The fourth round has already begun with the Brumbies going down by a point against the Hurricanes in Wellington (11-10). Also, Stephen Larkham was injured just before half-time but no word on how long he may be sidelined for.
Greg Cowden in today’s SMH reveals that former Wallabies selector Barry Want is frustrated at the nature of today’s rugby.
The former Waratahs chairman of selectors contacted the Herald after reading recent comments from Super 14 coaches, who indicated that the scoring of points had become a secondary outcome. Want instead argues that rugby, financed by pay television money, must now be treated as entertainment. “Watching unlimited collapsing scrums, rucks, mauls, lace-tying stops, contact lens stops and tiny little contests all over the paddock without sighting of the ball, plus referees trying to prove to their superiors that they know the laws back and front so they stand a chance of getting a gig at the World Cup is not ENTERTAINMENT,” Want said.
I’m not sure on whether any sport should bow to the demands of pay TV but Want does have a point. I watched a bit of the Brumbies v Hurricanes and it was lifeless. The few attacking raids did bring the crowd alive but they were few a far between. Also teams seem to have a hard time getting the ball to stick. Handling was atrocious with a few promising raids falling apart when the ball was dropped or passed over the side line.
Rugby is not a pretty game to watch at the moment.
Anyway, onto the remaining games in round 4. Go the Western Force, the surprise packet of the comp so far.
Update: Not a good weekend for the Aussies.
Highlanders 35 v Stormers 24
Blues 38 v Reds 13
Western Force 24 v Lions 25
Bulls 30 v Chiefs 27
Cheetahs 28 v Crusaders 49
Current table can be found at Rugby Heaven.
