2007 Super 14 season

2007 Super 14
2007 Super 14
Countries	Australia; South Africa; New Zealand
Tournament format(s)	Round-robin and knockout
Champions	Bulls (1st title)
Matches played	94
Tries scored	440 (4.68 per match)
Top point scorer(s)	Stephen Donald (164; Chiefs)
Top try scorer(s)	JP Pietersen (12; Sharks)
← 2006 (Previous)	(Next) 2008 →

The 2007 Super 14 season started in February 2007 with preseason matches held from mid-January. It finished on 19 May with the final at Kings Park Stadium in Durban, in the first final between two South African teams in the history of Super Rugby. The visiting Bulls won the 2007 Super 14 Final, scoring a try in the 83rd minute and narrowly defeating the Sharks 20–19, thereby becoming the first South African side to win the Super Rugby title in the professional era.

Super 14 is a provincial rugby union competition with 14 teams from New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. This season is the second of the expansion, which led to the name change to the Super 14. The 2007 season saw an old team emerge with a new name, as the Cats changed their name to the Lions effective 8 September 2006.^[1]

There was also some confusion over the inclusion of the Southern Spears franchise, who were in the end not included. The season is also notable of the New Zealand sides resting several All Blacks players in the first half of the season. There were 94 matches held over the 3½ months, with each team playing one full round robin against the 13 other teams, 2 semi-finals and a final. Every team will get one bye over the 14 rounds.

Player withdrawal

With the Rugby World Cup in September, all three countries would have some of their top players rested, to avoid injuries. All Blacks coach Graham Henry made clear his wish for up to 30 of New Zealand's best players to miss around half of the Super 14, with the five New Zealand franchises supporting him in May 2006. The mandatory stand-down period meant that the 30 players who toured at the end of 2006 would miss at least the first week of competition.^[2]

John Connolly, the Wallabies coach, was also interested in lightening the load for his top players. It was expected that the Australians would want to rest only a few players, especially veterans such as Stephen Larkham and George Gregan, as they are seen as key to Australia's World Cup chances.^[2] Springboks coach Jake White met the board of SA Rugby, the commercial arm of the South African Rugby Union, in Cape Town on 25 May 2006 to put forward his suggestion to rest key players between then and the World Cup at regular intervals. White was also keen to rest some players during the Boks' 2006 mid-year internationals against Scotland and France.^[2]

It was revealed in September 2006 that the All Blacks would rest 22 players, who would go into a "conditioning group" for the first 7 weeks of competition. The 22 players named were: Jerry Collins, Jason Eaton, Carl Hayman, Andrew Hore, Chris Jack, Richie McCaw, Chris Masoe, Keven Mealamu, Anton Oliver, Greg Somerville, Rodney So'oialo, Reuben Thorne, Ali Williams, Tony Woodcock, Dan Carter, Byron Kelleher, Leon MacDonald, Aaron Mauger, Mils Muliaina, Joe Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu and Piri Weepu. Seven of these players were from the Crusaders, six from the Hurricanes, four from the Blues, three from the Chiefs and two from the Highlanders.^[3] These players would be available for their franchises from Week 8. From these 22 players, Jason Eaton and Piri Weepu didn't make the final All Blacks squad for the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

After the NZRU announced the resting of 22 leading players, Pat Wilson, Australian High Performance Manager, revealed that leading Wallabies would only be rested for one match, which was to be chosen by their state's union. This decision has drawn criticism from former Wallabies coach and current Queensland Reds coach Eddie Jones, who said that while resting the older players could be beneficial, it is better for younger players, such as his own Rodney Blake, to receive game time.^[4]

The SARU decided against resting their top players for the 2007 Super 14 but conceded that it was likely that players would be rested for some games.^[5] It is expected that News Corp and the other SANZAR nations will request compensation from the New Zealand Rugby Union.

Southern Spears saga

During the 2006 Super 14 season, SA Rugby announced that, contrary to the original plans, the Southern Spears would not replace the lowest ranked South African based side.

In August 2006, however, the Spears won a court case for inclusion into the 2007 season, which would be at the expense of the Cats, who changed their name to the Lions the following month. SA Rugby and the South African Rugby Union were expected to appeal the High Court of South Africa's decision.^[6] In November 2006, SA Rugby and the Spears reached a settlement. The financially troubled Spears abandoned the court case. They will still exist as an organisation to promote and develop rugby in the Southern and Eastern Cape region, with the support of SA Rugby and the SARU, but will now not be a part of Super Rugby in the foreseeable future.^[7] With the settlement, the season's Super 14 line-up was set, with the Lions taking up the final South African place.

Table

Key to colours
	Top four teams advance to playoffs.

	Team	Pld	W	D	L	PF	PA	PD	BP	Pts
1	Sharks	13	10	0	3	355	214	141	5	45
2	Bulls	13	9	0	4	388	223	165	6	42
3	Crusaders	13	8	0	5	382	235	147	10	42
4	Blues	13	9	0	4	355	235	120	6	42
5	Brumbies	13	9	0	4	234	173	61	4	40
6	Chiefs	13	7	1	5	373	321	52	10	40
7	Western Force	13	6	1	6	276	292	−16	6	32
8	Hurricanes	13	6	0	7	247	300	−53	3	27
9	Highlanders	13	5	0	8	235	301	−66	7	27
10	Stormers	13	6	0	7	249	326	−77	3	27
11	Cheetahs	13	4	1	8	265	342	−77	4	22
12	Lions	13	5	0	8	175	284	−109	2	22
13	Waratahs	13	3	1	9	266	317	−51	7	21
14	Reds	13	2	0	11	201	438	−237	3	11

Results

The draw for the 2007 season was released on 2006-10-13. The season started 8 days earlier than the 2006 season, with the first match being between the Blues and the Crusaders at Auckland's Eden Park, the second time in the last two years the Blues had hosted the first match. In total, 94 matches were played, comprising 91 regular season matches, 2 semi-finals and the final. There were 29 Friday night match-ups and 61 Saturday matches. One match, the Brumbies-Waratahs regional derby in Week 10, was played on a Sunday night.^[8]^[9]

Round 1

The 2007 Super 14 started in contrast to that of 2006. The game of the week was the Blues from Auckland beating the defending champions the Crusaders, which was the first loss to a New Zealand side that the Crusaders had suffered since May 2004 and was ironically the Blues' first win over a New Zealand team for two years. The other upset was 2006 Finalists the Hurricanes losing to last years 12th placed Queensland Reds.

	2 February 2007	Blues	34–25	Crusaders	Eden Park, Auckland
	19:35	Tries: Isaia Toeava, Rudi Wulf, Doug Howlett Con: Isa Nacewa (2) Pen: Isa Nacewa (5)		Tries: Corey Flynn, Mose Tuiali'i, Rico Gear Con: Stephen Brett (2) Pen: Brent Ward (2)	Attendance: 26,300^[10] Referee: Paul Honiss (New Zealand)^[11]

	2 February 2007	Western Force	7–8	Highlanders	Subiaco Oval, Perth
	19:05	Tries: James Hilgendorf Con: Cameron Shepherd		Tries: Josh Blackie Pen: Callum Bruce	Attendance: 30,704^[12] Referee: Jerome Fortuin (South Africa)^[11]

	2 February 2007	Lions	16–25	Waratahs	Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg
	19:10	Tries: Louis Ludik Con: Louis Strydom Pen: Louis Strydom (3)		Tries: Daniel Halangahu, Rocky Elsom, Adam Freier Con: Peter Hewat (2) Pen: Peter Hewat (2)	Attendance: 15,000^[13] Referee: Chris Pollock (New Zealand)^[11]

