2008 Super 14 season

The 2008 Super 14 season started in February 2008 with pre-season matches held from mid-January. It finished on 31 May, when the Crusaders won their seventh Super Rugby title with a 20–12 victory over the Waratahs in front of the Crusaders' home fans at AMI Stadium. The 2008 season was the third of the expansion, which led to the name change to the Super 14. The schedule, which covered 3½ months, featured a total of 94 matches, with each team playing one full round robin against the 13 other teams, two semi-finals and a final. Every team received one bye over the 14 rounds.

2008 Super 14
Countries Australia
 South Africa
 New Zealand
Tournament format(s)Round-robin and knockout
ChampionsNew Zealand Crusaders (7th title)
Matches played91
Tries scored519 (5.7 per match)
Top point scorer(s)New Zealand Stephen Donald (150)
(Chiefs)
Top try scorer(s)New Zealand Lelia Masaga (8)
(Chiefs)
2007 (Previous) (Next) 2009

Introduction of Experimental law variations

The 2008 competition is currently the highest level competition to trial any of the International Rugby Board's (IRB) Experimental law variations (ELVs). The laws had been trialled in various competitions in both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere. The highest level competition the laws had previously been introduced to was the 2007 Australian Rugby Championship. The introduction of the laws for the 2008 season was approved by the competition's governing body, SANZAR, at a meeting on 4 December 2007.[1]

SANZAR decided not to adopt all the ELVs, and decided to adopt the following:

  • The corner posts are moved so that they are outside the junction of the touchline and goal-line. A player will also not be in touch if they are touching the corner post unless they are also touching either the touchline, or ground over the touchline.
  • A ball can be thrown backwards on a quick throw-in rather than having to be thrown straight.
  • The offside line will now occur immediately once a tackle is made.
  • At the breakdown the Scrum-half (half-back) cannot be touched unless they are touching the ball.
  • During a scrum, with the exception of forwards in the scrum, and each team's scrum-half, the offside line will now be 5 metres behind the hindmost foot of a scrum.
  • With the exception of offside, not entering the breakdown through the gate, and foul-play, the punishment will be a free kick.[2]

Table

Key to colours
     Top four teams advance to playoffs.
Team Pld W D L PF PA PD BP Pts
1New Zealand Crusaders 131102369176+193852
2Australia Waratahs 13913255186+69543
3South Africa Sharks 13913271209+62442
4New Zealand Hurricanes 13814310204+106741
5South Africa Stormers 13814269211+58741
6New Zealand Blues 13805354267+87840
7New Zealand Chiefs 137063483491634
8Australia Force 1370624727831432
9Australia Brumbies 1360727731740630
10South Africa Bulls 1360732434723428
11New Zealand Highlanders 13301025733881719
12Australia Reds 1331925832365418
13South Africa Cheetahs 131012255428173913
14South Africa Lions 132110206367161212

Results

Round 1

15 February 2008 Crusaders New Zealand 34 3 Australia Brumbies AMI Stadium, Christchurch  
19:35 Tries: Mose Tuiali'i (2), Brad Thorn, Dan Carter
Con: Dan Carter (4)
Pen: Dan Carter (2)
Pen: Julian Huxley Attendance: 16,254
Referee: South Africa Mark Lawrence
15 February 2008 Reds Australia 22 16 New Zealand Highlanders Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane  
19:05 Tries: John Roe (2), Clinton Schifcofske
Con: Clinton Schifcofske (2)
Pen: Clinton Schifcofske
Tries: Adam Thomson
Con: Mike Delany
Pen: Paul Williams (2), Daniel Bowden
Attendance: 19,183
Referee: South Africa Marius Jonker
15 February 2008 Sharks South Africa 17 10 Australia Western Force ABSA Stadium, Durban  
19:10 Tries: Jacques Botes, Stefan Terblanche
Con: Ruan Pienaar (2)
Pen: François Steyn
Tries: Luke Holmes
Con: Matt Giteau
Pen: Cameron Shepherd
Attendance: 30,043
Referee: New Zealand Kelvin Deaker
16 February 2008 Blues New Zealand 32 14 New Zealand Chiefs Eden Park, Auckland  
19:35 Tries: Danny Lee, Troy Flavell, Joe Rokocoko, Ben Atiga
Con: Nick Evans (3)
Pen: Nick Evans (2)
Tries: Mils Muliaina
Pen: Stephen Donald (3)
Attendance: 23,480
Referee: New Zealand Lyndon Bray
16 February 2008 Waratahs Australia 20 3 New Zealand Hurricanes Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney  
19:40 Tries: Lachlan Turner (2), Rocky Elsom
Con: Kurtley Beale
Pen: Kurtley Beale
Pen: Jimmy Gopperth Attendance: 27,011
Referee: South Africa Craig Joubert
16 February 2008 Stormers South Africa 9 16 South Africa Bulls Newlands, Cape Town  
17:00 Pen: Peter Grant (3) Tries: Bryan Habana
Con: Derick Hougaard
Pen: Derick Hougaard (3)
Attendance: 47,896
Referee: South Africa Willie Roos
16 February 2008 Cheetahs South Africa 22 23 South Africa Lions Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein  
19:05 Tries: Eddie Fredericks, Duane Vermeulen, Barend Pieterse
Con: Jacques-Louis Potgieter (2)
Pen: Jacques-Louis Potgieter
Tries: Franco van der Merwe, Doppies la Grange
Con: Louis Strydom, Earl Rose
Pen: Louis Strydom (2), Earl Rose
Attendance: 17,231
Referee: South Africa Jonathan Kaplan

