Look, I know we are enjoying summer at the beach, watching the cricket and haven’t turned the corner on Australia Day yet. But there is something we need to discuss: just like objects in your car’s wing mirror, which may be “closer than they appear”, so too is the start of the 2021 rugby season.
Yes, I hear you, “We’re still in January for FitzSimons sake!”, or “Can’t we just enjoy summer?!” and I get it. Summer is my favourite time of the year. The weather is hot, the sun is out, the barbie is sizzling away happily and the great outdoors beckons on the daily. The only real downside to summer is the fact that there’s no code being played. That being the greatest sporting code of them all – rugby union.
But truth be told, we are now within a month of kicking off the new season and a new era for rugby. “But, didn’t last season just finish?” you ask. Well, yes – in fact, the final game we saw was the Wallabies’ draw with Argentina on December 5th. That was part of a hastily arranged rugby calendar brought about as a large, hungry cat in the form of COVID-19 was set among a group of particularly timid pigeons. The end result was a season that ended much later than normal.
Fast forward to 2021 and the rugby landscape has now temporarily taken shape as part of a more permanent solution continues to evolve. A rugby scaffolding, so to speak.
With the ravages of COVID-19 having caused SANZAAR to take a good, long look in the mirror, we are left staring at Super Rugby without any South African, Argentinian or Japanese influence. In fact, for the first ten or so weeks of the season, New Zealand and Australia will do their own thing with Super Rugby Aotearoa and Super Rugby AU, respectively.
Super Rugby AU kicks off on February 19th, followed a week later in New Zealand. Upon completion of these respective “in-house” competitions – featuring finals in each country – all five teams from Australia and New Zealand will join forces once again, like a watered-down rugby Voltron, for Super Rugby Trans-Tasman. This competition will also culminate in a final, set for June 19th.
(Photo by David Gray/AFP via Getty Images)
Now, of course, this itinerary comes with a big ‘ole asterisk by it – something along the lines of “subject to change”, which is understandable, albeit slightly frustrating.
In some ways, the administration, players, broadcasters and fans will be better prepared than last season, as there has at least been some room to plan things (as opposed to the read and react approach of 2020) and potentially have back-up plans in place. But in reality, who really knows how this whole season may shake down?
The important thing is that – unlike most things I do in life – there is a plan. That plan is to kick things off in just under a month’s time. Rugby tragics such as you and I should be excited.
Excited to see if the Reds young guns can rise to the top of the Australian table. Excited to see if the Blues can overthrow the Crusader overlords in New Zealand, and frankly excited about a whole lot of other intriguing questions, like who the superstars and surprises will turn out to be in 2021, where the first-ever Super Round will be held and if I can even afford Stan Sport?!
For now, we can slap on that SPF 50, crack open an ice-cold can from the cooler and bask in the heat, safe in the knowledge that we will soon begin the “real” new year, with rugby’s new dawn.
Because it’s getting close, my friends.
Very close.
AndyS
Guest
Maybe, but a pipe dream until they can underpin it with a meaningful and stable national development competition. Without that, they'll continue to struggle with even the five they have.
Butcher
Roar Rookie
Agree, would be great to see a better show of all schools. I do know that my stepkids went to a GPS school in Brisbane and they have live Facebook feeds of all GPS games, maybe the pubic schools do this, maybe not, I couldn't say. Starting something up like "The Press Cup" in the South Island of NZ where all schools play for the South Island title, this could happen in any state (or all) and each schools play off locally then to next region etc, until we get down to the quarter finals and onwards could be played on TV. May even have a national state playoff if more than one state gets involved. Costs would only come into it once you start traveling out of your region, by then most schools would be out of the comp already. Just an idea to throw out there!
Terry Tavita
Roar Pro
rugby au needs a 6th franchise..preferrably in adelaide or sydney..
Racing Chicken Trainer
Roar Rookie
I’m making the assumption that with everything being up I. The air, they don’t want to confirm or spend any money on names and marketing until they have at least half an idea on what’s happening.
Rhys
Roar Rookie
Yep the development of those guys could see them turn into a couple of weapons for the Reds and the wallabies too. I think if Daugunu can continue growing he fits into a sevu reece mould and could be a key player for us moving forward.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
Just wondering why the persistence with the name Superugby.. Clearly South Africa and Argentina no longer intending to participate....its last days probably had more negativity around it than the opposite.. So call it something else, create a new brand identity etc.. I mean if you believe in the future of the new tournament then go for it.
MO
Guest
Daugunu has done some silly stuff but I like that he competes for second phase ball. He could mature into very handy. I also like that he's quick and can score tries. Paisami surprised the heck out of me. He has test quality. Lots to learn but at least he looks up to the grade.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Rebels did have quite a cleanout. But with Orr, Uelese, Pone and Hosea, the starting pack is ok. I expect Rebels and Tahs are competing for the spoon however.
jeznez
Roar Guru
You’ve got a young loose head in Victor Harris
Rhys
Roar Rookie
That's true mate, Paisami is another one though you'd not realise it from his quick development this year already! I also am keen to see how Daugunu improves. Quality guy with plenty to give but also plenty to work on. But, if he keeps on his trajectory, could well see him have a big season in 2021. Plenty of excitement
jeznez
Roar Guru
:laughing:
MO
Guest
We'll probably find out that Robertson can throw straight in which case he'll be an automatic disqualification.
MO
Guest
Heiberg albeit about 35 years old is a loosehead. I don't know the other props on the Force roster but Wagner can be a starting loosehead so if needs be Heiberg would only be playing small minutes. But you don't really want to finish a game with two 35/36 year old props. Wagner Tom and Medrano would be fun to see.
MO
Guest
And a come back from a refreshed TK and the fourth or fifth coming of Kyle Godwin. Tom Robertson is only 28 or so. He's got to have a legit shot at displacing Sio from the Wallaby loosehead. He may not but he should be a contender.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Agree mate. Think the other thing that will surprise people is how bare the Rebels are in tight five. Their squad appears to be four players short. Force still need a third hooker but maybe we’ll finally get our wish with Robertson!
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
As were Qlders with Anna. Erring on the side of caution is rarely a bad idea when lives are at stake.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
I had exactly the same idea! I think people will be surprised when it is all laid out how strong the Force will be. There is no reason they shouldn’t be expecting big things. For the Tahs I am just hoping to see some grit and growth in the young players. Lots of green shoots but they will I think fail in the experience stakes. Only seven Wallabies and five of those have less than 5 caps. None with more than 15 caps!
piru
Roar Rookie
Rhys Mark McGowan has proven to not give two stuffs about public opinion when it comes to slamming the borders shut to keep COVID out. My perception has been that most West Australians are right behind McGowan on this one mate
Shooter McGavin
Roar Guru
YES!!! Can't wait for it - LET'S GET THE HYPE TRAIN ROLLING! :rugby: :rugby: :rugby:
jameswm
Roar Guru
Yeah forgot Hosea, big prospect Paisami is close to rookie I think , another good one.