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Super Rugby Pacific has finally begun and what a first week of games. Round one had it all, there were upsets, blow-outs, rivals going toe-to-toe and reality checks. For Australian players it was the first opportunity to impress Eddie Jones, who considers SRP form as key if you want a spot in the Wallabies squad.
There were two local derbies and one trans-Tasman clash, each one giving an indication of team blueprints and one or two glaring issues.
The biggest concern for every Australia team over the weekend was squad depth. Losing two or three players in certain positions meant debutants were squaring up against seasoned internationals. Some clubs even resorted to bringing coaches out of retirement to ensure they could field competitive teams. It was a sobering fact, however in the end exciting rugby was played by all the Aussie teams.
More on this key issue after a brief summary of the teams in round one.
Queensland Reds vs Hurricanes
The only trans-Tasman clash of the round will be a game head coach Brad Thorn will want to forget after a 47-13 rinsing from the Hurricanes. The first half was a blistering and exciting display of two teams wanting to play expansive rugby in hot and humid Townsville. Big name players Jordie Barrett, Ardie Savea, Jordan Petaia, Fraser McReight and Hunter Paisami stood up to give the exciting talent around them opportunities to play running rugby.
The depth and experience of the Hurricanes was the difference in the end. The ‘Canes minimised handling errors at half-time which saw the inexperienced Reds at sixes and sevens. New-age playmaker Aidan Morgan used his attacking weapons to great effect off-the-back-of the wrecking ball that is Asafo Aumua. Queensland have been hammered by injuries to their tight-five stock, especially at second row. Once the roster looks a little healthier, they will have the motor to compete for 80 minutes. It will be a tough ask against the Western Force this week who are coming off a win against a staunch and building Melbourne Rebels side.
Waratahs vs ACT Brumbies
The first derby of the weekend was a clash of the Aussie heavyweights. The main difference between the two sides was execution. Handling errors and penalties in their own half made the Waratahs their own worst enemy. Charlie Gamble was foiled several times despite having a solid game.
Jack Debreczeni and Noah Lolesio enjoyed playing behind a winning pack and they both got the better of their opposing playmakers in Tane Edmed and Ben Donaldson. Edmed was target by the Brumbies and although defending bravely was ultimately exploited. Wallabies locking duo Nick Frost and Cadeyrn Neville shaded Aussie teammate Jed Holloway and debutant Taleni Seu. Both teams are in for tough games against the Fiji Drua and Blues respectively for Super Round.
Melbourne Rebels vs Western Force
This was a grudge match in every sense of the word, handling errors galore with some plays looking extremely clunky. Both teams showed good fitness to play high tempo for the full 80. Both sides have lost key men upfront to injury which added to the scrappy nature of the game.
Despite losing, the Rebels looked far more settled and comfortable with being unformattable. Strong performances by Richard Hardwick, Brad Wilkin, Carter Gordon and Monte Ioane put the Rebels in the driver’s seat. The return of Trevor Hosea saw the young giant impose himself on the game albeit costing his side a penalty for a late tackle, illustrating the kind of mentality he has. Conversely the change of pace brought by Issak Fines-Leleiwasa made all the difference for the Force. The game was entertaining but both teams will need to lift when playing better opposition this weekend against the Hurricanes and Reds respectively.
Chase Tiatia of the Force gets tackled by Nick Jooste of the Rebels. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
The introduction of new laws to put shot-clocks on scrums, lineouts and further restrictions on goal and penalty kicks made the game feel faster. This adaptation will further stress the necessity of having a squad that can go the full 80 minutes and beyond. The Hurricanes showed you need to be able to bring-on All Blacks from the bench to be able to go deep into the competition. Squad depth a particularly worrying for the Reds, Force and Rebels unless some injured players can make a swift return. Eddie Jones will also want to see execution percentages increased across the board, especially ball security in the tackle and at ruck time.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.