Archive
The Drawing Board (06/07/2012)
Welcome to Who’s Playing Who?’s weekly rugby blog. This week saw the return to action of Super Rugby after the first ever break in the competition. It is still really close in the competition, with 8 or 9 teams still in the hunt for the playoff spots. The Chiefs are the only team that have secured their spot in the playoffs. Read more…
The Drawing Board (08/06/2012)
Hello and welcome to Who’s playing Who?’s weekly rugby blog. Super rugby takes a break for this week as the June internationals take place. This will allow teams to relax and recuperate. There will be friendly games going on as well during this time, as teams look to keep their fitness up. However, the main focus for those not involved in the internationals will be to rest and get over any niggles that they may have. Read more…
The Drawing Board (25/05/12)
Hello and welcome to Who’s Playing Who?’s weekly rugby blog. This last week has seen a tightening of the gap between the chasing pack and those in playoff positions. There were several upsets during the round that brought the bunch closer, along with creating several changes at both ends of the table. The closeness of this competition has brought high tv audiences, along with increased spectators at the games. Read more…
The Drawing Board (27/04)
Hello and welcome to Who’s Playing Who?’s weekly rugby blog. Apologies for last week, time seemed to have gotten the better of me. This week again promises to be an intriguing one as there is a bit of a breakaway group forming at the top, but they are still within sight of the chasing bunch. There are some important matchups this week, as teams look to pick up valuable points in the lead up to the international break. Read more…
The Drawing Board (12/4/12)
Welcome to Who’s Playing Who?’s weekly rugby blog. Another week goes by and another round of action continues in this year’s Super Rugby competition. The shops may have been closed for Easter, but the rugby continued unabated. The general trend of this competition continued, with close matches and few genuine thrashings. Of concern is that the new conference system is not promoting the best teams into playoff contention. My concern is based on the fact that the best Australian side (the Brumbies on 19 points) would not be in the top 6 if it was done under the previous system. However, there is a long way to go in this competition and this may correct itself. It is still interesting to note though, that the Australian conference is not as strong as it was last year. Granted that the Brumbies, Reds and Waratahs are still right in the mix of things, they are failing to consistently beat South African and New Zealand sides. To back this up with some stats, they have lost 10 out of the 14 matches played against foreign teams. This will need to be addressed quickly by the Australian teams if they want to be in contention come playoff time. Read more…
The Drawing Board (28/03/2012)
Hello and welcome to Who’s Playing Who?’s weekly rugby blog. Week five of Super Rugby produced games went right down to the wire, only being decided in the last few minutes. There was only one game that was not decided by less than 7 points, and it was a big blow out. What started out as a somewhat rusty performance by a few teams has begun to turn around, with most teams starting to find there rhythm. Read more…
The Drawing Board (15/03/12)
Hello and welcome to Who’s Playing Who?’s weekly rugby blog. This week has started off on a sad note here in New Zealand with the passing of Jock Hobbs (father of Michael Hobbs, the Blues first five). The former All Black captain was the man who saved NZ rugby and is the guy who brought RWC 2011 to NZ. Jock made a huge impression on New Zealanders, and was widely respected by everyone who he came in contact with. Read more…
The Drawing Board – Super Rugby 2012 Season Preview
Super Rugby is back! Check out David’s comprehensive preview of the upcoming season. Read more…
The Drawing Board (6/7/11)
Welcome to the Drawing Board, Who’s Playing Who?’s one stop rugby shop. It is championship time in Super Rugby. This is where the men are separated from the boys. The pressure will be at its peak for both teams throughout this week. Expectations will be high this week as the best side in super history comes up against the side that has made a super turn around in the last few years. Firstly, here is the news. Read more…
The Drawing Board – 29/6/11
Welcome to the Drawing Board, Who’s Playing Who?’s one stop rugby shop. Playoff time is well and truly upon us now in the Super Rugby season, with the two semi final playoff matches being played over the weekend. The Junior Rugby Championship was also in action last week, with New Zealand defeating England to take out the trophy. More on that later, but firstly, here is the news. Read more…