Five of the best: The top five players from round one of Super Rugby AU
The first round of Super Rugby AU kicked off last weekend, with both home sides getting their campaigns off to a good start.
Two James O’Connor penalties in the last five-minutes saw the Queensland Reds end a seven-year and 11-game drought against fierce rivals New South Wales Waratahs, edging them by 6-points.
It was a standout display from the forward pack in particular, with the Reds dominating the Waratahs scrum before getting the better of them in the breakdown.
The ACT Brumbies also won a tight match against the Melbourne Rebels. The Brumbies ran out to a 24-6 lead early in the second half before a 17-0 run from the Rebels made for a tight final ten minutes with the teams only separated by one-point.
Both the Reds and Brumbies had players who stepped up when the going got tough, which ultimately proved the difference in an exciting first weekend of rugby back Down Under. Let’s see who those players were.
Fraser McReight (Reds)
The two-time Junior Wallaby of the Year finally got his chance to start a match at Super Rugby level, and the 21-year-old didn’t disappoint.
McReight looked right at home in the number seven jersey, winning four turnovers in an impressive display. Notably, McReight all but ended any hope of a Waratahs fightback late in the match, earning his side a crucial penalty at the breakdown with just three minutes left.
He was also very impressive in defence, making eight tackles and missing none. Did his job in attack as well but made his mark where he needed to.
The 2019 Junior Wallabies captain carried plenty of expectation into his first start, but didn’t look out of place. He’s here to stay and could push for higher honours if he can develop some consistency.
Both captain Liam Wright and Number Eight Harry Wilson also had impressive performances, with the future seemingly bright for not just the Reds but potentially the Wallabies backrow. Would be surprised to see all three not in and around Dave Rennie’s Wallabies squads over the next few years.
Jack Maddocks (Waratahs)
Maddocks had big shoes to fill on Friday night, with Waratahs equal games record holder Kurtley Beale leaving for Racing 92 last month.
The 23-year-old took advantage of his opportunity, appearing settled and impressive despite the six-point loss to the Reds. A brilliant line through the middle of the Queensland defence saw him cross for a five-pointer early in the second half, which handed his side the lead at the time.
The fullback ran for the most metres of any player in round one of Super Rugby AU, with his 16 carries seeing him run for 139 metres. No other player in either Australian match reached 100.
Maddocks was also comfortable under the high ball, and was desperate in defence, chasing down Tate McDermott to keep the Tahs in the game during the first half.
Noah Lolesio (Brumbies)
Lolesio held his own when he came up against Wallaby Matt Toomua. It was a collected display from the 20-year-old, who led his team around the park without Tom Banks’ support.
Lolesio was impressive when taking the line on, running for 71 metres which was more than any other player on the park. Standout moment was a 40-metre burst from inside his own half which set up Tom Wright just after the break.
Also controlled the tempo with an impressive kicking display, both out of hand and from the tee. Handled pressure well to slot a conversion in the dying stages to stretch the lead out to eight to secure the win.
Was a similar tale for Waratahs flyhalf Will Harrison, who was impactful in a losing side. Both 20-year-olds could push for national honours if they can prove their consistency by seasons end.
Taniela Tupou (Reds)
The Prop known as the ‘Tongan Thor’ lived up to that mantle on Friday night, dominating Angus Bell and the Waratahs scrum with sheer strength to set the platform for a promising Reds victory.
The Waratahs simply had no answer to the Reds scrumming display, with Bell conceding four penalties and a yellow card courtesy of Tupou.
With the Reds up by three with 15-mintues to play, Tupou put his side under immense pressure after a late hit on Will Harrison saw him sent to the sin bin for 10-minutes. It was his second penalty for a late charge down attempt.
But it was still an impressive performance from the 24-year-old that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
Tate McDermott (Reds)
McDermott was arguably the standout player of round one, who now seems relatively certain to don Wallaby gold sooner rather than later.
The scrumhalf was at his best on Friday night, occupying a skillset that created plenty of uncertainty for the Waratahs defence. McDermott setup captain Liam Wright for the opener with a brilliant inside ball, proving a handful for the opposition all night.
The 21-year-old scored a try of his own in the 29th minute, with a cheeky tap and go that would make any scrumhalf proud. He came close to scoring his second with an impressive burst through the Waratahs defence from halfway, being fullback Jack Maddocks stopped him 5-metres from the chalk.
McDermott also stood out for his kicking display, securing the first 50/22 in Super Rugby AU with a clever box kick from halfway.
As he continues to impress with performances like that, McDermott simply can’t be left out of Dave Rennie’s Wallabies plans.
Honourable mention has to go to Brumbies scrumhalf Joe Powel. Just like McDermott, Powell was fast, effective and smart on the weekend. Any combination of McDermott, Powell and Nic White could prove to be a perfect one-two punch that the Wallabies have longed for.
Comments on RugbyPass
A wallaby front-row of Bell, Blake and Tupou…now that would be hefty
1 Go to comments“But with an exceptional pass accuracy rating “ Which apart from Roigard is not a feature of any of the other 9s in NZ. Kind of basic for a Black 9 dont.you. think? Yet we keep seeing FC and TJ being rated ahead of him? Weird if it’s seen as vital to get our backline beating in your face defences.
