Australia’s Super Rugby competition proves New Zealand arrogance wrong
No-one should be kidding themselves that Australia’s five-team domestic competition is at the same standard as New Zealand’s, but that’s hardly the point, as rugby fans witnessed on the weekend.
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It almost didn’t matter who got the chocolates in Saturday’s Super Rugby clash between the Waratahs and the Brumbies.
The record books will show that it was the Brumbies 24-23, but the Waratahs can take consolation in that they contributed plenty to one of the most upbeat weekends for Australian rugby this year.
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No-one should be kidding themselves that Australia’s five-team domestic competition is at the same standard as New Zealand’s version, but that’s hardly the point.
The sheer arrogance of the Kiwis in suggesting that Australia’s teams aren’t worthy of joining their planned competition for 2021 has got up everyone’s nose.
If the Kiwis want to go it alone, then hasta la vista.
Australian rugby will be just fine without them and this weekend was the proof.
BRIGHTER DAYS AHEAD
There was plenty to like about both Super Rugby AU matches, which were easily the best since the competition resumed at the start of the month.
Forget the comparisons with the Kiwis, we’ve all grown tired of hearing them brag about how good they think they are, because what’s making Super Rugby AU so compelling is the closeness between the teams.
That’s what these old tribal rivalries bring out. And why Super Rugby eventually lost the rugby faithful.
There’s a buzz in Queensland again because the Reds are sitting perched at the top of the table, unbeaten after three matches with a rapidly improving young side.
And there’s smiles over in Western Australia after the Western Force gave as good as they got in their eight-try 55-point thriller in Brisbane on Friday.
EXPERIENCE COUNTS
The Rebels, rested this weekend, have got their challenges with being stranded out of Victoria for the foreseeable future, while the Brumbies remain the favourites to win the tournament because they have more experienced heads than anyone else.
Trailing 20-5 early on, the Brumbies got themselves back in the match with two quick tries from Folau Fainga’a and Rob Valetini then stole it at the death.
It was heartbreaking for the Waratahs but at least they are watchable again.
They were horrible before the lockdown, having more leaks than Donald Trump’s inner circle as they gave up 98 points in their last two outings.
But Rob Penney, one of the few Kiwis who has real faith in Australia’s next generation, has tightened up their defence and their set pieces and improved their attack.
There’s still a lot to work on because the young Waratahs keep letting themselves with their ill-discipline and stupid mistakes but that’s where patience is needed.
PATIENCE NEEDED
Will Harrison is the perfect example.
There’s no doubt the kid can play. His quick-thinking cross field kick that set up James Ramm’s first half try was a bit of genius. And his five successful kicks were goal shows he has a cool head.
But he also spilt a kick behind his own line that gifted Tom Cusack a try and missed a penalty shot that proved decisive when the Brumbies stole victory with a late try from Issak Fines.
‘PASIFIKA TEAM’: AUSTRALIA’S STUNNING SUPER PITCH
By Jamie Pandaram
Australia wants to house a Pacific Island team for the new Super Rugby competition, but is adamant the five existing local franchises should be part of the proposed trans-Tasman tournament from 2021.
Tension between the Australian and New Zealand rugby unions is high as both posture for the best outcomes for their respective nations, aware that conflicts with the other’s, as South Africa and Argentina were officially cut from the competition.
New Zealand’s original proposal was for Australia to axe three teams and have just two franchises in an eight-team tournament from next year.
That was swiftly rejected by Rugby Australia.
On Friday, New Zealand Rugby announced it is seeking to put together “an eight to 10” team competition, comprising their existing five teams, and potentially a Pacifika team, while fielding offers of interest from Australian sides.
NZR will next week formally accept tenders for the Pacific Island team, to be based in south Auckland.
However, RA chairman Hamish McLennan said a Pacifika side would be better placed in Sydney, but only from 2022.
“We have a large and wonderful Pacific Islander population in Sydney and I think that would strengthen rugby long term,” McLennan said.
“Basing them in Auckland would be detrimental to the Blues, it would be madness for the Blues.
“I think the Pacifika idea is brilliant, but I would be housing them in Sydney. And because of COVID, the fact we don’t know what’s happening, I am not sure we could guarantee them for next year.
“Maybe we should be planning for them to be involved from 2022.”
A Pacific Island Super Rugby team based in western Sydney would gain significant support from the large contingent of Fijians, Samoans and Tongans settled there.
However, it seems NZR has already held discussions with a consortium including former All Blacks stars Jerome Kaino and Joe Rokocoko who are keen to establish a south Auckland Pacifika team for Super Rugby – much to the frustration of the Auckland-based Blues.
The inclusion of a Pacifika team from 2021 will be crucial to whether Australia is involved in a trans-Tasman competition, or if they go it alone and host a domestic tournament with Japanese teams included.
RA is advanced in planning for both scenarios.
Super Rugby AU is being played at the moment with the Andrew Forrest backed Western Force joining NSW Waratahs, Queensland Reds, Brumbies and Melbourne Rebels.
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It’s understood RA is reticent to axe any of their teams and will be pushing for all five to be part of the trans-Tasman tournament, and then to expand and introduce a Pacifika team from 2022.
A statement from NZR suggested it would be their board that determines which non-Kiwi teams would be part of the tournament.
“We want teams that are competitive and that fans will want to watch go head to head, week in, week out,” NZR chief executive Mark Robinson said.
However, McLennan is hopeful of reaching an agreement to secure the future of all Australian franchises.
“Hopefully we are moving in the right direction, an eight-team competition with two Australian sides doesn’t work for us,” he said.
“So if 10 teams is on the table then we have the chance to create a world-class competition which will be highly valued and extremely exciting.”
If the NZR holds firm on plans for the Pacifika side to enter next year, they would be expecting RA to axe the Rebels to accommodate them, or see a merger between the Rebels and Brumbies, a move RA does not want to make.
“There is a huge desire to have a Pasifika team involved which we think will be massive for the competition, popular with fans and is a priority for us,” Robinson said.
“As we know, our Pacific nations and Pasifika players in New Zealand have added so much to the rich history of rugby in Oceania and our game here in New Zealand. To have a team that would provide an additional pathway for Pasifika players to perform on the world stage would be hugely exciting.
“As well, we will also be working with Rugby Australia to seek expressions of interest from their current Super clubs and other interested parties to join the competition and that work will begin in earnest.
“We are excited and interested to see what our Australian neighbours will bring to this competition.”