There’s never a quiet year in Rugby and 2024 is no different.
From big results, droughts broken and new eras, it was a massive year for the sport, especially in Australia.
Catch every game of SVNS World Series LIVE, ad-free and on demand on Stan Sport.
With this in mind, Rugby.com.au has broken down the top 12 stories in terms of clicks and magnititude for 2024 in a two-part series
12. Revenge is sweet
The Waratahs returned to the top of Super Rugby Women’s as they ended Fijian Drua’s stranglehold over the title.
It was a final that had it all in Ballymore as the NSW side returned to the Final with revenge on their mind.
Winger Desiree Miller finished with a hat-trick as the Drua’s title defence crumbled after a pair of yellow cards allowed the Waratahs to celebrate in style.
11. Hooper’s Sevens experience
Michael Hooper’s Sevens journey captivated the SVNS World Series as fans were left to wait to see the legendary flanker make his debut.
A Perth debut was initially on the radars before injury setbacks kept pushing it back.
He would take the field in Hong Kong and showed he still had it with a game-sealing turnover in one of his first involvements.
Unfortunately for Hooper, his Olympic dream was dashed after missing out on selection for Paris.
10. Schmidt’s flying start
Joe Schmidt’s start to his Wallabies coaching career got off to a flyer as he started with three straight wins.
It was a clean sweep of the Welsh almost nine months after they delivered Australia’s worst defeat in World Cup history.
He issued in a new look Australian side, with Liam Wright a surprise first captain whilst recalls for Tom Wright, Noah Lolesio, Len Ikitau and Harry Wilson.
They built confidence with back-to-back wins before facing Georgia in an entertaining contest that saw the likes of Darby Lancaster and Alex Hodgman debut, with Hodgman joining a rare group of players to feature for both Australia and New Zealand
9. U18s take down NZ
Australia’s pathways stood up in 2024, with the U18s win over New Zealand taking plenty of headlines.
The Aussies claimed their first win over their Kiwi counterparts since 2019 as they won in a 38-31 shutout.
Prop Kingsley Uys, winger Heamasi Makasani and backrower Heinz Lemoto became players to watch for the future in Australian sport as it showed the future was bright in Australia.
Australia U18s coach Shannon Fraser savours the win over New Zealand. Photo: Getty Images
8. Former Wallaby takes charge
Former Wallaby Brett Robinson made history as the first Southern Hemisphere person to be appointed Chairman of World Rugby.
It was a razor thin decision but the inaugural Brumbies captain beat out former French international Abdelatif Benazzi.
Robinson holds the highest position in rugby, which is a massive benefit for Australian rugby as they look to grow the game.
7. Drought is over
The Blues ended a long drought in Super Rugby Pacific as they stood tall when it mattered.
The downfall of the Crusaders opened the doors for other clubs to take centre stage and the Auckland-based side were key contenders alongside the Chiefs, Hurricanes and Brumbies.
The Blues took down the ACT side in the semi-finals before facing neighbours Chiefs in the Final after their shock win over the top-ranked Hurricanes.
Ultimately, the Blues rolled through the decider for their first title in 20 years.
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source link
