Rugby often plays second fiddle in Australia to the likes of AFL and NRL, but this year it is bound to be huge. With the World Cup around the corner and an exciting new Super 15 team, the Melbourne Rebels, Australian rugby is set for the spotlight in 2011. Super 15 kicks off this weekend. Here’s a look at how the Australian teams should fare.
Melbourne Rebels: Australia no longer has the talent pool they did in the early noughties, which makes the introduction of a new team an interesting one. A skeptical eye will be cast over the brand new Melbourne squad when they kick off against the Waratahs on Friday night, and they’ll want to get off to a flyer to prove the critics wrong and attract fans in the capital of AFL. They’ll look to bully their way to popularity with a strong front row that boasts the likes of ex-All Black Greg Sommerville and Wallaby Rodney Blake. Stirling Mortlock is also making an interesting return to the game and will garner much attention. With the likes of English player Danny Cipriani making his Super 15 debut, the Rebels might play a defensive style of rugby with emphasis on kicking. We won’t really know until they play though, and much will be revealed on Friday night.
Waratahs: There is much talk about 2011 being the year of the ‘Tahs. 2010 saw them finish third and they looked the best Australian side by a mile. They will look to improve on that third placing in 2010 and will have the opportunity to do just that with a side that is almost identical and features the likes of Lachie Turner and Drew Mitchell. If anything, the squad only looks stronger with addition of centre Ryan Cross. Cross should add some much needed spark to the forward based game and could be the missing link needed to send the Sydney team into the finals.
Western Force: The Waratahs gain is the Force’s loss and unfortunately for them, the absence of Ryan Cross will hurt. The Force have never really made a mark in Super rugby and finished a dismal 13th last year, however, improving on that placing shouldn’t be a problem in 2011. Much of their potential rests firmly on the shoulders of three key players: captain Nathen Sharpe, David Pocock, and James O’Conner. A player with the ability to relieve some of the pressure heaped on those three is Hurricanes import, David Smith. An extremely dangerous winger who scored seven tries in four starts for the Wellingon side, he should add some flair and confidence to their backline. With a fairly solid side, the Force should only improve on previous results. Don’t expect them to bolt out the gates and into the final four, but we should see a stronger and better team in 2011.
Brumbies: Since the glory days of the 90s, the Brumbies have struggled with depth, particularly in their front row. Their squad looks similar to last years, which saw them place an average sixth. 2011 probably won’t be their year, with Matt Giteau nowhere near as good as he was, but their backline remain exciting to watch. Look for the Brumbies to play flashy rugby and utilise an elusive backline that includes Adam Ashley Cooper. If they can keep errors down they might have a shot at causing some upsets, but don’t hold your breath.
The Reds: Nobody really knows what to expect when it comes to the exciting but inconsistent Queensland team. Wooden spoon contenders for most of a decade, the Reds put on an inspired performance last year to prove themselves the second-best Australian team. They’ll be looking to keep last year’s momentum going with virtually the same team. Their Wallaby number nine and ten combination, Will Genia and Quade Cooper, will be the key for the Reds to take that extra step into the top four. They’ll be the dark horses this winter and will revel in the role.
Super 15 kicks off on Friday the 18th of February, with the Melbourne Rebels versus the NSW Waratahs at AAMI Park.
