Roar Rookie
Joined March 2021
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Australian rugby has had a rocky ride in the last few months (years perhaps, decades even) but let’s not dwell on that. Instead, let’s…
Harry Kimble had a thing for hats. He wore more than a few during his time in rugby as a ball boy, player, ref,…
Australians as a people tend towards a sunny outlook. At least that’s the popular perception. Yet for some reason, rugby in these parts seems…
It has to be a record. Not even three days after Australia was announced as the host of not one but two Rugby World…
Could there possibly be a more treacherous (some might say suicidal) rugby mission than to set up shop in the most rabid AFL city…
If we've heard it once, we've heard it a thousand times: Australian Super Rugby teams are just a no-good sorry bunch, losing 92 per…
At this time of year, everyone has their own rugby wish list. Wallabies head coach Dave Rennie’s list would no doubt begin and end…
Samu Kerevi said it best a couple of years back, with his memorable promise to “learn the learnings”, and – after a 2021 season…
“Age and treachery will triumph over youth and exuberance” was the encouraging message on a birthday card purchased recently for an older family member.…
The Wallabies right now resemble a golden retriever puppy – good-natured, full of energy and easy to like despite the occasional accident on the…
Numbers tell a story but not always the full story or the most important, and they don’t always get to the heart of the…
It’s the question that just won’t go away: should Australian rugby’s overseas contingent be eligible to play for the Wallabies? The argument fired up…
Like any respectable rugby tragic, I’ve spent the past few years scouring articles, listening to pods and indulging the experts who all claim to…
How much is too much when it comes to Test rugby? Rugby hasn’t always been good at getting its offering right. However, with Rugby…
A week is a long time in rugby. This time last week I started to draft an outline of the key things I thought…
Stability is crucial, Christy, while balancing it with the need for competition (to avoid complacency) and depth (to allow for unavailability). Schmidt has done very well and the players are responding superbly. We are not far off Bob Dwyer’s all -important five World XV players. The other factor has been the selection and stability of the coaching team Schmidt has assembled. Competent, detail-oriented, focused on fundamental skills rather than the big-talking, big-spending mess overseen by his predecessor. Well done, everyone.
After years of 'crazy selections', Schmidt has 'made up his mind' with Wallabies squad - it's a huge boost
Pretty harsh considering the mitigating factors. Wish the Wallabies had appealed on principle, regardless of the time constraints. Sympathies to Samu.
Samu Kerevi's tour over as ban revealed for red card in Wallabies rout
Well said, Hika. RA is just practising the fiscal restraint we’d expect of an organisation with $80m of debt. Hopefully strong ticket sales this year and for the Lions, and the Wallabies’ performances on the Spring tour will give Stan the confidence to come to the party. Outside the broadcast deal, we need to turn SRP into a money-maker not a drain on resources, and I think we have to consider options for making overseas clubs pay RA to sign players we’ve developed. Even with more money in the kitty, RA is never going to be able to compete with French clubs. But what we can do is work at offering the best environment—development, healthcare, prep for after-rugby. It doesn’t have to be just about money.
The Wallabies are flying, but an RA contracting freeze risks undoing resurgence - and it could cost millions
Actually good financial management to not spend what you don’t have. What wasn’t so good was to offer an inflationary salary to Sua’ali’i. Even though some of his contract is being funded outside RA, it’s still going to push up salaries. RA is in a tricky place but I’d assume they are in the early stages of negotiation with key players and their agents, even if they can’t finalise contracts until a TV deal is done. And it’s not all bad. As Christy says, while their success so far on this tour is pushing up values, players will want to stick around to taste more of that success.
The Wallabies are flying, but an RA contracting freeze risks undoing resurgence - and it could cost millions
They’re popping out of the woodwork without any prospecting! Lachlan Hooper also coming through the pathways.
'World class already': Scotland coach's huge call on 'incredible' Suaalii, as Schmidt adds four fresh faces to tour squad
😂
Wallabies player ratings: Wright hits the heights, Bell's horror show - and is it time to start Tate?
Nothing to do with learning. Kellaway is a senior member of the team and one of the first picked. It’s Kerevi that Schmidt wants a look at, which is why Suaalii is on the bench.
'Whirlwind', 'not ideal': Why Suaalii was benched and Schmidt is more nervous about Wales clash than England
Kellaway or Kerevi?
'Whirlwind', 'not ideal': Why Suaalii was benched and Schmidt is more nervous about Wales clash than England
Appreciate your disappointment in not being able to watch the spring tour as you would in the old days but keep in mind that younger generations consume their sport and entertainment in very different ways. They are used to streaming everything. As long as the Wallabies, Wallaroos, our Super teams and clubs entertain, rugby will go on, and have an audience even after midnight.
