Almanac Rugby: Super Rugby Pacific Round 1
Moana Pasifika v Blues (Postponed)
Waratahs 40 v Fijian Drua 10
Chiefs 26 v Highlanders 16
Crusaders 42 v Hurricanes 32
Reds 23 v Rebels 5
Brumbies 29 v Force 23
Another year and another incarnation of Super Rugby. After two seasons of Covid-19 influenced compromises and the recalcitrance of South African Rugby, we have what looks like a viable, ongoing model. One competition with the five Australian teams and the five NZ teams topped up with two Pacific Island teams to allow bubbles here and across the Tasman.
With the Drua based here and Moana in NZ, games will be played in parallel on either side of the ditch before all twelve teams come together in Melbourne in late April to play a super round where we will get “mini Bledsiloes” for the first time. That will then be the norm when the teams return to their home bases after that weekend.
There hasn’t been a lot of fanfare leading up to Round 1 of SR Pacific but that has become the norm in Australian rugby. The well-documented financial woes curtail fancy marketing campaigns. It truly is a sport for the hearty, some would say masochistic!
The opening match was postponed with MOANA PASIFIKA affected late by Covid cases. The WARATAHS got their first win since 2020 over a hapless FIJIAN DRUA. Their real test will come this weekend when they take on their arch enemy from north of the Tweed at Leichardt Oval.
The CHIEFS were clinical in their win over the HIGHLANDERS. Sam Cane led from the front with good contributions across the squad. The CRUSADERS v HURRICANES game came alive in the second half when the men in yellow lifted their intensity markedly to put the Canterbury boys under immense pressure. Unsurprisingly, the perennial champions regrouped and controlled the tempo of the game in the last quarter to see off the challenge.
The two Aussie derbies rounded out the action. In an error-riddled affair, the REDS proved too strong for a REBELS unit looking as offensively insipid as they have for far too many seasons.
The final game was a ripper. The FORCE came out of the blocks and never let up against the BRUMBIES. Only a last-minute try by the Canberrans robbed the West Australians of a memorable win. Unfortunately, close enough is not good enough and the history books will show the Brumbies now have the longest winning streak by any SR team over another – this was number 13.
No doubt the NZ matches in Round 2 will be high-quality affairs as all their teams look well prepared for the upcoming season. Hopefully, the local derbies will see standards rise too. I am particularly looking forward to seeing if the Force can pick up where they left off and if the Rebels can prove their season is not over before it starts.
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Grew up playing the rugby codes in suburban Sydney. Moved to Melbourne during the Carey era so becoming a Shinboner was the natural call. Still love the game they play in heaven. Took an interest in MLB a few years back and have become infatuated with America’s pastime.
Great to have you back, BtR. Let’s hope the latest incarnation of the competition can survive. It will be interesting to see how the Fijians fare once they settle into a rhythm – or will the grind be too much? The ‘super round’ should provide Melbourne with a spectacle or two!