Comfortable Monday G&GRs, and what an pleasant weekend of rugby that was. Some brutal video games, in addition to some floggings. Alarming traits showing in groups headed for the finals in addition to some groups wanting like they’re simply warming up, which is frightening.
Let’s get into the rugby. It was an attention-grabbing spherical, with not less than three of the video games effectively value watching the complete replay. So let’s take a look on the penultimate spherical, then a take a look at the SRP ladder, adopted by ‘Previous Man Shouting at Clouds’. Sit your self down on the workplace, seize an enormous cup of ‘kwofffeeeee’ ☕and pull aside the weekend’s video games as there have been some crackers!
As at all times this can be a fan-run web site and any contribution is welcome, be happy to succeed in out to me at bris@greenandgoldrugby.com.au be it with an article an thought, or an opinion piece. There’s additionally a ‘Submit a Story’ choice. So be happy to have a crack because the extra the merrier.
Tremendous Rugby Pacific 2024 – Spherical 14
Wellington Hurricanes 20 defeated Waikato Chiefs 17
I don’t learn about you G&GRs, however there’s one thing I actually like about not having a canine within the struggle, and watching two heavyweight groups go at it and beat the 💩out of one another. Arduous and brutal rugby. This sport just about sums that up.
KARL’s Canes managed to beat an early glass of 🍷 and a Chiefs workforce that got here residence with a moist sail to drag off an awesome win 20-17. The sport began at a breakneck tempo however then, even earlier than the ten minute mark, Canes Hooker Tuputupu was given a 🧀 for prime contact. Upon assessment that was upgraded to a glass of 🍷. That actually didn’t appear to hassle the Canes and so they solid forward to 14-0 lead at oranges.
The second half began effectively for the Chiefs, with a pleasant 5 pointer, taking the rating to 17-7. However a penalty to the Canes, slotted from 40 metres by Cameron managed to shut out the sport for the Canes. Even with two serves of 🧀, and enjoying 20 minutes with 14 gamers, the Canes have been simply too robust throughout the park for the Chiefs. Their slick passing and quick working sport was an excessive amount of for the Waikato boys.
ACT Brumbies 53 defeated Melbourne Rebels 17
For what was meant to be a hotly contested sport in Canberra on Friday night, the rating became a complete blowout. Regardless of that rating, there are important considerations for the Brumbies kind main into the finals. Three serves of cheddar cheese 🧀 within the second half and a scrum and a ahead pack that have been being dominated, and amazingly poor self-discipline throughout the park. Coach Larkham has some critical points for when the Ponies face the Kiwi groups within the upcoming finals.
The Pet Killers had a blistering first half, demonstrating robust defence, and managing to bag three 5-pointers in lower than 8 minutes. This was readily enabled by Rebels enjoying with solely 14 gamers, when Darby Lancaster wore a cheddar cheese 🧀. Gus Gardner tolerated solely so many repeat infringements by the Rebels inside their 22, and somebody needed to go.
After oranges, and an enormous lead already banked, the Ponies began their very own mini-implosion. Tamati Tua and Jahrome Brown have been despatched to the naughty nook in fast sucession permitting inform Insurgent Filipo Dangunu to attain a pleasant 5 pointer. This was after Taniela Tupou got here on and the Brumbies scrum completely shat the mattress for the second week in a row.
The Ponies someway managed to remain within the sport, even when Icky Sticky was given some cheddar cheese 🧀, making it three gamers in a single half for the Ponies. With a penalty rely of 16, the Brumbies nonetheless managed to increase their lead via Rhys van Nek. However, wow oh wow, have been their forwards made to look decidely common. The one saving grace was their backs starred and the Rebels have been utter shite.
Wallaby Watch – For the Rebels solely Tongan Thor endeared himself (though there have been a few questionable clear outs there that have been fortunate to not be checked out intimately). From the Ponies, Lolo and virtually all of their backs seemed Wallaby worthy. However their entrance row is wanting effectively under par.
Moana Pasifika 27 defeated NSW Waratahs 12
With their season effectively and really over, one thought that the Tahs could come out and play for coach Coleman and a few delight. However as an alternative what we acquired was an utter 💩 efficiency in what must be their worst sport the yr. Simply utter garbage!
A 27-12 embarrassment by the hands of Moana Pasifika, the Waratahs season stands at 11 losses from 13 begins. It actually was a dismal efficiency, with the Tahs down 27-0 with about quarter-hour left on the clock. One way or the other the RA Love youngsters managed to seize some factors, however that was actually wallpapering over the cracks of an utter shite efficiency the place they lacked cohesion, teamwork and apparently any want to win. Effectively performed Moana Pasifika, who had an awesome sport and took their opportunites and put the carcass of NSW rugby to the sword.
Wallaby Watch – From the Waratahs, there wasn’t a single participant that demonstrated what it takes to put on gold. Unhappy however true.
Canterbury Crusaders 29 defeated Auckland Blues 27
Unbelievably the Darkish Saders have stored their finals probabilities on life assist with a gutsy win over the Auckland Blues in Christchurch on Saturday afternoon. Beating their previous rivals 29-27, this was a complete slugfest, and effectively value watching the complete replay for those who didn’t catch the sport. Of observe the bonus level loss retains the Blues on the highest of the SRP 24 ladder.
