A new look Southern Districts side had arguably the toughest start to the season of any team this season and almost caused a number of boilovers in the opening rounds.

While the Rebels seem to be improving week by week, those tight losses might come back to haunt them as the race for a spot in the top six heats up.

We spoke to Todd Louden to see what he thought of his side’s opening nine matches.

ALL THE NUMBERS

Played 9, Won 4, Lost 5
Points For: 292
Points Against: 202
Differential: 90
Ladder position: 7th on 23 points

How would you describe the first half of your season?

“It’s been a really good learning curve for us, playing all the top teams first up this year. For a young team, it’s been a great way to start the year because it forced us to try to play to their level and to get into the grind of the season,” Louden told Rugby News. 

“From that, we know we’re not too far away. 

“It was really frustrating to lose those games against the top teams that we probably should of won, but that also has made us stronger. It shows that we’re close but we need to keep working.”

Standout players:

“Josh Bokser has been very good for us. Tyzac Jordan at halfback seems like he’s got a new lease on life since coming to Souths. I think our style of rugby really suits his game. 

“Our front row have really stood up. Andrew Tuala has been able to show how good he can be with some consistent rugby behind him.”

What’s the difference between your best and worst performances this year? 

“I think it comes down to our detail more than anything else. It hasn’t been so much about what other teams have done to us, it’s more been us, not doing the little things accurately. 

“We need to fix that to be a more consistent rugby team.”

What will your squad look like for the remainder of the season? 

“We’re looking good. We’ve suffered quite a few injuries, not as bad as last year but it seems to be the story at Southern Districts. 

“We could be a little light on in the backs at times but our forward pack is tracking quite well and given the way we play, that’s pretty important. 

“We also might have a few guys returning from overseas. Paul Asquith is one who played a lot of rugby at Souths and has spent the last few years playing in the UK.”

Which two sides will play in this year’s grand final? 

“Based on the first half of the season, you’d have to say that Norths and Uni are the teams to beat but in saying that, the way that the finals are structured, it really could be anyone in that top six. 

“I think we’ll see a lot of movement over the second half of the season and I think it’s going to be really tight in the top six.”