Well it looks bad for the Waratahs.

Poor Tahs, rather like our poor Bulls.

The future at least this year looks very gloomy for them both.

Can they turn it around, I don't know but rugby can be a strange game sometimes as often when you are hurting and wounded it can motivate a team to a different level but that depends on the character of the team and their coach.

I really hope they can start to get it right.

The Rebels on the other hand lost their first game to the Sunwolves.

So the future of Australian rugby union appears in doldrums. Poor Aussies have had a tough year.

But the Ozzies are a tough and resilient nation that can fight adversity.

Seb 

It looks bad for the Waratahs (3 played = 3 lost), Reds  (2 played =  2 lost), Rebels (3 played =   1 win and 2 losses of which one was against the Sunwolves).

The 3rd game of the Reds are against the Jaguares in Round 3 and is bound to be a huge loss,  

The Brumbies played 2 and won both,   Tomorrow they are playing the  Highlanders  - should win - but will they?

Does not look good for Aussie Rugby,    

Ja Mike, but maybe or  I suspect they will recover in time but we know that lesser teams do sometimes surprise.

One aspect of the game that's rarely discussed today and often ignored is the psychological part played. Indeed it is forgotten.

I believe even these sides have the character and will to fight back.

We often see the best side beaten because of complacency, over-confidence and laziness.

Take the Hurricanes game last week against the Jaguares...a game they should have never lost. They were ahead with 10 or so minutes to go and they took their feet off the pedal or should I say just got (uncharacteristic) slack in defense. Something you never do against NZ sides even if they are not the best. NZ sides often throw all their might in attack, in the dying minutes of a game, and if you are slack in defense can run in a try or two. They never give up and they are good at it. The result 2 tries were indeed ran in.

The Jags are known for playing a good all round game for the full 80 minutes and why they let this happen , puzzles me.

But this a learning curve, I suppose and once experienced it is a warning that measures must be in place to avoid it happening again.I believe was just complacency.

With the Tahs and the rest (except perhaps the Brumbies) things can only improve and get better as the competition progresses. The other aspect of Aussies is they are  a confident people and they won't lie down and die.

I suspect the Bulls won't either despite their disadvantages. I've seen it all too often and predictions are never set in stone.

Seb

Did you see what Erasmus told the players before a test speaking to the newbies,   I posted it elsewhere?    You obviously are right.       

No I did not see it. What's it about.

I think Rassie is the most intelligent coach we have ever had in SA, the only other were Kitch and Ian Mac.

He thinks a lot, was a rugby captain as well and is varsity educated. and can communicate well.

The element of surprise can be the most effective tactic in sports like rugby, it's the best tactic in war and in boxing...remember Cassius Clay..."float like a butterfly, sting like a bee."