Round 2

22 February 2008 Hurricanes New Zealand 23 18 Australia Reds Westpac Stadium, Wellington  
19:35 Tries: Tane Tuʻipulotu, Ma'a Nonu
Con: Jimmy Gopperth (2)
Pen: Jimmy Gopperth (3)
Tries: Van Humphries, John Roe
Con: Clinton Schifcofske
Pen: Clinton Schifcofske (2)
Attendance: 15,682
Referee: South Africa Mark Lawrence
22 February 2008 Cheetahs South Africa 15 16 Australia Western Force Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein  
18:00 Tries: Hennie Daniller, Heinrich Brüssow
Con: Jacques-Louis Potgieter
Pen: Conrad Barnard
Tries: Matt Giteau
Con: Matt Giteau
Pen: Matt Giteau (3)
Attendance: 14,632
Referee: New Zealand Chris Pollock
22 February 2008 Bulls South Africa 19 54 New Zealand Crusaders Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria  
20:05 Tries: JP Nel
Con: Morné Steyn
Pen: Derick Hougaard (4)
Tries: Stephen Brett, Andy Ellis, Richie McCaw, Kade Poki, Nasi Manu, Dan Carter, Leon MacDonald
Con: Dan Carter (5)
Pen: Dan Carter (3)
Attendance: 39,341
Referee: Australia Matt Goddard
23 February 2008 Chiefs New Zealand 20 17 Australia Waratahs Waikato Stadium, Hamilton  
19:35 Tries: Liam Messam, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Richard Kahui
Con: Stephen Donald
Pen: Stephen Donald
Tries: Ben Jacobs, Sam Harris, Lote Tuqiri
Con: Kurtley Beale
Pen:
Attendance: 10,273
Referee: South Africa Marius Jonker
23 February 2008 Brumbies Australia 22 20 New Zealand Highlanders Canberra Stadium, Canberra  
19:40 Tries: Anthony Fainga'a, Stephen Hoiles, Penalty try
Con: Julian Huxley (2)
Pen: Julian Huxley
Tries: Fetuʻu Vainikolo, Chris King
Con: James Wilson (2)
Pen: James Wilson (2)
Attendance: 14,284
Referee: South Africa Craig Joubert
23 February 2008 Sharks South Africa 12 10 South Africa Stormers ABSA Stadium, Durban  
17:00 Pen: Rory Kockett (3), Ruan Pienaar Tries: Ricky Januarie
Con: Peter Grant
Pen: Peter Grant
Attendance: 29,289
Referee: New Zealand Kelvin Deaker
23 February 2008 Lions South Africa 10 55 New Zealand Blues Ellis Park, Johannesburg  
19:05 Tries: Jaco van Schalkwyk
Con: Chris Jonck
Pen: Louis Strydon
Tries: Kurtis Haiu (2), Nick Evans, Jerome Kaino, Isa Nacewa, Nick Williams, Rudi Wulf
Con: Nick Evans (7)
Pen: Nick Evans (2)
Attendance: 11,107
Referee: Australia Stuart Dickinson

Round 3

29 February 2008 Hurricanes New Zealand 39 19 New Zealand Chiefs Westpac Stadium, Wellington  
19:35 Tries: Ma'a Nonu, Alby Mathewson, Shannon Paku, Rodney So'oialo, Chris Masoe, Jimmy Gopperth
Con: Jimmy Gopperth (3)
Drop: Tane Tuʻipulotu
Tries: Liam Messam, Stephen Donald, Tanerau Latimer
Con: Stephen Donald (2)
Attendance: 16,913
Referee: New Zealand Bryce Lawrence
29 February 2008 Lions South Africa 16 18 Australia Western Force Ellis Park, Johannesburg  
18:30 Tries: Jaco van Schalkwyk
Con: Louis Strydom
Pen: Louis Strydom (3)
Tries: Cameron Shepherd, Tamaiti Horua
Con: Matt Giteau
Pen: Matt Giteau, Cameron Shepherd
Attendance: 6,051
Referee: New Zealand Kelvin Deaker
29 February 2008 Stormers South Africa 0 22 New Zealand Crusaders Newlands, Cape Town  
20:35 Tries: Andy Ellis, Sean Maitland
Pen: Dan Carter (4)
Attendance: 43,724
Referee: Australia Matt Goddard
1 March 2008 Highlanders New Zealand 12 15 Australia Waratahs Carisbrook, Dunedin  
19:25 Tries: Fetuʻu Vainikolo, Adam Thomson
Con: James Wilson
Pen:
Tries: Ben Jacobs, Wycliff Palu
Con: Kurtley Beale
Pen: Kurtley Beale
Attendance: 10,203
Referee: South Africa JC Fortuin
1 March 2008 Brumbies Australia 43 11 Australia Reds Canberra Stadium, Canberra  
19:40 Tries: Mark Chisholm (2), Mark Gerrard, Ben Alexander, Peter Playford, Stephen Hoiles
Con: Mark Gerrard (5)
Pen: Mark Gerrard
Tries: John Roe,
Pen: Clinton Schifcofske (2)
Attendance: 15,244
Referee: New Zealand Lyndon Bray
1 March 2008 Cheetahs South Africa 26 50 New Zealand Blues Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein  
17:00 Tries: Gavin Passens, JW Jonker, Heinrich Brüssow, Kabamba Floors
Con: Conrad Barnard (2), Meyer Bosman
Tries: Joe Rokocoko (3), Isaia Toeava (2), Rudi Wulf, Anthony Tuitavake
Con: Nick Evans (6)
Pen: Nick Evans
Attendance: 22,984
Referee: Australia Brett Bowden
1 March 2008 Bulls South Africa 15 29 South Africa Sharks Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria  
19:05 Pen: Morné Steyn (4)
Drop: Morné Steyn
Tries: Odwa Ndungane, Frédéric Michalak, Keegan Daniel, Jacques Botes
Con: Rory Kockott (3)
Pen: Rory Kockott
Attendance: 44,978
Referee: South Africa Mark Lawrence

