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Monday Musings: Gorilla Wah-fare, the polarising Blues & how far can Moana go?
Alex Chapman • May 5th, 2025 2:30 pm
Photo: Photosport
Mornings co-host Alex Chapman runs his rule over the weekend of sport - and then some.
METCALF MAGIC AT MAGIC ROUND
When the fulltime whistle blew in Brisbane, the Warriors’ faithful’s emotions were perfectly encapsulated in the reaction of Andrew Webster.
The Wahs coach very quickly went from elation to exhalation, with the clear relief of ‘what on earth just happened?’.
And that’s probably a fair question. After all, it’s one that many were wondering after, in the pouring rain, they almost let the game slip.
Yes, they still won, and yes, they did so with players in different positions. And while that can certainly be celebrated, it’s not about ticker or grit, it’s about the lessons and growth. As Webster said in his post-match press conference “my emotions are in need a heart transplant”.
Off the back of their best half of the season, the Warriors right edge was clearly targeted in the second half as the ‘visitors’ (how about it being an away game for the Queensland side?) ran in three unanswered tries in seven minutes. And it could’ve been four in 10, if not for the desperation of Luke Metcalf, which halted the charging Cowboys momentum.
And how about Luke Metcalf? Wow.
When the half kicked the golden-point-winning penalty against the Broncos a fortnight ago, many pontificated it could have been the turning point for his confidence.
Well, if his playmaking, scoring and determined defence are anything to go by, it could well be. His first season of being handed the keys is becoming a smoother and - at times - thrilling ride, after what was initially a bumpy start.
It’s tough to argue with third on the ladder, and with three of their next four games against sides outside the top eight, the Warriors could start to solidify themselves in the top four.
ARE THE BLUES GOOD?
Honestly, does anyone know the answer to this question? Obviously, yes, they are good, they’re professional footy players. But are they a playoff team?
There were moments of brilliance in that win over the Western Force, but in a week where their coach Vern Cotter had called them out for a lack of hunger, his side left the second half to be both the main course and dessert.
In the end, though, the underwhelming 40-19 win was secured with only 39 percent possession and lifted them, albeit briefly, into the top six.
Blues players celebrate a try | Photo: Photosport
At times their attack looked lacklustre. But their second-man play, led by Beauden Barrett’s three try assists, was arguably the difference maker. The All Blacks first-five played maestro for the Blues second try, as he held up the ball in time with the Force defence rushed up, before a quick dummy and then big heave to the left wing. He also exhibited strong awareness of both movement momentum and subsequent space for their fourth try, lining up a cross-field kick to the right wing, after several plays left of the breakdown and with the Force drifting across.
Led by the returning Dalton Papali’i, the Blues’ breakdown play in particular improved, while their scrummaging was dominant.
But as Cotter later commented, they’d made it hard for themselves across the park and it’s left a lot to deliberate for the defending champions, including who should kick (or in this case, not) kick the ball into touch.
MORE MOANA PLEASE
Moana Pasifika made sure that the Blues stay in the top-six was short-lived, as they continued their ascent and ensured the Highlanders continued their slip with their seventh loss in their last eight games.
Moana aren’t perfect. Their defence still leaves a lot to be desired (as shown by a couple of easy Highlanders tries), their breakdown clearly needs work (losing 11 rucks on Sunday) and they’re ill-disciplined (pinged 18 times).
But they’re a fun team to watch. They bring smiles to faces with both their results but also their style of play. And them winning, well, we know what impact winning teams can have on supporters and wider community. Add to that, they have perhaps the best player in the competition/country at the moment in Ardie Savea.
It’s a tough run home for Moana; hosting the Blues on Friday before trips to the Chiefs and Hurricanes. But the signs are positive and they’re comfortably outperforming their previous two seasons.
On a sidenote of the Chiefs and Hurricanes did anyone pick that? Was it the absence of Damian McKenzie and Anton Lienert-Brown for the visitors or just that the ‘Canes timing their run perfectly (unlike last season) towards the playoffs.
Either way, Hurricanes fans will Love what they’re seeing. Not even apologising for that pun, while Billy Proctor continues to impress after his long layoff and was particularly imposing on defense with 16 tackles, as well as that pass for Bailyn Sullivan’s first of four tries. He could well now be in the All Blacks starting midfield.
They now head into the bye week beaming with confidence across the park. As for the Chiefs, they’ll still make the playoffs, but with two losses in their last four games, they have plenty to ponder ahead of heading to Christchurch this week.
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FAREWELL, PHOENIX
Honestly, I think the least said about the Wellington Phoenix, the better for everyone.
Their position on the A-League stage has not only been taken by Auckland FC, but their domestic rivals are now in the spotlight, consigning them to barely being on the wings. And I don’t mean the football position.
To close out the A-League season with consecutive losses to two teams below them (including the cellar-dwelling Glory) and gave up as many shots as they did (52, 19 of which were on target), leaves them with a lot of questions and probably a fair few concerns heading into the off-season.
We’ll leave it there and hopefully for the sake of the club, and the rivalry with the Black Knights, they can find some sort of white knight.
MAN VS GORILLA
Some form of a debate among mates (often at the pub) since Noah piled a couple of them into the ark, the 100 men vs one gorilla debate has reignited.
If you aren’t across it, a debate initially raised on Reddit, has since resurfaced on X (formerly Twitter) over whether 100 men could take down a gorilla. As I say, these sorts of discussions which are raised into heated discussions seem to be a tale as old as time.
At Newshub, we used to have similar sorts of chats, the perhaps most emotionally charged one was “how many prime Tom Cruise’s would it take to take down prime Mike Tyson?” Regardless of how many Tom Cruises or gorillas you may be hypothesising, it’s pretty clear that all involved would have to approach it with serious commitment and at once.
It has got me thinking though, and here’s one to consider – what position would a gorilla play in rugby? I’m going for off the back of the scrum; unstoppable.
Enjoy the NBA playoffs, up the Wolves.
Catch Alex Chapman on Sport Nation Mornings, every Thursday & Friday from 9am-12pm.
