It’s time true Tahs supporters unite
Roar Pro
By chester, 15 Mar 2010 The Crowd is a Roar Pro
- Tagged:
- Brumbies, Lions, Rugby Union, Super Rugby, Waratahs
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As I write this I feel feel pride at Friday night’s result. The Waratahs absolutely caned the Lions. The fans demanded running rugby and running rugby they received.
One would assume that that would stop the endless criticism but unfortunately, no.
Despite the fact the the Real Madrid of Australian rugby (the Brumbies) only just managed to beat the Sharks on Saturday and the Lions last weekend, whilst the Tahs comprehensively smashed the Lions and beat the Sharks, the media still can not bring itself to give credit where credit is due.
The team were clearly jetlagged last week. The Brumbies vs Lions game and the Chiefs loss to the Reds showed the massive challenge a return from South Africa presents in the following week. The Sharks travelled from New Zealand whilst the Tahs travelled from altitude in SA to home for a so-called home ground advantage. The Sharks have 14 Springboks and are a quality side with internal problems. But this wasn’t acknowledged and the press and fans only followed up with negative comments.
It seems baiting the Tahs has become a national sport. It is a disgrace I can no longer stand by.
Every week, fans constantly slate the Tahs. They called for the players to run the ball and Friday they delivered with the highest ever Tahs score. Will this keep the doubters quiet?
I don’t think so.
I strongly concur with Andrew Logan’s article. Most fans believe they have a right to criticise whilst showing no commitment to their side.
My brother has been a Waratah for the past five years. I have proudly followed the team for the past five years. I witnessed first hand their loss in the 2008 final in Christchurch. The team were gutted.
Few people realise the commitment that the players and coaches put in. My brother has left Christmas day with our family to train for the upcoming season.
But every week of the Super 14 season they have to endure the fickle so-called Tahs “fans”.
The Tahs started the season slowly with a win against the Reds which is looking better and better as the season progresses followed by a poor showing against the Stormers. Spiro Zavos wrote in a column that the Tahs had failed to adapt to the new rule changes (and rightly so).
The coaches made some astute changes and the following week against the Bulls they were up against it. They faced arguably the toughest task in world sport – playing the defending Super 14 champions at altitude in Pretoria.
What followed was a fantastic game of rugby. They almost pulled it off. After the game the crowd gave the visiting team a standing ovation. Victor Matfield spoke to the Tahs players after the game as said that no home crowd in Pretoria had ever cheered an away team after the game.
The frustration of fans is palpable but it is not the players’ fault. The number of rule changes that the players have had to adapt to over the past few years is immense.
The ELVs, whilst well conceived, categorically failed to deliver the open rugby intended. Players where expected to run up to 14 kms per game whilst maintain a physical game. AFL ruck rovers weighing 70-80kgs struggle to keep up this pace.
Teams such as the Bulls worked out early on that the rules penalised teams in possession. It was was far better to play field position and wait for an opposition mistake.
The new rules encourage running rugby. It is harder to turn the ball over and penalties result in tries as well as goals.
The Tahs have shown their intent to entertain. They will continue to improve over the coming season. For all the true supporters, stay true.
My message is simple. If you support the Tahs, start showing support, not at home but in person. If you don’t, bugger off and find other ways to pass your time other than criticise a team you clearly don’t support.
This team is full of promise and I believe the next few years will be prosperous for those who stay true.
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LeftArmSpinner said | March 15th 2010 @ 7:00am | Report comment
chester, enjoy it while you can. Personally, I think you are getting ahead of yourself. But, go for it………………….
eric said | March 15th 2010 @ 9:08am | Report comment
Heart on sleeve stuff, Chester, fair enough, but the Tahs have deserved every criticism thrown at them for the crap they have dished up until now. And, to call the Brumbies Real Madrid!! Spare me, Tahs have bought plenty of players from elsewhere, Barnes & Mitchell this year for starters, and back to Rogers, Sailor, Tuquiri et al in recent years.
However, I will say, they are now worth watching, and the Brumbies have lost a bit of zest.
Good luck.
Chester said | March 15th 2010 @ 9:18am | Report comment
Eric
The “Real Madrid” Brumbies was not a phrase I coined but was coined by the media earlier this year. I agree that the Brumbies are under performing especuially considering the players they have and the lack of injuries they have had this season. It is interesting that no one and is criticising their performances especially against the Lions, where they couldn’t even get a bonus point.
Brett McKay said | March 15th 2010 @ 9:44am | Report comment
Chester, you said it yourself, of “the massive challenge a return from South Africa presents in the following week.” yet you’re now trying to sink the boot into the Brumbies for not putting the Lions away last week, their first week back in the country?? And it was a game played in rain for about 68 of the 80 minutes. What’s more the Brumbies bombed at least two certain tries against the Lions, so it’s not as if they weren’t attempting to cross the stripe, which contrasts the picture you’re painting with “no one … is criticising their performances especially against the Lions, where they couldn’t even get a bonus point.”
Anyway, the Waratahs were impressive on Friday night, for sure, and for that they certainly deserve congratulations for the performance.
