Super Rugby in 2016 is set to be a ripper with teams from Japan and Argentina set to join the best competition, as well as the South Africa-based Kings.
Each of the Australian teams have been doing some recruitment due to the exodus of players whom left after the Rugby World Cup, I am very excited to see what these players bring to our game. In saying so, I shall be writing about each Australian team and one player who I am looking forward to seeing play Super Rugby and hopefully, seeing them excel my expectations.
Waratahs – Reece Robertson
The electrifying flyer who is making the switch from rugby league and trying to follow in the footsteps of the man he considers the greatest player to make the switch – Israel Folau.
Robertson is an absolute bullet. I had heard his name in league when watching a game here and now, but after seeing that he had signed with the Tah’s, I went and did my research. I was amazed by the speed possesses.
Although Robertson is not the biggest player, what size he lacks in speed he makes up for with his aggression and speed that he attacks the line at. I’m excited to see how Roberston will slot in to the Tah’s backline, fingers crossed that he is everything I am hoping he is.
Reds – Ayumu Goromaru
He could be exactly the player that the Reds are looking for after a disastrous 2015 Super Rugby campaign. After seeing what he was capable of in the Rugby World Cup, I believe that Goromaru will be able to unlock and inject the deadly wingers that the Reds possess. This includes Lachie Turner and the bulldozing Chris Feauai-Sautia, a player I would love to see get back to his full potential.
As well as a strong defensive and attacking game, Goromaru also has a pinpoint accurate boot in his toolbag that will help the Reds score points at crucial times throughout games this coming season.
Rebels
The Rebels haven’t signed anyone who is new to Super Rugby this year. However, I do believe they will finally crack it and make finals for the first time in there short history.
The Rebels have signed former All Black Adam Thomson. Thomson was a standout player in dreadful Reds team in 2015, hopefully he can carry on his 2015 form.
I’m also very excited to see the young halves paring of Nic Stirzaker and Jack Debreczeni continue to blossom. The pair created some extremely exciting moments continuously throughout the 2015 campaign. I also believe that Stirzaker is ready for the Wallabies if he is to be selected in 2016.
For Debreczeni, I do see him playing for the Wallabies in the future, but not as soon as I see Stirzaker playing at Test level.
Brumbies – Tomás Cubelli
Cubelli is a big signing for the Brumbies, especially after losing former Wallabies halfback Nic White. Cubelli has been a player I love watching at international level when he is representing Argentina in recent years. I thought it was quite strange when he was demoted to the bench for the bigger games in the Rugby World Cup.
I have high hopes that Cubelli will bring a fast pasted delievery service to the Brumbies.
Western Force – Ben Tapuai
Tapuai has seven caps for the Wallabies to his name, so there is no doubt that he is a good player. His form at the Reds in the last two seasons where below average. Hopefully, the Force offers a fresh start to Tapuai and gets him back to his best form.
wardad
Guest
Pink Floyd at Thebarton oval was pretty darn good but Bob Marley at Western Springs [ the concert went an hour over ,seems they just didnt wanna stop band and crowd were all into it !] also "welcome to my Nightmare " .
cuw
Guest
I challenge that with - U2 in Ireland Slane Castle.
lao hu
Guest
the Rebels have signed two Victorian-born and bred schoolboys – Rob Leota and Sione Tuipulotu THERE are more such players in the pipeline so hopefully five years down the line the Rebels will be in a stronger position in regards to their plaing base.
Comrade Bear
Roar Rookie
The kings don't be that bad this year :-)
Squirrel
Guest
Crowds will die in Oz with this format.
Nobrain
Guest
Jerry , I challenge you to look up in you tubt for that concert of ACDC and then we can talk again when you at least have an idea of what I am talking about. They never been my favorite band and I have been to many concerts, from Greateful dead in California to Pink Floyd in London, but I never felt something like that day.
pete and paul
Roar Rookie
and will be found wanting....shame really
pete and paul
Roar Rookie
but they have the Tongan Thor who will get his back broken in the first game they play him...wooden spoon....that is doing the spoon a dis-service...
pete and paul
Roar Rookie
I think you have it wrong about the best 'convert' - what about Del-boy and SBW - IF hasn't shown anything....up against good teams he goes missing...
pete and paul
Roar Rookie
and it will show (for them)...SA rugby is in dire straits...
Bakkies
Guest
Didn't get the spoon though. It should be between them and the Kings.
puff
Guest
Noah, you offered an admirable review of the OZ, 2016 conference / super teams but little insight into the season apart from reiterating it is set to be a ripper. To be fair I struggle with that terminology as I find the format confusing due to the fact, the best teams may not necessary progress to the meaty end of the competition. Am I correct in his assessment? If we review the 2015 arrangement, the best teams within each nation, advanced to the finals, regardless of the point deferential? Although harsh, the commercialism and reasoning is clear but 2016 may not be a ripper, as suggested. As a two tier comp may not deliver the kind of results the viewing public expects. The arrangement is confusing and may not offer a quality competition. The best teams may not necessarily play each other, or advance, coupled with viewing times the format might disappoint. Are my thoughts insensitive or are we set for a season of excitement.
ads2600
Guest
Reds couldn't seem to compete with those players you mentioned lol ;)
Bakkies
Guest
Reds up for the spoon. Horwill, O'Connor, Quad, Genia, Thomson, Tapuai, Hansen, Lucas (now permanent in France) all gone. Can't compete without all those test caps. Holmes has to be replaced and I say the twins may go abroad soon
Bakkies
Guest
Stormers have lost de Villiers, Vermeulen, Kischoff and Catrakillis. Sharks du Plessis brothers
Bakkies
Guest
It should of been edited by the Roar before they posted it up
Bakkies
Guest
Absolutely crowds make a difference it gets a better reaction from the bands. Particularly in countries with a music tradition that Arg has.
Noah Hughes
Roar Rookie
Sorry for the few mistakes here and there, Israel is the best convert* and Robinson* not Robertson, my mistake!
Stray Gator
Roar Rookie
Erm, the Rebels have signed two Victorian-born and bred schoolboys - Rob Leota and Sione Tuipulotu, as well as Paul Asquith, Dan Hawkins, Harley Fox and Reece Hodge; none have any Super experience.
Jerry
Guest
I don't really care how into it the crowd is if the show onstage is the same one they've done 50 times before on the same tour. But fair enough, that's your call. I prefer Mick Taylor going off book on his solo on Sympathy for the Devil and going for 3 extra minutes while the band has to just keep playing rhythm.