Greetings, salutations and welcome rugby lovers, to yet another Friday’s Rugby News.
Lots to discuss today so what’re you waiting for? Once more unto the breach we go and start with ‘Biscuit Test?’. Hook into some late breaking Thursday night news with ‘Rebel Hell?’. Check out your team’s finals chances with ‘The Run Home’. Preview round #10 of SRP in ‘Get Busy Winning!’. Peak behind the paywall and ask ‘Is STAN The Man?’ Preview the SRW final in ‘Tahs Time’. And wrap it all up with ‘Friday’s Goss With Hoss’, currently urinating in the forests of PNG with Albo.
Biscuit Test?
Murmurs out of RA of a push to hold an annual Wallabies/Nearlies ANZAC day test and on first thoughts, what’s not to like? It’d be a money spinner, a point of difference, an early season bed wetter, give St Joe and Razor a chance to get their players into camp early. I just don’t see a downside, do you? It could even give all Super Rugby a two week hiatus instead of the insidious spread of three weeks of byes as happens now.
As much as this could just be a ‘thought bubble’ there is, in my opinion, much to like. It could be annually rotated between nations, cities and venues. It could also serve as early season motivation for players to perform better, given there’s a test played in April, as opposed to July onwards. Therefore giving local derbies or just plain ol’ SRP form more meaning earlier in the year!
And with Bledisloes now returning to two tests during The Rugby Championship, this is a genuine way to reintroduce a third test and maintain more interest in the series. Plus generate more income. It would seem a win-win for all involved.
The same reports have NZ lukewarm to the idea; maybe that’s because they are no longer the power house they once were and are scared of St Joe and his coaching squad.
Rebel Hell?
Breaking news on Thursday night with the release of the Administrator’s report into the financial riddle at the Melbourne Rebels, including claims the Rebels were trading while insolvent since 2018. Yep, 2018.
With claim and counter claim, accusation and denial, those of you who can access it really should check out the SMH article. With a variety of options on the table not one entity is going to have a win here. It very much seems a case of who loses least will be doing well.
In all of this, it’s almost easy to forget that the Rebs, at least on the field, are having their best year ever.
RA supremo, Lieutenant Dan Herbert had a wide ranging and insightful interview on the Inside Line podcast where he also touches on this (and other) rugby issue. Well worth a listen.
The Run Home.
While the weight challenged opera singer who identifies as female hasn’t yet sung for some teams, she is however behind the curtain humming loudly.
So before we jump into round #10 of SRP, here are each side’s run home to the finals, or not.
Australian Conference:
Brumbies Hurricanes (H), Drua (H), Waratahs (A), Crusaders (H), Rebels (H), Force (A)
Drua: Moana Pasifika (H), Brumbies (A), Force (A), Reds (H), Highlanders (A), Rebels (H)
Force: Highlanders (A), Chiefs (A), Drua (H), Waratahs (H), Reds (A), Brumbies (H)
Rebels: Crusaders (A), Blues (H), Reds (A), Chiefs (H), Brumbies (A), Drua (A)
Reds: Blues (H), Crusaders (A), Rebels (H), Drua (A), Force (H), Waratahs (A)
Waratahs: Chiefs (H), Hurricanes (A), Brumbies (H), Force (A), Moana Pasifika (A), Reds (H).
NZ Conference:
Blues: Reds (A), Rebels (A), Hurricanes (H), Highlanders (H), Crusaders (A), Chiefs (H).
Chiefs: Waratahs (A), Force (H), Moana Pasifika (A), Highlanders (H), Crusaders (H), Chiefs (H).
Crusaders: Rebels (H), Reds (H), Highlanders (A), Brumbies (A), Blues (H), Moana Pasifika (H).
Highlanders: Force (H), Moana Pasifika (A), Crusaders (H), Blues (A), Drua (H), Hurricanes (A).
Hurricanes: Brumbies (A), Waratahs (H), Blues (A), Moana Pasifika (H), Chiefs (A), Highlanders.
Moana Pasifika: Drua (A), Highlanders (H), Chiefs (H), Hurricanes (A), Waratahs (H), Crusaders (A).
Get Busy Winning!
Week #10 is upon us already, my how time flies when your team continues to blow chunks. All teams on Happy’s Thursday News.
Friday 26 April 5:05 PM AEST – Crusaders v Melbourne Rebels at Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch, ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport
A lot of noise around Scott Barrett being back for the cellar dwellers, well at least until he gets a red card at some stage in the first half. But riddle me this Gaggers, if one player makes a side, how bad are the rest of the side to begin with?
