With so many players and clubs doing media each day, it can be hard to keep on top of a lot of the stories coming out.
Rugby is filled with them across all levels of the game and whilst most are covered through some form of media, there are others that might have slipped off the radar as the build towards the Super Rugby Pacific opener dominates discussions.
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One Percenters returns for 2023 as it looks at everything you might have missed from the week of Rugby.
Brumbies scrumhalf Nic White couldn't help himself when asked about the Waratahs' sleepout on Allianz Stadium.
The sleepout dominated the stories out of the Super Rugby launch, with Waratah players forced to seek shelter at 2 am when the rain poured into the new stadium.
Ever the opportunist, White took the chance to prod at his Wallabies teammate, one of several who reportedly had to borrow gear for the camp out.
“I spoke to Hoops, he wasn’t too happy about having to come in from Manly,” White joked.
“Nice night’s sleep at home on his lovely probably Koala mattress.
“They’ve been building really well and for us, we’ve been focusing on what we can do and we feel we’re building nicely into the season.”
In the modern game, there has never been a time when stats have been more rich and more available to clubs, coaches and fans.
As data continued to develop, take a look at some of the more interesting and unique stats heading into the opening round of Super Rugby Pacific, courtesy of Opta.
- The Brumbies have dominated the NSW Waratahs in recent clashes, winning their last nine encounters
- The ACT side are also renowned strong starters, winning four of their first five season openers.
- The Hurricanes enjoy a similar streak against the Reds, winning 11 of their last 12 games, including their last seven.
- As for the Reds, they were just one of two sides to win 50+ turnover tackles in 2022, however, coupled this with conceding the most yellow cards (13)
- The Rebels have made Perth home, winning eight of their previous 10 games away to the Force. However, all eight have come by a margin of less than seven points
- Defence is key for the Rebels, missing the most tackles (410) in 2022 whilst the Force missed the second-fewest (261).
The Melbourne Rebels have made a major statement of intent with the signing of Taniela Tupou.
Tupou is the marquee star the club needs if they want to break through in the Melbourne market, with CEO Baden Stephenson getting a first-hand account of his star power at last year's Super Round.
"I remember last year when the Reds played the Hurricanes on the Saturday, (Nick) Stiles, Paul Docherty (Rebels Chairman) and myself were sitting in the stands and at the end of that game, I just remember Ardie Savea and Taniela basically spent another 45 minutes out on the field signing autographs and high fiving the crowd," he recounts.
"We were there admiring the impact those two players and personalities is enormous.
"There wasn't too many Reds supporters in the stands that day but I remember fans running from one end to Taniela from Ardie and vice versa."
Wallaroo Emily Chancellor has reflected on her stint with Harlequins, making the move overseas after the 2021 Rugby World Cup.
Speaking to Rugby Pass, Chancellor says the experience has 'surpassed expectations', even if it comes with more tea drinking than first imagined.
“I’ve never drunk so much tea in my life,” Chancellor marvels.
“Tea is something people just do for an hour. I’d happily sit with a glass of water, but –no– tea is the social option here."
Whilst we're on the Wallaroos overseas, it's great to see flyhalf Arabella McKenzie take on the competition with Chancellor in Harlequins.
Despite going down to Saracens, McKenzie produced a brilliant individual try to spark the side and showcase her class.
Expect Chancellor, McKenzie and the Wallaroos overseas contingency to be available for the second half of 2023 at the latest.
