REDSReds 22 (Roe 2, Schifcofske tries, Schifcofske 1pg 2c) def Highlanders 16 (Thomson try, Williams 2pg, Bowden 1pg, Delaney 1c)
After some disappointing seasons, the full strength Reds finally got off on the right foot in 2008 with a nice home win over the Highlanders. Mercurial fullback Chris Latham was knocked out fairly early on but recovered to play the full 80 minutes and inspire his side to a morale boosting victory. Late in the game he helped kill off a raid by the Highlanders in a tight contest and then sparked a counter attack that went the length of the field resulting in Clinton Schifcofske’s match sealing penalty goal. The choice made by skipper John Roe to take the shot at goal was questionable to some. With the match hanging in the balance, running down the clock and taking the three points was the easy option - kicking for touch and attempting to gain a bonus point would have shown a team full of confidence rather than one desperate to claim a long awaited win.
Looking Ahead: The Reds are at full strength and will be riding high after the win – it is certainly a great improvement after their wooden spoon campaign last season. Their backline contains some world class talent in Chris Latham, veteran, and new Red, Morgan Turinui and young flyhalf Berrick Barnes. Barnes made his name on the world scene in the recent World Cup but now needs to back it up with a big Super 14 season.
Round Two: Hurricanes (Fr 22 Feb, Wellington)
FORCE
Sharks 17 (Botes, Terblanche tries, Steyn 1pg, Pienaar 2c) def Force 10 (Holmes try, Shepherd 1pg, Giteau 1c)
The Force headed to South Africa amidst a touch of controversy over a drunken fight between teammates Matt Henjak and Haig Sare, which left the latter with a broken jaw. The match was always going to be tough, on the road to the 2007 runners-up. The Sharks had skipped out to a 14-3 lead after halftime but the Force showed a lot of heart in coming back to keep the scores close. Missing skipper and Wallaby Nathan Sharpe hurt them in the forwards and the Sharks pack was dominant for the whole match and it really set the tone for the match. In a final minute attack, Matt Hodgson crossed the tryline only to have the score disallowed due to a crooked lineout throw. With much left to work on, the Force should take something from the match – they played a close, tough game against a highly rated team and stayed within one try of an upset.
Looking Ahead: As of Feb 20, a disciplinary committee recommended the ARU sack Hanjak, indicating that his rugby career could well be over. Henjak has a history of alcohol related incidents, including being sent home from a Wallaby tour in 2005, and has himself admitted he has a drinking problem. The Force have apparently contacted Chris O’Young in Glasgow as a possible replacement. Regardless of the fallout, it is a terrible way to start a new season and the two games left on the South African trip will be a gruelling test.
Next Game: Cheetahs (Fri Feb 22, Bloemfontein)
Review of the Brumbies and Waratahs games from week one on Suite101.
