The recent surge of interest in European rugby has been intense following the new ARU eligibility rules for overseas players.
Out of all the Australians plying their trade in the EU, though, not many were better placed to give a considered opinion on what the new rules meant than Leinster scrum coach Marco Caputo.
For those who came in late, Caputo had a distinguished career in the Australian game with the Brumbies and the Wallabies.
He also won a European Cup with Harlequins as a player, as well as representing Worcester and Clermont Auvergne, and playing for the Barbarians and the French Barbarians against Southern Hemisphere sides.
Caputo became a Level 3 coach while coaching at the Brumbies and recently coached the Leinster forwards during their narrow European Cup semi-final loss to eventual champions Toulon.
So Marco, were the finals of the European Cup as tough as they looked?
“Yes mate, it was a very emotionally draining semi-final vs Toulon. It was a real slugfest with both teams going at each other for 100 mins. They’re really fine margins at this level, we missed a penalty shot and then a drop goal opportunity at 76 and 80 mins to win it – both shots we probably would normally have taken without the added pressure – and then we threw an intercept pass to Bryan Habana in the last minute of play in extra time for Toulon to win it.
“From a Toulon perspective, I guess it confirms their recruitment policy works. Big-game players on big money on big occasions more often than not come up with big plays to win big games. Three European titles on top of a likely French Top 14 triple over three years is proof.
“That said, our league form has been average, and we lose 20-23 players through international duty who, when available, only play for us about six to eight games per year. So I guess we feel it was an opportunity to win that has slipped through our fingers. Had we made it through to the final against Clermont we perhaps would have had a slightly easier assignment, but you have to beat all the good teams eventually, so we can’t feel too hard done by.”
The question on everyone’s lips back home is how does European rugby stack up as Test match preparation for overseas Wallabies?
“Well, I think the club game in Europe is more demanding physically than Super Rugby and prepares players better for international rugby. There are generally bigger bodies, slower pitches, wet conditions, more bodies competing in contact at the breakdown and much more set piece focus as well as greater tactical and technical appreciation about game management and so on. As a result I think the players are very differently conditioned physically.
“A good example is Kane Douglas. The past few years he would truck out plenty of 80 efforts at the Waratahs, whereas over here his tank is running down at around 60 mins. He says the static bits of scrum, maul and breakdown take much more out of him than he’s used to in Super Rugby. I think he would be in a much better position now, and would be better suited to managing the fine margins and finer details of international Test match rugby after his time here than before he left when he wasn’t really able to consistently nail down a Test spot.
“One of the other big things is the promotion/relegation fear which is in play every week. It definitely hardens the mental side of things. Players are comfortable and used to being in a scrap and can grind out an ugly performance from an arm wrestle. That’s a situation which is a bit unique compared to Super Rugby.”
Speaking as a coach, is the environment similar?
“Oh no, it’s a very different rugby environment. Our middle tier players would grind out 30-35 games a season. The Irish are very passionate and physical and they rip into each other every day out on the pitch. There are not too many issues around self-preservation here. It’s not uncommon for the odd few punches to be thrown at training during an opposed session around the breakdown or during a defence drill leading into a big game. They all want to play, and so they go at each other at training. If it sounds like the wild west, it’s not at all, it’s just a hard passionate culture and it’s the guys with profiles who lead it.
“From a coaching and player development point of view, Super Rugby is very much a sprint event – 16 games over four months – as opposed the long slog up here where some players can play 36 games over 10 months with each match being a very physical encounter.
“On the other hand, I would also say that I think the average Super Rugby player has a better catch-pass skill-set than his northern hemisphere equivalent due to the fact that Super Rugby is played mainly on firm grounds, in dry conditions with less stoppages and less congestion at the tackle/breakdown area compared to this part of the world.”
How do you feel about the new eligibility rules for the Wallabies?
“The ARU has I think got it pretty right with the new policy. I think you need to do your time and earn the right to fly away and cash in. On the caps, I would be more comfortable with them being set at 50 as this number would give you peace of mind that you can call on Will Genia, Quade Cooper, James Horwill, Kurtley Beale, Israel Folau, Digby Ioane and so on if you get skinny down the line.
“I don’t think they should go fully open though. An open overseas policy would hurt the game domestically and seriously compromise the ARU’s ability to generate revenue from a broadcast deal or get bums on seats to watch live games. It would also hurt the ability to lock in commercially with companies in a very competitive market.”
