Roar Rookie
Joined September 2018
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Just a bloke with some words and a few thoughts as well. Currently writing as a sports journalist with a certain sizeable soon-to-be-merged media brand - felt like it was time to branch back out into the Roariverse before newspapers go completely topsy turvy.
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So, here we are again, watching the Wallabies off the pace and off their game in yet another Bledisloe loss. My fellow Roarers have…
Selfish. That’s the only way to describe Israel Folau’s costly decision to go for glory and try his luck running at a trio of…
Would definitely support a two-year split between RWC and this new tournament. Gives it an olympics/comm games feel but one would hope the new comp is slightly less lopsided than Her Majesty’s get together.
World Rugby exploring brand new 'league of nations' tournament
You’d have to say RA aren’t giving the program or even U20 WC success enough, if any weight.
It would be brilliant to see the JWs given a big boost – breeding a winning culture has to begin at a younger level and I think Australian rugby fans would really get behind the 20s if they pulled their finger out.
Michael Cheika's loyalty is now to a fault
Spot on, bluesfan.
It’s disheartening to think that we’re breeding a culture of mediocrity at an U20 level but the results speak for themselves.
Our Junior Wallabies WC prospects were scuttled as soon as they’d begun – losing 26-12 to Wales is hardly the sign of good things to come – and walloping Japan, Italy and Argentina to take a glorified 5th place doesn’t disguise the fact that we’re consistently getting done by stronger NH teams, NZ and SA.
I’m not entirely sure of the inner workings in RA’s junior coaching underbelly but what’s the criteria for leading at that level? I know Simon Cron and Jason Gilmore (both fine coaches in their own right) have held the post but curious to know about what support staff they have around them. Anyone with any U20’s insight here?
Michael Cheika's loyalty is now to a fault
First article sorry adastra – think I might’ve had some words (albeit crucial ones) lost in translation. The word I was looking for was ‘decision’. Enjoyed your suggestion though!
The mindset behind Izzy's
Congrats Brett and I’ll agree with you recommending Hugh Cavill’s article.
He’s absolutely nailed it when saying it’s just a game and despite the high stakes of international footy, that’s something we should remember.
I’m certainly guilty of over-investing in the Wallabies from time to time but at the same time, that passion and desire to see that Wallabies do well is exactly what drives the sport and its success in the first place.
Yes, we shouldn’t take it too far and, yes, oldmate was way out of line pushing Tui, but I also agree with the many who’ve suggested seeing that unbridled emotion in a gold jersey might just be the spark Australia needs to extractum digitorum and start playing from the heart for both themselves and the nation they represent.
Fan abuse is never great, but the message to the Wallabies is clear
Enjoying your articles, Johnny.
I think the incentive of an Australian Barbarians jersey or a spot in pre-season Wallabies camp has plenty of merit. There’s been a lot of comparison between the limited money available to players here and the riches available overseas but I think it’s important to remember the Wallabies jersey is the goal for most, if not all of these young players. Getting the chance to tour or play against a Wallaby XV gives those lads a shot at the best and more importantly, gets them in front of Aus coaching staff. It might be a rose-tinted way of looking at professional sports but I’d like to think players are striving for gold jerseys, not gold coins, and these little carrots could go a long way to retaining talent.
There must be incentives to play in the NRC