Australian rugby teams have improved

[The Ethicist]

Watching the "derbies' in 2013 has been refreshing. The matches have been of a much higher standard and have been much more entertaining. Aussies derbies in the last few years have been low quality bore-a-thons involving mass kicking, one dimensional phase play and knock-on-a-thons.

The teams are clearly much fitter and more skillfull and have been coached towards a more entertaining and expansive game.

The teams have better depth. The Reds/tahs/Brumbies have quality outfits and the Rebels and Force have very respectable lineups as well.

[Cowboy]

I agree, pleasing to see.

I think Jake White is having a positive impact on the Brumbies work in counter rucking and seemed to smash the Rebels in contact. I hope it flows on to the other Aussie sides and we all improve.

[shasta]

I think Jake White is having a positive impact on the Brumbies work in counter rucking and seemed to smash the Rebels in contact.

Couldn't agree more. It's the major reason our teams have not been able to go toe to toe with most of the Kiwi teams and the top few Saffas. It's great that there seems to be a more attacking ethos but winning the breakdown, as always has been, is key. I'll wait to see a few "internationals" before I get too impressed.
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[PeterM]

A strong Australian conference is a fantastic thing for domestic viewers and allows for great banter between rival fans but equally possibly more importantly it all shows positive signs for the national team

[SNOB]

Things are certainly looking better (at the moment) lets see what happens when we meat the big boys though.
I'm still a bit worried about our scrubs though. From the games that have been played I would suggest that the Force has the best scrum and when you think that non of the front 5 is a wallaby that's a worry.