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Joined February 2019
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Great comment, I agree!
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Rod Kafer was despised by many during his time commentating with Fox. His delivery may have come across as smug to some, but I personally rated him as the most articulate, knowledgable and informative voice of rugby in Australia. We need more like him in commentary imo – Morgan Turinui comes close.
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He took on coaching in the English Premiership too soon, and burnt out quickly. It would be great to tap that rich vein of rugby IP and spread it among the Australian rugby franchises.
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A Larkham/Kafer 10/12 combin… I mean coaching combination would work well too!
'Ridiculously fatigued': Larkham reveals his big Brumbies regret and what's changed this time
Australian born. So, presumably eligible.
'He'd be a fantastic 12': Eddie pinpoints NRL gun he wants to poach - and why having stars matter
That is not a band looking half-midfield comibnation.
I’d definitely start Kerevi. But some direction from Simone off the bench would be pretty handy!
Of all the Rennie selection issues, the treatment of Irae Simone is the most glaring for me 😔
'He'd be a fantastic 12': Eddie pinpoints NRL gun he wants to poach - and why having stars matter
I’m impressed by the way Kieren Crowley has helmed the Italians. Their scrum seemed to be pretty immense at times against the much, much larger French pack.
The Cannone brothers also look very good, and they still have players like Garbisi and Jake Polledri to inject into the team when fully recovered from injury. The Italian backrow is becoming a real force in world ruby too (do you know what happened to Braam Steyn?).
Lots to look forward to for them, I reckon.
ANALYSIS: Why the first week of 6N was a resounding success for the Wallabies and Eddie Jones
I really think everyone should be keeping an eye on Italy. They’ve had a strong core squad of young players that they’ve been building for several years now, and they are starting to gel with a good balance of tough grafters in the forwards (Nicotera, Ruzza, Negri, Lamaro) and flair in the back division (Varney, Brex, Capuozzo).
If they can extend that balance to their game plan – e.g. reduce the risky running plays from their 22 – they could be a real force come world cup time. If not this cycle, then most certainly in Australia 2027.
I’m a big fan of the way they are starting to play – with belief, passion and panache!
ANALYSIS: Why the first week of 6N was a resounding success for the Wallabies and Eddie Jones
Thanks for the rundown of Stewart’s skills. He seems to be adept at the unseen deft passes at the gain line that put others in space.
I’m very keen to see what he can deliver at the Force.
I worry that Australian rugby is going to lose players like Parata and Harrison, however. I guess it shows how much depth there is at 10 right now…
Revealed: The 'sh--fest' that saw Reds gun join Force and the 'respect' element that surprised him
I agree it make sense to have him at fullback, given his skills and physical attributes.
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But, I’d like to see him switch between roles with Lolesio at 10 and 12. He would fill the hole left by Irae Simone nicely. And I’d love to see Tom Wright have a full season at 15 to develop his skills, in order to provide an option at Wallaby level.
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I suspect Larkham will play either Debreczeni or Mogg at fullback. However, maybe Eddie will have a say in that?
Revealed: The 'sh--fest' that saw Reds gun join Force and the 'respect' element that surprised him
Another 1st five to watch at the Force is Campbell Parata. He was running the cutter for Tasman for half the games last NPC season. Looks like a calm head.
Hopefully he gets some game time behind Stewart.
Revealed: The 'sh--fest' that saw Reds gun join Force and the 'respect' element that surprised him
I’m hoping that Jack Debreczeni has brought some Canterbury IP back with him.
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It’s exciting to see what a couple of old heads can bring to the distributing position in Super Rugby this season. Perhaps they can push some of the younger blokes to greater heights.
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In the coming years, Aus Rugby will not be lacking depth at 10. With competition between youngsters Lolesio, Donaldson, Edmed, Gordon, Harrison, Pasitoa and Lynagh at home (+ Hodge, Debreczeni and Stewart). And Lucas and others os (+Cooper). Things are looking pretty optimistic.
Revealed: The 'sh--fest' that saw Reds gun join Force and the 'respect' element that surprised him
Good to blow away the cobwebs.
Revealed: The 'sh--fest' that saw Reds gun join Force and the 'respect' element that surprised him
Keep the player-focus articles coming, Christy! Very enjoyable to read more of the story behind a wonderful hard-nosed back. I very much hope the change in scenery will bring the very best out of Hamish Stewart, in his preferred position.
Cheers!
Revealed: The 'sh--fest' that saw Reds gun join Force and the 'respect' element that surprised him
Does anyone know whether Chris Feauai-Sautia is injured? I expected him to be in the match day squad for trials, at the very least.
Aussie sevens flyer, Latu shine in front of Eddie as Brumbies edge Tahs in Super Rugby trial
Is there, perhaps, an analyst role with the Wallabies on the cards for you Nick? As some have speculated on here.
ANALYSIS: Why Eddie will bring back essence of Aussie sport to Wallabies - and the four tight-five forwards he needs
Agreed, something is amiss with the Wallabies coaching setup.
And whomever is responsible for the attack, it is truly mystifying that they have consigned the first-five role to that of second receiver or ruck cleaner.
Thanks for creating such robust discussion as always, Nick!
ANALYSIS: Quade would've been worried watching Wallabies' attack on Spring Tour - this is why
Excellent post as usual SW!
