Well round one is done and dusted and we’re cruising into week two of this year’s Super 14 competition. But hold up just a minute; what did you make of the season’s opening exchanges. Here are some brief assessments to kick off proceedings – please add your thoughts below!

1. Bulls – Am I allowed to say they kicked on from where they left off last season? An impressive start to their title defence as the Bulls find their legs.

2. Chiefs – It was not flashy but what a result. The Chiefs were the only team to leave home shores in round one and four points at Durban is nothing to be sneezed at.

3. Hurricanes – The traditional slow starters from seasons past have produced a convincing win away from home. Could this be the season of the Canes?

4. Crusaders – Beating the Highlanders is nothing to write home about, but they did what they had to do by grabbing the bonus point.

5. Brumbies – They were missing some heavy hitters but got the points away from home. Things can only get better.

6. Stormers – They have recruited some big names and they delivered in round one. A solid start to the season.

7. Waratahs – Were very lucky to escape from Brisbane with the points, but it’s good to see they have not lost that winning mentality.

8. Reds – You could argue that the better team lost in the cross-border derby, but the bonus is some consolation. Some!

9. Sharks – Rory Kockett so nearly kicked them to victory, but at home teams need to score tries and that cost the Sharks in the final two minutes.

10. Cheetahs – Were well in the hunt with 25 minutes to go, but just couldn’t stick with Bulls. The signs look good for avoiding the wooden spoon.

11. Blues – Talented but thoughtless. They got off to a blazing start but the Hurricanes chipped away before grabbing a convincing win.

12. Highlanders – There is no doubt that they are a willing team, but they do not have the cattle to match it with the big boys.

11. Force – They were undermanned but rubbish nevertheless. Lacked the composure to oust the Brumbies in the final 10 minutes.

14. Lions – It’s one thing to be beaten at home by the Stormers, it’s another to be completely outclassed. It could be a long season.

By

STEVE SAMUELSON. SMH.