Completely satisfied Monday G&GRs. Effectively there are, predictably, no Aussie groups left within the Tremendous Rugby Pacific Championships of 2024 after the Brumbies bowed out after an admirable efficiency. Leaving solely two groups, the Chiefs and the Blues, to battle it out on the Massive Dance.
Let’s begin off with the sport by sport, take a look at the timings for the grand ultimate, after which wind up for my ‘Previous Man Shouting At Clouds’. So go surfing to work, seize a giant cup of you already know what ☕ and let’s dive in.
Tremendous Rugby Pacific 2024 – Semi-finals
Auckland Blues 34 defeated ACT Brumbies 20
The final remaining Australian group was knocked out of the Tremendous Pacific Rugby Championships for 2024, taking place to the Auckland Blues 34-20 on Friday evening in Auckland. That is the second time the Blues have reached the grand ultimate within the final three years.
However the lack of their talismanic captain, Patrick Tuipulotu, the Blues managed to select off from the place they left off on of their final sport, beginning strongly with 4 tries within the first half. AJ Lam bagged the primary attempt for the Blues, and was adopted shortly after by hooker Ricky Riccitelli, lock Sam Darry and winger Caleb Clarke.
The Brumbies desperately tried to get again into the sport, and managed to crawl their means again going into the sheds down 27-13. Coach Larkham should have stated some robust phrases through the break, as a result of the Ponies held the Blues scoreless for the following 20 minutes. However, ultimately the wall broke and in kind Blues backrower Hoskins Sotutu (who needs to be a monty for ABs choice) crossed over across the sixtieth minute. And that was sufficient to make sure victory for the Auckland boys. Though Massive Bobby V crossed for the Ponies within the second half, his efforts have been in useless, because the Blues have been simply too robust.
Whereas urgent onerous to catch up Nick Frost was given a slice of cheddar cheese 🧀 for a harmful excessive problem; this summed up the Brumbies sport. A sport of small margins the place the Blues simply appeared to have the sting all over the place everywhere in the park, not by a lot, however sufficient. So it was the sum of elements, actually.
The Blues can be glad they received by way of this comparatively unscathed, this can assist them going into the grand ultimate subsequent week. Effectively, that, and the house floor benefit.
Waikato Chiefs 30 defeated Wellington Hurricanes 19
In what was destined to be a belter of a sport, the Chiefs v Canes delivered. In some of the intense, excessive tempo video games that I’ve watched shortly, this cracker delivered on all of the pre-match hype. The one draw back can be for KARL and his fellow Canes followers that got here out on the mistaken aspect of the rating line.
The boys from Waikato got here out of the gates onerous and quick. The Chiefs managed to attain two of their three tries within the opening six minutes to wrestle management of the sport from the Hurricanes. Regardless of dropping two hookers and two gamers (Samipeni Finau and Luke Jacobson) getting some cheddar cheese 🧀 they managed to carry management of the sport and take the goodies.
The important thing to this appeared to be their rock strong defence, seeing off wave after wave of Canes assaults. The Wellington boys fought very onerous, however simply couldn’t appear to get into their groove and get their assault firing.
Whereas the Chiefs gained this sport, to this creator it seems to be like they might have left all of it out on the paddock this time. Two injured hookers doesn’t bode nicely for subsequent week, in addition to the bodily toll this can’ve taken on the remainder of the squad, defending for 20 minutes with solely 14. It’ll be a tough ask to journey to Auckland and repeat this for the third week.
Tremendous Rugby Pacific 2024 – Grand Remaining
Right here we’re, the massive present. Not one of the G&GR favorite groups, and even KARL’s group, are left. So we can be watching it for the pure love of the sport. To see the 2 finest groups going at it hammer and tongs.
SATURDAY 22 JUNE 2024 – 1705hrs AEST – Eden Park
For the document, I feel this can go to the Blues. They appeared to have gotten by way of their semi in lots higher form. The Chiefs have misplaced each of their hookers and gained’t be as nicely recovered after two brutal video games in as many weeks.
Previous Man Shouting at Clouds
For the third week in a row my rant is about referees, and once more this week Doleman is firmly in my sights. Final week KARL gave his view on Doleman and his officiating, however this weekend even KARL said on the crapparazi that Doleman was appalling. So I didn’t really feel so dangerous sticking it to him for a 3rd week in a row.
His officiating wasn’t as much as Tremendous Rugby customary. Actually, I reckon the U15Ds from Wagga Wagga received a greater customary of refereeing than the crap Doleman dished out this weekend. However, as like final week, I’ll stipulate that it didn’t have an effect on the results of the sport. The Blues have been a greater group and deservedly gained. However, certainly Nic Berry or Damon Murphy have been higher choices than Doleman?
Knock ons, ahead passes, breakdown mayhem, you title it, it was only a actually poor customary of refereeing. SANZAAR need to step in at some stage and ship Doleman again to the decrease grades. In full distinction, Angus Gardner had a blinder of a sport. I feel he’s the perfect of the Southern Hemisphere referees by a mile.
Anyway, sufficient of this outdated man ranting. Over to you G&GRs. Have at it.
