Glad Monday G&GRs, and wasnt {that a} predictable spherical of rugby. The Scores perhaps not so, however the outcomes, just about went as anticipated. The Ladder has finalised, and we now excitedly await the primary spherical of finals for SRP 2024.
Let’s get into the rugby. Some attention-grabbing machinations, playing cards and accidents to return out of this spherical, that will have a bearing on the finals. So let’s take a look on the closing spherical, then a have a look at the SRP ladder, adopted by ‘Previous Man Shouting at Clouds’. Strap in, seize an enormous cup of the caffeinated stuff ☕and pull aside the weekend’s video games!
As at all times this can be a fan-run web site and any contribution is welcome, be at liberty to achieve out to me at bris@greenandgoldrugby.com.au be it with an article an concept, or an opinion piece. There’s additionally a ‘Submit a Story’ choice. So be at liberty to have a crack because the extra the merrier.
Tremendous Rugby Pacific 2024 – Last Spherical – Spherical 15
Canterbury Crusaders 43 defeated Moana Pasifika 10
In a recreation that was a ‘wait and see’ recreation, to see if the Saders may probably scrape into the finals, ended up turning into a non-event dut to video games that occured afterwards. Nevertheless it confirmed, in direction of the tip of the season, the Darkish Ones returning to the workforce of previous. In a match that additionally marked the final video games for AB legends Joe Moody, Owen Franks and Ryan Crotty, the boys from Canterbury ran in seven tries in entrance of their final residence crowd of the 12 months.
The 43-10 thrashing of Moana Pasifika on Friday night time was a powerful technique to shut out what was the Saders worst season within the golf equipment histroy. Even with the odd card, the Saders have been by no means not in charge of this match. However the consequence now bears little relevance to discussions, so we’ll park it right here and transfer on.
Queensland Reds 27 defeated NSW Waratahs 26
My beloved Reddies have overcome a lapsidaisical second half to banish the Waratahs to the underside of the Tremendous Rugby Ladder the place they belong. The 27-26 victory to Queensland began with the Reds bolting out 19-0 lead inside the primary quarter of the sport. And so it nonetheless was when the groups went into the sheds for oranges with the Reds trying dominant and the Tahs trying like whole poo.
Tate McDermott banged over the best strive in his carreer when he ‘took the faucet’ and caught the entire Tahs workforce standing round arms on hips anticipating the Reds to ‘take the three’. That strive actually summed up the Tahs complete season. No cohesion, no execution and no concept! This alongside aspect nifty tries from ever enhancing Josh Flook and Seru Uru, who each certainly have performed themsleves into Wallaby rivalry, had the Reds firing and looking out the actual deal.
However alas the second half was virtually a special recreation. What ever coach Coleman mentioned to the Tahs in his closing ever half time spray, should have labored wonders, as a result of they got here out trying just like the aspect that Tahs followers have hoped for the entire 12 months however solely received for the subsequent 30 minutes value. The Tahs got here out fired up and firing. From 19 factors down, with tries from Dyland Pietsch, Jack Bowen and forwards Jed Holloway and Jay Fono Kalafi, they surged to a 26-24 lead. The Reds fought again with a strive from uber spectacular Hunter Piasami, nevertheless it was the the Tahs half.
However like with all issues Tah this season, their lead was solely to final 2 minutes, and together with it went the Tahs followers hope. Tom Lynagh, who had an incredible recreation, slotted a penalty from virtually the half approach line to maneuver the Reds into the lead. Bowen, the Tahs younger flyhalf had an opportunity to regain the lead, however shanked his shot worse than my finest tee pictures with my new driver, with one minute remaining. The Tahs charged arduous for over 20 phases within the remaining minutes of the sport, desperately attempting to seize victory. However legendary Fraser MacReight snaffled the ball to show it over and the Reds grabbed victory. And the Tahs suffered yet one more defeat.
The Reds shall be proud of their first half. The second half, they took their foot off the gasoline, and a very fired Tahs caught it too them. Les Kiss will need to beat that out of his workforce earlier than subsequent week, after they tackle the Chiefs. However the constructive is, they know they will defend like bastards on their line for 20+ phases in the event that they should. However by god I hope they dont get themselves into that place once more.
Wallaby Watch – From the Reds, Uru, Flook, Jock Campbell, Tate McDermott, Hunter Paisami and Fraser MacReight all had good video games. From the Tahs while there have been gamers that had an incredible second half, any potential for choice was nullified by their dogshit first half efficiency. Nobody from the Tahs must be thought of for Wallaby choice at this stage. To Quote Morgan Turinuri, their ‘physique of labor’ for the season simply merely is just not ok. There are too many different gamers within the Aussie groups which have outplayed them.
Fiji Drua 40 defeated Melbourne Rebels 19
The Flying fijians overcame a underwhelming first half, to finish up spanking the Melbourne Rebels 40-19 in Lautoka on Saturday afternoon. With the Drua banging down 5 tries to the Insurgent Scum 3.