	3 February 2007	Chiefs	15–21	Brumbies	Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
	19:35	Tries: Sosene Anesi (2), Lelia Masaga		Tries: Clyde Rathbone, Stirling Mortlock Con: Stirling Mortlock Pen: Julian Huxley (2), Stirling Mortlock	Attendance: ~12,500^[14] Referee: Mark Lawrence (South Africa)^[11]

	3 February 2007	Reds	25–16	Hurricanes	Lang Park, Brisbane
	19:40	Tries: Mitchell Chapman Con: Clinton Schifcofske Pen: Clinton Schifcofske (5) Drop: Berrick Barnes		Tries: Cory Jane Con: Jimmy Gopperth Pen: Jimmy Gopperth (3)	Attendance: 22,654 Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)^[11]

	3 February 2007	Sharks	17–3	Bulls	Kings Park Stadium, Durban
	17:00	Tries: JP Pietersen (2) Con: Percy Montgomery (2) Pen: Percy Montgomery		Pen: Morné Steyn	Attendance: 33,572^[15] Referee: Lyndon Bray (New Zealand)^[11]

	3 February 2007	Cheetahs	27–9	Stormers	Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein
	19:10	Tries: Adriaan Strauss, CJ van der Linde, Kabamba Floors Pen: Meyer Bosman (4)		Pen: Naas Olivier (3)	Attendance: ~35,000^[16] Referee: Craig Joubert^[11]

Round 2

Week two saw the New Zealand teams have a strong week with the Hurricanes, Crusaders, Blues notching wins. Western Force began to show vast improvement from 2006 winning only their second match since entering the competition in 2006. Apart from the Force all other Australian teams suffered a loss.

	9 February 2007	Chiefs	32–39	Hurricanes	Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
	19:35	Tries: Roy Kinikinilau, Tom Willis, Brendon Leonard, Liam Messam Con: Stephen Donald (3) Pen: Stephen Donald (2)		Tries: Alby Mathewson, Serge Lilo, Ma'a Nonu, Tana Umaga, Paul Tito Con: Jimmy Gopperth (4) Pen: Jimmy Gopperth (2)	Attendance: 17,000 (approx) Referee: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)^[11]

	9 February 2007	Stormers	3–22	Western Force	Newlands Stadium, Cape Town
	18:00	Pen: Naas Olivier		Tries: Ryan Cross Con: Cameron Shepherd Pen: Cameron Shepherd (5)	Referee: Lyndon Bray (New Zealand)^[11]

	9 February 2007	Sharks	22–9	Waratahs	Kings Park Stadium, Durban
	20:05	Tries: Butch James Con: Percy Montgomery Pen: Percy Montgomery (4) Drop: François Steyn		Pen: Peter Hewat (3)	Attendance: 28,669^[17] Referee: Chris Pollock (New Zealand)^[11]

	10 February 2007	Crusaders	33–22	Reds	Lancaster Park, Christchurch
	19:35	Tries: Ross Filipo, Mose Tuiali'i, Scott Hamilton, Brent Ward, Stephen Brett Con: Stephen Brett (4)		Tries: Greg Holmes, Peter Hynes Pen: Clinton Schifcofske (4)	Attendance: ~19,000 Referee: Mark Lawrence (South Africa)^[11]

	10 February 2007	Brumbies	15–17	Blues	Canberra Stadium, Canberra
	19:40	Pen: Julian Huxley (5)		Tries: Isa Nacewa, Saimone Taumoepeau Con: Isa Nacewa (2) Pen: Isa Nacewa	Attendance: 16,127^[18] Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)^[11]

	10 February 2007	Bulls	24–20	Cheetahs	Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
	17:00	Tries: Wessel Roux, Bryan Habana, Adriaan Fondse Con: Morné Steyn (3) Pen: Morné Steyn		Tries: CJ Van Der Linde, Eddie Fredericks Con: Meyer Bosman (2) Pen: Meyer Bosman (2)	Attendance: 51,762^[19] Referee: Jerome Fortuin (South Africa)^[11]

	10 February 2007	Lions	11–6	Highlanders	Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg
	19:00	Tries: Wylie Human Pen: Louis Strydom (2)		Pen: Callum Bruce, Charlie Hore	Referee: Paul Marks (Australia)^[11]

Round 3

In week three a Super rugby record was broken, although not one to be proud of. The Reds and Brumbies played in the lowest scoring match ever, a dire affair that resulted in a Brumbies win 6–3. The 22 All Blacks missing from New Zealand teams started to have a visible effect on the kiwi sides with only the Hurricanes claiming a tight win over the Blues. Another relatively low scoring match saw even the last years powerhouse champions the Crusaders beaten by last years 13th placed Lions, it was the first match in six years the Crusaders hadn't scored a single try.

	16 February 2007	Stormers	21–16	Chiefs	Newlands Stadium, Cape Town
	18:10	Tries: Breyton Paulse, Jean de Villiers Con: Peter Grant Pen: Peter Grant (3)		Tries: Dwayne Sweeney Con: Stephen Donald Pen: Stephen Donald (3)	Referee: Paul Marks (Australia)^[11]

	16 February 2007	Bulls	27–30	Western Force	Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
	20:35	Tries: JP Nel (2), Anton Leonard Con: Morné Steyn (3) Pen: Morné Steyn (2)		Tries: Cameron Shepherd (2), Gareth Hardy Con: Cameron Shepherd (3) Pen: Cameron Shepherd (3)	Referee: Chris Pollock (New Zealand)^[11]

	17 February 2007	Hurricanes	23–22	Blues	Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington
	19:35	Tries: Cory Jane, Serge Lilo Con: Jimmy Gopperth (2) Pen: Jimmy Gopperth (3)		Tries: Doug Howlett, Anthony Tuitavake, Greg Rawlinson Con: Isa Nacewa(2) Pen: Isa Nacewa	Attendance: 24,208 Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)^[11]

	17 February 2007	Reds	3 – 6 *	Brumbies	Lang Park, Brisbane
	19:05	Pen: Clinton Schifcofske		Pen: Stirling Mortlock, Julian Huxley	Attendance: 25,170 Referee: Matt Goddard (Australia)^[11]

	17 February 2007	Cheetahs	30–26	Waratahs	ABSA Park, Kimberley
	16:30	Tries: Ronnie Cooke, Phillip Burger, Eddie Fredericks, Juan Smith Con: Meyer Bosman (2) Pen: Meyer Bosman Drop: Herkie Kruger		Tries: Kurtley Beale, Ben Jacobs Con: Peter Hewat (2) Pen: Peter Hewat(4)	Referee: Lyndon Bray (New Zealand)^[11]

	17 February 2007	Lions	9–3	Crusaders	Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg
	18:30	Pen: Louis Strydom (3)		Pen: Stephen Brett	Referee: Brett Bowden (Australia)^[11]

	17 February 2007	Sharks	23–16	Highlanders	Kings Park Stadium, Durban
	20:30	Tries: Percy Montgomery (2) Con: Percy Montgomery (2) Pen: Percy Montgomery (3)		Tries: Jason Kawau Con: Charlie Hore Pen: Charlie Hore (3)	Attendance: 28,023^[20] Referee: James Leckie (Australia)^[11]

* Note: This match was the lowest-scoring in Super Rugby history at the time.

Round 4

Week Four saw the Brumbies lose their second game by conceding a try in the final seconds to the Hurricanes (the first was to the Blues in Week Two). The Blues convincingly put away the Queensland Reds while the Force surrendered in the final seconds to the Lions leaving them yet to win a home game. The Bulls beat the Chiefs while the Crusaders began the show the form that they have displayed in past years by beating the Cheetahs 49–28.

