What a weekend of rugby in Australia to start the Super Rugby season.
Yes of course Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was a headline leading in, but he was not the difference. I can’t recall this competition having a clean sweep for the Aussie teams in week one.
Granted, only the Waratahs beat a New Zealand team, however, the way the teams won was the key.
Over the past 10+ years, our teams have lost close contests, almost always trying to “overplay” our hands.
This first round found something different, in all three Australian matches, they were behind with little time to spare.
Although mistakes were made prior to the final minutes, somehow, each team snatched victory from defeat.
This is the Super Rugby/Wallabies of old – perhaps the Twickenham effect is rubbing off.
All three games were clunky, let’s not deny that, but that is to be expected for game one of the season. Even the Kiwi teams had some rust to start.
One of the key issues in Australian rugby over the past years has been a lack of closing out the tight games – be it Super Rugby or Wallabies.
These were hard-fought games and needed belief. All three teams (Queensland Reds had a bye) kept going when the shoreline was beyond them.
Perhaps this is an effect of belief after the Wallabies at Twickenham or perhaps a change in culture and building a team.
Taine Robinson of the Highlanders tackles Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
I think we all know that “winning” or “losing” can be contagious across all team sports, but no one likes losing.
The ability of all the Aussie teams to come back at the death is something we should all be proud of.
Yes, it’s round one and the Kiwi teams have depth, but this was teams playing for each other and trying to win for their mates.
Of course, money is key in professional sports, but you also need to acknowledge your team and play for a result.
Since 2011 we have seen losing Aussie sides and players having a laugh with the opposition after a loss and I understand that’s Rugby.
But you should feel a loss as well as a win.
Let’s hope the Aussie teams can keep this strong belief going because it was a shot in the arm for Australian rugby to see how much they cared about it.
Yes, we will lose games but at the same time if you play for your jersey and your mates more than the coin you never know.
Think of the grafters who pulled through: Siosifa Amone, Luke Reimer and Carlo Tizziano.
Well done Super Rugby Aussie teams. That weekend lifted us all, because you played with heart.
