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Australian Club Grades - Super Rugby Week Two
By Robert Seltzer
The Super Rugby season is well and truly underway. There was an Australian derby to get us started and the Brumbies were in Japan to face the Sunwolves. Here are the grades for each team:
Reds – E.
The Reds could not have got off to a worse start. There was a good feeling in the camp with Brad Thorn taking control of his first Super Rugby game having lead the Queensland Country to the NRC title and giving the squad a huge overhaul.
But just nine minutes into the game, Scott Higginbotham was red carded, and that was it. As captain, Higginbotham should have known better and he will be missed in the next couple of weeks.
The Reds did rally and score two tries in the first half but conceded four and then leaked another three in the second half. This is a young team with some talented players, but it could be a long season ahead of them.
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Rebels – A.
People may point to the fact they played against 14 men for 70 minutes but you can only beat what is in front of you. They broke their records for most points scored and most tries scored in a game.
Having made a number of key signings in the summer, the hierarchy would have been delighted to see how Will Genia played and with Dane Haylett-Petty scoring a brace on his debut he has hit the ground running.
Adam Coleman has the captain’s responsibility and he relished the role. This could be a good year for the men from Melbourne, they have recruited well.
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Rebels 2018 Super Rugby Preview
Brumbies – C.
You can’t argue with winning away. The Brumbies went to Japan and came away with the spoils, although they didn’t pick up the bonus point.
This was the Sunwolves' first competitive run out under Jamie Joseph and his influence is clear as they were a lot more organised. The Brumbies did well to rally from 19-8 down and it was great to see Christian Lealilifano continue his comeback from illness, but there is a lot to work on.
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Brumbies 2018 Super Rugby Preview
Waratahs – C.
Another team that did get the win, but it was far from convincing. There were signs of rustiness in the game against the Stormers but there were also flashes of brilliance.
Israel Folau picked up where he left off with a great try. When the ball was with their backs, they looked dangerous. Kurtley Beale enjoyed his return but upfront they got beaten up.
The Stormers were aggressive at the breakdown and the Waratahs couldn’t live with that at times. Ned Hanigan’s buzzer beater try papered over a couple of cracks but a higher quality opposition would have beaten them on the weekend.
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Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
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