	23 February 2007	Hurricanes	11–10	Brumbies	Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington
	19:35	Tries: Thomas Waldrom Pen: Jimmy Gopperth (2)		Tries: Adam Wallace-Harrison Con: Julian Huxley Pen: Julian Huxley	Attendance: 21,194 Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)^[11]

	24 February 2007	Highlanders	35–24	Stormers	Carisbrook, Dunedin
	17:50	Tries: Matt Saunders (2), Viliame Waqaseduadua, Hale T-Pole Cons: Charlie Hore (3) Pens: Charlie Hore (3)		Tries: Andries Bekker, Breyton Paulse, François van der Merwe, Luke Watson Cons: Peter Grant (2)	Referee: Matt Goddard (Australia)^[11]

	24 February 2007	Blues	38–13	Reds	Eden Park, Auckland
	19:35	Tries: Rudi Wulf (2), Isa Nacewa, Jerome Kaino Con: Isa Nacewa, Luke McAlister Pen: Isa Nacewa, Luke McAlister (3)		Tries: Charlie Fetoai Con: Clinton Schifcofske Pen: Clinton Schifcofske (2)	Attendance: 30,000 Referee: Willie Roos (South Africa)^[11]

	24 February 2007	Western Force	24–25	Lions	Subiaco Oval, Perth
	19:05	Tries: Cameron Shepherd, Gareth Hardy Con: Cameron Shepherd Pen: Cameron Shepherd (4)		Tries: Jaque Fourie Con: Louis Strydom Pen: Louis Strydom (4), André Pretorius Drop: André Pretorius	Attendance: 25,000 Referee: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)^[11]

	24 February 2007	Bulls	30–27	Chiefs	Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
	17:00	Tries: Bakkies Botha, Gurthro Steenkamp, Bryan Habana Pens: Morné Steyn (3), Derick Hougaard (2)		Tries: Lelia Masaga (2), Dwayne Sweeney Con: Stephen Donald (3) Pen: Stephen Donald (2)	Referee: Brett Bowden (Australia)^[11]

	24 February 2007	Cheetahs	28–49	Crusaders	Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein
	19:10	Tries: Darren Nell (2), Herkie Kruger Con: Meyer Bosman (2) Pen: Meyer Bosman (2) Drop: Herkie Kruger		Tries: Casey Laulala, Caleb Ralph (2), Scott Hamilton (2), Stephen Brett Con: Stephen Brett (5) Pen: Stephen Brett (3)	Referee: James Leckie (Australia)^[11]

Round 5

Week 5 saw the Blues defeat the Highlanders, the Chiefs drew with the Cheetahs in the final moments of the game, the Hurricanes lost at | home to bottom placed Stormers and the Crusaders suffered their 3rd defeat of the season losing in the final minute because of a blunder by Rico Gear. The Brumbies also suffered a loss at | home to the Bulls whereas the controversial game of the round saw the Waratahs draw with the Western Force because of a blunder by Waratahs utility back Sam Norton-Knight who decide to run with the ball in the final minute instead of taking the penalty shot which could have won them the game and for his mistake Lote Tuqiri shoved him and walked off the pitch looking very disappointed.

	2 March 2007	Blues	28–9	Highlanders	Eden Park, Auckland
	19:35	Tries: Isaia Toeava (2), Troy Flavell Pen: Luke McAlister (3) Con: Luke McAlister (2)		Pen: Nick Evans (3)	Attendance: 22,500 Referee: Steve Walsh (New Zealand)

	2 March 2007	Waratahs	16–16	Western Force	Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
	19:40	Tries: Morgan Turinui Con: Peter Hewat Pen: Peter Hewat (3)		Tries Matt Giteau, Drew Mitchell Pen: Cameron Shepherd (2)	Attendance: 31,149 Referee: Paul Marks (New Zealand)

	2 March 2007	Cheetahs	22–22	Chiefs	Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
	19:10	Tries: Tiger Mangweni Con: Willem de Waal Pen: Willem de Waal (5)		Tries: Lelia Masaga Con: Stephen Donald Pen: Stephen Donald (5)	Attendance: 20,500 Referee: James Leckie (Australia)

	3 March 2007	Hurricanes	17–30	Stormers	FMG Stadium, Palmerston North
	19:05	Tries: David Smith, Cory Jane Con: Jimmy Gopperth, Blair Stewart Pen: Jimmy Gopperth		Tries: Jean de Villiers, Justin Melck, Corne Uys, Breyton Paulse Con: Peter Grant (2) Pen: Peter Grant (2)	Attendance: 16,000 Referee: Matt Goddard (Australia)

	3 March 2007	Brumbies	7–19	Bulls	Canberra Stadium, Canberra
	19:10	Tries: Gene Fairbanks Con: Julian Huxley		Tries: Pedrie Wannenburg Con: Derick Hougaard Pen: Derick Hougaard (3) Drop: Derick Hougaard	Attendance: 15,101 Referee: Lyndon Bray (New Zealand)

	3 March 2007	Reds	20–26	Lions	Lang Park, Brisbane
	20:10	Tries: Quade Cooper, Will Genia Con: Clinton Schifcofske (2) Pen: Clinton Schifcofske (2)		Tries: Jaque Fourie, Ernst Joubert Con: Earl Rose (2) Pen: Earl Rose (4)	Attendance: 17,011 Referee: Kelvin Deaker (New Zealand)

	3 March 2007	Sharks	27–26	Crusaders	ABSA Stadium, Durban
	17:00	Tries: Albert van den Berg, Bismarck du Plessis, Odwa Ndungane Con: Percy Montgomery (2), Ruan Pienaar Pen: Percy Montgomery (2)		Tries: Kieran Read, Mose Tuiali'i Con: Stephen Brett (2) Pen: Stephen Brett (3) Drop: Stephen Brett	Attendance: 33,470 Referee: Stuart Dickinson

Round 6

Week 6 saw the Reds travel to the "House of Pain" to play the Highlanders. Recent signing Andrew Walker was rushed into the starting team, however the Reds lost 17–33. The next game saw the Brumbies looking to rectify a three-game losing streak at their home ground. They did so with a convincing 26–13 win against the Stormers. The Force were also looking to end a | home ground hoodoo against the Hurricanes. Seeking their first ever victory at Subiaco the Force looked to have squandered an 11–10 lead upon conceding a try with two minutes left to put the score at 17–11. However a try on the sideline and followed by an unlikely conversion by Force wing Cameron Shepherd gave the Force a maiden | home victory. The next day opened with the Blues thrashing an in-form Lions outfit 41–14. The game saw Doug Howlett score two tries and in doing so becoming the equal highest try scorer in Super Rugby history (with Joe Roff of the Brumbies). The Waratahs then played a | home game against the Bulls – who won 32–19 thanks to two tries apiece to Bryan Habana and Fourie du Preez.

