BRUMBIES CENTRE PAT MCCABE has come back from two serious neck injuries in the space of 18 months but continues to run through, rather than around, his opponents.
The Wallaby international, who has an Irish mother, scored two tries in his club’s 26-9 win over the Auckland Blues. The victory moves the Brumbies to within two points of The Sharks, who had a bye week. McCabe’s first try typified his bustling performance. If he can keep up his current form, and staying out of the treatment room, he has every chance of returning to the Test set-up for The Rugby Championship.
The Chiefs are currently involved in a rollercoaster ride around South Africa and, for the second week running, staged a late fight-back to secure a dramatic draw. The reigning champions were trailing The Cheetahs 34-10 at one stage before they clicked into gear.
The home side tagged on three second-half penalties but the Chiefs would not be denied. Deep, deep into injury time, Tim Nani Williams stepped his man to dot down under the sticks and leave Aaron Cruden with a simple conversion. The 43-43 draw leaves the Chiefs in third place.
The Crusaders are out of their early season funk and winning matches again. The perennial title challengers became the first New Zealand team to cross the Indian Ocean and beat a South African team this season. Ryan Crotty — the try-scoring villain of the All Blacks’ late show against Ireland in November — opened the scoring for the Crusaders. Scrum-half Andy Ellis and centre Kieron Fonotia got over for a scoreboard enhancing third — making it 28-7 — after a smart Israel Dagg grubber kick.
The Highlanders punctured the previously blooming confidence of Melbourne Rebels in Dundein, on Friday. Jason Woodward continued his happy habit of scoring tries to get his Rebels team back in the second-half mix but Lima Sopoaga’s goal-kicking and a late Ben Smith try proved crucial for the Kiwis as they won 33-30.
The Hurricanes beat the Bulls 25-20 on a road-trip, of sorts, to their satellite ground in Napier. It was the first time they beat the South Africans in four clashes. Out-half Beauden Barrett did most of the damage off the kicking tee — he was six from six — and fullback Andre Taylor dived over after Cory Jane tapped back a cross-field kick from his 10.
The Waratahs cheered up head coach Michael Cheika after his recent run-ins with South African cameramen and glass door panels. The Australian franchise beat Stormers 22-10 at Newlands after up their intensity and earning kickable penalties after the break. In Brisbane, the now flying Western Force beat their hosts, the Queensland Reds, 32-29 to win four Super Rugby games in a row for the first time. Jayden Hayward proved the Force hero with a try, right by the Reds’ posts, in the 79th minute.
That will certainly keep a smile on the Honey Badger’s face.
Super Rugby results
- Highlanders 33-30 Melbourne Rebels
- Brumbies 26-9 Auckland Blues
- Hurricanes 25-20 Bulls
- Queensland Reds 26-32 Western Force
- Cheetahs 43-43 Chiefs
- Lions 7-28 Crusaders
- Stormers 11-22 Waratahs
