Roar Guru
Joined May 2013
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Writes on rugby for RugbyPass. Can be followed on Twitter @ArgyleSport.
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With the Wallabies capitulating to another loss against Eddie Jones’ England, this time 37-18, the simple and obvious question to be asked is this:…
Their lineout didn’t always deliver, their scrum experienced pressure, they had first choice players out injured and they didn’t always take the points available.…
As the Wallabies prepare for the Test match with Wales this weekend at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, coach Michael Cheika should reflect upon the wisdom…
With Rugby Australia confirming Michael Cheika will coach the Wallabies at the Rugby World Cup in 2019, the focus shifts to his assistants. Stephen…
The duality of the Wallaby performance in Salta invites more questions than it answers. Watching the post-match press conference, under siege Wallabies coach Michael…
“Delay is the deadliest form of denial.” So, said C. Northcote Parkinson a renowned 20th century British author who is the father of ‘Parkinson’s…
With their backs to the wall and their coach’s future being questioned the Wallabies have it all ahead of them when they take on…
My heart sank to lows seldom experienced when Israel Folau failed to pass the ball to his unmarked teammate, Bernard Foley, who surely would…
There is a certain nervous wringing of hands and gnashing of teeth by Australian fans who can't stomach the idea of a repeat of…
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika puts head-to-pillow at the Sofitel on Friday night, several hours after he has held his final press conference before the…
On a beautifully crisp Saturday afternoon at St Lucia, the University of Queensland defeated their cross town rivals Brothers 21 – 15 in an…
As Wallaby Coach Michael Cheika and his cohorts finalise the Wallaby squad for the upcoming Tests matches against the Fijians, Italians and Scots, I…
When Australian rugby entered into the professional era in 1996 the state of the game and its previous governance appeared reasonably healthy. Despite being…
The Reds need Quade Cooper. They've been woeful in 2016. Without the 58 test playmaker at Ballymore the Reds have been about as entertaining…
While I am an ardent supporter of Wallaby coach Michael Cheika and of his motivational methods I have previously compared his Waratahs and Wallabies…
Time, as they say, is the great healer - and rugby is not immune to that remedy. If you don't believe me, look at…
The Kurtley Beale-Wasps deal is an alarming indicator of what is on the horizon and that is a cannibalisation of the global rugby game…
As Wallaby coach Michael Cheika and his All Black counterpart Steve Hansen prepare their respective sides for Round 1 of Bledisloe Cup 2015, rugby…
The father of evolutionary thought Charles Darwin had little time for those in the numbers game. In fact the renowned English naturalist's thoughts on…
Since returning to his native shores, Waratah and Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has evoked the long-dormant brawling spirit of the Australian rugby player; who…
What did they find out?
I don’t know. What did they find out?
However, Carlos if you think SANZAAR will be delivering for your union anytime soon I hope you’re a patient man.
Momentum clearly building behind trans-Tasman solution
Good morning Geoff and Brett,
It is an interesting dilemma when you hold the broadcast agreement for a competition that can’t actually be broadcast. Do you intervene legally and demand your seat at the table or do to you assist in fashioning another?
SANZAAR, like most rugby administrations, do not enjoy good public opinion presently and are sliding into obsolescence. Gus Pichot of Argentina as shrewd enough to know his country is primed to participate in the evolution of rugby in the USA, and that is where the money and growth of the game are pointing to. If I were Argentina id pivot away sooner rather than later.
New Zealand itself is in a dilemma as it can produce an entertaining brand of domestic rugby but the critical mass of a small population almost ensures it cant produce the revenue required to finance the game in the Shakey Isles.
For a country whose economy is reliant on tourism, the only tourists they may be getting is Australian’s for the near and medium-term future so any myopic brain dead banter that New Zealand does not need Australia is an argument that deserves a good wipe by the Sorbent.
