Finally, after long months sitting in the darkness, with the blinds drawn, knees drawn up to my chest, trying, trying to forget the pain, Oh the pain, Marseille, people what a nightmare. Did it really happen? Or was it just some booze and drug induced haze carrying over from the craziness of Cannes???
Either way, we’re far enough down the track now that I have finally begun to come out of my funk, the early days were tough, more rocking softly and sucking my thumb then actually living, but now I am walking and talking, part of my soul is still missing – ripped from me like a destroyed horocrux, but I can see a path to the future, a way forward dam it – that way forward is Super 14’s, the ELV’s and a new era in Reddies Rugby.
Yes it is time, forget the 07 Wallabies and turn your entire focus to the might of Rodzilla and his band of commie friends. Yes – it is better to be Red then Dead…
It should be a bumper season. New Zealand and Australian teams were embarrassed last year they will be out for revenge, and of course the Saffie’s are supposedly World Champions (I stopped paying attention), and of course the fact that there are only 13 games for each team will ensure that as always the season is a full bore sprint to the finals.
Lets look at some predictions, recent predictions (Ireland to not be rubbish in the RWC) from yours truly haven’t been as accurate as they could be. But I feel I have a fair line on the field this year – of course I have been away from super 14’s for a year, and I have no experience with the ELV’s but its not going to stop me …
I’m looking forward to a hot year – should be two certainties for the finals but the last few weeks will be a great battle to see who takes the last two finals spots- will be awesome.
Semi Finalists
The Crusaders
It’s a simple story, with Carter and Brett they are actually stronger then last year. Deans will also be on a mission to bring home the Super 14, Bledisloe, and Tri Nations all in one year. Expect it to happen. There forwards are still good, the untold story of the last few years has been that the Blues and Canes have slowly been building more AB depth then the Saders’, but, the saders are now laughing as they didn’t loose as many players in the RWC player drain.
As ever they won’t be as exciting as some of the other teams in the outside backs – but they will be painfully efficient and will not make the mistakes other sides will be banking on to score on the breakouts. I can’t see them missing the top four.
The Sharks
Unruckiiily beaten in the last act of last years final the Sharks will be back strong again this year. There biggest loss – James has been cancelled out by Freddie ‘slight of hand’ Michalak and the loss of Percy will be cancelled out by the ongoing emergence of Fran Steyn. Other then that they have other exciting players like Barritt and JP Pietersen who will help them retain their levels of last year.
They were awesome when they beat the Reddies last year so I see it continuing at the moment.
The Canes
One of my favorite teams who have never managed to finish the job (lousy fog…) this year though they are hot. Awesome back row, hot mid field and genuine try scorers – The ELV’s should help them a lot. I expect them to be one of the better sides – although they really need the likes of Cory Jane to continue their hot form from last year.
They should really spank a couple of teams and inexplicably loose to a couple of others, but they will still scrape into the semi’s – then who knows?
The Reddies
Last to the top 4 inside of one year – its hard to believe I know, but they will get there – just. The best front row in world rugby, McMeniman will be one of the best in the world in time and Roe and Croft are two of the most underrated players in Australian rugby. The Pack will be one of the best around… barring injuries.
The back line also has its strengths – Barnes and Cordingly will be legendary, Siale and Turini will be solid in defence (a traditional weakness), and the outside backs will be hot – we’re talking Latho, Ioane, Schiffers, and eventually Caleb Brown.
With the pack going forwards we will be in it against the top sides and with our backs we will destroy some sides – it will come down to the final week (for about 5 teams) but the Reddies will do the Tah’s and take the 4th spot in the semi’s – beautiful.
The Other Contenders 5 - 10
Chiefs
A good side that is continuing to get better they have all the pieces but just never seem to do the job. There back lines is a strength- Donald now has great experience now, and the back three is so good (sic) they can leave Mesaga out. Expect Muliani to be back to centre in a hurry.
I just can’t see them beating the better teams so will be in with a shot come the last week, and miss it by inches.
Blues
Another team that will come unbearably close. But there player diaspora will cost them badly down the stretch. I love Nick Evans but he is a better full back I think. They will score tries – no doubts about it – and will be brutal in counter attack. Nucifora is a really good coach as well.
But if you have the Reds making it you can’t have the Blues so another mid table finish for them.
Force
The Force could be either really good, or terrible – it all depends on Henjak-gate and what happens at Half Back. They have good depth, a solidish pack and some excellent finishers in Shepard and Mitchell. If they can start well in the republic, then find a victory or two in New Zealand they could easily be the front runners for the entire competition. Same as the Blues though – only four teams can make the semi’s and John Mitchell is a big enough wanker to some how guide his team to ruin again.
Bulls
The big bad bulls – can not be discounted although I expect the ELV’s wont be there favorite rules. Habana is always a key (see the final) but I just can’t see them making it past the rejuvenated New Zealand teams when they are on the road.
Stormers
There are a lot of reasons to like the Stormers – and its not just De Villiers smile… Awesome back rowers, probably the best in the competition. Plus some good looking backs and a new lease of life with a new coach. They will defiantly win some games this year, how will they go on the road?
Hopefully this year produces one of those awesome tours from hell from one of the saffer sides where they are on the road for 5 or so weeks and somehow manage to win a couple – great viewing (rounds 4-8 for the stormers).
Unfortunately this type of tour will also mean they cant make the finals.
Waratahs
Hate em, Hate their Coach, hate their media coverage, hate the Butcher of Bordeaux – I just can’t have them. The only positive is Beale should start 5/8 all year and turner should score some tries, getting them mathematically into the mix at the end, but that will be all.
Horrible front row, weaker second row then before, Palu in the back??? Please. Sheenan and Valentine are rubbish – I’ve never heard of their centres and somehow Norton Knight isn’t in the team – they will win a few but they won’t be top 4.
The Rest (who cares)
Brumbies
Suxley is there best player – therefore no chance. Should be a semi decent pack but that’s about it. Finally we should be rid of Laurie Fisher. Mabye the young 5/8 will be exciting, but so was Beale and Cooper last year and that resulted in 13th and 14th.
Cheetahs
Yawn – don’t really know much about it. Have Adrian Strauss in my fantasy side – but they won’t be doing much better then mid table at best.
Lions
No Pretorius = no chance – a way better team with him but he’s not there is he???
Maybe a late charge to unsettle some teams momentum.
Highlanders
No chance – will be cannon fodder for the Reddies first up and then just slide peacefully off into the night.
1 comment:
quade cooper exciting last year? the only exciting thing was trying to work out how he could drop the ball this time...
i hope the kid knows how to say broom, cause he will be using onme in a year when he is a school janitor...
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