Super Rugby (The NFL of rugby union) kicks off this weekend

[bulls23]

My favourite niche sports is Rugby Union. I lived in New Zealand for a couple of years and learned to appreciate this underrated sport. Super Rugby is the NFL of Southern Hemisphere rugby.

Fifteen teams compete, five each from Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand. Just like the NFL there are division chamnpions and wild card teams that make the playoffs.

Right now I'm watching the defending champion Chiefs from Hamilton, New Zealand play another title favourite, the Crusaders from Christchurch, NZ. Even though these guys are from the same country and a lot of them play on the All Blacks (NZ's national team), they are knocking each other around. Both teams already have a yellow card at the half

Thought you guys might want to have a look.

DirecTV has free coverage on ch 490 and 490-1 (HD). Also you can catch most matches 48 hours after they air on various youtube searches.

http://www.sbnation.com/2014/2/19/54199 ... w-to-watch

Great video: What is rugby? from videogame Rugby Challenge http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6k5bGuSvSKI

[tjung0831]

I'm a big fan of the Super Rugby...been following it for several years now. It actually opened last weekend with a couple of games, Cheetahs and Lions, Sharks and Bulls. I record all the games but don't really follow a particular team. I do like watching Ma'a Nonu though who's playing for the Blues this year. Love that we get all the games though in HD....it's pretty cool.

[bulls23]

I try and catch all the NZ teams' games, but like you don't have a one team rooting interest. It's amazing how the kiwis beat up on each other, the NZ teams seem to play the most aggressive no matter what. I also appreciate the speed and finesse of the South African teams. They can win a game sometimes only with their kicking prowess.

[fsquid]

Brumbies bitches although Mogg couln't hit a penalty last weekend.

[Feanor]

The Hurricanes will never ever win Super Rugby, so not being able to see the games doesn't bother me too much. They are the Bengals or Eagles of southern-hemisphere rugby.