England captain Sarah Hunter says she has “never experienced anything like” the moment her side’s game in France was called off when floodlights failed.
Original source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/56952822
The Brumbies are banking on their big-game experience to steer them into the Super Rugby AU grand final, however the Western Force have shown they’re up for the fight of a sudden-death showdown.
The teams meet in the qualifying final in Canberra on Saturday night, with the winner facing the Queensland Reds in Brisbane in a week’s time.
Force coach Tim Sampson isn’t intimidated by the task of downing the defending premiers, on Friday describing the Brumbies’ recent form as “clunky” and saying the home team infringe a lot.
Having won the Super Rugby AU crown last year and reached the semi-finals of the regular 15-team competition in 2019, the Brumbies are well-versed in handling play-off pressure.
It’s the Force’s first taste of finals footy since their inception in 2006.
Brumbies skipper Allan Alaalatoa said that edge in experience would be an advantage.
“I think experience is great – having that pressure feeling that we had in the final last year and that build-up to the final is crucial,” the Wallabies prop said on Friday
(Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)
“A lot of our experienced boys have stepped up this week to make sure that everyone does take it up a notch.”
The Force have shown a never-say-die attitude in their past three games, securing last-gasp wins to march into the three-team finals.
That included serving up the Reds’ only loss of the season a week ago, with a 73rd-minute try snatching a 30-27 victory.
Alaalatoa predicted a similar tight finish.
“That’s what finals footy comes down to. We definitely know it will go down to whole 80 minutes so we know our finishers are going to have to do a good job,” he said.
“We know the Force have a lot of momentum from the last three games but we’ve had a good week of prep and we need to take our chances when they come.”
After two heavy losses against the Brumbies this season, Sampson said his team needed to start well to put the home side on the back foot and silence the home crowd at GIO Stadium.
“It’s important to get a good start against the Brumbies; to get in that arm wrestle and not fall behind on the scoreboard early,” he said.
“It’s a big focus for us and we’re going to have to be bloody good at it.”
Sampson said his team continued to set new goals, with their self-belief sky high.
“Last year and the start of this competition we hadn’t beaten any team so we’re ticking boxes and there’s another box to be ticked, and that’s beating the Brumbies at home.
“We’re riding a wave at the moment and the Brumbies in the last couple of games have been a bit clunky.
“We’ve got to maintain possession for long periods; they infringe a lot in all areas of the game so we’ve got to hold on to the ball as much as possible and play in good areas of the field.”
Original source: https://www.theroar.com.au/2021/05/01/force-primed-to-tackle-clunky-brumbies/
Original source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/56871532
https://therugbystore.com.au/why-it-is-an-honour-to-win-such-a-physical-womens-six-nations-final/
The Anzac Day round is always one filled with poignancy, and despite a young bugle boy struggling to hit the right notes in Christchurch, there were moving ceremonies held at all four matches across the weekend.
The only shame was that we weren’t blessed with a trans-Tasman match up; a situation that, depending on how events play out, will be rectified for next year’s round.
Not that anyone in Perth cared a jot, with the Force upsetting the previously unbeaten Reds, 30-27 to storm into the preliminary final next week, against the Brumbies.
Reds’ captain Liam Wright said straight after his side’s loss that “the Force deserve a lot of respect”, and he was clearly telling the truth.
Any side, under the pressure of playing for its first ever finals spot, seemingly down and out midway through the first half, having to battle through thirty minutes with 14 men, that is able to come back and score the winning try in the final minutes, is made of special stuff.
But the question that should have been put to Wright, is why, with the Force deserving of so much respect, was a gift three points under the posts to tie the match and send it to golden try, ignored? In favour of sending their smallest outside back on a crash ball, to be swallowed up by a mass of defenders?
It was easy to get caught up in the romance of the Force’s victory, and let’s be clear – who couldn’t love the reward that came for their commitment, determination and self-belief?
But starting with West Australia being sent into another Covid lockdown on Friday, there was so much confusion around, perhaps it was no surprise that the match should end as it did.
Pre-game, a Stan graphic told us how the Reds were “undefeated in six of the previous eight matches against the Force”. That made about as much sense as referee Damon Murphy somehow deducing that Domingo Miotti nudging the ball forward off his forearm didn’t constitute a knock on, before flying winger Julian Olowofela ran in the first of his three tries.
No matter the confusion, this match was all about the vibe. Even Stan’s best analyst, Morgan Turinui, got caught up in the craziness, noting that while Miotti had clearly knocked the ball on, he was happy to see a try awarded; seemingly speaking for many in implying that it was ok to apply different laws for the underdog.
It was also about the Force doing two other things outstandingly well. One was Tevita Kuridrani dispatching Hunter Paisami to the sheds to count how many ribs he had left after an inspirational mid-field tackle; an effort which visibly lifted his side and the sea of blue, in unison.
The other was to play the referee off a break at the scrum. Clearly under early pressure from the competition’s leading scrum, the Force front row managed to not only neutralise that threat, but squeeze three penalties out of Murphy without even having to scrummage.
After a season where, at times, they struggled to play a lot of rugby, the Force deserve their trip to Canberra next week because they went about things intelligently, getting the match played, for the most part, on their terms, and cleverly identifying space in behind the defensive line, where Olowofela was easily able to outrun James O’Connor for the go ahead score.
(Photo by Will Russell/Getty Images)
Reds’ fans meanwhile will find solace from the time-worn ‘it was the loss we needed to have’ explanation, although I’m not so sure that’s something I’d want to be hanging my hat on, heading into the grand final.
Their lineout looked more like the stuttering 2019 version, and their much-vaunted loose forward trio found their match in the hard-working Force combination.
And whoever their final opponent is, it might be an idea for the Reds to not only talk about showing respect for them and for the match situation, but to actually do so.
The Force getting the job done put the Rebels out of business, rendering their 36-25 win over the Waratahs moot, although as was obvious from the reaction of the players, any Super Rugby win is a win to be treasured.
As is their custom, the Rebels made things harder for themselves than they needed to be, with both Isi Naisarani and Pone Fa’amausili sailing too close to the wind with bone crunching defence, and in the process, earning the displeasure of referee Nic Berry.
It will be interesting to see what kind of vision is available to the judiciary, and whether or not it establishes – in both cases – that direct contact was made to the head, as opposed to the head being thrown back due to the force of the collision, or being a point of secondary contact.
Clearly, both players need to aim lower, to remove the element of risk to themselves and their opponent, but I’m yet to be convinced that fuzzy-framed, one-dimensional images are what we should be hanging people on.
It’s been a strange season for the Rebels, never able to put in a convincing 80-minute performance, and coming out on the wrong side of a string of match-defining moments.
(William West/AFP via Getty Images)
With a solid set piece and tenacious defence, they will expect to acquit themselves well against the New Zealand sides, although better combinations and more fluidity in the backline will be needed.
As for the Waratahs, Angus Bell once again showed his mobility, and Izaia Perese took things up another level with elusive running and skilful offloads.
But the Rebels finishing them off with a classic ‘seven-man shove’ at the scrum, really summed up the Waratah’s season in one humiliating moment.
In Hamilton, there was high interest in the battle of the two form fullbacks, Jordie Barrett and Damian McKenzie. Barrett raised concern early, with some watchers concerned that he disrespected both animal activists and Anzacs by wearing, then not removing, a Daniel Boone-style, coonskin cap for the anthems.
Barrett delivered his customary penalty goal from his own side of halfway, but despite a valiant effort from the Hurricanes, it was McKenzie who buried them, nailing a final minute penalty to seal a 26-24 win.
The Chiefs have won their last five matches by six, three, three, one and two points respectively. McKenzie has been the final points-scorer and match winner in every single one of those matches.
He’s never been a first-choice All Black, and with the emergence of Will Jordan he will almost certainly continue to play sporadically, and as injury cover, utilising his versatility.
