As we return to normal programming, the New Zealand teams do what they do best. After three rounds of trans-Tasman rugby, they have absolutely dominated.
The Kiwi teams have depth, skills and coaching to put it over everyone. What they do need is time.
They digest the information from previous games and adapt.
In three weeks Aussie teams have done what they should do and create options and punch above their weight. At some stage depth was always going to play a part.
Unfortunately that moment came in Round 13, 2022.
The Aussie teams were outclassed and outplayed. There was skill from the boys across the ditch and they enjoyed every minute of it.
These are the moments that determine the winner, and I still can’t see an Australian team coming over the top, with the exception of the Brumbies.
Let’s look past the Force and the Rebels for now, as they simply appear to be looking for the catering after the game rather than the match itself. The Force in particular created such wonderful moments but are now cooked and looking for mad Monday. Simon Cron has work to do next year, because they’re better than what they’re delivering.
So we come to the Brumbies, Reds and Waratahs.
The Brumbies have shown that apart from Noah Lolesio, they don’t have much. The direction was pedestrian and without purpose.
When he returns, they can stick to their structure, but clearly their inside backs and kicking game are lost without him.
As Stephen Larkham comes in next year, a second flyhalf is crucial. The Brumbies lost that game; they simply lost control early and then chased.
Again, you can’t chase against NZ teams.
It was sad to see, but they’re still there for the finals, and I think they can cause an upset in the semi-finals if Lolesio is there.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Onto the Reds, and oh my gosh.
I’m a New South Welshman and I actually enjoy the Reds going well. I was extremely proud of what they did last year and how they’ve forged ahead in the first half of this season – but geez, they’re gone.
It is sad to watch. The talent in Queensland is huge. Brad Thorn has developed an awesome squad, but something has gone missing since the ‘unnamed person’ at RA started stating their thoughts.
Coincidence maybe, but Thorn, pull your finger out and do something. This slide is embarrassing. I only say that because the talent on the roster is 60 per cent of the Wallabies over the coming two years.
Onto the Waratahs, and who would’ve thunk it: the Waratahs didn’t win a game last year against Australian or Kiwi sides, but here they are with seven wins and sixth on the table.
The difference is attitude. It’s harder for the Kiwi teams to pick, but there is no one style.
The Waratahs have a ‘play what’s in front of you’ approach. Play the man and the ball – and, most importantly, something both Kiwi and Australian franchises have lost, play for your fans.
It’s all about building to the end of the year. It’s a four-month competition.
The guys are playing with heart. They have not changed the roster too much, but their mentality has been immense.
I don’t think they can win this competition this year, but they will in the next two to three.
They are not playing as individuals, they are playing for the guy inside or outside of them.
This isn’t just a sport, it’s a movement for the code. It’s an awakening. Thank you to Darren Coleman; it’s what we needed.
If the Tahs make the finals, I implore Channel Nine to put every game on the main channel. Please.
The Reds, Brumbies and NZ brothers, please jump on board.
All you have to do is read and be on board. Make the Tahs your second team. It’s an awesome story
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Me and most other Kiwis can see the writing in the wall. We know this is going to be tough. I’ll be happy with a 2-1 series win.
Big A
Roar Rookie
Sometimes i wonder if anyone actually watches the games any more - i pretty watch EVERY game EVERY week and when i read some of the scribes - even on the roar - you can see that all they're doing is commenting on what's on social media and post match interviews - i agree with Chronicle above - Noah is not the gel that makes the Brumbies click - a more apt comment would have been - "I'll tell you what the scoe would have been if Valentini had played" and also the constant derision of all things Qld is a joke - they have been decimated by injuries - what did we expect to happen - also agree with PAulo and i'll go further - AUS sides could easily have won another 5 matches over the past three TT rounds - blind Freddie can see that - surely - and if our Kiwi cousins cant see that and think they're teams are cruising then heaven help them if the four leaf clovers arrive with a full strength squad in a few weeks time - they are in for one helluva shock - can't wait actually
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Having two ‘last play’ wins this round and some very tight games hardly warrants ‘domination’. That’s where you lost me. You should have led with the Tah love.
Kick n Clap
Guest
Nice bit of comedy there? “If the Tahs make the finals, I implore Channel Nine to put every game on the main channel. Please.” Now to proper grown up talk. Do you think Channel 9 going put RU on normal TV on Friday & Saturday night you kidding yourself? Weekend TV boring enough, as it is with out you inflicting anymore pain on the Rest of us. At least on Ch72 & The “Yorkshire Vet “the two main contributors know what there talking about. Just because the NRL ground looked busy on Saturday “one swallow doesn’t make summer”. Back to normality and last weekend’s Sydney sporting calendar? The Swans were at the SCG. If The Tahs can’t get over 10,000 attendance when there was no NRL counter games and competition you are really hoping for miracles!! Love to see he attendance at Bankwest, sorry Bank-less when the Tahs play there?
Coker
Roar Rookie
Well, certainly the Chiefs are on a slide, but the others seem to be travelling ok. The Blues were good again, admittedly against pretty feeble opposition, but everybody knew that in advance so the Blues showed a commendable amount of ruthlessness in not catering to the lowest common denominator. Thanks primarily to injuries and covid, the Crusaders may not have the forward depth of the past few years but they still managed to dispatch the Brumbies far more comfortably than they did last year. The Highlanders have shown massive improvement in recent weeks and seem to be following a far more coherent game plan. The Hurricanes, well, they're what they've always been — a bunch of individuals masquerading as a team. So it's really only the Chiefs who have noticeably dropped in quality, which is a concern. At the moment, only Taukei'aho and Cane (although not being in top form) would seem to be strong candidates for an AB XXIII, although I'd have Weber as well. Tupaea is probably in the midfield mix, but it's a crowded space. The young guns — Lord, Vaa'i, Norris — are all very promising, but look at least a year away from being ready for full-on international rugby. While the more experienced candidates like Ross, P-Gus and Jacobson have all had their chances hampered by the team not playing very well. I'd expect quite a few of these to be named in the 40-man squad, but things will have to improve significantly for them to get any further up the pecking order.
Ducky
Guest
Agreed. The Force and Rebels are a disgrace and the other proper rugby states are merely lambs to the slaughter for Kiwis, bar the occasional upset. Take 1 or 2 of the best players out of those three sides and they are toast. Less money for future player rosters means quality will deteriorate and the gulf will only get wider.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Sadly Riggers based on the weekends rugby I think NZ sides dropped in quality rather than Aus sides on the up. It was a fairly dismal weekend of rugby from a quality perspective.
Chronicle
Roar Rookie
Somewhat mystified as to why channel nine has to put the game on the main channel. After years of having no free to air finding a particular channel doesn’t seem to be a to big a task to ask of supporters. If you believe Brumbies playmaking and kicking game is based on Noah Lolesio then you have been watching different games to me. Definitely their best option at 10.