“Chieks [Michael Cheika] is obviously a driver in the new policy, having coached both at Leinster and Stade Francaise. He would recognise and respect the standard of European footy particularly when it comes to the ‘big game’ environment at the the knockout stages of European Cup rugby. Having a few players that are comfortable delivering when the big stadiums are full, with the European atmosphere and the pressure cooker situations – all that is very transferable to Test match footy.”
So, aside from the money, what’s the big attraction of rugby in Europe? It sounds like a lot of hard work?
“Having spoken to our foreigners here at Leinster [Kane Douglas, Ben Te’o, Jimmy Gopperth and Zane Kircher among others], it’s obvious that the really good players, once they get to a certain age, are now more attracted to the big bright lights of European rugby. They want to play with the big boys and I feel like they want to play for or against the fashionable and cosmopolitan club teams like Toulon, Toulouse, Racing Metro, Stade Francaise, Leinster, Saracens, Leicester, Bath, Quins and so on. And why wouldn’t they? It’s tremendous footy.
“They also get to play with amazing players from all over the world. Toulon have over 1200 Test caps from just about every top tier country, so what an incredible place to play rugby. Just the experience of having top performers around you every day, and learning from them, not only about rugby, but about their lives, their cultures and so on. It’s a fantastic life experience, especially for Australians who grow up a lot further away than those from the European countries.”
OK thanks Marco, one last question. Who’s in your Wallabies World Cup squad from Europe?
“Well, I can unfortunately tell you first hand that Gits (Matt Giteau) and Drew Mitchell are still absolutely top end performers at Toulon! Drew’s footwork and balance for his try against Clermont in the European Cup final was just first class. I’d also have to mention George Smith who is killing it playing number eight at Lyon. He will go close to the Top 14 Player Of The Year. Personally I would have to find a place for all three in my World Cup squad.”
Tinashe
Roar Rookie
I watched the 2 semi final euro games and the finals and i've realized a few things. The quality of rugby in the NH is slow, unimaginative, static and a penalty kickathon. The gameplan there is heavily forward and territorial orientated and the fans there appreciate that and that is how they see the game. In the Southern Hemisphere over the past 7 years New Zealand rugby has perfected the blue print on how to play winning rugby based on skill and creativity. Australian rugby has shown a few glimpses through the Reds (2010-2011) and Waratahs that they too can play to those standards. South african rugby are the main representatives of the forward orientated territorial gameplan and their records here are abysmal particularly this season against NZ teams. I disagree with Caputo that the NH prepares players better for test rugby. Going up against the likes of the Chiefs, Hurricanes, Highlanders etc is the pinnacle of all club/provincial rugby because these teams carry forward the all black blue print of how to play the most effective winning rugby. When i watch Toulon play i think to myself there is no way they could beat a NZ super rugby side or even the Tahs and brumbies. They just do not seem threat and a Hurricanes outfit would have a field day ripping through them.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
It's not a performance thing with Smith. He plays the same position (Yes he is playing 8, but he is not an international style 8 to compete with Read, Vermulan, Vunipola, etc.) as 2 of our best and most consistent players. That's essentially sh1tting on those who are staying local and loyal, for very minimal gain. If we were not strong at 7 that would be a different story.
Bakkies
Guest
Toulouse also buy from elsewhere in France.
Jerry
Guest
Oh there's no question the Aus rugby media do get ahead of themselves - for instance the commentator (Greg Martin I think) saying "Bring on the World Cup!" when Aus scored a late try against NZ in 2010. And yes, perhaps that team believed the hype a bit after beating NZ a couple of times. The 'expected to win' comment was from Not Bothered which seemed bizarre to me, but now it's clear he was talking about the tour match last year which makes more sense. I can absolutely buy Ireland being considered a genuine chance in 2011.
Birdy
Guest
Right oh, Taylorman, thanks for your input.
Birdy
Guest
I know mate; just having a laugh.
Birdy
Guest
It certainly can't hurt. I'd say that their impact is a little more complex than some on here believe, though. The kneejerk assumption is that somehow they must be getting NH international sides to play more 'ball in hand'. That might be true of Cotter in Scotland, but it isn't of Gatland and Schmidt. Both have been criticised for negative play. 'Warrenball' at Wales has seen grumblings from Welsh fans and the amount of kicking from Ireland in the 6 Nations led to a lot of criticism. It might be, particularly in Schmidt's case, that the style will develop (not with Gatland, I think Wales are playing exactly as he wants them to). People often forget how often the ABs kick the ball. They do it to get territory and also to punish sides from their mistakes. Perhaps, this is the direction Schmidt is taking Ireland.