	9 March 2007	Highlanders	33–17	Reds	Carisbrook, Dunedin
	19:35	Tries: Aaron Bancroft, Lucky Mulipola, Glen Horton, Jason MacDonald Con: Nick Evans (2) Pen: Nick Evans (2) Drop: Aaron Bancroft		Tries: Berrick Barnes, John Roe Con: Quade Cooper, Berrick Barnes Pen: Berrick Barnes	Attendance: 12,000 Referee: Marius Jonker (South Africa)

	9 March 2007	Brumbies	26–13	Stormers	Canberra Stadium, Canberra
	19:40	Tries: Mark Chisholm, Stirling Mortlock, Adam Ashley-Cooper Con: Stirling Mortlock Pen: Stirling Mortlock (3)		Tries: Gio Aplon Con: Peter Grant Pen: Peter Grant (2)	Attendance: 14, 410 Referee: Steve Walsh (New Zealand)

	9 March 2007	Western Force	18–17	Hurricanes	Subiaco Oval, Perth
	19:05	Tries: Drew Mitchell, Cameron Shepherd Con: Cameron Shepherd Pen: Cameron Shepherd (2)		Tries: Tana Umaga, Jimmy Gopperth Con: Blair Stewart, Jimmy Gopperth Pen: Blair Stewart	Attendance: 30,704 Referee: Mark Lawrence (South Africa)

	10 March 2007	Blues	41–14	Lions	Eden Park, Auckland
	19:35	Tries: Doug Howlett (2)*, Ben Atiga, Rudi Wulf, Daniel Braid, David Holwell Con: David Holwell (4) Pen: David Holwell		Tries: Louie Ludik, Ethienne Reynecke Con: André Pretorius, Earl Rose	Attendance: 22,000 Referee: Paul Marks (Australia)

	9 March 2007	Waratahs	19–32	Bulls	Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
	19:40	Tries: Kurtley Beale Con: Peter Hewat Pen: Peter Hewat (4)		Tries: Bryan Habana(2), Fourie du Preez(2) Con: Derick Hougaard(3) Pen: Derick Hougaard (2)	Attendance: 21,854 Referee: Kelvin Deaker (New Zealand)

	9 March 2007	Cheetahs	14–30	Sharks	Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein
	17:00	Tries: Juan Smith, Herkie Kruger Con: Willem de Waal (2)		Tries: JP Pietersen, Jacques Botes, Waylon Murray Con: Ruan Pienaar (3) Pen: Ruan Pienaar (3)	Attendance: 29,500 Referee: JC Fortuin (South Africa)

Note: Doug Howlett became the joint top try scorer in Super Rugby with Joe Roff on 57 Tries

Round 7

The Chiefs put on a convincing win against the Lions to start week seven. This was followed later that evening with the Force easily putting away the bottom of the table Reds in Perth. The Crusaders began to show their regular form with a win against the Bulls and the Waratahs season slumped to a new low with a home loss at the hands of the Stormers. The Cheetahs pulled off an unexpected win against the Brumbies and the undefeated Sharks continued their streak – beating the Hurricanes.

	16 March 2007	Chiefs	34–7	Lions	Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
	19:35	Tries: Stephen Donald (2), Marty Holah, Liam Messam, Tane Tuipulotu Con: Stephen Donald, Tasesa Lavea (2) Pen: Stephen Donald		Tries: André Pretorius Con: André Pretorius	Attendance: 12,000 Referee: James Leckie (Australia)

	16 March 2007	Western Force	38–3	Reds	Subiaco Oval, Perth
	19:05	Tries: Chris O'Young, Penalty try, Cameron Shepherd, Digby Ioane Con: Cameron Shepherd (3) Pen: Cameron Shepherd (4)		Pen: Andrew Walker	Attendance: 26,023 Referee: Brett Bowden (Australia)

	17 March 2007	Crusaders	32–10	Bulls	Lancaster Park, Christchurch
	19:35	Tries: Johnny Leo'o, Rico Gear, Tim Bateman, Scott Hamilton Con: Stephen Brett (3) Pen: Stephen Brett (2)		Tries: Wikus van Heerden Con: Derick Hougaard Pen: Derick Hougaard	Attendance: 18,240 Referee: Stuart Dickinson (Australia)

	17 March 2007	Waratahs	10–16	Stormers	Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
	19:40	Tries: Penalty try Con: Peter Hewat Pen: Peter Hewat		Tries: Luke Watson Con: Peter Grant Pen: Peter Grant (3)	Attendance: 18,409 Referee: Lyndon Bray (New Zealand)

	17 March 2007	Cheetahs	38–20	Brumbies	Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein
	17:00	Tries: Falie Oelschig, Gavin Passens, Richardt Strauss, Phillip Burger, Juan Smith Con: Willem de Waal (5) Drop: Willem de Waal		Tries: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Mark Chisholm, Patrick Phibbs Con: Julian Huxley Pen: Julian Huxley	Attendance: 3,500 Referee: Paul Honiss (New Zealand)

	17 March 2007	Sharks	27–14	Hurricanes	Kings Park Stadium, Durban
	19:10	Tries: JP Pietersen, Johan Ackermann, Jacques Botes, Warren Britz Con: Butch James (2) Pen: Butch James (1)		Tries: Anthony Perenise Pen: Blair Stewart (3)	Attendance: 36,700 Referee: Matt Goddard (Australia)

Round 8

The Waratahs fell to another loss – being convincingly beaten by the Blues in Auckland. The Bulls were not worried about the "House of Pain" moniker of Carisbrook – instead they turned in on the Highlanders to win 22–13. The Crusaders continued their quick ascent up the ladder with a bonus-point win over the Stormers. Queensland slipped to another loss – albeit a close one – against the Chiefs. The Sharks suffered their first loss of the season as the Brumbies recording a big upset at ABSA Stadium. It was also the Brumbies first ever away win against the Sharks. The Lions continued the Hurricanes bad season with an easy win.

	23 March 2007	Blues	34–6	Waratahs	Eden Park, Auckland
	19:35	Tries: Daniel Braid, Troy Flavell (2), Steve Devine Cons: Luke McAlister (4) Pens: Luke McAlister (2)		Pens: Peter Hewat (2)	Attendance: 27,500 Referee: Marius Jonker (South Africa)

	24 March 2007	Highlanders	13–22	Bulls	Carisbrook, Dunedin
	17:30	Try: Jimmy Cowan Con: Nick Evans Pens: Nick Evans (2)		Try: Jaco van der Westhuyzen Con: Derick Hougaard Pens: Derick Hougaard (5)	Referee: Stuart Dickinson (Australia)

	24 March 2007	Crusaders	36–11	Stormers	Lancaster Park, Christchurch
	19:35	Tries: Casey Laulala, Rico Gear (2), Leon MacDonald Con: Dan Carter (2) Pen: Dan Carter (4)		Tries: De Wet Barry Pen: Peter Grant (2)	Referee: Brett Bowden

	24 March 2007	Reds	19–21	Chiefs	Lang Park, Brisbane
	19:40	Tries: David Croft Con: Andrew Walker Pen: Andrew Walker (4)		Tries: Kristian Ormsby (2) Con: Stephen Donald Pen: Stephen Donald (3)	Attendance: 16,830 Referee: Willie Roos (South Africa)

	24 March 2007	Sharks	10–21	Brumbies	Kings Park Stadium, Durban
	17:00	Tries: Adrian Jacobs Con: Butch James Pen: Ruan Pienaar		Tries: Julian Huxley, Adam Wallace-Harrison Con: Julian Huxley Pen: Julian Huxley (3)	Attendance: 38,787^[21] Referee: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)

	24 March 2007	Lions	30–7	Hurricanes	Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg
	19:10	Tries: Ethienne Reynecke, Jaque Fourie Con: André Pretorius Pen: André Pretorius (5) Drop: André Pretorius		Tries: Piri Weepu Con: Blair Stewart	Referee: Matt Goddard (Australia)

Round 9

The Highlanders recorded a home win over the Cheetahs to open the round before the Force subjected the Sharks to their second loss in as many matches in Perth. The Hurricanes pulled off a win over the Bulls and the Blues put in a hard-fought win over the Chiefs. The Blues' Doug Howlett took sole possession of the all-| time try scoring lead in Super Rugby during the latter match. The Crusaders pulled away from the Waratahs early in the game before slacking off in the second half and seeing their lead evaporate to 34–28. The Waratahs scored a try late in the game to seemingly secure a win with the kick to come – but Peter Hewat missed a relatively easy kick to hand the Crusaders a 34–33 win. The Brumbies won a second game in South Africa – this time a close encounter against the Lions. A late Julian Huxley try securing a 14–9 win for the Canberra-based side.

