surely there's little point in emphasising open, running rugby if the team in possession is being disadvantaged?

[Boksida]

You guys are going to like this spreadsheet if you are seriously following the season. You can change your time zone and team at the top and it will highlight all their matches.

Super_14_Rugby_2008.xls

From Excely.com and should automatically calculate bonus points etc.

[Donnyboy]

didnt manage to catch any games in rd 1

Clash of the weekend must be Bulls vs Crusaders and Chiefs vs Tahs

[Captain Chaos]

didnt manage to catch any games in rd 1

Clash of the weekend must be Bulls vs Crusaders and Chiefs vs Tahs

The Crusaders comprehensively dismantled the Bulls - wow!

Although most S14 teams looked noticeably more at ease with the new trial rules, I am still unconvinced by the ELV's - as Bryan Habana said, rugby union should be a game for all shapes & sizes - I don't want it to be a 'me too' copy of rugby league - there is room for both codes. The Bath/Wasps English club game from last weekend showed that there's nothing wrong with the old rules IF the teams have the bottle to have a go properly...

CC

[Donnyboy]

didnt manage to catch any games in rd 1

Clash of the weekend must be Bulls vs Crusaders and Chiefs vs Tahs

The Crusaders comprehensively dismantled the Bulls - wow!

Although most S14 teams looked noticeably more at ease with the new trial rules, I am still unconvinced by the ELV's - as Bryan Habana said, rugby union should be a game for all shapes & sizes - I don't want it to be a 'me too' copy of rugby league - there is room for both codes. The Bath/Wasps English club game from last weekend showed that there's nothing wrong with the old rules IF the teams have the bottle to have a go properly...

CC

The Blues also had a solid win against a Bok side 55-10

[Doza]

My Tips:

HURRICANES v CHIEFS at Westpac Stadium, Wellington :: Hurricanes - They have to hit their straps sooner or later. Their lineup is top class and Nonu is on fire.

LIONS v WESTERN FORCE at Ellis Park, Johannesburg :: Force - Close one but Force travel well and have been in country for a bit now. Lions unpredicatable but not enough class.

STORMERS v CRUSADERS at Newlands, Cape Town :: Crusaders - This should be close but who can tip against the Crusaders?

HIGHLANDERS v NSW WARATAHS at Carisbrook, Dunedin :: Waratahs - Too strong out wide.

BRUMBIES v QUEENSLAND REDS at Canberra Stadium :: Reds - Depleted line ups from both teams but Reds are hungry this year.

CHEETAHS v BLUES in Bloemfontein :: Blues - Tough away but Blues are all class.

BULLS v SHARKS at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria :: Bulls - Best game all weekend and real tight but the Bulls at home surely.

[Doza]

'Canes win. 1 from 1 so far.....

[Doza]

4 from 5!

Reds were useless. They really are just rubbish.

[BigSnake]

[Doza]

Lucky I am not a Queenslander! Just making a point.

Anyway 5 from 7 so happy enough. My real focus is Tahs V Brumbies this Friday!!!! Have to create a 'meeting' to attend to so I can get out of the office to watch this baby at 3.30pm (I think).

[Moe]

Does anyone know the best and cheapest way to watch Super 14's and Tri Nations via the internet? Satellite TV is not an option for me so the only way I will be able to see the games is via internet. I've looked at Media Zone Rugby where you can view unlimited games for 12mths for $100 and it seems the best option at this point.

Would appreciate any suggestions or information.