I am enthused to see Bart Campbell is now on the board in NZ and WR. He has been involved in the game since it went professional, is well respected and a shrewd operator. Whilst the Melbourne Storm has had its issues, it would be hard to argue they did not succeed in an environment not conducive to either Rugby code. I think Campbell had plenty to do with that. I only hope he knows how to navigate the politics of World Rugby.
Momentum clearly building behind trans-Tasman solution
Good afternoon Spiro and Geoff,
It appears the balance sheet is the issue. I tweeted as much on 24/04/2020. We still don’t know the unaudited loss. Is it $9.4 million or closer to $16 million. Furthermore, how did RA lose those amounts? On the face of it, this issue is an issue that rests with the former CEO and the RA board. Not Fox, not Phil Kearns, not Alan Jones and not any aggrieved person in the broader rugby community.
The Wrap: Unravelling Australian rugby’s unholy war
I see promise in each of the Melbourne props but they were rubbish against the Sharks. I will say I thought Orr and Eloff were better than Gibbon and Ainsley but they were coming off a low base. The starting props body shape, coupled with poor skills and positioning in the set-up, especially the lethargic pace they bound at ensured they were never really in the scrum contest.
The Brumbies and the Reds should provide most of Rennie's Wallabies
Good morning Spiro,
Being a Novocastrian when I read, ‘Rennie Penney’, I suddenly felt a craving for BBQ chicken…
As a level 2 coach, coaching in a Colts program in Brisbane I can see my club working productivity with the QRU on coach education and development.
On Robbie Deans, I recall opposite. Dingo Deans was adored by much of the media with only the brave few willing to criticise the appointment and reappointment. Great coach who got his opportunity.
Rennie and Penney should be the last of the NZ coaches in Australian rugby
My brother, Jake Turnbull has moved from Houston to Old Glory in Washington. As has my support obviously.
US Major League Rugby enters its third season
G’day Nic,
Interesting read. I submit that England and Ireland have a greater reliance on a direct attack as opposed to Australia who can be more creative which may either commit or overload Tipuric or Navidi early.
I further suggest that if the Wallabies can produce a quality scrum that will keep the Welsh attached for longer, and also a clean lineout that either the Wallabies drive on from or spread quickly to the 13 channel off the top at the back should, in theory, nullify the Welsh somewhat.
Furthermore if they do get bogged, Nic White does have a descent box kick so contestable kicking might play a role.
I’d still play with Pocock to start as he is a greater influence at the recycle than Hooper. I’d also start Lealiifano over Foley as the latter tends to catch the ball whilst stationary making it easier to gain momentum for the defence.
The Wallabies must be accurate and legal at the clean out to draw Tipuric and Navidi into that area. I say this as they are also used by the Welsh attack out wide and by consistently drawing them in defensively it makes it harder for them to operate at width attack off turnovers.
I know Hadleigh Parkes has improved in defence in the past 9 months, but he can have a bad game on D occasionally and I don’t think he was tested by the Wallabies in Cardiff last year. The Wallabies were abysmal that day and off first phase I’d look to overload him.
Cheers
Nick
How will the Wallabies unravel Warren Gatland’s Welsh web?
I’d love too see some recognition of guys like the late Norm Hadley of Canada, Gord McKinnon and Al Charon who were huge for their country.
Whilst the list is one of superb players there were some Cup legends in some of those minnow nations.
The Roar's 50 greatest players in Rugby World Cup history: 15-11
Mate Kearns is one of the greatest Hookers of all time.
The Roar's 50 greatest players in Rugby World Cup history: 15-11
Good afternoon Harry,
I submit Tim Horan should be higher on your list. Considering he came back from an horrific knee injury in 1994, most players don’t come back the player the once were. Horan came back better and was the player of the tournament in 1999.
Furthermore he was quite ill prior to that semi-final in 99 and came off his sick bed to play. What a game he played.
Arguably the greatest 12 to play the game.
