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The Roar

West Aussie Exile

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Joined October 2020

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An amazing performance -I didn’t see it coming but pleased that it did. I know Donaldson’s kicking could be improved but I think he is having a good season and improving every game. I am pleased for him, and the Force. of course

Reds' 'unbelievable, unfathomable' double disaster sums up shocker as Force spring stunning upset

Loved those counter rucks -really showed Force were up to. I want more of that each week though – more consistency

Reds' 'unbelievable, unfathomable' double disaster sums up shocker as Force spring stunning upset

Disappointing. Re; Cron – I remain undecided. I think he can be a good coach and has had some bad luck with injuries – however, I think reappointing him just before the first game sent out the wrong message to him and the players. I do think he needs more time and continuity important but, whether conscious or not, the payers and coach don’t have the pressure to perform they would have had if the coaching decision was made mid-season. I’m not writing off the season yet but recruitment for next year must be a priority, especially in front row and back row

'It hurts': Force's season goes from bad to worse as Lealiifano, Kepu lead Moana Pasifika to upset win

I agree that it’s good that the Force start with IFL with White coming off the bench. I’m looking forward to another good game from Donaldson- I thought he was excellent against the Brumbies. A must win game for the Force

Super Rugby teams: Rookie at 10 for Reds, DC dips into club footy in hooker crisis, Jorgo ruled out, White benched

Wow, that was amazing. That game sums up why I enjoy rugby so much. McReight, Wilson and Wright were excellent – surely McReight and Wilson should be in Wallabies first 23 of season, even starting. How good to see an aussie scrum going forward against a top Kiwi team at a critical time -loved it. For all Aussie sides, goalkicking and restarts need to be better. Isn’t the idea that you restart very long and deep or shorter and compete? – most kicks were in the middle and gave possession back too easily. anyway, well done Reds and commiserations to Chiefs – a good side

'Over the moon': Reds deny Chiefs for 23 PHASES to win 'titanic' trans-Tasman clash as Kiss' revolution continues

What a great match -credit to the Canes, who just don’t give up. I was impressed by Lynagh also and look forward to see if he can maintain level, especially in NZ. Some promising signs for the Reds but Petaia, Suli and Jock Campbell all made a number of costly errors that top NZ players don’t make – none should be in Wallabies 23 in my opinion

Reds rue missed 'moments' as Hurricanes get up in golden point to deny Australia another Super Rugby win

I was so excited about last night and enjoyed a beautiful evening in Perth (weather -wise) but it was a humbling experience game-wise. That first half, in particular, was tough viewing as out muscled and out thought. No forward momentum at all and particularly disappointing was the lack of execution of the basics. I read this morning that Cron not concerned, a few ‘quick fixes’ – I hope he’s right but not sure the scrum can be fixed that easy.

Hurricanes pump Western Force as Achilles heel exposed again in early reality check

I agree with previous comments -front row remains a weak link and may be the difference between making the finals or not. I agree also that better performance in away games needed with a couple of early wins. I am quietly confident and looking forward to being at first match against Hurricanes next week

Season of dream chasing looms as Cron beefs up squad to make the West a Force in Super Rugby

Good decision -I think Williams will do a good job and will be in team anyway on merit, particularly as Rodda still has not returned. As others have said, means Wells and White have to earn their spots.

'Looking to future: Cron bypasses Super veterans White and Wells to name 23-year-old skipper

I agree with first comment, Biscuit Man -not the rest, but respect your opinion. I remain positive about Australian rugby otherwise I wouldn’t read and post on this site. Despite difficult Rebels situation, now RA have stronger leadership and Wallabies have excellent coach and high performance director

CONFIRMED: Rebels CEO made redundant and coaches have contract cuts as hopes of Super Rugby survival fade

I really like this post, Carnivean -a helpful summary of a dynamic situation. I am still hoping (however naively) that the Rebels survive. I know the negative effect on WA rugby of the Force removal and Victorian rugby will suffer if Rebels exit also. Would be a shame

CONFIRMED: Rebels CEO made redundant and coaches have contract cuts as hopes of Super Rugby survival fade

Despite so many first choice Chiefs not available, I do think it is still a result that could be significant, as Japanese side only had 3 foreigners in their 15. I hope so, as I want rugby to spread further internationally and I think a strong Japan will benefit Super Rugby. as more links are made

'Could be a big deal' - Robbie Deans could be at the centre of Japanese Rugby's 'Coolum effect' - and he's been here before

Thanks for the article, Tony -I have a slightly different view but the article certainly got me thinking it’s not necessarily a continually smooth road ahead. I am one of the Roar readers you reference – I gave up reading anything that quoted/referenced Eddie by the end as it was all nonsense and frustrating. It would be good to have a year where we have some clarity on our best 15/23, style of play and we’re competitive with some wins. I think Schmidt is a good appointment- I’m looking forward to the next few months

COMMENT: In trading Greatest Showman for 'boring' and 'pragmatic' Sleepy Joe, RA gambling with game's future

Thanks for the article, Nick -always good to read about the Force. I share many of the same views as others, expect an improvement for 2024 and accelerated improvement for 2025. I think Cron has put a lot of the right building blocks in place in terms of culture, expectations etc. I do hope Rodda is fit and stays fit, I remain open to Donaldson playing his best rugby this year – how good that is, I’m not sure yet. A stronger squad than 2023, which will bring more consistency. I’m looking forward to the season