	30 March 2007	Highlanders	21–17	Cheetahs	Rugby Park, Invercargill
	19:35	Tries: Kane Thompson, Lucky Mulipola Con: Charlie Hore Pen: Nick Evans(2), Charlie Hore		Tries: Eddie Fredericks, Kabamba Floors Con: Willem de Waal, Meyer Bosman Pen: Willem de Waal	Referee: Stuart Dickinson (Australia)

	30 March 2007	Western Force	22–12	Sharks	Subiaco Oval, Perth
	19:05	Tries: Cameron Shepherd Pen: Matt Giteau (5) Con: Matt Giteau		Pen: Ruan Pienaar (3) Drop: François Steyn	Referee: Lyndon Bray (New Zealand)

	31 March 2007	Hurricanes	17–9	Bulls	Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington
	17:30	Tries: Hosea Gear Pen: Piri Weepu (4)		Pen: Derick Hougaard (3)	Attendance: 20,874 Referee: Brett Bowden (Australia)

	31 March 2007	Chiefs	11–18	Blues	Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
	19:35	Try: Tasesa Lavea Pen: Stephen Donald (2)		Tries: Jerome Kaino, Keven Mealamu, Doug Howlett Pen: Isa Nacewa	Referee: Steve Walsh (New Zealand)

	31 March 2007	Waratahs	33–34	Crusaders	Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
	19:40	Tries: Lachlan Turner, Sam Harris, Sam Norton-Knight, Tatafu Polota-Nau Con: Peter Hewat (2) Pen: Peter Hewat (3)		Tries: Campbell Johnstone, Rico Gear (2), Mose Tuiali'i, Aaron Mauger, Casey Laulala Con: Stephen Brett (2)	Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)

	31 March 2007	Lions	9–14	Brumbies	Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg
	17:00	Pen: André Pretorius (3)		Try: Julian Huxley Pen: Julian Huxley (2) Drop: Julian Huxley	Referee: Paul Honiss (New Zealand)

Round 10

The Blues easily put away the Cheetahs in the sole Good Friday game. The next day saw the Chiefs beat the Highlanders before a startling mountain backdrop in Queenstown. The Crusaders annihilated the Force 53–0. It was the largest score ever conceded by the Force and the largest losing margin – but for the Crusaders it didn't come close to their 96–19 win against the Waratahs in 2002. The Sharks continued the high scoring – putting 57 points on the Reds in Brisbane for a big win. The Stormers upset the Lions 30–8 in Cape Town. In the sole Easter Sunday clash the Waratahs failed to resurrect their season against the Brumbies – going down 36–10 in the interstate grudge match between the rivals. The win put the Brumbies into the top four for the first time in 2007.

	6 April 2007	Blues	26–8	Cheetahs	Eden Park, Auckland
	19:35	Tries: Steve Devine, Doug Howlett, Anthony Tuitavake Con: Isa Nacewa Pen: Isa Nacewa (3)		Try: Ryno van der Merwe Pen: Herkie Kruger	Referee: Paul Marks (Australia)

	7 April 2007	Highlanders	34–38	Chiefs	Queenstown Events Centre, Queenstown
	14:35	Tries: Lucky Mulipola, Anton Oliver, Viliame Waqaseduadua, Matt Saunders, Toby Morland Con: Nick Evans (2), Charlie Hore Pen: Nick Evans		Tries: Niva Ta'auso, Sitiveni Sivivatu (2), Lelia Masaga (2) Con: Stephen Donald (5) Pen: Stephen Donald	Attendance: 11,000^[22] Referee: Steve Walsh (New Zealand)

	7 April 2007	Crusaders	53–0	Western Force	Lancaster Park, Christchurch
	19:35	Tries: Rico Gear, Mose Tuiali'i, Kieran Read (2), Ross Filipo (3), Richie McCaw Con: Dan Carter (5) Pen: Dan Carter			Referee: Mark Lawrence (South Africa)

	7 April 2007	Reds	16–59	Sharks	Lang Park, Brisbane
	19:40	Try: John Roe Con: Clinton Schifcofske Pen: Clinton Schifcofske (3)		Tries: AJ Venter (2), JP Pietersen (2), Jacques Botes, Brad Barritt, Waylon Murray, Bismarck du Plessis, Keegan Daniel Con: Ruan Pienaar (5), François Steyn (2)	Attendance: 14,443^[23] Referee: Chris Polluck (New Zealand)

	7 April 2007	Stormers	30–8	Lions	Newlands Stadium, Cape Town
	17:00	Tries: Peter Grant, De Wet Barry, Naas Olivier Con: Peter Grant (3) Pen: Peter Grant (3)		Try: Jaque Fourie Pen: André Pretorius	Referee: Bryce Lawrence (South Africa)

	8 April 2007	Brumbies	36–10	Waratahs	Canberra Stadium, Canberra
	19:40	Tries: Mark Gerrard (2), Jone Tawake, Stephen Larkham (2) Con: Julian Huxley (2), Mark Gerrard (2) Pen: Julian Huxley		Try: Rocky Elsom Con: Peter Hewat Pen: Peter Hewat	Attendance: 23,097 Referee: Matt Goddard (Australia)

Round 11

This week saw the Hurricanes take on the Cheetahs and Hosea Gear became the Hurricanes' hero after scoring a 90-metre try in the final moments of the game. It was also the team's fourth try of the game which gave them a bonus point on top of the win. The following day, the Chiefs thrashed the Western Force 64–36, a game which saw a total of 14 tries being scored, nine of which were scored by the Chiefs, with Roy Kinikinilau and Brendon Leonard each getting hat-tricks. The Crusaders then defeated the Highlanders to climb to the top of the table. The Blues lost to the Sharks at home, going down by 7 points, and the Waratahs won only their second game this season, defeating the Reds, who sit at the bottom of the table. In the last match of the week, the Bulls thrashed the Stormers 49–12.

	13 April 2007	Hurricanes	37–15	Cheetahs	Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington
	19:35	Tries: Chris Masoe, Jerry Collins, Jason Eaton, Hosea Gear Con: Piri Weepu (4) Pen: Piri Weepu (3)		Tries: Gavin Passens, Juan Smith Con: Willem de Waal Pen: Willem de Waal	Attendance: 15,770^[24] Referee: Paul Marks

	14 April 2007	Chiefs	64–36	Western Force	Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
	14:35	Tries: Roy Kinikinilau (3), Lelia Masaga, Brendon Leonard (3), Tanerau Latimer, Tasesa Lavea Con: Stephen Donald (5) Pen: Stephen Donald (3)		Tries: Nathan Sharpe, Matt Giteau (2), Cameron Shepherd, Drew Mitchell Con: Matt Giteau (4) Pen: Matt Giteau	Attendance: 13,100 Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)

	14 April 2007	Highlanders	3–38	Crusaders	Carisbrook, Dunedin
	17:30	Pen: Nick Evans		Tries: Dan Carter, Casey Laulala (2), Caleb Ralph, Rua Tipoki Con: Dan Carter (4), Stephen Brett Pen: Dan Carter	Attendance: 10,000 Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)

	14 April 2007	Blues	25–32	Sharks	North Harbour Stadium, Albany
	19:35	Tries: Keven Mealamu, David Gibson, Daniel Braid Con: Isa Nacewa (2) Pen: Isa Nacewa (2)		Tries: JP Pietersen (2), Odwa Ndungane Con: François Steyn Pen: Percy Montgomery (2), François Steyn Drop: François Steyn (2)	Attendance: 20,100 Referee: Stuart Dickinson (Australia)