Round 4

7 March 2008 Highlanders New Zealand 6 10 New Zealand Hurricanes Carisbrook, Dunedin  
19:35 Pen: James Wilson (2) Tries: Jerry Collins
Con: Jimmy Gopperth (1)
Pen: Jimmy Gopperth (1)
Attendance: 8,603
Referee: New Zealand Bryce Lawrence
7 March 2008 Waratahs Australia 24 17 Australia Brumbies Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney  
19:40 Tries: Tom Carter, Dean Mumm, Lote Tuqiri
Con: Kurtley Beale (3)
Pen: Kurtley Beale
Tries: Peter Playford, Julian Salvi
Con: Mark Gerrard (2)
Pen: Mark Gerrard
Attendance: 32,371
Referee: Australia James Leckie
7 March 2008 Bulls South Africa 31 17 South Africa Lions Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria  
19:05 Tries: Akona Ndungane (2)
Pen: Derick Hougaard (6)
Drop: Derick Hougaard
Tries: Dusty Noble, Jano Vermaak, Rayno Benjamin
Con: Jano Vermaak
Attendance: 27,461
Referee: South Africa JC Fortuin
8 March 2008 Chiefs New Zealand 22 20 South Africa Cheetahs Waikato Stadium, Hamilton  
19:35 Tries: Brendon Leonard, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Callum Bruce
Con: Stephen Donald (2)
Pen: Stephen Donald
Tries: Eddie Fredericks, Jongi Nokwe
Con: Conrad Barnard (2)
Pen: Conrad Barnard (2)
Attendance: 10,686
Referee: Australia Paul Marks
8 March 2008 Reds Australia 16 34 South Africa Stormers Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane  
19:05 Tries: Chris Latham, Leroy Houston
Drop: Berrick Barnes (2)
Tries: Peter Grant, Luke Watson, Tonderai Chavhanga, Bolla Conradie
Con: Peter Grant (4)
Pen: Peter Grant (2)
Attendance: 17,830
Referee: New Zealand Chris Pollock
8 March 2008 Sharks South Africa 22 17 New Zealand Blues ABSA Stadium, Durban  
19:10 Tries: Keegan Daniel (2), Johann Muller
Con: Rory Kockott (2)
Pen: Rory Kockott
Tries: Nick Evans, Taniela Moa
Con: Nick Evans (2)
Pen: Nick Evans
Attendance: 34,073
Referee: Australia Brett Bowden
9 March 2008 Western Force Australia 24 29 New Zealand Crusaders Subiaco Oval, Perth  
17:00 Tries: David Pocock, Ryan Cross, Richard Brown, Lachlan MacKay
Con: Matt Giteau (2)
Tries: Dan Carter (3), Greg Sommerville, Ali Williams, Andy Ellis, Casey Laulala
Con: Dan Carter (7)
Attendance: 27,011
Referee: South Africa Willie Roos

Round 5

14 March 2008 Chiefs New Zealand 26 35 South Africa Stormers Waikato Stadium, Hamilton  
19:35 Tries: Richard Kahui, Lelia Masaga
Con: Stephen Donald (2)
Pen: Stephen Donald (4)
Tries: Peter Grant, Tonderai Chavhanga(3), Conrad Jantjes, Penalty try
Con: Peter Grant (3)
Pen: Peter Grant (3)
Attendance: 10,002
Referee: Australia Matt Goddard
14 March 2008 Brumbies Australia 15 33 New Zealand Hurricanes Canberra Stadium, Canberra  
19:40 Tries: Julian Salvi, Tyrone Smith
Con: Mark Gerrard
Pen: Mark Gerrard
Tries: Chris Masoe (2), Shannon Paku, Hosea Gear, Andrew Hore
Con: Jimmy Gopperth (3), Willie Ripia
Attendance: 14,308
Referee: South Africa Willie Roos
15 March 2008 Blues New Zealand 17 27 Australia Western Force North Harbour Stadium, Albany  
17:30 Tries: Tony Woodcock, Anthony Tuitavake
Con: Nick Evans, Ben Atiga
Pen: Ben Atiga
Tries: Cameron Shepherd, Richard Brown, Tamaiti Horua
Con: Matt Giteau (3)
Pen: Matt Giteau (2)
Attendance: 13,213
Referee: South Africa Craig Joubert
15 March 2008 Crusaders New Zealand 55 7 South Africa Cheetahs AMI Stadium, Christchurch  
19:35 Tries: Scott Hamilton (3), Casey Laulala (2), Sean Maitland, Dan Carter, Leon MacDonald, Ti'i Paulo, Caleb Ralph
Con: Dan Carter (5)
Pen:
Tries: Jongi Nokwe
Con: Conrad Barnard
Attendance: 15,070
Referee: Australia Paul Marks
15 March 2008 Reds Australia 40 8 South Africa Bulls Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane  
19:05 Tries: Chris Latham, Peter Hynes, Clinton Schifcofske, Morgan Turinui, John Roe
Con: Clinton Schifcofske (3)
Pen: Clinton Schifcofske (3)
Tries: Fourie du Preez
Pen: Derick Hougaard
Attendance: 14,411
Referee: New Zealand Lyndon Bray
15 March 2008 Lions South Africa 8 16 South Africa Sharks Ellis Park, Johannesburg  
17:00 Tries: Franco Van der Merwe
Pen: Jaco van Schalkwyk
Tries: BJ Botha
Con: Rory Kockott
Pen: Rory Kockott (3)
Attendance: 22331
Referee: South Africa Mark Lawrence

