Shop's Roar Profile

Super rugby needs to be re structured. It started out as tournament that provided bragging rights for the province that won and was proportionately balanced between the then SANZAR. It has now morphed into a part provincial, part national selection trial, part development exercise but as a whole it is less than the sum of its own parts.

If it is to be a serious professional competition, then players should be able to move freely between all teams. This would require NZ to see its AB’s play for Aussie based teams. Danger being the wealth of NZ players might squeeze out the Aussie talent. Ideally however, the standard of Aussie players contracted would be required to lift and they would be exposed to a higher level and more expert aka Kiwi coaching. Then a draft or other levelling systems used throughout world professional sporting comps could be introduced. In this situation a reasonable argument can be made for choosing only locally based players.
Would NZRU be open to this?

Otherwise, Australia needs play within its own borders and perhaps have a provincial play off, best NZ team plays the best OZ team, at the end of the season. Either way, they are band aid solutions until a genuine effort to improve youth rugby is made, meaning going outside of Sydney’s Northern and Eastern suburbs.

'Fighting with one hand tied': To'omua calls on Rugby Australia to 'pick best Wallabies team' to stop international slide

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Mar

They eradicated many of these things this year in Super rugby and it made a huge difference. Much faster, ball in play longer, players more worn out and a better spectacle. It wasn’t hard to do. Unfortunately, we have to wait for the Northern Hemisphere dinosaurs to come to the party.
The 20 minute red card for me is also a no brainer that will most likely be accepted next year.

SPIRO ZAVOS: 'Crazy brave' Boks are a team for the ages - but key decisions cleared their path to glory

Oct

Having just said that, lazy running back on side (Etzebeth) has always been one of my pet hates, ever since Sean Fitzpatrick mastered the art.

Well put Bluesfan. I think if you really want to cry foul I think the French were harder done by in the quarter. Could easily have been 14-0 after 10 minutes instead of 7-7. But like you say if the French were clinical enough they would have found a way over the try line with 7 mins to go. The Boks hung on in all three games and that to me is a mentality more than any referee error.

Excellent comment. I was at the game and have never seen a ref penalise “not releasing” so quickly. It’s why there were very few passages of multi phase play and a boring spectacle in that sense. There were also at least two occasions where the jackal had hands on the ground, therefore not supporting body weight, but a lightening fast “not release” penalty resulted. Happened to both teams, but it was definitely an anomaly. Wallabies obviously suffered more from this and I hope it isn’t setting a precedent.

Five Things: Eddie's mad scientist coaching group exposed - but Wallabies won't fear Wales like Fiji

Sep

Totally agree NB. There is no shortage of talent in NZ, unlike many other top tier nations. I don’t see any variation in game plan when things aren’t working for the AB’s. They seem to rely on constantly pressuring the opposition until some individual brilliance appears. It works sometimes (second test v SA) but when met with stoic defence like that of Los Pumas yesterday it doesn’t guarantee results.

NZ View: 'Stinker', 'what on earth is happening?' - All Blacks slammed for latest 'horror show,' brand value 'tumbling'

2022

Probably the greatest commentator of all time, Bill McClaren, spent hours perfecting all the names as well as other bits of information about all the players he was calling. A true professional in the amateur era.

The Wrap: Coaches ride the rollercoaster as Rugby Championship gets turned on its head

Nice article Brett. Certainly raises more questions that need answers

Are there any Roarers who are going to Mendoza for the Wallabies game?

Rennie’s Rugby Championship challenge: To reach levels his players aren’t sure they have

Are you coming to Mendoza or going to San Juan this year NB?

Last -gasp Argentina, Springboks restore southern pride while Chile edge USA to reach RWC finals for first time

They beat them away though. Funny watching a game of rugby played in a swimming pool!

I justify my support for Argentina because I’ve lived here for 15 years. Even though my Dad is a Kiwi, I always like to see the Darkness get beat. The world cups that had England v SA both traumatised me greatly.

It looks like an awesome stadium! How can they afford that in Santiago del Estero is baffling though.

Fair point, but it does make it hard when the mainstream channels actively go out of their way to avoid the sport altogether.

Wallabies vs England live stream: How to watch the rugby tonight

I’d like to see the scrum pack without flankers to de power it somewhat. Once stable, the flankers bind and then the ball is fed. Not sure if it would help but something needs to be done because it currently a blight on the game.

Rugby News: Reds suffer massive Tupou blow, Rassie's radical plan to fix scrum mess, Aussies' 7s heaven

Muy bien Highlander!! I think it is great the Pumas have made the effort in what will be a near impossible task. They could have let me know when they were leaving however, I would liked to have hitched a ride to Australia. Near impossible to get there otherwise from South America otherwise. ????

Argentina, everybody’s new favorite team

2020

Try and get to Lennox Head Nobes, great point break!
Que tengas un viaje buenisimo!

Super Rugby Round 2: second round syndrome

Any reason the tipping icon is easy to find on the phone but impossible on the computer? Used to be up the top..?

Agree IB, add that to the list.

Thanks for the comment Grats, sounds like you have a lot of refereeing experience.

I’m not adverse to penalising players if they are not in a position to take the intercept, it just seems even when they are in a good position but fumble it the penalty has become automatic.

Nicely written piece Gatesy and a great reflection on how sometimes we can go over board in the comments section.

I’m also one of those ex League fans. Used to love the game but it has become so dumbed down I find it hard to watch these days.

The Roar of my favourite crowd

Yes, truly bizarre statement. Lynagh started his apprenticeship at IC but is one of Australia’s all time great 10’s. Wasn’t that flashy but probably the best game manager we’ve ever had.

The Hooper blooper: Re-form the Pooper and bring back Cooper

I’m with you Fionn. I was at the match and in the second half the crowd went deathly silent. I was silent with them. There were no winners in Salta.

The Wrap: What the Dickens does Australian rugby do now?

Thanks for the encouraging words Chook. So far I haven’t seen anything that might indicate that there is another Aussie within 500km of here.

Barrett, Hooper, and Beale join Team Santa, and Cheika is the gift that keeps on giving

Any roarers in Salta this weekend?

Yep, definitely a remote venue for test match rugby, I’ve passed through there briefly but that was 15 years ago. If there are any roarers that will also be present, be sure to let me know! I doubt there will be too many gold jerseys in the crowd.

The Wrap: All Blacks seal 16th title as Wallabies stare down wooden spoon

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