Why Stephen Larkham got it right in the Super Rugby finals

There were two tactical approaches at the weekend that went a long way to deciding two of the three Super Rugby playoff games. The Brumbies were extremely clever in their win against the Hurricanes, frequently turning down shots at goal and staying calm in the wake of the Hurricanes’ strong start, knowing that the visitors would have their moments in the game due to the sheer quality of their athletes.

Their conviction in this approach paid off in spades, with the Brumbies set-piece doing a number on their opposites. In particular, the decision not to take a gift three points in the 57th minute, when leading 28-21, was a masterstroke as James Slipper burrowed over shortly afterwards. By contrast, the Chiefs tightened up considerably against the Blues, playing straight into the visitors’ hands with an ‘up the guts’ strategy that went away from the strengths. Stephen Larkham got it right and Clayton McMillan didn’t. It sets the scene nicely for the Chiefs-Brumbies semi-final on Saturday - the Chiefs are a team under pressure after the loss to the Blues.

Harry Wilson of the Reds reacts during the match against the Crusaders.Credit: Getty Images

Reds’ whimper was signposted weeks ago

The Reds will no doubt think long and hard about how and why their season petered out, as it was clear for the past month they looked flat compared to the momentum that was building in many of the rivals. Was the preseason tour to the UK too much, as it had been for the Crusaders before their poor 2024? Did they get it wrong in having two young No 10s? Do they have enough genuine X-factor in the back three? Les Kiss has plenty to sort through, which is probably why Queensland were so keen to keep him on next year before he joins the Wallabies. The loss to the Brumbies in round nine in Brisbane was the most significant of their campaign. It was brutal in nature, showing an unexpected gap between the two sides, and it could be argued that the Reds never really recovered.

Wallabies form team of the week

1.  James Slipper (Brumbies) - Player of the week
2.  Billy Pollard (Brumbies)
3. Allan Alaalatoa (Brumbies)
4. Nick Frost (Brumbies)
5. Tom Hooper (Brumbies)
6. Rob Valetini (Brumbies)
7. Fraser McReight (Reds)
8. Tuaina Tali Tualima (Brumbies)
9. Ryan Lonergan (Brumbies)
10. Noah Lolesio (Brumbies)
11. Corey Toole (Brumbies)
12. David Feliuai (Brumbies)
13. Josh Flook (Reds)
14. Lachlan Anderson (Reds)
15. Tom Wright (Brumbies)

‘Lucky loser’ system has some real flaws

We were spared the prospect of a Brumbies-Hurricanes playoff that would have seen both sides progress, but that does not mean new ‘lucky loser’ playoff system is off the hook. While moans about format changes are often overblown, it did become apparent in the leadup to the weekend that the new system was hanging over every game. The Crusaders hosted the Reds in the knowledge that a loss wouldn’t necessarily eliminate them, the Chiefs knew they had a home semi-final even with a loss, and the Brumbies and Hurricanes were a whisker away from playing a playoff game with minimal consequences. The lucky loser system, therefore, has created a first week of playoffs that lacks the ‘go hard or go home’ edge that fans want from playoffs. The competition organisers will surely take a look at it in the offseason.

Beware Fiji

Judging by the strength of the Fijian squad announced this week, the Wallabies will have to be extremely careful not to head into the British and Irish Lions series with a loss under their belts. They play Fiji in Newcastle on July 6, and the presence of Salesi Rayasi in the Fijian squad has added to their already plentiful attacking options. The former Hurricanes winger made a habit of shining against Australian opposition during his time in Super Rugby, and Fiji coach Mick Byrne has been quick to get him on board after his departure from the Hurricanes last year (he now plays in France). The Fijian squad is a mixture of Europe-based heavy artillery and the pick of the Drua. This Test has danger signs written all over it.

Skelton boost for Schmidt

La Rochelle’s surprise loss to Pau at the weekend - former Rebels and Waratahs outside back Jack Maddocks started at fullback for Pau - means that Will Skelton will not be part of the Top 14 playoffs in France during the next three weeks. La Rochelle finished in seventh, one place outside the playoffs, and Skelton is now free to join the Wallabies far earlier than anticipated.

This is great news for the Wallabies, giving them a much bigger runway with a player who can provide a point of difference in their pack. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, Skelton has a role to play against the British and Irish Lions: he is so familiar with many of their players after years of European clashes. By contrast, his former Waratahs coach Michael Cheika has done it again, guiding Leicester into the final of the English Premiership.

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