The Roar's 50 greatest players in Rugby World Cup history: 15-11
Ahh you know me too well. I have missed our chats. I’m flicking between the Rugby, NRL and AFL as my teams are playing.
Yep, Grace Hamilton, good rugby player. I think our women will struggle but the weather looks ok. 😁
All Blacks vs Wallabies: Bledisloe 2 preview and prediction
I haven’t missed you but good to hear from you. How are the stilletto’s?
All Blacks vs Wallabies: Bledisloe 2 preview and prediction
No, that’s not what I said.
All Blacks vs Wallabies: Bledisloe 2 preview and prediction
Much will hinge on Jaco Peyper. I think he will be a more strict around the breakdown than Jerome Garces and is a referee that the All Blacks enjoy more than the Wallabies. I can’t recall a test that he has adjudicated the Wallabies have won.
I still have memories of a Bledisloe test in Wellington, circa 2013, where it appeared Stephen Moore had scored early in the match yet Jaco would not ever refer it to the TMO.
Jaco aside, it will be be the most physical test either side would have played this year. I can’t see the Wallabies sqibbing it, nor the All Blacks not bringing it.
A Kiwi mate, who coaches in the Mitre 10 Cup, raised concerns over the All Blacks fitness levels compared to the Wallabies. Interesting observation. Perhaps it will come down to the final minutes?
Wallabies by 3
All Blacks vs Wallabies: Bledisloe 2 preview and prediction
Thanks mate, much appreciated.
The Wallabies need to drop some of their Waratahs stalwarts
Yeh, I know that bloke pretty well ????.
Thanks.
The Wallabies need to drop some of their Waratahs stalwarts
Hey Jez,
I can’t think ever where an uncapped 18 year old speed bumped the current Black full back?
Do recall Petaia’s try against the Fijian’s in the NRC last year where he bullocked his way to line taking would be tacklers with him?
This kid is a special player already.
The Wallabies need to drop some of their Waratahs stalwarts
Good morning Spiro,
Agree with all of that. I wrote an article for The Roar, in November last year, prior to the Welsh Test titled ‘The Wallabies can win if they flex their flexibility’. I was calling for the Kerevi-Petaia combination for that test. As the tour went on I called for Rob Valentini to play against the English.
Wonder if Gregor Paul is still looking in car boots?
The Wallabies need to drop some of their Waratahs stalwarts
Jed Holloway played well, was best on ground for the Waratahs.
There's a lot to like about the Waratahs, but the bad elements are still bad
Highlanders
Brumbies
Crusaders
Hurricanes
Sharks
Bulls
Jaguars
Super Rugby Round 1 expert tips: Guess who’s back, back again
“And I have no clue what is left of rugby in the USA.”
This may assist.
“It’s no secret that USA Rugby have been financially f—ed for years,” Kennedy recently told RugbyPass. “It should have happened at least a year ago, if not two years ago when [former USA Rugby chief executive] Dan Payne was leaving. Bankruptcy is what they needed to do.”
Kennedy added: “It is a good thing. I say that with respect to people that have lost their jobs, people that are not getting paid, but it’s a good thing for rugby in the US ultimately. If it cleans up the World Cup bid which is going on right now…anything without USA Rugby involved is a better situation than having them at the table where they swear they are good when everybody knows they are not good. This is a good opportunity.”
There is wider support in global rugby for USA Rugby to emerge from this crisis intact, however. World Rugby chief executive Brett Gosper recently told L’Équipe that he hoped that what has happened to USA Rugby “will not break the momentum of rugby in the United States”.
Young adds: “There has been lots of support from other unions, because people realize that if rugby is a success in the US and it takes a hold here, it will be good for the sport worldwide.”
https://www.sportbusiness.com/2020/04/usa-rugby-pushed-to-very-brink-following-absolutely-catastrophic-covid-19-crisis/
So obviously things are not all tickety-boo in the US but they also appear ready to emerge from COVID19 with plans.
Momentum clearly building behind trans-Tasman solution