Roar Rookie
Joined April 2020
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There have been many Australian rugby fans clamouring for a return of the NRC, which realistically from a financial perspective is not going to…
With six rounds completed of Super Rugby Pacific, teams are already busy firming their rosters for 2023. Contract extensions of numerous Wallabies, including Izaia…
Former Brumbies player Mack Hansen will make his debut for Ireland against Wales this weekend in the Six Nations opener. The 2018 Junior Wallaby…
Every Super Rugby preseason I get excited by the potential of the Australian Super Rugby teams, which unfortunately has more often than not found…
With the 40-man Wallabies training squad announced, what was evident is the depth of in-form players in the forwards. With the exception of loosehead…
Aussies plying their rugby trade overseas is nothing new, but increasingly it's our young guns making the move in their prime, ruling them out…
The COVID pandemic has resulted in businesses globally having to adapt and shift strategies in order to survive in the long term. Rugby has…
Following the conclusion of the 2020 international window and ahead of the 2021 Super Rugby season, there is an opportunity for the Super Rugby…
The WR eligibility rules mean Australia will unlikely ever be in contention for major trophies. There is talent for a strong wallaby squad but the key difference that top rugby nations has is depth. When players see that they are not in immediate wallaby contention and have a grandparent link elsewhere they seem to take this route as opposed to pushing for wallaby contention and creating depth. It has gone a step further and teenagers are being enticed by France and Japan to become eligible via residency. Not too mention that even when you are wallaby capped, a player can decide to switch nations after 3 years. In theory the Wallabies could pick a starting 15 of players all born and raised in Australia that in 3 years time could all play for another country. The eligibility criteria only benefits the GB and Ireland nations and very soon there will be a strong Australian XV playing international rugby but not for Australia.
How an Aussie discard killed off the Wallabies' 40-year Grand Slam hopes - and gave it to Suaalii after 'humongous' blow
Does anybody know the status of Cabous Eloff? Surely one of the SR side could have found space to a player competent at playing both sides of the scrum…
COMPLETE Super Rugby Pacific 2025 squads: Reds add Crusaders back, Suli, Petaia and young gun leave as all 11 lineups confirmed
Whichever channel he is defending, he will be targeted by the English attackers. Absolutely vital that he gets his tackle height low and does not find himself in the sin bin. This is my only fear with Suaalii debuting so early into his professional RU career. Otherwise massively excited to see what he can bring, especially in the centres where we are struggling for depth – at 12 specifically.
Exclusive: Suaalii to start for Wallabies as Schmidt rolls out 17th debutant for Grand Slam opener
Very conflicted about Nawaqanitawase potentially being selected. He is walking away from the sport and could be given the opportunity to take part in one of the pinnacle events….I am obviously bitter by his move to the Roosters as loved watching him play but can’t help but feel that someone staying in Union or Sevens should be given priority.
Hooper, Nawaqanitawase have six days to prove they're Olympic ready as Aussie Sevens squad heads to Darwin
“Didn’t get the love…” or you just weren’t good enough Mosese
Rugby News: Why Mosese's been made to wait for Scotland debut, Chiefs lose All Black for SRP final
Building depth is crucial, especially in the front row. Being able to see Kailea, Gibbon, Vella, Hoopert in the test arean against Wales and Georgia is only going to improve them.
Wallabies have a serious loosehead prop problem - who can solve it?
It is imperative that RA keep the majority of the Rebels tight 5 in Australia. The likes of Tupou, Gibbon, Eloff, Fa’amausili, Kailea, Uelese, Mafi, Canham, Salakaia-Loto need to stay in SRAU for Aussie teams to remain competitive. Rebels have been the dominant pack of the Aussie teams and would be criminal to let any of the above go overseas.
Tupou to Tahs, LSL to Reds, Gordon eyes NRL switch: Where Rebels stars will find new homes in Super Rugby
This is ridiculous!!! A big issue is the size of the Aussie midfield and RA allow two very handy midfielders to depart overseas. Not only that but with Tuipolotu moving to Edinburgh we have now just strengthened a competitor nation. I guarantee that when, like his brother, he is dominating over in Europe RA will be scratching their heads as to why he was let go. As a lifelong follower of the game in Australia I will now concede (what others have long been saying) that after this week with the announcement of departures that the game is dead in the country.
Waratahs set to lose two up-and-comers ahead of Suaalii's arrival as NSW Rugby announce $4.8m loss
What annoys me is that I am confident any 7 figure contract will be predicated on representing Japan….the union which has vastly superior financial clout than RA and looks to exploit the eligibility rule as opposed putting this money into developing younger “Japanese” players. I know that this is now where “international” rugby is but is frustrating as I really feel that this is the beginning of the end for Australia as a high performing nation. Over the course of the next two RWC’s, I believe we will see a stronger XV of Australian players not playing for the Wallabies.
Five things: What Beale has over other golden oldies, double pain for Brumbies as Blues expose Australia's biggest weakness
Great read as always. I noted your comment on Hockings likely to be called up by Japan when he is “eligible” which is what I have always sensed along with all other non capped Australians such as Lucas and Hosea. Has the questioned ever been asked to Harry? Has he said that he wants to play for Japan?
