Perhaps this is just me, but it really feels like the Super Rugby season has just arrived from nowhere. Having immersed myself in studying cover drives and yorkers for the past few months, suddenly it feels foreign to be looking at running angles and breakdown trends.
But it is that time of year again, and whether I’m ready for it or not, Super Rugby will start this weekend coming in South Africa.
The Cheetahs will kick off the 2014 season, welcoming the Lions back into the Super Rugby fold in Bloemfontein, and following that, the Sharks and Bulls will face off in Durban.
While all that is happening in the Republic, the Australian and New Zealand conferences are still very much in trial mode, and this includes the Waratahs, who take on the Highlanders on Friday night at Hunter Stadium in Newcastle, as part of the Frenzy of Sport (It’s ON! Newcastle and the Hunter) taking place in the region.
We’re in that wonderful time of year again for the Waratahs, where they haven’t lost any games they shouldn’t have, and trial form is fuelling perceptions and expectations.
Our own Spiro Zavos has already kicked things off, using the ‘C’ word on Monday and declaring on the back of their impressive 33-12 win over the Blues that the ‘Tahs “look like the real deal”.
And though they lost the first trial of 2014, to the Melbourne Rebels in Albury, the Waratahs looked very sharp in putting away the Blues last weekend at Allianz Stadium.
While a lot of the pre- and post-match talk was about the latest code-hopper in former Wests Tigers star, Benji Marshall, there was much good will and many high hopes expressed about the continuation of the Waratahs’ attacking mantra under Michael Cheika.
Cheika is certainly a smart guy, as well as being a very good rugby coach. He knows that the only way to win over the hearts and minds of Waratahs fans and the broader Sydney and New South Wales public is to be playing a brand of rugby that will make people want to come and watch.
Whereas Jake White drove the importance of defence into the Brumbies when he first took over, a key focus that remains with the 2013 finalists now even with White now heading the Sharks in Durban, Cheika has espoused an attacking mindset for the Tahs from day one. Even to the point of it losing games in the early part of last year that might’ve been won with a slightly more pragmatic approach.
With this in mind, most of the talk coming out of the win over the Blues is the nice little selection dilemma Cheika and attack coach, Daryl Gibson, have created for themselves.
Though Bernard Foley looked the more impressive at flyhalf from reports, the returning Kurtley Beale is in line for one last shot in the no.10 jersey in Newcastle.
Many a word was spoken in praise of the Tahs’ second half 10-12-15 combination of Foley, Beale, and Israel Folau, but it appears Cheika wants one last look at Beale in the prime playmaking position before he picks his first side of the Super Rugby season to take on the Western Force on Sunday 23 February.
And though Folau, Beale, Adam Ashley-Cooper and Reds recruit Jono Lance have been spoken of in ‘likely’ terms for the inside centre slot, the somewhat forgotten man, Rob Horne, will get plenty of time in the no.12 jersey in Newcastle.
Competition of spots looks as though it will be a major motivating factor for the Waratahs in 2014, with every spot in the backline having a couple of genuine options to choose from.
Cheika wouldn’t want it any other way; the best selection meetings are those with plenty of debate, and I’ve already lost count of the number of different 9-15 line-ups I’ve seen under “this is how I’d go” headings in this last week.
Up front, though the Tahs were dealt a blow in losing flanker/lock Mitch Chapman for the season, former Wallaby and former Brumbies Captain Stephen Hoiles has impressed in his quest for a return to Super Rugby after a long injury-forced layoff.
Giant young lock, Will Skelton, already looks better with another pre-season under his belt, and in Benn Robinson, Tatafu Polota-Nau, and Paddy Ryan, the ‘Tahs are heading into Round 1 with a near Test-strength front row. Good signs.
This match also represents the first look at new marquee man, ex-Bulls enforcer Jacques Potgieter.
Their opponents in Newcastle, the Highlanders, are also coming into this match with a one-and-one pre-season record, having kicked their way to victory over the Brumbies in Queenstown, and then suffering a 28-15 loss to the already-ominous looking Crusaders in Motueka last weekend.
