{"id":369712,"date":"2024-02-21T21:00:23","date_gmt":"2024-02-21T22:00:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/?p=369712"},"modified":"2024-02-22T01:06:24","modified_gmt":"2024-02-22T01:06:24","slug":"the-men-to-rescue-aussies-from-black-hole-demons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/?p=369712","title":{"rendered":"The men to rescue Aussies from 'black hole' demons"},"content":{"rendered":"

When Wide World of Sports came calling for a Super Rugby Pacific<\/a> preview piece I was obviously keen to oblige.<\/p>\n

Some of the best memories in the game have come from golden sides in the competition.<\/p>\n

The Reds year of mayhem and magic in 2011, the Brumbies of 2004 with Smith, Roff, Gregan, Larkham.<\/p>\n

Watch all the action from the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season, kicking off on February 23, with<\/strong><\/em> every match ad-free, live and and on demand on Stan Sport<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

There's 2014 with Bernard Foley's 50m, championship winning penalty goal.<\/p>\n

The Blues of 2003 with Spencer, Rokocoko, Rupeni and Mealamu.<\/p>\n

The Crusaders of almost every era. Beautiful.<\/p>\n

EXCLUSIVE:<\/strong> All Blacks star who will be 'more targeted than ever'<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

READ MORE:<\/strong> Origin captains named in 20-11 on NRL countdown<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

\ufeffREAD MORE:<\/strong> Police 'assessing' Demon's cocaine allegations<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

\"Chief<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, when it came time to bang this yarn out, the words didn't come easily.<\/p>\n

There was a dark rugby cloud hanging over the keyboard.<\/p>\n

The demons of the 2023 World Cup were still dragging me into a black hole.<\/p>\n

I'd already lost countless hours of sleep over the campaign, but now the words were gone too.<\/p>\n

So, needing closure and some level of cathartic release, I watched Stan's freshest doco: 'The Wallabies – Inside Rugby World Cup 2023.<\/em>'<\/a><\/p>\n

It's a journey. I went from fetal position thumb sucking, to raging at the screen over some of the decisions made across the campaign.<\/p>\n

\"Fly<\/p>\n

For those with impressionable kids, know that it'll be hard not to swear repeatedly at the TV.<\/p>\n

Anyway, the knowing of what's coming in terms of results, injuries and unhinged press conferences didn't dull my watch at all.<\/p>\n

Instead, I was struck by how much the players hurt.<\/p>\n

\"'No<\/p>\n

The hurt during brutal extended training sessions. The hurt when the results stacked up against them.<\/p>\n

The unprecedented hurt of copping a record loss to Wales and the World Cup dream dying in the process.<\/p>\n

By the end of episode three, I came out with a higher appreciation of the players who represent our country. I felt better. I still don't know why Michael Hooper wasn't in France, but I had closure enough.<\/p>\n

\"Sean<\/p>\n

Now, we get to once again see those men do their thing weekly in Super Rugby.<\/p>\n

With a new Wallabies coach in Joe Schmidt to impress, better days are ahead on the field.<\/p>\n

Here's a look at the Aussie sides in 2024.<\/p>\n

\"Brumbies<\/p>\n

ACT BRUMBIES<\/strong><\/p>\n

The benchmark for Aussie clubs.<\/p>\n

This will be coach Stephen Larkham's second year in charge after returning from overseas and he has a beautifully settled squad to work with.<\/p>\n

Flyhalf Noah Lolesio now boasts European experience after time in Toulon while powerhouse No.8 Rob Valetini was crowned Wallabies player of the year last week.<\/p>\n

Throw in grizzled old men like James Slipper, Cadeyrn Neville and a fit again Alan Alaalatoa and they're rightful favourites to top the Aussie teams.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

WHO TO WATCH:<\/strong> Len Ikitau<\/p>\n

How this bloke wasn't picked for the World Cup is absolutely beyond me. I'll never get it, ever.<\/p>\n

Now 'Lenny' has a chance to treat us to some of his good stuff in Brumbies colours.<\/p>\n

He's a rock in defence, has smarts with the ball and a beautiful long, left boot to get the Brumbies away from their own try line.<\/p>\n

