Roar Rookie
Joined April 2020
18.6k
Views
8
Published
45
Comments
Published
Comments
There have been many Australian rugby fans clamouring for a return of the NRC, which realistically from a financial perspective is not going to…
With six rounds completed of Super Rugby Pacific, teams are already busy firming their rosters for 2023. Contract extensions of numerous Wallabies, including Izaia…
Former Brumbies player Mack Hansen will make his debut for Ireland against Wales this weekend in the Six Nations opener. The 2018 Junior Wallaby…
Every Super Rugby preseason I get excited by the potential of the Australian Super Rugby teams, which unfortunately has more often than not found…
With the 40-man Wallabies training squad announced, what was evident is the depth of in-form players in the forwards. With the exception of loosehead…
Aussies plying their rugby trade overseas is nothing new, but increasingly it's our young guns making the move in their prime, ruling them out…
The COVID pandemic has resulted in businesses globally having to adapt and shift strategies in order to survive in the long term. Rugby has…
Following the conclusion of the 2020 international window and ahead of the 2021 Super Rugby season, there is an opportunity for the Super Rugby…
Great read as always. I noted your comment on Hockings likely to be called up by Japan when he is “eligible” which is what I have always sensed along with all other non capped Australians such as Lucas and Hosea. Has the questioned ever been asked to Harry? Has he said that he wants to play for Japan?
Five things: What Beale has over other golden oldies, double pain for Brumbies as Blues expose Australia's biggest weakness
What are thoughts on Gordon being played at 12 at international level? Personally I have never been a fan of the chopping and changing of positions from super rugby to test level but it could potentially solve a few issues. At this stage Gordon has not got the goal kicking % for test matches where goals are vital. Lolesio is top dog currently, however there are questions on his attacking creativity and he does not have the biggest boot in open play – again vital for test rugby- which Gordon can compensate for, along with him being a big body and good defensively. Main draw back is that there isn’t a big ball carrying back which a number of top teams have i.e Danty, De Allende, Aki etc
Five things: Lesson Aussie rugby can learn from Kiwis - and why next month will determine whether SR gap has closed
Whilst it was a great offload, Ramm should not have been on the pitch. The yellow he received in the first half should have been red. Unfortunately this is becoming an Australian trait…moment’s of unreal skill combined with indiscipline.
In terms of fullback for Tahs, isn’t Nawaqanitawase is deserving a shot? Has the skillset of an international full back.
Ramm's magical moment seals Premiership derby win as Aussie rugby rues another one that got away
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA – Rugby League World Cup to look forward to…. Yeah can’t wait to see which one of three countries will win it….What a ridiculous statement
‘Absolutely nothing to worry about’: League shouldn’t fear union’s player raids
Agree on the point on playing players consistently in the same position at both Super Rugby and Internationally, I have shared a similar frustration.
I do think that Kerevi is capable playing 13 at Super Rugby level but if he is a 12 for Wallabies he should ideally be playing regularly as a 12 in Super Rugby.
The overseas Aussies that may be eyeing up a return home in 2023
Completely agree on Lynagh. Whilst his surname is synonymous with Australian Rugby he has lived his whole life in England so completely understand should he represent England (different to how I feel on Mack Hansen but another story). It will however be interesting what reaction he would get if he debuts for England in July- especially if it is in Queensland…
The overseas Aussies that may be eyeing up a return home in 2023
Leigh Halfpenny was an excellent 15 and similar size to Harrison. If serious about long term at 15 he would need to work on catching under high ball especially to be considered for internationals
REACTION: 'Sparky' Harrison brings new dimension to Tahs as they overcome loss of skipper
Absolutely agree with the above, would love to see him playing back in Australia, but by all accounts his last agreement with Harlequins was long term so the chances of seeing him in the green and gold are getting slimmer and slimmer. I was personally not a fan of what Mack Hansen did in coming through Aus rep sides and then going off to represent Ireland at senior level so would be hypocritical of me to push for Lynagh to switch to Aus.
Jones picks Underhill and Lynagh in England squad
The Rebels may well find some diamonds through this injury crisis. Lukas Ripley is a young talent that played with Jack Howarth at BBC and will be great to see how he performs in the centres on Friday. Josh Canham and Ilikena Vudogo will also be interesting to see how they perform.
Great to also see Carter Gordon back in the starting line up, however my preference is to see him back in the 10 jersey, however with the injury crisis it makes sense to see him lining up at 15.
Super Rugby Teams Round 3: The return of the Hunter as Reds head west
Why ruin a good story with the truth….
Should Rugby Australia be compensated for Mack Hansen's Ireland call-up?
For me I have no issue with either the Valetini red or Beale yellow. For me the issue is consistency in the match and based off these decisions the decisions then made for the Tompkins try and Gareth Thomas yellow card. Both of which have been called out as incorrect by Nigel Owens.
Why it's not all doom and gloom for the Wallabies
All the focus on lynagh but Aussie hooker nic dolly has been selected by England. So far this season he looks a very handy player for Leicester
Eddie Jones makes surprising call on Louis Lynagh with Wallabies waiting to pounce
I am in full agreement with this team. Many comments on age of 9-10-12 but all three IMO will be in place for RWC2023. As much as I want the young crop of players playing it does absolutely no good putting them up against ABs when not ready. Wallabies need wins now so I agree with the inclusion of Rodda and would also select BPA even with his move. Trans tasman has shown that we need genuine fetchers all over the park against kiwis. Koroibete is also likely to move to Japan but again has to be selected.There is the 2 wildcard spots that can be used and if BPA is our best hooker and Korobiete best winger then they should be selected moving forward.
