James Bond and Fatboy Slim: What Rugby Could Learn from F1 Ahead of the Lions Tour to Australia

We’re rapidly approaching the midway point of the Super Rugby Pacific regular season, and it’s become virtually impossible to predict how things are unfolding.

It’s absolutely bonkers to see the reigning champions, the Blues, languishing in ninth place with only one victory to their name.

It’s also quite extraordinary that last season’s underperformers, the Crusaders, are now sitting second and are guided by James O’Connor.

The previously undefeated Waratahs suffered a 20-point loss to Queensland, which is just insane.

One player scoring FIVE tries in a single match, while another plays their 186th Super Rugby game, is simply bonkers multiplied.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the weekend’s action with our quick recap.

KISS KISS

Queensland’s comprehensive victory over NSW at Suncorp Stadium was exemplified across nearly every aspect of their game.

They executed a rolling maul from 20m out, barged through from close quarters, and scored from long-range. However, the highlight was undoubtedly Fraser McReight’s spectacular try to seal the game.

Nick Phipps labelled the play as ‘peak Les Kiss’ on Between Two Posts this week.

A well-planned and expertly executed attacking move that was a joy to behold.

The former Wallabies scrumhalf, coached by Kiss at London Irish, mentioned that the 60-year-old’s focus is on enhancing player skills.

The evidence was on display with Seru Uru’s outstanding performance.

His prowess on both sides of the ball was phenomenal on Saturday night.

Sadly, Kiss opted not to comment on the Wallabies coaching position despite Michael Atkinson’s persistent questioning during the post-match show.

GITEAU WINS THE DAY

Former Wallaroo Kristy Giteau made it a memorable night at GIO Stadium on Friday.

The Kids’ Round was the perfect backdrop for her ‘Win the Day’ charity to collaborate with the Brumbies through their matchday jerseys.

Designed by children facing rare cancers with input from their parents, the jerseys turned out stunning.

Not only do the jerseys raise funds and awareness for the charity, but they also bolstered the Brumbies, who triumphed over the Fijian Drua.

During this match, James Slipper became the second most capped Super Rugby player of all time, with 186 games played.

The legendary Wyatt Crockett from the Crusaders tops the list with 202 caps.

‘Slips,’ who has a contract with Aussie rugby until year-end, made his Super debut in 2010. He’s simply remarkable.

You can place a bid on his jersey, alongside the rest of the squad’s limited edition outfits here.

EXCITING TIMES FOR EXETER

Len Ikitau’s three-try performance against the Fijians is a stark reminder of how much Rugby will miss him when he moves to the Exeter Chiefs at season’s end.

Watching him put on a show week after week with the Brumbies has been a real pleasure, and he received significant praise from coach Stephen Larkham, who called him “the best defensive outside centre in the world.”

What has gone somewhat unnoticed in this move is that his teammate Tom Hooper had already signed with Exeter earlier this year.

Hooper has also been exceptional and is definitely a player to keep an eye on.

The recruitment team at Exeter deserves major kudos for their efforts.

MACCA’S LOVIN’ IT

How’s this for an afternoon out?

Crusaders winger Macca Springer matched the late Sean Wainui by scoring an impressive five tries in his team’s victory against the Western Force.

Some of those were a matter of being in the right place at the right time, but his grubber kick and chase down the left touchline was pure brilliance.

James O’Connor also delivered a strong performance off the bench in the sunshine, looking completely at home under coach Rob Penney.

The Crusaders have swiftly climbed to second on the ladder and have yet to lose at home this season.

This significant turnaround follows a disappointing campaign where the ‘Saders failed to make the finals in 2024.

CASLICK RETURNS TO 15s

Charlotte Caslick, a two-time World Sevens Player of the Year, has decided to concentrate solely on the 15-a-side format as the Rugby World Cup approaches.

Caslick had a taste of action with Queensland at Ballymore this weekend, but her team was overshadowed by a dominant NSW side.

There’s a wave of Aussie Sevens backs entering Super Rugby Women’s as they vie for a RWC position, but it was veteran Wallaroo Maya Stewart who made the biggest impact this weekend.

She scored two tries for the Tahs and posed a threat every time she had the ball.

FORMULA FOR SUCCESS

I was fortunate to be at the Formula 1 event in Melbourne this weekend, where Dan Carter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, and Stirling Mortlock were also enjoying the spectacle.

There’s truly nothing quite like the F1; it’s a unique blend of sport and entertainment.

The excitement reached a peak after the race, with the legendary Fatboy Slim wrapping up the weekend with an electrifying concert, all part of the experience.

This made me wonder: could rugby implement something similar during the Lions tour?

Thousands of fans in red Lions jerseys and Wallabies supporters will be ready to celebrate post-game.

Let’s provide fans with an experience that transforms a memorable night into an unforgettable one.

Another observation is F1’s clever strategy to incorporate celebrities to enhance an already impressive profile.

I would love to see Australian rugby make an effort to attract some well-known fans during the tour.

Numerous movie stars are keen on rugby.

Scottish actor Gerard Butler is a rugby enthusiast, while Daniel Craig also enjoys the sport. It would be fantastic to reach out to them for July.

Catch you tonight for Between Two Posts with Nick Phipps and Morgan Turinui.