For those living south of the Limpopo and Orange Rivers, there is only one oval ball sport worth worrying about. For those living on the island-continent down under, there are three. Australians have the choice between sisters, Rugby Union and Rugby League, as well as their daft cousin, Australian Rules.
Rugby League is a simpler version of Union, foregoing the breakdown and accumulation of phases in exchange for constant back-line play and quicker turnover of possession. In the spaces between Perth and Brisbane, Aussie Rules is more popular than both rugbies combined; and while Union has the greater audience internationally, it lags well behind League in the eyes of Australians.
Queensland and Wallaby legend John Eales went by the nickname ‘Nobody’ because, well, ‘nobody’s perfect’. This attitude of elite confidence is what may separate Union from its working-class family but it is also what has been lacking in recent Aussie teams. Eales’ generation of Tim Horan and Ben Tune oozed conviction and only James O’Connor looks like any of the current Reds worthy of the comparison. The Reds need to rediscover that self belief if they want to catch their rivals.
There may be several other factors involved but neither of the four teams that feed the Wallabies have made a Super Rugby final since 2014, while in the 10 years preceding that, they were represented 50 per cent of the time. The team best placed to take their proud nation’s reputation back where it belongs is the Brumbies. Having released many of their Wallaby stars, the team is brimming with young talent, chief among them being 20-year-old utility back, Noah Lolesio.
The Brumbies have made a solid start to the season and will see the Waratahs as another notch in the season’s belt. The Waratahs may still be struggling to replace Israel Folau as they rely heavily on the work rate of Michael Hooper and the imagination of Kurtley Beale. The men from New South Wales have been poor so far with only the abysmal Lions surrendering in Sydney.
Pushing the Brumbies for the conference title with be the well-rounded Melbourne Rebels. Consistent performers thus far, they have a squad with international quality and experience. They have an opportunity to avenge their opening-round horror showing against a team that should be odds on to finish bottom of the combined log. The Sunwolves’ win against the Rebels was cruelly deceptive as one thought we could be in store for a grand farewell, but sadly some wish it was already over for the Japanese-based Pacific Barbarians.
No matter the sport or code, Australia has always had gifted athletes with silky skills, so one can assume they can dig their way out of their current slump. These teams represent a new generation of exciting players with the quintessential Australian quality to produce magic moments from nothing. Even if it is not this year, sometime soon, we might see a group of players who don’t just think they are better, they know they are.
