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Finals footy starts early for Brumbies according to Wallabies prop

By AAP
Allan Alaalatoa. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Brumbies skipper Allan Alaalatoa says each game in the Super Rugby AU competition will feel like a final, starting with their round one clash with Melbourne in Canberra on Saturday night.

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With Wallabies jerseys as well as state pride on the line, competition in the five-team smash derby, which replaces the globe-trotting regular Super tournament, is expected to be intense.

“Every game in this comp is going to be a final and it will give everyone an opportunity to push for higher honours,” Alaalatoa said on Friday.

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“(Wallabies coach) Dave Rennie has said he’s going to pick on form and you’re playing in a comp where you’re versing the best in the country so that’s where you want to challenge yourself.

“This comp is great for the Wallabies selectors to get a real look at the talent we have in Australia.”

Before any fireworks on the pitch, Alaalatoa ribbed his good mate, Rebels and Wallabies playmaker Matt Toomua, who will notch his 100th Super Rugby cap after starting his career in Canberra.

Toomua’s match-up with Brumbies youngster Noah Lolesio will be a highlight, with Rennie saying he was excited to see the two-test No.10 contenders go at it.

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“I almost thought he was on holiday because he’s been down at Federal golf course every day this week,” Alaalatoa said of Toomua.

“I hope he’s applied the same amount of time to his kicking because he’s going to need that.”

The Brumbies will field an all-Wallabies front-row including Alaalatoa, while the Rebels will be hoping their Test-laden backline gives them an edge.

Brumbies fullback Mack Hansen will make his Super Rugby starting debut while other new faces include Rebels lock Michael Stolberg, who joined Melbourne after already playing against them and the Brumbies with the now defunct Sunwolves outfit.

The Canberra side were runaway leaders ahead of the Rebels in the Australian conference before the March shut-down after seven rounds, with all team s starting the new competition on zero points.

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Trevor 2 hours ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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B
Bull Shark 6 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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