The dangerous scrum behaviour rugby must work harder to outlaw
Flying out of Ireland in the second half of December and bound for the city of Clermont-Ferrand in the Massif Central of France, the…
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Flying out of Ireland in the second half of December and bound for the city of Clermont-Ferrand in the Massif Central of France, the…
This fine historic and vintage conveyance can be viewed by appointment at 200 Whitton Road, Twickenham, Middlesex TW2 7BA. Vendors note: This high-cost chariot…
The most impressive man-made hole in the ground that I have ever seen is the Kimberley Big Hole, in what is now the Northern…
I attended this event, which was part of the Tens weekend, on Thursday past at Suncorp Stadium. Rod Kafer, the National Coaching Advisory Panel…
Two of my real all time favourite players at Hurricanes, TJ Perenara and Du’Plessis Kirifi !
The Wrap: Wallaby's brain fade that cost the Tahs, con job worthy of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
“the Wild West alive with threat”. Brings to mind some words from an old song of my land of birth, Ken: But, hark! A voice like thunder spake
The West’s awake! The West’s awake!
Sing, Oh! Hurrah! Let (England) “All Super teams” quake!
We’ll fight till death for (Ireland’s) the Forces sake”
The Wrap: Wallaby's brain fade that cost the Tahs, con job worthy of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Great Monday morning read, Geoff. Thanks. That result over in Perth might cut the crowd a bit at Suncorp this coming weekend. Good win for the Force though, good for the game/comp.
The Wrap: Wallaby's brain fade that cost the Tahs, con job worthy of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
“Sexton was a conductor. Didnt run… didnt take on the line, ” I would not agree, S. He was poor against the AB’s in his last game, but over his whole career, he could and did take on the line very effectively.
Joe Schmidt's search for a 'cold-hearted bastard' - and the issue he'll lose most sleep over
A beautifully crafted piece of writing , Harry. So very comprehensive, and certainly thought provoking. I am happy to say that I feel more positive about the future of the WB’s now that at any time since Ewan McKenzie was the head coach. Quite by fortunate chance, one of the most successful coaches in world rugby this century has ended up taking the WB’s forward for at least the next two years.
What sort of coaching team he builds is going to be interesting. I feel he will have some New Zealanders in the group, and wonder too if he will look to Ireland. And thus far he has picked one Australian, Laurie Fischer, who interestingly has some Irish background, having done a stint with Munster. So Joe would have some knowledge of him from there. And Joe has also just appointed Eoin Toolan as head of analysis, and will also do some skills coaching.
“Tests versus Wales, Georgia, South Africa, Argentina, New Zealand, England, Scotland, and Ireland this year”. Joe Schmidt at least has games against the lower ranked teams first up, giving him the chance to build a base, get a good idea of what his best 30 or so players will be. But after that there are no easy games. I would hope he can call on the best players operating outside Australia. Koroibete, Skelton, and Kerevi he can’t replace with home based players.
Captaincy is a hard one. If Wright were to a starting 15 player, he would be my choice. McReight might make a very good captain one day. He was captain of the U20’s team that went down by the single point to France. But he is still too young, I would think.
Joe Schmidt's search for a 'cold-hearted bastard' - and the issue he'll lose most sleep over
“Good kicker, right?” Yes, and another recall I have of WH was the way he covered the field in defence. He was Mo’unga like.
Joe Schmidt's search for a 'cold-hearted bastard' - and the issue he'll lose most sleep over
“Violently” agree. Like it, and I am in the camp !
The Wrap: Reds light up Melbourne, while it's lights out for TV over Lienert-Brown concussion
“It’s in the rule book. He simply followed the law,” There is no “rule book”, rugby has laws,G, but that is nit picking.
So tell me where that situation is covered in the laws ? The referee will often err in his calls, and that is part of the game. But post game, many refs will left red faced when trying to justify calls made. One good example is any lifting in the front. I have seen bad lifts, that are dangerous, called the wrong way. I wrote an article a few years ago centred on this issue. English ref Carly badly got a decision wrong. https://www.theroar.com.au/2021/01/09/the-dangerous-scrum-behaviour-rugby-must-work-harder-to-outlaw/
The Wrap: Reds light up Melbourne, while it's lights out for TV over Lienert-Brown concussion
“Bell, hanigan and jed did their job, amoroso and swinton had punch off the bench”. All good hard forwards now, n. Bell is fast becoming one of the most menacing ball carriers in world rugby. Ned I have always rated, and is now now so much heavier and harder than in his first years at this level. Swinton is one that has enormous potential, he just needs that bit of good coaching to sort out the dangerous and reckless elements in his game, and that is probably now happening. I hope he is on Schmidt’s possibles list.
The Wrap: Reds light up Melbourne, while it's lights out for TV over Lienert-Brown concussion
“Rugby us working through the issue, quite well, in my opinion.” It’s not consistent though, Bobby. Worst example of that was the Owen Farrell head contact, where initially he was not banned. That situation should never have arisen, so clear was the replay evidence. High level legal people should be no part of the judiciary system, in my view….which I ‘m sure I’ll be shot to pieces on by those more leggally expert Roarers than I.
