The semis was played in the true NZ / SA traditions and that make it always interesting and a good watch.

Sharks vs Blues
The Blues had a really good game and look like they could win this one. That midfield and Baird was awesome and with the score 18-14 towards the end they must have had a sniff of winning the semi. That was the time when the experienced players  kick in but they haven’t and the Sharks ones did. In the end that was the difference between the two teams. That first lineout drive from the Blues was magnificent. The Sharks are inexperience in this semi knockout stuff and it showed. They should have grind their way to the end , OK they did on the scoreboard but they nearly let it slip after halftime. So it feel nice for the Sharks for this win but they need some work with the heads this week.

I started this season with the aim for the SA teams to have a good season but get the cherry on the cake that two of our teams in the finals. What more can you ask?

Bulls vs Crusaders
This game really surprised me. The Bulls came out the tunnel and look like smoke coming through the nose. When you see that the oppo must know only a unhuman effort can stop them in the ring. Well the Crusaders is usually that type of a team, not this time. They tried their best but the Blue brick wall was to tight to leak anything. Was worried about that one seven man scrum when the Bulls nearly broke some of the Saders neck . Carter showed his class at times but when you have to play vs the cycle of rugby not even superman can help. The Bulls have learned their lesson from a year back and was ready for the wide game. The Saders had no plan B vs this defense (crubber or chip kick) and look down and out towards the end. The moment Bakkies Botha step on I knew its all over for them. We did not see great tries but the big hits from both teams made up for this. I cant remember seeing so many in one previous game of rugby.

The crowds, specially the Ring one was special and a advertising for our rugby. Sadly there have to be losers but thanks to the Blues and Crusaders showing the example of loosing in dignity. That’s the most important and lastly this Saffer victories have to be deducated to the Chiefs. If it wasn’t for them we wont saw all this happening.

Final
OK the semis gone and I have to stick my neck out for this one. The heart say Sharks , the head Bulls and I’ll go with the head this time. Even in a away game in the tank, the Bulls have the form, the BMT and the number of the Sharks.