Highlanders triumph while the Stormers meltdown!

 

 Joe Tomane ( picture http://bit.ly/1SB8F6q)

Super Rugby semi semis opened up with Highlanders v the Chiefs – now THAT was proper rugby, both teams in it until right to the end, although the Highlanders always had the edge you felt. They won, and they won pretty, in an entertaining match full of great tries and skill. Ben Smith and Aaron Smith were superb for me, just adding classy touch after classy touch. They now get to face the Waratahs, and if they produce the same quality of rugby, they’ll win that too. Damian McKenzie for the Chiefs looks like a future All Black.

In the other semi, the Brumbies absolutely trashed the Stormers in Cape Town. I thought the South Africn teams were supposed to be big and ugly – they got totally beaten up by the Australians, AND the Brumbies had all the cool foul play too! Joe Tomane hardly seemed to be trying with his hat trick, actually hard to judge how good they are with the Stormers being so poor. Damian de Allende was the only one who stood up to be counted, sure they had some big names missing, but South Africa has players to burn, it should have at least been close.

Super Rugby
Saturday, June 20
Highlanders 24 - 14 Chiefs    07:35
Stormers 19 - 39 Brumbies    15:05