Rugby union is officially in a revival .. or is it? The recent success of the Waratahs in taking out the Super 15 is the shot in the arm the code needs in this country.
(pic credit DailyTelegraph.com.au)
The sport which is in something of a financial crisis, particularly at a national level, needed a feel good story like the Tahs have provided. Not only did they take out the tournament, the brand of rugby they played along the way showcased the game at its best. Playing attractive rugby with ball movement and instinctive play has endeared them to a wider audience.
But the way the final was ultimately decided is the very reason why international rugby struggles. History shows that trading penalty goals, no matter what the sporting code, inevitably limits the impact of what should be the showpiece event in terms of on-field product.
The NRL competition is as close as it’s ever been. The naysayers will tell you there is a lack of depth in the playing ranks to ensure sufficient numbers for all teams to be competitive. While that may be perceived by some, tell me one competition in the world that doesn't have blowout scores from time-to-time, and more particularly what other form of competition still has over 80% of its teams still in finals contention with only a handful of games to be played? I think those questions answer themselves.
Let’s take a look at the teams that can actually win this year’s competition. The current leaders, Manly just continue to defy logic. Despite much publicised in-fighting, their spirit is strong, boasting an on-the-field culture where there really is no hungrier unit in the competition. It is a team that every coach wants, full of players who, no matter what is happening on the periphery, as soon as they cross that white stripe the only focus is doing what’s needed to walk off victors. There is something inside of me though that thinks they won't be there Grand Final day in 2014.
After last weekend’s romp of the Knights, the Rabbitohs are again being talked about as this year’s winner. There’s no doubt they have the pedigree and the experience to go all the way. Greg Inglis is a match winner as is Sam Burgess, much responsibility will fall on these players if they are to become Premiers. Whilst they do play a power game, though lacking finesse at times, I can see them being there on Grand Final day. They’ll need to be able create opportunities away from just relying on ruck speed, and if they do that, their outside men are lightning with genuine finishing capabilities. Keep an eye on their right centre, Dylan Walker who is a superstar of the future.
Reigning premiers the Sydney Roosters have the best edge attackers in the competition. They haven't reached the same heights they consistently achieved last year, but this is the reason I think they’ll go back-to-back. Having struggled at times with hot and cold form; from what they did last year, they’ll have remained hungry and the work ethic and desire which got them across the line 12 months ago will still exist, if not evolved into something more lethal. We all fall into a false sense of security when we are flying along and the little things become not so important, but it’s those same little things that are inevitably the difference in tight matches. I can see the Roosters playing the best footy they have all year when the finals hit in a month’s time.
Any team that has Cronk, Smith and Slater in it are always going to be a shot in any game they take the field in.Therefore, you have to include them in the mix. I do think though their best asset for so long, defensive intensity is now very vulnerable. Teams will target their outer edge defenders and are likely to be successful. Given they’re bound to leak points against the top teams, I don't think they’ll have the endurance to continually fight back. They won't feature come October. The only other team I think can win the competition are the North QLD Cowboys. They have the team to challenge any other on their day and once they get James Tamou back on the paddock will have a roster close to full strength. With Michael Morgan having a breakout year they now have another genuine match winner to accompany Johnathan Thurston. His form has been consistently outstanding and if their 2 Australian front rowers can help lay the platform, then they can cause headaches for any team they encounter in the finals. At this stage though I’m going an all inner-city Sydney grand final between the oldest of rivals In the Roosters and the Rabbits.