A middling start for Super 15

It’s a new season and already penalties are being counted. Referees issued 59 penalties across the seven games in Super Rugby’s first week of the season and no team secured the four-try bonus point either. It’s too early in the season for prophets of doom to be taken too seriously, but the sceptics are out there…and they are waiting.

While there was tension aplenty, with only the Stormers winning by more than seven points, there was also a lot of kicking. Elton Jantjies broke the record for the most successful penalty kicks (nine), Johan Goosen flogged away skilfully and Morne Steyn found his groove in the second half of the Bulls’ dreary win over the Sharks.

Of the South African teams, the Stormers put in the most dominating display (Schalk Burger’s injury will be a concern), though they had momentary lapses which allowed the Hurricanes back into the game. The local derbies were one of the selling points marketed to the public when the Super 14 became the Super 15, but as evidence shows, tries are not the common course of victory when countrymen clash.

It would be unfair to not mention it was the first week, with teams needing some time to adapt to the endurance test that is the Super Rugby season. Referees also are finding their way, so maybe we shouldn’t be surprised that the rugby was intense if not spectacular.

The Reds got lucky after they beat the Waratahs in the dying moments of their clash in Sydney, and the Crusaders showed they have maintained much of that championship mentality in beating a feisty Blues in Auckland. Jake White won his first game in charge at the Brumbies (though David Campese has his doubts about the whole idea), while the Chiefs disappointed in losing to the bollocking Highlanders.

The Sharks’ performance continued the feeling from last year that while they will be there or thereabouts, there is just that little something missing. Pat Lambie was solid, and given time, hopefully he can and perhaps more importantly will be allowed to play in a way which sees the ball going through the hands.

For fans, the best thing to do is buckle down and find a comfortable chair. There is much rugby to come.