Birdy
Guest
To an extent, Tinfoil. But, there's a reason why RWCs are difficult to win. There is only one time, every four years when all teams are at their peak in terms of preparation, motivation and intensity. That's the RWC. I've never bought into this AB 'choking' nonsense. All the games they supposedly 'choked' in I think they would have won if they'd been played in June and November. Whatever you think about Barnes, do you think if that game had been played in Wellington in June or Paris in November the French would have won? Ironically, the one game where I thought I saw definite signs of them drowning under the pressure was the 2011 final that they won. It's remarkable how often the best side in the world win the World Cup. You could make a case that it didn't happen in 2007 (and even then SA beat the ABs 4 times in the next 6 they played), but not many others.
Taylorman
Guest
Birdy. Get over it. It was an upset. Only because of hindsight can you chirp chirp away. Oz were expected to beat Ireland in that match so just let it go. Just because you don't want to cede a single point to oz rugby, maybe because you are worried about losing the pool match against them but your dismissal of Aussie rugby is getting embarrassing. Oz rugby, as a kiwi, is stronger than English rugby. Easily.
Birdy
Guest
Jerry, I'm not saying that Ireland was 'expected' to win; just that most people I talked to 'up North', and I agreed, thought it was a bit of a toss-up. What I was commenting on was the impression I got, not least from these boards at the time and articles from the usual suspects like Spiro, Lord and Fitzsimons, that few in Oz held out even the possibility of losing to Ireland. There were a large number of articles that were quite dismissive of the challenge Ireland would pose. The reason I had a bet was that I knew how good Cian Healey was (he wasn't well known at all in the SH at the time) and I was convinced he'd cause the Wallabies all sorts of problems at the scrum. I also wondered whether the complacent attitude of the media might filter through a little to the Wallabies themselves, as I believe it did in 2007 against England. That got me to have a sizeable punt, as I thought it just tilted it in favour of Ireland.
Mad Mick
Guest
Birdy I didn't say Fox was any better, probably worse and I don't listen the that either.
Lindsay Amner
Roar Guru
That's possible. I'd say that another major factor is the preponderance of NZ coaches moving into the NH.
Mad Mick
Guest
You endorse the point. Less talented coaches that is why they knock off the coaches from down here. Gatland Cotter etc They are not producing their own coaches.
Lindsay Amner
Roar Guru
Nope, at least the Australian commentary can be entertaining, albeit biased and inaccurate. The Top 14 commentary is what I use to put me to sleep at night. It could not be more boring. No one gets excited about anything, the highest level of emotion is mild interest in what's happening on the field and a slightly quizzical attitude about things. It's very gentle if not quite genteel and is basically soporific.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Interesting that Caputo reckons George Smith will go close to being Top 14 player of the year whilst playing at Number 8. That's good news for Australian Rugby regarding possible World Cup selection. I know TWAS amongst others here aren't keen on Smith returning but good to have him as an option. Based on there form I would select Smith and Gits for the Squad, Mitchell would be an outside show. Both Smith & Gits provide great versatility with the ability to play 3 positions. Not to mention they add a wealth of experience.
Birdy
Guest
You might be/have been an athlete that makes Usain Bolt look like a darts player and have sporting analytical abilities that makes Steve Hansen telephone you every weekend for advice - I've never been that impressed by anonymous keyboard warriors telling me how transcendentally brilliant they are. I'll give you this, the confident way in which you dismiss and belittle everyone who has the temerity to disagree with you suggests you've got the arrogance of some 'superstars' - unfortunately, I can only go on what you write. But, if you're suggesting that your almost superhuman powers don't necessarily come over in your postings I'll take your word for it.
tinfoil hat
Guest
Will the RWC answer that question? In a knockout comp any team can have a bad game and bow out including the AB's. Examining what happens over multiple seasons of home and away test matchesis the only real way to determine which country is the strongest overall in world rugby.
Taylorman
Guest
Don't think you get my meaning. When I say the ABs will focus on fitness as a major factor I don't mean it as a comment in passing. I mean it in a way that has never been seen before. That's what the All Blacks do. They will slay other sides in terms of field position and advantage. Push them to both sides of the park until they break. This is not an exercise in logic, this is a ruthless destruction of anyone in front of them.
Taylorman
Guest
Really? Well I don't care what you think birdy. I support and used to play in the greatest example of rugby union that you can only dream of. My experiences of playing and watching, supporting this game surpass yours in a way that you will never know. To be an All Black supporter is the pinnacle of this game. You splutter, cough and choke on your efforts to impress here, but bottom line is...you have no idea.
Jerry
Guest
What match are you even talking about - this discussion is about the 2011 RWC match.