The Brumbies on Saturday night played well enough to beat a much improved Sharks, who are a way better team than they were in week 1, and certainly better than their 0 and 5 record suggests.
Chester said | March 15th 2010 @ 10:13am | Report comment
Brett
I suppose my point is more that the Brumbies seem to be portrayed in a more positive light than the Tahs. The Sydney media in particular seems to take joy when the Tahs lose and fail to congratulate the team when they perform well. I am sure the press in Canberra and Brisbane will be right behind their teams this morning. Whilst the Tahs have played an unattractive style in the past, they are showing signs of turning this around this season. How long will the critics dwell in the past. Also another point i didn’t raise was the effect that constant criticism of the Tahs has on rugby in general. We are fighting a war against AFL, soccer and league and in terms of crowd numbers and TV numbers- we are losing. We need the Tahs to be successful, for Australian rugby to be successful. We also need the Reds and Brumbies and the Force to be successful also. May commentators and journalists fail to realise this and one eyed opinions cloud their judgment.
When the only comments you read in the Daily Telegraph ( a bastion for league) is that the Tahs are being booed at home by there own fans- I don’t think that helps the game of rugby at all
Chester said | March 15th 2010 @ 10:13am | Report comment
Brett
I suppose my point is more that the Brumbies seem to be portrayed in a more positive light than the Tahs. The Sydney media in particular seems to take joy when the Tahs lose and fail to congratulate the team when they perform well. I am sure the press in Canberra and Brisbane will be right behind their teams this morning. Whilst the Tahs have played an unattractive style in the past, they are showing signs of turning this around this season. How long will the critics dwell in the past. Also another point i didn’t raise was the effect that constant criticism of the Tahs has on rugby in general. We are fighting a war against AFL, soccer and league and in terms of crowd numbers and TV numbers- we are losing. We need the Tahs to be successful, for Australian rugby to be successful. We also need the Reds and Brumbies and the Force to be successful also. May commentators and journalists fail to realise this and one eyed opinions cloud their judgement.
When the only comments you read in the Daily Telegraph ( a bastion for league) is that the Tahs are being booed at home by there own fans- I don’t think that helps the game of rugby at all
Brett McKay said | March 15th 2010 @ 11:46am | Report comment
I guess that’s true Chester, though for a time Brumby-bashing was a bit of a Sport for the Sydney media. Obviously, Tah-bashing takes precedence…
Completely agree with you on the tone of reporting though, and that was certainly the point of Andrew Logan’s piece last week. I think we all know that being negative and critical is counter-productive. Well, most of us do…
Empire said | March 15th 2010 @ 9:50am | Report comment
The lions v Brumbies game was a wash out – ridiculously wet. The lions were able to defend a forward based game effectively, with special mention to Todd Clever who was awesome.
Comparing the tahs game to that isn’t really being objective.
Brumbies beat a springbok laden side without any real exertion – hopefully when the tahs and brumbies play they’ll be out of 3rd gear..
Big Steve said | March 15th 2010 @ 11:37am | Report comment
Empire your last line seems to be the key ” without any real exertion”. Those are my thoughts every time I see them play. The tahs showed last years wins are not good enough. When are the Brumbies going to really have a go at a team? What are they waiting for? It really is starting to look like the tahs of 09, who didnt really have a go to the last few weeks and fell short by 1 try.
Which is chesters point. The brumbies are doing just enough to win games and no one seems to mind.
Empire said | March 15th 2010 @ 11:14am | Report comment
I agree with the sentiments expressed regarding the daily telegraph. It’s a pretty poor gossip paper – merely a promotional piece for the NRL.
In short, if you like rugby, don’t bother with the telegraph, try the Australian or the herald!
Once news Corp pulls out of NRL ownership due to the independent commission, you may see a return of balance in sports coverage for ALL sports.
The Canberra times is very positive on the Brumbies, but also on every other team representing the area – interestingly, it’s owned by the same mob? Perhaps the code war isn’t the same down here?
Agreeing with ‘the crowds’ point – it’s a big commitment to be a professional player! The rugby guys especially spend a long time overseas each year, which can be tough on familys.
Brett McKay said | March 15th 2010 @ 11:50am | Report comment
Empire, the Canberra Times is actually part of Rural Press, which in turn is owned fully by the Fairfax group. No links to News Ltd at all….
But agree that the balance of reporting is pretty positive for all local teams. They love the Capitals…
Chester said | March 15th 2010 @ 12:46pm | Report comment
I also believe rugby fans are sick of the one eyed negative views of the Fox Rugby commentary team. Rod Kafer is insightful and obviously knows what it takes to win games at a Super 14 and Testlevel. Other commentators are appalling in particular Greg Martin. As viewer numbers are falling I believe it is time to trim a bit of dead wood and get commentators that know what they are talking about and provide positive or at least constructive criticism. Again if rugby commentators can’t even provide some positive views, what does this say about rugby as a product. You don’t here the Fox AFL or Fox League commentators slating their game on air
Empire said | March 15th 2010 @ 1:30pm | Report comment
Uh Yea, that’s the one..!
Apologise for that one, and I suppose that explains why they are fairly equitable down here!
