Fearsome Chiefs within reach of crown

Fearsome Chiefs within reach of crown

27 Jul 2012

RYAN VREDE reports on a compelling semi-final in which the Chiefs explored new depths in their game to beat the fancied Crusaders 20-17 in Hamilton.

These teams produced an epic three weeks ago at this venue, and, fittingly, considering the magnitude of the occasion, elevated their games to deliver one of the tensest (most tense) semi-finals in Super Rugby history.

It lacked for nothing, not technical skill, tactical intelligence, brutality, breathless passages, breathtaking individual skills. Neither the intangibles, like inspiring resilience and the desperation that accompanies that a deeply-rooted desire for victory, reflected in the pursuit of attacking and defensive inches. Nothing. Ultimately the Chiefs were marginally better, but that’s all they needed to be.

The big name players had their moments, Cruden exhibiting once more that he is fast evolving into a flyhalf of the absolute highest quality, Williams showing his fire-proof temperament and McCaw valiantly attempting to rouse his men through deed and words. But tellingly the Crusaders’ fulcrum, Dan Carter, fell well short of his high standards, making fundamental errors and lacking presence. He can’t be blamed for the defeat, but his struggles undoubtedly contributed to it.

The Chiefs’ line speed, physicality and accuracy in defence rocked the Saders, who uncharacteristically made numerous handling errors and regularly made themselves vulnerable to being turned over by runners isolating themselves. The Saders were never allowed to settle into their pattern and were made to look decidedly ordinary for the bulk of the contest.

By contrast the Chiefs buzzed on attack for much of the first half and then sustained their defensive effort and discipline through the next 40. With regards to the former, their back division profited from the potency of the strike runners in their pack. Cruden and Carter traded penalties to get the scoreboard rolling, but Williams ignited the contest with a scything break in a move that culminated in prolific prop Sona Taumalolo burrowing over from close range. The Chiefs extended their lead in the 25th minute when Robbie Robinson blitzed the defence before Williams sniped around an unguarded ruck fringe to set up Liam Messam. Cruden converted for a comfortable 17-6 lead.

The match situation called for a rebuttal from the seven-time champions and it came just before the break, Ryan Crotty darting through a depleted defensive line to score. Carter missed the conversion but trailing by just six the Saders would have felt confident given their pedigree and superior experience.

The arm-wrestle continued after the restart, with neither side able to impose their will. Carter kicked two penalties to Cruden’s one, taking the match into the final quarter with the hosts ahead by three.

Understandably neither side were prepared to take risks with the stakes as high as they were, pragmatic play marking the closing stages. This of course was not uncharted territory for the Saders, but they were met by an irresistible force that absolutely refused to relinquish the inches the Saders sought, first to breach the tryline, then, in one final act of desperation, to set up Carter for the game-levelling drop-goal.

With every phase you could see the Chiefs’ resolve deepen. Not here. Not now. Smash. Get up. Smash. Get up. There are varying things in sport that inspire people. The determination the Chiefs showed in those dying minutes holds universal appeal. Every tackle drove the Saders further away from their goal until finally the ball was grassed under pressure.

Massive celebration. The kings are culled. The Chiefs now have to ensure they complete their ascent to the throne.

Follow Ryan on Twitter
Follow SA Rugby magazine on Twitter


518 Comments

Pages: « 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 [8] 9 10 11 » Show All

  • 351.carol: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 21:33 pm

    @Robzim-350:
    Evening

  • 352.carol: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 21:37 pm

    Dear Friends

    I know this is a rugby site but many of you are HUGE sports fans.

    Speaking as your resident Brit may I wish you a very enjoyable Olyimpics.

    Hope you enjoy our opening ceremony, that is due to lift off shortly and that it amuses and entertains you all.

    Then we can look forward to two weeks of great spectacle end endeavour!!

  • 353.carol: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 21:38 pm

    Tomorrow…… super 15……

    Well, may the best team win! :-)

  • 354.Robzim: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 22:02 pm

    @carol-352:

    Thanks- we are certainly going to enjoy it.
    Hopefully we will get a few medals- good luck to GB too
    Not that they need it as they will get many medals.
    Starting with Mark Cavendish tomorrow – if it is a bunch sprint no-one will be able to touch him- hopefully Wiggins and Froome can set it up for him.
    Enjoy!!

  • 355.TASSIES: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 22:03 pm

    @carol-353: that’s very sweet Carol. About the ceremony that is. I’m sure it’ll live up to it’s billing and do Brit proud. It’s not my bag though. Handbrake is watching downstairs for sure. I’ll lie here and be entertained by the likes of yourself and company. Am I a bore or what?

  • 356.TASSIES: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 22:05 pm

    @Robzim-354: pretty much got it in the bag hey Rob. you do Knysna this year?

  • 357.Robzim: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 22:06 pm

    @TASSIES-355:

    You GOT to watch it.

  • 358.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 22:07 pm

    When do the boys with the bods get into the pools

  • 359.Robzim: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 22:09 pm

    @TASSIES-356:

    No, too much other stuff.
    I am going to do “Seweweekspoort” and “To Hell and back” (Oudtshoorn) this year.
    Did you do it?

