Can try harder: Will the Wallabies embrace the high-risk attack style changing world rugby?

June 24, 2026 — 4:07pm

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As the Wallabies gathered in camp in Sydney and eyes turned to Test rugby, questions around the Hurricanes’ incredible finals run - and Super Rugby title - hovered, a few days on.

Namely, what the hell was that? And secondly, did the ’Canes just showcase the new style of game needed to win a World Cup?

The Hurricanes were utterly dominant in winning their first Super Rugby title in a decade, scoring 50 points or more in each of their three finals against the Brumbies (66-12), Blues (57-21) and Chiefs (60-5). The victory margin in the grand final over the Chiefs was a record.

Contrary to the age-old tradition of defence winning finals, the Hurricanes scored nine tries in each of three playoffs, with unstoppable attack. It ended up offering some small solace to the Brumbies, who’d been despondent after first getting smashed in the qualifying final.

“I don’t know if it softened the blow, it still stings a fair bit,” Brumbies and Wallabies fullback Tom Wright said.

“But I was under no illusion the ability that the Canes had. To see the sort of demolition........

© The Age