But regardless of what happens up the line, there can be no doubt that he currently owns Super Rugby Aoteoroa, and is one of the main reasons fans tune in, knowing that they are guaranteed high-quality entertainment.
The Hurricanes did plenty right, and could consider themselves unlucky not to close the match out, just as they fell short against the Crusaders. In part that was down to being exposed by the inexperience of their young halves, who lacked the composure and experience to take the options demanded by such a tight and tense situation.
Ruben Love and Cameron Roigard are talented players; they just need miles on the clock to adjust to the tempo and situations faced at this level.
Ruben Love. (Photo by Mark Tantrum/Getty Images)
It’s a scenario no different to that say of the Reds, where their coach Brad Thorn and many of this year’s well performing team suffered through three very tough seasons, copping some harsh outcomes while those rugby lessons were being absorbed.
One player who has raced through his apprenticeship is Will Jordan, whose two tries helped the Crusaders to a comfortable 29-6 win over the Blues, and ensured that the final will once again be played in Christchurch.
As has been the case in recent times, the Crusaders suffered through some flat patches, struggling to contain the Blues’ loose forwards, on both sides of the ball. But their superior cohesion and strike power, and Sam Whitelock’s work-rate, proved a telling difference.
They’re not unbeatable, but if I’m to bet against them in the final, it will be with someone else’s money.
After starting the season so powerfully, the Blues now have it all ahead of them, needing to beat the Chiefs with a bonus point, while preventing the Chiefs from getting a bonus point themselves.
Not impossible, but missing the presence of Patrick Tuipolotu and Tom Robinson, and without real authority in their halves, they don’t look like a winning proposition right at the minute. The sight of the excellent Dalton Papali’i hobbling at the end of the game wouldn’t have made Blues fans feel any better, either.
With finals action about to begin, followed by an eagerly awaited cross-over round, thoughts have swung towards the competition format for 2022; particularly with the anticipated introduction of the Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika into Super Rugby.
With the Australian competition vastly improved and New Zealand’s always being of a high quality – not to mention the high number of close, exciting finishes in both – it would be a brave or foolish administrator who strays too far from the current model.
We may have got to this point by accident, but the existing Super Rugby AU and Super Rugby Aotearoa model is working. Mess with it at your peril.
Original source: https://www.theroar.com.au/2021/04/26/the-wrap-how-to-fix-super-rugby-leave-it-alone/
https://therugbystore.com.au/the-wrap-how-to-fix-super-rugby-leave-it-alone/
Thanks once again to all who either contributed a question, or debated one in this week’s callout. Watching a query as it is refined through discussion can be especially helpful to my responses on Friday.
Is it just me or does it appear that our most consistent forwards in terms of total contribution are weighted to Force, Rebels and Brumbies? Waratahs and Reds both seem a bit short of impact?
– Noodles
Statistically, who are the most effective loose forwards in Super Rugby AU and Super Rugby Aotearoa?
– KiwiHaydn
What do you think of the role of playing flankers or number eight in the second row? Last week Rob Leota, Angus Scott-Young and Hugh Sinclair were all in the second row. These players are generally around 190cms. Do you see this working in international rugby?
– Take the Points
These questions are all related to one another, directly or indirectly. As the game gets faster and the ball-in-play time increases, one of the spots coaches tend to look at for an increase in overall team speed is the second row. There has been something of a boom in players who can operate equally effectively in the last two rows of the scrum.
Some of the best big men in the UK and Ireland can handle both number six and second row efficiently – Maro Itoje and Courtney Lawes in England, Tadhg Beirne and Iain Henderson in Ireland, Bernard le Roux in France. Even Alun-Wyn Jones started out as a blindside flanker before deciding his best position was going to be one row ahead in the pros.
If all five of those players were fully fit, they would be on the plane to South Africa with the Lions in a couple of months. There, they will lock horns with the best of breed on the planet in the shape of Pieter-Steph du Toit. In order for these players to succeed at Test level, as a general rule they have to be 195 centimetres plus.
The meat of the question is a comparison of the productivity of the loose forwards in Super Rugby. I’ll leave Super Rugby Aotearoa to a separate column and focus instead on AU.
Here is a table containing the stats for the top loose forwards in Australia. I’ve used 450 minutes of play as the baseline for inclusion. There are also two forwards – Tim Anstee and Lachie Swinton – who have not racked up the minutes, but are clearly players of national interest.
First, the attacking stats.
| Minutes between carries | + or – impacts | Decisive outcomes (breaks or try assists) | Lineouts won | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harry Wilson | 7.1 | +3 | 0 | 5 |
| Pete Samu | 14.7 | +3 | 8 | 9* |
| Brynard Stander | 8.3 | +8 | 1 | 4 |
| Michael Wells | 14.2 | +9 | 4 | 17 |
| Angus Scott-Young | 11.5 | +3 | 0 | 17 |
| Rob Valetini | 10.3 | +11 | 4 | 2 |
| Tim Anstee | 8.2 | +2 | 5 | 16 |
| Lachie Swinton | 8.6 | +5 | 0 | 14 |
| Josh Kemeny | 10.5 | +8 | 1 | 5 |
| Fraser McReight | 9.8 | +14 | 10 | 1 |
| Kane Koteka | 12.1 | +12 | 3 | 1 |
| Richard Hardwick | 14.5 | +3 | 3 | 0 |
| Carlo Tizzano | 9.2 | +7 | 2 | 0 |
*includes steal
‘Minutes between carries’ is a guide to work-rate on attack, while the ‘Impacts’ (gain-line wins) and ‘Decisive outcomes’ columns are measures of success. Lineout is obviously another key stat for the bigger men at numbers six and eight.
Harry Wilson has a huge work rate (more than twice the frequency of carries compared to Pete Samu, for example), but he has really struggled to make an impact in 2021.
Wilson and Samu offer two contrasting interpretations of the number eight’s role: Wilson an inside power runner and ground-gainer, Samu operating in the wide channels as a strike runner and game-breaker.
Rob Valetini is by far the most dominant number six on the gain-line, while Tim Anstee holds out the promise of being able to fill the Samu-type role at lineout and wider out in attack.
Fraser McReight is obviously the outstanding number seven playing in Australia, and the relative lack of success of Wilson and Angus Scott-Young on the gain-line at the Reds has not inhibited his orbit of influence as an attacker.
Here are the stats for defence.
| Mins between tackles | Tackle completion | Discipline/turnovers (inc. pens conceded) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harry Wilson | 7.2 | 88% | -9 |
| Pete Samu | 9.3 | 87% | -6 |
| Brynard Stander | 7.2 | 81% | -2 |
| Michael Wells | 9.6 | 92% | -10 |
| Angus Scott-Young | 6.9 | 91% | -9 |
| Rob Valetini | 7.8 | 92% | -3 |
| Tim Anstee | 6.3 | 89% | -3 |
| Lachie Swinton | 4.9 | 88% | -8 |
| Josh Kemeny | 6.9 | 96% | -5 |
| Fraser McReight | 6.6 | 94% | -2 |
| Kane Koteka | 5.6 | 86% | -9 |
| Richard Hardwick | 8.4 | 83% | 0 |
| Carlo Tizzano | 4.1 | 90% | -7 |
‘Minutes between tackles’ is used to represent work rate on defence, while the ‘Discipline/turnovers’ column weighs turnovers won against those given up and the penalties conceded by the same player. A figure close to zero is an excellent outcome.
The immense tackle work rates for both Swinton and Carlo Tizzano (both sub-five-minute tackle intervals) illustrate how little possession the Waratahs were able to win and maintain this season. Swinton’s discipline and his defence of the ball on the carry remains a concern, as his minus-eight was derived from only 350 minutes of play.
