Close Menu
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Shop
    • Jerseys
    • Training
    • Men
    • Women
    • Kids
    • Headwear
    • Gifts & Accessories
      • Babywear
      • Balls
      • Collectibles & Memorabilia
      • Home & Office
      • Keyrings
      • Pet Accessories
      • Scarves
      • Souvenirs
      • Toys & Games
    • Super Rugby
    • Clearance
  • Wallabies
  • Super Rugby
    • ACT Brumbies
    • Blues
    • Chiefs
    • Crusaders
    • Fijian Drua
    • Highlanders
    • Hurricanes
    • Moana Pasifika
    • NSW Waratahs
    • Queensland Reds
    • Western Force
  • Six Nations
  • Women’s
  • Sevens
  • Podcast

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

What's Hot

Hump Day News – in from the side

May 21, 2025

Tuesday’s Rugby News

May 20, 2025

Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #70: Can Super Rugby get any better?

May 19, 2025
Facebook Instagram YouTube X (Twitter)
Latest News
  • Hump Day News – in from the side
  • Tuesday’s Rugby News
  • Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #70: Can Super Rugby get any better?
  • Friday’s Rugby News.
  • Talking Teams Pod Round 14
  • Thursday’s Rugby News – the pointy end
  • Collab Special – Talking Teams x The Dropped Kick-Off – discussing the Lions with The Eggchasers Rugby Podcast
  • Hump Day News – in from the side
  • Tuesday’s Rugby News
  • Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #69: great rugby, big injuries, spectacular results.
  • Friday’s Rugby News.
  • Lions squad named tonight.
  • Thursday’s Rugby News – the final countdown
  • Yowie on the Loose: almost too much rugby news
  • Dementia and CTE: differences, similarities and impact
  • Tuesday’s Rugby News
  • Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #68: that was certainly unpredictable.
  • Friday’s Rugby News.
  • Thursday’s Rugby News – adults running the show
  • 2025 Super Rugby Rd 12 — G&GR’s teams podcast
Green & Gold Rugby
0 Shopping Cart
Facebook Instagram YouTube X (Twitter)
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Shop
    • Jerseys
    • Training
    • Men
    • Women
    • Kids
    • Headwear
    • Gifts & Accessories
      • Babywear
      • Balls
      • Collectibles & Memorabilia
      • Home & Office
      • Keyrings
      • Pet Accessories
      • Scarves
      • Souvenirs
      • Toys & Games
    • Super Rugby
    • Clearance
  • Wallabies

    Tuesday’s Rugby News

    February 25, 2025

    G&GR readers hate Australians?

    February 23, 2025

    Schmidt extends Wallabies tenure through TRC as search for head coach successor begins

    February 6, 2025

    Tickets on sale for blockbuster Wallaroos and Wallabies home Tests

    February 5, 2025

    Tuesday’s Rugby News, 4 February 2025

    February 4, 2025
  • Super Rugby
    1. ACT Brumbies
    2. Blues
    3. Chiefs
    4. Crusaders
    5. Fijian Drua
    6. Highlanders
    7. Hurricanes
    8. Moana Pasifika
    9. NSW Waratahs
    10. Queensland Reds
    11. Western Force
    12. View All

    Brumbies lob first grenade.

    March 19, 2025

    Hoodoo Gurus: Brumbies beat Blues.

    March 8, 2025

    Super Rugby Women’s Team List: Trial Match v Queensland Reds

    February 5, 2025

    Brumbies and Raiders combine for ANZAC weekend fixtures

    February 4, 2025

    Sotutu Returns to Boost Blues for Highlanders Clash

    February 19, 2025

    MG Motor Joins Blues as Official Vehicle Partner

    February 13, 2025

    Tu’ungafasi Celebrates 150th Cap as Blues Unleash Star-Studded Line-Up at Eden Park Opener

    February 12, 2025

    Blues Team Up with Gerard Roofs for a Strong 2025 Season Partnership

    February 11, 2025

    Chiefs Prepare for Crusaders Clash: Brown’s Debut and Tupaea’s Milestone

    February 19, 2025

    Chiefs’ All Blacks Set for Pre-Season Action Against Moana Pasifika

    February 6, 2025

    Chiefs Unveil New Talent Ahead of Taranaki Pre-Season Clash

    January 30, 2025

    Chiefs’ Rising Star Wallace Sititi Sidelined After Knee Surgery

    January 25, 2025

    Crusaders Ready to Kick Off Pre-Season with Blues Battle in Kirwee

    January 30, 2025

    Crusaders Partner with Moa Brewing Company to Elevate Fan Experience

    January 23, 2025

    Jamie Hannah Commits to Crusaders Until 2028

    January 23, 2025

    Crusaders 2025 Tickets Now Available!

