Brisbane club rugby ready to fire again in 2019
Much has been written about the revival of club footy in the last 12 months, as lacklustre performances in the professional arena left fans with little choice but to wander down to their local club if they wanted to watch a game without a foregone conclusion. Some Shute Shield clubs will disagree with this sentiment, but north of the border there is no doubt that we witnessed one of the most evenly contested competitions since the turn of the millenium.
Traditional powerhouse GPS had a perfect finish to their 2018 season, despite being thumped by rivals University of Queensland a week before finals, and losing to them again in the major semi. They dominated proceedings against the students in the Grand Final (Uni having beaten GPS in the GF the year before), winning their first top grade premiership in 20-odd years.
While a fairytale finish is always good, the best thing about last year’s season is that with 3 rounds to go, you could ask five different people who would be in the final and get five different responses. Not only that, the teams that finished in the bottom half of the table all claimed a number of wins throughout the season over those that ended up making the semi’s. Nearly every game was hotly contested and it was fantastic.
Brothers ended up with 8 teams contesting Grand Finals, while their first grade team finished near the bottom of the table, and Bond put a slow start behind them (0 – 6 at one point) to win nearly every game of the second half of the comp, and only just missed out on the semi’s. Souths were the early favourites to go all the way with Quade Cooper steering the ship, but fell away towards the back end, and UQ consistently managed to win, despite being the team that everyone wanted to beat. Every game counted, which kept punters engaged, and they were rewarded with fast, flowing rugby.
The off season proved to be a tumultuous one, with plenty of player and coach movement between clubs, making me wonder what sort of spectacle to expect heading into the round 1 fixtures. With six clubs changing head coaches, surely it would be too much to expect the quality of last year’s comp straight off the bat?
As it panned out, I was mostly correct. There were a number of disjointed performances filled with uncharacteristic errors, and it was quite obvious that combinations aren’t there yet. The first round may have had only one game that was a cracker to watch, but, more promisingly, there was obvious intent from each team to play positive, ball-in-hand footy, and not die wondering.
The QPR match of the round was UQ hosting Easts, in what was a repeat of the opening fixture last year. Easts had plenty of good field position early on, but were unable to convert the majority of their opportunities into points, and let in soft tries. The floodgates opened after they lost ascendency in the set piece, as Uni again showed they are pretty much unbeatable if they have ascendency, or even parity, in the forwards.
Souths travelled to Sunnybank in what was sure to be a spiteful match after a number of Sunnybank players joined the magpies in the offseason. It looked like there wasn’t a single returning player from Sunnybank’s 2018 team, and the difference showed with Souths comfortably winning. Sunnybank will need to get more out of their tight five if they are to avoid consecutive wooden spoons.
Norths vs Wests turned out to be a real statement of intent from the Doggies, as they kept Norths scoreless and nearly notched up a half century. The Wests pack will surprise a number of people this year, as few would expect such improvement after losing Dillon Wihongi to Sunnybank, and Alec Fontalvo to Western Australia. Their tight five play has improved out of sight, and a number of good young former and current colts are balancing out the squad nicely.
What turned out to be the actual match of the round was Brothers vs Bond at Crosby Park. This was a fast paced game that was played like sheep stations were on the line. Brothers have signaled their intent early by picking three flyhalves in their three quarter line, and and used this to shift the ball smartly to new arrival Aidan Toua, who looked sharp from fullback. The Bond team looks to have greater depth than in recent seasons, with their bench adding real impact as they came roaring back into contention in the second half. If they can keep up that standard of footy, expect both teams to win a lot more than they lose this year.
The team to beat didn’t feature on the weekend, with GPS having the bye. The are not only the team to beat because they are the defending champs, but due to some smart recruitment they may well turn out an even better team than last year’s. Their strong showing in the Australian Club Championship put everyone on notice, and they will be chomping at the bit to get at Easts this weekend.
I can’t see them losing that match, as injuries will force Easts into some reshuffles, and the GPS pack will be too dominant. Brothers take on Souths at Chipsy Wood, in what will be a real test of the butcher stripes’ intent to play in the wider channels. If they pick a pack that will get them over the gain line, I see them winning a close contest. West’s host Sunnybank at Toowong in what is usually a close game, but the dominance of West’s tight five should see them finish on top. The battle of the universities rounds out the weekend with UQ probably still smarting after Bond upset them last year. Bond are very good over the ball so look for them to disrupt UQ’s rhythm and come away with a tight win.
As we progress into the 2019 season, Brisbane club footy is carrying the weight of expectation. The first round didn’t give us the spectacle we were hoping for, but it’s no surprise when you look at the coach and player movement during the off season. The intent of the teams was great, all are looking to play fast, open rugby, and once they get used to the new setups there will be some great contests. If you’re a bit disenfranchised with the professional scene in Australia, or haven’t had a good steak burger in a while, stroll on down to your local club this Saturday. The grass is greener at its roots.
