Roar Guru
Joined July 2014
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Formerly, I am a mediocre rugby backrower and more mediocre water polo centre-forward. Writing is a hobby and rugby is my passion. Catch up with my rugby thoughts and analysis on the Rugby Fixation podcast, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts & more.
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The Rugby Championship starts this weekend, and while there’s so much importance in the Wallabies returning to winning ways in their first hit-out against…
Dave Rennie is a man who knows what he wants. In the current catch-cry of Australian fans, #InRennieWeTrust and his selections throughout his 20-Test…
It’s been an almighty age since the Wallabies held the Bledisloe Cup. Embarrassingly long. Against one other team (albeit, a very good one), the…
Two games into Dave Rennie’s tenure with the Wallabies, one thing is certain: if you’re not up to it, you’re out. Pete Samu and…
Following on from that enthralling Bledisloe Cup fixture was a range of emotions. No one is ever truly happy with a draw, but this…
It has been nearly an entire year since Australia’s quarter-final exit at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, but with only two of the same…
Saying that the year has been a cataclysmic cycle of cluster rucks is putting it mildly, but in every cloud, a silver lining. For…
The South African Super Rugby conference has a slightly different feel about it this season, but even without some of the names that have…
Following on from the brief analysis of the Australian conference, I wanted to inspect the trans-Tasman rivals and see how the New Zealand conference…
The 2019 Super Rugby season is barely over a month away and excitement is reaching fever pitch. A much-needed break from rugby was taken…
Time and time again the axe gets called in a knee-jerk reaction to the abysmal state of particular aspects of Australian rugby. Recurring themes…
The completion of the Super Rugby season has left an empty feeling within me. It's not that I didn't enjoy the season; I did.…
What a whirlwind year! I feel I haven't had a week without rugby since February and it has often been hard to compose my…
Following on from my article regarding my predictions for the bottom nine of the ladder is this set of bold choices for the other…
Every avid fan of rugby has seen the constant news outlets posting of new signings, new goals and new motivation for the upcoming 2017…
Continuing on from the discussion of forwards in Australian rugby that I'll be looking out for is my delve into the backs as I…
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has conceded “when you play 15 Tests against the top eight nations in one year, there's no easy games”. This…
Since the Maori All Blacks ventured to the United States on the eve of the first weekend of November for a non-Test match, countless…
Prior to the third match of the European tour clash with France, Michael Cheika took it upon himself to shake up the Wallabies team…
The Wallabies' 2016 season is on the final stretch. There are five games against Wales, Scotland, France, Ireland and England. These are all that…
Establishing pecking order at the clubs will be a really interesting conundrum for the coaches. How quickly Mafi overtakes Uelese while trying to keep both healthy is of keen interest, but also, I feel like the ranking of the Reds players is the most open based on discussions with coaches and players at the Reds Development series. Really fascinating position.
As has already been pointed out too, who each coach chooses to elect at fullback will be interesting. Arguably every club has at least two genuine options if everyone is healthy, but at least 3 do. Curious as to how much Rennie will relay his desires to the SRP coaches.
Everyone’s an option: Why next season will be a great time to be an Australian hooker
The big problem with this is how different Lolesio’s injection into the test side was to our previous key flyhalf options. A look at the difference between how Lolesio was thrust into the team compared to Cooper and Foley back all those years ago shows such a stark difference that it really is. Unfortunately, Lolesio is partially a victim of time and circumstance to other players. But, this view and the response in the instant reaction pod don’t grasp that or acknowledge the difference.
ANALYSIS: The Wallabies have backed the wrong horse as their No.10 project
Around 90 players who have been formally included in Rennie’s Wallaby camps, with 68 earning at least one test. Nearly 30 have been used in 10+, about 20 have been used in 1-3.
From all data gained, the list of RWC squad possibilities has been narrowed to 57 players, but that is still way too many with far too many unresolved positions when we’re less than a year out and can only take 33.
The Wrap: We saw nine different ways to lose a game, and six of them from the Wallabies
To show the other options used and how undecided some positions seem whether it be long or short term.
Tight five: What I want this TRC for the Wallabies
I think that’s a great point. We still need to know what that exact style is going to be that best benefits the available players and then developing the game plan that can be successful. It seems like it’s trending the right way, but as you say, injuries/unavailability have made it so hard to get any continuity aside from the middle of last year.
Tight five: What I want this TRC for the Wallabies
I only wanted to mention players that didn’t play test rugby this year as the ones I’m keen to see develop, but otherwise Wilson is number 1 of who I want to see have a huge year
The next batch: The Wallabies to watch for 2022
I like Walton, but I thought I saw somewhere that he’d be out for the majority of the season with an injury. In any case, Foketi and Perese would still be a clear centre combo for me this year coming.
