Roar Guru
Joined September 2009
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Whilst rugby's the game they play in heaven, live life to the full...heaven can wait...
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It has taken a while. I last wrote the article in 2012. However, it's occurred. Players sent from the field in general play may…
Rugby fans, how do you feel if your team has a player sent from the field for what would a significant offence? Other than…
For all my Kiwi compatriots out there, let me say it for you that there’s really not much chance of this happening. OK, now…
A fine was imposed on the Wallaroos during the recent Women’s Rugby World Cup match where the Aussie girls dared to cross the 10…
Gentleman; A wonderful Tri-Nations once again showcasing to the world the best three teams in world rugby reside south of the equatorial line around…
I’m sure many of us have been quite dismayed to read all the hullabaloo with Cooper’s possible defection to league. Is it a ploy…
The season is finished and although it's possibly a season better forgotten by Wallaby supporters, there were many positives to come from the Northern…
As a retired referee, I am perhaps more critical of the man with the whistle than some. However, when we expect them to be…
As a retired referee, I am perhaps more critical of the man with the whistle than some. However, when we expect them to now…
Ever wandered why the crowd roars when a team decides to go for touch rather than kick for goal? They want to see tries…
Bet you miss that $20 SMI 😂
'We owe it to the sport': How and why RA will fight to have Koroibete cleared at judiciary
Interesting comments. I attended the game and this incident occurred in front of me. IMHO, it would have been ‘play on’ had the tackle not dislodged the ball from the French captain. The French were in massive trouble, a great tackle dislodged the ball, and the skipper thought my best action here will be to fain an injury to the head knowing there was some contact there after the initial dislodgement and hit on the arm / shoulder carrying the ball (so obvious by the head rocking forward initially).
Had the tackle not dislodged the ball, the skipper would have turned for his support to assist him and then no doubt win the ensuing ruck…play on.
Having said that, I just wish the Wallaby players played with that passion WITHOUT the need for a send off!!!
'We owe it to the sport': How and why RA will fight to have Koroibete cleared at judiciary
A balanced team. If any team is to get the job done, this one would. However, their combinations, one out breaks with no back ups hasn’t instilled a great deal of confidence. It’s a long season with time to jell prior to the real test from across the ditch.
Wallabies bring in the changes, but is it the right call?
Good to know it’s Stan and not my set up 😁
They need to lift their game though
Six talking points from Super Rugby Trans-Tasman, Round 1
Hmmm…I gave up watching any games live. Stan would start ‘rendering’ at inopportune times and I was wondering if anyone else had similar issues? I have strong internet (NBN) and don’t have issues with other platforms. Would like to know the reason for this but as a strong rugby supporter, I found myself watching the Magic round of league…not good 😡
Six talking points from Super Rugby Trans-Tasman, Round 1
Great summary MN…and good question. I think the team who goes forward this weekend will be the one who shows clear determination in overcoming significant odds, although I really don’t see anything but a Brumbies Reds final.
Cutting the pack: Force vs Reds
Let me tell ya’ll, he’s come a hell of a long way since he was running around as a gangly 12yo in the TSS under 13 B’s! Interestingly, his best year at school was in 2006 under the (then) 1st XV coach, Matty Taylor! Had another wonderful year when the Reds won the flag against the Crusaders with Brad Thorn, Richie McCaw et al. Assistant coach…Matty Taylor. His above average performances (IMHO) this year might just be a coincidence….or perhaps not!
Rob Simmons is not lazy
You would hope McLennan’s and Clarke’s SoU idea isn’t a ‘shot from the hip’ but has had some form of academic rigour applied. This being the case, there’s probably some merit to the idea notwithstanding Boof’s acknowledgement that a well structured rugby competition moving forward is the key to rugby’s future success. I would see three teams, QLD, NSW and All States and Territories. It’s not based on where you were born, but where you played your rugby, probably at school and club. Some rules would need to be put in place where this differs substantially, but easily overcome. I would stress, however, that such a competition can’t be at the expense of the current (or planned competitions) and as already mentioned, should provide sufficient financial reward to make it worthwhile.
State of Union is a disastrous idea
It’s a fine line Geoff. During my time refereeing, I was lucky to have been mentored by the (then) Director of Referees in QLD, a guy by the name of David True. It’s a known fact that rules are for the guidance of wise men and the blind obedience of fools…perhaps that’s why rugby has Laws…LOL. However, David always said to me that you are really facilitating a game and that to get the right result, you should reward positive play and penalise negative play. Today’s game is far more technical than it was back then, but it’s certainly a guide that held me in good stead and I seem to see it being used also by the latest crop of referees, which I think is a good thing.
The Wrap: Wallabies triumph in Suncorp dogfight
Agree Geoff, Rennie is connecting and we focus on that. However, Matty Taylor and the other assistants bring a considerable amount to the game. Matt Taylor coached slipper for two years at TSS and Rob Simmonds for one year and over that two year period, they had one loss only, against BBC and that included several trial matches against very fancied NZ schoolboy sides. He connects extremely well with the players and gets the most from them. His time at the Reds saw them win the Super rugby and his time at Scotland can’t be disregarded in what he’s brought to that side as well.
As should be the case, we recognise and congratulate the coach, but shouldn’t forget the contributions of the assistants.
