Sean Maloney’s Super Rugby Preview: The Wallabies’ John Daly Doppelgänger Ready to Shine

Wow, the off-season has flown by! I mean, it’s zoomed past.

In one moment, you’re roaring for Max Jorgensen against England, then suddenly Christmas has come and gone, you’ve already thrown your New Year’s resolutions out the window, and ‘Jorgo’ is gearing up for action again, this time against the Highlanders.

Aside from the rapid passing of summer, things have been pleasantly quiet for Australian rugby.

At this juncture last year, we were still recovering from the Rugby World Cup, the Melbourne Rebels had revealed their dire situation, and Eddie Jones had set off for Japan.

It felt chaotic.

In stark contrast, 2025 has seen a poignant yet early decision regarding Joe Schmidt’s future, a fresh broadcast deal that appears to have gone down well, and the most well-attended Super Rugby launch in years.

EXCLUSIVE: Gould responds to ‘complete rubbish’ Bulldogs rumour

The upcoming arrival of the British and Irish Lions has certainly added to the excitement.

With a buzzing atmosphere surrounding rugby, let’s get ready for the weekend ahead.

It’s been eleven years since an Aussie team clinched the title.

NEW PODCAST! Matt Burke makes his Between Two Posts debut to preview Super Rugby with Sean Maloney and Morgan Turinui

BUUUUUUUUULLLLLAAAAAA!

I’m feeling a bit anxious for the ACT Brumbies as they head into their season opener against the Fijian Drua in Suva.

I genuinely fear they might struggle.

Last month, I was fortunate enough to attend the renowned Coral Coast Sevens in Sigatoka, Fiji, alongside Lote Tuqiri, Nemani Nadolo, Alicia Lucas, and Greg Clark.

Sky New Zealand commentators Karl Te Nana and Rikki Swannell were also part of the fantastic rugby action under challenging conditions.

Describing the intensity of the island climate this time of year is challenging; the heat is relentless.

Resting in the shade? Suffering from sweat. Snacking on a roti under a tree? Sweating again.

Even sipping a beer by the pool leads to perspiration.

The Brumbies are set to kick off at 3:35 pm local time, right when the heat and humidity are at their highest.

If they can clinch a victory, it will send a powerful message to their rivals.

No Australian Super Rugby team has ever triumphed on the island.

Expect to hear ‘Clarkie,’ Sam Wykes, and the imposing Nemani as the new commentary team for the Drua’s home games this season. Toso fellas.

SUAALII X SFS

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has been making headlines aplenty in the lead-up to the season.

Our mates at The Sydney Morning Herald – Iain Payten and Jonathan Drennan – have collaborated on some fascinating stories, and one stat from them left me astounded.

“Suaalii has every reason to grab the kicking tee, boasting the NRL’s top kicking record with a flawless 29 attempts at Allianz Stadium.”

This impressive statistic might just earn him some game time at the SFS, though it remains uncertain. Nevertheless, this ambiguity hasn’t stopped punters from selecting the 21-year-old as one of the most picked players in the newly launched Super Rugby fantasy league.

Over half of the teams have included the former Rooster in their squads.

Will Jordan of the Crusaders is the most sought-after player in this league, with nearly 75 per cent of fantasy managers keen to snap up the try-scoring maestro.

IN FOR A DOLLY GOOD TIME

The Western Force are boasting considerable depth in their front row for 2025 with the addition of former England international and soon-to-be Wallabies qualified hooker Nic Dolly to Simon Cron’s squad.

Spotting Dolly will be easy; he’s a formidable presence and shares a haircut with legendary American golfer John Daly.

Joining the 25-year-old in the front row is returning prop Tom Robertson, who has just completed his studies at the esteemed Oxford University in England.

‘Throbber’ now holds a Masters degree in Philosophy and Public Health.

Other exciting signings to this strong squad include Wallabies winger Dylan Pietsch and a rugged back-rower ready to make his Super debut, Nick Champion de Crispigny.

The 28-year-old has spent recent years playing in France with Castres and previously made a name for himself terrorising opponents in the Shute Shield with Sydney University.

He brings an old-school toughness to the game, and he’s definitely one to watch.

THE NAME GAME

In recent weeks, we’ve been treated to some quality content from the official social media channels of Rugby.com.au and Super Rugby.

Their latest post provided insight into the players’ nicknames and what their teammates call them.

Here are a few to keep in mind while you cheer them on in the months ahead:

• ‘SU’ – JOSEPH-AUKUSO SUAALII (Waratahs)
• ‘BOBBY’ – ROB VALETINI (Brumbies)
• ‘BIG PAPI’ – JEFFREY TOOMAGA-ALLEN (Reds)
• ‘THE BUS’ – JULIAN SAVEA (Moana Pasifika)
• ‘STAG’ – SEAN WITHY (Highlanders)

BURKEY’S NEW HOME

After a lengthy stint as a sports presenter with Channel 10, legend Matt Burke has made a return to rugby and will now call Stan home in 2025.

He got right into his stride on Between Two Posts this week alongside former teammate and fellow enthusiast Morgan Turinui.

In the lead-up to his debut, NSW Origin coach and The Big Sports Breaky host Laurie Daley stated, “He’s one of the greats… and the best part about ‘Burkey’ is that he does all his own hair and makeup.”

As anticipated, he held his own when it comes to banter and predicted that Tim Ryan from Queensland would lead the try-scorers this season.

Additionally, a new addition to the Stan team this season is ex-Aussie sevens star and Olympic gold medallist Alicia Lucas, who is quickly establishing herself as one of the leading voices in rugby commentary.

She has already participated in several tournaments with World Rugby, and she’ll be expanding her role throughout the year.

Alright, we’ll catch you all for the Waratahs’ opener against the Highlanders at 7 pm on Friday night at the SFS.

This is shaping up to be a colossal year; I can’t wait to dive into it with all of you.