Super Rugby Review Round 18

Super Rugby was back with a vengeance this week, with some outrageous tries and funny moments. If you missed my take on the season so far watch it here.

Round 18.

Chiefs 34 - 22 Hurricanes

A hugely impressive performance from the Chiefs, and their unheralded pack in particular. They seemed to have unearthed another performer in Matt Vant Leven who dominated from no.8 putting in 17 tackles, two linebreaks, one steal and a try.

Highlanders 12 - 40 Crusaders

What a game this was. It had everything, from a red card, to a sumptious offload from Tamati Ellison for Ben Smith's try, to a coast to coast try at the death for Telusa Veainu. And yet Dan Carter put on a masterclass with 25 points, a try, a try assist, two linebreaks, one linebreak created, 5 tackle busts, 2 offloads and ten tackles.

With the news that Richie McCaw will feature for the Crusaders before the end of the season, this has been a great week for the men from Canterbury.

Sharks 22 - 20 Blues

A last minute try put the Blues in a dangerous position with the playoffs only 2 games away. Frank Halai's two tries weren't enough, while Anthony Boric was outstanding for the Blues with 26 tackles, while finding time for a linebreak and two offloads too. Riaan Viljoen with the match winning try.

Bulls 48 - 18 Southern Kings

The Bulls hammered the Kings, and it's now certain that the Kings will face the Lions in the South African relegation match. Jan Serfontein with the pick of the Bulls tries, after some quick thinking by Ndugane from an errant restart from the Kings

Stormers 28 - 3 Cheetahs

A hugely dissapointing show from the Cheetahs, who were done a favour by the Sharks earlier. Deon Fourie and Siya Kolisi had huge games, which meant that the Cheetahs never settled, and players like Willie le Roux were unable to continue from impressive showings with the Springboks.

What this means:

The Bulls and Chiefs guaranteed that they will feature in the playoffs, with the Bulls ensuring that they will finish first in South Africa, while a hugely unlikely collapse is the only thing that can deny the Chiefs top spot in New Zealand.

In the race for the playoffs, the Hurricanes and the Waratahs are now definitely out, while both the Sharks and the Stormers are making late charges.

Next week's Cheetahs v Blues will be a huge game, especially now that Chris Noakes and Piri Weepu will take no part after injuries.

Both the Stormers and the Sharks need to win all remaining games and hope the Blues beat the Cheetahs, then the Blues lose the following week. This will free up one slot for them to capitalise on. Both teams play the Kings and the Bulls in their remaining games.

By virtue of the Blues loss, and their next fixture against the Cheetahs, the Reds have also qualified for the playoffs. The Blues are the only remaining side outside of the playoffs that can go ahead of them, but for that to happen, the Cheetahs would be unable to go ahead of the Reds.

Table

Chiefs (q)        61
Bulls (Q)         59
Brumbies (q)   59
Reds (q)          54
Crusaders       51
Cheetahs         46 (with a bye to come)

Blues              44
Sharks            42
Stormers         42


Key fixtures

Round 19
Crusaders v Chiefs
Cheetahs v Blues
Kings v Stormers
Bulls v Sharks

Round 20
Crusaders v Hurricanes
Blues v Chiefs
Waratahs v Reds
Force v Brumbies
Sharks v Kings
Stormers v Bulls

Only two games left in the calendar do not have qualification hopes riding on them so far.

Fantasy

It was a significant period in the fantasy game, with a clear emergence of a top two. Poseidon's Belvedere with 489 points edges ahead of Ball Handling Hooker by 15 points. From there, there is a gap of 109 back to Garbhan Hogan, who isn't out of it, then a further 214 points back to Connacht Man who probably has 4th spot tied up at this stage.

In the head to head, Poseidon's Belvedere still has an 8 point lead, to second, and a 16 point lead to 3rd.

Results

Ball Handling Hooker	322 - 115	Les Mecs
GlasUlstermanNSW	326 - 489	Poseidon's Belvedere
Multiple Scoregasms	473 - 245	Average
The Weshties	260 - 256	Ireland's Answer

Fixtures

Average	v	Ball Handling Hooker
Poseidon's Belvedere	v	Ireland's Answer
Les Mecs	v	The Weshties
GlasUlstermanNSW	v	Multiple Scoregasms

The Return of Super Rugby

As seen here

Super Rugby returns this weekend, with the New Zealand and South Africans teams making up for the extra rounds that the Australians have had to accommodate some Northern Hemisphere visitors.