Salakaia-Lotu will be a big loss for the Rebs. The big unit underwent foot surgery last week following a fracture sustained in their round 8 win over the Highlanders. However, they do welcome back Rob Leota from a calf complaint and he’ll add impetus in the last 25 minutes. For all they’ve endured off the field this season, the Rebs have momentum, have a terrific front row, pace out wide and in Flash Gordon, possibly Australia’s best running #10. Let’s just hope goal kicking doesn’t decide it though. The closer to the posts his kicks are, the more likely he is to miss it!
Fearless Prediction: Barrett Smarett – Rebels by 11. Has there ever been a side go from champions to wooden spoon in Super Rugby before?
Referee: Angus Mabey Assistant Referees: Nick Hogan, Anthony Petrie
Friday 26 April 7:35 PM AEST – NSW Waratahs v Chiefs at Allianz Stadium, Sydney, ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport.
Been saying to anyone who’ll listen that I simply can’t fathom coach Coleman’s selections, and this week’s side leaves me nearly speechless. Jed Holloway to the bench for this one and I quote: “Jed’s had a flat couple of weeks. We’d like to see a bit more bang. Hopefully this move to the bench will really spark them up.”
Nutta, how many TotW week votes has Holloway had again? Plus he also made the official G&GR Wallaby XXIII.
To compound to my utter confusion, Edmed starts at #10 again, Joey Walton comes in at #13, the funky bunch is back starting, Flanders Hanigan, who has been a revelation at #4 or #5 (sometimes #6), is starting at #8. I can cop Gleeson being dropped to the pine, he seems to have had his hands surgically replaced with flippers and drops more pill than a Maitland chemist during cold winters, but once again, the selections are simply head scratching.
For all of that, my beloved Tahs are going to endure a similar fate to what Andy Dufresne did early on in Shawshank. It will be rather uncomfortable to witness.
Fearless Prediction: Chiefs by lots. Tahs season will be done, their run home is horrid and the narrow, early season losses will take their toll on season 2024.
Referee: Jordan Way (somebody take the pea outta his whistle, please) Assistant Referees: Reuben Keane, Matt Kellahan
Saturday 27 April 12:05 PM AEST – Fijian Drua v Moana Pasifika at Churchill Park, Lautoka, ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport
The battle for PI bragging rights. Much made of the Fiji being at home and all that, but they’ve also made eight changes, have a coach with one eye on the national squad and seem to have their best rugby behind them already.
MP are more settled, have been going ok-ish, but I think would’ve had this match circled on the calendar for a while and ready to spring an upset.
Fearless Prediction: MP by 5.
Referee: Graham Cooper Assistant Referees: George Myers, James Palmer
Saturday 27 April 2:35 PM AEST – ACT Brumbies v Hurricanes at GIO Stadium, Canberra, ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport.
The Brumbies were appalling last week, no wonder National Parks and Wildlife just shoot them. No doubt the Blues were good, but just how much of the gap between the two sides was because the Ponies were just so very, very, very rank?
Sure, the ACT lads were coming off a bye week and some rust could be expected. But they rolled over and played dead and, to be fair, I switched the game off it was that embarrassing. Is a week enough time to regain their mojo? Or is it simply the great contenders are the great pretenders?
Great to see 7As back in the pack, likewise Ikitau returns to the starting centres and the side has a more solid look about it. But solid enough?
Fearless Prediction: Just to upset KARL, its Brumbies by 2, a clutch kick after the bell.
Referee: Angus Gardner Assistant Referees: Damon Murphy, Jeremy Markey
Saturday 27 April 5:05 PM AEST – Highlanders v Western Force at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport
Great to see the Crusaders get spanked by the Force last week. And for mine it’s two Kiwi scalps in a row as the WA boys head to the land of the mutton molesters. Izack Rodda was terrific last week and he adds real size, skill and experience to the side and here’s hoping we get to see the best of the big human in coming weeks, months and years.
Fearless Prediction: Force by 16.
Referee: Dan Waenga Assistant Referees: Paul Williams, Mike Winter
Saturday 27 April 7:35 PM AEST – Queensland Reds v Blues at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport
Man for man, pound for pound, skill for skill, the Reds are totally outclassed for this one. If the Blues can belt the Brumbies, they’re going to bludgeon the Reds.
Fearless Prediction: Blues by 40+.
Referee: James Doleman Assistant Referees: Jono Bredin, Fraser Hannon
Is STAN The Man?
I must admit to running a few days behind myself this week, so I can empathise with life as a Queenslander and as I sat down to type Friday’s prose, I was also listening to the G&GR Talking Teams podcast when KARL sunk in the slipper to STAN. Countered by Happy and a sterling defence.
Now lets be clear, if I wanted to listen to people who are always correct, engaging, informative and entertaining, I’d continue to talk to myself. Well said, Hoss. Thank you, Hoss. But as three counsellors tell me, that’s not healthy and it continues to freak people out on public transport.
