Latest news with #Larkham
The Age
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Age
Why the Brumbies have been dudded by new Super Rugby playoffs system
It seems highly unfair, but that's the system put in place by Super Rugby Pacific, which determines that the only punishment for the Chiefs losing is being 'penalised one seeding place'. The system is designed to offer a reward to the team that finishes as minor premiers, but a look through Super Rugby's history shows it is double-dipping and overkill. The valuable reward for finishing first in Super Rugby has always been having the ability to go on and host the final, as long as you keep winning. In a competition involving long-haul travel, stats show hosting the final is akin to having one hand on the trophy. In 27 competitions since 1996, the minor premiers have won 19 times. (And counting the COVID-era comps, it's 25 from 33). The team finishing second has won six times, meaning there have only ever been two winners from outside the top two - the Crusaders (3rd) in 1999, and the Highlanders (4th) in 2015. Playing at home deep into the Super Rugby finals has an outsized advantage. The home team has won 49 of 58 semi-finals since 1996 - and most road wins were achieved by domestic rivals. No overseas team has ever won a semi-final in New Zealand. So the Brumbies will have a steeply uphill assignment to get the win in Hamilton next week. No Australian side has ever won a playoff after a flight across the Tasman, and the Brumbies have been beaten in New Zealand in the semi-finals for the last three seasons. They have themselves to blame for dropping games and not finishing in the top two. And the bizarre part is that if they beat the Chiefs, and the Blues somehow end the Crusaders' run of 30 straight finals wins at home, the Brumbies would then host the final. But armed with their generous get-out-of-jail-free card, the Chiefs could also still host the final, too. The more cogent system would either be giving the top two teams a week off before the semi-finals, or just observing the basic principle of rewarding winners. The minor premiers, who will rarely lose in this fashion, undoubtedly deserve a second chance. But in a competition where hosting a home final has proven so advantageous, it's too much to give a losing team two bites at the playing-at-home cherry. Asked about the system post-game, diplomatic Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said he was okay with it, but was no doubt also aware about not sending signals about the Hamilton trip being mission impossible. 'There needs to be a reward for a team that finishes first,' Larkham said. 'Otherwise, they're just like everyone else in the qualifying finals. They've been outstanding all year.' Loading The Brumbies are determined to 'go one better' than their last three campaigns, and they can draw from the fact that they are the only Australian side to have won finals overseas. With Larkham as backs coach and now-forwards coach Ben Mowen as captain, the Brumbies beat the Bulls in a 2013 semi in Pretoria, and they also won in Cape Town in a quarter-final in 2015. Though they didn't plan to talk about it if the Blues won and turned their final into a knockout game, players heard the news via the GIO Stadium loudspeaker during warm-ups. 'I thought we were really calm going into the game,' Larkham said. 'We spoke about controlling our emotions in finals footy and yeah, when it was announced over the loudspeaker, it could have been easy for the guys to start panicking.
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
Why the Brumbies have been dudded by new Super Rugby playoffs system
It seems highly unfair, but that's the system put in place by Super Rugby Pacific, which determines that the only punishment for the Chiefs losing is being 'penalised one seeding place'. The system is designed to offer a reward to the team that finishes as minor premiers, but a look through Super Rugby's history shows it is double-dipping and overkill. The valuable reward for finishing first in Super Rugby has always been having the ability to go on and host the final, as long as you keep winning. In a competition involving long-haul travel, stats show hosting the final is akin to having one hand on the trophy. In 27 competitions since 1996, the minor premiers have won 19 times. (And counting the COVID-era comps, it's 25 from 33). The team finishing second has won six times, meaning there have only ever been two winners from outside the top two - the Crusaders (3rd) in 1999, and the Highlanders (4th) in 2015. Playing at home deep into the Super Rugby finals has an outsized advantage. The home team has won 49 of 58 semi-finals since 1996 - and most road wins were achieved by domestic rivals. No overseas team has ever won a semi-final in New Zealand. So the Brumbies will have a steeply uphill assignment to get the win in Hamilton next week. No Australian side has ever won a playoff after a flight across the Tasman, and the Brumbies have been beaten in New Zealand in the semi-finals for the last three seasons. They have themselves to blame for dropping games and not finishing in the top two. And the bizarre part is that if they beat the Chiefs, and the Blues somehow end the Crusaders' run of 30 straight finals wins at home, the Brumbies would then host the final. But armed with their generous get-out-of-jail-free card, the Chiefs could also still host the final, too. The more cogent system would either be giving the top two teams a week off before the semi-finals, or just observing the basic principle of rewarding winners. The minor premiers, who will rarely lose in this fashion, undoubtedly deserve a second chance. But in a competition where hosting a home final has proven so advantageous, it's too much to give a losing team two bites at the playing-at-home cherry. Asked about the system post-game, diplomatic Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said he was okay with it, but was no doubt also aware about not sending signals about the Hamilton trip being mission impossible. 'There needs to be a reward for a team that finishes first,' Larkham said. 'Otherwise, they're just like everyone else in the qualifying finals. They've been outstanding all year.' Loading The Brumbies are determined to 'go one better' than their last three campaigns, and they can draw from the fact that they are the only Australian side to have won finals overseas. With Larkham as backs coach and now-forwards coach Ben Mowen as captain, the Brumbies beat the Bulls in a 2013 semi in Pretoria, and they also won in Cape Town in a quarter-final in 2015. Though they didn't plan to talk about it if the Blues won and turned their final into a knockout game, players heard the news via the GIO Stadium loudspeaker during warm-ups. 'I thought we were really calm going into the game,' Larkham said. 'We spoke about controlling our emotions in finals footy and yeah, when it was announced over the loudspeaker, it could have been easy for the guys to start panicking.