The next batch: The Wallabies to watch for 2022
Uru is very exciting, although we have some good locks and backrowers at the Reds. I would’ve liked to see him go to the Tahs if he wanted more time at lock or the Force if he wanted more time in the backrow, but I’m keen to see him grow at the Reds given how destructive he was this year.
The next batch: The Wallabies to watch for 2022
Yeah I would have liked him to get over to a European side after his Reds stint, but he fell out of favour pretty quickly in Aus circles after a few average tours.
The next batch: The Wallabies to watch for 2022
No, not better than Lomax, but not that far off. Depends how well he’s been able to train with the Highlanders after his injury.
The next batch: The Wallabies to watch for 2022
I’m on board for all of this, except Ready. The way he injects himself into fixtures as a penalty magnet just isn’t for me. I think his performances in 2021 really showed some brain explosions and it’s the last thing I want in a position we’re struggling in.
The next batch: The Wallabies to watch for 2022
Provides an interesting decision for the Waratahs. 9, 12 and 13 are locked up, IMO, but whoever plays 10 out of Harrison, Donaldson and maybe Edmed combined with which OBKs are used and where out of Nawaqanitawase, Ramm, Funa and Pietsch (to a lesser extent Reilly and Newsome) will be interesting.
The next batch: The Wallabies to watch for 2022
James Ramm was right in contention with Tom Wright for a Wallabies spot last year and some unfortunate injuries have just ruined his timing. I’m not completely sold on him stepping up to the next level, but I’m very keen to see him try.
The next batch: The Wallabies to watch for 2022
This is why he’s one I want to watch. His work rate in making tackles and carries is really only rivalled by his partner Bell, but if he can cement himself as a solid scrummaging option too he’s a real threat.
The next batch: The Wallabies to watch for 2022
Agree with both of you on this – I’d personally prefer for all Super Rugby sides to play their players in the positions they’re most likely to play for the Wallabies, although I understand this isn’t realistic in every case. However, Paisami (12), Petaia (15), Hodge (15), Perese (13) and Harrison (10) are my key ones off the top of my head.
The next batch: The Wallabies to watch for 2022
Ainsley would be a good fit for them, I see him offering nearly as much as Lomax can and he’s been given plenty of opportunities.
The next batch: The Wallabies to watch for 2022
Really class player, would be happy to see him back at the Force and taking over a leadership role in the outside centre role there.
The next batch: The Wallabies to watch for 2022
Henry will be interesting, because Paisami will start undoubtedly in their big fixtures, but whether that’s at 12 or 13 determines if Stewart, Henry or Flook are more likely to start alongside him. I think my preference would be having Paisami at 12 given the Wallabies can use Ikitau and Perese as 13 options who should be there for their Super sides all year, and with Kerevi not guarranted to be available for us, Paisami needs as many minutes in the seat as possible.
The next batch: The Wallabies to watch for 2022
Yes, I was really impressed by his involvements in the SRTT competition. My hope is he has a full season at 10 with Powell and To’omua his 9 and 12 – plenty of experience and reliable service afforded to him so we can see what he can do.
The next batch: The Wallabies to watch for 2022
At the moment, I agree with this, but there seems to be enough confusion as to whether he will actually be the 10 at the Waratahs given the use of Donaldson at 10 and Harrison at 15 for a few fixtures (albeit with a different coaching setup). I’d like a full season starting at 10 for Harrison, Gordon and Pasitoa at their respective clubs so we can gauge the three of them fairly and see who looks to be able to step up to the next level easiest.
The next batch: The Wallabies to watch for 2022
Yeah he was interesting, I think just behind a bit of a logjam at the Brumbies. In 2020 he went to the Sunwolves and I haven’t seen him in Aus since, but he might be kicking around at a local club if not still playing in Japan.
The next batch: The Wallabies to watch for 2022
Agreed. Is there a 10 you’re most excited by?
The next batch: The Wallabies to watch for 2022
Very interesting scores for Alaalatoa, White and Hanigan. I think the game could be worth re-watching for some, or at least having a look at the match and player statistics.
Wallabies Bledisloe 4 DIY player ratings vs New Zealand: The results
Great news for Australian rugby. I’ll be keeping my Stan account and eagerly awaiting the commentary/analysis team to come.
OFFICIAL: Rugby AU locks in new free-to-air broadcast deal as Nine launches Stan Sport
This year in Super Rugby:
Donaldson kicked 34/49 (69.3%)
Hodge kicked 49/60 ((81.2%)
If we’re picking a fullback because of goal kicking, it’s not as if Donaldson is in some amazing form. Although, being the best goal kicker in the squad, which was a massive risk to start with, leads us here.
Exclusive: Eddie to spring huge No.15 shock to start World Cup as Donno's 'natural game' gives him an edge