Rebels 2012, the ‘Real Madrid’ of Super Rugby?
It was finally announced yesterday that James O’Connor will join close friend Kurtley Beale at the Rebels in Super Rugby season 2012. O’Connor and Beale are seen as the bright future of Australian Rugby, both in anyone’s starting XV for the Wallabies. They join a backline full of other big names (Phipps, Cipriani, Mortlock, Gerrard…); however will the Rebels “suffer” the tag of being the Real Madrid of Super Rugby?
Source: Fairfax Media
It’s something the Brumbies know all too much about.
In 2010 the Brumbies successfully lured Matt Giteau and Rocky Elsom back to Canberra (from Perth and Europe respectively). They combined to form a roster with 13 players on ARU contracts, the most of any province at the time. Fittingly, they were dubbed the ‘Real Madrid’ of Australian Rugby at the time.
When the dust settled on the 2010 Super 14 season, the ‘Real Madrid’ of Super Rugby had finished 6th on the table, unfortunately missing out on the finals series. We all know about the subsequent events in season 2011.
For the Rebels in 2012, the “yard stick” would be a much improved result of winning the dreaded wooden spoon. To keep things in perspective though, the Rebels exceeded all expectations in 2011, obtaining three wins (their 1st ironically against the Brumbies in round 2).
By their own standards, the players would admittedly be disappointed with some performances, missed tackles, wasted opportunities etc. Especially for a team who highly respect their fans and are in turn respected by their fans.
Moving forward a season, the Rebels can expect greater expectation from their fans, which is understandable, as well as the forever critical media (especially those north of the border). The addition of Beale and O’Connor magnifies this (the pros outweigh the cons). Both can also expect potential individual pressure, again by the forever critical media. Obviously this comes with the territory.
This brings us to the million dollar question, at the start of every season: “What is an acceptable pass mark for the Rebels?”
In season 2011, it was simply being competitive, which was lacking at times (coming from a loyal supporter). The Rebels of 2012 will be more youthful, skillful and have a ‘knack’ for flair then its counterpart in 2011. This is even more signified with Hill stepping up to replace Macqueen in the coach’s box.
Ideally the Rebels should get the four points against some of its great Australian rivals (Brumbies and Force) and the lesser performing sides from 2011 (Chiefs, Lions and Cheetahs). The best indication of improvement would be to claim victories against teams that were pushed at times in 2011, such as the Sharks, Waratahs and the Reds (cue the “when?” comments).
Team cohesion aside, the best insight supporters will get, will come in the upcoming Tri-Nations series and subsequent World Cup. As I eluded too earlier, Beale and O’Connor are expected to be in the starting XV, with Phipps, Mortlock and Gerrard potential bolters. Cipriani is also a liklihood, provided Martin Johnson can put aside was is seen as a petty gripe.
Unfortunately, the Rugby world will have to wait 7-8 months to truly see if the Rebels of 2011 will revel or “suffer” as the ‘Real Madrid’ of Super Rugby in 2012.
Well said, Nev.
) ). As you say, the fans (and I) will expect great improvement in 2012. If this doesn’t materialize, I fear the membership levels will start to dwindle. Given the astute way the Rebels management ran the inaugural season, I have no doubt that they know this and will be doing everything possible to ensure a significant improvement in the team’s on-field performance (not to mention improvements in the 2013 membership packages if this fails), but it will be down to the individual players to look within, find that x-factor, and then apply it to the team as a whole. However well this is done, I think we’re in for a hell of a ride.
You have captured exactly what is going on in my head.
I have great hopes for 2012 (but then again, I’m on record as saying I thought we’d finish in the top 6, after our pre-season performance, this year!
May I also suggest a tradition is started next year? We did the rebel march to the first game in season 2011. What-say we start a tradition of doing this on the first home-game of every season? Just a suggestion for us all to ponder and discuss over the summer, perhaps.
Keep yelling!
JC
Thanks Busta, its Gav though.
I think all fans want next year is a more competitive effort, improvement simply. Team cohesion is always the biggest challenge, I think it will a quicker adjustment this time around.
That being said I’d love to beat the Tahs.
I think our first game will be away in Sydney, my best guess. We want 40 people to travel up there this time.
Sorry, Gav…
Yes 40+ people in Sydney would be awesome. I’d still like to see us traditionally march from Fed Square to the Stockade for the first home game. We had such fun this year and I’d really like to do it every year. Could become quite big over the years
CHeers,
JC.
There’s no way Mortlock is getting a call-up. Respect to snorky, he’s still big in defence, but he’s not the player he once was.
People talk about Saffy as a chance for the training squad. That would be good.
Our back line next year ought to be sensational. Phipps, Cips, O’Connor, Inman, Morty, Gerrardo, Beale. Whoa boy!
Now if only someone can teach ‘em how to tackle…
And our tight five aren’t anything to write home about either…
As you point out, Saffy will most likely make the training squad. He’ll unfortunately find it hard to beat the likes of Palu, Hodgson, Robinson and obviously Pocock.
Mortlock is still a chance, especially when it comes to the Sonny Bill factor. Australia really doesn’t have a good solid inside centre at the moment.
While our backline looks good on paper, I think the best thing we can hope for as supporters, is a more competitive effort on the field. This is the point of the article. Guess I should make that bleeding obvious next time.
I didn’t march this year, but will most certainly march in 2012 and will be in Sydney for game one (if it is an away game). The recent signings are exciting, but I’m also nervous… the expectations will be greater. Whatever happens, I’m in there for the long haul, not just in times of fair weather.
Keep tuned guys. We want to hopefully run a fan forum in the off season. A meeting of great supporter minds you could call it.