Sport

The Super Rugby Pacific season kicked off with a flurry of action, showcasing the impact of new rules designed to increase pace and attacking opportunities. Round 1 provided glimpses of potential All Blacks contenders, although established stars navigated a landscape altered by tactical shifts and the ever-present challenge of early-season form. From standout performances to intriguing positional battles, the opening round set the stage for a compelling season.

The Highlanders’ impressive 33-31 victory over the Crusaders at Forsyth Barr Stadium immediately grabbed attention, not only for the result but for the individual brilliance on display. The Australian sides, with the exception of the Brumbies, generally appeared to be finding their feet, while the New Zealand franchises demonstrated a sharper edge. The round too highlighted emerging talent and ongoing questions surrounding key positions within the All Blacks setup.

One player quickly generating All Blacks buzz is Highlanders winger Caleb Tangitau. Tangitau, born March 19, 2003, and currently weighing 98 kg, has demonstrably added muscle to his frame, but his speed remains undiminished. His try against the Crusaders, where he beat two defenders with a dazzling outside run, underscored his potential. With Sevu Reece now playing overseas, an All Blacks spot could be within reach for Tangitau this year, particularly if Jamie Joseph is appointed as the national coach, as widely anticipated.

The potential appointment of Joseph could also benefit Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, who enjoyed a strong season last year and showcased his skills against the Crusaders. However, he currently finds himself behind Ruben Love in the pecking order, though Love is currently sidelined with an injury.

Midfield Contenders and Bench Impact

Timoci Tavatavanawai also impressed for the Highlanders, his turnovers proving particularly valuable. Whether he possesses the pace and distribution skills required at the international level remains a question, especially considering the competition for midfield spots from established players like Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Anton Lienert-Brown, Billy Proctor, and Leicester Fainga’anuku. Fainga’anuku had a relatively quiet match against the Highlanders, and his previous categorization as a midfielder by the previous All Blacks management team leaves his future role uncertain under Joseph.

Tactically, the strategy of utilizing powerful forward replacements in the second half yielded mixed results. While the injection of All Blacks front-rowers Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, and George Bower didn’t have the desired impact, their opponents – Ethan de Groot and Angus Ta’avao – proved highly effective, with Ta’avao even scoring a try on debut.

Halfback Battle and Hooker Concerns

The competition for the halfback backup role to Cam Roigard is already heating up. Crusaders’ Noah Hotham demonstrated his precision with a well-executed try, while Cortez Ratima’s support play led to the winning try against the Blues. Currently, Hotham’s varied running game around rucks and mauls appears to give him a slight edge, but this battle is expected to continue throughout the season.

The hooker position remains a point of contention, with Samisoni Taukei’aho’s potential still being evaluated. Codie Taylor is a strong contender for the All Blacks captaincy and appears well-suited to a role off the bench, offering impactful play and try-scoring ability. However, his lineout throwing consistency remains a concern. Asafo Aumua, of the Hurricanes, is also vying for a spot, having reportedly been in strong form during pre-season.

Chiefs Lock Dominates, Australian Sides Struggle

The Blues narrowly defeated a weakened Chiefs side in a tightly contested match, with few clear line breaks. The key difference proved to be Tupou Vaa’i’s try and crucial lineout steal, shutting down a threatening Blues attack. Vaa’i’s performance was widely considered the best individual display of the round, showcasing his mobility and skill with the ball in hand. His opportunity arose due to injury, a testament to the benefits of giving young players a chance.

In contrast, most of the Australian teams struggled to find their rhythm. The Reds were hampered by injuries to key players, impacting their creativity. The Force faltered after a strong start against the Brumbies, while the Waratahs benefited from the return of Charlie Cale and a more aggressive performance from Miles Amatosero. Max Jorgensen, a 21-year-old Waratahs wing, continued to demonstrate his world-class potential with a well-finished try against the Reds.

Moana Pasifika skipper Miracle Fai’ilagi also shone, scoring three tries against the Drua, highlighting his progress. It’s a question worth pondering: had Fai’ilagi pursued an All Blacks opportunity, could he have grow a regular at No. 6?

New Rules and Kicking Game

The new rules implemented this season appeared to increase the pace of matches and create more attacking opportunities, although errors were also prevalent. The increased tempo may influence earlier substitution patterns. However, a notable trend across most matches was a high volume of kicking – over 80 kicks were recorded in the Highlanders-Crusaders clash, many of which proved unproductive. The game, once derided for being “kick and clap,” now often lacks even the clapping.

Looking ahead, the Super Rugby Pacific season promises to be a dynamic and competitive one. The emergence of new talent, the ongoing battles for key positions, and the impact of the new rules will all contribute to a compelling narrative. The coming weeks will provide further clarity on which teams and players are best positioned to contend for the championship.

What are your thoughts on the early contenders? Share your predictions and insights in the comments below!