The recent Super Rugby finals have seen a significant moment in Australian rugby history, with the last Aussie team crashing out of the finals. This marks a stark contrast to the past, where Australian teams dominated the competition. The Chiefs' victory over the Queensland Reds and the ACT Brumbies' record loss to the Hurricanes have left a lasting impact on the sport.
Les Kiss, the former coach of the Queensland Reds, is now turning his attention to the Wallabies national team. Kiss' tenure with the Wallabies begins with a challenging task: leading the team against Japan in Osaka on August 8. This appointment comes after a successful three-season stint with the Reds, where Kiss will now face the challenge of turning around the national team's fortunes.
The Chiefs' win over the Reds was a testament to their resilience and skill. Damian McKenzie's double in the second half provided the breathing room needed to secure the 46-24 victory. The Chiefs' winger, Kyren Taumoefola, and hooker, Samisoni Taukei'aho, also contributed to the team's success. However, the game was not without its controversies, as Lukhan Salakaia-Loto was yellow-carded for a high shot on Chiefs No.8 Wallace Sititi, who was later taken to hospital for further assessment.
The loss of the Australian teams in the finals has sparked discussions about the competitiveness of the trans-Tasman competition. Super Rugby chief executive Jack Mesley expressed his disappointment, noting that the Aussie teams would have liked to see more of their sides in the finals. Mesley's comments highlight the importance of Australian teams' performance in the competition and the need to penetrate the Aussie market for the growth of the sport.
The final semi-finals will see the Chiefs face the defending champion Crusaders, while the Hurricanes will welcome the Blues. The last time an Australian team failed to make the semis was in 2017, and the current streak of Aussie teams being 0-23 in finals games in New Zealand is a stark reminder of the challenge they face.
The future of Australian rugby looks uncertain, but the recent developments have sparked discussions and a renewed focus on the sport. The appointment of Les Kiss as the Wallabies coach and the Chiefs' victory over the Reds are significant moments that will shape the future of the sport in Australia and New Zealand.