Worked great with Tamati Tua last year. Potential player of the year.<\/p>\n

\"Brumbies<\/p>\n

WELCOME BACK:<\/strong> Alan Alaalatoa<\/p>\n

The hard as nails captain and front rower suffered an Achilles blowout vs New Zealand last year but should hopefully be back in the middle sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n

Knocks blokes over for fun and is a world class scrummager.<\/p>\n

MARQUEE MATCH-UP:<\/strong> Their rivalry with Queensland has emerged as one of the best in the competition.<\/p>\n

They appear to genuinely hate the Reds when the ref calls time on.<\/p>\n

Always a must watch.<\/p>\n

\"Rebels<\/p>\n

MELBOURNE REBELS<\/strong><\/p>\n

There's a real sadness to the club's off-field plight, particularly given the strength of players that coach Kevin Foote has assembled for this season.<\/p>\n

The big name signing is obviously Taniela Tupou but he also has Wallabies in Andrew Kellaway, Rob Leota, Carter Gordon and Pone Fa'amausili.<\/p>\n

Emerging locals Josh Canham and Daniel Maiava look to have bright futures as well.<\/p>\n

Hard to know how the front office dramas may impact a team who took down both the Waratahs and Reds last year.<\/p>\n

\"Lightning<\/p>\n

WHO TO WATCH:<\/strong> Darby Lancaster<\/p>\n

Yes he's a rookie. Yes he's only 20.<\/p>\n

I really believe this kid could be something bright for Aussie rugby over coming years though.<\/p>\n

Lachie Anderson, Corey Toole, Tim Anstee and Ben O'Donnell have all shown the jump from Aussie sevens into Super Rugby is more than possible.<\/p>\n

Lancaster is proper quality and has an enormous ceiling.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

WELCOME BACK:<\/strong> Lukhan Salakai-Loto<\/p>\n

The former Reds and Wallabies lock has been fronting up with Northampton Saints in the Premiership over the last few years.<\/p>\n

A huge athletic presence with legit international bones now, Salakai-Loto will be massive for Melbourne.<\/p>\n

MARQUEE MATCH-UP:<\/strong> I've never seen a Rebels vs Force game that didn't offer up spice and a tight scoreline.<\/p>\n

Always fun, always unpredictable.<\/p>\n

\"Gordon<\/p>\n

NSW WARATAHS<\/strong><\/p>\n

It's been reported Waratahs coach Darren Coleman has been given only four weeks to prove himself worthy to stay in the job beyond this year.<\/p>\n

Never mind the season runs 15 weeks, nor the fact they've been handed a brutal draw to start 2024.<\/p>\n

Put this ultimatum in the 'let's start up a Super Rugby team in Hawaii' file.<\/p>\n

\"Darren<\/p>\n

'DC' had the audacity to stick his head up last year and declare his team were one of 'the' sides to beat. How dare he.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, a shocking run of injuries followed and they were unable to reach their own goals.<\/p>\n

Despite preseason results not being been great, they've got too good a coach and squad not to make a dent.<\/p>\n

\"Teen<\/p>\n

WHO TO WATCH:<\/strong> Max Jorgensen<\/p>\n

Scored two tries in his Super Rugby debut last year… as an 18-year-old!<\/p>\n

Sadly, injury cruelled him at the back end of the year and again as part of the Wallabies squad in France.<\/p>\n

Possesses lightning pace, is supremely balanced and deceptively strong.<\/p>\n

Freakishly talented outside back who will be a Super Rugby veteran by his 21st birthday.<\/p>\n

\"Miles<\/p>\n

WELCOME BACK:<\/strong> Miles Amatosero<\/p>\n

The boom youngster comes back to Sydney after a few years taking names in the French Top 14 with Clermont.<\/p>\n

He's a giant of a human, tipping the scales at 125kg and standing over 206cm.<\/p>\n

Huge locks have been hard to find for the Tahs in recent times and he might just be a good one.<\/p>\n

MARQUEE MATCH-UP:<\/strong> Waratahs vs Blues is always a fun one, that's rolling around in week four.<\/p>\n

