The Rogues Rant

Welcome to The Rogues Rant, an occasional look at all things Rugby.

So we are off to the Republic for the Super Rugby Final between the Lions and the Crusaders. The Crusaders really did the job on the Chiefs in Christchurch to make their 12th Super Rugby decider against a Lions side that struggled early before showing plenty of power to get the result in Johannesburg. The Hurricanes got off to a flying three try start to lead 22 – 3 before a late first half try and an early second half try got the Lions on the move. With a couple of very contentious close calls going in favor of the Africans, the Lions turned a 3 – 22 deficit into a six tries to four 44 – 29 win. I reckon a couple of the officials may have allowed the home ground atmosphere at Ellis Park get to them a bit. I wonder if the Crusaders will be taking their own chef and catering staff with them on this trip. My tip: As much as it hurts me to do so I have to go for the Lions to win. With the Ellis Park home ground advantage and the Crusaders having to do all the traveling it will just be too big an ask for the Kiwis. Lions to win.

A busy week for the IDRU Board and Judiciary dealing with the fallout of some unsavory behavior from the last month. Firstly the Board on Monday night met with the Avondale and Campbelltown clubs to deal with the events of their Round 15 second grade match which was abandoned by Referee Simon Hackett. After a long session in which both clubs were given an opportunity to explain the events from their own point of view the Board decided that no points would be allocated for the match. The Board also cautioned both clubs, warning of further consequences for any similar behavior in the future. An interesting point to come out of the hearing is that Avondale players have amassed by far the most yellow cards throughout the current season with the next club down the list being Campbelltown.