It might be bloated and much maligned, but we’re finally at the business end of Super Rugby Pacific for 2023. Foregone conclusions? Let’s have a look:
Blues vs Waratahs, Eden Park, Friday 5.35pm AEST
No one is giving the Tahs a chance in this one, with good reason. One of the biggest mysteries is just how they still have any people showing up to watch them, given how intensely disappointing the Tahs been for basically forever. Given their resources, they should have been one of the dominant Super Rugby teams since its inception but have only managed to translate that into one title win.
Good on the 20,000 or so that did show up to farewell Michael Hooper last weekend, a man who really hasn’t deserved to make as many painful post-match speeches explaining losses as he has done, but even that was a disappointment as his side was well beaten by Moana Pasifika. Throw in the not-so-insignificant fact that the Blues gashed them for 55 points less than a month ago and Friday’s fixture is looking pretty bleak.
The only upside is that if the Blues are as bad as they were in their insomnia-curing game over the Highlanders, the Tahs will have a sniff if they can convert their chances. The home side will welcome back Beauden Barrett but have lost skipper Patrick Tuipulotu, otherwise the team is pretty settled. There have been some questions over their consistency, but it feels like this is a perfect way to reset towards what’s looking like a likely trip to Christchurch next weekend.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Chiefs vs Reds, FMG Stadium Waikato, Saturday 2.35pm AEST
Here’s where it gets slightly more interesting as the Reds did pull off the upset of the season when they beat the Chiefs back in round 12 (sorry Tahs fans, that just makes the Moana result sound even worse). Clayton McMillan made a massive blunder in his team selections that night, but the promising sign from the Reds in their 25-22 victory is that if they can repeat that gameplan with the same intensity, they’ll at least have a shot.
The Reds are an interesting case. They certainly have some intriguing players but also the consistency of a slightly blocked toilet, which nevertheless has resulted in them sliding into the playoffs. Interestingly though, apart from their first-round blowout against the Hurricanes, they have probably played their best rugby against the New Zealand sides this year.
Ominously, the Chiefs are looking like they’ve reset and rebuilt since that loss in New Plymouth. They will be at full strength and in front of a decent crowd in Hamilton.
Crusaders vs Drua, Orangetheory Stadium, Saturday 5.05pm AEST
So, here’s where the criticism of Super Rugby right now hits a bit of a paradox. Everyone seemingly hates the eight-team playoff structure, but everyone loves watching the Fijian Drua. This weekend you can’t have the latter without the former, which does somewhat justify both expansion and format, the two biggest issues Super Rugby has had for its entire existence.
In saying that, it’s going to be the most uphill of battles for the Fijians in Christchurch. Yes, they beat the Crusaders in a stunning upset last time they met, but that was on a 35 degree afternoon in Lautoka. The conditions for this one will be literally the polar opposite – Christchurch at this time of year is about as cold as Hamish McLennan wants everyone to think Rugby Australia’s relationship with NZ Rugby is, plus the Crusaders are playing to send Scott Robertson out on a high before he takes up his role as All Black coach.
(Photo By Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
Really though, the big story about the Drua is how many players this could potentially be the last game for. They are losing nine after this season, including Kalaveti Ravouvou and Joseva Tamani, plus it feels like it’s just a matter of time before top try-scorer Iosefo Masi gets an offer elsewhere that will be too good to turn down.
Brumbies vs Hurricanes, GIO Stadium, Saturday 7.35pm AEST
The Brumbies and Canes have a unique shared history: both were assembled from the original offcut Super 12 players, belying expectations to become contenders within one season, often finding each other at pivotal points of campaigns…and both having cold, inhospitable stadiums.
This is easily the most interesting game of the quarters, not only because the Brumbies are at home, but also that the last time these sides played it was one of the best games of the year. The Brumbies are not only the shining light for Australian rugby right now, but also the legitimacy of the competition itself: if they make the semis, it at least shows the potential is there if the national talent pool gets a bit deeper than ankle height for the rest of the teams.
The Canes benefitted from a friendly soft draw to open the season and were looking likely to drop their last three games before the playoffs before upsetting the Crusaders last weekend. It didn’t shake the fact that it felt like a one-off – there was nothing riding on it for the defending champs, so the Brumbies should probably focus on what they learned in their somewhat unlucky 32-27 loss to the Canes in round 10.
mused6
Roar Rookie
Where did you guys find this pelican?
mused6
Roar Rookie
The Roar are paying the trolls now.
jeznez
Roar Guru
You said, RA, “don’t have that attitude towards any other state… a level playing field, fairness and transparency would be a good thing… If that was actually true we wouldn’t be having this chat
Chivas
Roar Rookie
Whatever you say. I have shared my views with Jez below… you want to carry on with this sort of childishness rather than take the time to read what I have said… go for it. I don’t have the care or bandwidth to carry this on. Thanks.
Chivas
Roar Rookie
I didn’t say they don’t do it for other teams.. I meant they likely wouldn’t do it for the Force. I also stated in my second post, that I didn’t think this was really any advantage to the Tahs… so please do not put words in my mouth. I do think NSWRU has a more direct line to RA than the WA rugby. Anyway, more importantly can you share your thoughts on the Tahs, Blues game on the Tahs / Blues article. I thought the Tahs got beaten up at the ruck and struggled at set piece as was to be expected… but I didn’t think they were dreadful. I thought they played quite solid. Obviously like you I rate players like Hooper and Holloway. I also really like Hoops, Hanigan and Holloway carry themselves and talk. I know a lot of QLD players have a chip on their shoulder and no respect which I find disheartening.. because they are top players and put in week in week out.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
I’m in agreement . Not nearly as bad as made out . If one or two Aussie teams can up the ante a dash its a whole new ball game . Fijian Drua have also added a real esoteric angle to things . But aside , see a 2 game series coming up soon between the Toyota Cheetahs in South Africa and The Force . The Cheetahs have been left out of rugby in SA and the URC and will want to make a big statement that they are still relevant .( which they are) . I believe its going to be a whole carnival with side shows etc , giving the Rugby starved Bloemfontein fans a great outing . Bring it on .
