Super12 - Round Three

Brumbies 38 defeated Sharks 8 (Canberra)

Another solid but flawed display by the Brumbies, who, even on a bad day, are better than most other Super12 teams. And so it proved to be that, in a stop-start affair, the Brumbies clearly had the measure of the hapless Sharks - a team decimated by injury, and lacking form and cohesion. In the end, they were simply too fit and too organised for the South Africans, as they pulled away in the second half.

Nevertheless, the Brumbies will want to lift their play on tour, and certainly against the likes of the Crusaders and the Highlanders later in the season. They seem to have little difficulty setting themselves up to score, but too often spoiled these opportunities with handling errors or by infringing at the breakdown. Since discipline has proven to be one of the key ingredients of the Brumbies' success to date, attending to such lapses will be a priority for David Nucifora and Brian Smith.

I'd like to see more of Tim Atkinson, who always looks ready to cut loose with the ball in hand. Damian McInally didn't impress me too much on the wing, and Mark Bartholomeusz is clearly not a natural fullback, so Andrew Walker will be a welcome addition to the backline when he returns from injury. Other players of note were Graeme Bond - who finished well in each of his three tries, Steve Larkham - whose form continues to impress, George Gregan - tireless at scrum half, George Smith - robust in attack and defence, Dan Vickerman - an able replacement for the injured David Giffin, and Jeremy Paul - one of the form players of the tournament in any position thus far. Credit, too, to the Brumbies for earning a bonus point at the buzzer. In what is shaping up to be a very close competition amongst the top seven teams, every point counts.

The Brumbies now embark on a three match tour which sees them play the Bulls, the Stormers and the Crusaders. Even though playing away from home, they should be too strong for both South African sides. However, playing the Crusaders in Christchurch will undoubtedly be their sternest test to date, and will give a much clearer indication of how the Brumbies of 2002 compare to last season's champions.

- Dan Fowell

Reds 27 defeated Chiefs 13 (Brisbane)

If you were hoping for a good spectacle then you would have been sadly disappointed. This was a game that Queensland needed to win and were probably always going to win. The Chiefs are by no way a superpower in the Super12 arena, and frankly never looked like winning.

This was a pretty boring game with very little action but some points have to be noted. Chris Latham did one of the best kicks under pressure that I have ever seen - big wow factor. Fletcher Dyson is the only Red that has fluoro boots and he used those boots to sign his signature with much force on the back of one of the Chiefs. Ben Tune is back with two strong finishing tries and a very nice V8 Commodore in the car park (Red - of course - with the number plate BEN13). The Bundy and Coke was on tap at Ballymore (brilliant) and at least 15% of the crowd went to the game just to socialize (mainly in one of the Bundy bars) and wouldn't have seen a second of rugby. That's right - there wasn't a lot to tell about this game at all. A solid but boring win.

I was privileged enough to be at Ballymore for this match and it was a pleasure to be back at the home of Queensland rugby. Ballymore is one of those grounds that oozes atmosphere and lets you sit very close to the action. Hence, even though the game was nothing wonderful, the Bundy was flowing, the crowd was vocal (especially when BIG DELL got the ball) and a good night was had by all.

Highlight: Nick Stiles. I have never liked this guy at all but I am slowly coming around. Next time you're watching live, take your binoculars and watch him - his work rate is phenomenal. Saturday night was no exception with him pulling off some crucial tackles and attacking up front too. Mind you, he should probably remember that he is no Campo, and stick in close. Lowlight: The boxing skills, or more aptly the lack of boxing skills, displayed by certain members of each camp. Frankly, they are built and athletic and should be able to create more impact than that - or at the very least connect. Not that I condone fighting on the field, but really the display on Saturday night was pathetic. On the other hand it was probably the perfect rugby fight as the crowd loved it - there were lots of swinging arms and no one was hurt.

I have to agree with the supercoach "Darkie Thompson" (from the Darling Downs) with the opinion that the ref lost control of the game and ruined what could have been a good spectacle. Is it just me or is this happening more often than ever? Mind you, Wayne Erickson was on the sideline and couldn't shut up which probably didn't help his cause. I can't stand Erickson!

Next week is Queensland's big test as they come up against the undefeated Canterbury Crusaders at Ballymore. Should be a cracker if we can get a better ref. Until then it is good to be an Aussie with the second week in a row of undefeated Australian teams. I feel like singing a John Williamson song - "Hey True Blue ......"

C'mon Aussie.

- Matt Sherlock

Waratahs 51 defeated Bulls 19 (Pretoria)

Well, they've done it. Three from three on the road - a bloody miracle! Granted, the Bulls and Chiefs, in particular, are shaping up to be bunnies yet again this year, but a win is a win, and the Waratahs' victories in the first three rounds have been impressive - even their untidy but gutsy victory over the Stormers. They now have two home games at the SFS (I can't bring myself to call it Aussie Stadium) against the Cats and the Sharks, and given the form of those two teams, five from five is not out of the question. This would be the perfect setup for a much tougher second half draw, where two wins from six matches would almost certainly book them a berth in the semi's. But rather than pondering the future, let's just savour a magnificent and historic performance. To that end, a player run-down is - I think - in order:

* Mat Rogers - First Super12 try. Well done! Class coming out of his arse.
* Scott Staniforth - On fire. With Ben Tune, one of the two form Aussie wingers.
* Matt Burke - Herbie beware! Two awesome solo tries.
* Nathan Grey - Dependable. Relentless.
* Mark Stcherbina - Gets it done. Unassuming but effective.
* Duncan McRae - May force an injury-free Manny Edmonds to the bench.
* Chris Whitaker - Providing quality ball for his backline
* David Lyons - Full of running. The heir apparent to Toutai Kefu.
* Phil Waugh - Ever-present at the breakdown. Not quite as prominent as in 2001.
* Des Tuiavii - An excellent acquisition. Caused the Bulls backrow headaches.
* Van Humphries - Impressive debut with a try no less! Great work in the line-out.
* Jono West - Maturing as a first rate lock. High work rate at the breakdown.
* Rod Moore - Reliable, no frills, and technically superb in the scrum.
* Brendan Cannon - Better line-out throwing. Great around the field.
* Matt Dunning - Improving with every match. Nothing lost when Noriega departed.

The Waratahs of 2002 play with greater spirit, more skill, more flair, and more confidence than their predecessors. They have greater depth than in past years, and an even spread of talent across the backs and forwards. Bob Dwyer must take most of the kudos for the development of this team. But we are, after all, only three matches into the competition. Things can still go unexpectedly and horribly wrong, as they did last year for the Waratahs, and as they have yet again for my beloved Sydney Kings. But you just get a feeling that, with this team, anything is possible.

Oh, and what's with that 'away' uniform? Just ghastly. Looks like they're wearing cummerbunds. But hell, they can wear bow ties for all I care if they keep playing like that!

- Dan Fowell