Round 6

21 March 2008 Crusaders New Zealand 34 7 Australia Waratahs AMI Stadium, Christchurch  
19:35 Tries: Casey Laulala, Mose Tuiali'i, Wyatt Crockett, Scott Hamilton
Con: Dan Carter (4)
Pen: Dan Carter (2)
Tries: Wycliff Palu
Con: Kurtley Beale
Attendance: 18,000
Referee: Craig Joubert
21 March 2008 Brumbies Australia 29 23 South Africa Cheetahs Canberra Stadium, Canberra  
19:40 Tries: Mark Chisholm, Peter Playford, Tyrone Smith, Mitchell Chapman
Con: Mark Gerrard (3)
Pen: Mark Gerrard
Tries: Jongi Nokwe, Tewis de Bruyn
Con: Conrad Barnard, Jacques-Louis Potgieter
Pen: Conrad Barnard (2), Jacques-Louis Potgieter
Attendance: 14,076
Referee: New Zealand Steve Walsh
22 March 2008 Highlanders New Zealand 28 36 Australia Western Force Queenstown Events Centre Oval, Queenstown  
14:30 Tries: Paul Williams, Aaron Bancroft, Fetuʻu Vainikolo
Con: Daniel Bowden (2)
Pen: Daniel Bowden (3)
Tries: Tom Hockings, Richard Brown, Ryan Cross
Con: Matt Giteau (3)
Pen: Matt Giteau (3), Cameron Shepherd (2)
Attendance: 7,500
Referee: South Africa Mark Lawrence
22 March 2008 Blues New Zealand 17 14 South Africa Stormers Eden Park, Auckland  
17:30 Tries: Danny Lee
Pen: Ben Atiga (4)
Tries: Conrad Jantjes
Pen: Peter Grant (3)
Attendance: 18,511
Referee: Australia Paul Marks
22 March 2008 Chiefs New Zealand 43 27 South Africa Bulls Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua  
19:35 Tries: Brendon Leonard (2), Callum Bruce, Dwayne Sweeney, Lelia Masaga, Liam Messam
Con: Stephen Donald (5)
Pen: Stephen Donald
Tries: Wynand Olivier, Deon Stegmann, Akona Ndungane
Con: Derick Hougaard (3)
Pen: Derick Hougaard
Drop: Derick Hougaard
Attendance: 6,400
Referee: Australia James Leckie
22 March 2008 Lions South Africa 24 24 Australia Reds Ellis Park, Johannesburg  
17:00 Tries: Joe van Niekerk, Rayno Benjamin
Con: Jano Vermaak
Pen: Jano Vermaak (3)
Drop: Jano Vermaak
Tries: Peter Hynes, Rodney Blake, Chris Latham
Con: Clinton Schifcofske (3)
Pen: Clinton Schifcofske
Attendance: 5,221
Referee: New Zealand Bryce Lawrence

Round 7

28 March 2008 Hurricanes New Zealand 13 20 New Zealand Crusaders Westpac Stadium, Wellington  
19:35 Tries: Andrew Hore
Con: Jimmy Gopperth
Pen: Jimmy Gopperth, Piri Weepu
Tries: Corey Flynn, Ali Williams
Con: Dan Carter (2)
Pen: Dan Carter (2)
Attendance: 31,744
Referee: New Zealand Steve Walsh
28 March 2008 Waratahs Australia 23 19 South Africa Cheetahs Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney  
19:40 Tries: Lachlan Turner, Rocky Elsom
Con: Kurtley Beale (2)
Pen: Kurtley Beale (3)
Tries: David de Villiers, Jongi Nokwe, Phillip van der Merwe
Con: Meyer Bosman (2)
Attendance: 20,179
Referee: New Zealand Kelvin Deaker
28 March 2008 Western Force Australia 16 32 South Africa Stormers Subiaco Oval, Perth  
20:00 Tries: Drew Mitchell, Ryan Cross
Pen: Matt Giteau (2)
Tries: Tonderai Chavhanga (2), Jean de Villiers, JD Moller
Con: Peter Grant (3)
Pen: Peter Grant (2)
Attendance: 24,225
Referee: New Zealand Lyndon Bray
29 March 2008 Chiefs New Zealand 39 24 New Zealand Highlanders Waikato Stadium, Hamilton  
17:30 Tries: Brendon Leonard, Liam Messam, Lelia Masaga (2), Stephen Donald, Mils Muliaina
Con: Stephen Donald (3)
Pen: Stephen Donald
Tries: Fetuʻu Vainikolo, Hoani MacDonald (2), Mike Delany
Con: Daniel Bowden (2)
Attendance: 11,495
Referee: Australia Stuart Dickinson
29 March 2008 Blues New Zealand 23 21 South Africa Bulls Eden Park, Auckland  
19:35 Tries: Troy Flavell, Keven Mealamu
Con: Nick Evans (2)
Pen: Nick Evans (2)
Drop: Nick Evans
Tries: Wikus van Heerden (2), Derick Kuun
Con: Derick Hougaard (3)
Attendance: 22,562
Referee: Australia James Leckie
29 March 2008 Sharks South Africa 22 10 Australia Reds ABSA Stadium, Durban  
17:00 Tries: Odwa Ndungane, Stefan Terblanche, Bismarck du Plessis
Con: Ruan Pienaar, Rory Kockott
Drop: Stefan Terblanche
Tries: David Croft
Con: Clinton Schifcofske
Pen: Clinton Schifcofske
Attendance: 41,339
Referee: New Zealand Chris Pollock

Round 8

4 April 2008 Highlanders New Zealand 29 20 South Africa Lions Carisbrook, Dunedin  
19:35 Tries: Paul Williams, Johnny Leota (2), Aaron Bancroft
Con: James Wilson (3)
Pen: James Wilson
Tries: Willem Alberts, Jaco van Schalkwyk, Walter Venter
Con: Jaco van Schalkwyk
Pen: Jaco van Schalkwyk
Attendance: 5,600
Referee: Australia Stuart Dickinson
4 April 2008 Brumbies Australia 28 42 New Zealand Chiefs Canberra Stadium, Canberra  
19:40 Tries: Tyrone Smith, Josh Holmes (2), Peter Playford
Con: Stirling Mortlock (4)
Tries: Sitiveni Sivivatu, Callum Bruce, Stephen Donald (2), Viliame Waqaseduadua, Jamie Nutbrown
Con: Stephen Donald (5), Callum Bruce
Attendance: 14,122
Referee: South Africa Jonathan Kaplan
4 April 2008 Western Force Australia 15 14 South Africa Bulls Subiaco Oval, Perth  
19:45 Tries: Matt Giteau, Ryan Cross
Con: Cameron Shepherd
Pen: Cameron Shepherd
Tries: Bryan Habana (2)
Con: Derick Hougaard (2)
Attendance: 21,161
Referee: New Zealand Steve Walsh
5 April 2008 Hurricanes New Zealand 13 13 South Africa Sharks Westpac Stadium, Wellington  
19:35 Tries: Andrew Hore
Con: Jimmy Gopperth
Pen: Jimmy Gopperth (2)
Tries: Penalty try
Con: François Steyn
Pen: François Steyn, Ruan Pienaar
Attendance: 13,483
Referee: Australia Paul Marks
5 April 2008 Waratahs Australia 37 16 New Zealand Blues Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney  
19:40 Tries: Benn Robinson, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Wycliff Palu, Lote Tuqiri, Dean Mumm
Con: Kurtley Beale (3)
Pen: Kurtley Beale (2)
Tries: Troy Flavell, Benson Stanley
Pen: Nick Evans (2)
Attendance: 26,986
Referee: South Africa Marius Jonker
5 April 2008 Cheetahs South Africa 29 14 Australia Reds Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein  
17:00 Tries: Rory Duncan, Meyer Bosman, Duanne Vermeulen, JW Jonker
Con: Jacques-Louis Potgieter (3)
Drop: Jacques-Louis Potgieter
Tries: Charlie Fetoai, Brando Va'aulu
Con: Clinton Schifcofske (2)
Attendance: 13,000
Referee: New Zealand Bryce Lawrence