Watch – Peter Ryan ahead of Rebels clash:
Comments on RugbyPass
Article intéressant ! La question devrait régulièrement se poser pour les jeunes français originaires de Nouvelle-Calédonie, Wallis-et-Futuna et de Polynésie entre la Nouvelle-Zélande et la Métropole… Difficile pour la fédération française de rugby de se positionner : soit le choix est fait de dénicher les jeunes talents et de les faire venir très tôt en Métropole, au risque de les déraciner, soit on prend le risque de se les faire “piller” par les All Blacks qui, telle une araignée, essaye de récupérer tous les talents des îles du Pacifique… À la France de se défendre en développant l’aura du XV de France et des clubs français dans ses collectivités d’Outre-mer !
2 Go to commentsWrong bay. He needs to come to the REAL BAY which is Bay Of Plenty and have a crack at making the Chiefs.
2 Go to commentsIs Barrett going play full back??? They already have all the centers…
15 Go to commentsForgive my ignorance, I might not fully understand so would appreciate clarification: Didn’t the Bulls have to fly with three different carriers, paid for by the South African Rugby Union, whilst Edinburgh got a chartered flight sponsored by EPCR? Also, as far as I understand it South African teams don’t yet share in the revenue from the competition and are not allowed to host Semi-finals or Finals at home. Surely if everyone wants South Africans to “take the competition seriously” then they must make South Africans feel welcome, allow them to share in the revenue, and give them the same levels of access as the teams from the other countries. Just a reminder that South Africa has a large and passionate Rugby audience. Just by virtue of our teams being a part of these competitions means that more of us are likely to watch the knockout games, even if our teams haven’t qualified. It would be silly to alienate such a large audience by making them feel unwelcome.
18 Go to commentsFirst of all. This guy is very much behind the curve. All the bleating, whingeing, whining and moaning took place days ago already. Not adding anything to the topic other than more bleating, whingeing, whining and moaning. 🍼 Second of all, not one mention of the fact that South African teams can’t get home semi finals or finals. The tournament was undermined and devalued by the administrators. 🤡 Thirdly, football teams often have to juggle selections in mid week games, premier games, champions league games etc. and will from time to time prioritize certain titles over others. 🐒 And lastly FEK Neil, and anyone else for that matter, for insisting on telling teams how to manage themselves. If they make what is largely a business decision that suits them and doesn’t suit you - tough shite. 💩 It’s not rocket science as to why the Bulls did what they did. If this guy is too slow to figure it out (and is deliberately not mentioning one of the key reasons why) then he isn’t a journalist. He should join the rest of us pundit plebs in comments section. 🥴
18 Go to commentsSo the first door to knock on Rob is Parliament followed by HMRC. The Irish Revenue deliver a 40% tax relief rebate on the HIGHEST EARNING TEN YEARS of every pro Irish rugby players contract earnings at retirement. That goes a long way to both retaining their best talent and freeing up wages for marquee players. Who knows, if that had been in place in the UK, you might not have been able to poach Hoggy and Jonny Gray from Glasgow…!!!
2 Go to comments1. True, if that “free” ticket means access to all but the prized exhibit - EVIP only. SA cannot host semis, even if they’ve earned it (see Sharks vs ASM Clermont Auvergne at… Twickenham Stoop). 2. Why no selective outrage over Lyon doing the exact same thing a week earlier? Out of all the countries France send the most “B teams”, why nobody talking about “disrespect” and “prioritising domestic leagues” and “kicking them out”? 3. Why no mention of the Sharks fielding all of their Springboks for the second rate Challenge cup QF? No commitment? 4. Why no mention of all the SA teams qualifying for respective euro knock out comps in the two seasons they’ve been in it? How many euro teams have qualified for KO’s in their history? Can’t compete? 5. Why no mention of SA teams beating French and English giants La Rochelle and Saracens? How many euro teams have done that in their history? Add no quality? The fact is that SA teams are only in their second season in europe, with no status and a fraction of the resources. Since joining the URC, SA has seen a repatriation of a number of players, and this will only grow once SA start sharing in the profits of competing in these comps, meaning bigger squads with greater depth and quality, meaning they don’t have to prioritise comps as they have to now - they don’t have imports from Pacifica and South America and everywhere else in between like “European” teams have - also less “Saffas” in Prem and T14, that’s what we want right? 'If the South Africans are in, they need to be all in' True, and we have to ensure we give them the same status and resources as we give everyone else to do just that. A small compromise on scheduling will go a long way in avoiding these situations, but guess what, France and England wont compromise on scheduling because they ironically… prioritise their domestic comps, go figure!
18 Go to commentsthe success of the premiership can be summarized by : only 10 teams. It makes a huge difference with the overcrowded top 14 (let us not talk about Leinster and URC…)
1 Go to commentsGood for him. The ABs were fooling around again with converted fullbacks that had a penetration of a marshmallow. Laumape or as Aki has shown for Ireland, go forward is important in the centres. If it had been DMac - Aki- Aumua - Ioane- Telea- Jordan in France the final result would have been different.