Depending on how things go in the first few rounds and depending on whether or not NSW decision makers stand firm, it may also be the game that secures Coleman a contract extension.<\/p>\n

\"Reds<\/p>\n

QUEENSLAND REDS<\/strong><\/p>\n

These guys have got some real smoke about them this season.<\/p>\n

They smack of smokiness.<\/p>\n

They've a new, accomplished, well respected and highly likeable coach in Les Kiss and look to have a squad of early 20s veterans.<\/p>\n

It feels like we've been talking about Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Tate McDermott, Liam Wright and Jordan Petaia for a decade.<\/p>\n

Those same pathway players form the nucleus for a very dangerous 2024 Reds vintage.<\/p>\n

You toss in Hunter Paisami, James O'Connor and Seru Uru and all of a sudden you've got a ready made finals threat.<\/p>\n

'We are Red' indeed.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

WHO TO WATCH:<\/strong> Seru Uru<\/p>\n

He's done some great things at Super Rugby level but I believe he can become a regular Test footballer this year.<\/p>\n

Looked superb in the preseason and could potentially give cover for jerseys numbered 4-8.<\/p>\n

Also holds one of the best names in the competition to commentate.<\/p>\n

'Uuuuuuruuuuuuuuu.'<\/p>\n

\"England<\/p>\n

WELCOME BACK:<\/strong> Les Kiss<\/p>\n

A weird one highlighting a coach, I know, but when an Aussie heads overseas, grafts, learns, gets good, then returns, it's worth celebrating.<\/p>\n

He went from the Waratahs over to Ulster in Ireland before joining London Irish.<\/p>\n

He's proven at the top level and could be the key to unlocking this quality outfit.<\/p>\n

MARQUEE MATCH-UP:<\/strong> As mentioned above, you can't go past Reds vs Brumbies and they're on a collision course for round six.<\/p>\n

Last year they split their results and it's likely going the same way in 2024 between the Aussie heavyweights.<\/p>\n

\"Force<\/p>\n

WESTERN FORCE<\/strong><\/p>\n

There's something endearing about the way the Force just go about their business over in Perth.<\/p>\n

They copped the draw from hell last year but didn't complain, just got on with it.<\/p>\n

There were wild wins at home against Moana Pasifika, the Rebels and the Highlanders coupled with near misses in New Zealand vs the Blues and Hurricanes.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/twitter.com\/StanSportRugby\/status\/1760154916881104911?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw<\/a><\/p>\n

Morgan Turinui, Michael Atkinson and I checked in over there in late January and they're a rock solid group.<\/p>\n

Simon Cron has picked up a brilliant ball runner in Will Harris along with the culture king, Nic White.<\/p>\n

Expect more ambushes in the Golden West at the hands of the well supported Force.<\/p>\n

\"Jeremy<\/p>\n

WHO TO WATCH:<\/strong> Jeremy Williams<\/p>\n

The recently appointed captain is a fresh face at the leadership level but has shown through 29 caps he's got the ticker to take his team forward.<\/p>\n

First with the Waratahs, Williams adds an abrasive element around the park along with silky lineout skills.<\/p>\n

\"Harry<\/p>\n

WELCOME BACK:<\/strong> Harry Potter.<\/p>\n

The utility back made the jump from Shute Shield footy in Sydney to the Premiership with Leicester Tigers, scoring 20 tries across 67 appearances.<\/p>\n

Potter, who is qualified for both Australia and England, was highly regarded at Welford Road and gives coach Cron some excellent options across the backline.<\/p>\n

MARQUEE MATCH-UP:<\/strong> The masters of countless upsets in their own backyard, I've circled the first big name they look likely to drop and we won't be waiting long.<\/p>\n

With the weather predicted to hit 37 degrees in Perth on Friday, I reckon the Force get conditions to suit against the Hurricanes and sneak a win.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

When Wide World of Sports came calling for a Super Rugby Pacific preview piece I was obviously keen to oblige. Some of the best memories […]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":369714,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/369712"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=369712"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/369712\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":369722,"href":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/369712\/revisions\/369722"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/369714"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=369712"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=369712"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=369712"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}