Super Rugby is a hugely entertaining competition, where pace and skill is emphasized. So far we've seen massive hits, scorching tries and baffling interviews. The season highlights so far is in the video below.

In New Zealand, the Blues have massively improved on last season's dismal outing, but the Highlanders are faring even worse. The Cheetahs are entertaining anyone who watches them in South Africa, and with Willie le Roux and co on form, they are winning games in the process. The Kings are winning admirers for their brand of rugby in their first season, while the Brumbies are quietly going about their business at the top of the Australian conference.

Willie le Roux finally made his Springbok debut this month

With 3 rounds left before the playoffs, there is still a few things left to sort out. In Super Rugby, each of the top teams in each country qualifies for the playoffs, with the next 3 teams receiving wildcard entries based on match points. The top two teams in the tournament get a bye, with the 3rd champion of the 3rd country entering into quarter finals with the other wildcard teams.

Given that Australian teams only have one game left, I'll start there.

Australian Conference

Team (Overall)                                                                    Pts

1. Brumbies (1)                                                              59
2. Reds (4)                                                                     54
3. Waratahs (7)                                                              44
4. Rebels (12)                                                                32
5. Force (13)                                                                  27   

 The Brumbies have been by far the best team in Australia consistently this season. Led by new Wallaby caps Christian Leali'ifano and Ben Mowen, they play a smart game, while still playing an entertaining brand of rugby. Jake White is getting the most out of his players, as can be seen in their recent win over the aforementioned Northern visitors.

Christian Leali'ifano has kept up where he left off last season, when his injury derailed the Brumbies and cost them a playoff spot on the last day

The only way they can be denied top spot in the Australia conference is if the Reds win with a bonus point at the Waratahs in 3 weeks, and they fail to get a losing bonus point at the Force. Neither of those scenarios appears likely.

Both the Force and the Rebels have improved this season, and both are losing admirably. At this stage of the season, neither are threatening the playoffs. The Reds in 4th have the best chance to qualify, with only 3 other teams outside of the playoffs able to climb ahead of their tally of 54 points already. More of this later.

Likely scenario:
Brumbies beat Force with no bonus point thus finishing first in Australia with 63 points.

South African Conference

Team (Overall)                                                                    Pts

1. Bulls (3)                                                                     54
2. Cheetahs (5)                                                               46
3. Sharks (10)                                                                 38
4. Stormers (11)                                                             38
5. Kings (14)                                                                  24 

The South Africa conference is a little unusual, as we have the prospect of the first ever relegation.

With the new entry of the Southern Kings, the last-placed South African team in this year's Super Rugby competition will play a two-legged tie against the Lions to determine who participates in next year's event.

The Kings have done fantastically well in their first competition, winning 3 more games than most people thought they would, and apart from 2 games, were a lot more competitive, than I, and anyone else, thought they would. Their remaining games are all in South Africa, which helps, but the most points they can get is 39, while both the Sharks and the Stormers have to have no match points from here on in three games.

Up at the top, the Cheetahs can still technically catch the Bulls, but the recent defeat to them before the break probably stopped that from happening. The Bulls have a favourable draw, having to play the 3 other South African teams, while the Cheetahs face the Stormers and the fellow playoff chasing Blues.

Likely scenario:

Bulls take 13 of 15 possible points from the next games to finish 1st in South Africa on 67 points.

Kings get at most 3 losing bonus points, and face the Lions in the relegation match.

New Zealand Conference

Team (Overall)                                                                    Pts

1. Chiefs (3)                                                                   56
2. Crusaders (5)                                                             46
3. Blues (10)                                                                  43
4. Hurricanes (11)                                                           39
5. Highlanders (14)                                                         22 

At this stage, only the Highlanders, who have had a terrible season, have no chance of the playoff.

The Chiefs have a commanding ten point lead, and while both the Blues and the Crusaders can catch them, it's still unlikely. The Chiefs have the hardest run in out of the conference leaders, but have the biggest lead. They play both the Blues and the Crusaders and the Hurricanes who have still have an outside mathematical chance of qualification.