The Wallabies team I'd pick
At the moment he is way off the pace and not in the Wallabies 23 on form. Looking forward I just feel that his skillet and attributes lends itself to 15 where he offers a point of difference to current Australian full backs. By no way saying he should start here now for Wallabies or even Reds- needs to earn this right.
Can the Wallabies find the right combinations and depth in the ten-12 axis?
We will have to see on Lucas, he wasn’t given a huge amount of game time at the Reds pre COVID and pre his departure. He has looked good at 10 in Japan, however the standard of competition is well below what Harrison is currently playing in so difficult to compare. I was hoping that Carter Gordon would be given a go at 10 for the Rebels but he has yet to make a squad place yet. Outside of these two there are Pasitoa and Kuenzle at the Brumbies but both are currently behind Lolesio.
Can the Wallabies find the right combinations and depth in the ten-12 axis?
Exactly- Brumbies at SRAU level, I question the effectiveness of this type of player for the Wallabies. Again as said more than happy to be proven wrong.
Can the Wallabies find the right combinations and depth in the ten-12 axis?
Simone is an excellent traditional 12 with strong running and reasonable passing and kicking skills which work very well for the Brumbies in Super Rugby AU . He is not however a second playmaker which I believe the Wallabies need at international level. Would be very happy though to be proven wrong.
Can the Wallabies find the right combinations and depth in the ten-12 axis?
Which young 10s are you referring to?
Can the Wallabies find the right combinations and depth in the ten-12 axis?
That is a fair point, I was suggesting more recent best, so post 2000 and post Horan.
Can the Wallabies find the right combinations and depth in the ten-12 axis?
Agree that players should be played in positions that they are regularly playing in for their SR team. Personally I wouldn’t pick JP at 15 unless he is playing there regularly for the Reds. For me he would bring something different to what Banks and Hodge currently provide which is quite similar. It has however been talked about alot in the media, especially by Horan who has been very vocal, but Thorn has not entertained this yet preferring Campbell and Hegarty.
Can the Wallabies find the right combinations and depth in the ten-12 axis?
Retention is key and along with Walsh the Waratahs saw Emmanuel Meafou head to Toulouse where he is having a great season and Joe Brial is now part of the Crusaders academy and tipped to be part of the New Zealand U20’s squad…
Will the Waratahs taste Super Rugby success in 2021?
Excellent article! There are plenty of reasons to be excited for Tahs fans and whilst this year may not see trophy success it will be crucial for long term development.
I agree that 2021 is the year for Will Harris to make a mark as the premier number 8 and eventually rival Harry Wilson at Wallabies level as they did at junior level. Tep Moerea could see plenty of game time in the 12 Jersey by taking pressure of Harrison as a crash ball option and providing gaps for the quick outside backs. He was a star of school boy rugby before heading to the NRL and another player who needs to step up this year. I would like to see Donaldson moved to 12 to provide a second kicking option. I am hoping that by the season end Mark Nawaqanitawase has made the wing spot his own, as this will hopefully have meant his defence has improved as he can offer so much in attack.
First time Wallabies Bell, Swinton and Harrison at such young ages are now part of the senior Tahs in the group and will need to show this in the comp. Harisson in particular will have plenty of pressure in controlling games from fly half and kicking the goals but he seems to have the temperament and attitude to succeed.
I am sure the Tahs will surprise a few teams this year but key long term is retention of this young group.
Will the Waratahs taste Super Rugby success in 2021?
You are absolutely right with regard to Emmanuel Meafou who this season has looked impressive filling in for the Arnold’s at Toulouse. He seems to have many similarities to Will Skelton, in particular his size, and is a very different type of lock compared to other Aussies in the position so one to keep an eye on. Meafou’s form this year has been so good that there is talk that his contract has been extended to 2024. A concern may be that the FFR see him as a project player and cap him once eligible on residency grounds, in which case RA should be in dialogue with the player to ensure against this scenario.
The young Aussies to watch overseas in 2021
hindsight it does seem like a very odd move as from his early Super Rugby form and the lack of locks at home for the Wallabies that he would have been in contention for an International cap which would have raised his profile for potentially more lucrative contracts either in Oz or abroad. Lynagh is one to keep an eye on as he is seen as someone with genuine promise in England Rugby circles and as an Aussie it will be tough seeing the Lynagh name lining up for England…
The young Aussies to watch overseas in 2021
What annoys me is that I am confident any 7 figure contract will be predicated on representing Japan….the union which has vastly superior financial clout than RA and looks to exploit the eligibility rule as opposed putting this money into developing younger “Japanese” players. I know that this is now where “international” rugby is but is frustrating as I really feel that this is the beginning of the end for Australia as a high performing nation. Over the course of the next two RWC’s, I believe we will see a stronger XV of Australian players not playing for the Wallabies.
Five things: What Beale has over other golden oldies, double pain for Brumbies as Blues expose Australia's biggest weakness