The final round of Super Rugby 2013 is upon us, with the traditional grudge match between NSW v Queensland largely ruined by injury and likely being a dead rubber game for both sides, with the Reds in the finals regardless, and the Tahs not.
NSW must be hot favourites to win, with home advantage, a coach determined to set NSW right again, and at least six 2013 starting Wallabies in their side: Benn Robbo, Kane Douglas, Michael Hooper, Wycliff Palu, Berrick Barnes and Adam Ashley-Cooper.
The Reds have, well, none. Zero starting Wallabies in the Reds team, with Digby Ioane, Will Genia and James Horwill all out injured – or, being saved for the finals round next week – probably against the wily Crusaders. AMI Stadium in Christchurch was also the the last place the Reds failed to win a match in New Zealand.
When you consider the NSW team, add in Sitaleki Timani, who would have been running on for the Wallabies if available, and soon to be Wallabies Will Skelton and Bernard Foley, 2012 end-of-year-tour Wallaby pine-rider Brendan McKibbon, and it’s seemingly a foregone conclusion that the Tahs just have to show up to win.
The Reds are crippled by the loss of their first and second choice captains, and will have to dangerously rely on the skills of a number 10, who is not counted in the best 35 players in Australia.
Throw in the disruption at Reds HQ due to Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie soon departing from his position Director of Coaching, and it will be a small miracle if the Reds can even run onto the paddock without suffering psychological injury due to the vast, hostile, baying Sydney crowd.
Given all this, how can this small band of Queenslanders hope to win, up against the mighty NSW scrum and the tall timber in the lineout?
On paper, it can’t even be close, for all that, NSW have slightly misplaced their pre-season favouritism to take out the title.
Of course, some of this in tongue and cheek. And, with Steve Walsh as referee, anything can happen.
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.
Justin Harrison was absolutely loving this. The ex-Wallaby got his hands on footage of Stephen Larkham playing some fourth-grade rugby and used it to…
Have to take what you can get as a back! Rob Valetini earnt the bragging rights as the Brumbies beat the Drua 28-20.
They were made to play until the last whistle, but the ACT Brumbies held on to post an important 28-20 win over the Fijian…
Cheeky from Tom. Luke Reimer had a game-saving impact off the bench for the Brumbies, and Samuela Tawake wanted a piece of him on…
Queensland Reds winger Tim Ryan has had a fantastic fortnight, scoring a hat-trick against the Blues and then a double against the Crusaders. The…
Despite losing the possession battle, the Brumbies still led 21-10 at half-time over the Drua thanks to a Len Ikitau double.
