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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…
Brumbies played well at times for sure
SRP RD 5 talking points: Brumbies white flag fizzer, Hooper vs Cane, hailing 'Harry Wreight'
Haha. I’m totally transparent. I want one Test where I can drive 12 minutes to the stadium.
The one thing not mentioned is…the Wallabies win at Suncorp.
SRP RD 5 talking points: Brumbies white flag fizzer, Hooper vs Cane, hailing 'Harry Wreight'
I’d suggest a free Bundy and coke as you enter the ground to fuel the fans to crazy levels. Nothing for those in red Lions threads.
SRP RD 5 talking points: Brumbies white flag fizzer, Hooper vs Cane, hailing 'Harry Wreight'
There is definitely that case. Reimer, Scott and Brown have all played some strong SR so bringing on the depth is valid for sure.
SRP RD 5 talking points: Brumbies white flag fizzer, Hooper vs Cane, hailing 'Harry Wreight'
It’s the mass omissions people have a right to be a bit upset about. Rotation generally has given the likes of Ryan Lonergan a platform to show he’s a Wallaby-quality halfback.
SRP RD 5 talking points: Brumbies white flag fizzer, Hooper vs Cane, hailing 'Harry Wreight'
The ANZAC XV game was the last game of the 1989 tour, after the Tests.
That is no longer relevant. It must be played early as a tour game to avoid the All Blacks v France series.
Perth makes sense and that Albany link is well raised.
Diggers attended the after-match dinner in 1989 and made the function.
SRP RD 5 talking points: Brumbies white flag fizzer, Hooper vs Cane, hailing 'Harry Wreight'
The answer is something-to-zero
SRP RD 5 talking points: Brumbies white flag fizzer, Hooper vs Cane, hailing 'Harry Wreight'
International flavour is rugby’s biggest asset versus rugby league and also it’s biggest drawback sometimes.
SRP RD 5 talking points: Brumbies white flag fizzer, Hooper vs Cane, hailing 'Harry Wreight'
I’ll declare my bias up front.
Brisbane is absolute rugby heartland and the benefits of a Lions v Reds and Lions v Wallabies week is immeasurable to stimulate the grassroots.
The Force, Rebels and Brumbies benefit greatly from the pipeline of rugby youngsters such inspiration provides.
Perth is a wonderful centre for rugby. Tests are always well supported. Fans are knowledgeable.
I’d play a big Lions game there. The question is what that is.
If it becomes four big Lions events…3 Tests and an ANZAC XV fixture…you’d say the ANZAC XV fixture would fit perfectly for Perth.
Unfortunately, the All Blacks involved in a Test series of their own aren’t going to fly to Perth for that so ANZAC XV game has to be a short hop to an east coast city.
That’s why the planning of the tour is all important.
SRP RD 5 talking points: Brumbies white flag fizzer, Hooper vs Cane, hailing 'Harry Wreight'
Campbell has a bit of that for sure. He has good footy instincts, speed, footwork and is unselfish which are all good traits. He does make a few errors. Not completely sold on him being the No.15 solution (a la fended off for tries for Australia A and Wallabies) but has taken massive strides in his game this year.
Wallabies Spring Tour Report Card: 9/10 discovery ends big money rival's RWC dream, back line 'rock' emerges
That communication is so important. Rennie actually had the backs not talk at all in a backline training run last year to force Paisami to use his voice more. Smart training technique
Wallabies Spring Tour Report Card: 9/10 discovery ends big money rival's RWC dream, back line 'rock' emerges
No such thing as a few points away from a great tour…the point or two to win big Tests against big opponents is the biggest margin to close in Test rugby.
Definite positives when playing France and Ireland but nothing to suggest Wallabies can beat three big teams in a row at RWC. Can decide the RWC but not win it at this point of time. Hopefully, 2023 is a clinical step up to better
Wallabies Spring Tour Report Card: 9/10 discovery ends big money rival's RWC dream, back line 'rock' emerges
There was a former Wallaby giving a honest appraisal on Hooper-Samu. Good commentary…not overcooked or damning, just offering a perspective at a key match moment.
Skelton will play some TRC in 2023 in the Test window
Wallabies Spring Tour Report Card: 9/10 discovery ends big money rival's RWC dream, back line 'rock' emerges
No build towards now. Australia won the 1991 and 1999 World Cups with a “play the best team only” policy but for the games against Samoa in the mush at Pontypool (1991) and against the USA in Limerick (1999).
That’s a long time ago but no one feels as tired, ever, when your team is winning.
There’ll be enough changes based on injuries and the availability of overseas-based players to give 27-ish players a run in the 5 Tests before RWC next year IMO
Wallabies Spring Tour Report Card: 9/10 discovery ends big money rival's RWC dream, back line 'rock' emerges
What a difference it made. Suns really fired.
Wallabies Spring Tour Report Card: 9/10 discovery ends big money rival's RWC dream, back line 'rock' emerges
Having that back yourself quality in the backfield is essential. It’s the Wallabies’ DNA…Campbell in his first run-on Test ran it from near his own tryline in the great Foketi try. Good mindset
Wallabies Spring Tour Report Card: 9/10 discovery ends big money rival's RWC dream, back line 'rock' emerges
Handles, all very good observations. Porecki has the right ingredients. Lonergan can’t grow 8kg in an off-season so will always be down on the scrum mass needed.
Take your point on Petaia. There was some general mis-alignment in the backs.
Valetini has been superb all year with a huge workload for Brumbies and Wallabies.
Frost is on RWC starter trajectory. Swain is paying the price for his cards by giving him such a chance.
Wallabies Spring Tour Report Card: 9/10 discovery ends big money rival's RWC dream, back line 'rock' emerges
Sadly he can’t them sorted. He’s a walking yellow card with good skills over the ball imo
ANALYSIS: So close yet still so far - significant positives but Wallabies missing key trait to be a RWC threat
If the Wallabies show a consistent form line they should beat Italy and Wales. A 3 from 5 tour is better than most predicted
ANALYSIS: So close yet still so far - significant positives but Wallabies missing key trait to be a RWC threat
Smart read
ANALYSIS: So close yet still so far - significant positives but Wallabies missing key trait to be a RWC threat
Paisami always gives his all and always plays 10kg heavier than he is
ANALYSIS: So close yet still so far - significant positives but Wallabies missing key trait to be a RWC threat
Paisami is not a 12 but the bullocking 12 is what people look for. Handling skills will never be subtle enough
ANALYSIS: So close yet still so far - significant positives but Wallabies missing key trait to be a RWC threat
Good observations and a person with a glass half full mind
ANALYSIS: So close yet still so far - significant positives but Wallabies missing key trait to be a RWC threat
Campbell did a lot of good things. His verve to have a crack was pivotal in the 95m try and his pace made his own. The absent or inaccurate ruck workers are more faceless but that was the decisive area
ANALYSIS: So close yet still so far - significant positives but Wallabies missing key trait to be a RWC threat
If Super Rugby Pacific is so super you can’t have a handicap event when the best Aussie team meets the best Kiwi side.
Some rotation, sure, not mass.
Take your point, it’s a credit to the Brumbies that they always build such a strong group in Canberra with minimal Canberra talent.
SRP RD 5 talking points: Brumbies white flag fizzer, Hooper vs Cane, hailing 'Harry Wreight'