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?