Round 9

11 April 2008 Highlanders New Zealand 17 19 South Africa Sharks Carisbrook, Dunedin  
19:35 Tries: Fetuʻu Vainikolo, Clint Newland
Con: James Wilson (2)
Pen: James Wilson
Tries: Jacques Botes, Ryan Kankowski
Pen: Ruan Pienaar (2), François Steyn
Referee: Australia Ian Smith
12 April 2008 Crusaders New Zealand 31 6 South Africa Lions AMI Stadium, Christchurch  
17:30 Tries: Sean Maitland, Ti'i Paulo, Caleb Ralph, Andy Ellis
Con: Hamish Gard (2)
Pen: Hamish Gard (2)
Pen: Chris Jonck (2) Referee: Australia Matt Goddard
12 April 2008 Blues New Zealand 11 16 Australia Brumbies Eden Park, Auckland  
19:35 Tries: Rudi Wulf
Pen: Nick Evans (2)
Tries: Christian Lealiifano
Con: Stirling Mortlock
Pen: Stirling Mortlock (2), Mark Gerrard
Referee: South Africa Jonathan Kaplan
12 April 2008 Western Force Australia 12 17 Australia Waratahs Subiaco Oval, Perth  
19:05 Pen: Matt Giteau, Cameron Shepherd (3) Tries: Rob Horne, Lachlan Turner
Con: Kurtley Beale (2)
Pen: Kurtley Beale
Attendance: 22,287
Referee: Australia Brett Bowden
12 April 2008 Stormers South Africa 34 22 South Africa Cheetahs Newlands, Cape Town  
15:00 Tries: Ricky Januarie, Andries Bekker, Conrad Jantjes, Sireli Naqelevuki (2)
Con: Peter Grant (3)
Pen: Peter Grant
Tries: Heinrich Brüssouw, Conrad Barnard, Richardt Strauss
Con: Conrad Barnard (2)
Pen: Jacques-Louis Potgieter
Attendance: 45,000 (approx.)
Referee: South Africa Mark Lawrence
12 April 2008 Bulls South Africa 22 50 New Zealand Hurricanes Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria  
17:05 Tries: Pierre Spies, Wikus van Heerden, Jaco Engels
Con: Derick Hougaard, Morné Steyn
Pen: Derick Hougaard
Tries: Ma'a Nonu (2), Chris Masoe, Conrad Smith, Hika Elliot, Shannon Paku, Cory Jane
Con: Jimmy Gopperth (5), Piri Weepu
Pen: Jimmy Gopperth
Referee: Australia James Leckie

Round 10

18 April 2008 Chiefs New Zealand 18 5 New Zealand Crusaders Waikato Stadium, Hamilton  
19:35 Tries: Sitiveni Sivivatu, Simms Davison
Con: Stephen Donald
Pen: Stephen Donald (2)
Tries: Andy Ellis Attendance: 25,000
Referee: South Africa Craig Joubert
18 April 2008 Reds Australia 29 12 Australia Western Force Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane  
19:40 Tries: Leroy Houston, Morgan Turinui, Andrew Walker
Con: Clinton Schifcofske
Pen: Clinton Schifcofske (3), Berrick Barnes
Pen: Cameron Shepherd (4) Attendance: 18,084
Referee: Australia Stuart Dickinson
19 April 2008 Waratahs Australia 26 3 South Africa Lions Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney  
17:30 Tries: Phil Waugh, Dean Mumm, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Adam Freier
Con: Kurtley Beale (3)
Pen: Jano Vermaak Attendance: 20,016
Referee: New Zealand Kelvin Deaker
19 April 2008 Brumbies Australia 27 21 South Africa Sharks Canberra Stadium, Canberra  
19:40 Tries: Adam Ashley-Cooper (2), Julian Salvi
Con: Mark Gerrard (3)
Pen: Mark Gerrard (2)
Tries: Ryan Kankowski, François Steyn
Con: Rory Kockott
Pen: Rory Kockott, Ruan Pienaar
Drop: François Steyn
Attendance: 13,874
Referee: New Zealand Bryce Lawrence
19 April 2008 Bulls South Africa 47 17 New Zealand Highlanders Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria  
15:00 Tries: Zane Kirchner (2), Akona Ndungane (2), JP Nel, Pedrie Wannenburg,
Con: Morné Steyn (4)
Pen: Morné Steyn (3)
Tries: Chris King, Tom Donnelly
Con: James Wilson (2)
Pen: James Wilson
Attendance: 12,988
Referee: Australia Paul Marks
19 April 2008 Stormers South Africa 20 12 New Zealand Hurricanes Newlands, Cape Town  
17:05 Tries: Andries Bekker, Schalk Brits
Con: Peter Grant (2)
Pen: Peter Grant (2)
Tries: Hosea Gear, Conrad Smith
Con: Jimmy Gopperth
Attendance: 43,984
Referee: Australia James Leckie