Charles Piutau has been awesome this year and was rewarded by making his debut for New Zealand last week. Photo via  theblues.co.nz

The Blues have been much improved, and with young guns Charles Piutau, Francis Saili and Steven Luatua making a big name for themselves.

Likely scenario:

I think the Chiefs will take 10 points from a possible 15 of their remaining games, finishing first in New Zealand with 66 points.

This leaves the conference leaders as; 1. Bulls (67), 2. Chiefs (66), 3. Brumbies (63), with the Brumbies facing one of the wildcards.

Wildcards:

Those still in contention (mathematically) are:

4. Reds (54)

5. Cheetahs (46)

6. Crusaders (46)

7. Waratahs (44)

8. Blues (43)

9. Hurricanes (39)

10. Sharks (38)

11. Stormers (38)

First, it shows a lot about the strength of the competition that with 3 rounds left, 11 teams are still mathematically in with a chance of qualifying, and that in 10th and 11th place are two of last year's semi-finalists.

Secondly, while the Hurricanes, the Stormers and the Sharks can still qualify, they need a lot of things to go their way, with the most either of them can achieve is 54 points, and I don't think that tally will be enough to qualify.

For this reason, I am also discounting the Waratahs, as the max they can finish with is 49.

This leaves 4 teams battling for 3 places, with the Reds, the Cheetahs, the Crusaders and the Blues. The Cheetahs are the only team in the competition that have a bye left, which means that they will finish with 50 points at least.

The way I see the season panning out is, the Crusaders, the Blues and the Cheetahs all win this weekend against the Highlanders, the Sharks and the Stormers respectively.

The following weekend is set for a titanic battle as the Blues face the Cheetahs in what initially appears to be a huge game, while the Crusaders face the Chiefs. I think the Crusaders will beat the Chiefs, who should be safe as 1st by this stage, while the Blues put more pressure on the Cheetahs with a narrow win. This leaves the Cheetahs with 55 points (after the bye), the Crusaders with 55, the Reds still with 54 and the Blues with 52. All to play for.

At this point, if the Reds lose to the Waratahs with a losing bonus point, the Cheetahs and the Crusaders would finish ahead of them based on the higher number of wins they have.

The final weekend sees the Blues play the Chiefs in a huge game, knowing that a win would guarantee them a place in the playoffs. This would be a huge achievement for a team that was all at seas last year, recording only 4 wins. Unfortunately I don't think they will have enough, and the teams will finish like this;

4. Crusaders (60)

5. Reds (58)

6. Cheetahs (55)

7. Blues (53)

This leaves:

(1) Bulls vs ((3) Brumbies vs Cheetahs (6))

(2) Chiefs vs ((4) Crusaders vs Reds (5))

My tip is for the Chiefs to retain their crown against a tough Brumbies side in a fantastic final.

The Chiefs perform the haka after winning the final last year

This week’s fixtures:

June 28 

Chiefs v Hurricanes;Waikato Stadium, Hamilton; 08:35 

June 29 

Highlanders v Crusaders;  Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin; 08:35 

Sharks v Blues; Growthpoint KINGS PARK, Durban; 13:50 

Bulls v Southern Kings; Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria; 16:05 

Stormers v Cheetahs; DHL Newlands, Cape Town; 18:15 

JWC 2013 Team of the Tournament

JWC 2013 Team of the tournament

From Rugby15.co.za

1. Ed Byrne (IRE)
2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (ENG)
3. Chris Taylor (IRE)
4. Irne Herbst (SA)
5. Patrick Tuipulotu (NZ)
6. Joesph Edwards (NZ)
7. Ardie Savea (NZ)
8. Jack Clifford (ENG)
9. Stefan Ungerer (SA)
10. Sam Davies (WAL)
11. Seabelo Senatla (SA)
12. Michael Collins (NZ)
13. Tom Farrell (IRE)
14. Rory Scholes (IRE)
15. Hallam Amos (WAL)

16. Christopher Tolofua (FRA)
17. Peter Dooley (IRE)
18. Nicky Thomas (WAL)
19. Tomas Lavarini (ARG)
20. Ellis Jenkins (WAL)
21. Rhodri Williams (WAL)
22. Patricio Fernandez (ARG)
23. Jordan Williams (WAL)

Front Row

The northern hemisphere dominated the scrums, with Ireland in particular having 2 front rows and gained 5 metres consistently against New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and France. Ed Byrne was the most prominent loosehead in the loose, and contributed to a strong scrum. Luke Cowan-Dickie was a revelant for rugby reasons as well as his hair, and while Adam Boland was outstanding against Australia, he only had one game to push for selection.

Second Row

Both Herbst and Tuipulotu were two of the most impressive pack members on show. Both carried a lot, and scored vital tries.

Back Row

One of the hardest places to call with some huge competition. Joseph Edwards was phenomenal carrying and supporting in attack, while being solid in defense. Curtis Browning was by a distance Australia's best, but wasn't close enough. Savea and Clifford both played fantastic and were great leaders. Deserved nominees for the Player of the Year title. Mentions for Steenkamp and Dan Leavy (a contender for next year),

Scrumhalf

While I believe that Luke McGrath is the best scrumhalf on show( bias), I don't think he had a great tournament by his standards. Ungerer controlled things for South Africa, while Williams service to Davies was outstanding.

Outhalf

Sam Davies was the outstanding candidate and is a class act, while Patricio Fernandez was outstanding for Argentina. Mallet (France), Slade, Crosbie and Simon Hickey were next in line, but a distance away.

Centres:

Michael Collins was the best centre on show, with Sam Hill a great back up 12. Collins ran most effectively, and outshone the more heralded Jason Emery outside him. There wasn't and outstanding outside centre, but with Farrell proving a threat in attack and a handful at the breakdown, he gets me nod by default.

Back Three:

By a huge distance the hardest choice. With Fuatai, Ashley Evans  Williams, Cordero, Watson, Nowell, Kolbe, Obi and Ben Howard showing up extremely well. In the end, I went for the devastating Senatla, from the Blitzbokke sevens, who was top try scorer, with huge pace, while Rory Scholes was Ireland's best player, with two tries in the pool stages and showing up with some decisive defensive contributions. Hallam Amos was the pick of the Welsh back three, the youngest of them, with at least one more year at this level, he will be a contender for IRB player of the year next year.

JWC Match Report: Ireland NZ: Mike Ruddock deserves a knighthood

Ireland came into this pool decider on the back of two fantastic victories against Australia and Fiji. It was an eagerly anticipated game, and one that didn't fail to live up to expectations. It was an absorbing contest that got the best out of both teams.

via IRB.com

They started well, staring down the haka, and turning the ball over immediately with a choke tackle from the restart. A huge scrum drive signaled early dominance for Ireland as was to show throughout the game.

From the off, New Zealand looked very dangerous everytime they spread it, but Ireland started well in defense, putting pressure on, and forcing new Zealand into mistakes. This was not to be kept up for the entire 80 minutes though. Ireland for their part, looked good with ball in hand, and suggested that with patience, could score some tries against this less than vintage New Zealand side.

As against Australia though, a mistake when offloading nearly allowed New Zealand a breakaway try, and Adam Byrne was lucky that the ball was kicked out, as he was struggling and pulled the winger back.

Ireland were first to put points on the board though, as a huge kick from the 10m line settled Rory Scannell's nerves and put Ireland 3-0 up. Straight from the restart however, Ireland conceded a penalty, but Simon Hickey, who had an off day with the boot kicked wide.

New Zealand were next to have an opportunity, and from an Ardie Savea break, the scrumhalf Tayler Adams was denied in the corner from a saving Daragh Leader tackle. Dan Leavy made a high tackle from the resulting play, and New Zealand were on the board.

Aimless kicking to the potent New Zealand back three, who were beginning to dominate lead directly to the next points, with Hickey tagging on another 3 points to give New Zealand the lead. Ireland were starting to feel the pressure, but from the kick off, a forward pass from Dan Leavy was all that stopped Gavin Thornbury from a clear run to the line. A penalty from the resulting scrum meant that Scannell leveled the scores once again.

Tom Farrell, who was beginning to impress, showed both good and bad in the next minute, with a brilliant steal, and then giving away a stupid penalty for hands in the ruck. Hickey didn't make him pay, but that signaled a moment of dominance for New Zealand where they took control everywhere except the scrum.

via IRB.com

New Zealand lock Patrick Tuipulotu who had a great first half, got over in the corner to reward New Zealand for their dominance. Hickey failed with the tough conversion. Before the Irish could hang their heads, Hickey threw a poor pass that went to ground, and Tom Farrell was first to react and gather, racing home from inside his half to level the scores. Scannell also missed the conversion to make it 11-11 with 5 minutes to go until halftime.

