The Reds secured a 31-26 victory against the Crusaders, a win that, while not aesthetically pleasing, holds significant value as it comes against the reigning champions of Super Rugby Pacific.<\/p>\n
This triumph marks a 2-0 record for the Reds against New Zealand teams in Brisbane this season, a commendable achievement for coach Les Kiss and his squad.<\/p>\n
However, replicating this success on New Zealand soil remains a formidable challenge for the Reds, with their only remaining chance to secure a victory during the regular season set against the Blues at Christchurch’s new venue on Anzac Day.<\/p>\n
Competing against any of the five New Zealand franchises at home is notoriously difficult, a reality the Reds faced earlier this season when they suffered a heavy 52-14 defeat to the Hurricanes in Wellington.<\/p>\n
This loss highlighted a troubling trend, as the Reds have now lost five of their last six encounters in New Zealand.<\/p>\n
The struggles are not unique to the Reds; the Force has not managed to defeat a New Zealand team away from Perth since the inception of Super Rugby Pacific in 2022, although they have recorded a win against Moana Pasifika during this period.<\/p>\n
The Waratahs have experienced similar difficulties, with only one victory against a New Zealand counterpart in matches outside of Australia over the past five years. Their most recent setback occurred earlier this month when they were defeated 42-14 by the Chiefs in Hamilton.<\/p>\n
Following this disappointing performance, young fullback Sid Harvey expressed that the Waratahs may have been mentally defeated even before the match began. “I think we were a little bit intimidated, to be honest, and it was really frustrating for the coaches, especially, but for players as well,” Harvey stated in an interview with rugby.com.au. “We knew we were so much better than that, and we let them play their game and walk all over us.” He added that the team felt bullied and acknowledged a growing frustration among players regarding their perceived inferiority against New Zealand teams.<\/p>\n
The sense of intimidation has long been recognized as a significant factor contributing to the success of New Zealand teams at both the provincial and national levels against their Australian rivals.<\/p>\n
In contrast, the Brumbies have demonstrated resilience in New Zealand this year, boasting a flawless record. They achieved a notable 50-24 victory over the Crusaders in Christchurch during round two and recently edged out the Highlanders 14-10 in Dunedin.<\/p>\n
The Brumbies’ success appears to stem from a strong sense of self-belief, allowing them to confront their opponents without fear. It remains essential for the Reds, Waratahs, and Force to emulate the Brumbies’ approach in future encounters across the Tasman Sea.<\/p>\n
In a separate development, despite only playing a brief 20-minute stint off the bench, Zac Lomax showcased promising potential in the Force’s narrow 24-22 defeat to Fijian Drua in Lautoka on Saturday. Stepping in for Dylan Pietsch on the right wing, Lomax demonstrated his skills by successfully catching a high ball after pursuing a kick from Kurtley Beale. Additionally, he made an impressive run during a counterattack following a turnover near the Force’s goal line, which likely bolstered his confidence.<\/p>\n
Lomax consistently positioned himself near the ball during play, a crucial trait for a winger, and actively supported his teammates in attacking rucks, indicating his readiness to engage. As he looks forward to more significant playing time, it\u2019s possible that Force coach Simon Cron may opt to utilize him for another short period in the upcoming match against the Crusaders in Perth.<\/p>\n
On another note, the Wallabies’ management has had to come to terms with the absence of Will Skelton, who will be sidelined for an extended duration due to an Achilles tendon injury sustained while playing in France. Skelton’s departure is a significant loss, given his unique physical presence, which few Australian locks can replicate.<\/p>\n
While there is no direct replacement for Skelton, the Reds have suggested a candidate who could contribute beyond just line-out skills. With Josh Canham out due to injury and Joe Brial excelling at blindside flanker, Seru Uru has stepped in effectively alongside Lukhan Salakaia-Loto in the Reds’ second-row. Uru, who has been capped by the Wallabies in 2024, is known for his dynamic ball-running capabilities and offloading skills during tackles.<\/p>\n
The Reds have utilized him as a secondary line-out option, with Brial taking the lead, but Uru has also been a reliable asset in set-pieces. Current contenders for the Wallabies’ two lock positions include Nick Frost, Jeremy Williams, Matt Philip, and Salakaia-Loto, yet Uru may represent an intriguing alternative worth considering.<\/p>\n
In a positive development for Rugby Australia and the Reds, Massimo De Lutiis has opted to decline an overseas move, opting instead for a three-year contract extension in Australia. De Lutiis, who is eligible to play for Ireland and Italy, had attracted interest from Ulster, making his decision to stay a significant win for the Australian rugby landscape.<\/p>\n
This situation highlights Rugby Australia’s ongoing battle to retain its top young talent in the face of competition from overseas clubs and domestic rivals. This issue extends even to the schoolboy level, where some of the standout players from the Australian under-18 team, who triumphed over New Zealand Schools in 2024\u2014Heinz Lemoto, Heamasi Makasini, and Rex Bassingthwaighte\u2014are now either playing overseas or engaged with NRL clubs. Lemoto has joined the Toulouse academy, Makasini is competing in first grade with Wests Tigers, and Bassingthwaighte is signed with the Sydney Roosters.<\/p>\n
As the Super Round approaches, the recent success of the AFL’s Gather Round in South Australia, held from Thursday to Sunday, may provide valuable insights for the organizers of the Super Round.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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