This week, they welcome back a pair of All Blacks in scrumhalf Aaron Smith, and prolific try-scoring outside back, Ben Smith. Ben Smith will Captain the Highlanders, with promising flyhalf Lima Sopoaga named at 10, and former Melbourne Rebels hooker Ged Robinson also named, as he pushes his claims for national selection this season.
It’s wonderful this match has been taken to Newcastle. The Hunter and surrounding region has a long and proud rugby history that includes countless New South Wales and Australian representatives, with some of them true greats of the game.
Being “too focussed on Sydney” is a common complaint of the Waratahs, and taking a match like this into a proper NSW rugby heartland is a good move. Let’s hope it produces a good crowd to match it.
Waratahs fans should know that entry to this match is free to members, while for non-members tickets are priced from $10 for adults.
Fans unable to get to the game can follow all the action as it happens on the NSW Waratahs’ live Twitter feed and The Roar‘s live blog. Highlights of the game will also be available afterwards on TahV.
Matthew Leon
Guest
My first choice team would be: 1. Benn Robinson 2. Tatafu Polota-Nau 3. Sekope Kepu 4. Will Skelton 5. Kane Douglas 6. Dave Dennis (c) 7. Michael Hooper 8. Wycliff Palu 9. Brendan McKibbin 10. Bernard Foley 11. Cam Crawford 12. Rob Horne (Beal will be my first choice 12, should he get good game time in this position of the bench) 13. Adam Ashley-Cooper 14. Peter Betham 15. Israel Folau 16. Tolu Latu 17. Paddy Ryan 18. Jeremy Tilse 19. Jed Holloway 20. Jacques Potgieter 21. Nick Phipps 22. Jono Lance 23. Kurtley Beale
bennalong
Guest
Having seen both trial matches the one thing you can guarantee is that this sort of rugby will put bums on seats. The hands have improved and the fitness is there...............and the urgency looks SMOKIN' across the park! It will win games and it will please fans. And we have a coach who will keep pushing the game plan regardless until the team is playing with one mind This will be a great year for the Tahs even if they miss out on the trophy, and the thing that will determine their fate at the pointy end, is defence. It requires a totally different mindset which is much easier with a more rigid structure than the one they now attacking with. But peerless defence usually falters in the championship rounds, as we saw when the Tahs (under McKenzie) played "whatever it takes" and defended to the last. The running game they're now playing is charging my once spent batterie! Magnificent!
bennalong
Guest
HMMM Tane. Very cryptic. Foley didn't look too lonely last season. Had no trouble involving everyone, including wingers. Most linebreak assists and try assists. And what could you possibly have against Cheika?
redbull
Guest
Leinster were the perennial underachievers in Celtic League and Heineken Cup, despite having an awesome roster of players. Cheika got them their first title, though Schmidt got the next two.
eagleJack
Guest
Sorry Chivas, but if you have followed Tane's comments on several articles on this topic he is alluding to the fact that Kurtley Beale cannot play on the wing. And his reason being that he is a playmaker. He cites players like Carter, Wilkinson, Steyn etc as examples of playmakers who have never been considered for a wing position. That is fine and I agree with that. But Beale could well be suited to the wing due to his counter-attacking ability and the fact he was an exceptional fullback. A back 3 of Folau, Beale and Alofa on the counter attack would be pretty intimidating. As I said I don't actually think it will happen. And I agree with your reasons given, mainly that he hasn't had a game there in pre-season. But the point is that Beale would be more than capable of playing in the back 3. Labelling him as a playmaker, and saying therefore he cannot play on the wing is not actually looking at the player's individual skills and experience.
