Tough task awaits Australian teams in ‘Super Round’ at AAMI Park

Australian teams are desperate for an improved showing against their New Zealand rivals in the Super Rugby Pacific competition.

The “litmus test” the NSW Waratahs face on Friday night against the Chiefs is the first of a host of similar examinations Australian teams will confront this weekend in Super Rugby Pacific’s “Super Round” in Melbourne.

For the first time this season, teams from the Australian section of the competition will take on sides from New Zealand.

All matches are being played at AAMI Park, with the Western Force the only Australian franchise not in action due to a Covid-19 outbreak in their camp that forced the postponement of their match against Moana Pasifika.

However, the Waratahs, the Queensland Reds, the Brumbies and the Melbourne Rebels are all set to face music against New Zealand opposition.

In last year’s Super Rugby Trans-Tasman competition, Australian teams played a total of 25 games against Kiwi sides for just two wins, with the Reds and the Brumbies each securing a victory in a tournament otherwise dominated by the New Zealanders.

In this season’s expanded Super Rugby Pacific competition, there are hopes of an improved performance from Australian teams in the crossover section – starting on Friday night when the Waratahs meet the Chiefs.

The Waratahs meet the Chiefs on Friday night. Picture: Will Russell/Getty Images

“The litmus test will be the next five game coming up,” Waratahs assistant coach Jason Gilmore said.

“How we are around that contact zone, how we build the line to make sure we get length in it, and how we can turn them away off our tryline are three pretty critical areas for us.

“If we can muscle up and slow their ruck speed, that brings us back into the game. It allows your defence to regenerate and go again.”

Rugby Australia CEO Andy Marinos said the Waratahs and the rest of the Australian teams had been “eagerly awaiting the opportunity for a new challenge”.

“It has been long-awaited,” Marinos said.

“The weekend’s fixtures will mark a competition first, and they will see our teams play against New Zealand franchises for the first time since the 2021 Trans-Tasman competition.

“With four of our five Australian teams in the top eight, each side will be looking to build on their success as the finals series approaches.

“I know our teams, fans, and the wider rugby community are excited to kick off the inaugural Super Round in Melbourne.”

“It is unfortunate that the match between the Western Force and Moana Pasifika has had to be postponed due to Covid-19, however the weekend still promises to be a festival of outstanding rugby.”

The program of matches will also include the Super W final between the Waratahs and Fijiana Drua on Saturday afternoon.

Super Round schedule (all games at AAMI Park)

Friday: Chiefs v NSW Waratahs, 7pm

Saturday: Super W Grand Final – Fijian Drua v NSW Waratahs, 2pm; Blues v Fijian Drua

5:05pm; Hurricanes v Queensland Reds, 7.45pm.

Sunday: Highlanders v Brumbies, 2pm; Crusaders v Melbourne Rebels, 4:30pm.

Originally published as Tough task awaits Australian teams in ‘Super Round’ at AAMI Park