Author: Hugh Cavill

What a game, what a series. The last few weeks have been a celebration of rugby and man it’s nice to come out on top. It feels like forever since we’ve won a big game like we did on the weekend. There’s plenty to digest, so let’s get to it: Hail to the Chief This series was the high point of Michael Hooper’s career. It was leadership in its purest form. When the whistle blew, he was simply everywhere and in a tight series he made countless plays which turned the needle in our direction. He put a young team…

It’s late April and we are entering the 10th round of Super Rugby AU, on the precipice of a couple of great months for rugby. I’ve decided to dust off my keyboard (and this website) and punch out some half-arsed observations in the hope that I can hear some of yours as well in the comments. I’m sick of the informed punditry of Stan Sport and the Sydney Morning Herald, the keyboard warriors must have their day. So without further ado, here are the seven things I’ve seen in the season so far: The New Structure I admit to being…

This year has thrown so many elements of our game into sharp focus. With months of no actual rugby to talk about, we’ve spent hours analysing board decisions, player salaries, media rights and future competition structure. It’s now time to talk about an area of the game that’s often complained about but rarely analysed – match commentary. Commentary matters. It colours our impression of a game both consciously and unconsciously. Good commentary can enliven a contest, and educate both new and old hands to the play and tactics used by both teams. It highlights excellence and criticises inadequacy. Rugby now…

It’s time to go… Rugby Australia. The skippers and I have spoken.

The stakes are high as the search for the next RA Chair begins.

Once again the Wallabies faced up to 16 men, and lost. It’s an all-too-familiar story.

Do you hear the people sing? Singing the songs of angry men? So goes the famous tune from Les Miserables, as the rebelling French people begin to take arms against their tyrannical rulers. You could hear the tune ringing in the background of the letter penned by Brett Papworth, Alan Jones and Bob Dwyer which has received some media coverage in the last 24 hours. Will you join in our crusade, who will be strong and stand with me? You don’t need to read the letter, as it’s pretty much the same arguments these guys have been making for the…

Do we all need to calm down just a little bit?

Is it time to give the tired old Rugby Championship a shot in the arm?

Three tests, 110 points, eight piercing observations.

The teams have been named. The battle awaits.

Join the campaign sweeping the nation to put the TMO back where he belongs.

Here are the things you need to know after that epic Wallaby win.

The first Wallaby XV for the year has been announced. Brendan Paenga-Amosa and Caleb Timu will make their debuts in the run-on side, while Pete Samu is set to debut off the bench. Samu Kerevi has edged out Tevita Kuridrani for the 13 jersey, while Dane Haylett-Petty returns from injury to claim a spot on the wing. TEAM Wallabies team to face Ireland 1. Scott Sio (43 Tests) 2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa* 3. Sekope Kepu (91 Tests) 4. Izack Rodda (4 Tests) 5. Adam Coleman (20 Tests) 6. David Pocock (66 Tests) 7. Michael Hooper (c) (79 Tests) 8. Caleb…

It’s time for test rugby, people. Let’s get excited!

Hugh gets stuck into this week’s rugby, in a podcast Liam Neeson described as ‘a true masterpiece of recording’.

Is Super Rugby dead? Hugh looks at a proposal to grow rugby beyond 2020.

The Crash Ball is back for another week, and this week it’s better than ever.

The Crash Ball Podcast is here, and the World will never be the same again.

Hugh takes a look at the Wallabies in 2017, and how they are shaping up for the future.