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Is this news or editorial? Very emotional language, Christy, but I can’t find the utterly salient detail about when Langi Gleeson’s Montpellier contract begins (despite reading it 3 times – sorry if I still missed it). I don’t think it’s a big deal at all – Gleeson hardly cemented that bench spot as his own – like Pete Samu did – and will definitely learn a lot in France. He’s still young and may well make himself eligible for the WBs by 2027. Meantime, from the little I’ve seen of him, I think Charlie Cale has more upside than Gleeson at Test level.
Exclusive: Wallaby dropped by Schmidt for first camp of 2025 after signing with overseas club
😂 😂 😂
'Joe Schmidt has no idea about Australian rugby!' Stitch-ups, brain farts and c-bombs - best quotes of 2024
I’d add Steve Hoiles to your first group, ATW. One of the best rugby brains in Australia ATM.
'Joe Schmidt has no idea about Australian rugby!' Stitch-ups, brain farts and c-bombs - best quotes of 2024
David Moffet’s on the money, too, KFTD.
'Joe Schmidt has no idea about Australian rugby!' Stitch-ups, brain farts and c-bombs - best quotes of 2024
Thanks for the update on current corporate jargon. Hasn’t changed much since I left that realm in 2012. (I used to annoy my Polllyanna boss by asking for the “underpinning” strategy we’d use when her insanely positive “overarching” PR strategy failed.) Words are my first, and sometimes only, love. Now I’m a psychotherapist I’m desperate to eradicate “journey” from both my vocabulary and the consulting room, as well as banning demands like “should” and “must” from clients’ self-talk. Thanks for all your rugby insights and lavender prose this year. I have to say that along with Marina Hyde and Jamelle Bouie, you “medal” as an essential columnist in ny world. Seasons greetings to you and yours – I’ll look forward to reading you on the other side.
Joe Schmidt has shown the way forward in 2024 and a Lions triumph is possible - this is how he can do it
Spot on, SS. That’s what I meant when I referred to “the continuing dire state of Welsh rugby”.
'Honest conversations': Welsh Rugby Union makes call on Gatland's future following record losing streak
I’ve got a lot of respect for Gatland’s commitment to Wales. Given the continuing dire state of Welsh rugby when he began his second stint, plus the departure of several stars post-RWC 23, he’s done well to blood a bunch of youngsters and not lose his shit. Sure, results are everything in sport, but it’s hardly ever all down to just one coach – regardless of whether the results are good or bad.
'Honest conversations': Welsh Rugby Union makes call on Gatland's future following record losing streak
I’m in Middle Park, slowly retiring. I’ll meet you at the RSL bar for a softie when we’re ready – I’m off the grog these days. Excellent fish & chips just a few doors down Acland St, too.
The 2024 Wrap: Rejected Rebels, Schmidt's stability - and why this year was more about 2025
They’re still working out the Sykes-Picot agreement from 1918, which carved up the middle east to suit European oil interests. 30 years later they created a Jewish state in a Muslim region. And that’s to ignore internecine religious and tribal disputes among the Arabian people.
The 2024 Wrap: Rejected Rebels, Schmidt's stability - and why this year was more about 2025
Another unmissable column, thanks Geoff. Excellent wrap of the year’s rugby highs and lows, but who knew you were such an astute music critic in your second job? No I’m a Melbourner, I’m surprised and grateful to learn the nation’s most thorough and balanced rugby writer also a denizen of this fine city. Maybe see you at the Ballroom sometime! My other favourite medium-sized venue is Memo in St Kilda.
The 2024 Wrap: Rejected Rebels, Schmidt's stability - and why this year was more about 2025
Good point. Could be wrong but I think Lolesio lacks confidence about kicking tactically for the line in general play. It’s also a leadership issue – why wasn’t Wilson demanding more lineout opportunities?
Five out of seven ain’t bad but Joe still needs to fix two deadly Wallabies sins before tangling with the Lions
From the get-go, I thought Jones would select Quade Cooper either as a player or assistant coach, with the single KPI of mentoring Carter Gordon. I don’t know the reasons why Gordon switched but I’m willing to bet he’d be ahead of Lolesio in the pecking order if he’d been properly managed by Jones last year.
'Galvanise the group': Why Schmidt isn’t sweating despite 66-year first with Wallabies
You’re right about the many more club opportunities in the NRL – I’d never thought about it that way. You’re also correct re. Schmidt – best Wallabies coach since Rod McQueen. And I dare say another Mark Ella wouldn’t retire after just one year with Joe.
