Five of the best: top performers in round eight of Super Rugby AU
The Super Rugby AU ladder is starting to take shape with just two rounds to play, after the Reds and Brumbies both secured comprehensive victories in round eight.
After surviving a scare in round three against the Force, the Reds travelled down the M1 to face them again on the Gold Coast.
The match pitted the then two worst defensive sides against each other, but it was the Force’s defensive woes which continued. The Force ended up conceding eight tries in the record 57-5 loss.
In the other match, the Waratahs visited Canberra where a win for the visitors would’ve blown the competition wide open.
After only one-point separated the sides at the break, a four tries to nil performance in the second half saw the Brumbies run away with the match, securing a bonus point 38-11 victory.
Plenty of players stood out this week, but here’s just five of the best from round eight.
James O’Connor (Reds)
O’Connor has flown under the radar a bit so far in Super Rugby AU, but has well and truly reminded everyone of what he’s capable of after another classy performance on Friday night. Coming into round eight, the 30-year-old led the competition in try assists, line break assists and offloads, and added to his tally against the Force.
In what was probably one of the more complete individual performances of the competition so far. O’Connor set up Filipo Daugunu for two tries with brilliant playmaking and skill, and ran in untouched late as well.
But arguably his highlight of the match came 15 minutes into the second half, where O’Connor played provider once again to send Fraser McReight over for a try. The flyhalf took the ball into contact before getting an arm free, and handing the ball off to the flanker in a play which simply has to be seen to be believed.
O’Connor also ran the ball with confidence all night, taking the line on plenty of times with 16 carries. He also beat four defenders and had two clean breaks through the Force’s defensive line; finishing with a 22-point haul.
The Australian flyhalf debate has largely centered around Matt To’omua, Will Harrison and Noah Lolesio so far in 2020, but O’Connor is firming as Dave Rennie’s best option.
Pete Samu (Brumbies)
With the Brumbies and Waratahs separated by just one-point at the break, either team needed their big names to step up in the early stages of the second term as they looked to gain control. Enter Pete Samu.
The number eight crossed for his first of two tries in the 46th minute, showing pure pace and strength to back himself to the line. A small goosestep allowed the 28-year-old to beat the covering defence of Alex Newsome, and cross for a game changing try.
He capped off a great night with another stunning piece of individual brilliance late, scoring from what seemed to be an impossible position.
With four Waratahs players around him, Samu managed to dance with the sideline, his feet millimetres from the chalk on more than one occasion, but he still managed to dot the ball down.
Incredible.
Samu also applied plenty of pressure around the field of play, standing strong at the breakdown and proving effective at the set piece.
The Wallabies really are blessed with backrow talent it seems.
Taniela Tupou (Reds)
Tupou continued his elite Super Rugby AU campaign with another strong showing against the Force.
He was once again a handful for the opposition, nearly scoring not once but twice during the first half. Tupou thought he’d crossed for the opener early, but his try was ruled out by the TMO.
Unfortunately for the prop though, his second missed opportunity might’ve been the blunder of the season. Just before half-time, the prop looked all but certain to score but dropped the ball just short of the line without too much pressure.
But let’s not discredit the work it took to get to that position; he ran a great line to burst through the Force defence, running straight through Ollie Atkins and Jack McGregor with sheer pace, athleticism and power.
As well as his brutal running style, the 24-year-old also showed off his unique skillset and offloading ability.
In the 67th minute, he got a brilliant offload off to Jock Campbell that almost created something out of nothing. He drew in four defenders on a five-metre dash, but for someone who’s just shy of 130 kilograms, his footwork was incredibly impressive.
Tate McDermott (Reds)
After a top five worthy performance in round seven, McDermott was once again a standout with his showing last weekend.
The 21-year-old provided consistently quick ball for his side and helped both control and maintain the fast tempo that they wanted to play at.
Since he became a Reds regular, his awareness and threat with the ball around the ruck has always set him apart. Friday night was no different, seeing him cross over for his first with a moment of genius.
With no Force players covering the short side, McDermott took his chance, running 15 metres with only Brad Lacey to beat, who he did with relative ease.
But his second four minutes later might just end up being the try of the season.