	14 April 2007	Waratahs	26–13	Reds	Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
	19:40	Tries: Josh Valentine, Benn Robinson Con: Peter Hewat (2) Pen: Peter Hewat (4)		Tries: Clinton Schifcofske Con: Clinton Schifcofske Pen: Clinton Schifcofske (2)	Attendance: 21,872 Referee: Kelvin Deaker (New Zealand)

	14 April 2007	Bulls	49–12	Stormers	Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
	16:00	Tries: Bakkies Botha (2), Wikus van Heerden (2) Pedrie Wannenburg, Heinie Adams, Wynand Olivier Con: Derick Hougaard (2), Morné Steyn (2) Pen: Derick Hougaard (2)		Tries: Brent Russell, Dylan des Fountain Con: Peter Grant	Attendance: 50,000 Referee: Marius Jonker (South Africa)

Round 12

The Crusaders defeated the Hurricanes in a thrilling encounter which saw Jerry Collins being stretchered off after injuring his neck in a tackle on Rua Tipoki. The Brumbies defeated the Western Force in an all-Australian derby by just two points and the Reds won their second game of the season defeating the Cheetahs. Ben Tune (who is leaving the club after the season) scored the winning try in that match, but the match of the round saw the Chiefs defeat the Sharks to put themselves in contention for a semi-final spot. The Waratahs lost to the Highlanders by a point after Peter Hewat missed another conversion, and in a South African derby, the Bulls thrashed the Lions 31–7. Finally, the Blues lost their away match to the Stormers, but they remain second in the table nonetheless.

	20 April 2007	Crusaders	23–13	Hurricanes	Lancaster Park, Christchurch
	19:35	Tries: Corey Flynn, Ross Filipo Con: Dan Carter (2) Pen: Dan Carter (3)		Tries: Ma'a Nonu Con: Piri Weepu Pen: Piri Weepu (2)	Referee: Paul Honiss (New Zealand)

	20 April 2007	Brumbies	14–12	Western Force	Canberra Stadium, Canberra
	19:40	Tries: Jeremy Paul Pen: Julian Huxley (2), Mark Gerrard		Pen: Matt Giteau (4)	Referee: Stuart Dickinson (Australia)

	21 April 2007	Reds	23–13	Cheetahs	Lang Park, Queensland
	15:30	Tries: James Horwill, Ben Tune Con: Clinton Schifcofske (2) Pen: Clinton Schifcofske		Tries: Kabamba Floors Con: Meyer Bosman Pen: Meyer Bosman (2)	Attendance: 12,500 Referee: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)

	21 April 2007	Chiefs	35–27	Sharks	Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
	19:35	Tries: Lelia Masaga, Tasesa Lavea (2), Brendon Leonard Con: Stephen Donald (3) Pen: Stephen Donald (3)		Tries: Bobby Skinstad, Deon Carstens, Bismarck du Plessis, Penalty try Con: Percy Montgomery, François Steyn Pen: François Steyn	Referee: James Leckie (Australia)

	21 April 2007	Waratahs	25–26	Highlanders	Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
	19:40	Tries: Peter Hewat (2), Josh Holmes Con: Peter Hewat (2) Pen: Peter Hewat (2)		Tries: Viliame Waqaseduadua, Nick Evans, Jason Kawau Con: Nick Evans Pen: Nick Evans (3)	Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)

	21 April 2007	Lions	7–31	Bulls	Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg
	15:00	Tries: Willem Alberts Con: André Pretorius		Tries: Wynand Olivier (2), Bryan Habana, Akona Ndungane, JP Nel Con: Derick Hougaard (3)	Referee: J.C. Fortuin (South Africa)

	21 April 2007	Stormers	33–20	Blues	Newlands Stadium, Cape Town
	17:05	Tries: Conrad Jantjes, Luke Watson, Jean de Villiers Con: Peter Grant (3) Pen: Peter Grant (4)		Tries: Isaia Toeava, Tony Woodcock Con: David Holwell, Isa Nacewa Pen: David Holwell (2)	Referee: Matt Goddard (Australia)

Round 13

With the semi-final week just around the corner, Week 13 saw some close matches including the opener between the Highlanders and the Hurricanes at the cake tin. The score was 22 – 16 to the Hurricanes at 80 minutes but a final minute try to Toby Morland in the corner turned things around. Nick Evans needed to get the kick over to win the game but was unsuccessful allowing the Hurricanes to win the game lucky to not have the same situation when the Hurricanes lost to the Force in week 6. The force continued their up and down season by comfortably beating the cheetahs. The Waratahs narrowly lost going down to the chiefs. The Brumbies pulled an upset win over the Crusaders to keep their semi final hopes alive. The Sharks dominated the lions to make sure they would at least get a home semi final. The Blues lost their third game in a row going down to the Bulls which slimmed the chances of the Blues securing a semi final spot and helped the Bulls secure a semi final spot. The last game of the week saw the stormers easily put away the Reds.

	27 April 2007	Hurricanes	22–21	Highlanders	Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington
	19:35	Tries: Jimmy Gopperth, Hosea Gear Pen: Piri Weepu (4)		Tries: Nick Evans, Toby Morland Con: Nick Evans Pen: Nick Evans (3)	Attendance: 19,790 Referee: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)

	27 April 2007	Waratahs	23–28	Chiefs	Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
	19:40	Tries: Sam Norton-Knight, Lachlan Turner Con: Peter Hewat (2) Pen: Peter Hewat (3)		Tries: Sitiveni Sivivatu, Liam Messam, Tane Tuipolotu Con: Stephen Donald (2) Pen: Stephen Donald (3)	Attendance: 16,266 Referee: Willie Roos (South Africa)

	27 April 2007	Western Force	45–17	Cheetahs	Subiaco Oval, Perth
	19:40	Tries: Ryan Cross (2), Scott Staniforth (2), Digby Ioane, Tai McIsaac, AJ Whalley Con: Matt Giteau (5)		Tries: Philip Burger, Ryno van der Merwe, Kabamba Floors Con: Wilem De Waal	Attendance: 24,330 Referee: Paul Honiss (New Zealand)

	27 April 2007	Bulls	40–19	Blues	Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
	19:05	Tries: Pedrie Wannenburg, Wikus van Heerden, Fourie du Preez, Heini Adams Con: Derick Hougaard (4) Pen: Derick Hougaard (3) Drop: Derick Hougaard		Tries: Troy Flavell Con: Isa Nacewa Pen: Isa Nacewa (4)	Referee: Stuart Dickinson (Australia)

	28 April 2007	Brumbies	15–6	Crusaders	Canberra Stadium, Canberra
	19:40	Pen: Stirling Mortlock (3), Julian Huxley Drop: Stephen Larkham		Pen: Dan Carter (2)	Attendance: 20,127 Referee: Marius Jonker (South Africa)

	28 April 2007	Sharks	33–3	Lions	Kings Park Stadium, Durban
	15:00	Tries: JP Pietersen (2), Jacques Botes (2) Con: Percy Montgomery (2) Pen: Percy Montgomery (2), François Steyn		Pen: Earl Rose	Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)

	28 April 2007	Stormers	37–24	Reds	Newlands Stadium, Cape Town
	17:05	Tries: Luke Watson (2), Brent Russell (2), Joe van Niekerk Con: Peter Grant (3) Pen: Peter Grant (2)		Tries: Ben Tune, Sean Hardman Con: Clinton Schifcofske Pen: Clinton Schifcofske (4)	Referee: Steve Walsh (New Zealand)

