J Joseph's Roar Profile

Not world-class players, but I think they hold themselves together in scrums as well as most. I am no expert, but I enjoy watching scrums. Bell, Robertson and Tupou have one thing in common: their side of the scrum rarely moves sideways, upwards or backwards whether they are competing at provincial or national level. The same can’t be said for our other props, although Sio was getting close. That’s how it seems to me.

Progress is slowly happening: What each of our Aussie Super Rugby teams must do to take the next step

Great and entertaining writing. A further note to the Brumbies: without a stable scrum all could be lost. With the greatest of respect to Ala’latoa and Slipper, both of whom are champion players and champion blokes, neither is a world class scrummager. There aren’t many of those around in Australia at present (maybe Tupou, Robertson and Bell), but the Brumbies need more than they showed against the Drua in this area. Maybe the Drua scrum is world class?

Interesting column with plenty to think about. The thing that most impressed me about Brad Arthur is that he almost single-handedly held Parramatta together as a club when they went through the diabolical time of the salary-cap scandal and the struggle to find a trustworthy CEO and Board. People with less integrity and character than Arthur would have been crushed under the weight of coaching, while holding the club together. To what extent he had knowledge of the salary-cap debacle I have no idea, but the man should be honoured for his determination and resilience.

However, the coaches are judged by their results, and Parramatta currently look and play like a dejected mob. If this doesn’t change in the next few weeks then there is a problem for Arthur and his loyal board.

Arthur chance to survive: Blue and golden opportunity for besieged Eels coach without star duo

League

Thank you for such an interesting piece. It seems the popular mantra, “Don’t think of yourselves more highly than you ought” could be applied in selection discussions

If Maguire is picking his Blues team on 'character', here's who is in - and who he should avoid at all costs

There’s a bit of saddling going on here. Are you a secret agent for the Brumbies WB (r)?

Rugby Australia announce $9.2m deficit, board member fails to be re-elected but coup falls over

Best just let 2023 be forgotten, apart from a promise not to repeat the abject failure it was.

While I wish Jason Gillespie all the best with Pakistan, one might ask the question who would want the job? Pakistani cricket is in a constant state of disruption, with cricket brilliance dulled by jealousy and division. Good luck with that.

'Big achievement': Jason Gillespie secures major appointment as Pakistan Test coach

Finau’s tackle was not late if you view it at real speed, but was it a no-arms tackle (i.e. shoulder charge)?

'Purely coincidental': Chiefs coach defends bruiser after ANOTHER late shot leaves Tah flattened - but was it legal?

What a marvellous summary Mike of a really high quality game. It is a pity that the match was decided by one player’s over-aggression. The testiness of the contest, which added to the overall drama, seemed to contribute to his losing his self-control.

Gutho fumes at 'stupid' Sivo as Parra throw away lead to lose AGAIN - but should Manly worry about Haumole?

Some clinical analysis here, and a great summary of the importance of body height and commitment to the defensive system in place. Thank you JF.

ANALYSIS: Single biggest issue causing Brumbies headaches - and why it can be traced back to Fisher's departure

Excuse me Dan. What people seem to be saying to the Board is stop making stupid decisions and think about the well being of the grassroots of the game. Be prepared to listen rather than just maintaining the fortress.

'Easy to throw stones': RA chairman hits back at mudslingers' 'hypocrisy' after calls for AGM board cleanout

Great Ben. I think you have inspired us all to dream not just of what might have been, but “maybe there’s still a chance”!

One other thing. Do you remember when James Horwill was a brand new Wallaby? He was fearless and ferocious. For reasons related to self-preservation perhaps, these things seem to wear off over time.

If Australia is looking for big men, let's not neglect the old and the fat

Hey Russ. Can you name these people who, once on the Board, will bring the changes you have proposed? I am interested to know the style of person you would like to see fill board positions. Good on you for caring enough to bring this to the table.

'Definition of madness': Rugby reform must start with total cleanout of RA board - and this should happen next

The bloke I feel some sympathy for is RCG. He came to Parramatta saying he wanted to win a premiership. Had he stayed where he was he would now have three.

Darwin theory dictates only the strongest survive - Arthur on the rocks at Eels after embarrassing capitulation

All I want by Christmas is a Wallabies team that is competitive, one that generates hope and plays exciting rugby.

So disappointing in view of the Brumbies recent form. This was so similar to the Chiefs game earlier in the year, and that is the scary things for the Brumbies. It looks like they can’t go with the big boys when the heat is turned up, and this pretty much finishes their season aspirations. More ugliness to comes this weekend against the Hurricanes I suspect, although at Canberra stadium you never know. Altogether very, very deflating.

Brumbies 'systematically taken apart by the Blues' in 'non-contest' as Larkham's men cop huge reality check

Do you remember when Des coached Canterbury and based their game on massive forwards rolling forward? That was “behind the times” and the bulldogs were exposed. Same deal here? Isn’t a coach’s job to produce consistency in team performance? Troubling times for Parramatta.

Brad and Bennett: Why Friday's clash with the Dolphins might be a tipping point for Arthur and the Eels

Cannot afford any mistakes if they are to beat the Blues. They cannot miss first up tackles and they need to stop them getting front foot ball. The were never in the contest against the Chiefs for these two reasons. Eden Park is daunting and unforgiving, but this Brumbies team seems to have a bit more mongrel and speed than in the last two years. I sense they could surprise the Blues.

'Doesn't count for anything': Bernie gets serious with Brumbies as race for top two finish heats up

Hey. Don’t you know that backs already know everything? Only the piggies need coaching. Or alternatively they might be thinking of the Brockhoff approach — Rupert at 5/8 and “wingers keep your tracksuits on”.

CONFIRMED: Wallabies land final piece of coaching puzzle as ex-Lion signs on ahead of showpiece event

This is a great article, provoking much-needed discussion about the currently (largely) ineligible offshore Australian talent. On the one hand we want to protect our provinces, and their involvement in Super Rugby, on the other hand we want a successful national team. Currently we don’t have either.

Scrap the Giteau Law: Rugby Australia should look to Rassie's 'Boks RWC recipe if it wants to re-join the big boys' table

Travis Head can be unbelievably frustrating in Australia’s middle order, but he is also a potential match-winner in all three formats of the game. Quite an extraordinary player.

'Unbelievable, special knock': Head smashes fourth fastest IPL century to help sink Kohli's RCB

Geoff, I was using this as an example of how much time is wasted when the ball is out of play. Other examples include when the ball goes into touch until it is thrown in at the line out, endless scrum re-sets and players taking a breather on the ground (eventually the clock stops for this, but it is sometimes a deliberate ploy to stop the flow of a game when one team is gaining momentum). Ball in play time for League, Aussie Rules and Soccer exceeds what Rugby delivers according to research presented by Roy Masters a couple of seasons ago. Nothing much has changed as far as I can tell.

The Wrap: Crusaders' shot clock fiasco and shhh, don’t put the moz on Darby

What a great summary of some tantalising matches.

I still reckon the code’s major problem is wasted time while the ball is not in play. Couldn’t we just stop time ticking away when nothing is happening? For example, stop the clock when a try is awarded, and don’t start it again until the goal kicker moves in for the kick, then stop it again when the touchiest go flags up or down, and don’t start it again until the kick-off is taken.

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