The Wrap: Wallabies triumph in Suncorp dogfight
Good article Geoff. Regarding the White knock on and the Barrett hand. He initially said knocked back, but I thought he got the call from an Assistant Referee that it was knocked forward, and that’s when they checked and saw the hand come into play. Must admit, only saw it on Fox so unaware if it was the TMO that intervened. At any rate, it’s that ‘crap’ we should try to eliminate, but it’s the Ref who should be responsible for it…with the help of the Ref Assistant as necessary
The Wrap: Wallabies triumph in Suncorp dogfight
‘Not a bad summary. As usual a few points’ You don’t think that’s rather condescending? From the ‘few points’ you made, it would seem you may have been watching another game…possibly taking to heart the Welcome to Country! At any rate, perhaps getting a few ‘articles’ under your belt may provide you a little credibility.
The Wrap: Wallabies triumph in Suncorp dogfight
I remember watching the Wallabies / All Blacks at the Olympic Stadium in Sydney with over 109,000 other spectators as a good test for the upcoming Olympics, and how the Stadium and transport would cope.
Australia were in a similar position after only 15 mins…with possession being the key. However, Rod McQueen was in charge at that time and turn it around indeed they did to actually lead with minutes to go until that absolute man mountain and magnificent rugby player, the late Jona Lomu broke all the Wallaby supporter’s hearts.
However, I think we all left the stadium thinking we had witnessed one of the greatest rugby games ever. Perhaps Nic White was channelling that game during the interview…
Nic White's hilariously optimistic interview after 0-26 first half
Having taken a couple of years hiatus due to work commitments myself Brett, was good to see the ‘pen’ of reason still going when I returned. That will be sorely missed by all but good to see you will still comment when you can. All the best with the ABC young fella 😊
On the broadcasting issue, glad to see it’s not a ‘one horse race’ and there’s some competition to negotiate through. It will be a long road back, however, every journey starts with the first small steps….
Welcome competition in the rugby broadcast rights race - and a farewell, for now…
‘In these situations, even giving away a penalty to slow the ball is worth it’.
Stupidity at it’s best. Would on most occasions mean a yellow card as well. We’ve argued for years that this part of the game needs to remain free flowing. Slowing the ball down is a negative tactic that should not be condoned, and penalised to the highest degree possible, including the use of a yellow card!
Green shoots from the Wallabies' Eden Park loss
Looks like it might be ‘Paddy the dimwit’…hahaha
O'Connor at 10, four debutants in Wallabies team for Bledisloe 1
Hey Paddy, in your opinion he’s ‘had a shocker’. Most would at least wait until the game’s been played. You could look like ‘Paddy with the crystal ball’ or ‘Paddy the dimwit’…we’ll have to wait and see but at this stage, I’d be putting my money on the coaching staff knowing a little more about the team dynamics and selection than you 🙂 hahaha
O'Connor at 10, four debutants in Wallabies team for Bledisloe 1
The 3rd is the Federal Highway North 😂
Super Rugby AU final teams: Lolesio back for Brumbies, Petaia given the all-clear
Me thinks it will be a close final Saturday, although a bit concerned about the injury list for the Reds. The Brumbies will have benefitted from the weeks rest as well. However, no excuses…plenty of Wallaby hopefuls in both line-ups. I think the team that makes the least number of errors on the day will win. I suspect strong defence from both sides will be the dominating feature. Looking forward to a good, hard game of rugby 🙂
Super Rugby AU qualifying final: Simply Red vs the Rebel yell
Hey Richie, why would you say that? They have to approach the game with some sort of mindset, so why not one of punishing the Rebels? Hey, it may not work but it wasn’t that long ago I thought the Reds were just building for season 2021 😊
Super Rugby AU qualifying final: Simply Red vs the Rebel yell
I don’t agree Nic, but we’ll never know. That following week did prove to be a watershed for the Reds…
Be an interesting match up this Saturday with the Brumbies. Certainly rather be in the Reds position than the Waratahs…
Michael Hooper shines in sky blue slaughter at the SCG
Very positive post Gatesy as usual.
It has been an interesting year and I hope RA finally get their act together and move forward. The Wallaby coaching line up looks strong and I’m thrilled to see Matty Taylor in that mix, although not really certain what internationals will be on the cards this year.
At any rate, like you, really enjoying seeing the rugby and particularly the running and defensive style the Reds have adopted this season…with the one small hick up…LOL
Some positives from COVID
I think that’s a bit harsh Gary. Thorn’s entitled to experiment to some extent. I was trying to think of what other QLD coach has instilled the ‘never say die’ attitude that has led to a number of excellent tries by the Reds after the bell, whether allowed or disallowed. This is something we see all the time in NZ teams and I think it’s starting to be instilled at the Reds.
They won the second half, and that penalty on full time would have seen past Reds outfits do little to nothing with the opportunity. Regardless of the first half, if the Waratahs were such good contenders, they would have put the Reds to the sword and continued in the same vane in the second half…they didn’t. The Reds didn’t allow them to, which is also a relatively new thing for the Reds.
At this stage, I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt. I have said in other posts on this sight that the Reds are not real contenders this year but are building, in my opinion, for a strong 2021. I’m quite happy to be proved wrong, however, let’s wait and see on this one. This weekend may be a watershed for the Reds moving forward. Solid teams bounce back strongly from such set backs.
Michael Hooper shines in sky blue slaughter at the SCG
Can’t see it this year Ferret…but it’s good to dream…
Super Rugby AU Round 6 teams: To'omua shifted to inside centre, Petaia returns to starting line-up
Video was used…just they looked at it differently from the 100s of thousands of others who also saw it. The only vindication is the fact that Jelonch will always be known as a weasel who milked his way to a send off. Crowds don’t forget. I bet he wished he didn’t take that stance now. Probably should be known as ‘sniper’ from here on in as that’s exactly what it looked like (as described by Rennie) after about a 5 second delay… 😂 😂 😂
Wallabies vs France player ratings: Your verdict and how Will Genia saw it