Round 14

This was an exciting week for the two South African contenders the Bulls and the Sharks, both with possibilities of a home semi final. The action-packed weekend started with an upset, the in-form Chiefs beating the Crusaders 30–24 at Lancaster Park. This result gave the Sharks the opportunity to take the top spot if they won in Cape Town. The Blues smashed the Western Force 33–6 to keep their title dreams alive. Later, the Brumbies kept their semi final hopes alive by defeating the tired and weary Highlanders 29–10. Waratahs defeated the Hurricanes away in Wellington 38–14. Cheetahs gave the Lions the South African wooden spoon by beating them 16–10. The first main game of the day was the Stormers vs the Sharks. The Sharks played an efficient and professional game whilst the Stormers played their usual erratic hot and cold game that had seen them beat some good teams during the season, but in the end the Sharks easily claimed a 36–10 victory to be the first South African side to finish at the top of the table at the end of the round-robin stage in the Super 14 competition's history. The last game of the weekend promised to be a huge one for the Bulls, who were chasing a semi final spot. They came up against a feeble Reds team, who after going ahead 3–0 in the beginning, had no idea of the onslaught they were going to receive. The Bulls, who needed a bonus-point win to reach the semifinals, easily achieved this goal a quarter of the way into the "match". Early in the second half they reached the 45-point margin needed to push them up to third place. Then the impossible became possible. If the Bulls went 72 points clear of the Reds, they would leapfrog to second, giving them a home semifinal in the high-altitude cauldron of noise that is Loftus Versfeld. They seemed to reach this goal with little effort against a humiliated Reds side, setting a new Super Rugby record for winning margin of 89 points.

	4 May 2007	Crusaders	24–30	Chiefs	Lancaster Park, Christchurch
	19:35	Tries: Richie McCaw, Ross Filipo Con: Stephen Brett Pen: Stephen Brett (4)		Tries: Sitiveni Sivivatu (2) Con: Stephen Donald Pen: Stephen Donald (6)	Referee: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)

	5 May 2007	Western Force	6–33	Blues	Subiaco Oval, Perth
	19:05	Pen: Matt Giteau (2)		Tries: Rudi Wulf, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock Con: Luke McAlister (2) Pen: Luke McAlister (3)	Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)

	5 May 2007	Highlanders	10–29	Brumbies	Carisbrook, Dunedin
	17:30	Tries: Jason Kawau Con: Nick Evans Pen: Nick Evans		Tries: Julian Huxley, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Stirling Mortlock, Mark Chisholm Con: Stirling Mortlock (3) Pen: Stirling Mortlock	Referee: J.C. Fortuin (South Africa)

	5 May 2007	Hurricanes	14–38	Waratahs	Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington
	19:35	Tries: Jimmy Gopperth, Jerry Collins Con: Jimmy Gopperth, Piri Weepu		Tries: Dean Mumm, Lachlan Turner, Lote Tuqiri, Ben Jacobs Con: Peter Hewat (3) Pen: Peter Hewat (4)	Attendance: 25,290 Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)

	5 May 2007	Lions	10–16	Cheetahs	Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg
	15:00	Tries: Ashwin Willemse Con: Earl Rose Pen: André Pretorius		Tries: Eddie Fredericks Con: Willem de Waal Pen: Willem de Waal (2) Drop: Bevin Fortuin	Referee: Marius Jonker (South Africa)

	5 May 2007	Stormers	10–36	Sharks	Newlands Stadium, Cape Town
	17:05	Tries: Peter Grant Con: Peter Grant Pen: Peter Grant		Tries: Ryan Kankowski, Waylon Murray, Percy Montgomery, François Steyn, JP Pietersen Con: Percy Montgomery (4) Pen: Percy Montgomery	Attendance: 48,000 Referee: Mark Lawrence (South Africa)

	5 May 2007	Bulls	92–3	Reds	Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
	19:10	Tries: Bryan Habana (2), Pierre Spies (2), Wikus van Heerden (2), Derick Kuün (2), Fourie du Preez, Wynand Olivier, Gary Botha, Pedrie Wannenburg, Jaco Van Der Westhuyzen Con: Derick Hougaard (11), Morné Steyn Pen: Derick Hougaard		Pen: Clinton Schifcofske	Referee: Kelvin Deaker (New Zealand)

Finals

Semi finals

	12 May 2007	Sharks	34–18	Blues	Kings Park Stadium, Durban
	15:00	Tries: Johann Muller, Butch James, Waylon Murray Con: Percy Montgomery (2) Pen: Percy Montgomery (4) Drop: Butch James		Tries: Rudi Wulf, Isa Nacewa Con: Isa Nacewa Pen: Isa Nacewa (2)	Attendance: 52,173 Referee: Stuart Dickinson (Australia)

	12 May 2007	Bulls	27–12	Crusaders	Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
	17:30	Pen: Derick Hougaard (8) Drop: Derick Hougaard		Pen: Dan Carter (4)	Attendance: ~53,000 Referee: Matt Goddard (Australia)

Grand final

The match had four tries – two by each team, and the last of which was scored by Bulls' wing Bryan Habana in the 82nd minute to give his team the trophy. It was the first Super rugby final to be played in South Africa, as well as the first all South African final, and the first final with a South African winner.^[25]

19 May 2007
15:00

Sharks	19–20	Bulls
Tries: Pietersen, Van den Berg Pen: Montgomery (3)		Tries: Spies, Habana Con: Hougaard (2) Pen: Hougaard (2)

Kings Park Stadium, Durban
Attendance: 54,000
Referee: Steve Walsh (New Zealand)


FB	15	Percy Montgomery
RW	14	François Steyn
OC	13	Waylon Murray
IC	12	Brad Barritt
LW	11	JP Pietersen
FH	10	Butch James
SH	9	Ruan Pienaar
N8	8	Ryan Kankowski
BF	7	AJ Venter
OF	6	Jacques Botes
RL	5	Johann Muller
LL	4	Johan Ackermann
TP	3	BJ Botha
HK	2	John Smit (c)
LP	1	Deon Carstens
Substitutes:
HK	16	Bismarck du Plessis
LP	17	Tendai Mtawarira
RL	18	Albert van den Berg
N8	19	Warren Britz
BL	20	Bob Skinstad
FH	21	Rory Kockott
OC	22	Adrian Jacobs
Coach:
Dick Muir


FB	15	Johan Roets
RW	14	Akona Ndungane
OC	13	JP Nel
IC	12	Wynand Olivier
LW	11	Bryan Habana
FH	10	Derick Hougaard
SH	9	Fourie du Preez
N8	8	Pierre Spies
BF	7	Wikus van Heerden
OF	6	Pedrie Wannenburg
RL	5	Victor Matfield (c)
LL	4	Bakkies Botha
TP	3	Rayno Gerber
HK	2	Gary Botha
LP	1	Gurthro Steenkamp
Substitutions:
HK	16	Jaco Engels
LP	17	Danie Thiart
RL	18	Danie Rossouw
N8	19	Derick Kuün
SH	20	Heinie Adams
FH	21	Morné Steyn
FB	22	Jaco van der Westhuyzen
Coach:
Heyneke Meyer

Man of the Match:
Victor Matfield (Bulls)
Assistant referees:
Lyndon Bray (New Zealand)
Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)
Television match official:
Kelvin Deaker (New Zealand)
Assessor: Tappe Henning (South Africa)

Player statistics

Leading try scorers

Top 3 try scorers (Stats)
Pos	Name	Tries	Pld	Team
1	JP Pietersen	12	15	Sharks
2	Bryan Habana	8	15	Bulls
2	Lelia Masaga	8	13	Chiefs
4	Cameron Shepherd	7	13	Force
4	Rico Gear	7	14	Crusaders

