Roar Rookie
Joined June 2014
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Lachie is the founder of Instagram's "SCRUMBAGS". On-field, he's variously represented Wests Bulldogs, GPS, CSU Reddies Wagga, Cootamundra Tricolours, and TURFC (University of Tasmania) with astonishing mediocrity across the backrow. Sadly, his journey to the front-rower's union was cut short by injury in March 2022, leading to his abrupt retirement and return to penmanship, coaching, and a measured diet.
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I do not envy those who will sit down next year to select the Wallabies’ World Cup squad. In fact, I can’t think of…
Wallabies fans have been left with plenty to ponder after another very Australian Test season. This year has given us as many new heroes…
As a Wallaby fan, events like Sunday morning’s 28-27 loss to Italy are sobering, infuriating and altogether unsurprising. But such events can – and…
In one of the great holiday “coincidences” of all time, I’ve found myself packing a bag for New Zealand smack bang in the middle…
Last month, I penned an article outlining why the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France would be the defining moment in Michael Hooper’s career.…
On paper, 2022 has looked pretty bleak for Australian rugby.
Australia’s unstoppable sevens women have rounded off what is arguably their greatest year ever by adding a World Cup title to their Commonwealth Games…
Whether you like it or not, the battle for Joseph Suaalii is back on. Almost two years after the three-way tussle between Rugby Australia,…
Has a Wallaby ever divided public opinion like Michael Hooper? At just 30, ‘Hoops’ is a four-time John Eales medallist with 121 Test caps…
C. Heffler. G. Nawali. M. Zwicker. These aren’t household names and might not register for even the most diehard rugby fans. Some believe they…
With uncertainty running rife with the ARU's incompetency and the flailing nature of our five Super franchises, there is little doubt that change is…
Morne Steyn, my dear fellow. You've really gone and put your foot in it. Perhaps I've phrased that poorly, for if Steyn had indeed…
Having witnessed yet another Australian Bledisloe defeat at the hands of the All Blacks, it's due time we asked some some serious questions. There…
The ostensibly incessant expansion of Super Rugby has reached a tipping point. Recently, it was reported that Singapore and Japan, among others, had emerged…
Justice for Nathan Bracken 😔 😂 200 international wickets and best hairband in the business
Better than Davidson? Up there with Akram? Where does Starc rank among left-arm legends?
Terrific read – thanks for this one Nick. I’d personally love to see an Aussie “finishing school” club arrangement formalised in each of the URC (Connacht’s a great start), Top 14 & Prem. We’re already seeing closer ties between Aus Super clubs and JL1 + the Chicago Hounds in MLR looks like it’ll be the next bandwagon team for Aussie supporters. No reason we can’t weaponise our overseas coaching connections and develop players in systems that ultimately ensure their return to Aus.
Rugby in Australia will die in isolation. The only cure is to break out of the circle of insularity, not reinforce it
Gutsy call to leave our only World XV player out of a starting side! Agree MM can cash a few aerial cheques but Marika has been consistently elite for about 3 years – only injury would stop him being the first name on the teamsheet every week in 2023.
Selecting a Wallaby WC squad and the SIX Giteau picks (plus a debutant) to bring back Bill
Would take an unstoppable SR season for Suli to come into consideration. Well down the pecking order now – Koroibete, Kellaway, Wright, Nawaqanitawase streets ahead imo
Selecting a Wallaby WC squad and the SIX Giteau picks (plus a debutant) to bring back Bill
Isaac FL would be an all-time bolter – still think he’s well down the pecking order but love watching him play and would welcome a breakout season if the Force pack can get him clean pill
Selecting a Wallaby WC squad and the SIX Giteau picks (plus a debutant) to bring back Bill
Cheers Dean – these predictions are always subjective but I love seeing how people differ in selections! Happy holidays to you too mate
Selecting a Wallaby WC squad and the SIX Giteau picks (plus a debutant) to bring back Bill
Pietsch was one of my favourite Aussie SR players to watch last year – very excited to see how he tracks in 23
Selecting a Wallaby WC squad and the SIX Giteau picks (plus a debutant) to bring back Bill
Gutsy call to drop Slip the skip but I really like your selection of LSL. Have been catching a few UK Prem minis and he’s been pretty heavily involved in the Northampton highlights
Selecting a Wallaby WC squad and the SIX Giteau picks (plus a debutant) to bring back Bill
Sio’s a must in my book!
Selecting a Wallaby WC squad and the SIX Giteau picks (plus a debutant) to bring back Bill
33 as I understand it – https://www.rugby.com.au/news/2021/02/22/bigger-squads-more-rest-rwc-2023
Selecting a Wallaby WC squad and the SIX Giteau picks (plus a debutant) to bring back Bill
Can’t believe how many young Aussie talents are tearing around League One – great read! Will throw in another Wallaby who slipped your list – Curtis Rona has signed on with Nick Phipps at NEC Green Rockets. Keen to get a full season’s viewing on Stan – any suggestions for a team in need of supporters?
