Super Rugby Pacific 2025 pre-season trial match thread

[Major Tom]

We struggled to contain the top teams though. Not just in the backs, but also in the forwards.

We should see a noticeable improvement in the forward pack with the players who’ve joined.

In the backs the lose of Petaia hurts, but he wasn’t there at the end anyway. Vunivalu was our other big body and he was hard to stop at times but just struggled too much. And, again, wasn’t there come finals. If Daugunu stays fit he’ll be a positive gain.

Henry is the one we need fit and firing.
Struggled to contain top teams? Did we not push the title holders, the canes and the brumbs? I’d say the reds actually over achieved. Should be far better with the additions of LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) and Canham and the added experience to our young fellas in the Aus A tour.

 

[TSR]

We lost to the Brumbies at home, lost to the Blues & the Canes and got pumped by the Chiefs when it mattered. Even the Tahs & the Rebels gave us problems when their forwards held onto some ball. Yep - we pushed the Canes & Blues but we fell short.

I’m not trying to bag them excessively. I thought we took a decent step forward from the previous year. I agree Salakai-Loto & Canham will be good additions as too the return to fitness of Blyth who missed most of last year.

 

[LeCheese]

Henry is the one we need fit and firing.

Possibly more for the Reds thread, but as it’s relevant, it looks like he’s going to be unavailable for the first few rounds.

 

[Major Tom]

Possibly more for the Reds thread, but as it’s relevant, it looks like he’s going to be unavailable for the first few rounds.

I’m happy for him to ease back into it.

 

[TSR]

I heard that the Reds trials were likely to be streamed and details would be out soon. Has anything come out yet?

 

[Wilson]

I heard that the Reds trials were likely to be streamed and details would be out soon. Has anything come out yet?

They've confirmed the Bristol game won't be streamed, only highlights published after the match.

 

[Cole]

They've confirmed the Bristol game won't be streamed, only highlights published after the match.

thats disappointing, any rugby content at this time of year is great. Keen to see how they line up and play

 

[LeCheese]

They've confirmed the Bristol game won't be streamed, only highlights published after the match.

Understandable from Bristol's perspective, but very disappointing for us over here - especially considering we missed out on any local trials as a result of the tour. Hopefully Ulster will be streamed.

 

[dru]

Understandable from Bristol's perspective, but very disappointing for us over here - especially considering we missed out on any local trials as a result of the tour. Hopefully Ulster will be streamed.

?

 

[LeCheese]

?

I believe the word is that Bristol didn't want it streamed (anywhere, not just UK, given the ease of VPNs) to assist with ticket sales. By all reports it hasn't sold well, so I'm unsurprised they were willing to relax that condition.

 

[Adam84]

If they’re not going to broadcast it in the local market because they want to increase ticket sales, then why would they pay to cover the cost of filming, production and broadcasting.

 

[Strewthcobber]

Are Bristol paying the Reds for appearing in this game?

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Who’s your breakout player for the Brumbies this year BR and what in particular do you expect from them?

I know you asked this of BR so pardon the interruption but I'll say Billy Pollard to take the starting spot for the Brumbies and end up the consistent bench Hooker for the Wallabies behind Faessler.

No knock on Lonergan, I just think Pollard has another level to his game as it becomes more consistent.

 

[TSR]

No need to apologise Ghost - interested in everyone’s views. I just know BR is very well across the Brumbies pathways.

I’ll be interested how the hooker position plays out. My view is the opposite. I struggle a bit to see what the fuss is about Pollard at the moment whereas I think Lonergan was really coming on last year and expect him to go back to being the Brumbies no 1. But both still only young and improving. I guess we’ll see.

Good position for the Brumbies. Bowron seems highly rated too.

 

[Dctarget]

I much prefer Longeran, I think ball in hand he's great. Got that low centre of gravity combined with wheels.

 

[Brumby Runner]

Yeah, I too think Lonergan will take the starting spot but there will be good competition between them. Incidentally, DcT, Billy also has serious wheels. Well remember an almost full length of the field breakout by him against NZ schools and just being run down by a winger a metre or two short of the tryline.

 

[TSR]

I guess it’s worth noting too that Lonergan is two years older and two years ago I think there were some reasonable questions about his ability at test level. He hasn’t really had the chance to answer those but he did definitely look much improved last year IMO. In 2 yrs time who knows, Pollard might be killing it.

From a Wallabies point of view our depth at hooker is certainly improved with Faessler being Mr Reliabel, Pollard developing, Nasser & Lonergan back in the mix and BPA & Dolly returning from OS.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

I just think the development to come from a guy like Pollard could be great. He got a debut for the Wallabies at 20 which was too soon but also absurd in that position.

I have a skewed view having seen him play through his School Boy days and rep days and how dominant a ball carrier and player he was at times was up there with what I saw from Bell.

It's a position with a good influx of talent domestically though. Again, no knock on LL I just think in regards to the question of a break out I hope he can take the next step.

 

[Derpus]

I know you asked this of BR so pardon the interruption but I'll say Billy Pollard to take the starting spot for the Brumbies and end up the consistent bench Hooker for the Wallabies behind Faessler.

No knock on Lonergan, I just think Pollard has another level to his game as it becomes more consistent.

I am certainly not knowledgeable in the areas of front row technical ability but... I haven't seen this at either Super Rugby or Test level.

Is it that he potentially has another level that Nos doesn't have, or something? He isn't a dominating ball carrier like Bell (not even close).

 

[Wilson]

tahs side to face the brumbies:

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to Debut for NSW Waratahs in Trial Against ACT Brumbies

waratahs.rugby