Champ’s easy to Pease when it comes to SUP

DUAL international Mat Rogers believes the return of reformed bad boy James O’Connor has given the Wallabies a World Cup x-factor, insisting they can overcome their Bledisloe Cup heartache to mount a serious Cup challenge.

A week after their recordbreaking 47-26 win over New Zealand, the Wallabies crashed back to earth last month as the All Blacks retained the Bledisloe for a 17th-straight year with a 36-0 Eden Park demolition.

This year’s series featured a spectacular international return for Coast product O’Connor, who had not played for Australia since 2013 after being banished to Europe amid a string of off-field indiscretions.

With the Wallabies continuing preparations for their September 21 World Cup opener against Fiji with a 34-15 win over Samoa earlier this month, Rogers said there was plenty to like about coach Michael Cheika’s men.

“I sort of write that (second Bledisloe game) off,” Coastbased Rogers, who played 45 Tests between 2002-06, said.

“It wasn’t the result we were after but we know what we can deliver and it’s just about getting it right on the day.

“There was so much optimism in the lead-up to that game after the first victory.

“I had so much spring in my step, not just because they won but the way they played.

“But the wounded All Black is a tough All Black to beat so they came out firing and we just never fired a shot.

“I’m still very optimistic for the World Cup.

“I’m excited about James O’Connor being back in the side. He adds so much, he seems to have matured.

“I’m really happy that he’s been given another opportunity. I think it shows kids that you can make mistakes but come back from it.”

Rogers recently visited Japan in the lead-up to the World Cup as part of Mastercard’s Tap Map promotion, a travel guide for rugby fans in Tokyo.

“They wanted to make it easier for all the fans visiting Japan,” he said.

“I went over there and met a local rugby player. I couldn’t speak much Japanese and he couldn’t speak much English but we could talk rugby.

“He took me to all the places around Tokyo that fans should go.” REEDY Creek’s Troy Pease insists there’s “nothing like a bit of carnage on the water” and hopes that’s what he’ll get on the Gold Coast this weekend.

The state’s top Stand Up Paddleboard racers are preparing for Saturday’s 2019 Technical Racing Queensland Titles.

Athletes will be vying for a position in the Queensland SUP tech racing team heading to the Australian titles in October at Phillip Island.

The technical race will feature an offshore course that will challenge the competitors.

They will complete multiple laps of an offshore circuit that will include a short sand run where they must beach their equipment for the finish. Officials hope to run the event at Lacey’s Beach, Currumbin, depending on surf conditions.

Last year’s over-40 division state champion Pease has his eyes set on more glory.

“I always look forward to this event,” said Pease.

“Technical surf racing is hands down the most exciting event in paddle sports. It showcases a competitor’s skills and fitness while offering spectators up-close viewing.

“Nothing like a bit of carnage on the water.

“Making that step from club paddling to state level competition is where it all begins.

“There is a certain personal satisfaction of gauging how well you are progressing.”

Surfing Queensland CEO Adam Yates is excited ahead of this weekend.

“The SUP technical race is a true test of an athlete’s stamina and ability to read the ocean,” he said.

“We’re looking forward to finalising our strongest Queensland state team to date for the national SUP titles.”