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.
Kane
Guest
Good to see the Lions and Crusaders safely made the finals with only six and seven losses.
mania
Guest
sorry jameswm. i have to strongly disagree. what your saying is what they said about the force in their 5th year, then they lost pocock and have had no decent credibility since. they have to have a decent 15 + reserves. rebels will never have the depth. force dont and they've been doing it a lot longer. and anytime they look like they're building positively ACT, tah's or qld will come along and cannibilise their players or staff. Aus need to lose the easy beats teams and only have 3 in suprRugby.
Kane
Roar Guru
Well you keep talking about 'facts' and I've brought some to the table to dispute what you said and now 'facts' don't matter? They dropped out of the top 6 once for a week and they are currently doing worse than that right now.
RobC
Roar Guru
Pete, feel free to correct me. But I think Beale is a good chaser and tackler of mid sized backs. But unlike guys like Toomua, he has problems with backrowers and dudes like SBW
RobC
Roar Guru
Mike, This is all in hindsight but its my observation - 2nd try. Beale already took the risk by rushing the attackers. Folau shouldn't have made the same mistake esp with other Tahs defenders running with Kobus - 3rd, 4th try. The issue is everyone was in the line. No sweeper in case of counter D, and exploited by the Stormers.
PeterK
Roar Guru
typical lazy assumptions that izzy is out of position. When you look at it from the wide view he is in position. For some reason everytime a ball is kicked anywhere or a break anywhere izzzy has to be in that position, no player can be or has been. The issue is more with the wingers and moving Beale around on defence because he cannot tackle.
taylorman
Guest
One or two Savea hits for you... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6G-4UFmf94A
taylorman
Guest
24-7 down at half time to a Canes side in Sydney that didnt qualify? Wonder how they'll go in Wellington to a canes side that hasn't lost. I'm not even a Canes supporter and am surprised as anyone how well the Canes have done so we don't yet know what is required to take this Canes side out, as they seem to have everything covered- forwards, backs, attack, defence, good under pressure etc nothing seems to rattle them. Something will eventually, maybe it will be the Tahs...?
Harry Jones
Expert
Additionally, several scrums were won handily by various Australian teans on the weekend. So, that's a positive!
Suzy Poison
Guest
Michael, you are correct it was Beale who was caught out of position not Izzy. But our interpretation of the tries differs. You say all the Stormers tries were pure luck, and I disagree. Anyway I apologise for being a wet blanket. I admire your passion as a Tahs supporter. More like you are needed. My relatives in Perth who support the Force are much more vocal than any Tahs supporters. I find the Tahs supporters too well mannered. My bro in law spends all night abusing the ref at the a Force games.
Suzy Poison
Guest
Michael, Naiyarovoro can tackle front on, but his overall technique is weak when say compared to the tiny Stormers backs like Juan De Jong, who always get their man. There was absolutely no luck involved in the Stormers win. The tiny Stormers backs ran rings around the big Tahs backs. If Juan De Jong was in the same position as the big Fijian he would have stopped three of the four tries.
Dopplerman
Guest
she meant girlfriends but essentially its the same thing !
RobC
Roar Guru
Agree Ive avoided it also.
Michael Essa
Roar Guru
you are the one saying Naiyarovoro can't tackle...ask Frank Halai if he can tackle?
taylorman
Guest
I think you'd be wise not to roll out the you Tube videos where Savea is concerned- you don't really want to go down that road do you? not a wise move...
ThugbyFan
Guest
The Tahs' turnaround last year started during the match in Sydney against the Canes. At that point, NSW had done their SA tour and got flogged in a couple of games (though beat the Stormers 22-11) and I think they were 3 wins 4 losses or vice versa at that point. Anyway, was at the game shell-shocked as 'Canes ran in 3 tries and it was close to 24-7 or about there at halftime. Suddenly the Tahs tightened up their play (Good Captain K.Douglas), rolled over everyone and won the match. For Tahs afficiados here is a peek of that Glorious victory. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zM_Q3nkeqHo Lets hope for a repeat of History, huh M.Essa
Michael Essa
Roar Guru
storm in a teacup
RobC
Roar Guru
Good one Michael. Too much doom, gloom for Aussies! No positive spin for Cheik + Peyper? Just to provoke our friends from Down Undererer ;)
taylorman
Guest
This the biggest fact the Tahs need to be concerned about. Last year in the entire 16 rounds the tahs let in 3 tries on 3 separate occasions, no more, and lost 4 matches. In 7 rounds this year theyve already had 4 tries against them in 4 of those matches. Not one other side has had 4 tries against them 4 times- not even the bottom dwellers. The comparison is undeniable. The Tahs are struggling defensively. If its luck then theyre the unluckiest side in history. Its fascinating to see you believe that though, it really is.
Common Sense
Guest
The Crusaders might make the six but their chances of topping the points table or the NZ conference are shot. The Waratahs may well top the Australian conference but will finish 3rd overall, especially considering the Brumbies tough run home and high injury toll. The Chiefs and Hurricanes are steaming ahead to top the points table while the Stormers have only 3 away games to go; against the Force on Saturday, The Cheetahs in Bloemfontein and the Sharks at Kings Park in the last round game. I'd back the Stormers to win all three of those. The final top 6 from my perspective is: Hurricanes Stormers Waratahs Chiefs Bulls Highlanders (possibly the Crusaders)