The Wrap: Reds light up Melbourne, while it's lights out for TV over Lienert-Brown concussion
Thanks Geoff. But in truth in this last game the Irish team limped across the line to some extent. Lot of errors in there, and no where near as impressive in the backs as Italy were in their last game. I was relieved that last game was not against the French in Lyons.
The Wrap: Reds light up Melbourne, while it's lights out for TV over Lienert-Brown concussion
“Could be a rule that you cant duck into contact unless you are in the 5 metre and going or a try???” That is the big area where there is so much danger, B. I don’t really see any way the law could be written to cut the danger there. The ball carrier has to go in low to score in so many instances…..as high as 80% ?? And not just in those forward jousts that go on and on, phase after phase. Also happens with, say, a wide player driving low to the line.
The Wrap: Reds light up Melbourne, while it's lights out for TV over Lienert-Brown concussion
Thanks Geoff. Another set of interesting results down here in the SH. Finally a year when Qld,. are, so far, going really well. Good to see the Rebels fight back.
Good finishing comments on the head injury situation which is being poorly handled worldwide in so many instances. Ireland got into the spotlight by playing winger Calvin Nash a week after he failed a HIA. That was disgraceful, and a blemish, for me, on a very good season, despite limping over the line against the Scots.
The Wrap: Reds light up Melbourne, while it's lights out for TV over Lienert-Brown concussion
Excellent article, JD. I like your opening paragraphs. I had never heard of the Berhampore Plateau. I can just imagine how testing it would be there on a windy and wet day. First time we passed through Wellington, en route via the ferry to S. Island, there was a hell of a wind….lamp posts were rocking around even.
There is a lot of very interesting information in the piece, would have taken you a bit of time to research and put together. I can recall that bad defeat the WB’s suffered, but did not recall were it happened. Very low point for WB rugby. That was one tough AB team at the time. Some great names in there, Mehrtens and Marshall, Michael Jones, that front row of Dowd, Fitz and Brown. You mention Frank Bunce. He was interesting in coming to the AB’s from Samoa,with the team that shocked Wales, and the world ar RWC.
I must admit I was not fully aware of the number of Irish players who may not make the next RWC. But you are right, there is a fair sized cohort who at best will be on the way down by 2027. You do make the very good point though, that Farrell is bringing the next generation forward. The one standout player he is not giving enough time to currently is, in my view, Craig Casey. I just don’t see Conor Murray as being the better player any longer, nor do Munster, home province of both men.
I addition to those you mention, I would name these emerging players as possibly being in the Irish squad by 2027: Sam Prendergast(10), Nathan Doak(9), Jamie Osborne(13/15), James Hume(13), Tom Stewart(2), Brian Gleeson(8), Edwin Odogbo(4/5), John Hodnett(7), Thomas Ahern(6/4/5), Harry Sheridan(6/4/5), David McCann(6).
John Hart’s glorious Athletic Park heroes, how Australia had the last laugh, and could Ireland suffer the same fate?
“I’m talking about my prowess of tipping rugby. I must be a patsy!” I’d wager you are better than I, RT ! In the groups I tip in, I currently sit 47/48, 87/92, 352/363, and in a Qld. Reds Gp, 1413/1547 !
I am planning a surge, starting next week 😊
The Wrap: The two massive power shifts shaping Australian and New Zealand rugby
“England fans touting their team as the best in the World and Ireland on its way down …”. Have an English neighbour down the paddock, JN. His wife…Australian…. sent a message this am. asking if I am in deep mourning. I am not, and Ireland are most def.not on the way down ! They had that game under their control mid second half. Now I recall a comment Highlander made maybe two years ago “The glacially slow Murray”. That is a bit harsh, but I would have put Murray on the wing, and left JGP at scrum half. It was lunatic of Murray to put in a poorish kick to touch with @.08 mins on the clock at the end of the game, and give England the ball back in the Irish half. Casey should come onto the bench for next week….but he won’t, I fear.
50 000 plus at Loftus….that is impressive. That would be URC ? Don’t think a Super game will ever fill Suncorp at around 52 000.
The Wrap: The two massive power shifts shaping Australian and New Zealand rugby
Thanks ,Geoff. It has been a weekend of some pretty interesting results.
I descended the Range to the lowlands on Sat. and got into Suncorp early, focused on watching the Chiefs warm up. Dmac is a beautiful striker of the ball. Samisoni T is massive, not in height but width. T Vaa’i is lighter than I thought, too light to ever become a significant AB ?
I went down in the hope that Qld. would put in a good performance, probably lose, but by under 10 pts. The game kicked off and the wall of worry got higher. But then things changed. The Qld. breakdown work both sides of the ball was top class. Speed, and clearly great clarity in the mind of each arriving player.
