Super Rugby 2013 - The Reds Revival Has Arrived!

Many people - including myself - doubted that the Queensland Reds could mount a challenge for this seasons Super Rugby title.

The bar has been set extremely high at the Suncorp Stadium ever since the Reds maiden Super Rugby triumph in 2011 with Reds fans expecting their side to be at the very least in the top 4 sides in the competition and the 2013 season was no exception. However, after losing to both the Brumbies and Force in the opening 5 rounds of the season and recording somewhat unimpressive victories against the Waratahs and Hurricanes many suspected that the 2013 season would be the end of the Reds domination of the Australian conference.

In addition to their struggles on the pitch, the Reds also had to deal with a lot of off field troubles at the start of the season. Quade Cooper was still not 100% fit and his falling out with the ARU was a considerable distraction, captain James Horwill had also been plagued by injuries for almost a whole year and was also not 100% fit, key back rower Scott Higginbotham had left the Reds for the Rebels and there were also hints that key man Will Genia was becoming discontent about how the club was being run.

No Higginbotham? No Problem!

The round 5 loss to the Force in Brisbane ironically marked a turning point in the Reds season thus far. Since round 5 the Reds have been undefeated, recording 4 wins and a draw against the leaders of the Australian conference, The Brumbies. Some may say that 4 wins and a draw is not all that impressive but once you examine the nature of these results one can see that the Reds are truly back on their horse!

To reverse a 24-6 belting they received at the hands of the Brumbies in round 1 to draw 19-19 in Brisbane - a match they were unlucky not to win - was their worse result after all! A first ever clean sweep over the New Zealand conference is the pick of the Reds revival with home wins over the Hurricanes and the Blues and impressive away wins over the defending champions the Chiefs and the Highlanders. Add to that a win at home to the South African conference leading Bulls and there is not much that stands in the way of the Reds repeating their 2011 triumph in this vain of form.

It is not as if the off-field soap opera has stopped at the Reds either. Head coach Ewen McKenzie has officially announced that he will step down at the end of the season and Digby Ioane's future for next season looks like it lies in France, yet these factors were not enough to affect the Reds performances in recent weeks.

So with 37 points seeing them comfortably sitting in 4th spot, a mere 3 points behind the conference leading Brumbies, it looks like the Reds have yet again established themselves as a serious contender for the Super Rugby title in 2013.

- Vladimir Aleksov

Rugby League - The English are Coming!

Lee Mossop, Gareth Hock and Mike Cooper

These are three names the average Australian Rugby League fan has never heard of. But in England they are three of the best forwards in the European Super League. What they all have in common however is that they have all signed with National Rugby League clubs in the past week. Hock and Mossop have signed for the bottom dwelling Parramatta Eels and Cooper has signed for the St George Illawarra Dragons.

In doing so these players have signaled the start of the English exodus to the NRL. With the increased NRL salary cap the trend of Australian players leaving the NRL for Super League are fast becoming over. Top English players will now be chasing the cash found in NRL contracts. England's best player Sam Tomkins is expected to be the next to join the exodus with the Warriors, Titans and Roosters all chasing his signature.

But was are the consequences in this?

Well the standard of the Australian game will only get stronger with the best Australian, New Zealand and English players all plying their trade in the down under in the NRL. This will lead to more fringe first graders getting less game time as NRL clubs look to bolster their squads with seasoned English players rather than fringe first graders. In England the local game will suffer as England's best leave. However in the long run, this will lead to English clubs developing more first graders for the English game, thus improving their depth.

The English National Rugby League team may benefit the most from the exodus. As their best players ply their trade in the NRL they will become battle hardened and will bring that experience back to the national side as they try to compete with Australia and New Zealand.

William Le Messurier

Marquees - Are They Worth The Money?

The 2012-13 season of the A-league has widely been acclaimed as the best season since the the inaugural season in 2005-06. Crowds have soared dramatically, atmosphere within grounds is feverish and most importantly, the game is starting to get relative positive mainstream coverage (shock, horror !). 

I could be diplomatic and say that the administrative capabilities of David Gallop taking over from Ben Buckley was a highly instrumental factor. But let's be serious here.

It was all about the marquees this season. So in answer to the question in the title, yes, a resounding yes but only under certain circumstances however. One just has to look at the dynamic impact of Alessandro Del Piero, Emile Heskey and Shinji Ono this season. 

