SRP (Super Rugby Pacific) 2023 General Chat

[waiopehu oldboy]

There's now an eleven point gap between fifth (Blues, 26) & sixth (Reds, 15) which is unbridgeable IMO but only two between sixth & tenth (Waratahs, 13) so the last three QF places are very much up for grabs.

There are seven matches remaining between top-five sides & seven between next-five sides:

Round 10 Chiefs at home v Crusaders, Hurricanes v Brumbies, Reds v Force, Waratahs v Highlanders
Round 11 Reds v Waratahs
Round 12 Crusaders v Blues, Drua v Force
Round 13 Chiefs v Hurricanes, Waratahs v Drua
Round 14 Brumbies v Chiefs, Blues v Hurricanes, Reds v Highlanders
Round 15 Hurricanes v Crusaders, Drua v Reds

History suggests the home side will win at least 2/3 & as many as 4/5 of those matches.

Also six "crossover" matches where the visiting Top-five side might be vulnerable:

Round 10 Drua v Blues
Round 11 Highlanders v Chiefs, Drua v Hurricanes
Round 13 Force v Brumbies, Reds v Blues
Round 15 Force v Chiefs

The top-five side should prevail but of course the next-five side are still a chance if their opposition have injury and/ or Card and/ or travel-related issues.

Applying the above probabilities I believe the final standings will be:

1. Chiefs 55
2. Brumbies 52
3. Crusaders 48
4. Blues 45
5. Hurricanes 42
6. Waratahs 31
7. Highlanders or Reds 29
8. Reds or Highlanders 29
9. Force or Drua 28
10. Drua or Force 28

Waratahs the big mover but look at their draw: Highlanders, Rebels, Drua & Moana at home, all of which are winnable, Reds & Crusaders away.

 

[Rugbyman2023]

Does anyone know if these below players are still playing rugby? Moved overseas or playing club rugby?
Ross Haylett petty
Can Clark
Tevita funa
Sione mafileo
Reuben o niell
Solomon alamalo
Danny Solomona

 

[dru]

Maybe it would be good to have a League Commentator, they know how to make things sound a lot more extravagant than they actually are. Perhaps Andy Raymond or Greame Hughes

Ray Hadley, bloke. It's gotta be Ray. He'd fit right in.

 

[Slim 293]

Ray Hadley, bloke. It's gotta be Ray. He'd fit right in.

His constant use of the phrase
“Dummy half”, was a welcome addition to RWC 2011…

 

[molman]

Curious of peoples thoughts on the current situation with Fiji Rugby and the resulting impact on their SuperRugby team (Drua) and the womens team Super W team. They are such a great addition to our comp, but it's concerning that they appear to be in a unsustainable position.

The Drua team has made notable strides in improving their game this year and in comparison to Moana look to be heading in a positive trajectory.

 

[hoggy]

Curious of peoples thoughts on the current situation with Fiji Rugby and the resulting impact on their SuperRugby team (Drua) and the womens team Super W team. They are such a great addition to our comp, but it's concerning that they appear to be in a unsustainable position.

The Drua team has made notable strides in improving their game this year and in comparison to Moana look to be heading in a positive trajectory.

Its a bit of a long bow, but you contrast how the dolphins were added to the NRL to how the Drua & Pacifika were set up.

I find it very strange how for 20 years we were told by Super Rugby a Pacific option was not viable, yet two teams then appeared magically.

The issue they have is moving forward, the way Super rugby is structured it is hard to see them doing anything more than making up numbers.

 

[Dan54]

It is a huge concern if what we read about Fiji is true, will impact on not just the Drua (mens and womens) but also on their ability to compete in any tests in future.
Can see Drua players looking around for new clubs, the biggest wrooy (if it correct) is Fijian RU saying saying the players have been paid -up till now.

Stuff

www.stuff.co.nz

 

[Rebel man]

It is a huge concern if what we read about Fiji is true, will impact on not just the Drua (mens and womens) but also on their ability to compete in any tests in future.
Can see Drua players looking around for new clubs, the biggest wrooy (if it correct) is Fijian RU saying saying the players have been paid -up till now.

