Super Rugby: Team of the Week & More
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Here are my Man of the Match selections for each
game. How does my assessment of the players compare with your views?
Crusaders v Rebels: Mike Harris
(Rebels)
Brumbies v Reds: Nic White
(Brumbies)
Lions v Hurricanes: TJ Perenara
(Hurricanes)
Blues v Chiefs: Damian McKenzie
(Chiefs)
Sharks v Cheetahs: Coenie Oosthuizen
(Cheetahs)
Bulls v Stormers: Michael Rhodes
(Stormers)
Waratahs v Force: Alby Mathewson
(Force)
The Best of Round One:
Team Performance: Brumbies
Player: Damian McKenzie (Chiefs)
Forward: Michael Rhodes (Stormers)
Back: Sonny Bill Williams (Chiefs)
Try: Ruan Combrinck (Lions v
Hurricanes)
Referee: Rohan Hoffmann
Happiest Story: Ita Vaea’s return to
Super Rugby. Vaea missed the entire 2013 and 2014 seasons after
scans
found life-threatening blood clots on his heart in 2012.
James Horwill
The former Wallaby and Reds captain was given two yellow cards, which meant an
automatic red, and won’t remember his game against the Brumbies happily, but in
one instance he was right and referee Angus Gardner wrong. In the 59th
minute Horwill was penalized for a so-called ‘lazy
runner’ offside infringement, but since there had been no ruck or maul, and only
a tackle preceding Horwill playing the ball, it was general play and he was
entitled to play the ball. There is no off-side line at a tackle. Referee
Gardner made an error. He should not have blown his whistle and should have
allowed play to continue with the Reds in possession.
Len Kaplan