France 24
2 days ago
- Sport
- France 24
Brumbies eye set-piece masterclass to snap New Zealand hoodoo
The Canberra side is once again shouldering Australian hopes in the southern hemisphere competition after a 35-28 win over the in-form Wellington Hurricanes on Saturday thrust them into the final four. It set up a showdown in Hamilton on Saturday with the Chiefs, who have been the standout club all season but suffered a 20-19 defeat to the defending champion Auckland Blues in their elimination final. The Chiefs nevertheless lived to fight another day as the highest-seeded loser under a revamped play-off system. The Brumbies last won a Super Rugby title in 2004 and to keep alive their hopes of matching the feat they must avoid a fourth straight semi-final exit against a New Zealand club. They were ousted by the Blues last year and in 2022, while the Chiefs spoiled the party in 2023. "The process this year has been about going one better than last year, so there's a big challenge in front of us against the Chiefs in Hamilton," said Larkham. "We've been in this situation multiple times through the Brumbies' career. "Very happy that we've won the game, but we know that there's a lot of work to do." The Brumbies were lethal in Canberra against the Hurricanes when given a sniff in the opposing 22, with their tried-and-tested rolling mauls and pick-and-drives from lineouts paying dividends. Four of their five tries came from front-rowers. "We're not experts in winning finals, but certainly feel that having a good set-piece is going to go a long way to winning finals games and we saw that (against the 'Canes)," he said. "I thought our scrum was outstanding. Our lineout let us down a little bit and put us under the pump a little bit with turnover ball. "But obviously those two opportunities there from the maul put 14 points on the board for us." The Brumbies slipped behind to an early Hurricanes try but levelled the game when hooker Billy Pollard finished off a patient trademark rolling maul. © 2025 AFP
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Larkham wants proof Brumbies on track for Super title
Coach Stephen Larkham has no qualms about bringing Brumbies captain Allan Alaalatoa back from injury to face the Hurricanes despite the possibility of the Super Rugby Pacific qualifying final being a dead rubber. Alaalatoa missed their final-round loss to the Crusaders with a calf strain, but Larkham says his leadership is vital as the Brumbies look to see off the Hurricanes on Saturday night in Canberra. "He's had a good week so ticked everything off in terms of all the rehab markers with his strength, running, contact so he's ready to go," Larkham said of the Wallabies prop. "He's always been an outstanding rugby player but the leadership qualities that he brings to the team, the confidence that he gives the other players is certainly something that we're going to benefit from this weekend." In a quirk of the new six-team finals system and the scheduling of the finals, the third-placed Brumbies will know before kick-off whether they have a place in the semi-finals. There are three qualifying finals and all winners plus the top-ranked loser will advance. But Larkham said the Brumbies wanted to field their best team available and target a win regardless of the outcome of the other matches. "We are the last game this weekend but we've been pretty firm on making sure that we get a good performance out there on the field so irrespective of the other results we need to know that we're playing well," the coach said on Wednesday. "We can't get distracted by these other games and the other results. "The most important thing for us right now is to focus on our preparation so that we can have our best performance this weekend and either way we're going out there to try and win the game." In the only change to the starting side, Feao Fotuaika, who scored in the 33-31 loss to the Crusaders, will make way for Alaalatoa and return to the bench, bumping Rhys Van Nek out of the squad. Larkham said his team wanted a better first half after they trailed the Crusaders 14-25 at halftime while they were also down at the break in their last clash with the Hurricanes, which they also lost. He said with the Kiwi teams playing a similar fast and physical style, the Brumbies would be ready. "They're a physical side, the contests at the breakdown are very similar to Crusaders," Larkham said. "They're very good with the ball in hand, they've got dangerous threats around the ruck ... and they've got the ability to shift the ball quite well. "We've come across teams that play this way a few times this year and hopefully that's put us in a good position to play well this weekend." Brumbies: James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright. Reserves: Lachlan Lonergan, Lington Ieli, Feao Fotuaika, Lachlan Shaw, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Ollie Sapsford. Hurricanes: Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Tyrel Lomax, Zach Gallagher, Caleb Delany, Devan Flanders, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard, Brett