The first match of Riund 4 between the Crusaders and the Hurricanes was a complete mess insofar as the game itself was concerned. Both sides made enough mistakes to fill the record books. There is no doubt that the backline movements looked good from a distance - but the defence was mediocre and the whole game one unholy mess with loose balls lying round allover the field of play. None of the two teams would to my mind get any credit for constructive performances - the only player that showed some class was Savea - but partly due also to poor defence.
The socond match between the Reds and the Rebels was slightly better and it can be said that the Reds frankly deserve the victory as the Rebels was toothless and not really up to standard. OConnor was inept at flyhalf and I think he should play further away from the forwards than he did yesterday. On the whole a good match - but not a memorable one.
The match between the Highlanders was far too one-sided to really be objective about. I have always said that the Highlanders have far too many of the elderly players in their midst and it showed. Thorpe was a head-ache - he missed a yellow card by a whisker and gave away a penalty. He is just not up to standard anymore and Hall is really not much better. I do not think there is really any hope for the Highlanders not to be the wooden sppon team of the New Zealand conference. The Cheetahs played outstanding and attractive rugby. Goosen's goal kicking at last came right - and the really outstanding players were Labuschagne and Pretorius. Looking good for the future.
The Brumbies - Waratahs game really showed that the Waratahs is really poor and clueless. They really had no answer ofor the Brumbies and will be hard to beat in the Australian conference. Jake White performed a miracle with them and I think they will go far in the competition. Also an extremely-one-sided game so we will have to see in Round 5 how strong they really are.
In order of poor play at this stage they are as follows:-
1. The Waratahs
2, The Highlanders
3. The Hurricanes
4. The Crusaders
