N
NZL Fan
Guest
In my mind the "haves" and "have nots" are already sorting themselves out, here is my take on who WON'T win the super 14 trophy...........
*The two new clubs - Perth/Cheetahs: No real depth, combinations still need working on, and a lack of experience in key positions (a no brainer really).
*The rest of the South African teams: Watching the Bulls (the best SA chance this year??) play the Brumbies, and the Stormers playing the Tahs you couldn't help but notice that the SA sides whole attacking plan is based on the other team making a mistake and then hopefully "breaking out" in counter attack (in the case of the Bulls just throwing it to Habana), going for endless interceptions and drop goals. Relying on penalties seem to be there main mode of scoring.
Talent is spread too thinly over 5 teams.
Unfortunately these kind of tactics are not going to win the Super 14 (and god help the Bulls if Habana gets injured).
Different competition, but the same old South African problems remain.........
*The Reds: Same old story, lack depth and failing to win home games early.
*The Highlanders: Yes, they beat the Blues (though thats not saying much), and they do have a lot of heart - but the backline is pretty ordinary outside of second five/full of inconsistant performers, the back three have major defensive concerns, and depth is not great in key positions if (and it will) injuries occur.
*The Blues: Same mistakes being made from last years super 12, too many individuals and not enough teamwork, new coach/skipper and a large North Harbour contingent not helping the combination problems, key injuries.
In my opinion the coaches havn't worked out that Lavea is not up to this standard of rugby as a first five. Yes, he will do the odd brilliant thing on attack/have the odd great game when the forwards are well on top, but he makes too many unforced errors, too easily drops his head when things get tough, has defensive frailties, and his "lateral" running style and lack of a bullet pass is cramping our excellent outside backs. "Spoilers" at best this year.
*The Chiefs: Strongest squad they have had in some time but are still dropping games they should be winning. Unless Mils gets moved into centre I can't see them getting within a bulls roar of the semis. Too inconsistant from week to week, but will score the odd upset this season when it all comes together.
*The two new clubs - Perth/Cheetahs: No real depth, combinations still need working on, and a lack of experience in key positions (a no brainer really).
*The rest of the South African teams: Watching the Bulls (the best SA chance this year??) play the Brumbies, and the Stormers playing the Tahs you couldn't help but notice that the SA sides whole attacking plan is based on the other team making a mistake and then hopefully "breaking out" in counter attack (in the case of the Bulls just throwing it to Habana), going for endless interceptions and drop goals. Relying on penalties seem to be there main mode of scoring.
Talent is spread too thinly over 5 teams.
Unfortunately these kind of tactics are not going to win the Super 14 (and god help the Bulls if Habana gets injured).
Different competition, but the same old South African problems remain.........
*The Reds: Same old story, lack depth and failing to win home games early.
*The Highlanders: Yes, they beat the Blues (though thats not saying much), and they do have a lot of heart - but the backline is pretty ordinary outside of second five/full of inconsistant performers, the back three have major defensive concerns, and depth is not great in key positions if (and it will) injuries occur.
*The Blues: Same mistakes being made from last years super 12, too many individuals and not enough teamwork, new coach/skipper and a large North Harbour contingent not helping the combination problems, key injuries.
In my opinion the coaches havn't worked out that Lavea is not up to this standard of rugby as a first five. Yes, he will do the odd brilliant thing on attack/have the odd great game when the forwards are well on top, but he makes too many unforced errors, too easily drops his head when things get tough, has defensive frailties, and his "lateral" running style and lack of a bullet pass is cramping our excellent outside backs. "Spoilers" at best this year.
*The Chiefs: Strongest squad they have had in some time but are still dropping games they should be winning. Unless Mils gets moved into centre I can't see them getting within a bulls roar of the semis. Too inconsistant from week to week, but will score the odd upset this season when it all comes together.