The Desert Nut's Roar Profile

The past few weeks have seen much debate over the depth of Australian rugby and there have been several suggestions of reducing the number of Australian teams.

Rugby

2016

Believe it or not, the Force have the cattle to succeed

The Desert Nut

Roar Rookie

Believe it or not, the Force have the cattle to succeed

Rugby

2016

If you’re serious about giving away your tickets for the Perth test, I’d certainly be interested in taking them off your hands.

Michael Cheika once again misses the mark after Wallabies loss to back-up Boks

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No wonder so much of our talent is leaving. It’s a sinking ship.

Wallabies haunted by Ellis Park curse

Jul

Potentially. He certainly has the Rebels playing some good rugby and his understated nature is refreshing compared to Cheika’s egoism. I just wish he can win something first. I think it would be necessary to hire a proven winning coach to replace Cheika and give Wessels the time to gain more experience and hopefully silverware before he possibly gets the job.

Rebels coach won't look at Super ladder

Apr

Oh dear…

Crusaders seriously considering name change after admitting current branding "no longer tenable"

Thanks jameswm. Just an armchair general’s opinion at the end of the day. My real hope is that the two new selectors don’t act as yes men to MC and can actually overrule him on some selections.

The Wallabies team that can bring home the World Cup

Mar

You’re right Fionn, Valetini is only 20 I think. He probably needs another season or two to settle into his adult shape fully and for some experience. We have a knack of rushing guys into the wallabies setup based on potential talent and not proven talent, which is really an indictment on our performance over the last few years.

Agree with you on McCaffery. Read my comment above relating to Dempsey. Out the names you mention for an extended squad I can only agree with you on Valatini however his injury is certain to rule him out of the WC. Carter is unfortunately another powder-puff forward in my eyes and Maddocks is overrated in my opinion.

In terms of omissions, it’s guys like Joe Powell, CLL, Lukhan SL, Foley, Beale, and a pacy winger like Naivalu. Korobeite just doesn’t cut it for me.

You make a good point about McCaffery. He’s certainly in good form at the moment. It’s still early days but I hope Dempsey can get his mojo back as he was one of the wallabies best two years ago. Hooper was a tough one because he is going to be in the team no matter what. Otherwise I’d put another big guy on the bench like LSL. I don’t rate either Smith brother though.

For some reason it’s all looking squished together is one big paragraph rather than in list format. Apologies.

1. Scot Sio 2. Faingaa 3. AAA
4. Rodda
5. Arnold
6. Dempsey
7. Pocock
8. Naisarani
9. Genia
10. Cooper
11. Hodge (or Banks)
12. Kerevi
13. Kuridrani
14. Folau
15. DHP
Reserves: Rangi, Tupou, Kepu, Coleman, Hooper, Gordon, Toomua, Banks (Hodge)
Notes:
Faingaa will be MC’s pick. Uelese’s injury will be to his detriment come RWC. Rangi I think deserving a spot due to his form so far. Kepu looking past it and prone to dumb decisions (think Scotland RC). Rodda should be a shoe in, Arnold in form but Coleman will be picked. Dempsey at six for his size and footwork, Naisarani a big bopper at 8 and Pocock at 7. Gordon worthy of being HB back-up (Powell is another contender). Toomua over Foley to backup Cooper as he can backup 10 and 12. Hodge on the wing for his versatility (could also be used on the bench for this reason). Banks to gain full test intro on the wing. DHP will be FB hands down.
Some hard selections as some players worthy of being in the team are omitted. Ultimately though, it isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Surely now is the time to clean out? It won’t happen but one can hope. The coaches are useless. Sack the lot of them. Hanigan, Beale, Maddocks, Latu, Sio, Kerevi etc need to be dropped. Get rid of the Fijians who show no rugby smarts.

That game felt like the tipping point for me. We’ll look inept against Italy yet win and get torn to shreds by England the week after. This team does not deserve my support anymore, nor the support of any of the fans still watching.

Wallabies frustration continues with loss to Wales

Nov

Welcome to country is one of the most cringeworthy events you can see on TV. All it does is placate the feelings of do-gooders and sends the rest of us and the world to sleep.

Rugby Australia and Adam Goodes should create a dance to rival the Haka

2018

League took advantage of the French rugby union team being excluded from the Five Nations for acts of thuggery and professionalism. Yes, League was banned under Vichy France. Good.