  • 360.Robzim: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 22:10 pm

    @Dawn-358:

    Heats to start tomorrow.

  • 361.TASSIES: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 22:11 pm

    I can hear Jerusalem piped from downstairs. Now why am I surprised they chose that particular anthem for the opening ceremony. Quite beautiful really but wont entice me from my pit though. I need the energy reserve for tomorrow evening.

  • 362.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 22:12 pm

    Where are posh and becks and kate and will and her maj!

  • 363.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 22:13 pm

    Carol these are questions only you can answer!

  • 364.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 22:15 pm

    S that kenneth branagh

  • 365.Robzim: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 22:16 pm

    @Dawn-362:

    Harry will “oversee”the women beach volleyball

  • 366.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 22:17 pm

    I demand judi and maggie smith

  • 367.Robzim: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 22:20 pm

    Amazing ceremony- Danny Boyle at his best.

  • 368.TASSIES: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 22:21 pm

    @Robzim-359: Ja. Was quite wet. But was a good ride. 50 my limit I think. I have some battlescarred years on you Rob so don’t gloat okay. Karoo to Coast is one pass to far for this body.

  • 369.TASSIES: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 22:24 pm

    @Robzim-365: Maybe he needs some help. I’ll volunteer as a serious talent spotter.

  • 370.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 22:26 pm

    :lol:

    This is so cute!

  • 371.Robzim: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 22:28 pm

    @TASSIES-368:

    Well done, i heard it was a bit wet- if U can do the Knysna 50 then U can do the Karoo to Coast, after the first 50 or so its mostly downhill into Knysna through the forrest. Great ride, you will enjoy it.

  • 372.Robzim: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 22:30 pm

    The queen is quite adventurous- nice jump

  • 373.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 22:33 pm

    Her Maj finds it hard to crack a smile

  • 374.Robzim: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 22:38 pm

    Mike Oldfield (Tubular Bells) doing NHS.

  • 375.carol: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 22:48 pm

    Howdy Folks… :-)

    So far so good?? lol

    I know you overseas folks enjoy a bit of Mr Bean

  • 376.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 22:50 pm

    :lol: rowan!

  • 377.Robzim: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 22:51 pm

    @carol-375:

    Dont be snobbish now.
    We all know he is GB’s best comedian ever, lol.

  • 378.carol: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 22:53 pm

    @Dawn-376:
    I think David Beckham is going to be spray painted gold and lowered naked from Glastonbury Tor!!

    The green hump in the background!

  • 379.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 22:55 pm

    Where’s Hyancinth Bucket

  • 380.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 22:56 pm

    @Carol

    Really????

  • 381.carol: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 22:57 pm

    @Dawn-380:
    With any luck!

  • 382.carol: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 22:57 pm

    Thought of our old Jinx when they played ‘Going Underground’ by The Jam!! :-)

  • 383.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 22:59 pm

    Am enjoying this bit

  • 384.carol: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 23:01 pm

    Blimey we are flipping good at music, even if you lot can beat us at rugby!!

  • 385.Robzim: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 23:02 pm

    Even “Johny Rotten ” is getting a chance.

  • 386.Robzim: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 23:05 pm

    @carol-384:

    I just hope they dont bring Sir Cliff up to spoil everything.

  • 387.carol: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 23:05 pm

    You get Dizzy Rascal lovey!!

    The dude in red

  • 388.carol: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 23:07 pm

    I feel like dancing now!

  • 389.Robzim: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 23:08 pm

    @carol-387:

    Bonkers??

  • 390.carol: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 23:09 pm

    Thanks to Tim Burners-Lee
    Means we can do THIS.!!
    On the World Wide .

  • 391.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 23:13 pm

    Sir Becks.

  • 392.carol: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 23:14 pm

    @Dawn-391:
    Have to say he looking VERY Cool!

  • 393.carol: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 23:16 pm

    @Robzim-389:

    This looks like the moment to make tea!

  • 394.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 23:18 pm

    Now they go all sad!

  • 395.Robzim: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 23:20 pm

    @carol-393:

    Ja, even Nina who enjoyed every second so far, has just fallen asleep.

  • 396.Robzim: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 23:21 pm

    @Dawn-394:

    Athletes parade coming up- this is going to be cool.

  • 397.TASSIES: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 23:23 pm

    gave it a squiz for five. Confirm not my bag afraid. Its the Philistine in me perhaps. Bored very easily. Enjoy if you have the bent.

  • 398.carol: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 23:25 pm

    @Dawn-394:

    Old Danny knows a 3 hour opening ceremony can be quite knackering, he is trying to pace you on your sofa!

  • 399.TASSIES: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 23:26 pm

    @carol-393: you betsja. put the kettle on a while back.

  • 400.carol: Reply to this comment
    27 Jul 2012, 23:27 pm

    @Robzim-395:
    Wake her up when the tempo gets cranked up a bit in about an hour!

Pages: « 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 [8] 9 10 11 » Show All

Keo.co.za has always promoted uncensored views, but has never tolerated racist or crass outbursts. Come on guys and girls. If you can't moderate yourselves or each other then I am going to be forced to regulate the posts and enforce a registration process for comments. The choice is yours.

Have your say

You must be logged in to post a comment.