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Queensland Super W coach wants New Zealand expansion
By Online Editors
Queensland Super W coach Michael Hayes wants the Australian women's rugby competition crossing the ditch as soon as possible after a successful inaugural season.
NSW needed extra time to claim the first Super W title with a 16-13 victory over Queensland at Sydney's Allianz Stadium on Friday.
Members of both camps hailed the five-team tournament as a tremendous success, and Hayes feels Rugby Australia should try to involve New Zealand teams from next season.
"They are talking about two rounds within our own conference, but I would actually like to see us take the big step," Hayes said.
"Take it, grab it and go and play some good rugby over in New Zealand and New Zealand teams come and play some good rugby over here.
"I think what we've seen tonight is outstanding rugby and I think on a world stage, it was as good as anything I"ve seen.
"I've seen World Cups and what both teams displayed there tonight was good, if not better, than some of the World Cup games I've seen."
NSW captain and fullback Ash Hewson, who kicked the deciding penalty on Friday, would also like to see the Australian teams tackle New Zealand opposition.
Hayes also believes the success of the first season of Super W could entice players to move from other sports.
Players were unpaid for the inaugural Super W season.
"We do it for the complete and utter love of the game," Hewson said.
"Every single hit, run, ruck, breakdown is hit with passion and love for the game; that's why it's such a great spectacle."
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Latest Comments
Ireland have every right to back themselves for a win. But the key variable has little to do with recent record etc.
The reality is that Ireland are a settled team with tons of continuity, an established style, and a good depth chart, whereas NZ are fundamentally rebuilding. The questions are all about what Razor is doing and how far along he is in that program.
NZ are very close to really clicking. Against England all of the chatter is about how England could have closed out a win, but failed to do so. This has obscured the observation that NZ were by far the more creative and effective in attack, beyond the 3-1 try differential and disallowed tries. They gave away a lot of unnecessary penalties, and made many simple errors (including knock-ons and loose kicks). Those things are very fixable, and when they do so we are once again going to be staring at a formidable NZ team.
Last week we heard the England fans talking confidently about their chances against NZ, but England did not end up looking like the better team on the field or the scoreboard. The England defense was impressive enough, but still could not stop the tries.
Ireland certainly has a better chance, of course, but NZ is improving fast, and I would not be surprised at a convincing All Black win this week. It may turn on whether NZ can cut out the simple mistakes.
Go to commentsFair to say that NZ have come to respect Ireland, as have all teams. But it's a bit click-baitey to say that the game is the premier show-down for NZ.
SA has beaten NZ four times in a row, including in the RWC final.
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