Shaun Goosen looks at what we learned on Super Rugby Round 12 the Gallagher Premiership, and the Pro14 Semi-final Qualifiers.
Sharks, Bosch shine in Christchurch
While it may be a bit of a stretch to suggest their performance against the Crusaders on Friday will result in a complete turnaround for the side from the east coast, Robert du Preez’s men can still be extremely proud of their display nonetheless. Curwin Bosch was particularly prevalent in the Durban outfit’s titanic showing, adding all 21 of his team’s points via nine penalties as they managed to come away with a massive draw despite Mitch Hunt’s late converted score for the hosts. The Sharks were left to regret a bunch of missed first-half opportunities, but they will take heart from their efforts and should remain positive ahead of their clash with the Chiefs in Hamilton this weekend.
Saracens maintain psychological advantage heading into playoffs
Saracens’ 38-7 win over an admittedly youthful Exeter lineup at Allianz Park on the weekend ensured they head into the playoffs with somewhat of a psychological advantage over their Devon rivals. While the Chiefs may have all but wrapped up top spot, Mark McCall’s men know what it takes to go all the way in the Premiership having done so four times since 2011. With one round of regular action to go before the knockouts, the Londoners will remain quietly confident of knocking over Worcester at the Sixways before more than likely facing off with Gloucester in the semi-finals. If it is indeed set to be a rematch of last season’s final from there on, back the defending champions to go back-to-back.
Marcell Coetzee deserves World Cup shot
Former Shark Coetzee produced another powerful effort to lift his Ulster team to a 21-13 win over Connacht at the Kingspan and confirm a semi-final meeting with Glasgow to come.
The 27-year-old has endured an absolute injury nightmare since trading the Bluff for Belfast,but his displays of late have been simply too good for Rassie Erasmus to ignore. Coetzee has made no secret of his desire to add to his 28 Springbok caps and should get another chance to prove his worth in the green and gold in the upcoming Rugby Championship. The man is arguably the most in-form Saffa loose forward playing at present.
