The Super Rugby Pacific competition finally traversed the Tasman for Super Round, with Australian and New Zealand sides going toe to toe at last.
While only the Brumbies secured victory among the Aussie teams, there was still the odd bright spot, such as the Rebels’ first half against the Crusaders, while the Force’s game became the latest to be postponed.
With crowds low in Melbourne, though, questions have been asked as to whether enough was done to promote the weekend’s action, and indeed if the correct city was picked for it.
For all that and more of your questions, Nick Bishop is back on deck this Friday to delve deep into the world of rugby and respond to your concerns.
If you missed last week’s instalment, you can see Nick’s most recent Coach’s Corner here.
Whatever rugby questions are on your mind, now’s your opportunity to ask them.
Enter them in the comments section below and then revisit The Roar on Friday to see Nick’s answers.
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
Yes he looked very lively didn't he?
Highlander
Roar Guru
Don’t know if he was told to/ has dropped some kegs but he and the crusaders have been pretty open that it took him a long time to adjust to the pace they play at. Easily his best game of the season last weekend I thought.
In brief
Guest
In my view when a forward is red carded the scrum is by definition weakened. It is therefore an unfair contest at scrum time. My pet hate is seeing teams in this position repeatedly penalised and even yellow carded as their weakened scrum is battered into submission. It is a blight on the game. Do you agree ?
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
I don't think he lost weight. He has commented before that he is now asked to run faster, even if it is the same total distance. To me, Matera, Isa, Kremer and Petti are truly world class players. Argentina just needs proper props and a very disciplined Lavanini to be competitive. It is a real loss to Argentina not to be able to copete more frequently with the Kiwis.
Charlie Turner
Guest
Zach Mercer looked pretty agile for a “fat lazy bloke”…. :laughing:
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Rennie has to make him. He needs to see the bigger picture
Big A
Roar Rookie
Hi Nick, The big question that needs answering very quickly is who plays 10 for the Gold if Quade and Joc are not available - in my opinion Noah will not be ready until 2025 - he doesn't have the physical or mental strength that's required
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
Well beyond my remit GG - Brett would prob be the man to ask!
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
Thanks WL.
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
It can look a bit odd H, but I think all of the Kiwi calls were fair because the defender got his body in front of the ball and it dropped behind him. Jamie was at full stretch and had no chance to cath the ball on the end of his fingers!
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
20 minute red card would help matter in the current high shot climate, without doubt. Scrum pens are usually kicked to the corner anyway, so that would not.
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
The Kiwis were quite clever and were in front of the ball when they touched the pass, so it did go backwards. Jamie was at full stretch and it had to go forward!
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
I suspect FMR will get a lot more game time for the WB this season Oz. :thumbup:
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
Charlie Gamble was arguably the best 7 on view for the Aussie sides over the weekend, even though he had 6 on his back! FMR is clearly making strides and Hooper is yet to find top form, so the picture at 7 looks quite rosy for DR right now.
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
It looks like he is only going to get time at 15 with Donaldson and Edmed around Oz, and I'm not sure I see an international future for him there...
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
That's a lot of assumptions to make after one cross-border game Bob? I'd rather wait until this part of the comp is completed!
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
The Tahs did well v the Chiefs in parts, but prob more so with the tackle-jackal than the high choke-type tackles they attempted. The Chiefs effectively resolved that issue by the second period!
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
The main issue for Fraser is release after the tackle is made - sometimes he blurs the line too much and most of the top refs like Wayne Barnes ask for a very clear picture before they will reward the jackal.
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
There have been a few more examples up north too... https://gfycat.com/calmperfumedgemsbuck . Zach Mercer v Quins.
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
I think 6 is Matera's best spot Carlos, though he's quite capable of playing across the B/R. He looked a bit leaner in the Rebs match to me - have the Saders asked him to drop a bit of bulk? Maybe someone from NZ will know? It's prob more of the adjustment bit for Matera - to my mind he has always been able to play in the open spaces, so that is nothing new for him!