I was wrong in all respects insofar as the results forecast foe this weekend was concerned and fell for the magic of New Zealand Rugby completely. On the Superbru this weekend I forecasted a win for only three teams - the Brumbies, the Stormeers and the Sharks. The other three I was totally wrong. I gave th Cheetahs and the Bulls no chance to win and forecasted a win for the Crusaders, Blues and Higlanders,
Why did I go so wrong in my assessment? We were all bluffed by two issues - the madnificient backline play of the New Zealand treams and the fact that they appear to be strong in forward play- that is when they play against local teams. When they came up against SA teams their forwards all flopped badly - even the jet-lagged Bulls were too good at forwrd for their opposition.
The other issue that we did not take cognition of is the questionable defence of the New Zealand teams - that makes their backline players looking wonderful. Howevr, what was noticeable is that they also leave too many balls around and their passing game is at times questionable.
Insofar as my rating of the New Zealand teams are concerned - I would say that they are in the following order:-
1. The Chiefs - a magnificent backline with problematic forwards
2, The Blues
3. The Hurricanes
4, The Crusaders
5. The Highlanders
The game between the Hurricanes and the Crusaders was a mess of bad play and they were equally bad. The number of loose balls lying all over the field was a disgrace.
I think there are indeed serious question marks as to the performances of the New Zealand teams this weekend. Next week - the Crusaders will be up against the Bulls and they may again run into a brick wall. The Chiefs are playin the Kings and a win is inevitable. The Blues has a bye.