McReight’s numbers are just as outstanding on defence as they are in attack. He made 11 turnovers while only giving up six penalties at the defensive breakdown, and maintaining a tackle percentage in the mid-90s.
The number of involvements by Harry Wilson is again very impressive, but there is the same lack of impact or quality. There is a sense Wilson is undergoing a plateau in his pro career, and urgently needs the support of another number eight of a similar type – like Isi Naisarani – in the Wallabies.
Harry Wilson. (Photo by Tracey Nearmy/Getty Images)
Watching the Waratahs’ centre pairing over the past few weeks has been at least one bright spot for the team. How do we unlock their potential better? Do you see any Wallabies game time for Izaia Perese or Lalakai Foketi?
– Stin
After a false start, Izaia Perese has arguably been the Tahs’ best attacker and he appears strong on defence, but is his defensive positioning good enough to make him a Wallabies contender?
– Hazel Nutt
Will Izaia Perese be the only backline representative from New South Wales in Dave Rennie’s match-day squad? I’m thinking Perese may get some time, he breaks nearly every tackle one on one and can also play on the wing.
– Take the Points
There does seem to be a difference in the quality of Perese’s involvements on attack and in defence. He can be a lethal offloader in the wide channels:
Two different types of offload executed perfectly – right-arm underhand to Mark Nawaqanitawase in the first example, out of the back of the hand to Jack Maddocks in the second. Perese ensures that the last defender is committed before delivering the pass.
So far, so good.
Things did not look as proficient on defence against the Force, however.
In the first example, the Waratahs have the numbers out wide, but Perese loses Tevita Kuridrani to a simple cut off his right foot – he has to remain connected to the forward inside and protect him. Later in the same sequence, his side of the defence was again beaten on equal numbers.
Perese’s tendency to sit off and let play develop in front of him creates a lot of difficulties for the men around him:
That means a lot of work for the defence coach Matt Taylor if Perese gets the call to Camp Wallabies.
Izaia Perese. (Photo by Jono Searle/Getty Images)
Some tighthead props bind low on the hooker’s shorts instead of up across the shoulder. Physics of this bind angles his body inwards and thereby concentrating the drive energy towards the hooker. Why do they do this? Is it to concentrate more energy on the hooker and force the scrum inwards or, is it a counter move to stop the hooker coming through that space?
– Wayne
If you watch the front rows set up for a scrum, you’ll notice the loosehead and hooker binding up tight first, in the region between chest and shoulders. The better tightheads will enter as the last man and look to bind as low on their hooker’s shorts as possible with their left arm.
Why? Because it gives them maximum flexibility in the shoulders to change their angle of attack in the gap. The tighthead is scrumming against two opponents (the opposition hooker and loosehead), so he needs the flexibility to be able to counter that pressure on his own terms.
The low bind allows Cabous Eloff to drop inside and follow Jordan Uelese through the middle of the Waratahs scrum to win a game-clinching penalty. Eloff is, incidentally, a prop well worth a look from the Wallabies coaches as a support tighthead in 2021.
Who should be the halves pairing for the Lions?
– Tim Westphal
With most head contact in a tackle now leading to a sending-off, is it worth going for a dominant chest tackle when the slightest miscalculation or accident can see these shots hitting the ball carrier high?
– tighthead
May I throw Owen Farrell’s name into the mix?
– Just Nuisance
Folks, it’s Lions watch time again! Warren Gatland has always tended to prefer a solid tactical navigator and a big defensive number ten in his teams, so my guess that the likes of Owen Farrell, Dan Biggar and even Johnny Sexton will be preferred to Finn Russell and George Ford.
One of the reasons you need a strong high tackler there is South Africa will pick a giant inside centre to run straight down that channel – a Damian de Allende (1.91m and 105 kilos) or an André Esterhuizen (even bigger at 1.94m and 115 kilos).
If you cannot stop de Allende and Esterhuizen or prevent them from passing through contact, it is unlikely you will be able to stop the Bokke power game. This presents some problems with the current refereeing sensitivity to shots at shoulder height.
Remember what happened the last time ‘Faz’ and Esterhuizen clashed in an England versus South Africa game?
At the time (November 2018), this tackle did not even incur a penalty. In the current climate, it would definitely be worthy of a card – the only question would be the colour. Warren Gatland is sitting on the horns of a dilemma.
Thanks to all of those who contributed once again, unanswered questions will be stored for future issues.
Original source: https://www.theroar.com.au/2021/04/30/coachs-corner-issue-10-how-loose-can-you-be/
Forward Poppy Cleall wins the Player of the Championship award after playing a key role in England’s Women’s Six Nations title defence
Original source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/56933494
Original source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/56836947
https://therugbystore.com.au/premiership-wasps-39-29-bath-thomas-young-scores-twice-in-wasps-win/
Melbourne captain Matt To’omua says sacking coach Dave Wessels after the Rebels failed to make the Super Rugby AU finals isn’t the solution to the club’s woes.
Wessels has mounted a passionate defence for Melbourne’s failure to reach the Super Rugby AU finals and boldly declared the Rebels can win the trans-Tasman version of the competition.
The Rebels ultimately missed the three-team playoff series by one competition point after beating the winless NSW Waratahs 36-25 in Saturday night’s ‘dead rubber’ in Sydney.
Wessels rued four last-minute losses and pointed out that the Rebels played almost the entire eight-round competition without up to a dozen leading players, including Wallabies stars Reece Hodge, skipper Dane Haylett-Petty and Isi Naisarani.
“We lost four games on the last kick of the game after the hooter,” Wessels said.
“We could be sitting here with a totally different story.
“We’ve also gone through the season without nine or ten of our most experienced players.
“So I’m really proud of the young group. I think the average number of caps in our team is 12.”
While acknowledging professional sport was a results-based business, Rebels captain Matt To’omua said sacking the coach wasn’t the solution.
To’omua insisted Wessels retained the full support of the playing group.
“We also understand the chat around. It’s essentially people wanting results and we’re not getting them at the moment,” he said.
“But it’s a short-sighted view to think that you just change one thing and (it will be okay). It’s not the way to go forward so we’re 100 per cent behind him.
“We’ve got to make some improvements in our program – 100 per cent – but Dave’s our guy. He’s the one we want leading us.
“The big thing for us this year was we were missing so many players, so much experience.
“It’s fine margins.”
Wessels urged the Rebels board to put the 2021 season into perspective, given the upheaval because of the pandemic.
“We didn’t train at our home base until the middle of March. We didn’t have one training session on our own field until then,” he said.
“Even now, we don’t have control over field time because we share the field with another team.
“And we don’t have our own gym because of COVID. You’re not allowed to share that space. We have to drive another 30 minutes to another gym.
“Unfortunately we missed out (on the finals) by a point – but I’m definitely proud of the effort.”
Original source: https://www.theroar.com.au/2021/04/25/matt-toomua-urges-the-rebels-not-to-sack-dave-wessels/
https://therugbystore.com.au/matt-toomua-urges-the-rebels-not-to-sack-dave-wessels/
Original source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/56871396
Premiership Rugby and English cricket will join football’s social media boycott to tackle abuse and discrimination.
Original source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/56915338
Yes, finals time has arrived in Australia, but there’s one more chance to see the Blues fall short in New Zealand, which will entertain Brett and anyone else who’s had it in for them for years.
The form teams either side of the Tasman might just be the Chiefs and Force, which seems like a crazy thing to be saying after the positions both teams found themselves in just a month ago.
But no-one else can match their current three-game winning streaks. The Force have, well… *forced* their way into the AU finals, while the Chiefs are already locked in for the NZ decider.
And this is the best part for you anti-Blues types: the Chiefs are five points clear of the Blues, and the two sides meet on Saturday. A bonus point win would draw the Blues level on competition points, and a win would certainly give them a better for-and-against record.
