No Australian side made the top four in the Super 14 last
year, and it could be lean pickings again this year. Rugby
writer Steve Hepburn takes a look at the chances for
Australian sides.
Australia is a country which seems to have had plenty of
droughts over the years, and it is not only rain in short
supply in some areas.
Its rugby sides are not immune, suffering from a drought of
quality players to go around.
With four sides in the Super 14, the talent pool is spread
thin. And it will only get worse with the arrival of the
Melbourne Rebels next year.
In a country where the competition for winter sports is
fierce - with rugby league, Australian Rules and soccer all
looking for their pound of flesh - rugby is always up against
it, not just in coverage and spectator interest but also
getting the best athletes into the sport.
When it was just New South Wales and Queensland, there were
plenty of players to go round.
But now there are four sides, soon to be five, and, in terms
of winning, that may be two too many.
Last year, the Wallabies were a distant third in the
Tri-Nations and that was a reflection on the lack of success
of their Super 14 sides.
It is difficult to see this year being much different.
The most likely Australian team to get into the play-offs
appears to be the Brumbies.
They have the new Wallabies captain Rocky Elsom in their
ranks, along with experienced internationals Adam
Ashley-Cooper, George Smith and Stirling Mortlock.
Smith is in his final year of Super 14 and will want to go
out on a high note.
Most importantly, the side welcomes back Matt Giteau, after
his western adventure.
Giteau is a class player, and with experience on his inside
and outside, the Brumbies should be in contention for the top
spot.
He has much to prove, after whispers he was being ousted from
the Wallabies first five-eighth position by Berrick Barnes.
Barnes, though, has plenty of pressure of his own.
He has moved down the road to Sydney from Brisbane, and his
departure from Queensland ranks went down about as well in
the Sunshine state as a Geoffrey Boycott century.
Barnes could be the missing piece in the Waratahs puzzle.
The Waratahs finished just out of the top four last year,
through not scoring enough tries, and played some pretty
bland rugby under new coach Chris Hickey.
But the side has plenty of promise and with the likes of
wingers Lachie Turner and Drew Mitchell, should not be
struggling for options out wide.
Skipper Phil Waugh spurned overseas offers to stay with the
Waratahs and will want to continue his love affair with
Australian commentators.
Further north, Queensland has some exciting players but lacks
the depth to be competitive.
Former coach Phil Mooney is now in Dunedin, after he was
shown the door and has been replaced by Ewen McKenzie, who
was also pointed in the direction of the exit sign at Stade
Francais.
Queensland has some promising players but has suffered the
most from the expansion of Australian teams.
Many Queenslanders are playing elsewhere.
But players such as Digby Ioane, Will Genia and Daniel Braid
will form the nucleus of a good side.
The Reds finished second-last in 2009, so there is really
only one way to go.
In Perth, the Force has had something of a clean-out.
It was going to rely on former Springbok No 10 Andre
Pretorius to steer it around the paddock.
But he is out for the season after tearing his hamstring off
the bone and youngster James O'Connor may be required to wear
the No 10 jersey.
The franchise always has drama around it - disturbing native
animals, mispayments, players coming in and out - and it
appears it will be hard pressed to match its eighth place of
last year.
THE SQUADS
Force
Coach: John Mitchell (fifth year).
Captain: Nathan Sharpe.
Last year: Eighth.
Key forward: David Pocock - Made great strides last year but
like most openside flankers will rely on his tight five to
let his game bloom.
Key back: James O'Connor - With star import Andre Pretorious
out, the pressure will go on young O'Connor, who may have to
play beyond his years.
Prediction: 13th
Reds
Coach: Ewen McKenzie (replaces Phil Mooney).
Captain: James Horwill.
Last year: 13th.
Key forward: Daniel Braid - Coming back from a nasty Achilles
tendon injury, Braid will lend his experience to a fairly
lightweight Reds pack.
Key back: Digby Ioane - A block-busting runner, who may be
moved into the midfield to cause the maximum chaos for
opposing sides.
Prediction: 12th.
Waratahs
Coach: Chris Hickey (second year).
Captain: Phil Waugh.
Last year: Fifth.
Key forward: Wycliff Palu - Is a bit injury prone but if he
can stay on the paddock his ball-running ability will be a
real key for the Sydney-based side.
Key back: Berrick Barnes - New boy coming down from Brisbane,
he is poised to wear the No 10 jersey and will want to show
he can lead a side round the paddock.
Prediction: Ninth.
Brumbies
Coach: Andy Friend (second year).
Captain: Stephen Hoiles.
Last year: Seventh.
Key forward: Rocky Elsom - Home from Ireland, and now the
Wallabies captain, his running and knack for being in the
right place at the right time is a real plus.
Kay back: Matt Giteau - Has plenty to prove as Barnes is said
to be after his jersey but should be comfortable being back
in his home town.
Prediction: Semifinalist
