One Percenters: Rebels rally around 'gutted' Gordon as Force go viral

Thu, Mar 24, 2022, 9:29 PM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
The Waratahs hosted the Rebels at the SCG.

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.

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One Percenters looks at everything you might have missed from the week of Rugby.

Rebels rally around Gordon

The Rebels have thrown their support behind Carter Gordon after he was visibly emotional following their narrow defeat to the Waratahs.

Gordon, who came off the bench on Saturday, missed a kick to find touch with just minutes remaining, ultimately allowing the hosts the seal the victory.

The young playmaker was distraught after the match, with his teammates quick to console him, something that pleased senior players.

“‘Carts’ was feeling it more than the rest of us which is what happens when you’re the ten and in the box seat, that’s the pressure that comes with it. On one hand, it’s really devastating see a guy like that genuinely gutted but on the other hand, it’s great to see how much he cares,” winger Andrew Kellaway said.

“Far too often we talk about the next job and keeping things positive but to see a guy wear his heart on his sleeve and let the emotion is a real fantastic thing.

“Also, to see the way the team got around him speaks loads for the culture we have down here. He was gutted just as much as the rest of us but I’m looking forward to seeing how he bounces back."

A Day In Union

This Saturday, Rugby lovers across the country are being encouraged to show their support and celebrate a national day for rugby.

Over the weekend of 26 March 2022, rugby lovers are encouraged to take a photo or make a video and share their celebrations on social media using the hashtag #ADayInUnion

"Saturday 26 March 2022 is a chance for people to come together and celebrate everything we love about rugby,” #ADayInUnion President Greg Mumm told NSW.Rugby

“We want people to share their favourite rugby photo on social media, recount glory days with old team mates, reconnect with their club or school, wear their favourite rugby jersey for the day, or join in an event at their local rugby club. It doesn't matter how you celebrate, just join in, connect with people and have fun!

“Rugby is a game like no other - it brings people together from all over the world, people of all shapes and sizes, all backgrounds. No matter whether you have played all your life or never at all, the rugby family welcomes anyone who shares its values and love for the game.”

You belong to me

It’s a tradition Force fans know All Too Well but was taken to another level with the team’s rendition of Love Story after their thrilling win over the Drua.

Initially brought in last year by USA International Marcel Brache, it has seen the team belt out pop hits from the likes of Miley Cyrus and Adele after they sing their team songs, yet to go out of Style as players and coaches alike buy into whatever tune is selected.

Watching the side sing the Taylor Swift hit after the Fifteen on the field somehow found a way home after-the-siren wouldn’t have been in anyone’s Wildest Dreams but the post has seemingly been The 1 to go viral, collating over 400,000 views on TikTok and 120k views on Twitter.

“They come up with a different song each week and I think it brings that celebration, you sing the team song prior and then the victory song comes out afterwards, it just brings us together and we have a laugh about it, it’s just a real nice moment,” coach Tim Sampson explained on the tradition.

“I’ve never done it before so for the guys to come up with it is fantastic. It is an air of excitement to see which song gets belted out each week so I like it.

“Taylor Swift really challenged myself, it didn’t seem to challenge the players, they were all over it and didn’t need the printed off lyrics but it’s good.”

Stats to stun

With Rugby Australia confirming a partnership with Sportable, there has never been a time where stats have been more rich and 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 round six, courtesy of Opta.

  • The Rebels have found considerable success when it comes to the maul, with no team gaining more metres than the Victorian-based side (61 metres). This is 54 metres more than their opposition, with the Drua recording just 7 metres.
  • Whilst on the Fijian Drua, it would come as no surprise to note they lead the competition in breaks resulting from an offload, recording eight so far, six more than the Rebels.
  • Ian Prior’s penalty miss in the 30th minute of their narrow win over the Drua brought his incredible kicking streak to an end. The scrum half had nailed his first 13 attempts, currently sitting at a comp-high 93.3%.
  • The Brumbies relish playing the Western Force and it’s easy to see why when looking at their recent success. The ACT-side have won 79% of games against the Force, including their last 13, their best success rate against current sides and second-best against any team (80% v Cats).
  • The Queensland Reds remain the most dangerous side in the final quarters of the game, recording six tries. This is double their nearest rival and five more than their opposition Waratahs
  • Carlo Tizzano earns his first start in 2022 for the Waratahs and it’s easy to see why given his workrate off the bench. Tizaano has made 27 tackles in his 79 minutes of action, giving him an average of 29.4 tackles per 80 minutes, a comp high. Brumbies flanker Luke Reimer is close behind in third, averaging 24.2 per 80 minutes, also sitting second in turnovers per 80 minutes (2.4) behind Reds prop Zane Nonggorr (4.3 per 80 minutes).
Social post of the week

It’s the moment that captured everything that makes Rugby what it is when Wales winger Josh Adams handed his player of the match medal to Italy hero Ange Capuozzo.

Adams and Wales looked set for victory when he dived over in the 69th minute, with Italy’ losing 36-game streak set to continue.

However, Capuozzo created a moment of magic that will live in Italian Rugby history, breaking the line and several defenders, drawing the fullback to find Edoardo Padovani for the winning try.

Given these awards are usually settled well before full-time, Adams was probably a worthy winner at the time of adjudicating but it was awesome to see the Welsh flyer recognise the historic performance from the fullback and hand him the honour.

 “It was a moment of great class. His gesture was sublime. He has the lucidity to do it when they have just lost, which I find really strong. He offered me the man-of-the-match medal, telling me it had to come back to me,” Capuozzo said via Rugbyrama

“I thanked him 100 times but replied that it was his. I really wanted him to keep it for himself.

“For me, his gesture is worth 10 medals. I did not expect it and was shocked at the time. For the little Pro D2 player that I am, these are the guys I draw inspiration from every day and to be honoured by this kind of player was unthinkable.”

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