The signs are pointing to a return to dominance for Australian rugby, as our Super Rugby teams are once again among the best attackers in the southern hemisphere.
In terms of tries scored and clean breaks, the Australian teams are now dominating the top six.
“SBW is the kind of guy who keeps the kids out of the movies,” a South African commentator once remarked.
The ARU must be Hollywood’s next enemy, with the tournament’s top three try-scorers including the world’s best player, Israel Folau, and the indelible Jesse Mogg.
The rise of the Australian contingent is even more interesting given the shrinking presence of the New Zealand and South African franchices.
The Chiefs are standing alone in NZ while the Crusaders, Highlanders, Blues and Hurricanes have been folding around them like deck chairs. It’s suddenly lonely at the top.
The South Africans are in greater strife, with the Cheetahs and Bulls serving up rubbish.
The Stormers have always had a curious gag reflex with the sight of a try-line, but in previous years they largely got away with it due to their strong defence. This year their defence has been average, and they find themselves at the bottom of the table.
Perhaps their coaching staff could trial hypnosis at training; anything to expel the anxiety associated with scoring tries. A white line is not something to be feared.
Presumably the Stormers won’t figure out how to score tries this year so 2014 will be lost to them again, while the Lions are unlikely to shoot the lights out, leaving the Sharks to carry the torch for the South Africans.
So all eyes are now on the Aussies. Even the Rebels and Force have learnt how to crank up the temp, and on their day will beat anyone in the competition.
Forget being contenders – one of three Australian teams is likely to win the competition this year, as all they have to do is beat the Chiefs.
And this depth bodes well for the Wallabies. Look out for a tight one in the Bledisloe Cup.
ohtani's jacket
Guest
Except your worst year was in 1958 when you played 11 tests. So yeah, last year, historic.
mickh
Guest
Touché Phil. Well played!
soapit
Guest
yep room for improvement. however 3rd worst in pro era with a lions tour and expanded rc is not all doom and gloom. plus like i said we're starting to play enjoyable rugby again so that put added spring in our step despite the black and white results
Phil Bird
Roar Guru
thanks Norpus + Jackster. I agree. Cant we all just "get along"? :)
Phil Bird
Roar Guru
The article certainly made more of a splash than I anticipated
Phil Bird
Roar Guru
fair comment Rebel. Although the Tahs are making massive inroads this year, building on last. And the Brumbies (especially after last week) are looking ominous. Frankly I think they look better than last year - there's more oomph in their attack.
Phil Bird
Roar Guru
enjoyed this Suzy. And good insight re the Australian conference. Agree the sight of Burger smashing people is sure to be a highlight of 2014
Phil Bird
Roar Guru
couldnt have said it better Albatross
norpus
Guest
very funny comments here - it takes all sorts and some have been 'taken' beautifully Good work Philby
Jackster
Guest
This article and associated comments has had me in stitches from start to stop! I conclude kiwis are both as good and as bad as ozzies (except in rugby - but dont take that too hard oz, we kick everybodys ass, not just yours). There now...lets stop arguing and be friends again....
clipper
Guest
Thats a lose - lose situation, oob. If the All Blacks A win, then people will say how far Aus Rugby has fallen. If they lose, then people will say the real All Blacks would've won.
Jerry
Guest
Even taking that into account, it was the 3rd worst winning % Aus has managed in the pro era. Perhaps not one of their worst in history (it's about the middle, though most of the years below it are when only a few tests were played in a year) but still a pretty poor one, results wise.
mick
Guest
It was easy boss.
Col in paradise
Guest
to be honest dont care have plenty of kiwi friends etc ..just wanted to stir the ones carrying on on this blog...been enjoying it....couldnt help mayself when reading the BS from the usual Kiwi legends about how good the kiwi's are at Ruigby and everything..yeh right...they sure like stroking themselves..its like they have the international equivalent of short man syndrome ......also as I said at the start when Ive been at games they have lost they are very angry little men....okay hasnt been for a while but at a few of the Rgby WC I have been at or tests in UK/europe and SA...having a drink with a Kiwi after they loose is very painful evening...anyway singing along and laughing....
mugsyinjapan
Guest
Over 300 comments. Nice job buddy!
soapit
Guest
who's being delusional? we're awesome!
Winston
Guest
Golden age. Are you blind. It's already here!!! We've got a World Cup, an unbeaten season in 13. Super rugby titles. Fantastic depth in most positions. Looking good for another super rugby tittle, bledisloe and rugby championship. And of course the World Cup and Olympics.
soapit
Guest
except that stat is skewed by the greater number of tests being played these days. did you just blot out your statistics classes growing up? and i had more enjoyment watching fewer wins last year than i did the previous 2. but you're right, we should try and keep it about the numbers. we just need to work harder on them
soapit
Guest
hear hear! you might even be right about the biggest sporting brand bit. kind of a bit sad for both countries.
soapit
Guest
i dont know that kiwis only do bogan level jobs though when they come to oz do they?