Super semis point to danger of resurgent Aussies in World Cup

The Brumbies were impressive against the Stormers yesterday. Photo / Getty Images

There have been steady improvements in Australian rugby this season.

They have two sides playing in the Super Rugby semifinals this weekend and they're stacked with Wallabies. The Brumbies were impressive as they disposed of the Stormers 39-19 yesterday, adding further weight to my suspicions that Australia will be a tough side to beat this year.

Australian coach Michael Chieka has never led a side against the All Blacks and when these teams meet for the Bledisloe Cup, the competition will be fierce.

One of the big issues they've had is who will control their backline at first five. But given the Australian Rugby Union's new policy on selecting overseas-based players, Toulon's Matt Giteau could make a shock return.

The 92-test veteran is an experienced operator who would provide a cool head in a side that has dangerous backs in Nick Phipps, Israel Folau, Tevita Kuridrani and Joe Tomane. Toulon wing Drew Mitchell could also bolt back into the selection discussion.

Their forward pack, which has struggled physically against the All Blacks recently, includes some combative types like giant lock Will Skelton, Scott Fardy and loose forwards David Pocock, Michael Hooper, Ben McCalman, Scott Higginbotham and Wycliff Palu.

It's been great to see Pocock return to fitness after a long battle with knee problems, while his Brumbies teammate Stephen Moore is playing some of the best rugby of his career; the hooker is another experienced head in that Wallabies squad.

I also believe the Brumbies have the ability to push the Hurricanes in Wellington this weekend and the Waratahs will be a true test for the high-flying Highlanders.

The performance of the Brumbies tells me Australia will continue to improve this year and shouldn't be written off with the World Cup looming.

Meanwhile, the Highlanders thoroughly deserved their 24-14 win over the Chiefs in Dunedin on Saturday and the atmosphere at Forsyth Barr Stadium was electric and, at times, fever-pitched.

Jamie Joseph's Highlanders looked dangerous with ball in hand and they had numerous threats throughout their backline, while the Chiefs didn't employ their attacking weapons enough.

The likes of Sonny Bill Williams and Tim Nanai-Williams could have been given greater opportunities to get into the game, despite the Highlanders probably kicking away too much ball in the second half.

The Highlanders' kicking nearly allowed the Chiefs back into the match on the counterattack because the home side kicked too deep for the ball to be contested and allowed the opposition easy possession.

But where they won the game - to earn their semifinal spot - was on defence. They smothered the Chiefs and forced them into errors as ill-discipline proved costly for Dave Rennie's side.

We saw the big names deliver some of their best form with Aaron Smith and Ben Smith performing well for the Highlanders, while new All Black Lima Sopoaga continues to impress at first five. Sopoaga guided the team around the park nicely and his option-taking was sound. His improved form is a big part of why they have been successful this season.