The 70 reasons why Australian fans need to watch Japan Rugby League One
I agree that 100% – it’s just frustrating to see the pile-ons for a young bloke who’s clearly talented but has been severely let down by selection or poor circumstance.
Lolesio is a lesson in how not to blood a Test flyhalf
Qld could do a lot worse that having one of their own back in Ballymore – isn’t he a TSS graduate?
Lolesio is a lesson in how not to blood a Test flyhalf
Geez if he turns out to be the next Irish #10 there’ll be fur flying at Moore Park
ANALYSIS: Time to pray Australia, because it's Quade Cooper or bust for the RWC. And when he's gone there's no one else
Another great article Nick – albeit a sobering one for Aussie fans.
The depth issue at #10 is a well-trodden path and agree that it’s Cooper first and daylight second.
At the same time, I can’t help marvel at the number of Aussies overseas running the cutter.
It looks as though there’s at least 3 young Aussie playmakers in the URC (Jack Walsh @ Ospreys, Charlie Savala @ Edinburgh & Joey Caputo @ Zebre Parma – not sure how they’ve fared, only seen stats), plus a few journeymen in the Top 14 like Jake McIntyre and Zack Holmes.
I’m not saying any of these younger fellas are the solution but given flyhalf has been an issue since 2019 (at least), why haven’t players like these (and others) been identified as #10 prospects and kept on home soil?
Are we just not identifying the right talents at #10? Are we coaching it out of players? Or is it systems like Rennie’s that take them out of games and point them overseas?
ANALYSIS: Time to pray Australia, because it's Quade Cooper or bust for the RWC. And when he's gone there's no one else
Easily my favourite ep so far – Sera’s passion was unbelievable and her tattoo story sent shivers down my spine. Can’t wait to be there in the crowd tomorrow night!!
'Fire in the belly': The brutal routine Wallaroos have faced in late dash to be ready for Rugby World Cup
Creighton’s misread for the Matsushima try was hard to watch – all for giving second chances but like many Roarers I’d be very keen to see Stewart and Henry combine for Game III
Test prop out of spring tour, Gilmore reveals shift in Edmed-Donaldson approach, son of a gun gets Aus A call-up
Think it’s safe to say we’re lucky to have lots of depth at #7 team! No-one’s predicting the next Poey – just thrilled to see Aussie talent coming through
Test prop out of spring tour, Gilmore reveals shift in Edmed-Donaldson approach, son of a gun gets Aus A call-up
Good to see Wilkin injury free and getting a full season under his belt. Criminally underrated in a hyped #7 market like Australia
Test prop out of spring tour, Gilmore reveals shift in Edmed-Donaldson approach, son of a gun gets Aus A call-up
I’m not sure if many would agree but my chief concern is Australia’s Strength and Conditioning.
A physiotherapist friend of mine who’s worked with both the Reds and Wallabies recently shared with me his horror at what he described as “appalling” S&C programs.
He alleged players were unable to achieve basic strength, mobility and conditioning markers for comparable power sport athletes, and said their physical reports found them all to be above average injury risks.
I’m taking all that with a pinch of salt but I can’t say I disagree when looking at our results. We are constantly pinged for offside and losing our feet in the ruck area which I’d contend largely centres on repeat effort fitness (for the former) and core stability (for the latter).
And given RA last week began advertising for a new head of Wallabies Athletic Performance, maybe it’s been identified at Moore Park as well.
'Losing mentality': What's wrong with the Wallabies?
Great analysis Nick – I wonder how this will sit with the anti-Hooper brigade who’ve been very chirpy about Samu’s apparent mortgage on #7 after a few highlights during TRC.
Pistol Pete is clearly an attacking weapon, particularly down that left edge, and I’ve been glad to see him take his chance in the starting side. But if a seven’s core role is to make life a living hell for opposing backs and breakdowns he’s not quite there yet. Until Samu can convert those passive/missed tackles into bone rattlers, I think he’s best suited to 20 and covering our entire backrow as needed.
That aside, any thoughts on who the Wallabies’ best options at #6 are? I see a lot of Swinton love as he fits the pseudo-enforcer bill – but are there other Kremer-esque types growing on Aussie soil?
ANALYSIS: The Pete Samu weakness that makes Hoops a must start when he's ready to reclaim Wallabies' No.7 jersey
Thanks for that Slim! Didn’t want to hang my hat on it but glad you could verify
Double act: the co-captain Australia must pair with Hooper for World Cup glory
Let’s see what the Spring Tour hold for Wallaby fans Leroy!
Double act: the co-captain Australia must pair with Hooper for World Cup glory
Thanks Connor – appreciate it mate!
Double act: the co-captain Australia must pair with Hooper for World Cup glory
Love Uru but I think his versatility may see him as lock/backrow cover behind the likes of Luke Jones and Ryan Smith
Key to beating Kiwis, Thorn back to his best and mowing lawns: Reds skipper sees light in 'frustrating' period