BUT! The Chiefs would still have one more win – and with NZR employing the same tie-breaking method SANZAAR employed for Super Rugby (number of wins, then best points differential, then best differential between tries scored and conceded, then the number of tries scored. And then a coin toss), a Blues win this weekend will have them fall short by technicality!
Honestly, it might be the most Blues of all the Blues failures. Yes Brett, you can use that line if you want…
LAST WEEK: Brett, Dan, Digger and The Crowd 3; Harry and Geoff 2.
OVERALL: Harry and Dan 28; Geoff 27; The Crowd 26, Brett and Digger 25.
Digger
TIPS: HURRICANES, CHIEFS, BRUMBIES
With neither of the New Zealand games actually affecting who turns up in the final it’s all a bit of charity footy this week so will start with the big knock out game over in OZ, the winner gaining the ticket to the big dance with the Reds.
Naturally, the Force will take a lot of confidence out of there win over the Reds, a feat only they have managed to achieve thus far this season and will rightly fancy themselves a decent chance to knock over the Brumbies as well.
I simply do not believe they will however, the ‘been there done it before’ is always a useful asset of which the Brumbies have plenty and I think they will squeak it and set up a 2020 final repeat, albeit a different venue.
Allan Alaalatoa. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)
In NZ, the Chiefs have certainly shown they know how to win and indeed, expect to win and I simply do not have any faith in the Blues to do anything about that.
Chiefs to take momentum into the final, and in Wellington in the pre-season match before the trans-Tasman comp, I will pick the Hurricanes based on not much at all really other than simply, that’s what I want to happen, therefore I shall will it to be.
SURE THING: Thrush will irritate someone, good or bad while Jordie will sink something from 50 plus and our own Rugby Tragic will be upset about the Blues and rolling mauls in general, again while Harry will be happy, as always, about anything.
Brett
TIPS: HURRICANES, CHIEFS, BRUMBIES
There is no better time for the Hurricanes to find some form, and I think this might be the week. Well actually, a month ago would have been a better time, but you get the point.
They’ve been done by Damien McKenzie (who hasn’t?) and golden point in recent weeks, so they’re overdue some good luck. And with nothing on the line for either the Hurricanes or the Highlanders, home ground advantage probably helps.
Home ground advantage may help in Auckland too, but honestly, who cares?!? I don’t. Go Chiefs.
Damian McKenzie. (Photo by Michael Bradley/Getty Images)
And home ground advantage will certainly help in Canberra because it almost always does in finals. It will be some feat if the Force can win against this trend in their first finals appearance, and full power to them if they can.
I think there’s less than 10 points in this, and I’m genuinely looking forward to the contest, because this feels like a big moment in the history of the Western Force. I don’t think I will, but I’m not sure I’ll mind too much if I get this one wrong.
SURE THING: The Blues, with nothing to gain, and several weeks too late, will roll out their performance of the season to remind everyone of why this really was going to be their year. And at some point soon after, we’ll all remember the few weeks previous, and remind ourselves of why it still isn’t.
Dan
TIPS: HURRICANES, BLUES, BRUMBIES
A trio of home teams for me this week.
Having never been behind at the 80-minute mark of their last two games, the Hurricanes were desperately unlucky to go winless in those fixtures. Against the one team they’ve beaten this season, a change of fortune looms.
The Blues might have been listless in attack last week, but they weren’t as bad as the scoreline suggested. The Chiefs could have half an eye on their May 5 decider, and they don’t have the same ability to ruthlessly repel opposition attacks as the Crusaders – a welcome change for the Aucklanders.
The Blues, then, to finish their season with a consolation win.
Then to the match that really matters: the qualifying final between the Force and Brumbies. Will the former’s fairy-tale flight to the final continue? Probably not, but it’s been great to see them get to the post-season nonetheless. The Brumbies will be rested, boosted by their home fans, and simply boast the stronger team. Can’t tip against ‘em.
SURE THING: Rob Valetini will poleaxe someone either with a run or a tackle, and probably both.
Harry
TIPS: HURRICANES, CHIEFS, BRUMBIES.
And now, the end is near, and as I face my final curtain, my friends, I’ll make it clear, I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain.
Yes, there were times, I’m sure you knew, when I bit off more than I could chew, especially that time, with the jambalaya juice on the bay, with Digger, and through it all, whenever there was doubt, I ate it up and spit it out. I faced it all and stood so tall. I did it my way.
So, the tips.
The Hurricanes are led by a raccoon-capped fullback. Will it be their Alamo? No. They will survive the Highlander rebellion, because the Southern Island boys are fatigued. Wes Goosen to score a hat-trick; and Jordie Barrett to do a trick with his hat.
The Blues are a good team with flaws. The Chiefs are a flawed team that’s good. But, the Chiefs have been lucky, and the Blues very unlucky. Which way will the luck turn? Again, I’ll return to my doctrine: the Chiefs 9-10 is better than their opposite Blues numbers. Chiefs by the hair on my chinny chin chin.
The Brumbies will roll the Force into little piru-shaped pieces and eat them up.
SURE THING: Rugby will be the big winner, there will be games with two halves, skippers will be proud of their boys, the margins will be said to be fine, and nobody will blame the ref, because we aren’t on a soccer site.
Geoff
TIPS: HIGHLANDERS, BLUES, BRUMBIES
The Hurricanes almost did me proud last week, but in the end, raccoon head couldn’t quite do the Stray Cat strut. They’re overdue a win, but if they catch the Highlanders on the wrong day, their misery will continue.
Having picked the Chiefs resurrection earlier than everyone else, I’ve given those points back by jumping off the bandwagon too soon! I’m going to give them one more chance to lose again this week – it really is time for the Blues to show something at home.
Otere Black. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
Only the most blue-eyed optimist could really expect a Force win in Canberra. Of course, they’ll scrap and stay in the contest. But they ain’t winning.
SURE THING: Christchurch’s poor young boogie woogie bugle boy from company ‘B’ will have been flogged on the training track on Monday, and has been banished to the bench, but the extra scales put in at practice should hold him in good stead for when he next gets the call up.
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| AU-QF / NZ-10 | Harry | Brett | Dan | Digger | Geoff | The Crowd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HUR v HIG | HUR | HUR | HUR | HUR | HIG | ? |
| BLU v CHI | CHI | CHI | BLU | CHI | BLU | ? |
| BRU v FOR | BRU | BRU | BRU | BRU | BRU | ? |
| Overall | 28 | 25 | 28 | 25 | 27 | 23 |
| Last week | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
Get your votes in now. The Crowd’s tips will be revealed Friday afternoon AEST.
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Original source: https://www.theroar.com.au/2021/04/29/tipping-panel-week-11-finals-time-and-more-blues-for-the-blues/
I hate to say I told you so, but this is how I summarised the Western Force’s Super Rugby 2021 prospects last December:
“The Force should certainly be strong enough to win at least 50 per cent of their games in 2021, and that may be enough to slingshot them into local play-off contention.”
That comment formed part of an article which suggested the addition of ex-Reds second row Izack Rodda as part of the Force’s ongoing trawl for new talent.
“From this point of view, the best Christmas gift [Tim] Sampson could receive would be the news that Izack Rodda wants to return to Australia – more precisely, to Western Australia.”
Rodda duly signed with the Force in March.
There is no doubt whatsoever that the quality of the recruitment drive in Western Australia has surpassed all of its peers in the country, despite the loss of ace Argentine hooker Julián Montoya to the Leicester Tigers on the eve of the tournament.
The Force badly needed to find some speed and finishing ability in the back three, and they got it in a part-exchange loan signing from Tigers, ex-England age group wing Jordan Olowofela. The Welford Road academy graduate bagged a hat-trick of tries in the weekend nail-biter against the Queensland Reds.