The Fijians, by Nalaga received the primary strive nevertheless it was then all Melbourne’s approach. Scoring two tries, one to the ‘Ginger Ninja Kellaway’ and one a penalty attempt to stretch it out to a 14-5 lead. Iosefo Masi stored Fiji within the recreation with a useful strive to attract the scores at 19 all when each groups went off to the sheds for oranges.
I dont know what Mick ‘The Kick’ Byrne mentioned to the Drua at half time, however they got here out a special workforce. Selestino Ravutaumada shortly scored after the break with a traditional Fijian dive into the nook kind strive. This opened the flood gates for Fiji, with Nalaga complimenting his first half strive with one other and Frank Lomani grabbing one other good little conrner strive.
This fast scoring broke the again and the hearts of the Rebels and their supporters, and closed out the sport for Fiji. With each side progressing to the finals, there have been good and bads for each groups. These will must be checked out for subsequent week to enter the elimination finals.
Wallaby Watch – For the Rebels Kellaway, David Feiluai and Angelo Smith had good video games. Tupou’s scrummaging is trying good and we’re lastly beginning to see some health out of the Wallabies Tight head.
Wellington Hurricanes 41 defeated Otago Highlanders 14
KARL’s Canes demonstrated that they’re ‘the workforce’ to chase once more after an aesthetic 41-14 win in a really windy Wellington on Saturday afternoon. While in it for the primary half of the sport, the boys from Otago have been stored scoreless within the second half.
The Clan began sturdy, courtesy of a pleasant little 50-22 that enabled them to their mojo going, and for Matt Whaanga to ultimately floor the ball close to the posts to go forward 7-0. However the Canes got here again arduous through Rayasi, Kirifi and TJ Perenara to spice up them to a 24-7 lead.
The Clan fought again by Fabian Holland to go over and convey it again to a ten level recreation. However the Canes once more put their foot on the gasoline going over once more by Kirifi, and the Backyard-Bachop copped a 🧀 for head contact, and with 14 managed to outlive til oranges with the rating nonetheless 29-14.
I dont know what was mentioned by both coach at half time, however the first ten odd minutes of the second half developed right into a kicking duel. A number of faffing round by each groups occurred, till Jordy Barrett received sick of it and determined to do it on his personal. The Highlanders once more battling self-discipline underneath stress, received one other 🧀 for Sam Gilbert. Down a person and unable to get their assault recreation going, the Canes stepped up, brutal of their assault with Brayden banging down a 5 pointer. This was adopted by Riley Higgins. The Canes have been simply too sturdy and regardless of their efforts, the Clan struggled in each assault and defence.
This bonus level win was sufficient to get the Canes again to the highest of the ladder to safe the minor premiership. It additionally stored the Clan within the finals run at seventh place.
Auckland Blues 31 defeated Waikato Chiefs 17
In what was meant to be the blockbuster recreation of the spherical, the boys from Auckland proved to be technique to sturdy within the battle of the Bombays! The Chiefs got here out to a barnstorming begin, solely to be denied a strive inside the first minute of the sport.
The Blues began with a affected person, sturdy and forwards primarily based grind of a recreation blunting the Chiefs assault and flare, and forcing the Waikato boys to begin making errors. And errors occurred. The Blues scored first with a peach of strive of a line out maul for Riccitelli. The errors and penalties for the Chiefs mounted till the referump ran out of endurance and Aidan Ross was given the 🧀.
The Blues assault then began to kick into gear, and Hoskins Sotutu (who was my MOTM) crossed for a hard-earned strive. Despie all his good work, Sotutu, simply earlier than oranges was additionally given some 🧀 for an obstruction. The Chiefs pounced on this scoring by Ross. Each groups went to the sheds in determined want of some relaxation and recuperation after a brutal first half.
After oranges, AB’s winger and the person that appears virtually not possible to cease, Caleb Clark powered by to get some go ahead, till ultimately his otherside counterpart Mark Tele’a banged one down. At this level the Blues scrum actually utilized the screws and began incomes penalty after penalty with a warning being issued to the Chiefs skipper. Sotutu after his time within the naughty nook, got here out set to redeem himself and banged down his second strive.
Wanting just like the Blues have been going to get the bonus level victory and land on the highest of the desk and win minor premiership, the Chiefs stepped into function of social gathering poopers. Quinn Tupaea and Josh Ioane scored within the 68th and 79th minutes to disclaim the Blues their bonus level and actually rain on the Blues parade.
All issues being mentioned, the Blues ahead pack is immense, and have fantastic backs to profit from their time and house created by these piggies. Any workforce taking part in them in Auckland goes to have a tough time.
ACT Brumbies 24 defeated Western Power 19
The Ponies stepped up and delivered a powerful victory over the Western Power in Perth on Saturday night time. Grinding it out for a 24-19 win. With the match consequence now not able to effecting the Brumbies finals standing after the earlier video games had locked the ladder.
