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Joined October 2021
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Craggy veteran who has been writing about Test rugby since 1979 when the Wallabies' jersey had three stripes and was 100% baggy cotton.
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Phil Kearns was the prototype of the new-age hooker in Australia when he burst onto the scene as a bullocking, ball-handling runner to go…
For a full 30 seconds, prop Ewen McKenzie was the hero of the Wallabies’ first World Cup final triumph in 1991. The British commentary…
Few sides were caught unawares by the great John Eales after the bogus billing for his first run-on role for Queensland in Canberra. As…
George Gregan left an indelible mark on Australia’s World Cup fortunes but also one on New Zealanders that they have never forgotten. The halfback…
There wasn’t even a Player of the Tournament award at the World Cup until David Campese ruled the 1991 edition so completely. While rugby…
The Wallabies’ single try for their triumph in the 1991 World Cup final is an historic yet bland lineout rumble over the line from…
It’s 20 years since Stirling Mortlock’s treasured World Cup moment yet it still hits the senses like fresh-cut grass to many of us. For…
It wasn’t just scoring the first try of the 1999 World Cup final that etched Ben Tune’s name in history but nominating how he’d…
It’s six short years since Carter Gordon was a skinny schoolboy on the sidelines at All Blacks’ training getting a photo snapped with Kiwi…
Eddie Jones and Michael Cheika dance the friends-and-foes tango like few others in rugby when it comes to their classic coaching rivalry. They’ll aim…
The great thing about the mind games of Eddie Jones is that his reputation means everyone searches for “The Great Con” that might not…
Where is the disruptor, where is the shake-up game, that throws out all our simplistic calculations on the Super Rugby Pacific quarter-finals? The most…
There’s a lot of chatter about near-misses, if-onlys or 70 minutes of goodness when analysing the performances of Australia’s five Super Rugby Pacific teams…
It’s a bit overblown to call it a cavalry charge of reinforcements but the absolute best thing for the Wallabies in a World Cup…
As World Cup bolters go, Queenslander Matt Faessler keeps simmering away in conversations about the hooking spots. Queensland Reds coach Brad Thorn rarely blows…
Misstep and miss out. You always want high stakes at play and the strange two-division splintering of Super Rugby Pacific is just that. Few…
No matter how dynamic and skilful the full-on Fraser McReight-Michael Hooper scrap may be in Townsville on Saturday, we are not at the dawn…
The Lachie Swinton debacle is the reason fans will keep pulling their hair out over the TMO and over-officious refereeing. The reason for having…
Eddie Jones picking just 33 names in his first Wallabies training squad was a clear-thinking and overdue change of tack. With one decision, he…
Jake Gordon has carried plenty on his shoulders at the misfiring NSW Waratahs this year and now faces the tandem challenge of Nic White…
Maturity his making and being in far better programs than the average Rebels squads of old
SRP semi-final talking points: Eddie's most vexing debate could be settled if cowbells are silenced by Brumbies
Australian rugby’s DNA is a link 7. Eddie did pick Sam Underhill at 7 for Eng. He was a beast tackler and jackalled. Hands average at best
One to ponder. Brad Wilkin was superb for Rebels too
SRP semi-final talking points: Eddie's most vexing debate could be settled if cowbells are silenced by Brumbies
Swinton’s hands hold him back. Nasty 6 is a job description for sure
Not sure Leota is more than bursts of good
SRP semi-final talking points: Eddie's most vexing debate could be settled if cowbells are silenced by Brumbies
Good call. He’s that bigger No.6 body everyone wants with lineout oomph.
Gotta perform on this big stage
SRP semi-final talking points: Eddie's most vexing debate could be settled if cowbells are silenced by Brumbies
Absolutely. Freshest performances in the mind always count. The Rebels seem like they finished playing a month ago.
