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Joined October 2020
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Rugby in Australia has experienced turmoil in recent years – poor on-field performances, financial woes, structural and governance conflicts, instability, and poor viewing figures. I…
After Australia's ignominious exit from the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, a journalist interviewing Michael Cheika asked him why Australia had been running…
Thanks John – enjoyed the article. Looking forward to seeing the squad. I listened to Eddie’s podcast and he said may be limited to 33 players rather than the recent 42. I think that’s a good thing. There are too many players capped over the past few years, who are technically ‘Wallabies’ but their current performances are not even at SR level. Raise the bar and expectations -it’s needed
What Eddie Jones' statements tell us about his first Wallabies squad - and why Rebels could be the big winners
I agree totally, Tim. The difference between the core skills and playmaking ability of Mounga and JOC was clear to see -the kicking for goal and for touch was abysmal. I think while we wait to see if Foley and Cooper are part of WC plans, Carter Gordon must be given his chance . I was shocked how poor (and slow) Vunivalu was – what an error by RA. Uru had a shocker also -he is a long way off. I also thought Flook showed (despite some talent and potential) he is way off Wallabies squad at moment. Only QLd for me in first WB squad (in order of priority) -Petaia, Wilson, Wright, McDermott, McReight (just)
Crusaders too good for clumsy Reds as Petaia, Wright star to push Wallabies credentials
I agree. I’m not a fan of NRL and don’t watch it but I respect it and any cross code one-upmanship doesn’t help rugby. The Wallabies need NRL supporters who at least know about the game to feel in it is their international team – and they will support
'I don't want NRL to be feeder system': Gus fires back in Suaalii slanging match after Robbo blasts 'ridiculous comment'
A really enjoyable game -so different to the Waratahs game. Credit to the Rebels -it was so good to see an Australian team playing like a NZ team -running straight, hunting in packs, playing some unstructured rugby, offloads, it was great. A small crowd but they really got behind their team. The Rebels are my new second team!
'They've got that wrong': Reds denied in wildly controversial finish as Rebels hold on in epic comeback win
Not an easy watch. I was willing Force on but had a sense of a narrow loss coming. The kicking game was not good from the Force and one of the main reasons they lost. It was good to see more attacking threats and plays than last year but I do fear for rest of NZ tour
'Need to be better': Force miss golden chance to sneak win over 'Landers in high-scoring thriller
‘The wallabies scrum held its own for the most part’ – not sure about this, they seemed second best by far and were dominated when it mattered
'Dig our way out': NSW not panicking yet despite clunky loss as Tahs sweat on injured star trio
Yes, would really like a strong performance from Force. I think the pressure is off a little due to 2 narrow wins that would have been 2 narrow losses last year.
SRP Round 4: Every team CONFIRMED - Starts for Jock and JOC, Rebels boost as ABs rested, surprise all up for Force loanee
I agree, Oz – as a Force supporter, I was hoping for so much more. The difference in quality between this game and Brumbies v Blues was stark. What really concerned me was the lack of intensity by the Force players -if they needed a wake-up call, this was it. I did enjoy watching Tom Lynagh and he could be the 10 that is facing the Lions in 2025. I need to see Petaia against NZ teams before making a judgement
'Car crash': Thorn's Reds rack up highest Super score against Force as Lynagh, Petaia star
This is such disappointing news – I was basing a lot of my confidence in Rodda leading Force improvements. As others have said, a chance for others to step up. A real blow for Wallabies also – at least Frost has stepped up otherwise we’d be in real trouble. A VERY big game for Force this weekend
Exclusive: Wallabies star set for another lengthy stint on sidelines in huge blow for Western Force
I agree. As a Force fan, I’ll still be watching Waratahs too – could be something special this year and Wallabies would benefit also.
'Clean slate': Tahs hope Eddie effect fires players up, 10 battle explained, schoolboy prodigy impresses
Great article, Nick. As others have said, has the balance needed. I think there is the danger of over-optimism but, at the same time, that’s what Eddie can bring. I’m old enough not to be excited but I can’t help it – let’s hope we have some strong performances against our Kiwi friends in SR and that keeps the positivity and also gives Eddie the chance to do what he said he will -select on current performance. I don’t think selection was a strength of Rennie’s, despite challenges, so I hope Eddie’s selection is more effective. If I can see Rodda and Frost on the field together, I will be happy
ANALYSIS: Why Eddie was sacked by England, and what he must change to succeed this time around
Thanks Harry, enjoyed article. I do think SA are strong contenders as you say and I don’t think Ireland can go all of the way, even though I would like them to -I agree with your analysis of their weaknesses. If 2 top class locks are needed for the winners, and i don’t disagree, it’s Frost and Skelton (with admirable support from Rodda/Philip) that may swing Wallabies way. I agree with those that have said RC form must be strong – cannot afford to be demolished by NZ or SA a few months out from the big dance!
Who survives the coaching Hunger Games? Time running out for World Cup rush jobs to be successful
Oh my goodness! My last post was to romantically hope for an Australian coach to succeed Rennie after World Cup-possibly Darren Coleman in a few years – now Eddie is back. I am philosophical about it; Eddie is the best Australian coach currently available and should be able to gather Australian public support for World Cups and Lions. I feel sorry for Rennie but poor selection finally caught up with him.
The questions RA should have asked Eddie before appointing him (they clearly didn’t) but hopefully media/us will:
-will you try and win every game, not just prepare for potential world Cup success, as you did at England?
-will you settle on your best team ASAP and have a strategy for no 10/12 for RWC and going forward?
-will you ensure the scrum is prioritised and australia can compete in the forwards with the top teams? -that should inform your appointment of a forwards coach
-what are you going to do differently to ensure you don’t lose your assistant coaches so regularly?