Cameron, Fatafehi Fineanganofo, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Billy Proctor, Bailyn Sullivan, Ruben Love. Reserves: Raymond Tuputupu, Tevita Mafileo, Pasilio Tosi, Hugo Plummer, Brad Shields, Ereatara Enari, Ngatungane Punivai, Callum Harkin. Coach Stephen Larkham has no qualms about bringing Brumbies captain Allan Alaalatoa back from injury to face the Hurricanes despite the possibility of the Super Rugby Pacific qualifying final being a dead rubber. Alaalatoa missed their final-round loss to the Crusaders with a calf strain, but Larkham says his leadership is vital as the Brumbies look to see off the Hurricanes on Saturday night in Canberra. "He's had a good week so ticked everything off in terms of all the rehab markers with his strength, running, contact so he's ready to go," Larkham said of the Wallabies prop. "He's always been an outstanding rugby player but the leadership qualities that he brings to the team, the confidence that he gives the other players is certainly something that we're going to benefit from this weekend." In a quirk of the new six-team finals system and the scheduling of the finals, the third-placed Brumbies will know before kick-off whether they have a place in the semi-finals. There are three qualifying finals and all winners plus the top-ranked loser will advance. But Larkham said the Brumbies wanted to field their best team available and target a win regardless of the outcome of the other matches. "We are the last game this weekend but we've been pretty firm on making sure that we get a good performance out there on the field so irrespective of the other results we need to know that we're playing well," the coach said on Wednesday. "We can't get distracted by these other games and the other results. "The most important thing for us right now is to focus on our preparation so that we can have our best performance this weekend and either way we're going out there to try and win the game." In the only change to the starting side, Feao Fotuaika, who scored in the 33-31 loss to the Crusaders, will make way for Alaalatoa and return to the bench, bumping Rhys Van Nek out of the squad. Larkham said his team wanted a better first half after they trailed the Crusaders 14-25 at halftime while they were also down at the break in their last clash with the Hurricanes, which they also lost. He said with the Kiwi teams playing a similar fast and physical style, the Brumbies would be ready. "They're a physical side, the contests at the breakdown are very similar to Crusaders," Larkham said. "They're very good with the ball in hand, they've got dangerous threats around the ruck ... and they've got the ability to shift the ball quite well. "We've come across teams that play this way a few times this year and hopefully that's put us in a good position to play well this weekend." Brumbies: James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright. Reserves: Lachlan Lonergan, Lington Ieli, Feao Fotuaika, Lachlan Shaw, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Ollie Sapsford. Hurricanes: Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Tyrel Lomax, Zach Gallagher, Caleb Delany, Devan Flanders, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard, Brett Cameron, Fatafehi Fineanganofo, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Billy Proctor, Bailyn Sullivan, Ruben Love. Reserves: Raymond Tuputupu, Tevita Mafileo, Pasilio Tosi, Hugo Plummer, Brad Shields, Ereatara Enari, Ngatungane Punivai, Callum Harkin. Coach Stephen Larkham has no qualms about bringing Brumbies captain Allan Alaalatoa back from injury to face the Hurricanes despite the possibility of the Super Rugby Pacific qualifying final being a dead rubber. Alaalatoa missed their final-round loss to the Crusaders with a calf strain, but Larkham says his leadership is vital as the Brumbies look to see off the Hurricanes on Saturday night in Canberra. "He's had a good week so ticked everything off in terms of all the rehab markers with his strength, running, contact so he's ready to go," Larkham said of the Wallabies prop. "He's always been an outstanding rugby player but the leadership qualities that he brings to the team, the confidence that he gives the other players is certainly something that we're going to benefit from this weekend." In a quirk of the new six-team finals system and the scheduling of the finals, the third-placed Brumbies will know before kick-off whether they have a place in the semi-finals. There are three qualifying finals and all winners plus the top-ranked loser will advance. But Larkham said the Brumbies wanted to field their best team available and target a win regardless of the outcome of the other matches. "We are the last game this weekend but we've been pretty firm on making sure that we get a good performance out there on the field so irrespective of the other results we need to know that we're playing well," the coach said on Wednesday. "We can't get distracted by these other games and the other results. "The most important