As for the Brumbies big steve, believe me – I’d love to see the bonus points, and I’m not going to defend the fact that the Brumbies need to get them, or they will miss out when it comes to finals time!
Geoff Pereira said | March 15th 2010 @ 4:29pm | Report comment
Hate to say it but you are making far, far too much of this result. I watched the game and I can only say that any school side would have looked great against that woefull Lions crowd. I am a Lions supporter and it crushes me to see such a dismal performance. Our management and some “forced” selection choices are killing our game, but still, I think next weeks game for you guys, will serve as a more realistic indicator of how well you are improving – Good Luck anyway.
formeropenside said | March 15th 2010 @ 8:43pm | Report comment
yeah, it takes a couple of Queenslanders in Barnes and Mitchell to make the Tahs look good
sheek said | March 15th 2010 @ 8:47pm | Report comment
Worry checklist (just some of the problems).
1. QRU being bailed out financially by ARU.
2. ARU cash reserves down from $47K in 2003, to less than $15K in 2010.
3. ARU failing to attract free-to-air interest at 7, 9 or 10.
4. WA Force winless, & having a 5th super rugby team will stretch talent even thinner.
5. Vic Rebels struggling to fill player quota.
6. Parramatta struggling to find enough players for all grades in Shute Shield. Penrith have same problem.
7. Australian rugby last in 4 footy codes for player numbers, fans, sponsors & interest.
There’s probably much more to add to the list. And damn if I know the answers out of the morass. Maybe the 4 Aussie teams plus Wallabies are going to have to play like Harlem Globetrotters to win back fans, but then there’s another problem – there just isn’t enough quality cattle.
Mals said | March 16th 2010 @ 7:37am | Report comment
Sheek – point 2, instead of K i hope you meant M otherwise the ARU are in even bigger strife…
The touted names for the Rebels squad feature no “world beaters” so at this early stage they will struggle to be competitive next year. It is only March however & plenty can happen in 11 months. Rod Macqueen has built a competitive team from so called “rejects” before so lets hope he can do it again.
I had heard Parramatta were moving grounds to tap into the rugby population in Sydney’s north-west. Are the early signs not promising..?
At this stage it appears to be a battle between the Force & Lions for the wooden spoon.
sheek said | March 16th 2010 @ 4:02pm | Report comment
Thanks Mal,
Could never work out if K stood for thousands or millions. Against my better judgement, I went for the abbreviation, which was wrong!
RickG said | March 17th 2010 @ 11:45am | Report comment
I read in the press last week that the Parramatta relocation t oCastle Hill is in limbo. No extra news on their website. I’m just an interested observer but I see it as a positive move if it comes off. I’d be interested to hear if anyone associated with the club knows more.
eric said | March 16th 2010 @ 7:10am | Report comment
Sheek,
All good points, but you’re a bit glass half emptyish.
1. Re the Force, someone comes last in all competitions, and more often than not in recent years the bottom spots in S14 are poulated by Sth African teams. This year is the same. One team out of the four aussie teams struggling will probably happen every year, regardless of the strength overall of Aussie rugby.
2. Re the number of quality cattle. You know as well as anyone that performance isn’t all about player ability, it’s mental & physical fitness, form, luck, coaching, captaincy, committment, relationships, culture etc. Just look at Qld 2010. Qld have been pillaged by other provinces, and there would be a team of Qldrs playing elsewhere, but they’re playing great rugby, just out of the four. All of a sudden, the Qld cattle look like Wallabies.
I am optimistic about the Rebels.
sheek said | March 16th 2010 @ 4:05pm | Report comment
Eric,
Someone has to come last, yes, but I’m not into sharing last place around. Anyone but an Aussie team is fine!
We’re all optimistic about the Rebels. My post deals with current problems that will also be with us for some time to come.
Cameron,
Let’s call a spade a spade – rugby union is in strife & let’s stop pretending otherwise.
Acknowledge & action….. acknowledge & action….. acknowledge & action…..
Cameron said | March 16th 2010 @ 9:23am | Report comment
One big problem is the extremely negative attitude expressed towards Union. Especially in NSW by both alleged RU fans and the media. The Daily Telegraph seemingly get League followers to cover Union with the expected results: it is negative, ignorant and insulting. The first week of the NRL is lauded as something special and spectacular. My reading of the coverage of League is that there were no poor games, the players were brilliant, the game was gereat. The league writers were full of positives. The recent issues with miscreant players was not markedas a blemish on the game, but merely shrugged off as society’s fault. Compare this to the negative, cynical rants of most of the coverage Union receives. The crowd at the Manly and Wests/Balmain game was similar in numbers to the Waratah’s game. Yet the crowd was reported as “strong”, “good” and so on. The Waratah’s crowd was treated as laughable and pathetic. With Union it is aways a “glass half empty” – as has been mentioned previously. Sure there has been problems with Union, but the general coverage and attitide towards it has been negative. To throw in a cliche, Union is setting itself up in a “catch-22″ or self fulfiling prophecy. Bad coverage leads to the perception of a bad sport, whichfurther leads to the bad overage. Perhaps some balance is required. Or just more spin in line with certain political parties in control of Australia and the states or other sports, namely League and AFL.