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Australian sides look to end title drought in ‘evenly matched’ Super Rugby 2024
By Finn Morton
An Australian Super Rugby side hasn’t taken out a title against their Kiwi foe in almost a decade, but there may be a reason to be optimistic in 2024 as these teams prepare to start a new World Cup cycle with “settled” sides.
The Crusaders’ unrivalled era of dominance seems like it’s been going on forever. The Christchurch-based franchise has been relentless as they’ve claimed seven titles in as many years – and other New Zealand sides haven’t been too far behind.
But the Crusaders are preparing to charge into Super Rugby Pacific battle without former coach Scott Robertson, as well as departing greats Richie Mo’unga and Sam Whitelock.
The Hurricanes will also be without Ardie Savea and Dane Coles, while the Chiefs will look to fill the void left by 2023 co-captains Sam Cane and Brad Weber.
In comparison, the Aussie sides are a lot better off. That’s not to say there haven’t been some changes, because there surely have, but these squads have a sense of familiarity about them and that makes the Australians dangerous.
Some may laugh at or disregard the notion that the Australian teams – especially the ACT Brumbies – can contend for a title next season, but Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw truly believes that the competition is “quite evenly matched” across the board.
“It’s tough to tell. I think when you look at the Australian teams they look quite settled and then there’s an obvious around some the New Zealand teams losing experience,” Laidlaw said on The Platform.
“I feel like they’re quite evenly matched the teams… it feels like it’s quite an even competition.
“You’ve got Moana (Pasifika) who have new coaches and I think they’ve added to their squad and obviously the Fijian Drua. We found out when you go over there it’s a difficult place to go and play.
“On paper, it looks like a really even competition. It’ll be interesting to see If that’s how it pans out and plays out over the course of the season.”
But New Zealand sides the Chiefs, Crusaders, Blues and Hurricanes are probably more fancied to take out the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific title.
The Crusaders, in particular, are dangerous. Looking to carry their dominance into a third World Cup cycle, the ‘Saders have shown time and time again that they are the best Super Rugby nursery in the nation.
Even when legends depart, younger players have stepped up to forge legendary legacies of their own. Fans would be brave to write them off as they hunt their eighth title since 2017.
“I think ultimately they’re the only team that knows how to win it over the last seven years,” Laidlaw said.
“I think I’ve tried to work out how many rugby players in the country (not) with the Crusaders know what it takes to win Super Rugby, and maybe Brad Shields and TJ Perenara – I was trying to think if there’s any other players or any other team that have actually won Super Rugby.
“We’ve all got the same goal, we all think at this stage of the season that we’re good enough to get to the playoffs and win but ultimately the Crusaders are a team that knows how to.
“A lot of our attention is obvious; is to prepare well and connect well and train bloody hard, but ultimately can we build a game that can deliver in the back end of the season is the challenge for all of us.
“I’m sure their experience and the knowledge that the playing group will got will still make them one of the teams to beat.”
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Latest Comments
Don't think you've watched enough. But let's see how the future pans out. I'm quietly confident we have a row of 10's lined uo who would each start in many really good teams.
Go to commentsHopefully 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.
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