From 40 metres out, the scrumhalf opted for a quick tap, beating four defenders on a sublime run to the try line. With Brynard Stander covering, a left foot step saw McDermott cross close to the sticks, untouched except for during the dive.
He came close to a hat-trick soon after too, but lost control of the ball in the act of scoring.
Tom Wright (Brumbies)
There were two players, both wingers, who could’ve both justifiably have made this list in the place of the other, but it’s Brumbies speedster Wright who makes it for round eight.
While Filipo Daugunu was incredible with two tries for the Reds, Wright made an impact with every touch against the Waratahs, and constantly looked dangerous and a chance of scoring.
After looking threatening throughout the first forty, the scored his first try of the night just after half-time. After receiving a sublime pass from Nic White five metres out, the 23-year-old reached out for a pivotal score.
Five minutes later, he showed pure pace to beat Jack Maddocks on the outside and score in the corner untouched.
It was the one-two punch the home side needed.
Named in Dave Rennie’s PONI list, there’s a gold jersey waiting for the winger if he can continue to make an impact throughout the business end of the Super AU season.
Comments on RugbyPass
True Jordie could earn a lot more in Japan. But by choosing Leinster he’ll be playing with 1 of the best clubs in the world and can win a champions cup and URC…..
6 Go to commentsThanks for that Marshy, noticed you didn't say who is gonna win it. We know who ain't gonna win it - your Crusaders outfit. They've gone from having arguably the best Super Rugby first five ever, to having a clutch of rookies. Hurricanes all the way!
1 Go to commentsGeez you really have to question the NRLs ability to produce players of quality. Its pathetic. Dont the 25mil in Aus produce enough quality womens players. Sad.
1 Go to commentsBulls fan here, and agree 100% with the conclusion (and little else) of this article. SA sides should absolutely f-off from the champs cup until we get fair scheduling, equal support for travel arrangements and home semis. You know, like all the european teams get.
21 Go to commentsI’m yet to see why Grace would be an ABs contender. He’s pedestrian and lacks the dominance required of a top flight 8.
10 Go to commentsGee my Highlanders were terrible. They have gone backwards since the start of the season. The trouble began when we left Millar behind to prep as the 10 against the Brumbies and he was disconnected from the team that came back from Aussie. We rested Patchell for that game and we blew an avalanche of ball in good attacking positions in the 1st half. Against the Rebels we seem to of gone into a pod system with forwards hanging off from the breakdown leaving Fakatava to secure our ball!
78 Go to commentsPot Kettle, the English and French teams have done it for years.
21 Go to commentsHas virtually played every minute of previous games. Back row of Li Lo Willie , Grace and Blackadder would be the 1. Crusaders issue is a very average 1st 5 who cannot run. Kicking in general play is also below par They need to put Yong Kemara in. He must have so.e talent for them to bring him down from Waikato. Hoehepa would struggle to play in so.e club sided
10 Go to commentsI hope this a good thing making all these changes!
2 Go to commentsThe Hurricanes are good, especially with a decent coach now. However, let’s be real, the Crusaders and Chiefs are clearly a good degree weaker without the players they’ve lost overseas now. The Canes lost one player. It’s also why the aussie teams ‘seem’ to be stronger.
9 Go to commentsOr you could develop your own players instead of constantly taking from the SH competition and weakening it in the process? With all the player and financial resources these unions have compared to SH countries you’d think they could manage that, or is weakening the SH comps and their national sides an added bonus? Probably.
3 Go to commentsNot so fast Aaron, we might need you in black yet lol. God knows he’d be a lot less nerve-racking than hot and (very) cold players like Perofeta. It’s really a shame Reuben Love isn’t playing 10, we’ve got enough 15 options.
4 Go to commentsAnd those from the NH still seem to be puzzled (and delighted) why NZ’s depth isn’t what it once was. Over 600 NZ players overseas, that’s insane. This sort of deal is why Super Rugby coaches have admitted they struggle now to find enough quality to fill out their squads.
6 Go to commentsArticle 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 !
3 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.
3 Go to commentsIs Barrett going play full back??? They already have all the centers…
16 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.
21 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. 🥴
21 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…!!!
3 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!
21 Go to comments