FANTSBANTS REVIEW
The season so far:
This season has had everything; from the Tahs finally living up to hype, to surprise packages from the Lions to misfits like the Crusaders and Stormers. Whatever people say about Northern hemisphere leagues, no league in rugby is as competitive or as entertaining than Super Rugby.
We've also had the clocks confusing even the "best" of us:
@BHHooker contrasting clock changes in Northern/Southern Hemispheres threw me. Apologies, you're right. But JWC will still have an early KO.
— Alex Shaw (@alexshawsport) April 7, 2014
A look at the table shows that 13 of the 15 teams are bunched close together, with only the Stormers and the Cheetahs adrift at the foot of the table.
We have seen wonderful tries like this:
And brilliant interviews like this:
Highlights:
Week 3:
Blues 35-24 Crusaders
Not only did this game eradicate any doubts about getting up at 6.30, but it introduced the world to Patrick Tuipolutu and Tevita Li. Two fantastic youngsters with big futures ahead of them. In hindsight, the Crusaders haven't really recovered from this loss.
Waratahs 32-5 Reds
This game confirmed that the Tahs may just live up to the hype for once; while simultaneously giving the Reds a rude awakening.
@AlexShawSport's victory of Straight Razor XV catapulted him into the maybe contenders, while early leader Vic's Chiefs suffered their first loss.
Week 4:
Bulls 38-22 Blues
This game was significant just for the fact that it was Victor Matfield's first start on his return, and what a return. Matfield has been the difference between a good Bulls side and a very poor one. The intangible lift he has on those around him is incredible.
Western Force 32-7 Rebels
Despite my prediction, the Force destroyed the Rebels and haven't looked back since. I mean it was incredible.
@alexshawsport's ego grew with another win, while this round also featured the battle of the Hogans. Wins for Manawatu Spooners and Pure Scrum Luck keep them in touch.
Emma Massden Oakden and Jen McMillan had very impressive weeks.
Week 5:
Brumbies 28-23 Waratahs
The Brumbies check the Tahs progression, and the lacklustre performance from the Tahs certainly showed there remains some doubt as to their playoff credentials.
Lions 39-36 Blues
Another fantastic win for the Lions, with Warren Whiteley showing his ability.
Highlanders 29-31 Western Force
No one really expected the Force to back up their win the previous week, maybe a sign of things to come?
Northern Stereotype bring @alexshawsport crashing down to earth with a big win, while more wins for Straight Razor XV, Manawatu Spooners, Pure Scrum Luck and Poseidons Belvedere keep them interested.
A huge points total of 425 for Jen McMillan catapults her up the rankings.
Week 6:
Western Force 18-15 Chiefs
This game featured Kieran Longbottom diving his head into problems, the Western Force boys were d'ing like the boys in the trenches down in Gallipoli (maybe not that tough), the Chiefs were like that kid who fell out of the tree (they just weren't in it), and Nic Cummins is a busy as a one armed brick layer in Baghdad. Enough said really.
Lions 23-20 Reds
Not to be outdone, the Lions and officials spoiled the Reds with Quade Cooper approaching ominous form.
Another huge total from Flying Dice makes it two 400+ weeks in a row, while Charlie Morgan is quietly slipping into contention.
Week 7:
Rebels 32- 24 Brumbies
Finally some #REBdemption. After a fantastic start for the Rebels, the Force ambushed them in Perth and they lost their way. An 8 point victory over the Brumbies should set them right.
Crusaders 26-29 Hurricanes.
What a try from Leuia. And what a game. Further confirmation of the Crusaders demise to one of their bogey teams.
After 2weeks on holiday I'm back in #fantsbants mode. Wildcard played, deadwood cut @BHHooker better bring his A-game this week #TeamBringIt
— Simon Farrell (@SFarrell_5) March 27, 2014
Kudos to @BHHooker on his #fantsbants head-to-head victory over my boys this weekend, thought I had ya at one stage, not to be #CapDoffed
— Simon Farrell (@SFarrell_5) March 31, 2014
Week 8:The pressure was getting to some people:
Wish the Chiefs would announce their side so I can sort out my #fantsbants team.
— Arwel Jones (@agjones92) April 3, 2014
Reds 29-32 Western ForceThis was a ding dong battle if I ever saw one. Each side traded sharing the lead, before Hayward pops up with minutes to go to seal it for the Force and continue their remarkable run.
Cheetahs 41-41 Chiefs
For the second week in a row the Chiefs manage to avoid defeat after coming from behind to garner three match points.
While Pat McCabe did the business for the Brumbies which left some frustrated:
Leaving McCabe on the bench may have been a mistake... #fantsbants
— Arwel Jones (@agjones92) April 4, 2014
Highlight of the week was a huge 465 points from Steve Maher lifting him off the bottom of the table up 6 places. It can be done.FantsBants:
So that leaves us with:
AND