The Ponies got here out of the gates at velocity, and bullocked their technique to a 17-7 lead, that they managed to hold by til oranges. Tom Wright stepped up and managed to attain a pleasant strive simply earlier than the 60 min mark. The Twiggy Forrest All Stars continued to struggle arduous, and managed to attain twice within the closing jiffy of the sport nevertheless it wasnt sufficient.
The Power have been the architects of their very own demise with their self-discipline and errors proving expensive. However together with this the Brumbies had their very own self-discipline points which were widespread this season with scrum half Ryan Longeran being given a serve of 🧀 for ruck interference.
In the long run the Power scored a few final minute tries to make the rating look a little bit extra respectable by Fines-Leleiwasa and George Poolman, however that simply wallpapered over the cracks of a poor efficiency, and acquired an finish to their season.
The Ponies harm considerations mounted with Blake Schoupp’s return lasting lower than 5 minutes earlier than he went off with what seemed to be a foul shoulder harm. Corey Toole additionally hobbled off in the previous couple of minutes of the sport. This isn’t excellent news for Coach Larkham who’s already down plenty of key forwards and now potentionally backs coming into the finals.
Wallaby Watch – Toole till he was injured appeared on fireplace, together with Tom ‘John Denver’ Wright and Bobby V is his new cranium cap whcih made him virtually unrecogniseable. For the Power Izaak Rodda appeared the products in addition to Hamish Stewart in his a hundredth cap and Beury. However in any other case the Power appeared unhealthy. And if anybody once more mentions Kurtley Beale for Wobs choice, make them watch this match.
Tremendous Rugby Pacific 2024 – The Ladder
The Ladder is locked and loaded. There aren’t any extra permutations or mixtures that may modify this unhealthy boy, it’s what it’s. So that is what we’re set up for subsequent week:
- FRIDAY 7 JUNE 2024 – 1705 Hrs AEST – Chiefs V Reds – FMG Stadium Waikato
- SATURDAY 8 JUNE 2024 – 1435 Hrs AEST – Hurricanes V Rebels – Sky Stadium Wellington
- SATURDAY 8 JUNE 2024 – 1705 Hrs AEST – Blues V Fiji Drua – Eden Park Auckland
- SATURDAY 8 JUNE 2024 – 1935 Hrs AEST – Brumbies V Highlanders – GIO Stadium Canberra
These Quarter finals are trying like hum dingers. Lets see what the week brings, re accidents and workforce alternatives.
Previous Man Shouting at Clouds
I’ve two gripes this week, and can launch into them accordingly.
The Waratahs Impact – With the demise of the Melbourne Rebels, and I’m not going to weigh into the why’s and the the place fores, the true good thing about this case seems to go to NSW Rugby and the Waratahs. While this can be a notion factor, notion equals actuality for outsiders. The Tahs going into RA administration and their money owed effetively being subsumed by RA, and a lot of the common Rugby public by no means actually discovering out how a lot these money owed truly have been. Then with the wrapping up of the Rebels and a majority of their gamers look to be going to the Waratahs, this isn’t an excellent search for RA.
Whether or not it’s the case or not, the situation stinks to excessive heavens and isn’t an excellent look. RA is desperately attempting to persuade the remainder of the Australian rugby panorama that centralisation shall be an excellent factor for everybody (and for the report I’m all for centralisation), however the notion of what’s occuring across the Rebels demise and the re-allocation of gamers is a bit iffy is you ask me. And won’t engender belief from the opposite unions.
If I have been the gamers I wouldnt be going anyplace close to the Tahs. No identified Head Coach as of but. A tradition that stinks to excessive heavens. The Captain actively wanting to depart. A Tremendous Yr that was the worst within the golf equipment historical past. To be sincere I’d have scrapped the Tahs as a substitute of the Rebels 😉🤣🤣🤣. However jokes apart, it isn’t a aspect that I’d need to be going to except I had no different alternative. Lets see how most of the Reb’s gamers truly find yourself going there.
And this isn’t a ‘I’m a Queenslander and I hate NSW rant!’ I used to be born in NSW, I grew up there. And while I reside in Queensland now, I’m a NSWelshmen. I’m not the one particular person saying this. A number of my rugby associates have additionally talked about the identical factor. So if we’re all saying it, what the hell are the actual powerbrockers occupied with it? Ideas?
The Rehabilitation of Kurtley Beale – Nicely Stan, by its commentators and the opposite Sydney primarily based rugby journalists are nonetheless flat out on the Kurtley Beale ‘Is an effective bloke and must be within the Wallabies’ drive. Holy crap! His efficiency alone doesnt warrant choice, in comparison with the backs ‘a lots’ we’ve in good type throughout the Tremendous Rugby groups. However do these individuals, shops, and journalists genuinely imagine that we’re going to overlook all of the crap this man has induced over the past decade? This man shouldn’t be allowed anyplace close to the Wallabies squad ever once more. Lower the advertising and marketing marketing campaign! We’re completed with this particular person.
Sufficient of the this previous man bleeting! Over to you G&GRs! Have at it!