The Stormers - This Weeks Super 14 Specials

The NSW Waratahs have moved to outright second in the Super 14. It has been one of the strangest season for the team that has consistently underachieved and left the NSW rugby faithful scratching its head at the lethargic incompetence shown by past teams. The Waratahs got off to a slow start and past memories came flooding back to haunt us.

The NSW Rugby Union decided that a change was necessary at the top and the knives came out for coach Ewen McKenzie who was quickly hung up for the slaughter and told that this would be his last year. At the time this appeared to be the only real move available for the Tah's as the coach tired and frustrated by an under performing list. This for some strange reason signalled a massive change in commitment and will to win. The Tah's since then have been competitive and look nearly certain to play in the finals and possibly host the first final. It must have the old Australian prop chuckling to himself in cynical annoyance that his team rallied after his horse had bolted.

This is a not the first time something like this has happened as the Brumbies sacked David Nucifora mid season only for the Brumbies to go on and win the trophy. The Waratah's would have to pull something out of the box to repeat that feat and will first concentrate on two hard games in South Africa against the disappointing Bulls and the in-form Stormers. They then end the season travelling up to Queensland to face the Reds in what may be a crucial local derby. One more win will see them into the finals and if they can snare a couple, they should host a final come the first week of the playoffs.

This week's games appear to be very interesting. Sportsbet has got the rugby covered and has a wide range of options on all games. My special of the week is the Stormers to beat the Brumbies. The Brumbies got out of jail last weekend against the Lions and the trip over to face a determined and in form Stormers outfit will be far too steep a hill to climb. There are some great games this weekend with many having a bearing on the final four.

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