Shaun Goosen takes a look at some of the biggest talking points from the Super Rugby this season.
Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
Consistency lacking again from referees
When Stormers flank Johan du Toit took out Sharks scrumhalf Louis Schreuder in the air from the very first kick-off of Saturday’s encounter in Durban, referee AJ Jacobs should have awarded a straight red card. Instead, he overruled TMO Willie Vos’ advice and went with a yellow, yet again bringing refereeing inconsistency back into question. How was du Toit’s challenge any different to the Kwagga Smith incident during the 2017 final? The game deserves better.
Sharks will benefit from the upcoming break
The Durbanites have been non-stop all season long. Particularly following their bruising derby on the weekend, their bye (and the subsequent postponement of the competition) has come at just the right time for them. Leading the SA conference by seven points – albeit having played one game more than the other Saffa sides – they can rest safe in the knowledge that their campaign is right on track.
Meek Lions need to up the ante on D
The Lions missed 34 tackles in their 43-10 thumping by the Blues in Auckland. While questions continue to be asked of inexperienced coach Ivan van Rooyen’s aptitude at this level, numbers like these are simply not good enough. With a trip to Dunedin followed by home fixtures against the Chiefs and Sharks still to come, the men from Johannesburg need to improve fast if they are to avoid finishing bottom of the SA conference.
Written by Shaun Goosen for Hollywoodbets
