We’re getting close to the half way point of the season and teams are fighting hard to build momentum and position themselves well for the run into the finals. Here are some of the big talking points to come out of a weekend of thrilling games.
The Kerevi-Beale conundrum
Samu Kerevi has been one of the stars of the Australian conference so far this season. He’s played every minute for the Reds and has consistently punched holes in each defence that has tried to stop him. He’s clearly best at #12 while at #13 his talents are wasted and his arguably a weaker defender.
That’s fine at the Reds where Brad Thorn will continue to play him at inside centre but what happens back at the Wallabies when Mick Cheika has to fit Kurtley Beale into the equation? The Bernard Foley-Beale combination is looking good for the Tahs but is it worth giving Kerevi an opportunity at #12 and seeing what happens?
Brumbies are back… kind of
22 minutes into the Brumbies home match against the Reds they were down 0-15 and it was looking like their season really could be flatlining. Over the next hour though they came to life and showed the competition what they can do on their day. They racked up seven tries and could well have inspired their season back into life.
Perhaps of most importance was the way the Brumbies forwards rose to the occasion. Sam Carter, Isi Naisarani and David Pocock were especially impressive but overall the forwards gave the Brumbies some much needed go forward. Previously they’d been trying to attack and go wide before earning that forward dominance but against the Reds they showed what they are capable of.
They’ve got a long way to go and their real ability will face a tough test next week as they travel to the Highlanders but there’s some hope yet for the Brumbies faithful.
Pocock is awesome
Oh my how Australian rugby has missed this man. From his work at the breakdown to the effort he puts in from minute one to 80, to the way he makes players around him better, Pocock is a special player.
Cheika will be licking his lips at getting him back in the Wallabies back row and if he and Michael Hooper can find a way to compliment each other then the Rugby Championship could get very interesting. This isn’t a given though and many will be watching to see how Cheika handles these riches.
(Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)
Tahs are not the real deal yet
Putting seven tries on any opponent usually means it’s been a pretty damn good day at the office and while the Tahs will have enjoyed the game against the Sunwolves, their fans shouldn’t be getting too carried away.
Yes scoring seven tries is great, but this is the Sunwolves – everyone scores plenty of tries against the Sunwolves right? The concern is that they conceded 29 points….against the Sunwolves. If you let the Sunwolves score four tries against you then what are teams like the Lions, Crusaders, Hurricanes and Chiefs going to be thinking?
If the Tahs want to be a real threat then they have got to tighten up their defence.
Kiwi heartbreakers
Both the Hurricanes and Chiefs broke some hearts this weekend. The Sharks and Blues fans must have felt that at last they were going to feel the sweet taste of victory over Kiwi opponents after they had fought so hard to earn the win.
But in a great demonstration of what makes the Chiefs and Hurricanes real contenders for the title this year they were able to add resolve to attacking flair and steal wins in the dying seconds of their respective games.
Being able to sneak these kind of wins is important across the course of a season. Knowing that you and your teammate s around you have the ability to find a way to win games that could so easily be narrow losses is key and not just because of the extra points.
It helps bring a team together and is hugely valuable when they get into the real knockout games later in the season where it’s now or never time.
Baz
Guest
@GoldenDave - yeah thought that he was quick enough to slot into the centers. He seems to spend most of his time out there anyway. @AGbanger - the fact that Pocock is injured so frequently could also be a function of how he plays the game and the fact that he is stationary over the ball at the breakdown. If Hoops spent the same time over the ball he may also suffer a few more injuries. I do know this, they are both great players and playing side by side they exhibit the perfect contrast of loose forward work ethic.
AGbanger
Guest
It's only a hypothetical conundrum... pocock has consistently demonstrated that his body isn't up to playing long seasons of international rugby. He's injury prone. He'll play a couple of good games and then leave the hard work to Hooper who's proved that he's good enough and reliably durable..