'Galvanise the group': Why Schmidt isn’t sweating despite 66-year first with Wallabies
Agree. Plus Bell looked absolutely buggered when he was replaced in the Scotland game. He’s had a huge year, given his recovery from injury and subsequent Test performances.
Wallabies CONFIRMED: Schmidt makes six changes for season finale against Ireland, Suaalii cleared as Edmed debuts
Good point. And I still don’t see the point in sending the Australia A team away for just two games. WTF? How is that meant to build cohesion and a player’s team potential, when apparently all players in the squad got a game? I think Phil Waugh talks a good game (liberally sprinkled with moribund corporate cliches) about linking to the grass roots, but I’m not sure RA’s results in connecting to the community and and clarifying player development pathways are anywhere near the ground at this point. And just 2 games for the Aussie As? Pfffftt!! Do they have a 2025 fixtures schedule, or even the concept of a fixtures program somewhere in the RA pipeline?
The Wallabies are flying, but an RA contracting freeze risks undoing resurgence - and it could cost millions
Sorry if some in the 111 comments at time of writing have already made this point, but here’s the deal: RA can’t afford to put any money (not just big money) in front of players until they get a broadcast deal, which is still months away; meantime, lots of good players will be enticed overseas for both better pay and more short-term security; value of potential broadcast deal plummets as OS rugby players won’t be in SRP (henceforth drooper rugby?); Joe Schmidt does’t re-sign after BIL tour; RA gives up, abandons the Giteau law and we get a coach who can run a team like Argentina. And up steps Michael Cheika, hopefully with some Schmidt-like assistants with a passion for detail.
The Wallabies are flying, but an RA contracting freeze risks undoing resurgence - and it could cost millions
Years ago, in another life, I persuaded the SMH to add the caveat to those polls to advise readers they’re self-selected responses, therefore unscientific results. I noticed the other day they’re still using it but I doubt anyone notices the blurb or cares. 😁
Joe Schmidt is only signed until the Lions, Rugby Australia must convince him to stay - five things we learned
Too many rabid supporters demand wins every outing and see only doom and gloom in losses – and even in the occasional win. It gets a bit boring, don’t you think?
Joe Schmidt is only signed until the Lions, Rugby Australia must convince him to stay - five things we learned
I think that, before he was so rudely interrupted, Rennie was trying to do exactly what Schmidt is now doing out of sheer necessity. Luckily for the Wallabies and the rest of Australian rugby, McLennan is gone and Joe Schmidt’s elite coaching credentials are significantly superior to Dave Rennie’s. I understand Schmidt’s unlikely to be head coach after the Lions tour, but I hope he’s at least retained as a consultant (Cron, too) as he was with the Blues and the All Blacks. His influence on both those teams was almost instantaneous.
Joe Schmidt is only signed until the Lions, Rugby Australia must convince him to stay - five things we learned
Fascinating article, thanks Nick.
No.10 specialists: power ranking the ten best Wallaby flyhalves of the past 50 years
Nothing to do with the interesting article
But why are all the Roar stories jumping about on my phone lately, so I constantly lose my place? I suspect it’s connected to a new ad you’re running. Please fix it, editors!
'I don't think Eddie's happy with the way he's behaving': Cipriani calls out Jones over constant 'chip on his shoulder'
Van Morrison and Eric Clapton – 2 greats in the music world back in the day, but were they always curmudgeons or did they simply become grumpy old men? Same question for Campo and, for all 3, I think it’s the former.
Thank you, Campo - we finally saw what can be achieved by 23 men who know the truth about Greg Cornelsen
Just noted that captain Wilson has fewer caps (19) than 10 other members of the run-on side. He’s only been capped more times than Faessler (12), Williams (8), Pietsch (4) and Suaalii. He also has fewer caps than most of the bench. Says a lot for his temperament and leadership.
Wallabies CONFIRMED: Suaalii's stunning rise capped with Test start on pro debut, OS stars left out
So many great questions, and then … your fabulous, 20-20 rant. Perfect packaging!
Make England play more rugby: Why defence will be the best form of attack for the Wallabies
If you understand basic syntax, you’ll comprehend I was saying I’d seen little of Cale not Gleeson. I follow the Tahs so I’ve seen quite a bit of Gleeson in Super and Test games.
Exclusive: Wallaby dropped by Schmidt for first camp of 2025 after signing with overseas club