SUPER 14 - ROUND 9

Team Pl Pts
Crusaders 8 35
Waratahs 9 33
Brumbies 8 28
Hurricanes 8 28
Bulls 8 22
Highlanders 9 22
Chiefs 8 18
Cheetahs 8 18
Sharks 8 17
Blues 8 17
Stormers 8 14
Reds 8 12
Cats 8 6
Force 8 2

RESULTS:

7 Apr Crusaders v Waratahs 17-11
8 Apr Highlanders v Force 25-22
8 Apr Chiefs v Bulls 26-26
8 Apr Blues v Stormers 32-15
8 Apr Brumbies v Cheetahs 53-20
8 Apr Cats v Reds 16-23

Byes - Hurricanes, Sharks.

ROUND UP:

The Crusaders won the top of the table clash with the Waratahs with a great 1st half performance, they controlled all phases and at one stage looked like they were going to runaway with it. The Waratahs showed their credentials in the 2nd half, but huge defence from the Crusaders put them to the top of the table, at the expense of the Waratahs.

The Highlanders had a scare against the Force, the Force showing that they are getting better with every game and surely their first ever win is only around the corner. The game was no spectacle, it was littered with mistakes and thats about that!!!

The Chiefs came from 15pts down to secure a draw against the Bulls, they scored 2 tries a conversion and a penalty in the final quarter to get back to level terms. In the end the Bulls held on with the Chiefs looking for that final score to clinch victory, but it didn't happen.

The Blues comfortable beat the Stormers and are starting to get it together. They scored 4 tries in the process 2 of them coming in the last 10mins. It was no classic with not much skill on show, the only bright spark was Rua Tipoki who looked dangerous every time he got the ball.

MY TEAM OF THE WEEK:

15. Leon Macdonald(Crusaders)
14. Rico Gear(Crusaders)
13. Rua Tipoki(Blues)
12. Aaron Mauger(Crusades)
11. Lote Tuqiri(Waratahs)
10. Dan Carter(Crusaders)
9. George Gregan(Brumbies)
8. Mose Tuiali'i(Crusaders)
7. Richie Mccaw(Crusaders)
6. Pedrie Wannenburg(Bulls)
5. Dan Vickerman(Waratahs)
4. Chris Jack(Crusaders)
3. Carl Hayman(Highlanders)
2. Adam Frier(Waratahs)
1. Tony Woodcock(Blues)