1 Go to commentsThanks BeeMc! Looks like many teams need extra time to settle from the quadrennial northern migration. I think generally the quality of the Rugby has held up. Fiji has been fantastic and fun to watch
13 Go to commentsLets compare apples with apples. Lyon sent weak team the week before, but nobody raised an eyebrow. Give the South African teams a few years to build their depth, then you will be moaning that the teams are too strong.
41 Go to commentsDid footballs agents also perform the scout role at some time? I’m surprised more high profile players haven’t taken up the occupation, great way to remain in the game and use all that experience without really requiring a lot of specific expertise?
1 Go to commentsSuper rugby is struggling but that has little to do with sabbaticals. 1. Too many teams from Aust and NZ - should be 3 and 4 respectively, add in 2 from Japan, 1 possibly 2 from Argentina. 2. Inconsistent and poor refereeing, admittedly not restricted to Super rugby. Only one team was reffed at the breakdown in Reds v H’Landers match. Scrum penalty awarded in Canes v Drua when No 8 had the ball in the open with little defence nearby - ideal opportunity to play advantage. Coming back to Reds match - same scrum situation but ref played advantage - Landers made 10 yards and were penalised at the breakdown when the ref should have returned to scrum penalty. 3. Marketing is weak and losing ground to AFL and NRL. Playing 2 days compared with 4. 4. Scheduling is unattractive to family attendance. Have any franchises heard of Sundays 2pm?
11 Go to commentsAbsolutely..all they need is a chance in yhe playoffs and I bet all the other teams will be nervous…THEY KNOW HOW TO WIN IM THE PLAYOFFS..
2 Go to commentsI really hope he comes back and helps out with some coaching.
1 Go to commentsI think we are all just hoping that the Olympic 7s doesn’t suffer the same sad fate as the last RWC with the officials ruining the spectacle.
1 Go to commentsPersonally, I’ve lost the will to even be bothered about the RFU, the structure, the participants. It’s all a sham. I now simply enjoy getting a group of friends together to go and watch a few games a year in different locations (including Europe, the championship, etc). I feel extremely sorry for the real fans of these clubs who are constantly ignored by the RFU and other administrators. I feel especially sorry for the fans of clubs in the Championship who have had considerable central funding stripped away and are then expected to just take whatever the RFU put to them. Its all a sham, especially if the failed clubs are allowed to return.
10 Go to commentsI’m guessing Carl Hayman would have preferred to have stayed in NZ with benefit of hindsight. Up north there is the expectation to play twice as many games with far less ‘player management’ protocols that Paul is now criticising. Less playing through concussions means longer, healthier, careers. Carter used as the eg here by Paul, his sabbatical allowed him to play until age 37. OK its not an exact science but there is far more expectations on players who sign for Top 14 or Engl Prem clubs to get value for the huge salaries. NZR get alot wrong but keeping their best players in NZ rugby is not one of them. SA clubs are virtually devoid of their top players now, no thanks. They cant threaten the big teams in the Champions Cup, the squads have little depth. Cant see Canes/Chiefs struggling. Super has been great this year, fantastic high skill matches. Drua a fantastic addition and Jaguares will add another quality team eventually. Aus teams performing strongly and no doubt will benefit with the incentive of a Lions tour and a home RWC. Let Jordie enjoy his time with Leinster, it will allow the opportunity for another player to emerge at Canes in his absence.
11 Go to commentsLove that man, his way to despise angry little men is so funny ! 😂
4 Go to comments“South African franchises would be powerhouses if we had all our overseas based players back in situ. We would have the same unbeatable aura the Toulouses, Leinsters or Saracens of this world have had over the last decade or so.” Proof that Jake white does not understand the economics of the game in SA. Players earning abroad are not going to simply come back and represent the bulls. But they might if they have a springbok contract.
24 Go to commentsA lot of fans just joined in for the fun of it! We all admire O'Gara and what he has done for La Rochelle
4 Go to commentsThe RFU will find a way to mess this up as usual. My bet is there will be no promotion into the the Premiership, only relegation into National League One. Hopefully they won’t parachute failed clubs into the league at the expense of clubs who have battled for promotion.
10 Go to commentsWell that’s the contracts for RG and Jordie bought and paid for. Now, what are the chances we can persuade Antoine to hop over with all the extra dosh we’ll have from living at the Aviva & Croke next season…??? 🤑🤑🤑
35 Go to commentsWow, that’s incredible. Great for rugby.
35 Go to commentsYou probably read that parling is going to coach the wallaby lineout but if not before now you have.
17 Go to commentsIf someone like Leo Cullen was in O’Gara’s place I don’t hear Boo-ing. It’s not just that La Rochelle has hurt Leinster and O’Gara is their Irish boss. It’s the needle that he brings and the pantomime activity before the game around pretending that Munster were supporting LaRochelle just because O’Gara is from Cork. That’s dividing Irish provinces just to get an advantage for his French Team. He can F*ck right off with that. BOOOOO! (but not while someone is lying injured)
4 Go to commentsDid the highlanders party too hard before the game? They were the pits.
1 Go to comments