    January 23, 2025

    Fijian Drua to Host Rugby FCLA in Historic Fiji Showdown

    January 20, 2025

    Highlanders Set for Home Opener Against Blues

    February 19, 2025

    Waratahs edge Highlanders in thrilling season opener

    February 16, 2025

    Highlanders Announce Squad for Season Opener Against Waratahs

    February 12, 2025

    Highlanders Gear Up for Waitangi Day Showdown Against Crusaders

    February 4, 2025

    Xavier Numia Commits to Hurricanes Through 2027

    January 29, 2025

    Hurricanes Brew Up Partnership with Flight Coffee for 2025 Season

    January 28, 2025

    Hurricanes Poua Swap Rugby Boots for Riding Boots at Hutt Valley RDA

    January 16, 2025

    Match Review: Qld Reds v Moana Pacifika — Rd2 2025

    February 21, 2025

    Ardie Savea Named Moana Pasifika Captain for 2025 Super Rugby Season

    February 3, 2025

    Ardie Savea Named Moana Pasifika Captain for 2025 Super Rugby Season

    February 2, 2025

    Moana Pasifika Set to Face Highlanders in Pre-Season Opener

    January 29, 2025

    More Tahs misery.

    March 29, 2025

    Tahs best Brumbies.

    March 22, 2025

    Isaac Kailea re-signs with RA.

    March 21, 2025

    U18s & U20s Tahs sides named.

    March 14, 2025

    Reds top of the pops.

    March 29, 2025

    Reds break drought.

    March 22, 2025

    Tom ‘The Laser’ Lynagh: Its the vibe.

    March 22, 2025

    Caslick to start in Reds #100th.

    March 19, 2025

    Force out-Brumby the Brumbies 45-42.

    February 22, 2025

    Jeremy Williams Re-Signs with Western Force for Two More Years

    February 6, 2025

    Club captain Jeremy Williams re-commits to Western Force with new deal

    February 6, 2025

    Western Force Unveils Star-Studded Squad for Brumbies Pre-Season Clash

    February 5, 2025

    Reds top of the pops.

    March 29, 2025

    More Tahs misery.

    March 29, 2025

    Super Rugby Round #7: Bye-bye-bye

    March 24, 2025

    Live: SRP ladder

    March 22, 2025
  • Six Nations

    Six Nations round 4

    March 8, 2025

    Tree Irish legends call time

    February 28, 2025

    Frogs flog Italy.

    February 24, 2025

    Welsh rugby: heartbeat found!

    February 23, 2025

    Poms pinch it.

    February 23, 2025
  • Women’s

    More in store for Qld women’s comp.

    March 21, 2025

    Happy’s Thursday’s Rugby News

    November 28, 2024

    Happy’s Thursday’s Rugby News – progress mixed in with some injustice

    November 21, 2024

    Yowie on the Loose: How long until test rugby restarts?

    October 15, 2024

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #50: limited rugby, but plenty of news

    October 14, 2024
  • Sevens

    G&GR team’s podcast, Ireland and done

    December 2, 2024

    Happy’s Thursday’s Rugby News

    November 28, 2024

    Happy’s Thursday’s Rugby News – US edition marketing the game, Perry Baker, Super Rugby my new dawn.

    October 17, 2024

    Sevens Olympic Heaven!

    July 18, 2024

    Thursday’s Rugby News

    July 4, 2024
  • Podcast

    Collab Special – Talking Teams x The Dropped Kick-Off – discussing the Lions with The Eggchasers Rugby Podcast

    May 14, 2025

    The Dropped Kick-Off 153 – Schmeal – Les Kiss from a Rose

    April 30, 2025

    The Dropped Kick-Off 151 – did we mention we like the Tahs?

    April 18, 2025

    The Dropped Kick-Off 150 – Angry Italian Hand Gestures 🤌 🤌

    April 10, 2025

    The Dropped Kick-Off 149 – RIP Val Kilmer

    April 4, 2025
Green & Gold Rugby
Home»Rugby»The Tuesday Top 5
Rugby

The Tuesday Top 5

Nick WasilievBy Nick WasilievFebruary 14, 201714 Comments
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr WhatsApp VKontakte Email
Stock photo of Brisbane Tens match ball
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

 

 

This week we look at all things Brisbane Tens, as well as a quick round up of the Aussie preseason matches.