Jordan Olawofela was pivotal in the Force’s win over the Reds. (Photo by Will Russell/Getty Images)
Tim Sampson and his coaches unearthed Feleti Kaitu’u to replace Montoya, and he was selected in Dave Rennie’s first Wallaby squad of 2021. They found Tim Anstee in Australian sevens and he made it to Rennie’s camp, too.
All of the signings for the 2021 season (bar Tomás Lezana) – Tom Robertson, Santiago Medrano, Sitaleki Timani and Anstee up front; Tomas Cubelli, Domingo Miotti, Tevita Kuridrani, Rob Kearney, Toni Pulu and Olowofela behind – have been fully integrated as starters as the team have continued the steady upward curve of their development.
If the Force beat the Reds anywhere (other than the scoreboard) on the field on Friday evening, it was in the maturity of their leadership. James O’Connor has been touted as a Wallaby captain in 2021, but the relationship between O’Connor and club captain Liam Wright did not work out particularly well on the night.
The Reds started by taking two close-range attacking scrums against the Force when they were down to 14 men, and they scored tries from both. So far, so good.
The clarity of the decision making started to unravel in the second period, with Queensland opting for scrums in the 65th and 79th minutes against a full, 15-man defence. The last failed attacking scrum decided the fate of the game in the Force’s favour.
When the hosts awoke to the fact that they could win the match in the third quarter, there were plenty of veteran Yodas willing and able to steer the ship home. Jeremy Thrush and Tevia Kuridrani may be far more limited in the range of their movements than they were at their athletic peak, but both still know how to influence the course of important games at critical moments.
Kuridrani – now ruled out of the preliminary final against the Brumbies – dredged his muscle memory to relive the day when he was the most powerful, dominant back on the paddock. It all started with a huge hit on his opposite number Hunter Paisami, which immediately ended the Queensland man’s interest in proceedings:
Tevita spots his opposite number coming hard onto the angled ball off Tate McDermott, and the first lesson is crystal clear: never give Tevita Kuridrani a definite target!
Kuridrani’s influence was also felt via his communications skills – first, on defence:
He throws up an arm to keep Olowofela away from the ball which Domingo Miotti has hacked ahead – pick it up, and he will be pinged for offside:
With the English wing backing off, Kuridrani is able to make another offensive tackle on Bryce Hegarty and set up a successful jackal by Miotti behind him. The penalty goes the other way.
The big man’s communication on attack was just as good.
Take a look at the three-minute mark on the above highlights reel. As the ball is spun out to the left, Kuridrani knows he is marked by Hegarty and signals for the ball to go over the top to Olowofela directly:
Kyle Godwin duly obliges, and Olowolofela is able to score his second try of the game.
When Kuridrani finally departed in the 74th minute, it was a case of replacing one 30-year-old with a 35-year-old guru in the shape of Richard Kahui. Kahui still had the time to make two decisive interventions, the first of which was putting through a perfectly weighted left-foot kick for Olowofela to score the final try (which can be seen at five minutes on the highlights reel).
In the final act, Kahui held up Josh Flook over the goal-line to force a maul turnover:
The two men assisting him are Godwin and Jeremy Thrush. The Force second row was also highly instrumental in spotlighting some Reds’ weaknesses which had previously been masked by their wins.
At 36 years of age, Thrush is the most venerable of all the Yodas at the Force, and has accumulated a lifetime of lineout wisdom. The Reds struggled on their own throw, losing four lineouts out of 13 to first touch, with three of those converted to full turnovers.
With Angus Scott-Young in his debut season as a lineout caller, the Queensland set-piece is quite straightforward. The majority of throws are pre-called before the forwards enter. Thrush knew exactly where to position himself to mount a contest:
He knows the ball is going to Lukhan Salakaia-Loto in the middle, and the Force forwards close the gap on the Reds big man before the throw is ever made – less than half a metre separates the two lines as Brandon Paenga-Amosa delivers the ball, and that gives Thrush a realistic shot in defence:
The signs that Thrush had read and understood the Queensland lineout before a ball was ever thrown were plain at one second-half set-piece:
Thrush is so certain of the target area that he is able to make the steal look for all the world like a blue throw, not a maroon one.
He was just as effective when he chose to compete on the ground.
Thrush is able to swim past the receiver, Liam Wright, and onto Alex Mafi, who is the ball-carrier at the back. That is the lineout drive stuffed.
The other area of weakness highlighted by Thrush’s activity was the vulnerability of scrumhalf Tate McDermott at the base. In a recent Coach’s Corner column, I outlined how McDermott’s tendency to stand tall and lift the ball off the ground before passing could create a problem for the attack.
The Force obviously had a plan to pressure McDermott from his kicking (right) side, and it was put into action from the start:
Thrush is positioned to block the box-kick and he nearly gets into Bryce Hegarty’s exit, just for good measure. It was a repeated issue, and not only in obvious kicking situations:
The final counter-ruck by Thrush is especially instructive. The Force have McDermott just where they want him – standing tall in the saddle and out of sync with the support outside him – and it takes an outstanding, high-risk offload by Taniela Tupou to rescue the play:
Summary
Both Tevita Kuridrani and Jeremy Thrush may have spent ten minutes in the sin bin after receiving yellow cards, but their positive contributions still comfortably outweighed the negatives against the Reds. It was a game where the leadership of the old souls in the Force made most of the difference.
In the process, some of the Queensland fault lines, previously masked by their long winning run, have become more evident. There is a question about who is really captaining the side after Liam Wright’s long-awaited return from injury. The choice to take scrums from close range in the second half, against 15 men, ultimately cost them the match.
The Reds have also backed themselves into a corner by delegating the lineout calling to Angus Scott-Young. Scott-Young has made a decent fist of the job, with an 86 per cent success record across the regular season. At this stage of proceedings, it is too late to change to someone else.
But it also means he has to start the game ahead of players who could add more potential value to the Reds’ cause in the grand final – Wright in the back row, or Seru Uru (the Reds’ best lineout player) in the second row.
Whoever reaches that final, whether it is the Force or the Brumbies, will have noticed the fragility of the Reds’ lineout under pressure. Queensland were confined to winning ball from the front or middle of the line, and that is not ideal.
They will also have observed Tate McDermott’s vulnerability at the base when kicking or passing. The last game of the season is very far from a foregone conclusion, regardless of the contestants.
In the meantime, the advances the Force have made from a near-death experience have to be admired. They have not only re-awakened, they have come back from the dead, and are one tantalising step away from a domestic final.
They can no longer be counted as the fifth team in Australia – even if the idea of maintaining five genuinely competitive professional franchises still seems as improbable as ever.
Original source: https://www.theroar.com.au/2021/04/28/wise-old-heads-prevail-as-the-force-awakens/
Wasps lock Joe Launchbury is ruled out of this summer’s British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa with a knee injury.
Original source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/56902862
The weekend of rugby is over, so you know what that means: it’s time to get in some questions for this week’s instalment of Coach’s Corner.
If you haven’t come across the column yet, it’s the weekly article where, each Friday, our resident rugby analyst Nick Bishop answers your queries about what’s happening on the field.
Miss the latest issue of Coach’s Corner? Don’t worry, you can catch up right here!
The last round before the Super Rugby AU finals served up plenty of drama, with the Force snatching a famous win against the previously undefeated Reds to book their place in the post-season and the Rebels finishing their season on a high by beating the winless Tahs.
Over in New Zealand, Damian McKenzie came to the fore with yet another clutch, game-winning kick, before the Crusaders booked a home final by comfortably dealing with the Blues.
That leaves a qualifying final in Canberra between the Brumbies and Force this weekend, while the Saders will put their feet up during Round 10 of the Aotearoa competition. We’re also drawing ever closer to the announcement of the British and Irish Lions squad.
If you have any questions about those topics, or a completely different rugby-related topic, be sure to drop them in the comments section below.
