Source :- THE AGE NEWS
The Waratahs’ 28-14 loss against the Fijian Drua on Saturday could end up being a major source of regret at the end of the season. Yes, Lautoka has been a fortress for the Fijians but this current Drua side had been in a rut and you could see all the self-doubt return when the Waratahs pulled the game back to 21-14 with about 20 minutes to go.
With Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii constantly beating the first defender, the game was there to be won, but the Waratahs will reflect on some inaccurate play and soft defending that allowed the Drua to build a first-half lead. The Hurricanes and the Blues are lurking behind the Waratahs on the ladder. At least one of them will make a finals push, and the Waratahs have a difficult run home.
The other veteran making a big Wallabies push
The 34-year-old James O’Connor has defied his New Zealand critics to make a success of his move to the Crusaders, where he has carved out a strong role as an impact player. But there is a bloke in Perth, just one year younger, who is probably making a more significant impression on Joe Schmidt’s thinking. Nic White was outstanding for the Force against the Hurricanes, continuing his strong run of recent form. He’s certainly in the top three Australian halfbacks for form in Super Rugby Pacific, and certainly dispelling any thoughts that he would easily make way for younger options. White’s right in the fight, and the Force’s impressive season isn’t just down to Ben Donaldson and their human pinball Carlo Tizzano.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was a handful for the Drua defence.Credit: Getty Images
Brumbies tackle their way into contention
Whatever the Brumbies did during their bye week has worked wonders — they have been a completely different team over the past two weeks. Don’t underestimate the quality of their 24-0 victory against Moana Pasifika, a match in which they had to soak up enormous pressure before hitting the home side on the counter. The quality of their work in contact has gone up enormously in the past fortnight, and it’s not all down to the return of Rob Valetini. In my book, they have gone from almost having a red line put through their name to being back in the conversation for potential winners. They have an enormous home game against the desperate Hurricanes this weekend, a round that will show where the trans-Tasman balance lies with the Reds hosting the Blues the night before.
Team of the week
1 James Slipper (Brumbies)
2 Billy Pollard (Brumbies)
3 Tom Robertson (Force)
4 Nick Frost (Brumbies)
5 Darcy Swain (Force)
6 Rob Valetini (Brumbies)
7 Carlo Tizzano (Force)
8 Langi Gleeson (Waratahs)
9 Nic White (Force)
10 Ben Donaldson (Force)
11 Corey Toole (Brumbies)
12 Hamish Stewart (Force)
13 Ollie Sapsford (Brumbies)
14 Andy Muirhead* (Brumbies)
15 Mac Grealy (Force)
* Player of the week
Where Australia is beating NZ
The fact that four Australian teams are currently in the top six is a real sign of improvement this year, but it also indicates that the Australian squads have a far better spread of talent than in New Zealand. Of 69 players selected for the All Blacks and All Blacks XV squads last year, only four were from the Highlanders — less than 6 per cent. By design or otherwise, Australia has seen Wallabies dotted throughout their four teams, with the Western Force now benefiting from a Test No.9-No.10 and second-row pairing. Those hoping for a Super Rugby Pacific-wide draft shouldn’t hold their breath — NZ Rugby doesn’t want to even move players throughout New Zealand. But the current ladder does shine a light on something that Australia is doing better than their trans-Tasman mates: an engaged and competitive Western Force has clearly lifted the quality of the competition as a whole.
Manu an unlikely All Black
The Herald understands that the All Blacks Rugby won’t chase former Rooster Joseph Manu, who will be 30 by the time the July Tests roll around next year. Aside from his age profile, there are doubts about the depth of Manu’s desire to be an All Black — he may have simply left it too late to make the switch to rugby. New Zealand Rugby has already invested in Rieko Ioane in that centre position, while powerhouse Leicester Fainga’anuku is returning midyear after 18 months in France. Fainga’anuku, who is still just 25, could emerge as a midfield option and has rejoined the Crusaders for 2026, although he could return to the All Blacks after the Rugby Championship. The Hurricanes’ Billy Proctor is another strong midfield option, while Anton Lienert-Brown is well established as a Test No 13 or No 12. Manu is currently playing in Japan with the Toyota side.
Watch all the action from the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season on Stan Sport, the only place to watch every match ad-free, live and on demand.