AUSSIES STRUGGLED IN ‘RUGBY HEAVEN’

Well, it was indeed a tournament to savour at the Brisbane Tens this weekend, with some electric rugby being served up to the rugby punters over two stinking hot days. For the fans, it was a chance to see a new exciting brand of rugby, while for the players and coaches (especially from the Australian and New Zealand franchises), it served as a handy hit out to blow away many of the cobwebs and see where their respective teams were at.

So where were they at? Well, the Kiwis were dominant again, with four of the five Kiwi franchises getting through to the quarter finals. In what was a great hitout, the Chiefs and Crusaders played out a riveting final, with the men from Waikato (spurred on by the sudden and sad death of club stalwart Sione Lauaki, aged 35) grabbing an emotional win 12-7. It came at a cost of two injuries, including a horrific leg injury to Mitchell Graham, but even he saw the funny side, dabbing to the crowd as he was taken off the field.

Liam Messam scores for Chiefs v Waratahs
Liam Messam scores for Chiefs v Waratahs

While the Kiwi teams can take lots of positives out of the competition, for the Aussie teams, there’s plenty of work to do. The Rebels and Waratahs were comprehensively outplayed in Group A. The Reds and Force scraped into the quarter finals but never progressed any further, and the Brumbies, despite winning more games than the Force, were unable to progress due to points differential, with all three teams in Group C ending with two wins and 7 competition points each.

While the Aussie teams struggled, at least we have a sense of where we are, and what we need to work on. Of the teams I was personally most impressed with, I thought the Brumbies were unlucky not to progress, the Reds did well in arguably the toughest group in the tournament, and the Force with many of their new signings like Curtis Rona continue to show signs of serious promise. But, even with this, it was clear to me that we need to be better. Much, much better.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE BRISBANE TENS 

All the talk, build up and twenty-two games later, we finally got the Brisbane Tens. And,  did it live up to the expectations? Honestly, from watching it on TV, I thought it worked well. Yes, there were a few issues relating to Groups C and D having less teams than A and B, and yes, several players pulled out, but overall, I went in looking for fast, exciting rugby, and a good taster for the Super Rugby season to come. Guess what I got? Exactly what I hoped for.

Brisbane Global Tens Launch
The Brisbane Tens lived up to the hype

The Brisbane Tens was agreed to as part of a four-year deal between the Queensland State Government and the Brisbane City Council, with the ARU benefiting as well. As a first edition of the tournament, it was a resounding success. The players and coaches of all teams have been quick to praise the competition for its atmosphere, fast tempo, and high energy games, which will stand players in good stead for a long Super Rugby tournament. The fans that came out have also been in high praise of the slick logistics of the tournament, and rugby on display.

Next year looks to be even more promising, with talks of Fijian teams joining the competition, having more night games, having a women’s tournament running simultaneously, and even talks of luring more All Blacks to play. If there is any issue with the competition, I would say that right now, it still needs to carve out a niche for itself. Right now, it runs quite similarly to the Sevens World Series, so the competition needs to find a way to stand out and be different from Sevens Rugby. The competition is in its infancy though, so we need to give it time methinks.

It is a competition that does have potential though. Unlike the NRL Auckland Nines, the Brisbane Tens has a lot more potential as a global product, due to the many rugby clubs from far and wide that can interchange in the competition every year, which will always bring a new fresh look to the tournament. European, Japanese, South African, Polynesian and even other Super Rugby clubs could be potential future players in the tournament. If it works a great pre-season and expands the rugby brand, then I say, bring it on!

DON’T LET THE TV DECEIVE YOU!

Brisbane10s-Day1-31
See?! There was a crowd!

Many would have thought from the broadcast and a rather unflattering piece on news.com.au that no one actually turned up to the Brisbane Tens. Quite clearly, the guy who wrote that was probably going off a couple of pictures that had been posted online showing the empty side of the stadium, bathed in sunlight.  But, as is always the case, looks can be deceiving. There were over 30,000 two-day tickets sold for the competition, but estimates have placed the overall crowd at around 40-45,000 over the two days. The reason why you couldn’t see them was because they were all taking shelter from the heatwave, sat on the shady side of the stadium. The only negative was it didn’t look good on telly.

Honestly, considering it was the first ever edition of the tournament, as well as being over 40 degrees on both days in Brisbane, I’d say 40,000 isn’t too bad at all. Goes to show, even with technology these days, it still doesn’t quite match to physically being there.

TRIALS AND ERROR

Of course, before and after the Brisbane Tens, our clubs will turn their attention to their remaining preseason trials before the kick off of the Super Rugby. Currently, there have been some mixed signs coming out of the Aussie camps. The Force have completed their two trials, a hit out against the Perth Spirit (comprising of many of the extended playing squad), and a solid performance against the Rebels. Wessels however doesn’t look like he’s counting his chickens before they hatch, pointing out that last year the Force beat the Hurricanes in a trial 30-0, then went on to have a woeful season.