Round 11

25 April 2008 Crusaders New Zealand 26 22 New Zealand Blues AMI Stadium, Christchurch  
19:35 Tries: Corey Flynn (2), Richie McCaw, Ti’i Paulo
Con: Stephen Brett (3)
Referee: New Zealand Lyndon Bray
25 April 2008 Brumbies Australia 28 21 South Africa Lions Canberra Stadium, Canberra  
19:40 Tries: Stirling Mortlock, Mark Gerrard, Christian Lealiifano
Con: Stirling Mortlock, Mark Gerrard
Pen: Stirling Mortlock (2), Mark Gerrard
Tries: Cobus Grobbelaar, Earl Rose (2)
Con: Earl Rose (3)
Attendance: 14,078
Referee: New Zealand Kelvin Deaker
26 April 2008 Chiefs New Zealand 32 20 Australia Reds Waikato Stadium, Hamilton  
19:35 Tries: Lelia Masaga (2), Stephen Donald, Sione Lauaki
Con: Stephen Donald (3)
Pen: Stephen Donald (2)
Tries: Morgan Turinui (2), Digby Ioane
Con: Clinton Schifcofske
Drop: Berrick Barnes
Referee: South Africa Craig Joubert
26 April 2008 Waratahs Australia 25 10 South Africa Sharks Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney  
19:40 Tries: Wycliff Palu (2), Sam Norton-Knight, Tom Carter
Con: Kurtley Beale
Pen: Lote Tuqiri
Tries: Odwa Ndungane
Con: Rory Kockott
Pen: François Steyn
Attendance: 26,402
Referee: New Zealand Steve Walsh
26 April 2008 Cheetahs South Africa 10 38 New Zealand Hurricanes GWK Park, Kimberley  
15:00 Tries: Jongi Nokwe
Con: Conrad Barnard
Pen: Conrad Barnard
Tries: Jason Eaton, Rodney So'oialo, Ma'a Nonu, Zac Guildford, Cory Jane, Scott Waldrom
Con: Piri Weepu (3), Willie Ripia
Referee: Australia Ian Smith
26 April 2008 Stormers South Africa 26 16 New Zealand Highlanders Newlands, Cape Town  
17:05 Tries: Tiaan Liebenberg, Schalk Brits
Con: Peter Grant (2),
Pen: Tony Brown (3), Peter Grant
Tries: Fetuʻu Vainikolo
Con: Blair Stewart
Pen: Mike Delany (3)
Attendance: 41,000 (approx.)
Referee: Australia James Leckie

Round 12

2 May 2008 Crusaders New Zealand 18 10 South Africa Sharks AMI Stadium, Christchurch  
19:35 Tries: Greg Somerville, Wyatt Crockett
Con: Stephen Brett
Pen: Stephen Brett (2)
Tries: Ryan Kankowski
Con: Rory Kockott
Pen: Rory Kockott
Attendance: 16,000
Referee: Australia Stuart Dickinson
2 May 2008 Reds Australia 22 35 New Zealand Blues Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane  
19:35 Tries: David Croft, Van Humphries, Peter Hynes
Con: Clinton Schifcofske (2)
Pen: Clinton Schifcofske
Tries: Jerome Kaino, Isa Nacewa, Kurtis Haiu, Taniela Moa
Con: Nick Evans (3)
Pen: Nick Evans (2)
Attendance: 15,732
Referee: South Africa Marius Jonker
2 May 2008 Cheetahs South Africa 28 31 New Zealand Highlanders Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein  
19:10 Tries: JW Jonker, Duanne Vermeulen, Hendro Scholtz, Rory Duncan
Con: Conrad Barnard (2), Meyer Bosman (2)
Tries: Aaron Bancroft (2), Adam Thomson
Con: Mike Delany (2)
Pen: Mike Delany (4)
Attendance: 13,491
Referee: Australia Paul Marks
3 May 2008 Hurricanes New Zealand 38 12 South Africa Lions Westpac Stadium, Wellington  
19:35 Tries: Zac Guildford, Andrew Hore, Ma'a Nonu (2), Scott Waldrom
Con: Willie Ripia, Jimmy Gopperth
Pen: Willie Ripia (3)
Tries: Willie Wepener, Jannie Boshoff
Con: Earl Rose
Attendance: 13,986[3]
Referee: Australia Matt Goddard
3 May 2008 Western Force Australia 22 21 New Zealand Chiefs Subiaco Oval, Perth  
19:05 Tries: Matt Hodgson, Drew Mitchell, James Stannard
Con: Matt Giteau (2)
Pen: Matt Giteau
Tries: Lelia Masaga, Stephen Donald
Con: Stephen Donald
Pen: Stephen Donald (2)
Drop: Callum Bruce
Attendance: 21,549
Referee: South Africa Marius Jonker
3 May 2008 Bulls South Africa 16 13 Australia Waratahs Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria  
15:00 Tries: Derick Kuun
Con: Morné Steyn
Pen: Morné Steyn
Drop: Morné Steyn, Derick Hougaard
Tries: Rob Horne
Con: Kurtley Beale
Pen: Kurtley Beale
Drop: Kurtley Beale
Attendance: 12,410
Referee: Lyndon Bray
3 May 2008 Stormers South Africa 20 10 Australia Brumbies Newlands, Cape Town  
17:05 Tries: Jean de Villiers, Penalty try
Con: Peter Grant (2)
Pen: Peter Grant (2)
Tries: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Peter Kimlin Attendance: 44,539
Referee: New Zealand Steve Walsh

