Super Rugby Pacific is set to kick off on Friday night, with 12 teams from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga competing for the coveted trophy. The new competition promises to deliver exciting and high-quality rugby, as well as showcasing the talent and diversity of the Pacific region. Here are some of the key factors and players that will shape the 2024 season.
The Australian revival
After a dismal 2023 World Cup campaign, Australian rugby is in desperate need of a resurgence. The Wallabies finished last in their pool, losing to Wales, Fiji and Uruguay, and failed to qualify for the knockout stages for the first time in history. The coach, Dave Rennie, resigned after the tournament, and was replaced by former Brumbies mentor Dan McKellar. McKellar has a tough task ahead of him, as he tries to rebuild the confidence and culture of the national team, as well as prepare for the British and Irish Lions tour in 2025.
One of the main challenges for McKellar is to identify and develop the next generation of Wallabies, who can compete with the best in the world. Super Rugby Pacific will be a crucial platform for this, as it will expose the Australian players to a higher level of competition and intensity than the domestic Super Rugby AU. The Australian teams will have to face the likes of the Crusaders, the Blues, the Chiefs and the Highlanders, who have dominated Super Rugby in recent years, as well as the new additions of the Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika, who will bring their flair and physicality to the mix.
The Australian teams will also have to overcome the psychological barrier of playing against their trans-Tasman rivals, who have had the upper hand for a long time. In 2023, the Australian teams lost all 25 matches against the New Zealand teams in Super Rugby Trans-Tasman, with an average margin of 26 points. This was a humiliating and demoralising result, which highlighted the gap between the two nations. The Australian teams will have to show more resilience, competitiveness and creativity, if they want to challenge the Kiwis and earn respect.
Some of the players who will be key to the Australian revival are:
- James O’Connor: The Reds captain and fly-half is one of the most experienced and versatile players in Australian rugby. He has played 60 Tests for the Wallabies, and has featured in three World Cups. He is also one of the few Australian players who has won a Super Rugby title, with the Reds in 2011. O’Connor is a natural leader, who can control the game with his vision, skill and decision-making. He is also a reliable goal-kicker, who can slot points from anywhere on the field. O’Connor will be vital for the Reds, who are aiming to defend their Super Rugby AU title, and challenge for the Super Rugby Pacific crown.
- Rob Valetini: The Brumbies flanker is one of the most promising and powerful forwards in Australian rugby. He has played 18 Tests for the Wallabies, and was one of the few bright spots in their World Cup campaign. He is a dynamic and destructive ball-carrier, who can break tackles and make metres. He is also a strong defender, who can make big hits and turnovers. Valetini will be a key weapon for the Brumbies, who are looking to bounce back from their Super Rugby AU final loss to the Reds, and reclaim their status as the best Australian team.
- Jordan Petaia: The Reds winger is one of the most exciting and explosive backs in Australian rugby. He has played 11 Tests for the Wallabies, and scored four tries, including a stunning solo effort against Uruguay in the World Cup. He is a gifted and elusive runner, who can beat defenders with his pace, footwork and power. He is also a solid defender, who can make try-saving tackles and interceptions. Petaia will be a major threat for the Reds, who have a potent backline that can score from anywhere on the field.
The New Zealand dominance
New Zealand rugby has been the benchmark for excellence and consistency for a long time. The All Blacks have won three World Cups, and are the current champions, having defeated South Africa in the 2023 final. The New Zealand teams have also dominated Super Rugby, winning 18 of the 25 titles, and producing some of the best players and coaches in the world. The New Zealand teams will be the favourites to win the Super Rugby Pacific title, as they have the depth, quality and experience to overcome any challenge.
One of the main advantages for the New Zealand teams is their culture and identity, which is based on teamwork, excellence and innovation. The New Zealand teams have a clear and coherent vision of how they want to play the game, which is aligned with the national team’s philosophy. They also have a strong and supportive system, which nurtures and develops the players from a young age, and provides them with the best facilities, resources and opportunities. The New Zealand teams also have a competitive and collaborative environment, which pushes them to improve and learn from each other.
Some of the players who will be key to the New Zealand dominance are:
- Richie Mo’unga: The Crusaders fly-half is one of the best and most influential players in world rugby. He has played 28 Tests for the All Blacks, and has scored 246 points, including 10 tries. He is also a three-time Super Rugby champion, and a two-time Super Rugby player of the year. Mo’unga is a masterful playmaker, who can dictate the game with his passing, kicking and running. He is also a confident and composed leader, who can inspire and motivate his teammates. Mo’unga will be crucial for the Crusaders, who are aiming to win their sixth consecutive Super Rugby title, and extend their dynasty.
- Ardie Savea: The Hurricanes captain and flanker is one of the most dynamic and versatile players in world rugby. He has played 54 Tests for the All Blacks, and has scored 13 tries, including a crucial one in the World Cup final. He is also a two-time nominee for the World Rugby player of the year award. Savea is a relentless and fearless ball-carrier, who can burst through gaps and fend off defenders. He is also a tireless and tenacious defender, who can make tackles and turnovers. Savea will be vital for the Hurricanes, who are looking to challenge for the Super Rugby Pacific title, and end their five-year drought.
- Will Jordan: The Crusaders winger is one of the most prolific and exciting players in world rugby. He has played 12 Tests for the All Blacks, and has scored 14 tries, including a record-equalling six in one match against Italy in the World Cup. He is also the reigning Super Rugby player of the year, and the top try-scorer in Super Rugby Trans-Tasman, with 15 tries in six games. Jordan is a lethal and instinctive finisher, who can score from any situation and position. He is also a skilful and intelligent player, who can create opportunities and space for himself and others. Jordan will be a major weapon for the Crusaders, who have a formidable and balanced team that can dominate in all aspects of the game.
The Pacific newcomers
Super Rugby Pacific will feature two new teams from the Pacific Islands, who will add more diversity and excitement to the competition. The Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika will join the 10 existing teams from Australia and New Zealand, and will bring their own style and flair to the mix. The new teams will also provide more opportunities and exposure for the Pacific players, who have often been overlooked or underrepresented in the past. The new teams will also boost the popularity and profile of rugby in the Pacific region, which has a rich and passionate rugby culture.
The Fijian Drua are the first professional rugby team from Fiji, and will be based in Suva. The Drua have previously competed in the National Rugby Championship, the second-tier competition in Australia, and won the title in 2018. The Drua will play an attractive and entertaining brand of rugby, which is based on speed, skill and flair. The Drua will also have a strong and physical pack, which can match any team in the scrum and lineout. The Drua will be coached by former Fiji sevens coach Ben Ryan, who led Fiji to their first Olympic gold medal in 2016.
Some of the players who will be key to the Fijian Drua are:
- Frank Lomani: The Drua captain and scrum-half is one of the most experienced and respected players in Fiji. He has played 19 Tests for the Flying Fijians, and has scored four tries. He is also a former Fiji sevens player, and a two-time Olympian. Lomani is a quick and clever scrum-half, who can control the tempo and direction of the game. He is also a strong and brave defender, who can make tackles and turnovers. Lomani will be crucial for the Drua, who will rely on his leadership and guidance on and off the field.
- Leone Nakarawa: The Drua lock is one of the most decorated and talented players in Fiji. He has played 69 Tests for the Flying Fijians, and has scored 16 tries. He is also a two-time World Rugby player of the year nominee, and a two-time Olympian. Nakarawa is a phenomenal and unique lock, who can run, pass and offload like a back. He is also a dominant
