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Geoff is a Melbourne based sports fanatic and writer, who started contributing to The Roar in 2012, originally under the pen name Allanthus. His first book, A World in Conflict; the Global Battle For Rugby Supremacy was released in Dec 2017 to critical acclaim. For details on the book visit www.geoffparkes.com Meanwhile, his twin goals of achieving a single figure golf handicap and owning a fast racehorse remain tantalisingly out of reach.
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Waking up and nervously opening the blinds in Tokyo last Sunday morning, it was a struggle to reconcile the brilliant sunlight and stillness to the passing of Typhoon Hagibis only hours before.
What typically marks the mid-point of a World Cup – the phase where most of the pools have been determined, the quarter-finals are still ten days away, and the frequency of meaningful matches drops – is that bored journalists and frustrated editors have to try to rustle up stories out of nothing, in order to […]
The population of greater metropolitan Tokyo is estimated at 13.5 million people, with the city containing approximately 4 million registered vehicles.
Wallowing in the glory of Richmond’s 89-point thrashing of Greater Western Sydney in the AFL grand final meant I was late to secure a spot at my Shinbashi local for Japan versus Ireland.
Anyone who tells you that they predicted where this World Cup has already been and knows where it is headed is not being straight with the truth.
It was at the gate lounge at Singapore’s Changi airport where it all started to hit home. After months of eager anticipation, the ninth Rugby World Cup was actually about to start tomorrow.
All Blacks’ captain Kieran Read didn’t say much at the press conference following his team’s 23-13 win over South Africa.
“Things are seldom as they seem, skim milk masquerades as cream,” are words written by lyricist WS Gilbert for the opera HMS Pinafore.
Ahead of the World Car Rally Cup in Japan, competitors took their wheels in for a final tune-up over the weekend. Results were mixed.
On Friday, bold headlines leapt from the back page of The Australian, spelling out what has long been feared by many Australian rugby fans.
In the wake of the Wallabies World Cup squad announcement from Sydney Airport on Friday, stories emerged of retired World Cup stars being tasked by Michael Cheika with phoning the chosen 31 in the days before to advise them of their selection.
News last week that a Wallabies win by 16 points or more at Eden Park could have the All Blacks slip to sixth on World Rugby’s rankings had the buzzards circling.
Decorated US Army General Douglas Macarthur, never a man short of a quote, once said, in an address at West Point in 1962, “In war there is no substitute for victory.”
You don’t need to be a rugby genius to know why the Crusaders dominated Super Rugby again in 2019 – their third successive championship, and tenth overall.
It’s fair to say that both Rugby Championship matches over the weekend won’t be remembered when Roar readers in ten years’ time argue the toss about great moments in Rugby Championships history.
Losing 35-17 to the Springboks in Johannesburg, the Wallabies kicked off their 2019 Test season by extending a 56-year Ellis Park losing streak.
A popular dance, the Rumba is sometimes referred to as the Latin Waltz because of its slow rhythm and sensual movements.
By any measure it’s been an awful decade for Christchurch. A major earthquake in 2011 killed 185 people, injured many more and left an indelible mark on a city that is still years away from being properly remedied.
Yeah, but… nobody would believe it anyway! 😂
Michael Cheika's failure at the World Cup is Rugby Australia's, too
Yes but that’s not actually how it all went down Peter.
Michael Cheika's failure at the World Cup is Rugby Australia's, too
Have another guess at who sacked Larkham, Peter.
Hint, it wasn’t RA.
Michael Cheika's failure at the World Cup is Rugby Australia's, too
It’s simplistic nonsense, Colonel.
A slavish commitment to ‘running rugby’ (whatever that actually means) is dumb enough. But doing the opposite is just as dumb.
Wallabies fans are really going to get behind a team that kicks it all day? And tell us which players are actually going to do the kicking? And why would that be a good strategy, the way the game is played and refereed nowadays?
As soon as this knee-jerking and frustration washes out, what is required are cool heads and smart thinking, and RA, the state bodies (and by definition the clubs), and the professional franchises working more closely together.
Michael Cheika's failure at the World Cup is Rugby Australia's, too
Good question, N.
One point is that SANZAAR didn’t fight as hard as they might of, because SA didn’t want to keep them. The other point is that the JRU have plans, along with equity partners, to lift the status of their competition. That is where they see their future.
Joseph’s comments were interpreted by many as a shot at SANZAAR, but they were actually a shot at his own union. He’s looking at it from the point of view of preparing a side for Test rugby, and he’d much rather stay in Super Rugby.
Week 4 World Cup reflections: Yukkuri isogu, hasten slowly
No. SAF v JAP tomorrow in Tokyo. WAL v FRA is down at Oita.
If Wales win I’ll catch them next week.
Week 4 World Cup reflections: Yukkuri isogu, hasten slowly
Enjoy that game when you catch it, Ken. Time for a result from this WB’s side.
Week 4 World Cup reflections: Yukkuri isogu, hasten slowly
Oita is covered robbo so those two matches are guaranteed dry. I’m in Tokyo where the weather is a bit better than predicted so far. It hasn’t rained for a while now and if it does, I don’t think it will be too much.