The impact of ADP is just staggering for Sydney FC. Despite being signed on a two-year contract worth 2 million per season, the matter of fact that he has been excelling despite playing in an under-performing squad has seen SFC see a monetary return. 

• Approx. 500k AUD in SFC merchandise was purchased on the first home match against Newcastle Jets
• Reported that SFC have accrued AUD 5 Million in revenue, selling the past 3 seasons worth of merchandise in 1 season
• Tallying the highest home figures on their away games for every side bar Melbourne Victory, Melbourne Heart and Newcastle Jets.
• SFC are responsible for 42% of the A-league's total viewership
• A lucrative broadcasting deal with RAI in Italy to broadcast all SFC matches - such is the appeal of Del Piero.
• 18.5k average for season crowds in 12/13, an increase of approx 6k.

Heskey definitely drew in those interested in the EPL whilst Ono displayed his technical qualities to gain himself credibility.

But have all marquees been successful in the history of the A-league? Quite frankly, no.

Let's cut to the chase, despite the improved quality of the A-league we will always hold the European leagues in higher regard. Those are the superstars, we only have potential superstars and even then that's not even certain. Hence when the seasoned pro's come over, many will be interested. Dwight Yorke, Juninho and Robbie Fowler are great examples.

But for every Yorke, there is a Mario Jardel. Unfit, overpaid and goal-less. Not exactly the best example of a marquee in a fledgling competition. Even with Juninho, he struggled with injuries that limited his appearances. Romario should have been an excellent marquee, if the a league existed in the 1990s. Signed at 40 purely for the gimmick of getting his '1000th' goal, which possessed none of the aesthetics of his famed goals in his peak.

But why did clubs go back to marquees if there was a risk of producing another Jardel or Romario? Simply put, many of the fans of soccer in Australia can be described as 'eurosnobs'. As in, fanatical about the European leagues and will outlandishly claim some sort of superficial link to their clubs (the best are the Man United fans) but refuse to provide any support to the domestic league, when their attendance would truly be appreciated. Especially in a league where some teams need to hit 15k to break even (the league average for this season is 12.5k, only two clubs averaged OVER 15k.) Unfortunately, if the games wanted to broaden its appeal, it has to cater to as many demographics as possible and the eurosnobs are one of many subgroups.

However, due to the success of this season, many former-eurosnobs that I keep regularly contact with have grown to accept the flaws of the A-league and appreciate its charm, many thanks to the marquees of course.

Despite my personal insistence on developing and nurturing local talent before they (eventually) head off to one of the many European leagues, marquees are vital in attracting higher crowds (hell, us soccer nuts are giving the NRL a chase at times, again if only Johnny Warren was still here to see this...). I've compiled a short list of marquees which I think are worth pursuing:

• Park Ji-Sung - the popularity of the man in both Korea and Korean expatriates is staggering. Sign him up and you will get almost every Korean possible in any of the towns/cities where an A-league team is situated inside the stadium.
• Marcus Tulio Tanaka - This one falls under the Ono category. Obviously not a well-known name, only those interested in Asian soccer. After Keisuke Honda, the stand-out performer in the Japanese team in the 2010 World Cup. Great tackler, composed and a powerful header, a nuisance in set pieces.
• Frank Lampard - Wishful thinking I know, but despite the age of the bloke he is still in pristine form (13 goals this season!). If you though ADP brought people in, expect whatever he club signed with to exceed the levels of pandemonium ADP brought along.

The marquees are here to stay. But the most important thing is that they help the game progress instead of widening their paychecks. And hopefully the eurosnobs stick around for a just a little longer.

- Aaron Wong

AFL in New Zealand?

Australian Rules football in New Zealand dates back to the late 19^th century and was quite popular at the time. 1908 saw a touring New Zealand team defeat teams from both New South Wales and Queensland in Melbourne. The growth of the game was healthy until the First World War when sport in the country grinded to a halt. Aussie Rules never recovered after the war with the whole country fixated on Rugby Union

However, its popularity in the last decade or so has significantly increased in New Zealand. For example, Kiwikick was recently established as the kiwi equivalent of Auskick in Australia, the AFL’s development program for children.

A future for AFL in New Zealand?
(Source: AFLNZ)

ANZAC Day 2013 marked the first competitive game of AFL played outside of Australia.

Prior to the Swan’s sixteen point victory in the game against St Kilda, forward Adam Goodes drew on similarities between his team and the beloved All Blacks at a press conference in Wellington.

