This Friday, Super Rugby kicks off for the 4 Australian teams, 5 New Zealand teams and the team from Japan. The Stormers, Jaguares, Lions and Sharks got the comp up and running last weekend in games that saw close wins for the Stormers and the Lions. The Stormers beat the Jaguares 28-20 at Newlands while the Lions beat the Sharks 26-19 at Ellis Park.
It's a massive year ahead for Aussie teams this year. Last year contained 46 games against overseas teams for 6 wins, one draw and 39 losses. It was the definition of unacceptable and improvement must come. The Waratahs get first crack at beating an overseas team when they face the Stormers on Saturday. The Tahs have been talked up as they generally almost always are here.
My hope is that the Reds will improve under the tutelage of Brad Thorn. Thorn coached the QLD under 20's team to two unbeaten seasons winning 2 super u 20 titles and an NRC title with QLD Country but coaching a Super rugby team is big step up. No Quade Cooper this year in Reds colours which has caused debate as you'd expect. It's certainly a decision that will define Thorn's reign for better or for worse. I'm big bad Brad on this but it could end up leading with him having egg on his face.