Locke
Roar Rookie
Now you're just looking desperate. Only someone with an emotionally clouded view of reality would see any similarity between the ABs and the Waratahs.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Right. So you can’t. And everything you claim is based on nothing. Got it
jeznez
Roar Guru
Any league player brought in? Willie Carne, Will Chambers, Curtis Rona, Karmichael Hunt, Berrick Barnes, Ryan Cross, Clinton Schifcofske, Andrew Walker, Cooper Vuna, Peter Ryan, Jarrod Saffy, Timana Tahu, Sam Harris, Nathan Blacklock? You think all of those were RA targeted? I'm pretty sure most of those guys drove it themselves/via their manager, or the Super rugby side drove it. Of course there are also the Wendell Sailor, Lote Tuquiri, Matt Rogers examples. Maybe you are right, maybe RA was the instigator - it's not the core issue I've got with what you and Bliksem are saying. It's that this claim this is an unfair advantage for NSW. You've literally stated that RA don't do it for any other team - I could have sworn Dell played for the Reds when he switched.
Chivas
Roar Rookie
Oh ffs... it os whoever you want to believe it is mate...I've explained itva million ways to sunset... in this caee I imagine it is yhe NSWRU in lick step with RA if not RA themselves...and the reason I surmise RA is based on what Hamish has expressed... but I feel ai have been.more than courteous explaining it, all of which you seem to completelu miss in some childish endeavor to achieve what I don't know. Online debates like this are justva waste of time.. have a good night mate. Isnt the Tahs game on... just enjoy that rather than contiinue on with this
Paul D
Roar Rookie
There is normally a single and central coordinator and for that there is precedent Name it
Chivas
Roar Rookie
Have a look at any league player brought in or in fact many players in amateur days who were robbed from other provinces (a common occurence in NZ). People endorsing players happens in all codes, but it is not the endorsers driving the change... they are financing it. Hence the fact that the endorsers are for the most part canvassed. I can only speak of my knowledge and experience based on players Iknow who have been endorsed and conversations with people who manage such things. Your experience and knowledge clearly tells you something different or you are just putting up a strawman of what could be, because you simply have no idea on how such matters are usually handled, which is perfectly fine, but difficult to reason with and I can divulge details of contracts I am aware of because they aren't mine to share.
Chivas
Roar Rookie
You are saying all things are possible even though there is no precedent for all the these things... hence my comment. There is normally a single and central coordinator and for that there is precedent... for the other possibilities you mention I am unaware of such... it could happen. Anything is possible in a world without boundaries (hence we go off what is most likely based on precedent). Making motherhood statements which have no precedent just avoids thinking about what is being said and why it is being said.
Bliksem
Roar Rookie
I do think it’s too obscure and open to favouritism at the whim of RA….. Potentially just make all “third party” agreements outside the Cap. That can work to provide an incentive for those that is able to contribute financially to direct where this funding is used for. This is not currently the case as RA can decide to top up a Beal but not a Honeybadger even if someone else is prepared to provide the funds. How the national interest works is also debatable. The argument that what is good for Sydney Uni is good for the national interest losses credibility quickly the further travel from Rugby HQ. With Tah-man in charge, we can expect things to get worse.
jeznez
Roar Guru
I think the issue is that players are largely developed into Wallabies in the three oldest Super sides. That will correct over time, it's already started. The cap is designed to move players around the country until development systems mature. We already saw the Force production line starting to work before they got cut. I'm very confident they'll get there again. Eventually the cap will drive moves less due to concentration of Wallabies and more due to competition for positions (at least that's the hope)
Colin Fenwick
Roar Rookie
Annual citizenship granted for NZ is around a quarter of that for Australia which is close to the difference in population size.
jeznez
Roar Guru
https://www.theroar.com.au/2023/05/02/comment-andy-marinos-was-too-safe-at-key-moments-and-failure-to-embrace-japan-defines-his-reign/ Sources have told The Roar he .... was the only figure to have voted to pass on recruiting Joseph Sua'ali'i. I think you are referencing this one. He was a lone hand voting against it and I agree with him on the principle that it inflates salaries by setting a new record deal. As I said to Doctordbx, I think it is a crazy salary to be paying and wish the funds were going to our U-20's retention. We seem to have another good group and hopefully we see similar from them as we've been getting from the class of '19.
ScottD
Roar Guru
I don’t think it is a bad competition at all mate. To be honest I have really enjoyed this year. There has been some good rugby and more than a couple of upsets by unfancied teams. I think that there is a tendency by some people to buff up (and talk up) the NH competitions without acknowledging that the NH comps also have their fair share of lesser games. I also think that the Australian teams have gone through a rough patch and are just now coming out of it. I think that the failure of now 3 clubs in UK means that more and more players are going to think twice about heading north and some of those up north are going to come home. I think the Force in particular have shown that it can work both ways and that it is possible to have some cross pollination between North & South and that is a good thing. 2023 has been (and will be with the RWC) a great year for rugby.
ScottD
Roar Guru
I don't know about that, but as a married man I certainly am :)
ScottD
Roar Guru
They are certainly exciting in attack when it clicks.