“I think if people are coming to watch the Swannies play for the first time and they’ve never seen us or didn’t see the grand final last year, we like to play our game like the All Blacks, which is hard and tough and for the full 90 minutes - which in our game is 120 minutes,” he said

However, Goodes stated that he doesn’t want conflict with Union lovers caused by the game being played in New Zealand, but rather showcasing and sharing the sport with Australia’s neighbours across the Tasman.

In reference again to All Black players, Goods said “it’s one thing that quite scares me to be honest, is to have one of those boys tackle me, but we’re not over here to poach players or anything like that, we just want to share our great game that we love in Australia and that we play so proudly, like the All Blacks play rugby union over here.”

Divided Opinion - Can the AFL coexist with Rugby Union in NZ?
(Source: The Age)

Just like the A-League and the NRL, could we see a team from New Zealand playing in the AFL in the near future?

With over 50 countries having clubs or leagues which play regularly, the game certainly has an international appeal.

- Lachlan Lewis

Johnny Warren, 1943 - 2004

"I told you so."

The almighty quote of Johnny Warren. Four words, preached as gospel to the believers. Four simple words, allowing his legacy to permeate forever in Australian soccer.

The impact of Warren can be seen in his influence on the game; both as a player and a mediator. Despite Harry Kewell being voted as Australia's greatest player in the code, without Johnny Warren and his passionate, selfless and endless promotion of the game, he and a multitude of Australian kids would be compelled to take up the round ball.

I like to think of Warren as Australia's Bill Shankly.

Shankly is best known as the man who is responsible for the resurrection of Liverpool. Taking charge of Liverpool in 1959 when Liverpool languished in the former Second Division of English, Shankly helped overhaul the problems of the club. Shankly helped facilitate many facets that have become known as the 'Liverpool Way' including, a passing/possession-based game, the famous all-red kit and more importantly laying down the foundations needed to help usher in an era of Liverpool's almighty dominance of English and European football. 

Shankly loved Liverpool, the city and they loved him. 

Despite the unheralded nature of Warren's tenure as a manager, it his influence on Australian soccer and future generations to this very day that leads to me to the Shankly reference.

Prior to the household names of Kewell, Viduka, Schwarzer, Cahill and Bosnich, Johnny Warren was truly the household figure of Australian soccer. He was the tireless cheerleader of the game despite all the negative perceptions of the game. He stood as the defiant Anglo-Australian when soccer was always derided as "that game for wogs." Dissatisfied with Australia's lack of success due to a lack of emphasis, he always held firm to the believe Australia had the potential to become a world power due to the sporting passion that is inherent within our culture.

Similar to Shankly's undying and immortalized influence on Liverpool, Warren's influence can be seen through:

• Being a part of the Crawford Report. The report was influential on many fronts as it allowed a revamp of the game in Australia. The Crawford Report helped launch the A-League and Australia joining joining the Asian Football Confederation.
• Breaking away from the Oceania Football Confederation and joining the Asian Football Confederation. Due to Australia's sheer dominance of the region, Warren believed the region did not allow Australia be competitive, instead being caught in a lull of complacency unless it faced regular challenging competition.
• Old soccer, new football. As Warren insisted that soccer be called football, the game has seen commentators slowly shift towards calling it that.
• The Johnny Warren Medal. The medal is awarded to player acknowledged by his fellow professional peers as the best of the season.

It is just a touch ironic and cruel that many of the changes that Warren spent his whole life advocating for would be achieved after he succumbed to lung cancer in 2004. One particular fond memory was when Australia finally broke its 31 year FIFA World Cup exile in 2005 when commentator Craig Foster subconsciously screamed "Johnny Warren!!!"  

But this only allows Warren's legacy to remain everlasting and allow the Australian soccer public remain appreciative of his efforts. At least at every A-League grand final a sign paying tribute to Warren will be displayed.

Johnny Warren will always be seen as the godfather of Australian soccer. RIP, he told us so.

- Aaron Wong

Lions Tour of Australia 2013 – How the Wallabies May Line-Up Come June

The Lions are already gearing up for their tour of Australia

With the Super Rugby season half way towards its completion there has been an increasing amount of talk surrounding who will be in the Wallabies team come June when they go face to face with the British and Irish Lions for the first time in 12 years.

Obviously two factors come in to consideration whilst selecting players for this test series: 1) Current Super Rugby form and 2) Past experience and reputation.

