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What Wallabies hopeful Tane Edmed took out of stint in New Zealand’s NPC
By Finn Morton
NSW Waratahs playmaker Tane Edmed has taken a lot out of a successful stint across the ditch with North Harbour in New Zealand’s NPC. Edmed broke an all-time team record during 10 appearances for Harbour, who failed to qualify for the quarter-finals and beyond.
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Edmed was an intriguing addition to Harbour’s ranks ahead of the 2024 season, with the flyhalf joining the likes of Shaun Stevenson, Bryn Hall, and Moses Leo in the squad. Harbour would still go on to finish in 10th place with a record of three wins from 10 matches.
But, it was by no means a forgettable campaign for Harbour. Their three wins included a 43-29 win over eventual semi-finalists Waikato, a 58-19 thumping off Manawatu, and an incredible 65-19 demolition of semi-finalists Canterbury.
In that match against Manawatau in mid-September, Edmed made headlines after the 24-year-old finished with an incredible 33-point haul, which was a team record. Edmed scored two tries, kicked three penalties and converted seven tries.
That was the highlight in a series of strong performances. Edmed almost played the entire 80 minutes in seven matches during the tough NPC campaign, and that’s left the Wallabies hopeful feeling “more confident” ahead of potential representative honours.
“Obviously, NPC was very attacking rugby. You could see by the scorelines that they were very free-flowing games and that was really enjoyable. I got to learn a lot from that,” Edmed told reporters in Canberra on Tuesday.
“It’s been a tough few years at the Waratahs, I absolutely love the place but it was really refreshing to get something new.
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“I’m stoked to be back and keen to rip back in with the Waratahs.
“I’ve always known I’ve had the ability. It’s always been there,” he added .”It’s pretty crazy what a new environment can do – a fresh start and a new perspective.
“I think it definitely helped me confidence-wise (to) see that I can do that. But at the same time, I’m also very aware that NPC is not Super, it’s not Test-level rugby so obviously there will be challenges still ahead.
“But it definitely made me more confident in my own abilities, for sure.”
Edmed had gone over to New Zealand with the goal of developing his game by exposing himself to “new perspectives, new coaching, new players.” The Harbour recruit seemed to grow in confidence as the season went on, but there’s still more rugby to play.
The Wallabies are, of course, set to head abroad soon ahead of some blockbuster Tests during their Spring Tour. Australia will take on England at Allianz Stadium before later going head-to-head with Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
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But, even if Edmed isn’t selected in Joe Schmidt’s top squad, there’s an Australia XV who is set to tour the United Kingdom in November as well. That representative side will take on Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate, and later England A at the famed Twickenham Stoop.
Edmed was joined by Waratahs teammates and ACT Brumbies rivals during a two-day training camp in the nation’s capital this week. Among the others training, Wallabies incumbent Noah Lolesio was also in attendance at AIS in Canberra.
“Just being here for two days, I’ve loved it so much. I want to make sure I expose myself to this environment as much as I can,” Edmed explained.
“It’s definitely a big motivator but in saying that, I’ve been pretty grateful just to be here for the two days and learn as much as I can. But would love to be in it a bit more.”
NZ is so down on its own young 10s, expecting them to be game changing super stars after a few games. The reality is that it's one of the most difficult in any sport. More confidence building from the coaches and much less public criticism would go a long way. Also officials need to protect the playmakers or we will end up with 15 rolly pollies and endless mauls as the only feature. And that "legal obstruction" is already far too dominant!
Rugby is a game, as Edmed points out, that's better to watch and play if it's a running / passing sport. Just as the young Rugby schoolboy intended it to be.
Which young 10s are you referring to
Yep, and a change in coachs not relying on the easy option of size and power in key backline positions, which is what puts more demands of flair and creativity on the 10.
Its still very formulaic in NZ. Another cracking hit from Finau on a ten in the weekend, at least theres still some mongrel, something from the good old days in the game.