Chivas
Guest
I think if you read what Tane is saying eaglejack is that you can't be a playmaker on the wing which I agree with. I also don't think he will be saying on the wing this season no matter how any roarers think he should be. For a start Chieka hasn't given him a run there and unless he is foxing (which I can't see) he is not considering it at this point. Secondly, I think he has value at 1st and 2nd five with Foley a specialist first five and Horne second five. Beale has a few holes in his game particularly in defence to be considered a 2nd five, but if he can sort that he may just be the additional strike weapon the Tahs need. Other than that he is cover for Folau who is cover for wing I would imagine. I also don't understand this comment regarding players swapping position mid game. Everyone says Cooper was put back there because of his counter attacking abilities. Not sure why you have a fullback in that case. The first fives I have seen slide back are players like Carlos Spencer and it wasn't for his counter attacking but his punt, something Quade lacks. So I am pleased to see his coach is getting him to stand up and play first five than all this switching. Unlike some, I think they did it at the reds because they didn't have the cattle and this made best use of players and their abilities. They may do it with Beale for the sane reason at the Tahs, but I just don't see it. I feel strategies to cover weakness are a stop gap and take away from putting strategies in place to create threats. Consequently I am pleased to see Quade take ownership of the first five position on defence and attack. He is good enough and recently has shown the maturity and consistency to handle it. That is not to say as circumstances occur he won't slide deeper to FB, but it hopefully will be to mix things up a bit, rather than simply to move him from the frontline of defence. So I don't see pigs taking off yet, although a friend of mine does have a porcelain one with glass wings if you are looking for a place to start Tane :-).
jameswm
Guest
Maybe fighting with Tala Gray for the no.20 jersey - bench back row backup. Gray might be injured for this week. McCutch the other - god please nooo...
Chivas
Guest
Cooper is first five and the defensive requirements are not the same as out wider though. And hard to compare unless you are saying those are the stats when they play at first five and defend that channel?
Blinky Bill of Bellingen NSW
Guest
So true T for P. :) And so often from those who dislike anything & everything about the Tahs, that their comments shift between boringly predictable to brain dead 'almost funny'. :(
cm
Guest
Great to see Stephen Hoiles making a good fist of his comeback. Good bloke and a classy, intelligent player.
Hoy
Roar Guru
It isn't his front on defence that is terrible. It is his defence out the back. He cannot tackle anyone he has to come on an angle into. In fact, I have no figures to back this up, but I think Cooper is better defending at 15 in regards to making tackles when he has to than Beale is, though you are right Beale is better front on. Safe to say neither are heavy hitters.
winston
Roar Rookie
who've done what so far?They arguably look better than last year with Beale (who makes JOC look like the ultimate team player btw )
eagleJack
Guest
Again with the playmakers not being switched to the wing?! Of course you are completely ignoring the fact that Beale is an accomplished fullback with an incredible ability on the counter- attack. So having him in the back 3 is not that big a stretch, Tane. I'm not saying it will happen, but Beale isn't like the other 10s you have used as examples why it would never happen. Namely Wilkinson and Morne Steyn. I don't recall either being up for IRB player of the year due to their exceptional work from the back.
Magic Sponge
Guest
This should and has to be the year the tahs make the finals. Crucial year for the tahs, the significance cannot be understated.
Redbull
Guest
Lots of focus on selection issues with the Tahs back line. For mine, who is going to be captain should Potgeiter push Dennis out of the no6 jersey? He was awesome at the Bulls. Skelton and Douglas are bigger units and may nbe harder to shift. Surely the Tahs won't do the same mistake with a marquee player
Tane Mahuta
Guest
Hmmm-where do coaches put playmaker in a backline? Hmmm-not on the wing because that doesnt make sense and coaches never do it. I would suggest putting your playmakers in playmaking positions. However when coaches start putting their flyhalfs in the 14 or 11 jumper I will go flying pig hunting with you.
Tane Mahuta
Guest
The discussion was about Lance being an inside centre but not needed at the Tahs and being more usefull at the Rebels because they could use an inside centre. Thats why I said that the Tahs dont have any inside centres and he is not "surplus".
rl
Guest
I totally agree, and I think it's a perfectly legitimate tactic when employed by a coach who has the right cattle (and I think he does) and disciplined, cohesive, well-drilled squad (again, he's got them). Good luck to the Tahs I reckon, a strong Tahs is good for oz rugby.
Billy Bob
Guest
We'll Winston , for what it's worth he's gathered a large scary squad of skillful humans
winston
Roar Rookie
Question.... What has Cheika done to earn such praise as a coach? Certainly not much in Super Rugby