Leading point scorers

Top 3 overall point scorers (Stats)
Pos	Name	Points	Pld	Team
1	Stephen Donald	164 (2T, 26C, 34P)	13	Chiefs
2	Derick Hougaard	161 (0T, 28C, 33P, 3DG)	15	Bulls
3	Peter Hewat	156 (2T, 19C, 36P)	13	Waratahs

References

↑ "From Cats to Lions ... the new look". Planet Rugby. 8 September 2006. Archived from the original on 21 May 2007. Retrieved 12 September 2006.
1 2 3 "SANZAR geared for diluted S14". Archived from the original on 18 June 2006. Retrieved 30 May 2006.
↑ "All Blacks To Miss Early Super 14 Named". Retrieved 13 September 2006.
↑ "Completely different approach to Super 14". Archived from the original on 2 June 2007. Retrieved 13 September 2006.
↑ "Boks get Super action". Archived from the original on 26 September 2006. Retrieved 13 September 2006.
↑ "Get Giteau into Gregan's jersey: Jones". Archived from the original on 28 August 2006. Retrieved 8 August 2006.
↑ "Spears abandon their Super conquest". Planet Rugby. 16 November 2006. Retrieved 22 November 2006.
↑ "Blues, Crusaders to kick-start SANZAR showpiece". Archived from the original on 21 October 2006. Retrieved 14 October 2006.
↑ "Blues to host Crusaders in first Super 14 match". Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 14 October 2006.
↑ "Rugby Union – Homepage – Yahoo!Xtra Sport". Xtramsn.co.nz. Archived from the original on 7 February 2007. Retrieved 13 November 2008.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 "SANZAR announces Super 14 referees". scrum.com. 16 January 2007. Retrieved 16 January 2007.
↑ "Australian Stadiums :: S14: Force v Highlanders". Austadiums.com. Archived from the original on 7 July 2011. Retrieved 13 November 2008.
↑ "SportsAustralia.com :: News Article". Sportsaustralia.com. Archived from the original on 28 September 2007. Retrieved 13 November 2008.
↑ Fitzgerald, Peter (4 February 2007). "Bring back the glory years: ACT set for new entertainers era". The Canberra Times. Archived from the original on 20 September 2007. Retrieved 5 February 2007.
↑ "Sharks Rugby". Sharksrugby.co.za. Retrieved 13 November 2008.
↑ Cronjé, Hendrik (5 February 2007). "Cheetahs slaag hul groot toets" (in Afrikaans). Die Volksblad. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 5 February 2007.
↑ "Sharks Rugby". Sharksrugby.co.za. Archived from the original on 19 February 2007. Retrieved 13 November 2008.
↑ Fitzgerald, Peter (11 February 2007). "Blues break Brumbies' heart: Try pips better side at the post". The Canberra Times. Archived from the original on 20 September 2007. Retrieved 11 February 2007.
↑ "Bulls edge Cheetahs in Loftus". Super 14. 10 February 2007. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 13 November 2008.
↑ "Sharks Rugby". Sharksrugby.co.za. Archived from the original on 6 October 2007. Retrieved 13 November 2008.
↑ "CA Brumbies sink Sharks". Brumbies Rugby. 24 March 2007. Archived from the original on 1 September 2007. Retrieved 5 May 2007.
↑ "No Saving Highlanders James Ryan". www.Stuff.co.nz (Fairfax). 8 April 2007. Archived from the original on 27 April 2007. Retrieved 5 May 2007.
↑ "Jones Slams his Reds after record loss". Stuff.co.nz. 8 April 2007. Archived from the original on 14 May 2007. Retrieved 5 May 2007.
↑ "Canes Still in Contention for S14 Title". www.Stuff.co.nz (Fairfax). 14 April 2007. Archived from the original on 29 April 2007. Retrieved 5 May 2007.
↑ Morris, David (18 May 2007). "Super 14 final preview: Sharks vs Bulls". worldcupweb.com. Archived from the original on 28 September 2007. Retrieved 16 July 2007.

This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.

[1] "From Cats to Lions ... the new look". Planet Rugby. 8 September 2006. Archived from the original on 21 May 2007. Retrieved 12 September 2006.

[Stand_down-2] 1 2 3 "SANZAR geared for diluted S14". Archived from the original on 18 June 2006. Retrieved 30 May 2006.

[3] "All Blacks To Miss Early Super 14 Named". Retrieved 13 September 2006.

[4] "Completely different approach to Super 14". Archived from the original on 2 June 2007. Retrieved 13 September 2006.

[5] "Boks get Super action". Archived from the original on 26 September 2006. Retrieved 13 September 2006.

[6] "Get Giteau into Gregan's jersey: Jones". Archived from the original on 28 August 2006. Retrieved 8 August 2006.

[7] "Spears abandon their Super conquest". Planet Rugby. 16 November 2006. Retrieved 22 November 2006.

[8] "Blues, Crusaders to kick-start SANZAR showpiece". Archived from the original on 21 October 2006. Retrieved 14 October 2006.

[9] "Blues to host Crusaders in first Super 14 match". Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 14 October 2006.

[10] "Rugby Union – Homepage – Yahoo!Xtra Sport". Xtramsn.co.nz. Archived from the original on 7 February 2007. Retrieved 13 November 2008.

[Refdraw1-11] 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 "SANZAR announces Super 14 referees". scrum.com. 16 January 2007. Retrieved 16 January 2007.

[12] "Australian Stadiums :: S14: Force v Highlanders". Austadiums.com. Archived from the original on 7 July 2011. Retrieved 13 November 2008.

[13] "SportsAustralia.com :: News Article". Sportsaustralia.com. Archived from the original on 28 September 2007. Retrieved 13 November 2008.

[Chiefs-Brumbies-14] Fitzgerald, Peter (4 February 2007). "Bring back the glory years: ACT set for new entertainers era". The Canberra Times. Archived from the original on 20 September 2007. Retrieved 5 February 2007.

[15] "Sharks Rugby". Sharksrugby.co.za. Retrieved 13 November 2008.

[Cheetahs-Stormers-16] Cronjé, Hendrik (5 February 2007). "Cheetahs slaag hul groot toets" (in Afrikaans). Die Volksblad. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 5 February 2007.

[17] "Sharks Rugby". Sharksrugby.co.za. Archived from the original on 19 February 2007. Retrieved 13 November 2008.

[Brumbies-Blues-18] Fitzgerald, Peter (11 February 2007). "Blues break Brumbies' heart: Try pips better side at the post". The Canberra Times. Archived from the original on 20 September 2007. Retrieved 11 February 2007.

[19] "Bulls edge Cheetahs in Loftus". Super 14. 10 February 2007. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 13 November 2008.

[20] "Sharks Rugby". Sharksrugby.co.za. Archived from the original on 6 October 2007. Retrieved 13 November 2008.

[21] "CA Brumbies sink Sharks". Brumbies Rugby. 24 March 2007. Archived from the original on 1 September 2007. Retrieved 5 May 2007.

[22] "No Saving Highlanders James Ryan". www.Stuff.co.nz (Fairfax). 8 April 2007. Archived from the original on 27 April 2007. Retrieved 5 May 2007.

[23] "Jones Slams his Reds after record loss". Stuff.co.nz. 8 April 2007. Archived from the original on 14 May 2007. Retrieved 5 May 2007.

[24] "Canes Still in Contention for S14 Title". www.Stuff.co.nz (Fairfax). 14 April 2007. Archived from the original on 29 April 2007. Retrieved 5 May 2007.

[Firsts-25] Morris, David (18 May 2007). "Super 14 final preview: Sharks vs Bulls". worldcupweb.com. Archived from the original on 28 September 2007. Retrieved 16 July 2007.

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13]

[14]

[15]

[16]

[17]

[18]

[19]

[20]

[21]

[22]

[23]

[24]

[25]