The Rogues Rant #242

Welcome to The Rogues Rant, an occasional look at all things Rugby

Illawarra Rugby gets back underway this weekend with a full series of Junior matches set for Sunday. Three venues will be in use for matches to get underway in all age groups from 9.00AM at Camden Rugby Park, University Oval and Ocean Park Woonona. Full coronavirus restrictions will be in place at all venues and all the details can be seen on the Illawarra Junior Rugby Facebook page. Check it out if you intend to attend as significant restrictions apply. As far as seniors is concerned all is go for next Saturday for Round 1 of 9 Rounds. Bowral are out and there may be one other team missing from 1st Grade but we will have to wait till next Saturday to see the final make up but things are looking good for all 10 clubs to field teams. First Grade matches are Vikings V Shoalhaven at Vikings, University V Campbelltown at Wollongong Uni, Avondale V Shamrocks at Brownsville and Camden V Tech Waratahs at Camden Rugby Park.

Just what can you expect at the grounds next week with the Covid 19 restrictions? Things will be considerably different to what you are used to at local matches. Crowds will be restricted to 500 persons but this should not be an issue for us to be concerned with. There will be a fully manned designated single entry point at all grounds. You will be asked to supply your name and contact phone number or you will be denied entry. Anyone showing cold or flu type symptoms will be denied entry. Change rooms will not be in use with players required to arrive at the ground dressed ready to play and must leave the ground once their playing commitments are completed. There will be a 15 minute break between matches. The full social distancing rules will apply with 1.5metre rule in play with restrictions in seating areas and the 1 person per 4 meter rule applying to all clubhouse areas. Of course we are still at the mercy of ongoing changes to restrictions depending on the latest Covid 19 developments. Fingers crossed!

There were a lot of long faces last week at ANZ Stadium among the Waratahs squad. After a slow start the Tahs got out to good 15 point lead after 30 minutes only to see the Brumbies strike back just before halftime. The Waratahs showed plenty of good things in this match but let the match slip late after getting into a winning position going down again following a late try to replacement Brumby halfback Issak Fines. They need to learn just how to win these close matches. The outstanding goal kicking of fly-half Will Harrison kept the side in the match with Harrison kicking three penalty goals to counter a four tries to two try count in favor of the Brumbies. Coach Rob Penney still has much to do to unlock the full potential of his squad. My tips for this week’s Super Rugby matches: Waratahs, Brumbies, Crusaders and Blues.        

All opinions offered in this column are the opinion of the author. They should not be considered to represent the views of the IDRU.