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Thoughts on SupeRugby action 4/9/2011

I'm watching the second half of the Sharks-Lions game on TV here in the United States. This marks the first weekend ever that I was able to see some or parts of every game on the SupeRugby calendar for the week.

I have the following observations, in no particular order:

--The Crusaders have been fantastic against South African sides the Sharks and the Bulls. In fact, they've played so well it seems that the only team capable of beating them are the Crusaders' own replacments.

--At some point, SANZAR is going to notice Sonny Bill Williams' penchant for high and dangerous tackles. He did it again in the first half against the Bulls, throwing the high shoulder to a stood-up player. To me, it's similar to the "high-low" tackle in American football.

--I don't know if the Reds will win the SupeRugby title, but their performance against the Stormers at Newlands in Cape Town just was their finest moment this season.

--The Reds' Quade Cooper had enough high tackles to qualify him as a choke-hold specialist. Notwithstanding those, though, he was brilliant. The Reds have enough speed to give Australia some hope for the upcoming Rugby World Cup.

--If they are both going to play at number 12, would't you love to have the problem that Graham Henry of the All-Blacks has: Sonny Bill Williams or the Hurricans Ma'a Nonu?

--Unless he is injured, you can book the Bulls' Zane Kirchner roster spot for the Springboks in the World Cup. Properly supported, he can be the wildcard that South Africa can build around.

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