Between Two Posts: Stan Sport commentator Sean Maloney's round six Super Rugby wrap
All six teams in the Aussie conference honoured Super Rugby's heritage round by delivering some legit good rugby across the weekend.
Please excuse any typos this week. I'm now writing from the waiting room of my bank manager to cover my puppy Seal's impending op.
Dogs, man...
Sean Maloney and Andrew Mehrtens are joined by Cam Shepherd and Sean's puppy as they look back at an epic round of Super Rugby Pacific. Interesting refereeing, bad fancy dress and planking all feature in this week's episode
NEXT GEN IS NOW
The 'sons of superstars' generation is starting to build momentum in Aussie rugby with another young gun chasing dad's footsteps at the top level.
Teddy Wilson, son of Queensland and Wallabies legend David, got his first taste at Super level in Brisbane, stepping in for Jack Grant, another child with tier one pedigree.
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Waratahs halfback Teddy Wilson is the son of Queensland great David. Brendan Hertel/QRU
Morgan Turinui and I bumped into David outside the ground post-game but had to double and triple take we had the right guy.
Standing there, proud as punch was dad with… a WARATAHS scarf draped around his neck.
Blood is definitely thicker…
READ MORE: Force land highly rated coach Simon Cron to replace Tim Sampson
READ MORE: Reds hang tough with 13 men in 32-20 victory over the Waratahs
READ MORE: Blues lose Beauden Barrett after another head knock against Highlanders
David Wilson wearing the Wallabies' centenary jersey after beating England. Photo: Tim Clayton Sydney Morning Herald
REBELS YELLED AT
Crazy scenes at AAMI Park on Friday with the Rebels celebrating 'Fiji Night.'
The plan almost backfired with the Drua fans making a huge amount of noise for their side, particularly when Melbourne's Matt To'omua was lining up his shots on goal.
Tellingly, Matty T landed a crucial late conversion which gave the Rebels enough of a buffer to hang on.
Still with To'omua, he weathered one of the biggest shoulders this season from Nemani Nagusa to somehow stay on the park and be there for the full-time celebrations.
Tough nut.
LOCK IN THE LOCKS
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has got to be stoked with his lock stocks at present.
Each week, another guy throws his hand up for a starting spot.
Nick Frost has been going berserk of late, Darcy Swain is a menace at the lineout, Jed Holloway has been a terror, Matt Philip set the tone on Friday, Izack Rodda was a force in Perth and the Reds guys have been instrumental too.
What a delightful dilemma for Dave.
SEEING RED
There's not much more divisive in rugby these days than a red card, particularly if it's an accidental head collision.
Dane Zander copped one on Saturday against the Waratahs and most conceded it was probably OK.
Tom Banks on Friday was a different commentary altogether.
Social media lit up with the chat bringing the usual blow ups and blow downs.
With everything else put to one side, may I offer this as thought for the future.
Angus Gardner is the most experienced ref in Australia.
Why does he need to have two assistant refs steer his narrative?
Why can't Gus liaise direct with the TMO, with the TMO doing the sole job of assisting the TV director with the best angles?
If this was the approach, the consistency of decision would be far easier to establish.
Angus Gardner referees a Test between New Zealand and France. Getty
SHUTE FOR THE STARS
After succumbing to the dreaded COVID-19 last year, Sydney's Shute Shield is back moving this weekend.
The competition looks wide open with the Western Sydney Two Blues generating some positive noise.
They've recruited well and have the benefit of the brand new Eric Tweedale Stadium.
Formerly known, rightly, as 'Death Valley,' the new stadium is a wonderful nod to the eldest living Wallaby Mr Eric Tweedale who is a spritely 100 years of age.
Eric Tweedale chats to Wallabies prop James Slipper. Rugby Australia
WHO DAT?
Which Waratahs workhorse tried to see off a bout of insomnia following his Herculean effort against Queensland with a 2am electrical scoot around the Brisbane CBD?
Sadly he ran out of juice a long way from the team hotel and had to walk it out.
WHO DAT #2?
Which Super player with Test experience missed last week's captain's run because he misread the team schedule?
- See you all on Stan Sport's Between Two Posts tonight with Andrew Mehrtens and former Wallabies star Cam Shepherd
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