Pressure Points: Cron has his work cut out to make the west a Force in Super Rugby

‘A massive blow, a brutal reality check’ I don’t think so. A promising player who I would prefer to stray in rugby but can understand the move and good luck to him – and he may return to rugby, anyway. I think we can start changing the narrative on the Wallabies – the article about Rebels pack, including Tupou and Salakaia -Loto is more significant – the forwards can provide a real base for SR sides and Wallabies to be competitive again. Eddie’s gone, Hamish gone, a bit more positivity,,,

Done deal: Wallabies star signs with NRL powerhouse in brutal reality check for RA at start of 'golden decade'

Agree, Jez. I am excited by this pack and, let’s face it, if Wallabies have any chance of beating the Lions in 2025, it will be the pack that will make it happen. I like Salakaia -Loto as a Courtney Lawes 6, maybe lock – if he plays well, could be a starter for wallabies next year

'Not here to come second': Why Tupou's arrival at the Rebels shapes as most important moment in club's history

Thanks for article, Harry. any mixture of Joe Schmidt, Larkham, McKellar, O’Gara and Laurie Fisher for High Performance Director/Coach would be fine by me. Cheika- I did not want, and he’s staying in Argentina, I believe. I think with any of the above, Wallabies in safe hands – we have talent to beat the Lions and be serious contenders in 2027 WC

RA must not fixate on an Aussie coach - why Ronan O'Gara is best choice to lead Wallabies after the Eddie calamity

Good article, Christy. Excited about Amatosero. I was singing Coleman’s praises before last season and he got it dramatically wrong in so many ways, particularly with no specialist second rows. He is clearly a good coach (who had one bad year) so I expect Amatosero and FLW to make a huge difference. I’m happy for Tahs to have a fantastic year and finish 2nd, behind the Force in first

'Took me three years to find one': Prized recruit hits ground running as Tahs boss cools Wallaby hype

Absolutely agree

'Took me three years to find one': Prized recruit hits ground running as Tahs boss cools Wallaby hype

Thanks for the article, Lucky. So good to hear of community events like this. Apologies I did not respond earlier – so much bad news and negative comments on Roar (I understand why, of course with recent events) that I had a break for a couple of weeks and just catching up on articles and posts.

As a country boy from WA originally (Kimberley, Mundijong) before settling in Perth, now UK (a long story) great to hear of a country WA rugby story. I was really impressed Simon Cron having the players clearing fire breaks in the country then still attending training to remind them of a 9-5 job then training.

Great article, great sentiments. Can’t wait for the first game in February – travelling a long way to be there. Thanks again, Lucky

'Seeing the players as people': How a Western Force meet reminded me of the beauty of grassroots rugby

Thanks Geoff -enjoyed this piece and the contributions over the year. As an American millenial would say (I think)’ I’m done’ when it comes to Eddie and Hamish -I think you said it all. I’m looking forward to a better , more consistent, (dare I say -stable) year for Australian rugby next year. Will be back in Perth February/March for some southern hemisphere sun and Western Force so life’s not too bad. Thanks again Geoff

The 2023 Wrap: Man who was 'dropped from heaven' and the abject s--t show that followed in his wake

I agree with Jackass -not Cheika. He achieved great things at club/provincial coaching but let’s not forget how he completely lost the plot with the Wallabies – had the players running from everywhere with no structure and WB became asy to beat. We need a balanced coach. If we could get MacKellar to leave Leicester, he’s the one for me, otherwise Larkham

Eddie Jones quits as Wallabies coach - 'Sometimes you have to eat s--t for others to eat caviar'

Classy post match responses and behaviour from both sets of players and supporters. Foster does deserve credit for his resilience -to put up with all the criticism (warranted or not) and keep fronting up -an impressive person. Congrats to SA and any SA supporters on Roar . I feel for our NZ friends -should be proud of their team

'My heart breaks for him': Boks coach's message to Ian Foster is pure class as he bows out an unlucky loser

I think you make a good point, Jez, Eddie does care about Australian rugby but is now in a ‘victim’ spiral he cannot escape from – it’s not good for him (professionally and personally) and it certainly isn’t for Oz rugby

Exclusive: 'Seismic shift' as Waratahs to hand over keys to RA in boost to reform push - others to follow

I agree with Numpty. Centralisation does not have to mean we all start sending Christmas cards to Hamish and Eddie. Many of us have been banging ‘the alignment/centralisation’ drum’ as the way forward for a long time so I think this is good news. Phil Waugh has acknowledged that not all states may align in the same way at the same time, which reflects what the article says about ACT and Qld concerns.

These RA/SR conversations are exactly what has needed to happen -clearly, the RWC debacle for the Wallabies casts a shadow over all rugby related issues in Australia. I get that – I will continue to question RA lack of accountability over Eddie Jones coaching and selection and next steps. That should be a separate issue, as much as possible, otherwise there’ll be another 10 years of a blame game and nothing else

For me. positive news

Exclusive: 'Seismic shift' as Waratahs to hand over keys to RA in boost to reform push - others to follow

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