Japan v Aus final? You’ll be in Nebbiolo for months mate if you get a collect on that!!
Week 4 World Cup reflections: Yukkuri isogu, hasten slowly
He’s a renowned rugby man, Mark, so I reckon you’ve nailed the reason.
Hope you enjoy the evening; Parky’s getting on but he’s still quality.
Week 4 World Cup reflections: Yukkuri isogu, hasten slowly
Let’s hope the Wallabies hit hard and often, Chook.
And yes, chest or below – no good complaining about it later, everyone knows what the deal is.
Week 4 World Cup reflections: Yukkuri isogu, hasten slowly
Nice story DA! ????
If it was raining my brothers and I used to have soccer penalty shoot outs inside but, not allowed to use a real ball, we improvised by lopping off the head of one of our teddies, taking the eyes out and sewing the neck back up.
There… aren’t we both relieved we got those admissions off our chest?
Week 4 World Cup reflections: Yukkuri isogu, hasten slowly
Cheers Homer. In his book, Walsh makes it clear that what ultimately happened to Armstrong couldn’t have happened without the unwavering backing of his bosses.
Week 4 World Cup reflections: Yukkuri isogu, hasten slowly
Cheers mz. Although with what I’m expecting to be a very hectic and intense last couple of weeks of the WC, we can all probably do with a few quiet, dull weeks to recover!
Week 4 World Cup reflections: Yukkuri isogu, hasten slowly
It’s been fantastic, TLN.
But it’s also great to finally get into the real meat of it today. There’s a definite, different edge to things now – some serious contenders will be going home.
Week 4 World Cup reflections: Yukkuri isogu, hasten slowly
Cheers KP, and good luck to the Wallabies later this afternoon.
Huge task ahead but after so many low moments for the game in Aus in recent times, a win would be nothing less than what everyone deserves!
Week 4 World Cup reflections: Yukkuri isogu, hasten slowly
It’s funny B/boy, you walk past a restaurant with a photo of a juicy looking steak, see the price and think ‘that’s almost manageable’… then you realise that’s the price per 100grams! 😂 😂
Week 4 World Cup reflections: Yukkuri isogu, hasten slowly
Certainly the Blossoms go at full speed and intensity once the match starts, Bob!
But Jamie Joseph also spoke the other day about the long-term planning aspects, how they went through a lot of pain in Super Rugby to expose players to a higher level, and gradually build the team up to where it is now.
Week 4 World Cup reflections: Yukkuri isogu, hasten slowly
It is a bit gloomy isn’t it, oj? My app says some clearer patches later and 30% chance of rain at kick-off time, so fingers crossed it won’t be too bad.
Week 4 World Cup reflections: Yukkuri isogu, hasten slowly
Imagine it’s the other way around DA.
Guy Pearce could play Armstrong, Kim Basinger would pass for Sheryl Crow and Russell Crowe would be disgraced doctor, Michele Ferrari…
Week 4 World Cup reflections: Yukkuri isogu, hasten slowly
I may well have made that word up, TLN. But it seemed to fit.
Week 4 World Cup reflections: Yukkuri isogu, hasten slowly
Wagyu calf 😂
I did find a place that does great fried oysters. Not Bluff oysters of course, but still very enjoyable.
Week 4 World Cup reflections: Yukkuri isogu, hasten slowly
They counter sued, and in 2013 Armstrong agreed to a confidential settlement, OJ.
Week 4 World Cup reflections: Yukkuri isogu, hasten slowly
Bizarre couple of posts Connor. No team, New Zealand, Australia or anybody, has an obligation to play rugby in any particular manner or style. That’s the beauty of the game, there are many ways to skin the same cat.
Everyone is here to win a World Cup and do so in whichever way they determine is best. Do you really think Steve Hansen’s legacy should be ‘we didn’t win, but I couldn’t be prouder because we played like Japan does?’
C’mon mate, a few weeks ago you told everyone on here how New Zealand “didn’t have the cattle”. If you really believe that, then perhaps don’t be so hard on them not being able to match Japan.
And do you really believe that any side can stay at the top of world rugby for so long without having any innovative thought?
Can Japan repeat the Brighton Miracle at the 2019 Rugby World Cup?
Don’t encourage him, Nick! 😂
Can Japan repeat the Brighton Miracle at the 2019 Rugby World Cup?
You’re right Sinclair, RA was in a weak position when McKenzie resigned. And it’s also worth pointing out that Cheika’s appointment at the time was greeted with widespread approval.
In my view the biggest mistake was the length of the term of his appointment. There was a strong case to sack him at the end of last year, which I supported, but without having the spare cash to waste on a payout, replacement options mostly tied up until after the end of this year, and some concessions agreed to by Cheika with respect to a selection panel, then I understand why they pushed on until the World Cup.
In retrospect, it soon became evident that the new selectors wouldn’t have much of an impact. They certainly will under a new coach.
Michael Cheika's failure at the World Cup is Rugby Australia's, too