The NSW Waratahs have come within seconds of ending Australia’s losing streak to New Zealand Super Rugby teams.
It might have only been the Brisbane Global Rugby Tens but the heartbreak was real as a last-gasp try from Highlanders winger Tevita Nabura sealed a 12-10 victory at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.
The ‘Tahs looked on course to notch the first win by an Australian side over a Kiwi franchise in any format since the opening match of last year’s inaugural tens event. An embarrassing 21-0 whitewash in Super Rugby followed.
It looked like the tide might have been turning as NSW backed up their 26-5 victory over French Top 14 outfit Pau earlier in the day with a strong start against the Highlanders, going 10-0 up after tries from Taqele Naiyaravoro and Cameron Clark
But they couldn’t hold on, conceding two tries in the final three minutes in a deflating finish.
It’s still hard to know how to interpret performances at the hit-and-giggle pre-season tournament, yet it appears the ‘Tahs are taking it seriously.
Halfback Jake Gordon said they had a “point to prove” after a horror 2017, which included defeats at home to the Southern Kings and Jaguares.
There were similarly mixed results for the other Australian teams on day one.
As expected, Wallabies halfback Will Genia was denied a Brisbane homecoming and not risked by the Melbourne Rebels after suffering a lower back fracture at training.
Instead, a no-name side got off to a bright start in the first match of the day, going 17-0 up over the Panasonic Wild Knights of Japan – but they didn’t score another point and lost 19-17 in a stirring comeback from the Robbie Deans-coached side.
The Queensland Reds were smashed 29-7 by the Blues, who topped that by beating the Wild Knights 47-10 – the biggest margin in the tournament’s short history.
The Reds looked to have recovered in their second game after a strong opening against the Rebels but twice surrendered the lead to lose 21-17.
The ACT Brumbies clawed from behind to pip Fiji 17-12 in their first game but collapsed 31-7 against the Crusaders at night.
Their best player was arguably 44-year-old wildcard Andrew Walker.
Meanwhile, defending champions the Chiefs picked up right where they left off in the tens format, beating the Highlanders 17-12 before trouncing Pau 31-7.
The Chiefs, Crusaders and Blues are the only unbeaten teams left, while the only losses suffered by the Highlanders and Hurricanes were to other New Zealand teams.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Guest
Surprisingly Malo, i find that we agree on the prognosis of the disease. The cure is where there is potential disagreement.
Taylormam
Guest
And so it was...
KFar
Guest
I couldn't believe the dribble that came out of Rods mouth last night. Already talking up the Tahs as the potential team to beat. What a crock.
Wobblies
Guest
really ??? that hard up you'd include 10's
Highlander
Guest
Highlight of the tournament so far is getting to see Karl Hayman play as Paus marquee player. Is in great shape, looks quicker than most of his teammates, has plonked himself at first receiver over an over again and distributed well, not bad for the worlds best tight head. Shame we didn’t see him in black for longer
Taylorman
Guest
Good to see my Blues with a positive, albeit non SR, start to the year. Good signs ahead?
Malo
Guest
Nz players develop their players properly by playing them in domestic comps, we just throw lower quality players in super squads. Leave them on the bench just doing gym work. Nz sides will again flog our sides as this tournament highlights. Aru you need to change
Cynical Play
Guest
He plays 6 too. “An absolute wrecking machine” https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=syoUWcgKl68
Cynical Play
Guest
Yeah him. More of him
Paul D
Guest
Maybe Kelly Meafua if a Samoan?
Muzzo
Guest
I think you'll find that Super Rugby, is another level. This Ten's tournament, is just a training run for some, as IMO, the game will step up, when the Super competition starts.
Muzzo
Guest
Honestly, all this tournament, is about, is being a training run, for most of these squads. With the likes of "golden oldies', Pita Alatini, Carlos Spencer, Andrew Walker, etc etc, playing. It does take the seriousness out of the competition, even though those mentioned, did play pretty well. There was the Saders, a team of no names, with none of their AB's in the squad, last night, just showing how these young fellas are going to be a force to be reckoned with, this approaching season. Their demolition of a Brumbies side, that had a few current Wallabies turning out, was something special. A player to watch, is Todd Blackadder's son Ethan, who showed out. It was noticeable, that after day one, that there were three unbeaten teams, all Kiwi teams.
Jamie
Guest
There is a reading Barnes does play superb rugby anymore. He gets injured every second game, usually head concussion. He Doesn’t average to tackle as much in Japan.
Cynical Play
Guest
Young Tahs recruits doing well so far. Who's that big bullocking No 8? Also, Latu at TH.. brilliant !! Seriously I'd forgotten how good at oveer-the-ball he is and his open field passing game. Jake Gordon looking slick
Bluesfan
Guest
Just watching Berrick Barnes play and you realize how much he is missed in Oz rugby. Imagine him with Matt Toomua @ 12 with Foley on the bench?
concerned supporter
Guest
Who is Mitch Short? Debit him with 14 points.
MH01
Guest
Any format . We got a men's and women's 7 team, they did okay in Sydney recently ;)
Malo
Guest
Bring Walker back to the wallaby squad . Tahs and Brumbies look good, reds and rebels can hold the spoon. Get some quality players.