The road to success for Major League Rugby

Up to a certain point. One team can lose points to a team higher than them, so long as it is within a 10 point margin

The top pet peeves of rugby chat

2017

I guess this really speaks to our grassroots depth. The four Fijians in the team on Saturday all have talent but it would be good to see homegrown talent coming through rather than relying on imports. Listening to either Korobeite or Kuridrani speak brings one back to reality about how Australian the team really is.

The Fijian connection is working wonders for the Wallabies

Dare to dream.

Wallabies to avoid All Blacks in Japan until the 2019 Rugby World Cup final

Foley is ill. Genia has a calf issue. Hunt sustained a neck injury of some kind in training.

Michael Cheika mixes things up with experimental Wallabies side to play Japan

It’s not from EA. They haven’t made a rugby game since Rugby ’08.

When there's no rugby to watch Rugby 18 fills the void

I disagree. No matter the meaning, wearing the jersey permanently would dull its attraction. I think having one week a year that recognises aboriginal culture is fine enough. Remember that familiarity can breed contempt.

Moreover, whatever the 60,000 year history of aboriginals in Australia, rugby is an English game. There have only been 14 indigenous players to don a wallabies jersey for 100 years or so. To adopt the indigenous jersey full-time would be to represent one tiny minority at the expense of everyone else.

Cheika needs to use Brisbane credit for Spring Tour good

Agreed. The value of the jersey is due to its rarity. It will lose its shine if it becomes the norm.

If it were to be adopted full-time then the flags on each sleeve would need to be removed.

Fair enough. I just think that a couple of years as a short-term coach would do what’s needed.

Roar Forum: What changes should the Wallabies make for Bledisloe 2?

OUT:
Grey
Cheika
Larkham
The rest of the ARU
Hanigan
Robertson
Phipps

An ideal team:
1. Sio
2. TPN
3. Alaalatoa
4. Arnold – Due to a dearth in quality, he’s the #2 lock. For a tall unit, he lacks the grunt of a Whitelock or Retallick.
5. Coleman – the only standout player deserving of his jersey. He can reach Retallick/ Whitelock potential.
6. ??? – RHP might finally deserve a go.
7. Hooper – The guy has a big heart and I do feel for him. Who else though? Gill isn’t around.
8. Timani – Big bloke. Enough said.
9. Powell – Give the young bloke a go because he’ll likely show more passion than Genia.
10. ??? – Foley nope. Quade is yet to find his spark and can’t tackle. Real trouble here.
11. Speight – goes ok. Never sets the world on fire although I don’t think he gets the space he needs.
12. Meakes – provide some defensive mettle in the midfield.
13. TK – one dimensional in many regards but who else can replace him? Maybe Rona could be given a go in future.
14. Folau – could honestly do with a game on the bench to set his mind square and be used in a better position.
15. DHP – the only guy who plays fullback well. Only Karmichael Hunt competes with him.

Can’t quite decide on reserves.

Australian rugby needs a full clear out at the top. The new CEO needs to be completely removed from Australian rugby and indeed any other rugby union. One who can understand that results are vital, but can appreciate that grassroots need to be nurtured. Maybe look to Europe or America?

Cheika needs to go. So does Larkham and definitely Grey. Mick Byrne and Ledesma can stay. I don’t know a decent attack coach but John Plumtree should be chased with everything the ARU has. Get Twiggy and his money on board (keep the Force, ARU tw*ts), so that you can get rid of the current coaching staff and hire some decent coaches.

I honestly think that as a replacement head coach, Stuart Lancaster could be considered. While he’s not necessarily the man to get the Wallabies to #1, I think he could establish a much need culture change and would be free of interstate rivalries. I always thought his work with England after the 2011 RWC, getting rid of overinflated egos and underperforming players could be very useful when you look at the Wallabies.

Does anyone know when the arbitration decision is going to be announced? I thought it was any day now.

Melbourne Rebels nab Wallabies prop from the Western Force

What a joke of a team. The Force are the only Australian team to win this week and only two of their players included? Compared to six Rebels and five Reds? Ned Hanigan at 4. takes any credibility away from this team. While you might have looked for balance, you’ve got two Tahs too many and have missed out the likes of TPN, Adam Coleman, Matt Philip, Bill Meakes, Jono Lance and a few more from the Force who should have been included.

The Super XV: Australian team of the week, Round 17

Exactly the point!

Tahs tunnel through what they thought was rock bottom against Force

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