Five things: What Beale has over other golden oldies, double pain for Brumbies as Blues expose Australia's biggest weakness
What are thoughts on Gordon being played at 12 at international level? Personally I have never been a fan of the chopping and changing of positions from super rugby to test level but it could potentially solve a few issues. At this stage Gordon has not got the goal kicking % for test matches where goals are vital. Lolesio is top dog currently, however there are questions on his attacking creativity and he does not have the biggest boot in open play – again vital for test rugby- which Gordon can compensate for, along with him being a big body and good defensively. Main draw back is that there isn’t a big ball carrying back which a number of top teams have i.e Danty, De Allende, Aki etc
Five things: Lesson Aussie rugby can learn from Kiwis - and why next month will determine whether SR gap has closed
Whilst it was a great offload, Ramm should not have been on the pitch. The yellow he received in the first half should have been red. Unfortunately this is becoming an Australian trait…moment’s of unreal skill combined with indiscipline.
In terms of fullback for Tahs, isn’t Nawaqanitawase is deserving a shot? Has the skillset of an international full back.
Ramm's magical moment seals Premiership derby win as Aussie rugby rues another one that got away
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA – Rugby League World Cup to look forward to…. Yeah can’t wait to see which one of three countries will win it….What a ridiculous statement
‘Absolutely nothing to worry about’: League shouldn’t fear union’s player raids
Agree on the point on playing players consistently in the same position at both Super Rugby and Internationally, I have shared a similar frustration.
I do think that Kerevi is capable playing 13 at Super Rugby level but if he is a 12 for Wallabies he should ideally be playing regularly as a 12 in Super Rugby.
The overseas Aussies that may be eyeing up a return home in 2023
Completely agree on Lynagh. Whilst his surname is synonymous with Australian Rugby he has lived his whole life in England so completely understand should he represent England (different to how I feel on Mack Hansen but another story). It will however be interesting what reaction he would get if he debuts for England in July- especially if it is in Queensland…
The overseas Aussies that may be eyeing up a return home in 2023
Leigh Halfpenny was an excellent 15 and similar size to Harrison. If serious about long term at 15 he would need to work on catching under high ball especially to be considered for internationals
REACTION: 'Sparky' Harrison brings new dimension to Tahs as they overcome loss of skipper
Absolutely agree with the above, would love to see him playing back in Australia, but by all accounts his last agreement with Harlequins was long term so the chances of seeing him in the green and gold are getting slimmer and slimmer. I was personally not a fan of what Mack Hansen did in coming through Aus rep sides and then going off to represent Ireland at senior level so would be hypocritical of me to push for Lynagh to switch to Aus.
Jones picks Underhill and Lynagh in England squad
The Rebels may well find some diamonds through this injury crisis. Lukas Ripley is a young talent that played with Jack Howarth at BBC and will be great to see how he performs in the centres on Friday. Josh Canham and Ilikena Vudogo will also be interesting to see how they perform.
Great to also see Carter Gordon back in the starting line up, however my preference is to see him back in the 10 jersey, however with the injury crisis it makes sense to see him lining up at 15.
Super Rugby Teams Round 3: The return of the Hunter as Reds head west
Why ruin a good story with the truth….
Should Rugby Australia be compensated for Mack Hansen's Ireland call-up?
For me I have no issue with either the Valetini red or Beale yellow. For me the issue is consistency in the match and based off these decisions the decisions then made for the Tompkins try and Gareth Thomas yellow card. Both of which have been called out as incorrect by Nigel Owens.
Why it's not all doom and gloom for the Wallabies
All the focus on lynagh but Aussie hooker nic dolly has been selected by England. So far this season he looks a very handy player for Leicester
Eddie Jones makes surprising call on Louis Lynagh with Wallabies waiting to pounce
I am in full agreement with this team. Many comments on age of 9-10-12 but all three IMO will be in place for RWC2023. As much as I want the young crop of players playing it does absolutely no good putting them up against ABs when not ready. Wallabies need wins now so I agree with the inclusion of Rodda and would also select BPA even with his move. Trans tasman has shown that we need genuine fetchers all over the park against kiwis. Koroibete is also likely to move to Japan but again has to be selected.There is the 2 wildcard spots that can be used and if BPA is our best hooker and Korobiete best winger then they should be selected moving forward.
The Wallabies team I'd pick
At the moment he is way off the pace and not in the Wallabies 23 on form. Looking forward I just feel that his skillet and attributes lends itself to 15 where he offers a point of difference to current Australian full backs. By no way saying he should start here now for Wallabies or even Reds- needs to earn this right.
Can the Wallabies find the right combinations and depth in the ten-12 axis?
We will have to see on Lucas, he wasn’t given a huge amount of game time at the Reds pre COVID and pre his departure. He has looked good at 10 in Japan, however the standard of competition is well below what Harrison is currently playing in so difficult to compare. I was hoping that Carter Gordon would be given a go at 10 for the Rebels but he has yet to make a squad place yet. Outside of these two there are Pasitoa and Kuenzle at the Brumbies but both are currently behind Lolesio.
Can the Wallabies find the right combinations and depth in the ten-12 axis?
I am starting to see Williams as crucial to any success. The guy was excellent against England on kick off returns and for the first time in a long while our exits were secure. He is also a menace in defensive line outs. For me Skelton and Salakai-Loto should not start together instead one interchanging with the other with the remaining lock position for Williams, Frost or maybe Uru.
Wallabies ratings: Schmidt's selections backfire in Scotland loss, big-name backs struggle