Author: Matt Rowley

Matt started G&GR just before the 2007 Rugby World Cup and has been enslaved ever since. Follow him on twitter: @MattRowley

All Blacks

Hot-tub crime machine – storm in a tea cup?

By 21

As discussed on our latest podcast, a picture shared on Instagram by Quade Cooper and showcased in our sidebar over the weekend has caused quite a brouhaha.  Many above the age of 25 see this as the reason we won’t beat the All Blacks for another 10 years, those below 25 wonder what the problem is. Speaking of All Blacks, how many can you count in this piece of Gen Y frivolity? [youtube id=”qOCAlL9WPyE” width=”600″ height=”350″] Yet, we’re not hearing so much outrage about this are we? What’s your view – storm in a tea-cup, or an underlying sign of…

Read More
ACT Brumbies

Aussie Super Rugby Team of the Week Round 4

By 38

Here it is – the G&GR writer’s Super Rugby team of the week for round 4. Some very close calls to be made between the Reds and Brumbies this round – toss of a coin in it. [one_third last=”no”] 1.Ben Alexander Still looking good at LOOSE HEAD (hear that Robbie?) and angry![/one_third] [one_third last=”no”]2.Stephen Moore Just class[/one_third] [one_third last=”yes”] 3. Dan Palmer Please don’t go to France, please don’t go to France…..[/one_third] [one_third last=”no”] 4. Scott Fardy When he wasn’t smashing rucks he was smashing tackles[/one_third] [one_third last=”no”] 5. Hugh Pyle Still rock solid at the top of the lineout and…

Read More
NSW Waratahs

Offloads – part of the new Tahs?

By 24

Yes, they’ve only played two matches (and only two good halves), but I’m obsessed with the offloads that I perceive the 2013 Waratahs have brought into their game. So, to enable myself to sleep through the night I went to the stats to find some relief. The stats (from our mate RuckinGoodStats.com) tell me this: in 2012, the Tahs averaged 6.8 offloads per match and only made it to double figures in three games. Already in the first two games of 2013, the Tahs have made 10 and 14 offloads in their opening two matches (or according to Rugbystats.com.au* 14 and…

Read More
Podcast

Podslam 91: Affected by rain, with Stu Dickinson

By 5

I’m joined by Scott Allen and Hugh ‘Barbarian’ Cavill for a good old chat with recently retired ref Stu Dickinson, who lifts the lid on that incident in Italy (when the Kiwis sulked to Paddy O’Brien about Stu’s actually penalising them). Podcast Powered By Podbean Download this episode (right-click and save)

Read More
Melbourne Rebels

Aussie Super Rugby Team of the Week Round 3

By 27

Here’s our Aussie Super Rugby team of the week for Round 3, as chosen by the writers: 1. Benn Robinson – Seems a boot up the bum is what was needed. Back in beast mode. 2. Ged Robinson – Had a great game round the park and hit his jumpers 3. Laurie Weeks – Solid in a scrum under pressure and handy around the park 4. Hugh McMeniman – Dominant tackles, bustling runs, smashing rucks, clean line-outs. He’s back 5. Hugh Pyle – Continues to do everything well for the Rebels, stats to prove it 6. Angus Cottrell – Not…

Read More
Melbourne Rebels

VIDEO: Tom Carter tackle on Higgers – what sanction?

By 44

One of the big talking points from the Waratahs / Rebels match was the Tom Carter tackle on Higgers. By the look of the forum, it’s a debate that everyone has an opinion on. Was it reckless, or did the Tah’s centre have the right to stop the man? Re-watch the video and have your vote below. [youtube id=”dFXx2jXr5y8″ width=”600″ height=”350″] Public OpinionPoll Results

Read More