The Rebels have had a mixed pre-season, losing to the Force and getting knocked out of the Tens in the pool stages. They do however have their final upcoming preseason fixture against the Queensland Reds at Ballymore today, nine days out from their first round match against the Blues. This will be an important trial for both teams. It will also be the Reds only trial fixture, aside from the Brisbane Tens. The Reds have looked promising though during the tournament, so this match will be a good indicator of where they are.

Reds Head Coach Nick Stiles
Reds Head Coach Nick Stiles speaks to the media during the Reds pre-season training

The Brumbies have had a mixed pre-season too, getting thumped by the Waratahs in Mudgee and not progressing past the pool stages of the Brisbane Tens. Many have predicted a tough season for the men from the nation’s capital. I myself am a glass half full man, and I reckon they will still be a tough outfit to crack. Finally, the Waratahs, aside from the Brumbies match and the Brisbane Tens, have one final trial against the Highlanders in Brookvale Oval. There has been plenty of encouraging signs from the Tahs this year, but the Highlanders match should be an interesting indicator of the progress of Daryl Gibson’s men.

PRE-SEASON PREDICTIONS 

I’ve been talking trials, but remember to take them with a grain of salt: more often than not, form in these games often does not necessarily translate to success on the field during the regular season. In fact, sometimes it has even been the opposite.

I predict that the Rebels will win against the Reds at Ballymore today, having had more hit outs and more time to make necessary changes. The Waratahs will most likely beat the Highlanders in Brookvale on Thursday, as Kiwi teams often rest their best players before the season starts. All teams should use these games to fine tune many of their strategies for the first round, as everyone will be looking to get off to a winning start.

aussie super rugby
The wait is nearly over folks…

Personally, I can’t bloody wait for the pre-season to be over, as that means the Super Rugby season will be upon us. It’s been way too long…

We are a fan run website, we appreciate your support.

💬 Have you got a news article suggestion? Submit a story and have your say
👀 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X.com
🎵 Listen to our Podcasts on Spotify and iTunes
🎥 Watch our Podcasts on YouTube


News The Tuesday Top Five
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr WhatsApp Email
Previous ArticleSix things from Six Nations – Round 2
Next Article Reds dominate Rebels in Super Rugby Trial
Nick Wasiliev
  • Website
  • Facebook
  • X (Twitter)
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn

Die-hard Brumbies/Country Eagles fan now based in Sydney. Author, anthropologist, musician, second rower. Still trying to make sense of the 21st century. Dropped a debut novel last year...

Related Posts

Hump Day News – in from the side

May 21, 2025

Tuesday’s Rugby News

May 20, 2025

Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #70: Can Super Rugby get any better?

May 19, 2025

Talking Teams Pod Round 14

May 15, 2025
Latest

Hump Day News – in from the side

May 21, 2025

Tuesday’s Rugby News

May 20, 2025

Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #70: Can Super Rugby get any better?

May 19, 2025

Friday’s Rugby News.

May 16, 2025
1 2 3 … 2,597 Next
Latest Super Rugby

Reds top of the pops.

March 29, 2025

More Tahs misery.

March 29, 2025

Super Rugby Round #7: Bye-bye-bye

March 24, 2025

Live: SRP ladder

March 22, 2025
1 2 3 … 790 Next
Latest Six Nations

Six Nations round 4

March 8, 2025

Tree Irish legends call time

February 28, 2025

Frogs flog Italy.

February 24, 2025

Welsh rugby: heartbeat found!

February 23, 2025
1 2 3 … 25 Next
GAGR Podcast
Follow Us
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
About Us
About Us

greenandgoldrugby.com is your one stop shop for all things Rugby Union - news, podcasts, opinions, fixtures, events & everything in between.

greenandgoldrugby.com - created by fans of rugby, for fans of rugby.

About
Submit a Story
Authors
Contact
Privacy

Our Picks

Rising rally to overrun Queensland Country

September 4, 2016

Waratahs young leaders to shine

January 18, 2017

Eight ANGRY Observations from tonight’s game

June 18, 2016
New Comments
  • Rob Hill on Hump Day News – in from the side
  • Damo on Hump Day News – in from the side
  • Singapore Sling on Hump Day News – in from the side
  • Brisneyland Local on Hump Day News – in from the side
  • HK Red on Hump Day News – in from the side
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Super Rugby
  • Wallabies
  • Podcast
  • Privacy Policy (2023)
© 2025 Ponderosa Publishing Pty Ltd | ABN 76 668 430 386.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.