thing for us right now is to focus on our preparation so that we can have our best performance this weekend and either way we're going out there to try and win the game." In the only change to the starting side, Feao Fotuaika, who scored in the 33-31 loss to the Crusaders, will make way for Alaalatoa and return to the bench, bumping Rhys Van Nek out of the squad. Larkham said his team wanted a better first half after they trailed the Crusaders 14-25 at halftime while they were also down at the break in their last clash with the Hurricanes, which they also lost. He said with the Kiwi teams playing a similar fast and physical style, the Brumbies would be ready. "They're a physical side, the contests at the breakdown are very similar to Crusaders," Larkham said. "They're very good with the ball in hand, they've got dangerous threats around the ruck ... and they've got the ability to shift the ball quite well. "We've come across teams that play this way a few times this year and hopefully that's put us in a good position to play well this weekend." Brumbies: James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright. Reserves: Lachlan Lonergan, Lington Ieli, Feao Fotuaika, Lachlan Shaw, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Ollie Sapsford. Hurricanes: Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Tyrel Lomax, Zach Gallagher, Caleb Delany, Devan Flanders, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard, Brett Cameron, Fatafehi Fineanganofo, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Billy Proctor, Bailyn Sullivan, Ruben Love. Reserves: Raymond Tuputupu, Tevita Mafileo, Pasilio Tosi, Hugo Plummer, Brad Shields, Ereatara Enari, Ngatungane Punivai, Callum Harkin.
West Australian
6 days ago
- General
- West Australian
Larkham wants proof Brumbies on track for Super title
Coach Stephen Larkham has no qualms about bringing Brumbies captain Allan Alaalatoa back from injury to face the Hurricanes despite the possibility of the Super Rugby Pacific qualifying final being a dead rubber. Alaalatoa missed their final-round loss to the Crusaders with a calf strain, but Larkham says his leadership is vital as the Brumbies look to see off the Hurricanes on Saturday night in Canberra. "He's had a good week so ticked everything off in terms of all the rehab markers with his strength, running, contact so he's ready to go," Larkham said of the Wallabies prop. "He's always been an outstanding rugby player but the leadership qualities that he brings to the team, the confidence that he gives the other players is certainly something that we're going to benefit from this weekend." In a quirk of the new six-team finals system and the scheduling of the finals, the third-placed Brumbies will know before kick-off whether they have a place in the semi-finals. There are three qualifying finals and all winners plus the top-ranked loser will advance. But Larkham said the Brumbies wanted to field their best team available and target a win regardless of the outcome of the other matches. "We are the last game this weekend but we've been pretty firm on making sure that we get a good performance out there on the field so irrespective of the other results we need to know that we're playing well," the coach said on Wednesday. "We can't get distracted by these other games and the other results. "The most important thing for us right now is to focus on our preparation so that we can have our best performance this weekend and either way we're going out there to try and win the game." In the only change to the starting side, Feao Fotuaika, who scored in the 33-31 loss to the Crusaders, will make way for Alaalatoa and return to the bench, bumping Rhys Van Nek out of the squad. Larkham said his team wanted a better first half after they trailed the Crusaders 14-25 at halftime while they were also down at the break in their last clash with the Hurricanes, which they also lost. He said with the Kiwi teams playing a similar fast and physical style, the Brumbies would be ready. "They're a physical side, the contests at the breakdown are very similar to Crusaders," Larkham said. "They're very good with the ball in hand, they've got dangerous threats around the ruck ... and they've got the ability to shift the ball quite well. "We've come across teams that play this way a few times this year and hopefully that's put us in a good position to play well this weekend." Brumbies: James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright. Reserves: Lachlan Lonergan, Lington Ieli, Feao Fotuaika, Lachlan Shaw, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Ollie Sapsford. Hurricanes: Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Tyrel Lomax, Zach Gallagher, Caleb Delany, Devan Flanders, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard, Brett Cameron, Fatafehi Fineanganofo, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Billy Proctor, Bailyn Sullivan, Ruben Love. Reserves: Raymond Tuputupu, Tevita Mafileo, Pasilio Tosi, Hugo Plummer, Brad Shields, Ereatara Enari, Ngatungane Punivai, Callum Harkin.