Unfortunately, that was just a short reprieve for Ireland, as Hickey punished some growing indiscipline by the Irish, which ultimately lead to Tom Farrell being sin-binned on the stroke of half time, with New Zealand leading 14-11.

The sin-binning was to prove crucial as New Zealand started to spread the ball wide scoring two tries in quick succession and capitalising on the extra man. Hickey only managed one conversion, which left it at 26-11. New Zealand were now gaining metres with ease and going over with an extra man. They had upped the tempo in defense, with Ardie Savea showing his huge potential and proving a menance. The killer score was a lineout move that exposed a lack of cover near the touchline, with Luke McGrath having no chance to stop hooker Faiva getting his second try from close range.

via IRB.com

From there though, Ireland took control. Replacements Ed Byrne and Brian Byrne carried effectively into New Zealand territory, and patience from Ireland allowed Dan Leavy to go in, in the corner to leave Ireland 15 points down with 20 to play, knowing that two tries and remaining within 7 would guarantee them a place in the semi finals.

The final twenty minutes was very absorbing and Ireland dominated, with the Byrnes showing why they are so highly regarded, continuing the scrum dominance and carrying effectively, with Ed finally going over to leave them a try away from the semis with 15 minutes to go.

Ed Byrne going over to give Ireland hope via IRB.com

Persistent fouling from replacement prop Nick Grogan earned him 10 minutes in the bin, and a huge call from Ireland to go for the points brought them to 5 from the lead. The unspeakable victory was in sight with 12 to go, against 14 men.

From there, Ireland couldn't capitalise. New Zealand played smart rugby, keeping it tight, and whenever Ireland had a chance, Rory Scholes, who didn't live up to the first two games, made two errors in quick succession to gift possession back to New Zealand.

With two minutes to go, the other New Zealand replacement prop, Sione Mafileo, was not rolling away, but a Chris Taylor stamp reversed the decision, and Ireland's hopes were fading.

In the end, it was Ardie Savea who made yet another turnover to deny Ireland. Mike Ruddock deserves huge credit for getting the most out of his entire squad, and giving the best they could in an extremely difficult group. Hopes were not high going into this competition, but only 5 points from beating New Zealand to enter the semi's is a huge performance.

Now, Ireland are relying on favours from France, but are most likely going to enter the 5th-8th playoffs with Argentina, Scotland and Australia.

Come on the Wolfpuppies.

JWC: Ireland vs New Zealand Preview: Ireland to rue loss of goalkicker

Mike Ruddock has shuffled his team again for the final Pool game against the Baby BNZs. 

Daragh Leader's assurance from fullback coupled with the loss of Tom Daly means that Leader retains the fullback jersey, and Scannell moves to his more comforable position of inside centre. Scannell has played outhalf aswell, is a big strong player both in defense and attack, with a lovely pass off both hands. He is likely to be the goalkicker in Daly's absence too.

Rory Scholes and Steve Crosbie start their third game in 9 days, both are key men in Ruddock's side, and Scholes in particular has had a great tournament, working hard off his wing, making some important defensive interventions.

Adam Byrne's physicality is required over Sweetnam's try-scoring magic, with Sweetnam offering a plan B off the bench.

George McGuigan who was outstanding against Australia, beats off the impressive performance from Brian Byrne, while Peter Dooley beats the other Byrne twin, Ed, to the starting position. Adam Boland, who was man of the match against Australia, outstanding in the scrum and in the loose, has to settle for the bench to make way for Chris Taylor on his recovery from an injury.

Gavin Thornbury's lineout expertise is retained from Fiji, while John Donnan is recalled to the starting XV. Peadar Timmins covers blindside and second row.

Dan Leavy's impressive performances so far earns him a start at the expense of the strong Ryan Murphy of Munster. Joyce moves to 8, and van der Flier to 6 to accomodate Leavy, who is the closest thing to a classic openside to come through the Irish ranks in recent years. A strong ball carrier and huge tackler, Leavy is fantastic at the breakdown, as seen against Fiji. Still eligible for JWC next year too, and he will probably captain the team and star in the tournament.