Yes, I feel that this Brumbies takeover conspiracy theory is a little odd, and is a somewhat lazy hypothesis. This is pretty disappointing, as I value Nicholas Bishop’s contributions highly. He seems to have been peddling this view for a little too long now, in my view. I’d like to see more nuance in interpreting the political side of things to go along with his generally excellent analysis.
there will be continuity as Australia continues to pursue myths about rugby (including myths about its own rugby style) that have marked the performances of the last twenty odd (often very odd) years. The alternative might be to do what Queensland, then Australia did in the 1970’s and recognise some truths about rugby as a game and devise gameplans and selections accordingly
This quote eloquently and succinctly encapsulates the path the Wallabies have taken since the glory years at the turn of the century. I think most people who populate the threads of this site can clearly see that the Wallabies need to simplify their gameplan, play within their skillset and adapt better to trends in law interpretations. Positive results, in turn, may even serve to recapture the Australian public’s interest in this dying code…
ANALYSIS: Quade would've been worried watching Wallabies' attack on Spring Tour - this is why
Very much appreciate your input on the Roar Damien!
It’s really good to see Usman Khawaja continue his rich vein of form following 2022, albeit against a struggling bowling outfit. Hopefully it translates to Indian and English conditions. He is a key cog in the top order.
FLEM'S VERDICT: Uzzy, Uzzy, Uzzy, Oi, Oi, Oi - Khawaja stocks rise even higher as bizarre Proteas tactics backfire
And Jordan Silk would’ve probably aimed longer?
Michael Neser's extraordinary BBL catch exposed farcical loophole in cricket's rules that must be closed
I’m not trying to undermine the point you make – that Australian teams under-utilise too many of their players of potential – as it is an excellent one.
But, I just want to point out that Solomone Kata was also discarded by Moana Pasifika, where he plied his trade in 2022. He barely got a game in Aaron Mauger’s team last season. Also, which one of Irae Simone or Len Ikitau would you have replaced to fit Kata in the Brumbies midfield?
Rugby in Australia will die in isolation. The only cure is to break out of the circle of insularity, not reinforce it
I’d have Jarrad Butler at 8, instead of Dave Dennis. (Technically born in NZ though).
Rugby in Australia will die in isolation. The only cure is to break out of the circle of insularity, not reinforce it
It’s incredibly frustrating.
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If McKeller and his favoured picks are primarily influencing attacking style, then why did they not persist with Irae Simone? He has been the perfect support in midfield to Lolesio at the Brumbies. He’s a big body, skilful and provides excellent communication and a calm head. And there’s no reason he couldn’t have flourished at international level if given more of a chance. Even acknowledging his defensive frailties.
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While Cooper and Kerevi are out injured, it would have made a lot of sense to keep cohesion between the Wallabies’ 10-12-13. Lolesio’s opportunities at international level have often come with Hunter Paisami alongside him, and that combination has never gelled. Simone would surely have helped control the game more effectively.
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It’d would have been good to have seen how Lolesio went with Foketi outside him.
ANALYSIS: Time to pray Australia, because it's Quade Cooper or bust for the RWC. And when he's gone there's no one else
I realise I’m late to the party. But I just wanted to point out that it’s actually Len Ikitau who tipped the ball on to Foley for the disallowed Kellaway try. You can tell by the strapping around his wrists.
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Your point about Foley’s second receiver role is still proven beautifully, though. And Foketi was still excellent.
ANALYSIS: How Foley really handled recall, what it says about Aus rugby, and teammate he owes big time
For the most part I think these picks are justified.
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The one I would disagree with is Rieko Ioane at 13. The bloke is one of the most dangerous backs going round, but has plenty of deficiencies in the centre position – defensively and distribution-wise eg. Plus he is obviously not even the preferred player there when ALB and Goodhue are fit. He did carve up the Wallabies in broken play though.
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In a tournament which had no standout performances I think Len Ikitau deserved to be there as the most consistent performer. He was steady in attack and defense, pilfered well, exited from his own red zone well, and linked well with those outside him. Plus he scored a couple of tries to boot.
Seven Wallabies, five All Blacks and three Boks in our Team of The Rugby Championship
Bringing the bomb squad on early, hooking Willie at half-time and fortuitously getting Jantjies on the pitch with enough time left for him to influence proceedings. These important replacements are what allowed the Boks to have the grunt and finesse to sway the test in their favour.
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Another enjoyable 80 minute fracas.
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How does one assess Neinaber’s overall performance after this, Harry? I noticed after the match, when the players were shaking hands, he was straight on a zoom call in the coach’s box!
Belief, brutal strength, bloody-mindedness: The Boks are bloody back, baby!
It was very much an old school battle of attrition in the end. The Boks’ pack shaded the ABs’ 8. Kolisi had his best game this season. On the other side Ethan Blackadder took it upon himself to repel the green raids. The AB backline fumbled their way through the 80.
Although the test wasn’t of the highest standard, I enjoyed the intensity and passion of the players.
This test could have gone either way. The theatre was there. Looking forward again until next week.
SA View: Heartbreak in the 100th as Boks 'set the table, kill the calf and forget to eat'
Was excellent for Northland, too. Good in contact, good offload. Strong player.
I wouldn’t mind seeing him start the opening game. But I’d love to see a Lolesio/Debreczeni 10/12 combination also.
'Nightmare for coaches': Backline tweak and backrow conundrum - Predicted Brumbies XV