Last weekend the Super Rugby competition featured games all over the world (well in five countries). Most contests were close in the first half, but in the end the first four out of six games resulted in comfortable wins. The last two, in South Africa and Argentina, were thrillers.
On Friday night the Crusaders comfortably beat the Bulls in Christchurch. The New Zealanders still have a significant injury toll, but still broke their two game losing streak against the travel weary and homesick men from the Highveld 33-14.
After this game the Rebels played their best half of the season so far against the Sharks. After a tense first half the Melbournites did their best Waratahs impression in the second, eventually winning 46-14.
On Saturday afternoon the in-form Chiefs took on the Sunwolves in Tokyo, with predictable results. The visitors seemed to be competing against the clock at times, with a final score of 61-10 flattering the locals.
The Hurricanes played the Highlanders in Wellington on Saturday evening. With the undefeated Highlanders playing against one of the title favourites, this was tipped by many (including me) to be the game of the round. Unfortunately reality could not match the hype, as the Hurricanes All Black studded backline tore the southerners apart to win 29-12.
The only match in South Africa turned out to be a great game. The Queensland Reds were wearied by an unexpected detour via London on their trip from Argentina to Cape Town, but they still put up a hell of a fight. The Stormers were the eventual winners, 25-19, but not before the Reds gave them a fright in the last 10 minutes.
In Argentina on Sunday morning the Jaguars flipped the switch. In a display reminiscent of their demolition of the Waratahs in round 4, their attack lit up the stadium. The Lions also brought their attacking A-game, which produced the highest scoring match of the round. The Argentinians were eventual winners, 49-35, but the final score did not reflect the closeness of the game.
This weekend of Super Rugby will see some much-anticipated match ups, with a number of games to watch out for. The Chiefs will host the Highlanders in what should be a thrilling New Zealand derby first up. The first contest between an Australian and New Zealand team will also take place on Friday, when the Rebels host the Hurricanes.
The Brumbies and Waratahs will both be trying to stay in touch with the Rebels at the top of the Australian conference when they clash on Saturday, after the Blues play the Sharks. In South Africa, the Bulls will try to get their season on track when they host the Stormers. The top New Zealand team will also play the top South African one with the Crusaders visiting the Lions. Get settled in – round 7 of Super Rugby will be a cracker!