As the book closes on the regular season of Super Rugby Pacific 2024, it’s an apt time to reflect on how it went for the five Australian sides. Three of them have made it to the quarter finals, with just one sneaking into the top four. However, across the board, apart from the NSW Waratahs, there has been a notable lift in quality and results.
While the status quo of New Zealand teams on top remains, there is movement in the right direction, although this has not been entirely reflected in results. Western Force, 4 wins, 10 losses, points differential -132, regularly season finish 10th It’s been another year of more of the same; same struggles, same positives, same work-ons. The two main struggles were evident throughout the season, a lack of X-factor and tight-five depth.
Rarely did opposition defences seem stressed by the Force’s attack, nor did sides fear their strike plays. They looked most dangerous off-the-cuff in moments of individual brilliance from either Chase Tiatia, Ben Donaldson, Bayley Kuenzle, and most recently Kurtley Beale. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images) The tight-five was hit heavily with injuries before the season had even begun and this meant Simon Cron was pulling players from outside the squad into the side.
Although front row recruit Harry Hoopert made a positive impact upon his return from a serious injury, it just came too late for it to matter on the table. Former All Black Atu Moli only played in the pre-season trials and has not been sight.