And the defence really tightened, with potentially dangerous situations snuffed out, sometimes with turnovers as a bonus. One thing very clear was Dmac running sideways at times, and being easily contained. Looking at him on the night, it would be a risk for the AB’s to start him at 10. And in the closing quarter, the scrum had also become a weapon, with the Chiefs packing down in apprehension.
I suppose in hindsight, the current Crusaders were always going to struggle over in Fiji. The Canes beating the Blues down in “Caneland” would not have been predicted pre season, I would have thought. And the Rebels winning away in NZ is surely very heartening, and your comment on the maturity and leadership of LSL is pleasing, Geoff.
Off topic really, but the match I am part way through watching, Wales v France, is just breath taking. and a must watch for anyone who loves good use of LQB and beautiful balanced running. And congratulation to all England for a last gasp win, which all things considered was most deserved. And like wise to Italy in beating Scotland. With more luck they could, amazingly, have been in with a shot of lifting the title next weekend.
Finally “viewers were treated to the unusual sight of referee Jordan Way explaining a law to Perenara”. This I just don’t buy…it is Trumpian false news surely 😊
The Wrap: The two massive power shifts shaping Australian and New Zealand rugby
“At 10, I think Tane is a Joe kind of player.” Yes, that is important. Iread Stuart McCloskey recently saying ” My face did not fit with Joe”
Jed, Ned and Tane Edmed: The direction Joe Schmidt should head to put Eddie era to bed
“Cormac Daly”. He is an interesting one, Lr. He has not come out of one of the big Leinster schools, Gaelic background, hurling and football. He started rugby at club level with North Kildare RFC.
He was coached by Paul O’Connell in the forwards with the Ireland U20s, and he comments in an article in The42 site: “He was interested in the way I carried the ball and how I was able to switch hands to fend, which was natural to me. He gave me a lot of confidence to kick on.”
Jed, Ned and Tane Edmed: The direction Joe Schmidt should head to put Eddie era to bed
I have for long been an admirer of Ned’s game. Even when he was young and being thrown around, one could see his intelligence there. Now he is a bigger stronger and harder big country lad. Anyone who thinks he is too soft for test rugby only need look at him laying Joe Moody out on that carry in one of the Bledisloe games a while back. He is for sure one multi talented player.
Australia are beginning to look a bit like Ireland now, with some really useful looking young tens stepping up. Edmed certainly looked very good last weekend, but that was in a rampant team. Noah was not going to look good on the weekend as the Brumbies imploded….badly. Lynagh is moving up this year, but I would think he will not feature at WB level for another year or so. Gordon is also no fading flower either. Fascinating !
Holloway is a real forwards forward, hard and abrasive. I would always be pencilling in Skelton first, and remember he is the was the captain going into RWC France. Tbh I would never have picked him, but he did really well in the games he played. Actually he is also, by ROG’s accounts, really laid back and funny character. Ned and big Will in the row would be jus something.
Excellent article as always, Harry.
Jed, Ned and Tane Edmed: The direction Joe Schmidt should head to put Eddie era to bed
Should read “That really hurt the Highlanders, as the penalty allowed THE BLUES the chance from the lineout to score
The Wrap: ‘World’s best provincial rugby competition’ delivers a superb Super Round
216 comments as I write, so really not much to add to some very good discussion on a round of excellent games. Thanks, Geoff, for writing the Wrap that draws ao many in to contribute.
One call that stumps me is the yellow card given to the Highlanders JR Kneepkens. Gardner called “15, never onside”, but it was for mine a whole loose shambles. The tackle was maybe just made, possibly a never held properly. But as the play developed, Kneepkens was always his goalside of the ball, and thus always onside. I feel there was never a ruck formed anyway, so he had every right to go for the ball. Gardner got that one badly wrong, and he really should not have.
That really hurt the Highlanders, as the penalty allowed them the chance from the lineout to score, and they were a key man short for the first ten off the second half.
The Wrap: ‘World’s best provincial rugby competition’ delivers a superb Super Round
I think McReight is still to light, not strong over the ball when cleaned out. But he is superb at the quick steal when he gets in early, just seems to have a great technique. But that is often only once in agame. So agree fully, “Not a great stat for the heir apparent to the Australian number 7 jersey.”
ANALYSIS: How the Reds’ ruck system outshone their razzle dazzle - and why they must nail it against Canes
I knew you would, Jacko 😊
ANALYSIS: How the Reds’ ruck system outshone their razzle dazzle - and why they must nail it against Canes
“Reds weren’t complacent I don’t think”. Agree, piru. I think it was just one of those games where things fell beautifully in place for three Force tries. The Harry Wilson fumble a classic case, with Kuenzle in the right place at right time.
I’m not playing down the Force win at all, they played really well, had many excellent periods in the game. But sometimes good fortune kicks in, as with the Reds try against the Chiefs a few weeks ago….bounce of the ball went their way.
The Wrap: Wallaby's brain fade that cost the Tahs, con job worthy of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels