Analysis: The coach Eddie should bring on board for World Cup, why Tahs back-rower is turning heads

Before a ball was kicked in 2023, returning Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham and captain Allan Alaalatoa described Dan Palmer as the best scrum coach in the world.

Two rounds into the competition and the proof is in the pudding.

Despite losing Alaalatoa to concussion on Sunday afternoon, the Brumbies’ scrum continued where they left off against the Waratahs by doing a number on the Blues.

Just as importantly is how quickly their substitutes and new recruits, Blake Schoupp and Rhys Van Nek, have performed.

Blake Schoupp has been one of the finds of the season and his rapid rise can in part be attributed to working under Dan Palmer. Photo: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Schoupp was spotted by Palmer and shrewdly lured down to the Brumbies. After two matches, he looks like one of the finds of the season.

His replacement partner, Van Nek, spent a couple of seasons at the Rebels but delivered an eye-catching performance both at the scrum and on the floor after joining this season.

Palmer’s portfolio has only just been expanded to the broader forwards role, so he won’t be considered as the Wallabies’ forwards coach. But if they want a specialist scrum coach, Palmer is building quite the case if someone like Bath’s Neal Hatley can’t be lured south.

Brumbies scrum coach Dan Palmer continues to work his magic on the side’s scrum. Picture: Lachlan Lawson/Brumbies Media

The former Wallaby’s strengths, according to those who have been coached by him, is his technical nous.

The rise of Schoupp and Van Nek are testament to Palmer’s ability to upskill his front-rowers.

Meanwhile, Laurie Fisher is living up to his promise of preparing the Brumbies for international duties, with the side’s work on the floor and in the contact zone the best in Australian rugby. It was the difference against the Blues.

Tahs could be big winners from Savea’s ‘brain explosion’

Regardless of the position you stand on Ardie Savea’s throat-slitting gesture, the All Blacks back-rower showed he is Super Rugby’s most influential player.

Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo’unga often get the plaudits with their dazzling feet, but there is no-one who does more on either side of the ball than Savea.

He scored twice and set-up a third for the Hurricanes on Friday night. But it’s his leg drive and explosiveness that make him so hot too handle.

Ardie Savea is in danger of being rubbed out of Super Rugby matches. But he continues to show why he’s the competition’s most valuable player. Photo: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Savea could very much be made an example by Super Rugby and miss up to a month of action should he be found guilty of going “against the spirit of good sportsmanship”.

But given his good record, he would likely have the starting point of four weeks halved. That would be harsh given the moment seemingly sprung the Rebels into life, but Super Rugby can’t stand for anything like what Savea did either.

If he does get suspended though, he would miss the Hurricanes’ next match against the Blues and their clash against the Waratahs in a fortnight. It could prove a game-changer.

The positional group that is the most competitive in Australian rugby – and why one stood out in Super Round

Over three straight matches, Eddie Jones would have been impressed by what he saw in the back-row.

On Saturday evening he saw Langi Gleeson deliver the most outstanding performance to date by an Australian Super Rugby player this season.

Gleeson, 21, stood out in the first 50 minutes when others made little impact. He dented the line and put the Fijians on their backs.

Sure he didn’t get through 80 minutes, but Gleeson’s involvements were hugely impressive for a young man starting just his second match.

Langi Gleeson was the only Waratahs player to manage to dent the Fijian defence during a bruising opening 50 minutes. Photo: Mackenzie Sweetnam/Getty Images

He also complemented teammate Michael Hooper, who got better the game went on against Fiji, with the Waratahs’ back-row looking more balanced with Gleeson starting.

He wasn’t alone in having a strong game. Fellow back-rowers Rob Valetini and Rory Scott played out of their skins, while Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight then cut the Force in half.

That’s not even mentioning Pete Samu, Waratahs back-row replacements Charlie Gamble and Will Harris, and Reds co-captain Liam Wright who looms as a potential bolter for Jones’ squad.

Wright is physically tough and his extra height and lineout prowess could come in handy.

Lachie Swinton is slowly building back to form after missing the majority of last year.  

Rebels duo Brad Wilkin and Richard Hardwick were also strong contributors, but the latter won’t be wearing gold again after committing to Namibia.

But the fact Jones pencilled in Valetini and Gleeson in his “draft one Wallabies April camp” back-row could be a sign Jones could use two ball-running back-rowers in his side.

Christy Doran’s Australian Super Rugby team of the week: James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan, Rhys Van Nek, Ryan Smith, Nick Frost, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Langi Gleeson, Ryan Lonergan, Tom Lynagh, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Lalakai Foketi, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Jordan Petaia

Time to move on from Melbourne

Thanks Melbourne, but it’s time Super Rugby moved on from the “sporting capital of the world”.

Melbourne’s an AFL city and while Super Rugby was keen to build a market, it’s a battle they’re losing.

Internationals are a different kettle of fish. Although it’s worth noting that Eddie Jones’ appointment after Dave Rennie was brutally sacked barely made the news.

While Brisbane is a compelling option, Sydney or Auckland, which have neighbouring pitches to warm-up on as well as bigger rugby populations, are more attractive options.

Aussie 7s sides find success in Vancouver – and the player who Super Rugby sides will be looking at

After underachieving in Sydney, Australia’s men’s and women’s sevens sides had strong tournaments in Canada.

Tim Walsh’s women’s side cruised through to the final, but came unstuck early and paid the price against their trans-Tasman rivals.

The men, meanwhile, knocked off New Zealand in the quarter-finals and secured bronze after beating Ireland comfortably.

Henry Patterson continues to get through tackles and show a deceptive turn of pace, but rookie teenager Darby Lancaster looks the find of the season.

The teenager is strong through contact and very quick.

It won’t surprise if Super Rugby sides coming knocking, but given the Olympics are next year, and the specialised training sevens players get, particularly at the breakdown, it could benefit everyone if he stays in John Manenti’s program for an extra year.