Round 13

9 May 2008 Hurricanes New Zealand 21 10 Australia Western Force Westpac Stadium, Wellington  
19:35 Tries: Andrew Hore, Hosea Gear
Con: Piri Weepu
Pen: Piri Weepu (3)
Tries: Cameron Shepherd
Con: Matt Giteau
Pen: Matt Giteau
Attendance: 16,899
Referee: South Africa Jonathan Kaplan
9 May 2008 Bulls South Africa 28 17 Australia Brumbies Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria  
19:10 Tries: JP Nel, Wikus van Heerden, Wynand Olivier
Con: Morné Steyn (2)
Pen: Morné Steyn (3)
Tries: Alister Campbell, Peter Kimlin
Con: Stirling Mortlock (2)
Pen: Stirling Mortlock
Attendance: 19,544
Referee: New Zealand Steve Walsh
10 May 2008 Highlanders New Zealand 15 40 New Zealand Blues Carisbrook, Dunedin  
19:35 Tries: Aaron Bancroft, Adam Thomson
Con: Mike Delany
Pen: Mike Delany
Tries: Nick Evans (2), Rudi Wulf, Anthony Tuitavake, David Smith
Con: Nick Evans (2), Ben Atiga
Pen: Nick Evans (3)
Attendance: 8,500
Referee: Chris Pollock
10 May 2008 Reds Australia 21 27 New Zealand Crusaders Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane  
19:40 Tries: James Horwill, Peter Hynes, Quade Cooper
Con: Clinton Schifcofske (3)
Tries: Kieran Read , Kade Poki, Ali Williams, Dan Carter
Con: Dan Carter (6)
Pen: Stephen Brett
Attendance: 21,768
Referee: South Africa Mark Lawrence
10 May 2008 Sharks South Africa 33 14 South Africa Cheetahs ABSA Stadium, Durban  
15:00 Tries: Jacques Botes (3), Odwa Ndungane (2)
Con: Rory Kockott (4)
Tries: Tewis De Bruyn, Meyer Bosman
Con: Conrad Barnard, Tewis De Bruyn
Attendance: 24,850
Referee: South Africa Willie Roos
10 May 2008 Lions South Africa 33 27 New Zealand Chiefs Ellis Park, Johannesburg  
17:05 Tries: Chris Jonck, Willem Alberts, Cobus Grobbelaar
Con: Earl Rose (3)
Pen: Earl Rose (4)
Tries: Aled de Malmanche, Lelia Masaga, Mils Muliaina
Con: Stephen Donald (3)
Pen: Stephen Donald (2)
Attendance: 4,500
Referee: Australia Stuart Dickinson
10 May 2008 Stormers South Africa 13 13 Australia Waratahs Newlands, Cape Town  
19:10 Tries: Sireli Naqelevuki, Wylie Human
Pen: Tony Brown
Tries: Lote Tuqiri
Con: Kurtley Beale
Pen: Kurtley Beale (2)
Attendance: 45,712
Referee: New Zealand Lyndon Bray

Round 14

16 May 2008 Blues New Zealand 19 17 New Zealand Hurricanes Eden Park, Auckland  
19:35 Tries: Anthony Boric
Con: Nick Evans
Pen: Nick Evans (4)
Tries: Hosea Gear (2)
Con: Piri Weepu (2)
Pen: Piri Weepu
Attendance: 37,352
Referee: New Zealand Bryce Lawrence
16 May 2008 Western Force Australia 29 22 Australia Brumbies Subiaco Oval, Perth  
19:05 Tries: James O'Connor, Josh Tatupu, Matt Giteau, Chris O'Young
Con: Matt Giteau (3)
Pen: Matt Giteau
Tries: Francis Fainifo (2), Mark Gerrard, Adam Ashley-Cooper
Con: Stirling Mortlock
Attendance: 21,350
Referee: Australia Nathan Pearce
17 May 2008 Crusaders New Zealand 14 26 New Zealand Highlanders AMI Stadium, Christchurch  
19:35 Tries: Corey Flynn (4)
Pen: Dan Carter (6)
Tries: Paul Williams, Toby Morland, Adam Thomson
Con: Mike Delany
Pen: Mike Delany (3)
Referee: New Zealand Keith Brown
17 May 2008 Reds Australia 11 18 Australia Waratahs Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane  
19:40 Tries: Peter Hynes
Pen: Clinton Schifcofske (2)
Tries: Dean Mumm, Wycliff Palu
Con: Kurtley Beale
Pen: Kurtley Beale (2)
Attendance: 27,688
Referee: Matt Goddard
17 May 2008 Lions South Africa 13 22 South Africa Stormers Ellis Park, Johannesburg  
15:00 Tries: Earl Rose, Jannie Boshoff
Pen: Earl Rose
Tries: Jean de Villiers, Sireli Naqelevuki, Robbie Diack
Con: Peter Grant (2)
Pen: Peter Grant
Referee: South Africa Marius Jonker
17 May 2008 Cheetahs South Africa 20 60 South Africa Bulls Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein  
17:05 Tries: JW Jonker, Jongi Nokwe
Con: Tewis de Bruyn
Pen: Tewis de Bruyn
Tries: Akona Ndungane (2), Pierre Spies, Bryan Habana (2), Morné Steyn, Zane Kirchner
Con: Morné Steyn (7)
Pen: Morné Steyn
Referee: South Africa Phillip Bosch
17 May 2008 Sharks South Africa 47 25 New Zealand Chiefs ABSA Stadium, Durban  
19:10 Tries: Ruan Pienaar, Adrian Jacobs, Bismarck du Plessis, Steven Sykes, Ryan Kankowski (2), Odwa Ndungane
Con: Rory Kockott (6)
Tries: Faifili Levave, Mils Muliaina, Viliame Waqaseduadua
Con: Stephen Donald (2)
Pen: Stephen Donald
Referee: Australia Stuart Dickinson

Finals

Semi finals

24 May 2008 Crusaders New Zealand 33 22 New Zealand Hurricanes AMI Stadium, Christchurch  
19:35 Tries: Leon MacDonald (2), Kieran Read
Con: Dan Carter (3)
Pen: Dan Carter (4)
Tries: Zac Guildford, Jeremy Thrush, Neemia Tialata
Con: Jimmy Gopperth, Jerry Collins
Pen: Piri Weepu
Attendance: 18,000
Referee: Australia Stuart Dickinson
24 May 2008 Waratahs Australia 28 13 South Africa Sharks Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney  
20:00 Tries: Lote Tuqiri, Rob Horne, Kurtley Beale, Luke Burgess
Con: Kurtley Beale
Pen: Kurtley Beale
Drop: Kurtley Beale
Tries: Craig Burden
Con: Rory Kockott
Pen: Ruan Pienaar
Drop: Ruan Pienaar
Attendance: 37,378
Referee: New Zealand Bryce Lawrence

Grand final

The final of the 2008 Super 14 season took place on 31 May 2008 at AMI Stadium in Christchurch, New Zealand. The match was hosted by the Crusaders who defeated the New South Wales Waratahs by 20 points to 12.

The match

First half

The Crusaders scored the first points of the game when fly-half Dan Carter kicked a penalty in the fourth minute, giving the Crusaders a 30 lead.[4] The Waratahs scored their first points of the match when Kurtley Beale kicked the ball across field, and Waratah's winger Lachlan Turner caught the ball to score a try.[5] The attempted conversion by Beale was unsuccessful, leaving the Waratahs with a 5-3 lead.