The Blues acquired the scoring rolling with a pleasant penalty slotted by Harry Plummer, earlier than returning Crusader Ethan Blackadder fought his means via for a attempt, wanting like his damage time has not dented his kind in any respect. However the Blues to not be outdone, counter-punched shortly via Tu’ungafasi. And to not simply go away it there, Tu’ungafasi backed it up with a second attempt off a pleasant kick return from Stephen Perofeta. Then within the minutes earlier than the break Chay Fihaki crossed for a attempt.
Each groups got here out of the sheds after the break trying to play, however Stephen Perofeta was despatched to the naughty chair with a serve of 🧀 for a knock down. Nonetheless, the Blues appeared to handle the one man absence fairly effectively with AJ Lam slamming down a pleasant attempt. To not be out performed within the punch for punch slug fest, Christian Lio-Willie grabbed a pleasant attempt to preserve the scores shut, after which take the lead with a attempt from Hotham. However in what was the character of this sport the Blues, via AJ Lam caught once more. However it wasn’t sufficient with the Darkish Ones managing to shut out the sport and preserve their finals probability alive. Simply!
Queensland Reds 59 defeated Western Drive 13
My beloved Reddies actually acquired the job performed over the hapless Twiggy Forrest All Stars, giving them a great spanking within the 59-13 victory on the fortress that’s Suncorp Stadium. The Junkyard Canine actually had his day, bagging a three-peat, his second of the season.
The Reds got here out firing early with Tom Lynagh steering the workforce like a finely tuned machine, with the Reds forwards overpowering the Drive. Seru Uru getting some nice go ahead together with Jeff Toomaga-Allen, pushed the Reds ahead giving the halves, centres and again all of the area and time on the earth to work with.
And the tries flowed. Junkyard Canine three, Fraser McReight two, and Nasser, Faessler, Uru and Jock Campbell all scoring singles. Kuenzle and Donaldson have been the one level scorers for the Drive. In a sport they’d slightly neglect, the Drive have been out-muscled and outplayed in each factor of the sport. Effectively definitely worth the full watch, to see the silky clean play of the Reds.
Wallaby Watch – The Reds! To be sincere there wasn’t a foul participant amongst them (most likely as a result of Vunivalu wasn’t enjoying). A number of them sticking their palms up for increased honours. For the Drive Izack Rodda was the very best of a foul lot. Anybody considering that Donaldson or Beale needs to be within the Wallabies wants to observe this sport, they have been comprehensively outplayed by their counterparts.
Otago Highlanders 39 defeated Fiji Drua 3
In a improbable sport for the Clan, and one the Drua would slightly neglect, the boys from Otago got here out on high in a 39-3 belting of the Drua in Dunedin on Sunday afternoon. This victory has ensured the Highlanders have gained a finals berth, which suggests eighth place continues to be up for grabs.
Dotting down 5 tries, the Highlanders delivered their finest efficiency of 2024, with their backs performing effectively. Nareki, Tavatavanawai, Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens and Nikora Broughton scored for the Clan.
The Drua and Mick ‘The Kick’ Byrne are actually going to have to look at their sport plan, with the Drua struggling to take essentially the most of any alternative. Their inabilitiy to win on the street is beginning to turn out to be problematic to their probabilities of succeeding in Tremendous Rugby Pacific.
Tremendous Rugby Pacific 2024 – Spherical 14 – The Ladder
Effectively the ladder is now turning into clearer with the highest 4 locked in, in all however order. The Ponies can theoretically make second with a bonus level win and a few lucky ends in different video games. The Clan are locked in sixth. If the Drua beat the Rebels in Fiji (which is just about a given) then they’ll be seventh and the Johnny Rebs eighth.
The Saders with a bonus level may additionally leap frog into the finals too. With a house sport towards Moana Pasifika, that would simply be a risk.
Under that it doesn’t matter. The Tahs are more likely to get the wood spoon, which is nice for Australian Rugby. So regardless of all of their favourites and preferential remedy from RA, they nonetheless shat the mattress. The Reds will keep fifth, and are more likely to play the Chiefs in Hamilton within the first spherical of the finals. I can’t wait.
Previous Man Shouting at Clouds
This week’s Brisney’s shouting at clouds is in regards to the journalists and commentators once more swinging off the nuts of their pet gamers or RA directed people. Kurtley Beale, Commissioner Gordon and Ben Donaldson this spherical demonstrated that they aren’t worthy of a gold jersey, all being fully outplayed by their counterparts. But commentators and information pundits (sure, the Shouty web site I’m speaking about you) nonetheless write articles and push the case for these and some different gamers to be included in Joe Schmidt’s squad.
I’m hoping that in having #InJoeWeTrust and Mick Cron, mixed with Lord Laurie, what we’re going to see is balanced choice based mostly on efficiency and skillset, in addition to what gamers are wanted for the teaching groups sport plan. Not what jersey they put on or what media group are pushing an agenda.
Primarily based on present efficiency the Wallabies needs to be made up predominantly of Brumbies and Reds, with a smattering gamers from the Drive and Rebels in key positions. Possibly one or two from the Tahs, in the event that they’re fortunate. However the names beforehand talked about shouldn’t be inconsideration.
Anyway sufficient of this previous man shouting at clouds. Comfortable Monday. Over to you G&GRs. Have at it!