Remember to err towards being nice and specific with what you’re asking, as more general questions aren’t as easy to answer in the confines of a single article.
So, leave your comments below, and come back on Friday to see what answers Nick has for you!
Original source: https://www.theroar.com.au/2021/04/27/get-your-questions-in-for-issue-10-of-coachs-corner/
England prop Shaunagh Brown explains why it is an honour to play in and win such a physical Women’s Six Nations final against France.
Original source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/56871532
Thomas Young scores two tries on his 100th Wasps appearance to help his side beat 14-man Bath in a Premiership thriller.
Original source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/56836947
The Anzac Day round is always one filled with poignancy, and despite a young bugle boy struggling to hit the right notes in Christchurch, there were moving ceremonies held at all four matches across the weekend.
The only shame was that we weren’t blessed with a trans-Tasman match up; a situation that, depending on how events play out, will be rectified for next year’s round.
Not that anyone in Perth cared a jot, with the Force upsetting the previously unbeaten Reds, 30-27 to storm into the preliminary final next week, against the Brumbies.
Reds’ captain Liam Wright said straight after his side’s loss that “the Force deserve a lot of respect”, and he was clearly telling the truth.
Any side, under the pressure of playing for its first ever finals spot, seemingly down and out midway through the first half, having to battle through thirty minutes with 14 men, that is able to come back and score the winning try in the final minutes, is made of special stuff.
But the question that should have been put to Wright, is why, with the Force deserving of so much respect, was a gift three points under the posts to tie the match and send it to golden try, ignored? In favour of sending their smallest outside back on a crash ball, to be swallowed up by a mass of defenders?
It was easy to get caught up in the romance of the Force’s victory, and let’s be clear – who couldn’t love the reward that came for their commitment, determination and self-belief?
But starting with West Australia being sent into another Covid lockdown on Friday, there was so much confusion around, perhaps it was no surprise that the match should end as it did.
Pre-game, a Stan graphic told us how the Reds were “undefeated in six of the previous eight matches against the Force”. That made about as much sense as referee Damon Murphy somehow deducing that Domingo Miotti nudging the ball forward off his forearm didn’t constitute a knock on, before flying winger Julian Olowofela ran in the first of his three tries.
No matter the confusion, this match was all about the vibe. Even Stan’s best analyst, Morgan Turinui, got caught up in the craziness, noting that while Miotti had clearly knocked the ball on, he was happy to see a try awarded; seemingly speaking for many in implying that it was ok to apply different laws for the underdog.
It was also about the Force doing two other things outstandingly well. One was Tevita Kuridrani dispatching Hunter Paisami to the sheds to count how many ribs he had left after an inspirational mid-field tackle; an effort which visibly lifted his side and the sea of blue, in unison.
The other was to play the referee off a break at the scrum. Clearly under early pressure from the competition’s leading scrum, the Force front row managed to not only neutralise that threat, but squeeze three penalties out of Murphy without even having to scrummage.
After a season where, at times, they struggled to play a lot of rugby, the Force deserve their trip to Canberra next week because they went about things intelligently, getting the match played, for the most part, on their terms, and cleverly identifying space in behind the defensive line, where Olowofela was easily able to outrun James O’Connor for the go ahead score.
(Photo by Will Russell/Getty Images)
Reds’ fans meanwhile will find solace from the time-worn ‘it was the loss we needed to have’ explanation, although I’m not so sure that’s something I’d want to be hanging my hat on, heading into the grand final.
Their lineout looked more like the stuttering 2019 version, and their much-vaunted loose forward trio found their match in the hard-working Force combination.
And whoever their final opponent is, it might be an idea for the Reds to not only talk about showing respect for them and for the match situation, but to actually do so.
The Force getting the job done put the Rebels out of business, rendering their 36-25 win over the Waratahs moot, although as was obvious from the reaction of the players, any Super Rugby win is a win to be treasured.
As is their custom, the Rebels made things harder for themselves than they needed to be, with both Isi Naisarani and Pone Fa’amausili sailing too close to the wind with bone crunching defence, and in the process, earning the displeasure of referee Nic Berry.
It will be interesting to see what kind of vision is available to the judiciary, and whether or not it establishes – in both cases – that direct contact was made to the head, as opposed to the head being thrown back due to the force of the collision, or being a point of secondary contact.
Clearly, both players need to aim lower, to remove the element of risk to themselves and their opponent, but I’m yet to be convinced that fuzzy-framed, one-dimensional images are what we should be hanging people on.
It’s been a strange season for the Rebels, never able to put in a convincing 80-minute performance, and coming out on the wrong side of a string of match-defining moments.
(William West/AFP via Getty Images)
With a solid set piece and tenacious defence, they will expect to acquit themselves well against the New Zealand sides, although better combinations and more fluidity in the backline will be needed.
As for the Waratahs, Angus Bell once again showed his mobility, and Izaia Perese took things up another level with elusive running and skilful offloads.
But the Rebels finishing them off with a classic ‘seven-man shove’ at the scrum, really summed up the Waratah’s season in one humiliating moment.
In Hamilton, there was high interest in the battle of the two form fullbacks, Jordie Barrett and Damian McKenzie. Barrett raised concern early, with some watchers concerned that he disrespected both animal activists and Anzacs by wearing, then not removing, a Daniel Boone-style, coonskin cap for the anthems.
Barrett delivered his customary penalty goal from his own side of halfway, but despite a valiant effort from the Hurricanes, it was McKenzie who buried them, nailing a final minute penalty to seal a 26-24 win.
The Chiefs have won their last five matches by six, three, three, one and two points respectively. McKenzie has been the final points-scorer and match winner in every single one of those matches.
He’s never been a first-choice All Black, and with the emergence of Will Jordan he will almost certainly continue to play sporadically, and as injury cover, utilising his versatility.
But regardless of what happens up the line, there can be no doubt that he currently owns Super Rugby Aoteoroa, and is one of the main reasons fans tune in, knowing that they are guaranteed high-quality entertainment.
The Hurricanes did plenty right, and could consider themselves unlucky not to close the match out, just as they fell short against the Crusaders. In part that was down to being exposed by the inexperience of their young halves, who lacked the composure and experience to take the options demanded by such a tight and tense situation.
Ruben Love and Cameron Roigard are talented players; they just need miles on the clock to adjust to the tempo and situations faced at this level.
Ruben Love. (Photo by Mark Tantrum/Getty Images)
It’s a scenario no different to that say of the Reds, where their coach Brad Thorn and many of this year’s well performing team suffered through three very tough seasons, copping some harsh outcomes while those rugby lessons were being absorbed.
One player who has raced through his apprenticeship is Will Jordan, whose two tries helped the Crusaders to a comfortable 29-6 win over the Blues, and ensured that the final will once again be played in Christchurch.
As has been the case in recent times, the Crusaders suffered through some flat patches, struggling to contain the Blues’ loose forwards, on both sides of the ball. But their superior cohesion and strike power, and Sam Whitelock’s work-rate, proved a telling difference.
They’re not unbeatable, but if I’m to bet against them in the final, it will be with someone else’s money.
After starting the season so powerfully, the Blues now have it all ahead of them, needing to beat the Chiefs with a bonus point, while preventing the Chiefs from getting a bonus point themselves.
Not impossible, but missing the presence of Patrick Tuipolotu and Tom Robinson, and without real authority in their halves, they don’t look like a winning proposition right at the minute. The sight of the excellent Dalton Papali’i hobbling at the end of the game wouldn’t have made Blues fans feel any better, either.
With finals action about to begin, followed by an eagerly awaited cross-over round, thoughts have swung towards the competition format for 2022; particularly with the anticipated introduction of the Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika into Super Rugby.
With the Australian competition vastly improved and New Zealand’s always being of a high quality – not to mention the high number of close, exciting finishes in both – it would be a brave or foolish administrator who strays too far from the current model.