It's midnight and the Wallabies are not on TV - so, if nobody knows then nobody cares
Sticky is now Flicky! 😁
How Roar readers rated Wallabies win over England: Brumby back at the top, new Tah stars soar, slump hampers Tongan Thor
What! Kells was everywhere and had a hand in lots of the good stuff, never mind his dashing try.
Wallabies player ratings: Suaalii soars alongside Ikitau and Wright, but forwards set up incredible win
Three times the Wallabies had to come from behind. That doesn’t happen unless players are instilled with self-belief, a sound template, and the licence to play – none better illustrated by Tom Wright’s willingness to step and run out of his own 22, when offered the space to do so.
That was what really excited me, Geoff — the resilience the Wallabies showed and how they won by playing positive, attacking rugby. How encouraging to have to wrestle between several outstanding candidates for a player of the match. After considerable reflection, mine was Ikitau, but Bell and Valetini were also huge, and then there was Kellaway, Wright, McReight, the locks …
The Wrap: Organised and brave Wallabies secure win for the ages as All Blacks’ engine room shuts out limp Ireland
That’s the problem with being consistently great. Everyone just expects it. One rugby site has just rated Val a 7 for this game, versus 9 for Bell, Wright and Sua’ali’i. 😱
Fortunately, his team sees what he does week after week, and so do we.
'Blown away': Wallabies stun England with 84th minute try to keep Grand Slam dream alive in finest win in a decade
A revolving door of stars is unlikely to bring the cohesion needed for success. Just ask Ben Darwin …
Black humour in the face of extinction: ‘A Year in the Life and Death of the Melbourne Rebels'
Love this behind-the-scenes look at the Rebels, Geoff. Really interested in the physio’s comment about lack of entitlement, which contrasts with a lot of the commentary we tend to get. Your book promises to be a fascinating read. All the best with it, and may the Rebels be reborn sooner rather then later.
Black humour in the face of extinction: ‘A Year in the Life and Death of the Melbourne Rebels'
Schmidt may see something at training that makes him think there are better options at this stage. Having Toole wait will only make him hungrier, and Pietsch absolutely deserves his chance to start. Go well, boys!
Schmidt has handed 16 Wallabies debuts - but he's missed a trick by not giving Aussies' best finisher a crack
Good luck, Wallabies! Keep putting in, play smart and take your chances. The results will come.
'Fuel for the team': All Black's warning for Wallabies, Wilson braces for 'daunting' history bid
Not advocating less money overall, Jate. Just that professional rugby (ie Super) is compensated and Test rugby reverts to an honorary thing as it was in the amateur days. If RA is not paying top-ups and match fees, there’s more for the Super squads.
Exclusive: On day Wright was named Wallabies captain, he was snubbed for a top up - RA's contract confusion
That’s an interesting point. Perhaps there’s a workable model where the Super clubs are allocated more funds for recruitment/retention but national top-ups and match payments are eliminated. Playing for your country is then not about any financial incentive; it’s all about pride and honour.
Exclusive: On day Wright was named Wallabies captain, he was snubbed for a top up - RA's contract confusion
Well said. Congrats Slips and thanks for always being there.
139 Tests, six Wallaby coaches and four World Cups: The modern day warrior who stands at the top of Aussie rugby
Just ignore it. They can carry on if they want to. Doesn’t mean we have to give it the time of day.
139 Tests, six Wallaby coaches and four World Cups: The modern day warrior who stands at the top of Aussie rugby
Sympathies to the guy and credit for persevering when he’s had to face one injury after another. Rotten luck.
Wallabies CONFIRMED: Joe names 16th debutant, Donno starts with Noah injured, Slips to equal Gregan record
The return to old-school tours is fantastic news. There’s a place for tournament rugby but too much gets stale. I’d prefer to see TRC once every four years and tours the other three years. Rather than just an NZ/SA thing, why not expand it to all four SANZAAR partners? One year, NZ goes to SA, Aus goes to Arg, next year SA tours Aus and Arg in NZ etc. With midweek matches, you could potentially involve a larger squad with some Aus A players. Would have to be financial compensation for non-hosts though. In years when Aus is touring or hosting SA or Arg, there would be a one-off Anzac Bledisloe.
Exclusive: Huge change to Rugby Championship future, rival fears being shafted in Bok-All Blacks power play
Swinton was out for the best part of a year when he damaged nerves in the shoulder a while back. Might depend on whether Wright needs surgery. Hoping for a good outcome either way.
Wallabies CONFIRMED: Joe names 16th debutant, Donno starts with Noah injured, Slips to equal Gregan record
Thanks for explaining the changes, Hugh. It will be interesting to see if the format has any material effect on the outcomes. The Aussie girls seem to be back in their groove, and I was encouraged by the boys’ effort against the Argentinians. Hoping for a semi spot this time around. By the way, this piece had me all excited for the Friday evening kick-off but Cape Town actually gets underway tonight (Saturday).
Time to rock and roll in Cape Town for Aussie sevens as format shaken up