Ray
Guest
2 of those 3 players you mention started their test careers off the bench
PK
Guest
Oh dear, here he goes again ..unless it`s a Waratah, like a Hanigan or a Robertson or a Dempsey all other players have to start from the bench to see if they are up to test level..FFS
Mac
Guest
The new breakdown rules may well suit the pooper. That means we need a large 6.That rules Dempsey out. I would like to see some big bodies given a go this year with Hannigan finishing the last 20. Before you shoot me I’ve noticed Hannigan has bulked up this year. He’s still only a kid at 22 yrs old and come 2019 WC his blooding in 2017 may be seen as a masterstroke. For now though he shouldn’t be starting.
GoldenDave
Guest
What if Hooper (or Pocock) was turned into a Hooker? Anyone think that is possible or is it simply too late in their careers?
Baz
Guest
Don't get rid of Hooper as captain. That is too hard. Add Pocock as a second captain. Dual captains.
Bernie
Guest
Could not agree more Far superior player than hooper in the 7 jersey
Crash Ball2
Guest
Thanks Nick. Will do.
Bernie
Guest
The best way for Pooper to play for the Wallabies is to start Pocock with Hoops on the bench. Hooper can come on when the game loosens up with 30/25 minutes to play. In this way you have the best use of both players skill set used. Pocock when the game is tight and matters and hooper can run around loose like a maniac as an inside centre Unless Hoops reminds Cheik about those incriminating photos again. Then we're back to love child with the captains arm band
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
Have a look at my new article this week - a lot of it deals with David Pocock's shift in attitude at breakdown time... But the overall stats have surprised me in their consistency - even the NZ teams are beginning to look more at the counter-ruck etc...
Fox
Roar Guru
yeah cuw - that Leitch pass was just the worst refereeing this year
Crash Ball2
Guest
Nick, can you pinpoint a specific breakdown infringement in the last Super Rugby round that relates wholly to the “new” rules rather than the incumbent ones?
Baz
Guest
Why does the role of Captain last longer than a season as is the case with cricket. A captain should be picked each year based on form and relevance. We should be picking the best players at each position and choosing the best leader available...if we want to win.
Wally
Guest
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gqluqSGxCnA From 2015 but still a good viewing. Pocock’s mentioned in plural By Richie McKaw and the panel. Pocock for Captain. He speaks well, inspires those around him and commands respect from the referees. If Cheika does not change his selection ways this year, I think results will force Castle to do it for him.
Tommo
Guest
Can anyone, I mean anyone, actually explain Ned Hannigan's inclusion in the Wallabies outfit? Like I mean seriously. Dean Mumm was perplexing but figured his old man had something to do with his constant selection. Hannigan is an absolute mystery to me. I lie awake at night asking the big questions like God vs Evolution, are there other life forms in the universe, what came first, the chicken or the egg and how the hell Ned Hannigan has played so many Wallabies tests already. He'll be celebrating 50 caps in no time.
Tommo
Guest
It's interesting how everyone says Timu is raw at SR level and shouldn't be selected for the Wallabies based on this. If he is performing the best at 8 out of anyone in the conference an is eligible for the Wallabies should it matter that it's his first real SR season? Hannigan has done sweet f all over the past few seasons but he seems to keep getting gifted games for the Wallabies. Other pundits seem to keep singing praises of Dempsey, who admittedly is better than Hannigan (which is not saying much) but again what impact has he actually had at Wallabies level let alone Waratahs? A Fardy at 6, Pocock at 7 and Timu at 8 would be damaging and both Fardy and Timu can lineout jump if required. But yeah lets go with Hooper, Pocock and why not Hannigan at 8. Cheika will be the master of his own demise.
Tommo
Guest
This whole argument is ridiculous. In any other country bar perhaps NZ, Pocock would not only be the first player picked in his number 7 jersey he would also be captaining his national team. Hooper doesn't hold a candle to Pocock in one single facet of his being.
Fionn
Guest
Mafi is one of a kind and perhaps the best number 8 in world rugby. However, a Timu or a Naisarani (when he's eligible) is the next best thing.
Baz
Guest
Hoops is a great player but at what position and against who. Pocock is better over the ball Period and IMO Hoops doesn't have the size to play 8. A dilemma no doubt but I think the 6 might be the only spot where he could fit.