We may have got to this point by accident, but the existing Super Rugby AU and Super Rugby Aotearoa model is working. Mess with it at your peril.
Original source: https://www.theroar.com.au/2021/04/26/the-wrap-how-to-fix-super-rugby-leave-it-alone/
Head coach Simon Middleton hails his England side after they win a bruising encounter against France to claim a third successive Women’s Six Nations.
Original source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/56871396
Melbourne captain Matt To’omua says sacking coach Dave Wessels after the Rebels failed to make the Super Rugby AU finals isn’t the solution to the club’s woes.
Wessels has mounted a passionate defence for Melbourne’s failure to reach the Super Rugby AU finals and boldly declared the Rebels can win the trans-Tasman version of the competition.
The Rebels ultimately missed the three-team playoff series by one competition point after beating the winless NSW Waratahs 36-25 in Saturday night’s ‘dead rubber’ in Sydney.
Wessels rued four last-minute losses and pointed out that the Rebels played almost the entire eight-round competition without up to a dozen leading players, including Wallabies stars Reece Hodge, skipper Dane Haylett-Petty and Isi Naisarani.
“We lost four games on the last kick of the game after the hooter,” Wessels said.
“We could be sitting here with a totally different story.
“We’ve also gone through the season without nine or ten of our most experienced players.
“So I’m really proud of the young group. I think the average number of caps in our team is 12.”
While acknowledging professional sport was a results-based business, Rebels captain Matt To’omua said sacking the coach wasn’t the solution.
To’omua insisted Wessels retained the full support of the playing group.
“We also understand the chat around. It’s essentially people wanting results and we’re not getting them at the moment,” he said.
“But it’s a short-sighted view to think that you just change one thing and (it will be okay). It’s not the way to go forward so we’re 100 per cent behind him.
“We’ve got to make some improvements in our program – 100 per cent – but Dave’s our guy. He’s the one we want leading us.
“The big thing for us this year was we were missing so many players, so much experience.
“It’s fine margins.”
Wessels urged the Rebels board to put the 2021 season into perspective, given the upheaval because of the pandemic.
“We didn’t train at our home base until the middle of March. We didn’t have one training session on our own field until then,” he said.
“Even now, we don’t have control over field time because we share the field with another team.
“And we don’t have our own gym because of COVID. You’re not allowed to share that space. We have to drive another 30 minutes to another gym.
“Unfortunately we missed out (on the finals) by a point – but I’m definitely proud of the effort.”
Original source: https://www.theroar.com.au/2021/04/25/matt-toomua-urges-the-rebels-not-to-sack-dave-wessels/
A winless Super Rugby AU season doesn’t bear thinking about for the NSW Waratahs as they look to rub salt into the wounds of the Melbourne Rebels on Saturday night.
Western Force’s dramatic 30-27 win over the table-topping Queensland Reds on Friday night officially eliminated the fourth-placed Rebels from the finals race.
So pride and the Weary Dunlop Shield are the line when the Waratahs host the Rebels in an otherwise dead rubber at Bankwest Stadium.
“There’s huge motivation for us,” skipper Jake Gordon said.
“It’s a must-win for us. We don’t want to finish the year on a whitewash.
“We’ve obviously spoken about improving each week and we’ve done a great job of that recently.
“But we’re still chasing that W, especially with the trans-Tasman competition upcoming.
“We need to build some confidence so we can really hit the ground running there.”
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
With NSW staring down the barrel of an historic winless campaign, all the heat would ordinarily be on the Waratahs to finally deliver that precious victory for their dwindling number of diehard fans.
But the Rebels are under now under even more pressure to try to spare besieged coach Dave Wessels from the axe after missing the finals yet again.
Languishing in fourth spot with a 2-5 record that could so easily have been 5-2, the Rebels – and Wessels – will rue losing four games at the death.
But his side’s inability to close out tight contests with an attack that has managed to yield only ten tries in seven games has left Wessels under the gun.
“Frustratingly, we’ve come close in four games and lost in the last play of the game or the last couple of minutes,” said sidelined captain Dane Haylett-Petty, who maintained the Rebels “definitely, definitely” still backed Wessels.
“Dave’s a great coach. He’s a great leader so the players are right behind him,” the Wallabies star said.
“I’m sure there’s a lot of pressure but you can’t tell.”
Already consigned to the wooden spoon, the Waratahs are well aware there’s some silverware to be salvaged.
“We’d love to win a shield,” Gordon said.
“But we have to win first.
“We definitely feel like we can win. We’ve had a strong preview of them. There’s ways that we think we can pressure the Rebels and hopefully get a win.”
Original source: https://www.theroar.com.au/2021/04/24/waratahs-intent-on-avoiding-winless-season/
Defending champions Exeter Chiefs put on a determined display to win at Premiership leaders Bristol.
Original source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/56836657
Original source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/56762441
TJ Perenara has hit the news recently with his potential move from rugby union to the Sydney Roosters in the NRL.
While a fantastic halfback in union, he has somewhat become surplus to requirements for the All Blacks with incumbent Aaron Smith getting the regular start over him and newcomer Folau Fakatava making his way through the ranks.
This has left TJ at a crossroads in his career. Currently in Japan, playing for the Red Hurricanes on sabbatical. He had intended to return to New Zealand to take up a new contract with the Hurricanes and All Blacks and continue to push Aaron Smith for starting halfback honours.
However, his plans seem to have come awry with the form of Smith and Fakatava, leading many to believe he may be on the outside looking in and publicly stating whether New Zealand Rugby should invest the money in a player who while not over the hill, is coming into the twilight of his career.
Jumping all over this turmoil, the Sydney Roosters have reportedly made an offer for the halfback to jump ship to the NRL and ply his trade in the Hooker position for them.
It’s an interesting proposition. There have been a number of players move from league to union who have played to a high level in recent years, Sonny Bill Williams being the most noteworthy of these.
It’s harder to find a successful player jumping ship from union to league at this stage in their career and being competitive.
With that being said, here are three reasons why TJ Perenara will be a success in the NRL and three reasons why he will fail.
Reason for success number 1: His Running ability
If you haven’t seen his try against Namibia, stop reading this article right now and YouTube it. OK, welcome back. I’m sure you had to watch it a few times to appreciate how incredible it was. It is skills like that that TJ would bring to the NRL.
He would be deadly on a quick play the ball, sniping around the ruck and hitting the gaps. He is a strong ball runner with good offloading skills which would allow him to play like an extra big man on attack.
If he signs for the Roosters, Tedesco will love running off his shoulder when TJ picks and goes from dummy half, just waiting for an offload. He has experience in union playing as the first playmaker from the ruck, so would be comfortable stepping away and initiating the offense at first receiver. His running ability would already be up there for hookers in the NRL.
Reason for success number 2: Toughness and size
He is a unit for a hooker in the NRL. 6 foot tall and over 90kg. He compares favourably in size to the current crop of hookers running around, out-sizing the likes of Damien Cook, Apisai Koroisau, Harry Grant and Reed Mahoney comfortably. He puts this size to good use in union, acting like a third flanker on the field, getting his head in and over the ball in rucks.
He’s not afraid to mix it up with the big boys and he would get plenty of this in the NRL game. His size is also an advantage on the attacking end, as mentioned earlier, his offloading ability would translate well to the NRL and he has great tackle breaking ability with a strong fend.
Reason for success number 3: His passing ability
One skill required of modern All Blacks halfbacks is the ability to provide the backline with front foot ball. This needs to come from sharp, quick passing from the base of the ruck. TJ is one of the best at this and would be able to give the playmakers in the Roosters accurate passes in space.
He is used to expending energy getting from sideline to sideline to then make crisp passes to his outside men and would have no issue getting to each tackle in league.