New Zealand make 6 changes from the side that struggled to overcome Australia, with the likes of Michael Collins, who shone in the first game against Fiji returning.

Ardie Savea is their captain, who has some Super Rugby experience, earning man of the match on his Hurricanes debut against the Waratahs, and getting the upper hand against Michael Hooper, who will probably be tormenting the Lions in a few weeks. Savea is quick and strong like his older brother, and a master at the breakdown. Dan Leavy will have his hands full.

Simon Hickey was impressive against Fiji, a solid operator from outhalf, he manages the game well, and punishes any indiscipline with near-flawless goalkicking.

The Baby BNZ's centre partnership is Michael Collins, who is a big dangerman for the Irish, and Jason Emery, who is the most experienced player in the competition with 10 caps for the Highlanders.

But New Zealand's back three is where Ireland will have to be most wary of. Any loose kicks and Joe Webber, a 7s specialist who Sir Gordon Tietjens rates extremely highly and Fa'asiu Fuatai, who is very quick, will punish Ireland.

I've no doubt that Mike Ruddock will set the team up with the smartest gameplan to give Ireland the best chance of winning, but I feel that the loss of Tom Daly as a goalkicker will be huge. For Ireland to win, I think that they need to put points on the board at every opportunity, and I think that Rory Scanell isn't as good as Tom Daly to do that.

Ireland to lose, by less than the amount of missed kicks.

Ireland team to play New Zealand:

15 - Darragh Leader (Galwegians/Connacht)
14 - Adam Byrne (UCD/Leinster)
13 - Thomas Farrell (Lansdowne/Leinster)
12 - Rory Scannell (Dolphin/Munster)
11 - Rory Scholes (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
10 - Steve Crosbie (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
9 - Luke McGrath (UCD/Leinster) (capt)
1 - Peter Dooley (Lansdowne/Leinster)
2 - George McGuigan (Newcastle Falcons/Exile)
3 - Christopher Taylor (Malone/Ulster)
4 - Gavin Thornbury (UCD/Leinster)
5 - John Donnan (Ballynahinch/Ulster)
6 - Daniel Leavy (UCD/Leinster)
7 - Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster)
8 - Conor Joyce (Malone/Ulster)

Replacements:

16 - Edward Byrne (UCD/Leinster)
17 - Bryan Byrne (UCD/Leinster)
18 - Adam Boland (Lansdowne/Connacht)
19 - Peadar Timmins (UCD/Leinster)
20 - Ryan Murphy (Dolphin/Munster)
21 - David Shanahan (Clontarf/Leinster)
22 - Mark Roche (Lansdowne/Connacht)
23 - Darren Sweetnam (UCC/Munster)

New Zealand Team to play Ireland

1 Donald Brighouse
2 Epalahame Faiva
3 Boyd Wiggins
4 Patrick Tuipulotu
5 Christopher Vui
6 Jordan Manihera
7 Ardie Savea (C)
8 Joseph Edwards
9 Tayler Adams
10 Simon Hickey
11 Fa'asiu Fuatai
12 Michael Collins
13 Jason Emery
14 Lolagi Visinia
15 Joseph Webber

Replacements:

16 Kalafi Pongi
17 Nick Grogan
18 Scott Scrafton
19 Hadleigh May
20 Teihorangi Walden
21 Sheridan Rangihuna
22 Jade Te Rure
23 Sione Mafileo

Super Rugby Review Round 17

Brumbies 39-17 Rebels

The Brumbies shorn of their Wallabies obliterated a near full strength Rebels side missing only O'Connor, Beale and Higginbotham. Such was the shear brilliance of the Brumbies performance that they had 9 of the Dream Team players, with Colby Fainga'a getting top marks thanks to a try, 5 tackle busts and 14 tackles.

g

Force 13- 28 Waratahs

The Force's decision to keep their strongest team for this game didn't work and plenty of accusations will be levelled at them. What's more impressive was the Waratahs with a hugely shallow side performing so well. Drew Mitchell at fullback had a stormer, and Peter Betham was electric on the wing.

Fantasy

Every second week it seems that the chasers close the gap, only for the leader to widen it the following week and it was more of the same, with their now being an 85 point gap at the top. With only 4 teams playing, scoring wasn't high, and no positional changes occurred.