So that’s where STAN comes in. Sure, there’s a degree of dribble, but cast your minds back to the dark ages of FUX. $150 a month for reruns of Seinfeld, soft porn cooking shows with Nigella Lawson (I’ve never witnessed full body whisking before!) and not much else, bugger me if STAN ain’t a breath of fresh air for this rugby fan.
Rugby shows five nights a week. Different content, different voices and insights, plus live coverage of every single game, or the bloody magnificent mini replays and I’d wager that perhaps STAN has the best coverage, of any code, in Oz.
Besides, they’ve also created a couple of terrific drinking games if you’re keen:
- The Brew Bourbon Threw – every time Sunny Brew says ‘Brew, Essay, Cuz or Holmes’ you skol a shot of America’s finest. I got hammered during the World Cup!
- Or Goog’s Rugby Ecosystem Connection Rum Rampage – every time Goog gets that guttural voice going, you know what’s coming next. Invariably it will be a sentence or three involving his go to phrases with words like ‘connection’ and ‘rugby ecosystem’. You hear those beauties and it’s Bundy time.
After a few seasons, the commentary team have found their rhythm. The commentary/hosting team complement each other well. The STAN coverage is terrific and there is a heap of content. And I’ll take that every day of the week compared to the dark ages of FUX.
Tahs Time!
This weekend sees the final of the SRW take place between the Waratahs and the Fijian Drua. In its 7th year, the SRW has been won four times by the Tahs and twice by the Drua, who have won the last two.
This season has seen the Tahs take it up a notch and their fitness, skill and game management has vastly improved on years gone by. They play an expansive attacking game and have wonderful balance across the paddock. Size in the piggies, skill and guile in the halves, defensively brilliant in the centres with one of my faves, Georgina Friedrichs, and genuine gas on the flanks in Maya Stewart and Desiree Miller.
I’ve been critical on these pages on the fitness, or lack thereof, of the Fijian side this year, but once again, they are at the pointy end and their chances, skill and flair must be respected to stop them doing a threepeat.
Sunday 28 April 2:00 pm AEST – NSW Waratahs v Fijian Drua at Ballymore, Brisbane, ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport
WARATAHS (1-15): Brianna Hoy, Brittany Merlo, Bridie O’Gorman, Kaitlan Leaney, Atasi Lafai, Leilani Nathan, Skye Churchill, Piper Duck (c), Layne Morgan, Arabella McKenzie, Desiree Miller, Katrina Barker, Georgina Friedrichs, Maya Stewart, Caitlyn Halse
RESERVES: Siusiuosalafai Volkman, Emily Robinson, Eva Karpani, Annabelle Codey, Sera Naiqama, Tatum Bird, Waiaria Ellis, Jade Sheridan
DRUA (1-15): Salanieta Nabuli, Keleni Marawa, Bitila Tawake, Jade Coates, Asinate Serevi, Nunia Daunimoala, Sulita Waisega, Karalaini Naisewa (c), Setaita Railumu, Jenifer Ravutia, Adita Milinia, Merewalesi Rokouno, Vani Arei, Merewairita Neivosa, Atelaite Buna
RESERVES: Litia Marama, Loraini Senivutu, Tiana Robanakadavu, Mereoni Nakesa, Fulori Rotagavira, Evivi Senikarivi, Salanieta Kinita, Repeka Tove
Fearless Prediction: The Tahs haven’t looked like losing a match this season and it won’t start on Sunday. Tahs by 17. Go you blue things.
Friday’s Goss with Hoss.
Sheet wearing, cross burning ‘fans’ at Eastern Suburbs.
The SMH reports: ‘Shute Shield club Eastern Suburbs have been cleared of a breach of the Rugby Australia code of conduct but instructed to educate and supervise fans after a judicial committee found West Harbour players were subject to racial abuse during a trial match at Woollahra Oval.’
You can read the article here.
And Pigs Might Fly.
Seems the Crusadists are big Journey fans with this week’s song at training, ‘Don’t Stop Believing’. stiff.co.unzid reports the Crusaders still believe they can win this year’s title. In other news, the Sadists also think the moon landing was a fake and that Bill Gates and 5G towers caused COVID.
Pull Ya Finger Out Phil!
SMH reports Waratahs and Wallaroos prop Emily Robinson will this weekend become the Tahs most capped SRW player. Obviously a huge fan of G&GR’s FRN (who made the exact same point last week), she asks, ‘how in the name of (insert deity here) in 2024 do we only have a one round SRW competition? It’s just crap.’
One interesting point Robbo makes in the SMH is, “There need to be two [halves to the schedule] and I think that the best way to do that from my perspective is to play the first [half], play PAC4, and then come back and play a second,”
Club Corner
rugby.com.au and Lachlan Grey have all your club news.
Here’s one for the Saders fans for this week
Until next week. Go the Tahs.
Hoss – out.