He has a keen eye for the extravagant pass and if he breaks the second line would have no trouble dropping off a short ball for a rampaging fullback coming through with him.
While the skills above would help him in his transition to the NRL game, these are three reasons why he will struggle to be successful if he does move over.
TJ Perenara (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)
Reason for failure number 1: Differences in the game
Yes the codes are different, clearly. Making the transition from union to league is like going from coffee to decaf, it looks the same but there are some fundamental differences. The pace of the game would be a huge factor in TJ struggling.
With the six again rule and the limited scrums and penalties in the game now, League is fast. union, with it’s lineouts, scrums and myriad penalties is a slower game.
While a halfback in union gets around the field a lot, the break in play allows for them to regain their breath. An IRB report in 2011 stated that the actual gameplay for a union game is 35 minutes after stoppages while a league game averages 62 minutes.
Good luck to TJ catching up to that without a full offseason of training.
Reason for failure number 2: Tackling stamina
The most tackles ever recorded in an NRL game was from Elijah Taylor with 77, the most in a union game was 38 by Thierry Dusautoir. Currently Jayden Brailey is the leading tackler in the NRL and he is averaging 53 a game, 15 more than the most ever in a union game.
TJ for the Hurricanes and All Blacks is currently averaging about 4-6 tackles every game, he has to bump that up about 40 tackles to match the majority of league hookers.
That is simply unattainable for him without rigorous training. This is the biggest reason he would struggle in the transition, especially if he is being played exclusively at hooker.
Reason for failure number 3: No one else has done it
Simply put, no one has made the transition from halfback to hooker, going from union to league and been successful. While I wouldn’t completely write TJ off just yet, him becoming a success wouldn’t just be unlikely, it would be inconceivable.
To start him off, he would probably fill the 14 role for the Roosters, coming off the bench and having stints at hooker and in the halves. Even this would be a stretch for the man, to move into a crucial playmaking position in a sport that he has not played since he was a child.
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Will he or won’t he? If reports are to be believed, it is simply a matter of days before it is announced that he has signed with the Roosters.
He has the tools, the toughness and the heart to become a success in the NRL but it will be a monumental challenge and one that no-one has ever achieved before.
It will be his Everest. I for one, will be watching, supporting and rooting for him to succeed. However, I only wish it was for the Warriors!
Original source: https://www.theroar.com.au/2021/04/19/tj-perenara-why-he-will-make-it-in-the-nrl-and-why-he-wont/
https://therugbystore.com.au/tj-perenara-why-he-will-make-it-in-the-nrl-and-why-he-wont/
With the COVID-19 pandemic predictably making the World Rugby Sevens Series an impossibility in 2020, fans longing for the thrill-a-minute excitement and laid-back, party atmosphere of the touring series have been forced to curb their enthusiasm until the 26th of July when the world’s best begin their battle for gold at the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics.
The shortened version of the 15-a-side game will feature for the second time following the code’s 92-year hiatus from the global sporting event.
The marketing potential of the seven-a-side format has long been noted. HSBC’s 2016 report The Future of Rugby found it the fastest-growing sport in the world and with its inclusion in the Olympics attracting an estimated 30 million fans, it has proven to be a valuable instrument in rugby’s bid to win over new supporters. The carnival-style tournament can draw in fans who might otherwise fall outside of rugby’s traditional demographic with loud music, audacious attire and wall-to-wall action.
Australia found itself experiencing a significant boost in participation following the national women’s sevens side claiming gold at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Off the back of their success rugby union saw its first increase in total participation nationwide since 2012, with national primary school program Game On jumping in participation from 9900 to 39000. That particular program catering to 60 per cent public schools, an area rugby has traditionally struggled to engage.
Speaking to the ABC in 2016, then Australian Rugby (RA) participation growth manager Cameron Tradell talked on the potential of rugby sevens to replicate the resurgence of Australian cricket through the Twenty20 Big Bash League, “Sevens has the same explosiveness around what is happening on the field, and the expectation of the unknown when you head to a sevens game is very similar to the BBL,” Tradell said.
“I think the fact it is genuinely seen as being an equal opportunity game because of the success of the girls [at the Olympics] puts us in a stronger position than cricket with regards to having so much opportunity to showcase the nuances between the male and the female game.”
Emilee Cherry of Australia. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Given Tradell’s words and the building anticipation around the next Olympic appearance, one begins to wonder why moves have not been made to introduce a professional national rugby sevens competition.
The introduction of the AON sevens in 2017 proved a step in the right direction. The four-tournament series successfully bringing together Australia’s best women in a ten-team competition featuring some of Australia’s top universities from almost every state and territory. The competition has provided a clear pathway for players seeking to earn a professional contract with Rugby Australia, strengthening the national player pool and provided a platform for national selectors to prospect talent.
Yet, there has been little mention of such an equivalent for men despite new broadcast partner the nine network signalling their interest. Surely with the proven growth and inherent marketability of rugby sevens, it must be time to start discussing how we can expand the game. Australia has the opportunity to pioneer a whole new market beyond the rugby crowd and reach out to would-be fans who may think of rugby as too boring or complicated and show them what our sport is really about.
With the backing of a willing broadcaster keen to show off their newest jewel and hopefully another successful Olympic campaign, now is the time to put the wheels in motion on a platform that will showcase our top rugby sevens talent on our screens and at our stadiums. The infrequent nature and geographical limitations of the World Sevens Series can no longer cater to the growing appetite for all-day action, costume coordination, day drinking and Sweet Caroline sing-alongs.
The option to play in summer makes the prospect all that much sweeter. Not only do the sunny days provide suitable conditions for a good time, they also present the opportunity to catch the hungry eyes of cross-code fans. The tournament setups lesser need for long-term commitment along with the emphases on entertainment and lower bar of law comprehension could help draw in those bored fans.
On top of helping rugby expand into the markets of other codes, sevens could also aid in rugby’s bid to win support outside of its traditional heartlands. A conquest that has proven difficult for Rugby Australia in recent years could be simplified with sevens’ lower requirement for talent depth and limited need for travel.
One could safely assume that providing a platform and exposure to players who might normally fall outside of the scope of elite rugby, like those outside of traditional heartlands and players on the fringes of rival codes, would translate to increased participation. Paving the pathway for the next Maurice Longbottom.
Rugby Australia, through the success of Super Rugby AU and despite the now-defunct status of the National Rugby Championship (NRC), have proven that they can, at least structurally, sustain a competitive national competition. Though little can be said for the marketability of the ladder, RA now with the backing and brains of the nine network media machine has the means to put together an enticing and potentially profitable product.
For too long Australia has treated rugby sevens as little more than a feeder to the 15-man code. Our national men’s side has suffered from chronic inconsistency, with top players being plucked away to train with Super Rugby sides, forcing the introduction of players with limited sevens experience.
Australia’s Boyd Killingworth. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
While perhaps the proposed national club championships or any other such form of NRC replacement should, rightfully, be the priority. The potential reach of rugby sevens could very well put it on equal footing to the proposed state of union, Queensland vs New South Wales representative match up that some consider to be too contrived.
Even if the reality is a long way from now, we can continue to expose the public to the game of rugby sevens and all its chaotic glory. If a male equivalent to the AON Sevens is for whatever reason considered unfeasible, at the least a more coordinated front is needed to display the top domestic male sevens talent in Australia on a regular basis, keeping one eye on moving the operation to the next level.
We must wake up to the potential of rugby sevens and harness its growing power. While I understand that money may be tight at RA headquarters at present and I’m aware of the time and money necessary for a proposal like this, whether they roll the dice or play it steady, the rewards could prove to be numerous.
I’ll turn it over to you guys now. Let me know what you think of the idea and how it might look.
Original source: https://www.theroar.com.au/2021/04/23/why-australia-needs-a-professional-rugby-sevens-comp/
