Australian teams have experienced some very average Super Rugby seasons, but none as bad as 2017. When the victor of the Australian conference makes the quarterfinals with only six wins from 15 games, it shows that something is rotten at either the core of the local game or the competition format -- or probably both.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika gave away enough of a hint to why the standards have dropped when during the June internationals he admitted that the bulk of his Australian squad weren't fit. That was a damning indictment on the coaching staff at the five Australian franchises for not doing the required job and slackening off in the conditioning department. Not surprisingly the Wallabies suffered the embarrassment of being beaten in Sydney by a more spirited Scotland Test team, who were without several of their best players due to British & Irish Lions duties in New Zealand.
That no Australian team succeeded in defeating a New Zealand Super Rugby opponent this season was further proof that the local code has slipped badly.
So just how bad were the five Australian franchises?
BRUMBIES
Considering the Brumbies lost numerous important players before the start of the season, most particularly Matt Toomua and David Pocock, it was a reasonable effort for them to make the finals as they were short of talent and depth in numerous positions.
Due to limited resources, it wasn't surprising that the Brumbies opted against their usual expansive game and often preferred a tight, forward-based formula. It was often boring, but achieved several victories -- especially as their pack was their best asset. Nonetheless more was expected from Stephen Larkham, who while adventurous as a player has been far more restrictive as part of the coaching brigade.
While New Zealander Wharenui Hawera was reasonably consistent at No 10, but their best performers were in the pack -- with prop Allan Alaalatoa the standout tighthead of the Australian teams, and lock Sam Carter relishing the responsibility that came with being captain. The Brumbies also got good value out of Pocock's back-row replacement from the Force, Chris Alcock.
Mark: C plus.
2016 mark: C plus
2015 mark: B
2014 mark: B plus
2013 mark: B plus
FORCE
The serious threat of the Force being the Australian team to be dumped from the Super Rugby competition in 2018 inspired them to play with fire and conviction this season. But credit must also be given to their new coach Dave Wessels -- easily the best of the Australian clipboard contingent in 2017 -- for revitalising what for so long had been a demoralised group. He had them playing for their jersey again.
The Force became the most difficult of opponents -- because they overcame what they lacked in ability with enormous commitment. It did help that they had several feisty characters up front, particularly lock Adam Coleman, who is quickly establishing himself as a representative second-rower of note. Some are already describing him as a Wallabies captain in the near future.
Apart from excellent set-piece and midfield skills, Coleman knows how to intimidate opponents. That helped especially as backrower Ben McCalman was a spectator this season, due to a shoulder injury, with Matt Hodgson also missing some games. Bill Meakes also showed that he is a centre with a future, and he should have been given a chance during the June internationals.
Mark: C plus
2016 mark: F
2015 mark: F
2014 mark: B
2013 mark: C
REDS
As the Reds succeeded in luring some big names, including Stephen Moore, Scott Higginbotham, George Smith and Quade Cooper, they should have gone far better than finishing with just four wins. All it did was provoke queries over whether new coach Nick Stiles was up to the task. Stiles would often say in his television appearances,that he had castigated his players for poor performances, or he was furious with their effort, prompting the obvious suggestion that his message clearly wasn't getting through.
Smith was the best of the signings, defying the fact that he is now 37 years old with some excellent backrow performances especially late in the season. Higginbotham was consistent but failed to match it at Test level, while Cooper was once again erratic -- which saw him axed from the Wallabies training squad for the Rugby Championship.
What was clearly obvious was a lack of on-field leadership and a coherent game plan. Too much emotion, and not enough thinking, led to the Reds' downfall.
Mark: F
2016 mark: D
2015 mark: F
2014 mark: F
2013 mark: B
WARATAHS
Yet again the boos rang out at Waratahs home matches to signal and deride unacceptable performances. And there were quite a few. Under Daryl Gibson, the Waratahs have slid alarmingly the past two seasons, and his coaching future must now be in serious question.
Their loss against the Force in the final round would have to rank as one of their worst in Super Rugby history- and they have experienced numerous shockers. For the province with the most resources and largest playing group to choose from, to finish near the bottom of the ladder was unforgivable, as was the fact that several players were guilty of only going through the motions. Several who are pushed relentlessly by a fawning Sydney media do not deserve the accolades, as they too often disappear when the pressure is applied.
Several of these are in the Wallabies squad by default. Tolu Latu was the early standout, but he fell right away, accused by Wallabies coach Michael Cheika of not being fit, and then not helping himself by missing state training. In the end, the only two Waratahs who stood up and played with any real conviction were Michael Hooper and Bernard Foley.
Mark: F
2016 mark: C
2015 mark: B minus
2014 mark: A plus
2013 mark: C plus
REBELS
It didn't help that an extinction cloud hung over their head all Super Rugby season, but that does not excuse them from offering only limp opposition in several games. The Rebels were dreadful early on in the season, with several players appearing to be too frightened to tackle an opponent. Some losses were laughable, and not surprisingly their coach Tony McGahan was looking for an escape route, and found one with him heading to the Reds next season.
After a quiet start to the season, Colby Faingaa had an excellent second half to the year to be easily their most consistent player, while Amanaki Mafi had several excellent games. All this season did is reinforce the fact that the Rebels are the Australian team most in line to be punted from the competition.
Mark: F
2016 mark: C
2015 mark: B plus
2014 mark: D
2013 mark: D