What we learned from the fifth round of Super Rugby, according to CRAIG LEWIS.
Big battle in store in Africa 2 conference
The much-criticised Super Rugby format may be set to undergo changes from next year, and it’s understandable to see why. When one looks at the skewed conference system, the Stormers have once again emerged as comfortable front-runners in the Africa 1 conference. However, there is a far more closely contested battle set to play out in Africa 2, where the Lions, Sharks and Jaguares all look like serious playoff contenders. All three teams have made encouraging starts to the season and picked up good wins this past weekend. It looks set to be a big battle between these three strong sides as they contest for top honours in Africa 2.
Curwin Bosch is a prodigious talent
We may only be five rounds into Super Rugby, but if there were any doubts about Bosch’s ability to compete at this level, they’ve been emphatically erased. After starring for the Sharks in last year’s Currie Cup, Bosch has made a seamless step up to Super Rugby. After predominantly fulfilling a role at fullback, the 19-year-old slotted in at flyhalf this past Saturday, and produced a mature performance at flyhalf. The youngster hardly put a foot wrong, while contributing 18 points via a flawless goal-kicking performance. If he adds to his defensive game, he could well become the complete package at flyhalf or fullback.
WATCH: Highlights: of Cheetahs vs Sharks
Cheetahs remain an enigma in Super Rugby
The Cheetahs received due plaudits as they powered through last year’s Currie Cup campaign without losing a game on the way to deservedly claiming the domestic title. The big question was always going to be whether they could translate that into a competitive showing at Super Rugby level. However, they have once again made an up-and-down start to this season, with their lack of composure and dodgy defence proving costly against the Sharks on Saturday. As is stands, based on consistent results, they will battle to vindicate retaining a place in the soon-to-be altered Super Rugby competition.
READ: Sharks surge past Cheetahs
Stormers and Singapore don’t go together
Last year, the Stormers relied on a late comeback to battle their way to a draw against the unheralded Sunwolves in Singapore. They heeded lessons from that result and ensured an earlier arrival in Singapore this time around to prepare accordingly for this past Saturday’s clash against the team from Japan. However, they once again produced a flat performance and looked in big trouble as they trailed by 14 points at one stage. In the end, they did show good character to overcome this deficit and emerge victorious, but it was far from a confidence-building performance.
WATCH: Highlights of Sunwolves vs Stormers
Bulls remain in trouble
Four games, three losses, and a long season ahead. This is the unfortunate situation facing a Bulls team that has been an absolute disappointment so far this season. The once formidable team from Pretoria seem to be conflicted in terms of the style of rugby that they want to play, with clear cohesion sorely lacking in both attack and defence. It’s not likely to get any better as they now get set to come up against the high-flying Chiefs in Hamilton, where more punishment surely lies in wait in what has been an utterly forgettable start to the season.
Photo: Johan Pretorius/Gallo Images
