- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
After a disappointing weekend for Australia’s Super Rugby franchises, it’s timely to talk about what is good about Australian rugby at the moment.
1. The Waratahs are not far off their championship form
I was just as frustrated as everybody else over how many times the Waratahs dropped the ball on Saturday night, but the fact remains that the Waratahs average the most metres and most line-breaks in the competition.
What the Tahs didn’t do against the Stormers was adapt their game plan. They lost the game at the half-way line, where the Stormers dug in to defend and where a more astute tactical kicking performance would’ve seen the Waratahs home.
Don’t forget how strong they were in the second half of last season – they’ve done it before and so there is no reason why they can’t do it again, or at the very least go close.
I expect Adam Ashley-Cooper and Tatafu Polota-Nau to go straight back into the starting side next week, which might be all that is needed.
2. The Brumbies were unlucky
Previously the Blues had all the bad luck this season, but they are full of All Black forwards so it was only a matter of time before they won a game. It just so happened that the Brumbies were the ones to go down to them.
Still, the Brumbies came close. There is nothing from that game to make me think that the Brumbies won’t make the finals.
3. The Reds scored some points
OK, the score-line was a bit of a blow out, but at least the Reds managed to score 20-odd points.
The Reds are at least two seasons away from fixing what is obviously a cultural problem, so as long as they are competitive we should be satisfied. If a few of their players can remain in good form they will still contribute at the next level.
4. The Force are the weakest side in Super rugby on paper
Yet they manage to remain competitive against most sides, and often manage to punch above their weight in terms of results. I never expect them to win and so seeing them go down to the Cheetahs was a disappointment not a surprise.
The Force need only provide a few Wallabies to the Rugby World Cup squad and they will have done their duty for their country.
5. The Rebels are the sleeping giants of Australian rugby
Some of their young forwards are the future of Wallaby rugby, so I won’t be surprised if the Rebels become real contenders by 2017.
The Rebels are going to get better and better with age and experience.
It was a forgettable weekend in terms of results for the Australian franchises, but let’s keep our chins up and look at the bright side. It can’t get much worse.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.