4 Go to commentsDan Carter a apporté son professionnalisme, des méthodes de travail, un esprit qui manquaient à l’USAP. Son influence, même une fois blessé a été énorme. Et pour citer une anecdote, certains soirs il venait de lui-même à l’entraînement des jeunes pour dispenser ses conseils. On ne peut pas compter ce qu’il a apporté au club en heures de jeu sur le terrain. Est-ce que le club en a eu pour son argent ? Avec la publicité sur son nom et le titre, je suppose que oui.
1 Go to commentsThe SA sides are suffering from a bum rap here. There isn’t a side anywhere in the world that would do things differently in their shoes. They’ve been set up to fail in the EPCR comps by vested interests, with last minute intercontinental travel requirements that costs an arm and a leg to book in advance just on the possibility they might be required. And the total nonsense that denies any chance of home venues is entirely biased and absolutely unsporting. Either EPCR, the Top14 & the Gallagher Premiership get it sorted on a fair and equitable sporting basis for ALL participants or expect the ridicule to continue. Right now, these comps are a joke!
18 Go to commentsSA sides should do the right thing and leave the champions cup, they are lowering the standard with completely one sided games, not up to the right level. The greatest club tournament in the world is being banjaxed by the weak SA sides.
18 Go to commentsCouldnt agree more. SA sides need to show more committment and really have a go at the Champions Cup. Its quite possibly the most prestigious title in Europe and SA sides need to respect that prestige and serve up their best. EPCR needs to do more to ensure that sides from South Africa and sides travelling to and from SA have a better chance in this competition. The Bulls were put in a really difficult position of having to travel there and back in one week. One could argue that this is what the SA sides signed up for and that La Rochelle didnt complain or send out weakened sides despite having to travel to SA and back and play on successive weekends but surely the situation is also unfair on La Rochelle as well and so EPCR needs to think about successive gameweeks and the travel effect of the competition
18 Go to commentsI hadn’t watched much Canes this season but sat through a replay of that Chiefs game with no distractions. That pack is beastly. I really like the look of Iose. He loves the tough stuff. The first Quins clip may be the best I have even seen for a TH driving his opposite into oblivion. i need to take your word for the contribution of Walker, but Collier there with a straight back pushing up from under was a lovely thing to see. Have you fallen in love with Baxter also, Nick? I think Stuart Barnes may have written his column about him recently, naked. He positively frothed.
14 Go to commentsSmart guy. I wish he was running the RFU or something!
2 Go to commentsWhy Barrett, when Leinster already have at least 4 top centres.?
15 Go to commentsGood write up, Brett. Rebels are an interesting one for sure. 88 points scored in the last two games, but against two teams that are unlikely to be in the top 4 at seasons end. However the other side of the coin, against the Hurricanes, the team to beat atm, they conceded 54 points, and add in another 53 points to the then high flying Reds, and things don’t look so good. The acid tests will be against the Blues and the Chiefs. I do hope they do contest the finals this year, if only to confound those working on their demise. Les Kiss has made a big difference to the Qld. Reds, and they could so easily have now been sitting unbeaten at the top of the table. But they have now lost some games in a most disappointing fashion, and now step up against the Highlanders this weekend seriously depleted, four absolute key players down, two to suspension, two injured. Of the other Australian sides, the Brumbies look unlikely to fold to anyone any time soon, while the Waratahs and Force both disappoint. But still and all, winning games against the NZ sides is very welcome, and one would hope for more to come. Who will come out on top ? A North Island side for sure should contest the final, but I would hope an Australian side might just get there this year. Brumbies most likely, Qld. Reds could be formidable with a full team back on the field.
12 Go to commentsThe stat that illustrates some progress compared to recent years is that Aussie sides have won 5 of 12 games against Kiwi sides. The Tahs have lost 2 tight games against Kiwi sides, while the Reds and Tahs have contrasting experiences in games against Kiwi sides decided by that farcical thing called golden point.
12 Go to commentsThe Hurricanes pack has stepped up in a huge way this year. Their improvement at scrum time has been a big contributor to their success. Aumua looks like he is playing with a lot of confidence and put in a really good display at both set piece and in general play on Saturday. Him and Numia are putting in a good case for higher honours, A dominate combination with Lomax will help their case. And their loose forward depth is class. Iose has benefited from regular game time and Lakai has shown his versatility and promise. Thanks Nick. Hope all is well.
14 Go to commentsSamoa have enough former internationals who want to flick a switch for a country most have probably hardly set foot in. If you’re that passionate about Samoa, go live and play rugby there to qualify instead of just waltzing into the side and kicking a player actually from Samoa out of the squad. All these ex internationals hasn’t really made them that much more competitive because most look like they're going through the motions.
2 Go to comments