In the head to head league, there was also no positional changes, as Cillian Hogan has a commanding 8 point lead.

Ireland - Fiji Match Review

Riding the high of the victory against Australia , Ireland Under 20s hammered Fiji 46-3 in their second game of Pool B in the JWC.

Ireland started very well, and if looked very cohesive, belying the 11 changes that Ruddock made to the lineup. Dan Leavy was peerless at the breakdown, and the Irish team seemed to turnover Fijian ball at will. The Fijians looked dangerous in attack, and after missing a kick in front of goal, had a great chance to open the scoring with a try, but Rory Scholes, who was magnificent last Wednesday, made a fantastic try saving tackle.

Darren Sweetnam scores the first try via IRB.com

From that moment, Ireland took control. David Shanahan, who was in for Luke McGrath was impressive and quick at rucks, and Crosbie was fantastic at directing play. Ireland were patient in attack, and when Daly, showing there is more to his game than placekicking, made a great break, Crosbie calmed things down and allowed Mark Roche to put the former Cork hurler Darren Sweetnam over on the right. Tom Daly was unable to add the extras, and with an earlier penalty, Ireland were 8-0 up after twenty minutes.

For the second game in a row, the Irish scrum was going well, and the Byrne twins were carrying effectively wtih Jack O'Donoghue showing up well too. Ruddock will have some fantastic selection headaches with so many of the changes performing well.

After Fiji got on the board with 3 points, Ireland showed some intent and went to the corner on a scrum penalty, before the Fijians fell foul again just in front of the posts, and Daly knocked over the penalty to go 11-3 ahead. Daly is probably the first Irish kicker ever to have placekicked while the crowd clapped encouragingly.

Daly missed another chance to extend Ireland's lead after Fiji racked up 10 penalties given away after just 30 minutes, suggesting they hadn't learned too much from conceding 4 yellows and 2 reds against New Zealand. Daly made up for this with yet another penalty after 36 minutes.

Leavy had a majestic first half, and Daly was impressive in the loose, even if a kicking return of 3 from 6 will have disappointed  him. The more patient Ireland were in attack, the more holes that appeared in the Fijians defense. Ireland were disrupting lineouts and dominating scrums, hoping for more in the second half.

Fijians lineout was harming them, and a dangerous scrum on the Fiji 22, meant Ireland had a great chance at the start of the second half. A massive scrum from Ireland, allowing first Crosbie. and then Shanahan go very close, but a knock on in the act of scoring denied them. After three huge scrums from the Irish, eventually the tighthead Chris Taylor got over to reward Ireland for their dominance.

Rory Scholes via IRB.com

From the kickoff, Rory Scholes scored a fantastic solo try thanks largely to a hugely fortunate bounce, but it was just reward for a hugely impressive tournament so far for Scholes. Getting the ball from a turnover, Scholes rounded two men on the half way, before chipping and collecting luckily and dotting the ball down.

This gave Ireland a huge amount of confidence, and another linebreak from Roche gave them great go forward ball. The tide was now with Ireland, and a vital bonus point in sight. It was soon to come, as some fantastic running lines allowed Scholes to get his second and seal the bonus point with half an hour to go.

Daragh Leader somehow managed to intercept when it seemed easier for Fiji to score a try, to keep Ireland in a commanding lead. Fiji's lineout was seriously hampering their chances, and Ireland were going over the gainline with ease. The one "negative" for Ireland was their kicking, with a number of players with poor kicks out of hand, and Daly's not so great placekicking return.

More pressure resulted in a great finish from openside Dan Leavy in the corner, who had another great game. Rory Scannell, now on for Daly, was unable to add the extras. Ruddock was now ringing the changes to keep the squad fresh. A further penalty from Scannell added more points to the total, before Sweetnam scored another try, which eclipsed Scholes's effort earlier, a great chip and chase, complete with a massive step.

As their confidence rose, their defense became more ferocious. Some great individual performances from Rory Scholes, the Byrnes and Leavy in particular, and the subs didn't let up either. The ref blow the game up early, with the score from 46-3.

This team is completely unrecognisable from some turgid displays in the 6 Nations. Two extremely encouraging performances, both collectively and individually. Credit must go to Mike Ruddock, who is doing an extremely good job.

This win puts them in with a great chance for the semi-finals, with just New Zealand to come on Thursday.