1. The Waratahs’ worst performance of the year.
The 41-12 loss to the Hurricanes wasn’t good enough by the Waratahs. That game actually represented a chance to do something special in Wellington, with the Hurricanes bringing in a hooker who wasn’t even in their official squad and opting to start TJ Perenara and Jordie Barrett on the bench.
Predictably, that caused some issues for the Hurricanes’ lineout, but the Waratahs were far too passive in the first half to get themselves into the game and exert any kind of pressure. They do have some injuries up front, but there were seven blokes who have played for the Wallabies in the starting XV, so for the game to be over as a contest at halftime, when the score was 26-0, should prompt some hard questions this week.
They opted out of the hard stuff in Wellington, and while that’s not an accusation you could level at them generally this year, even in their losses, it was the case on Friday and they need a massive response against the Brumbies.
2. Reds secure Kiwi bragging rights.
The Reds are now 3-2 against New Zealand opposition this season after their superb win against the Crusaders, which came despite Crusaders second-rower Quinten Strange being awarded rugby’s first “air try” – there is no way he got that ball down.
The usual suspects stood up for the Reds, with Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight and big Ryan Smith all outstanding, but what has impressed the most since the damaging loss to Moana Pasifika has been the depth they have shown in their squad.
Kalani Thomas, coming off an excellent year in the NPC with Auckland, has been as good as the suspended Tate McDermott, while Zane Nonggorr and Louis Werchon were terrific off the bench. Some of Nonggorr’s carries were critical as the Crusaders threatened a comeback.
The Waratahs opted out of the hard stuff in Wellington – and paid the price.Credit: Getty
As for rookie winger Tim Ryan, his bones must be made of lead. The way that he won the collision with Rivez Reihana, who is not a small No.10, to grab his second try, was outstanding. Joe Schmidt will recognise that 3-2 advantage against the Kiwis. There are some Wallabies recalls and new caps coming for Queenslanders.
3. Brumbies scrum concerns.
Discipline was an issue for the Brumbies against the Drua on Saturday, but some of it was a direct consequence of the pressure they were under at the scrum. It didn’t happen in isolation. Even in the victory against the Hurricanes the week before, the Brumbies scrum was shunted backwards, and even upwards, at times.