The next score occurred in the 25th minute when Waratahs flanker Phil Waugh intercepted a pass from Dan Carter. Waugh passed to Turner who chipped the ball and then collected to score his second try. Beale's conversion was successful and the Waratahs extended their lead to 123.[5] Carter kicked a penalty in the 32nd minute to reduce the Waratahs lead to 126.[6] The final score before half time came in the 38th minute when Crusaders No. 8 Mose Tuiali'i scored in the right hand corner.[5] Carter's conversion was unsuccessful, and the half ended with the Waratahs leading by 12 points to 11.[6]

Second half

In the 46th minute the Crusaders took the lead again by 14 points to 12 via a Dan Carter penalty.[4] The Crusaders looked to have scored their second try in the 56th minute when prop Wyatt Crockett landed on a loose ball in the Waratahs in-goal area, but play was taken back 60 metres after touch judge Cobus Wessels reported that Crusaders lock Brad Thorn had thrown a punch. The try was disallowed and the Crusaders penalised. Thorn was given a yellow card and sent to the sin bin for ten minutes.[5]

Despite having an extra man for the next ten minutes, the Waratahs were unable to score,[4] and were further hampered by the loss of Kurtley Beale to injury. In the 70th minute Carter kicked a drop-goal to take the Crusaders lead to 1712, and four minutes later kicked a penalty to further extend the lead to 2012. With only minutes remaining Crusaders winger Scott Hamilton dropped the ball only metres from the Waratahs try-line. The score remained at 20-12, and the Crusaders won their seventh Super rugby title.[5]

Match details

31 May 2008 Crusaders New Zealand 20 12 Australia Waratahs AMI Stadium, Christchurch  
19:35 Tries: Tuiali'i
Pen: Carter (4)
Drop: Carter
(Report) Tries: Turner (2)
Con: Beale
Attendance: 26,000
Referee: South Africa Mark Lawrence
Crusaders:
FB15Leon MacDonald
RW14Kade Poki
CT13Casey Laulala
SF12Tim Bateman
LW11Scott Hamilton
FF10Dan Carter
HB9Andy Ellis
N88Mose Tuiali'i
OF7Richie McCaw
BF6Kieran Read
RL5Ali Williams
LL4Brad Thorn
TP3Greg Somerville
HK2Ti’i Paulo
LP1Wyatt Crockett
Substitutes:
HK16Steve Fualau
LP17Ben Franks
RL18Reuben Thorne
N819Nasi Manu
HB20Kahn Fotuali'i
FF21Stephen Brett
RW22Sean Maitland
Coach:
New Zealand Robbie Deans
Waratahs:
FB15Sam Norton-Knight
RW14Lachlan Turner
CT13Rob Horne
SF12Tom Carter
LW11Lote Tuqiri
FF10Kurtley Beale
HB9Luke Burgess
N88Wycliff Palu
OF7Phil Waugh
BF6Rocky Elsom
RL5Dean Mumm
LL4Dan Vickerman
TP3Al Baxter
HK2Tatafu Polota-Nau
LP1Benn Robinson
Substitutions:
HK16Adam Freier
LP17Matt Dunning
RL18Will Caldwell
N819Beau Robinson
HB20Brett Sheehan
FF21Matthew Carraro
FB22Timana Tahu
Coach:
Australia Ewen McKenzie

Touch judges:
South Africa Craig Joubert
South Africa Cobus Wessels
Television match official:
South Africa Shaun Veldsman

Player statistics

Leading try scorers

Top 3 try scorers (Stats)
Pos Name Tries Pld Team
1 Lelia Masaga 811Chiefs
2 Ma'a Nonu 711Hurricanes
3 Fetuʻu Vainikolo 610Highlanders
Stephen Donald 611Chiefs
5 Jacques Botes 614Sharks
Odwa Ndungane 613Sharks
7 Ryan Kankowski 514Sharks
John Roe 59Reds
Peter Hynes 513Reds
Andy Ellis 58Crusaders
Akona Ndungane 58Bulls
Jongi Nokwe 510Cheetahs
Wycliff Palu 510Waratahs
Andrew Hore 511Hurricanes
Dan Carter 511Crusaders

Leading point scorers

Top 3 overall point scorers (Stats)
Pos Name Points Pld Team
1 Stephen Donald 143 (6T, 28C, 19P)12Chiefs
2 Nick Evans 136 (4T, 22C, 23P)11Blues
3 Dan Carter 112 (5T, 24C, 13P)8Crusaders

Attendances

TeamMain StadiumCapacityTotal AttendanceAverage Attendance % Capacity
New Zealand BluesEden Park50,000
New Zealand ChiefsWaikato Stadium25,800
New Zealand HurricanesWestpac Stadium34,500
New Zealand CrusadersJade Stadium36,500
New Zealand HighlandersCarisbrook29,000
Australia RedsSuncorp Stadium52,500
Australia BrumbiesCanberra Stadium25,011
Australia Western ForceSubiaco Oval43,500
Australia WaratahsSydney Football Stadium44,000
South Africa SharksABSA Stadium52,000
South Africa BullsLoftus Versfeld51,762
South Africa LionsEllis Park62,567
South Africa CheetahsFree State Stadium46,000
South Africa StormersNewlands Stadium51,900

References

  1. Geenty, Mark (4 December 2008). "Rule changes to 'supercharge Super 14'". nzherald.co.nz. Retrieved 5 December 2008.
  2. "SANZAR embrace ELVs for S14". planetrugby.com. 4 December 2008. Archived from the original on 3 November 2008. Retrieved 5 December 2008.
  3. "Canes circle calendar after win over Lions". stuff.co.nz. 3 May 2008. Archived from the original on 5 June 2008. Retrieved 3 May 2008.
  4. "Crusaders win Super 14". sarugby.com. 31 May 2008. Archived from the original on 2 June 2008. Retrieved 1 June 2008.
  5. Gilhooly, Daniel (31 May 2008). "Crusaders send Robbie off in style". nzherald.co.nz. Retrieved 1 June 2008.
  6. "Crusaders (20) vs Waratahs (12) 74 mins". sarugby.com. 31 May 2008. Archived from the original on 4 June 2008. Retrieved 1 June 2008.
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