Stuff

www.stuff.co.nz

I thought the Aus government was meant to be footing the bill. Part of Pacific Sports Australia

 

[RugbyReg]

I thought the Aus government was meant to be footing the bill. Part of Pacific Sports Australia

they contribute towards. They pay Fiji Rugby. Not Fiji Rugby's suppliers...

 

[VassMan]

Just put on the TV. Huge AFL and NRL game on. Why no rugby game? Hopefully the independent super rugby committee sorts this kind of thing out.

 

[PhilClinton]

Monday night would have been a good opportunity for a rugby game, particularly a Reds game considering there was AFL but no NRL. I definitely would have tuned in and plenty of people looking for a beer Monday arvo would have given their eyes no doubt.

 

[Dan54]

I thought the Aus government was meant to be footing the bill. Part of Pacific Sports Australia

No a bit misleading, it's part of sports grant to Fiji, it's something Aus and NZ gov'ts do to try and stop China having to much influence. Were never footing the bill or anything, was kind of a feel good publicity thing when Drua started.

 

[Doritos Day]

I was told on this very forum that Fiji was a slam dunk for the private equity guys. Someone tell them nothing to see here.

 

[Dan54]

I believe Fiji gov't actually owns half the Drua too. They bought it off NZRU who had a half share as they footed the bill for the set up etc to get them into super, then basically sold ot to Fiji Gov't for a cut price to allow them to be self run etc.

 

[Marce]

I’m rugby through and through these days but my god the NRL has an outstanding product on and off the field. Every week there is cliffhangers, even if the quality in some games is shambolic the tension is great and the players genuinely hate other clubs or players. I just watched Souths v Penrith where a team came behind with 2 try’s in last 4mins, the players always in each others face and the commentators giving the impression you are genuinely watching something that is special.

100% agree. In terms of domestic competition, the NRL is the best in both rugby codes. Better than Top 14 and Premiership, and SOO is the best annual series.

AFL and NRL have almost embraced a WWE mentality with the media and fans lap it up. Hopefully whatever commission takes over Super Rugby next season can infuse some narrative building and let the players have some personality. We really need to quit the blazer brigade mentality which I think Eddie and Hamish will help remove.

Basically, they lie to us and we believe it. So that's the best to achieve a succesful sport business

 

[hoggy]

Just put on the TV. Huge AFL and NRL game on. Why no rugby game? Hopefully the independent super rugby committee sorts this kind of thing out.

I don't think you can find a better example of the backward thinking that runs rugby union here, I noted on another forum the author was relieved rugby did not resort to Anzac day celebrations.
Regardless of the hyprocricy you are left thinking that every soldier left these shores with a little Sherrin tucked in there pack.

I'm sure the AFL are the more happy code when they check there bank balance this morning, all because they milk the crap out of a wartime tradition. Listening to the NZ national anthem at the MCG yesterday you just shake your head.

The one day when Rugby Union should be all over the other codes, were not even on the playing field.

 

[Rusted]

I watched the Roosters, St George game. Great atmosphere. Big crowd. Enthralling game. Made me sad as a rugby fan.

 

[Rebel man]

If Super Rugby is to have an ANZAC day game it has to be in Perth or NZ.

Melbourne could never work, same with Sydney, Brisbane a potential as maybe a Reds v Tahs game on ANZAC day if they were both up and going would capture the imagination more than Roosters v Dragons

 

[Wallaby Man]

If Super Rugby is to have an ANZAC day game it has to be in Perth or NZ.

Melbourne could never work, same with Sydney, Brisbane a potential as maybe a Reds v Tahs game on ANZAC day if they were both up and going would capture the imagination more than Roosters v Dragons

Bledisloe 1 around lunchtime eastern standard time. That way you could have Bledisloe been the preferred choice for people before the AFL or NRL game they want to watch.

 

[Rebel man]

Bledisloe 1 around lunchtime eastern standard time. That way you could have Bledisloe been the preferred choice for people before the AFL or NRL game they want to watch.

Look I would go for that, would just need to find a pub that had the rugby on near the G