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Having won just a single game over the past two seasons combined Austin is a franchise that were in dire need of restructuring. The overhaul began last year with the controversial rebranding, and the work continues this year with changes to just about everything else. After a strong preseason showing the AGs suddenly look like a team worth believing in.
2020 RECORD: 1-3-1 (5th West, 11th overall)
HEAD COACH: It’s an entirely new coaching staff with a pair of Australians front and center. Sam Harris will be Head Coach with Mark Gerrard his right hand man. Both are experienced professionals as is Simon Thomas, an S&C specialist who arrives from the Crusaders in New Zealand.
CAPTAIN: It’s appropriately one of the ‘originals’ who leads the side. Zinzan Elan-Puttick has survived the turbulence and come out a better player for it. After stepping in as an emergency flyhalf last year he is back to his more effective fullback spot. Has a habit of finding gaps with his sharp running lines.
STAR PLAYER: Though the former All Blacks are more recognizable abroad, Bryce Campbell is a World Cup starter who returns to MLR from two seasons with London Irish. Defends like an extra flanker in the midfield. On attack he can set a target for the forwards or create line breaks with short offloads.
KEY DEPARTURE: The best players from last season have for the most part stuck around, but one that ‘got away’ was vice-captain Potu Leavasa. His power and versatility would have been welcome this season but he will instead suit up for Zebre in Italy.
SMART SIGNING: With two international flyhalves already on the roster the signing of Mack Mason looked rather curious. Little did we know the plan was to use him as a second decision-maker in the midfield. The former Waratah was a preseason standout with crisp passing and accurate kicking, both for points and out of hand.
ONE TO WATCH: Speaking of standouts. Dominic Akina came out of nowhere to play every minute at flanker for Austin last season. Now the explosive athlete is getting a look at No8. His acceleration off the back of the scrum is going to cause big problems for defenses. One of a handful of rising talents who put their hand up during the warm-up games.
STRENGTHS: The AGs can just about field two completely different starting XVs of similar quality. That depth will prove valuable over the next 18-plus weeks. They have good tactical kickers, dangerous strike runners, and the makings of a reliable set piece.
CONCERNS: A couple front row signings have dropped out of the squad leaving them one prop short of full capacity. While their scrum looked improved against LA, their maul defense had problems halting the opposition drive. There is perhaps a lack of a genuine No8 – Akina is new to the position while Cam Dodson’s future could be more in the second row.
OUTLOOK: This will be Austin’s best ever MLR campaign. Of that you can be certain. There are few holes on the roster and the team showed against LA they are ready to take on all comers. A first-ever Semi Final appearance is an achievable target and once there it’s anyone’s game.
