Super 14 Preview 2010: The Australian Challenge

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: February 9, 2010

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Big things are expected in Australia this year after having no semi-finalists in 2009.

The Waratahs and Brumbies look to be the best of the Aussies, and some are predicting both to make the semis. I suspect the Aussies will find the going tough and all their sides will struggle this year.

I can't see how they expect to field a fifth side in 2011!

 

Brumbies I can never understand how a Super 14 side can function when the majority of the players don't even permanently live in their base city! Where does the pride and passion for the jersey and area emanate from?

They have gained some important players, including Wallaby captain Rocky Elsom, scrumhalf Josh Valentine, and the return of flyhalf Matt Giteau and lock Justin Harrison. Add Matt Toomua to that young flyhalf talent and there is a solid core complemented by Stephen Moore, Guy Shepherdson, Ben Alexander, Matt Chisholm, Stephen Hoiles, George Smith, Stirling Mortlock, and Adam Ashley-Cooper.

However, I still suspect the Aussies as a whole lack the physicality at the top level. I don't believe this Brumbies side is as strong as its predecessors, who had Stephen Larkham and George Gregan. They're a competitive side, but not good enough to go all the way.

Prediction: Middle of the pack

 

Reds They have acquired the services of former Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie. He focuses on the basics and keeps things simple, an area in which this side simply doesn't perform well enough. Their best bet may be to throw the ball around, but as they showed last season, it's tough to do that consistently well.

Whilst there is some talent in the backline with players like Will Genia, 'Drunken Burglar' Quade Cooper, Digby Ioane, and Peter Hynes, the reality is that they cannot match the class of other sides' internationals. The loss of Berrick Barnes takes away the one player who had given them direction.

Article Source: Bleacher Report - Rugby Union

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