The Roar
The Roar

Christy Doran

Editor

Joined November 2022

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Christy has been covering rugby since 2014 after falling in love with the game in 2010 during a year in England. He was employed at Fox Sports from 2015 and worked at News Corp across two stints. During his time at Fox Sports, he was a prolific newsbreaker and published regularly in The Australian. He also covered the Tokyo Olympics for News Corp. Not shy of setting the agenda, he wants to cover rugby from all angles: from Super Rugby and sevens to the international game.

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As written, he was later asked about whether he was pencilling players in already and did namedrop Tane Edmed. But I appreciate your concern.

Five things we learned: The general who caught Schmidt's eye, why next week is vital for Coleman's Tahs

G’day Ed, unfortunately the website is old and a bit clunky. I’ve been told it’s hard to pinpoint why exactly it’s occurring because it’s not every story. Hopefully, it improves. Thanks for sticking with us!

Five things we learned: The general who caught Schmidt's eye, why next week is vital for Coleman's Tahs

Valid points!

How do the other Australian sides emulate the Brumbies' set-up? The Reds might be showing us how

The difference in 2022 was that Razor rested several players for the match. Penney won’t be able to bring back those stars next week or the one after. Several injuries haven’t helped, but they don’t have the outrageous quality they did last year. Crusaders will still make the finals, but I can’t see them being in the top three. That generally counts when it comes to finals time.

The Crusaders dynasty looks dead - so how will it impact the All Blacks?

Great intro. Once again, another fine wrap.

The Wrap: ‘World’s best provincial rugby competition’ delivers a superb Super Round

The No.1 reason I left News Corp. It’s not that I was told what to write, but that News Corp didn’t want much coverage of Super Rugby. One thing could change that, successful sides in Queensland and NSW.

The Wrap: ‘World’s best provincial rugby competition’ delivers a superb Super Round

Several laughs along the way Ben.

Legalising foul play, laneway bars and Molly Meldrum: Ten ways we can conquer Melbourne for rugby

RA review a wasted exercise in many ways. We know what happened last year. Plus, the crucial positions – director of HP and new Wallabies head coach – was effectively sewn up without recommendations taking place. Selection panel etc one of the recommendations. Who knows what Joe Schmidt will think of that.

Five things we learned: Aussies given early Super Rugby warning, Lolesio's timely reminder

Yes, he’s always been strong over the ball. We’ve got to remember HJH was moved from loose-head to tight-head and that’s not been an easy transition. But he’s always had a strong ability to get over the ball. If he stays fit, the Tahs will be much stronger for it.

Five things we learned: Aussies given early Super Rugby warning, Lolesio's timely reminder

Depends what you want out of your back-rowers, but I agree that Wilson had a great game. He’d simply become a battering ram under Thorn. That’ll change under Les Kiss – and I think we saw that over the weekend.

Five things we learned: Aussies given early Super Rugby warning, Lolesio's timely reminder

Yes, it does depend on what game Schimdt wants to play. At Ireland and NZ, securing possession and quick ruck speed was essential. Whoever gets him that will play IMO. Schmidt will be about balance across the forward pack and midfield.

Five things we learned: Aussies given early Super Rugby warning, Lolesio's timely reminder

Daugunu’s yellow card saw me turn to Flook. He’s got to get rid of that in his game. Too many brain explosions. Fraser was quality, I just think the Reimer’s work on the defensive of the game, lots of it goes unnoticed in the highlights reel, was outstanding. Two good options for TOTW.

Five things we learned: Aussies given early Super Rugby warning, Lolesio's timely reminder

They managed to beat the Blues last year in Melbourne. It would be great for the tournament if the Brumbies were to take down the Chiefs. Reds a sneaky chance against the Hurricanes, too.
Rebels will be better than last week and they need to be. They were shockingly poor. Perhaps anxiety played a part. Big moment for Carter Gordon to stand up and be counted.

Five things we learned: Aussies given early Super Rugby warning, Lolesio's timely reminder

Given the average weather, it wasn’t a bad showing. But you’d hope that this fixture generally brings in 20,000. In any case, crowds are a big issue across the game in Super Rugby. That said, the roll up in Hamilton, Perth and Dunedin was reasonable.

Super Round is a celebration of rugby - that's why it should have never been held in Melbourne

Love it H. Thanks for the lovely read. Edinburgh. Murrayfield. Marvellous.

England conquered, Irish in their sights and 'the only holes Ireland have are exactly where Scottish swords fit'

It’s an interesting idea and one with some merit. It’s been discussed before, even recently by former Origin coaches like Laurie Daley.
I feel like there’s zero chance of this occurring. Not any time soon.
Regardless, it’s brilliant that David Moffett – a man who has worked at the top of both codes – wanted to write this story for The Roar.

10 reasons league and union should merge to become One Rugby - and give AFL nightmares

Perth heat could undo Hurricanes. No confidence at all in a couple of tips.

Super Rugby tipping panel week 1: Brumbies to sweep Rebels, cliffhanger brewing between Tahs and Reds

No Cane and no Pita Gus too. Lots of changes to the forward pack. I’m expecting it to be a close tussle.

Super Rugby tipping panel week 1: Brumbies to sweep Rebels, cliffhanger brewing between Tahs and Reds

Top 50. Tough to judge every player and where they sit. I’ve enjoyed seeing where you’ve ranked them. No one will ever agree with the list, but I think you’ve done a fab job assessing them all. If nothing else, it whets the appetite ahead of tonight’s opener. Giddy up.

Super Rugby's top 10 players: Aussie props dominate, but Kiwi sensation smiling on the summit

There’s solutions provided in this story, too.

'Our system is failing': The 'crisis' sinking Australian rugby - and the 'crucified' coach that shows it

Indeed. Fine win. Lots of heart in it. It deserved to be played in front of 15,000+.

'Our system is failing': The 'crisis' sinking Australian rugby - and the 'crucified' coach that shows it

Thanks for reading. It was long …

'Our system is failing': The 'crisis' sinking Australian rugby - and the 'crucified' coach that shows it

People culture is broad, but I tend to agree with what you’re saying. Too often egos hurt Australian rugby, as does short and long-term planning. Or the lack of it. Vision is required.

'Our system is failing': The 'crisis' sinking Australian rugby - and the 'crucified' coach that shows it

I wouldn’t read too much into that

'Our system is failing': The 'crisis' sinking Australian rugby - and the 'crucified' coach that shows it

Thanks for reading and engaging. Good on you for coaching, too.

'Our system is failing': The 'crisis' sinking Australian rugby - and the 'crucified' coach that shows it

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