-how will you work constructively with SRP Australian sides to ensure the best players are playing in positions that benefit Wallabies?
-Your views on Giteau Law?
-Will you spend more time on coaching and less time winding up opposition coaches?
Good luck Eddie!
ANALYSIS: Why Rennie had to go and the ruthless Eddie edge that makes the Wallabies World Cup contenders
I am pleased Rennie has chance to take us to the World Cup and hopefully put out his best team. I think some of the criticism of him is justified in terms of selection and tactics but he deserves the chance to take it forward this year and be judged on results this year. I am relieved Eddie Jones will not be involved in the set-up next year and, despite his obvious strengths, energy and record, I think it would be a backward step for Australian rugby. He did achieve great things with England from a low base to 2019, but since then, poor. Living in England and having friends who follow rugby, they have been frustrated by total lack of any attacking strategy over the past 3 years -Eddie has put up smoke screens about criticising private schools etc -that’s a non-issue. The team have been going backwards. I wish him well in what he does next but, after Rennie, let’s go for an Australian coach like Darren Coleman at waratahs -honest, hard-working, ambitious, a winner and focused on substance, not style
'Won't happen': Rennie's blunt reaction to working with Eddie, addresses future, Wisemantel exit and review
I agree PC, just posted saying I think Frost at 6 is a good option, particularly against the better, more physical teams like SA
Studs and duds: How Marky surprised RWC winner, John Eales Medal bolter, time for Pete to start over Hoops?
I agree, Peter. I think the combination of Skelton and one of Rodda/ Frost is exciting. I would prefer a taller, bigger number 6, particularly against the better teams. I wonder if Rennie may look at Frost at 6 in some matches. Tom Hooper could be the bolter
Studs and duds: How Marky surprised RWC winner, John Eales Medal bolter, time for Pete to start over Hoops?
Was at the game (I’m still in wales somewhere) and the ending and atmosphere was sensational. I am still in shock with the comeback as were demolished in the first half. Marky Mark was fantastic but it was Tate that made the difference – the pace and intensity. He must be our number 2 scum half. Rennie needs to stop chopping and changing now and have some more consistent selection – proud of the players. Great win
REACTION: 'Don't lose faith in us' - Marky Mark sparks insane Wallabies comeback as bench brings it home
It was good to see the improvement but I honestly don’t know if it represents a turning point or just a response to Italy game and some pride restored – I thought Ireland were ordinary which clearly helped us. I am at the Cardiff game next week and I have no idea what to expect -again! I would like minimal changes even though I realise there will be some due to injury and unavailability. I like the suggestion of Loselio at 12 and Donaldson starting 10, keep Ikitau at 13. I would like to see Hodge again at 15.
Studs and duds: Wallaby 'lacks maturity of a Test player', naïve leaders panned after 'pissing off ref'
I am excited to see Frost and Skelton together and, as others have said, would be good to see Donaldson have a decent crack. My issue with Rennie and rotation is – normally rotation starts from knowing your best 15, then some rest/experimentation from there. Does Rennie know his best 15? If he does, he certainly hasn’t selected that way over the past year and he hasn’t built combinations. Whatever happens against Italy, Frost/Skelton combination needs to start again against Ireland.
Wallabies team: Tahs pair set for debuts, Swain returns, as Rennie makes 11 changes to starting XV for Italy
Despite the disappointing result, a promising performance -we need to maintain that level over the next 3 games and that should give us 2 more wins at least. I’m going to game in Cardiff so hope a big performance there. I agree with most comments re Campbell -give him time to develop, good to have a specialist 15.
I hope Rennie starts Frost and Skelton together against Italy and starts Loselio with Donaldson as back up. I think Foley should have played his last game but I know Rennie will play him against Ireland, unfortunately
REACTION: 'Let's not celebrate getting close'- Wallabies blow it at death as Rennie slated for 'poor decision'
Good article and some sensitive and supportive comments from so many of you. If Hoops does read these, he will realise there are many good people out there. Good luck, Hoops
'Great time in my life': Hoops explains why he left the Wallabies, where he's at, and what comes next
Great article, Brett. Engaging with the Japan Top League makes sense to me. I think the ‘Champion’s Cup’ style series can raise the profile and quality of the players and competition. Timing is everything in business/sport (or so I’ve been told) and with RA/NZRU in some kind of ‘discussions’ at the moment, I think it’s time to make it happen
Ready and willing: Japan’s patient Asia-Pacific ambition only needs trans-Tasman bickering to end
Thanks Geoff
The Wrap: Let's get the Wallabies and All Blacks on the plane before they run out of players
Thanks for article, a lot to ponder. I’ll stick to the WB second row stocks on the spring Tour, As you and others say, Skelton deserves the chance to start 3 games in a row and build some partnerships -he will be a key player for WB in France next year. In fact, I think selecting France based players make sense, they know the culture, the grounds, the crowds and they’ve certainly faced some physicality in the games they play. Brings me to Tom Staniforth, who has been excellent for Castres, a key part of their team who made the Top 14 final last year. He’s only 28, not 33 as Simmons is, so realistically could play for a number of years, if he is good enough.
The Wrap: Let's get the Wallabies and All Blacks on the plane before they run out of players
I do agree with Ozinsa -Skelton deserves to start. I see where the opposite views come from but Skelton has delivered at the highest level in club football in Europe -he has been dominant in the big games. Thank you Sam for article, I think it showed how Skelton’s immense size does create havoc for the opposition. I think Frost or Holloway at 6. Hooper/Mcreight at 7, BV at 8 and Rodda/Philip/Richie Arnold the other lock, and we’re sorted. Skelton has to start -I’m excited to see him in action
ANALYSIS: The attribute that makes Will Skelton world class, and why he should start for Wallabies at RWC