Schoupp, Hooper, Reimer … all are great examples of the Brumbies’ excellent development system. They will kick on for 2025
SRP semi-final talking points: Eddie's most vexing debate could be settled if cowbells are silenced by Brumbies
You’re spot on. Luck or rather a good/bad blast of the whistle is more prominent in rugby than any footy code
SRP semi-final talking points: Eddie's most vexing debate could be settled if cowbells are silenced by Brumbies
That Pietsch missed try was very costly. A 14-10 lead potentially and value for a pressuring start. Instead a tumble
SRP QF talking points: The 'crushing fail' Australia must avoid, Tahs duo who can seal World Cup tickets
Fair view. Mark N could be a fine fullback but needs time in the spot
SRP QF talking points: The 'crushing fail' Australia must avoid, Tahs duo who can seal World Cup tickets
The Reds are wearing black armbands today for the late Wayne Smith which is a wonderful tribute
SRP QF talking points: The 'crushing fail' Australia must avoid, Tahs duo who can seal World Cup tickets
Just beating Kiwi sides with slightly ragged play is a problem any Aussie side would love as a problem ????
SRP QF talking points: The 'crushing fail' Australia must avoid, Tahs duo who can seal World Cup tickets
Rebels the best performed side in losses all year. Don’t yet know how to win. Brums have a gear to go to
SRP QF talking points: The 'crushing fail' Australia must avoid, Tahs duo who can seal World Cup tickets
Well said. You can see Growdo smiling now he has a worthy friend and adversary to spar with
'Sharp witted, brave, insightful': Rugby pays tribute after veteran writer Wayne Smith dies
Lovely memory. That was Smithy
'Sharp witted, brave, insightful': Rugby pays tribute after veteran writer Wayne Smith dies
Didn’t say it wasn’t a smart call. They travelled last week as well.
Perfectly shrewd move
SRP Round 15 talking points: Winner takes all in Suva, Aussie sides look to avoid disaster, will Vunivalu repay faith?
I want to read another backrow think piece
SRP Round 15 talking points: Winner takes all in Suva, Aussie sides look to avoid disaster, will Vunivalu repay faith?
Haha
Great source of pride for u. Enjoy.
I’m proud of James Tucker because we have the same name and we are not even related
SRP Round 15 talking points: Winner takes all in Suva, Aussie sides look to avoid disaster, will Vunivalu repay faith?
Rebels only gave themselves to blame that they are in sudden death mode in Canberra. Playing great footy is different to knowing how to win.
SRP Round 15 talking points: Winner takes all in Suva, Aussie sides look to avoid disaster, will Vunivalu repay faith?
Colvin,
We search for reasons why SRP is a little down market at times and miss the obvious point that Waratahs and Brums sent weakened teams to NZ earlier in season and Kiwis have done same for selected games in Aust. Poor form eroding own product
SRP Round 15 talking points: Winner takes all in Suva, Aussie sides look to avoid disaster, will Vunivalu repay faith?
Wright, Kellaway, Petaia, Nawaqanitawase + Koroibete are better Test wingers at present
SRP Round 15 talking points: Winner takes all in Suva, Aussie sides look to avoid disaster, will Vunivalu repay faith?
Enjoy class in any coloured jersey
SRP talking points: Eddie everywhere offers something Rennie never could, how Rodda can channel Eales
Lucky if he’s player 33
SRP talking points: Eddie everywhere offers something Rennie never could, how Rodda can channel Eales
Petaia best No.13 backup
Unselfish and good passer and busts line and tackles big
SRP talking points: Eddie everywhere offers something Rennie never could, how Rodda can channel Eales
When Perese’s keg drive returned after knee problems, his whole game lifted. Rodda and Philip will take time too
SRP talking points: Eddie everywhere offers something Rennie never could, how Rodda can channel Eales
Long game with Tupou…the QFINAL of World Cup is 5 weeks after the start of tournament so that time is vital
SRP talking points: Eddie everywhere offers something Rennie never could, how Rodda can channel Eales
Excellent team and pocket summaries Harry. You have watched every minute of every game by this summation and been unaffected by amber or red fluids. Great work. To sparkle after 5 weeks of the tournament is the mark of a true rugby marathon man.
Doris, Botia, Keenan, McFarland etc…keep picking your own team with your own eyes not the popularity contest winners.
World Cup team of the pool stage: Irish domination, minnows surprise, one Wallaby makes the cut