From all the players currently available for selection the strongest XV for the Wallabies would look something like this:

15. Jesse Mogg (Brumbies) – On form is not only the most impressive fullback in the Australian conference but the most impressive player in general.

14. Dom Shipperley (Reds) – Edges Nick Cummins at right wing in a real 50/50 situation, mainly due to the number of other Reds in the starting lineup. The young speedster was impressive when he got a chance to perform in the Rugby Championship last year.

13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs) – The best centre in Australian rugby without a doubt. One of the few undisputed world-class players in the side.

12. Pat McCabe (Brumbies) – Compliments Ashley-Cooper brilliantly. His direct and hard working approach both in attack and defence regularly leaves time and space for those around him to perform at their peak.

11. Digby Ioane (Reds) – In mainly due to the consistent injuries suffered by Drew Mitchell and the inexperience of the best Australian left winger in Super Rugby thus far, Joseph Tomane.

10. James O’Connor (Rebels) – Like Ioane, somewhat in the squad by default. Barnes’ injury coupled with the off field troubles of Cooper and Beale make O’Connor the outstanding favorite to be wearing the no.10 jersey come June.

9. Will Genia (Reds) – Is Australia’s best player at the present moment and has been in the past as well. The best no.9 in the world when in top form.

8. Ben Mowen (Brumbies) – Ever improving in both attack and defence even at the age of 28. An extremely hard working and physical player who has also shown leadership skills in recent seasons.

Will We See Smith Wear the Green and Gold Once Again?

7. George Smith (Brumbies) – Arguably the best openside flanker Australia has ever produced. The cliché “form is temporary, class is permanent” applies to Smith more than any other player in this Wallabies lineup.

6. Dave Dennis (Waratahs) – Much like Mowen, Dennis is a hard working and consistent performer. A well-rounded player who never lets his team down.

5. James Horwill (Reds) – Quite simply the best lock in Australian rugby at the moment.

4. Sitaleki Timani (Waratahs) – Although vulnerable on set pieces, he brings an attacking threat with ball in hand and is also known to batter a player or two when defending, something which will be needed against the physical nature of the Lions.

3. Ben Alexander (Brumbies) – Has been a mainstay in both the Brumbies and Wallabies front row for a long time now.

2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies) – Much more reliable than Polota-Nau, especially on set pieces.

1. James Slipper (Reds) – Provides much more mobility and attacking threat than his competitors, notably Kepu and Robinson.

Substitutes: 16. Tatafu Polota-Nau (Waratahs) 17. Sekope Kepu (Waratahs) 18. Rob Simmons (Reds) 19. Michael Hooper (Waratahs) 20. Wycliff Palu (Waratahs) 21. Nick Phipps (Rebels) 22. Christian Leali’ifano (Brumbies).

James Horwill, with Will Genia being his understudy, will no doubt captain the side especially considering the long term injury to David Pocock.

Notable mentions for players who may end up making the final 22 include Liam Gill (Reds), Scott Higginbotham (Rebels), Nic White (Brumbies), Nick Cummins (Force), Joseph Tomane (Brumbies) and Israel Folau (Waratahs).

- Vladimir Aleksov

Swans having a feather flutter

The reigning premiers, the Sydney Swans, have started the 2013 AFL season in first gear.

A lacklustre pre-season was evident in opening round of the NAB Cup at Blacktown, in an upset against Carlton, let alone the GWS Giants as well. Although the Swans were missing key premiership stars, including Adam Goodes and Josh Kennedy, the other teams were also fielding younger, inexperienced players.

Some of their senior players are yet to overcome the last year's grand final hangover. The best example is Lewis Jetta, who has kicked just two goals and averaged only 9.5 possessions through four games.

Lewis Jetta struggling to find his 2012 form
(Source: News Limited)

However, it is fair to say that there has been noticeable improvement from many players, particularly Canadian rugby union convert Mike Pike.

The Swans have enjoyed easy victories against low ranking teams to begin the season, making last Friday night’s game a real wake-up call with a 21 point loss against a stronger Geelong. Adding to the Swan’s concerns, big ruckman Lewis Roberts-Thomson was left on the sidelines with a right knee injury during the second quarter of the game. This now places him in doubt for several weeks, as he is scheduled for arthroscopic surgery.

In their current form it is questionable whether or not the Swans will be able to come away with a win in this week’s game against a solid St Kilda side. Some media sources are tipping a loss for the historic ANZAC day clash which will be played in New Zealand on Thursday. More to come on this story.


- Lachlan Lewis