[2015 Super Rugby] Chiefs vs. Highlanders (Round 4) 06/03/2015

[TRF_stormer2010]

Waikato Stadium, Hamilton

19:35 local (NZ, GMT+13)
​

Teams:

Chiefs: Tom Marshall, Hosea Gear, Charlie Ngatai, Sonny Bill Williams, James Lowe, Aaron Cruden, Augustine Pulu, Liam Messam/Ma'ama Vaipulu, Sam Cane, Johan Bardoul, Mike FitzGerald, Matt Symons, Ben Tameifuna, Hika Elliot, Pauliasi Manu. Reserves: Quentin MacDonald, Siate Tokolahi, Mitchell Graham, Michael Allardice, Ma'ama Vaipulu/Michael Leitch, Brad Weber, Damian McKenzie, Andrew Horrell.

Highlanders: Ben Smith (c), Waisake Naholo, Malakai Fekitoa, Shaun Treeby, Patrick Osborne, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Nasi Manu (c), Elliot Dixon, Gareth Evans, Joe Wheeler, Mark Reddish, Ma'afu Fia, Liam Coltman, Josh Hohneck. Reserves: Ash Dixon, Brendon Edmonds, Ross Geldenhuys, Tom Franklin, Dan Pryor, Fumiaki Tanaka, Marty Banks, Jason Emery.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

Really looking forward to this match, I love these NZ derbies.

The Chiefs are fielding what's basically their top backline. Bring the injured TNW onto the bench in place of Horrell and you're all set.

Bardoul and Vaipulu have both impressed me a lot so far this season, the Chiefs always get the best out of their fringe players.

 

[nickdnz]

I'd probably prefer TNW over Marshall, but other than that I agree that's pretty much their best backline. Interesting to see Hosea Gear being used on the right in instead of the left. I don't think it'll necessary suit his style of play as he is a bit better with more space on the left wing - but still good to see him in the starting lineup. Lowe/Gear could certainly carve teams up (it also gives Gear more time on the right is the ABs favor him as a right winger...).

 

[donmcdazzle]

Am I crazy in thinking that Lowe could be a potential AB? He has a nice left boot, good pace and aggression, seems to be alright under the high ball and deputizes at fullback? Ticks most of the boxes the AB selectors go for in their wingers.

 

[nickdnz]

Not crazy, he's really impressed me over the last year. I'd be surprised if he is picked this year, but Cory Jane isn't exactly getting younger - so we could quite easily see Lowe take his place.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

I'd probably prefer TNW over Marshall, but other than that I agree that's pretty much their best backline. Interesting to see Hosea Gear being used on the right in instead of the left. I don't think it'll necessary suit his style of play as he is a bit better with more space on the left wing - but still good to see him in the starting lineup. Lowe/Gear could certainly carve teams up (it also gives Gear more time on the right is the ABs favor him as a right winger...).

I think Marshall has been pretty decent for the Chiefs since he transferred over. He doesn't have the same x-factor as a guy like TNW, but I think it's pretty dependable at fullback. I think TNW is the perfect impact player and even if Marshall wasn't starting I'd probably still opt for TNW on the bench (Though starting him at fullback and bringing Tamanivalu on late game could be exciting too). With the lengthy season you inevitably see everyone clock up a few games, so the 'top team' doesn't really matter too much (except when it comes to finals time).

On the topic of Lowe, I think he's a great player but I also think he needs to sort out a few discipline issues. He gets fired up pretty easily, which can be a good thing, but I worry he'll do something stupid in the heat of the moment.

 

[Gena_ZA]

I rate Lowe higher than Jane as Jane has one great game in 4 and Lowe seems to do a lot more on the field
Just a across the seas observation

 

[nzlizard]

I rate Lowe higher than Jane as Jane has one great game in 4 and Lowe seems to do a lot more on the field
Just a across the seas observation

Pretty accurate, he still has a lot to learn but looks like he could go a long way.

 

[austingtir]

Chiefs are constantly offside in defence imo.

- - - Updated - - -

Man the chiefs make it look easy. They did the same pick and drive to the right like 4 times in a row and the HL couldnt defend it as the chiefs always had a player "clearing a path ahead of the ball carrier".... and they got away with it everytime.....

Atleast one of those 4 times deserved a penalty to the HL.

 

[austingtir]

Cant believe the HL are leading and its quite a handy lead aswell!

if they can pull of a sneaky score after half time they might be in with a chance as the Chiefs are playing like a team that won competition last week.

 

[austingtir]

If the Chiefs loose this they are going to be filthy at themselves the HL really should never of even been close.

 

[austingtir]

Fekitoa is laughing his ass off (totally milked that yellow) you could see the smile on the trainers face!!! LOL




UNBELIEVABLE HL WIN!!!!!

 

[hjklhjkl]

Really enjoyable game. Can't believe the Highlanders won.

 

[nzlizard]

Really enjoyable game. Can't believe the Highlanders won.

They can thank the ref for that.

Yellow card and penalty my ass.

Bet the ref will be on the back of the Highlanders bus getting a blowy from the boys in about 15.

 

[austingtir]

They can thank the ref for that.

Yellow card and penalty my ass.

Bet the ref will be on the back of the Highlanders bus getting a blowy from the boys in about 15.

I was thinking during the game that the Chiefs were getting alot of calls going their way.... then in the last 5 minutes it all went the HL way... Karma if you ask me.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

I think the Chiefs got the rub of the green in general, that last call I think was wrong but it was no worse than many other decisions during the match.

I think the yellow card was a stupid call, but it probably ly should have been a penalty anyway, so I don't think that affected the outcome.

Both teams were very poor tonight, really.

 

[donmcdazzle]

Cruden basically cost them the game with his poor goal kicking. Missed at least 2 that were easy. In saying that the penalty and yellow on Lowe was ridiculous. What was the penalty even for? Late tackle?

 

[smartcooky]

I think the yellow card was a stupid call, but it probably ly should have been a penalty anyway, so I don't think that affected the outcome.

I disagree. That was not even a penalty.

I expect the yellow card to be overturned post match, but the decision has IMO cost the Chiefs the game. Instead of a line-out to the Chiefs near halfway, it ended up as a penalty kick and line-out throw-in to the Highlanders further up field, and from the resulting penalty in that play, Marty Banks kicked the winning penalty goal for the Highlanders.

If that is not a critical error, then its very close to one.

 

[Kiwiwomble]

Isn't the tackler obliged to make sure the player lands safely? Thought that was the whole point of the rule, fekitoa would have kept running if Lowe wasn't there...Lowe made a tackle but didn't control it...

Justin marshal made a interesting call, the second penalty try, he said the highlanders have just folded under pressure, no need to bin anyone as it was out of their control...how is a penalty try then?!?? If it has collapsed under sheer pressure and no one have actually committed a foul... How is it a penalty?

Also, last penalty shouldn't have been given but I saw several that shouldn't have been given against us and several that should have been given so I'm taking it

No possession and not territory but we got 4 points !

 

[ratsapprentice]

Isn't the tackler obliged to make sure the player lands safely?

Well - yes... if you lift them.

Fekitoa was all of 2 feet off the ground and at no point was he lifted.