Author: G&GR Media

For a win that sure was hard to watch. Poor game management, dumb options, poor discipline. At least the D was OK. Sure it’s the Tahs best start since 2014, but they need to improve if they want to compete with the Kiwi teams and go deep in SRP.Coach Dan McKellar said as much as well: “The fighting effort that I spoke to you people about a couple of weeks ago was there, there in bucket loads, but we nearly beat ourselves,” McKellar said. “That’s the disappointing part.”I’m really pleased with getting four points and we sit here with two…

Time waits for no man, not even if they are three legends of Irish rugby. News today that Peter O’Mahony. Cian Healy and Conor Murray will call time on their international rugby careers at the end on this year’s 6N. However, Murray will continue to play abroad at club level.O’Mahony is his nation’s seventh most capped player and picked for three consecutive Lions tours in ’13, ’17 and 2021. While Healy is Ireland’s most capped player, surpassing Brian O’Driscoll’s record last year.Interim Irish coach Simon Easterby said in a statement, “Peter, Cian and Conor have each played a huge role…

Steven Kitshoff, the props’ prop, has called time on his rugby career with immediate effect. A veteran of over 80 tests, dual World Cup and BIL series winner, Kitshoff had recovered from a neck injury that saw him miss all of the 2024 international season.While a return to the playing field looked imminent, advice received from his neurosurgeon suggested the risk of injury and more significant damage was a real likelihood should he continue to play.Former water boy and current SA coach Jaco Johan heaped praise on Kitshoff, telling planetrugby.com. “We are extremely sad that Steven’s career had to end…

The unluckiest player in Oz Rugby, Liam Wright, is back for the Reds side this week as they take on the high flying, table topping (not a typo) Western Force in Perth this weekend.Wright hasn’t been right since injuring his shoulder in July 24 when on Wallabies duty. And not just that, but he was also the Wallabies captain.Here’s hoping Wright can remain injury free in his return from the bench. The Reds and all of Oz rugby are better when he’s playing. Go well, Mr Wright.

So much for Dan McKellar and his description of JAS as ‘the Ferrari in the shed’ with news confirmed Suaalii will miss the clash with the Drua due to a toe injury. McKellar tells rugby.com.au:“Joseph is carrying a toe injury. We haven’t got all the details yet, but hopefully that’s short term. He pulled up sore but recovered quite well and we thought he would be right for this week, but unfortunately he isn’t.”The Waratahs are unbeaten so far this season and will need to be on song against a Drua side who were a touch unlucky not to get…

Oh the humanity! When the full time whistle mercifully blew in Rome, history will show a 11 tries to 3 demolition by the French of the overwhelmed Italians in the weekend’s last 6N fixture.The French were imperious from first to last. The passes stuck, the flair was fantastic and their forwards unstoppable. It was a far cry from the last outing against the English when everything the French side touched turned to merde.The win sets up a tantalising encounter against their next 6N opponent, Ireland. Rugby fans everywhere should circle that date in their diaries. It will be a clash…

Round #2 of our G&GR Fantasy League is run and done and ‘Big Maso’ sits atop the pops in #1 place on 1,459, comfortably ahead of FKB on 1,368 and Charlie McG on 1,330.The top #10 are listed below. The best of the G&GR writing team is Happyman at #54. And then there’s a gent called Matt Rawley, stone motherless last.

Wales 18. Ireland 27Just as the last rights for Welsh rugby seemed near, a heartbeat has been found at Principality Stadium against the Irish. In a pulsating match Ireland got the result and in doing so the Triple Crown (beating the three home nations) and march on to their Grand Slam aspirations. But it must be said that the Welsh rediscovered some zip, some grunt and their rugby soul.In a free flowing affair the Welsh dominated set piece in the first half with four scrum penalties against the much vaunted Irish pack and indeed snuck a try right on halftime…

England has broken it’s Calcutta Cup drought of 5 years with a hard fought 16-15 win over a Scottish side who were in it till the 83rd minute.It’s fair to say the Scots fluffed it against the English in their 6N match at Twickenham. And the loss would rankle even more, with the Scots scoring 3 tries to 1. And it must be said that the English try should never have been awarded as the ball was clearly never grounded.Finn Russell had a shocker off the boot. Missing all three conversions, albeit from wide out. Including one with 20 seconds…

With all four Australian teams currently in the top six, two of those already having the bye, is it too early to discuss a Kiwi rugby crisis in season 2025?The Auckland Blues are in last place. The Crusaders leaked 49 points. And things could have been worse with the Drua narrowly losing and with some ‘interesting’ calls against them in the last 15 minutes.The current SRP ladder below shows three unbeaten Australian sides. For all of that, is it too early to declare a Kiwi crisis and an Australian resurgence? No. No it isn’t.

It only took 5,060 days, but the Force have beaten the Brumbies in Canberra 45-42 and this incredible result despite them receiving four, yes four, yellow cards during the match. Not only did the Force overcome being a player down for 40 minutes and at times with two off the field , but it is also the first win on the road for the Force in 16 away games. The result sees the Force sit atop the Aussie conference and second on the SRP ladder overall.The Force got away to a cracking start leading 21-0 before the Brumbies got their…

The Blues are set to strengthen their lineup with the return of Hoskins Sotutu, the 2024 Super Rugby Player of the Year, as they gear up for their first away match in the Super Rugby Pacific Championship against the Highlanders.After recovering from a pre-season leg injury, Sotutu is back in his familiar No. 8 position, aiming to boost the Blues’ performance following their initial loss. His return allows Cameron Suafoa to shift back to his preferred blindside flanker role, while Anton Segner, who impressed in the first game, will provide energy off the bench.Finlay Christie, who made a significant impact…

The Western Force have unveiled their 23-man squad for the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific Round 2 fixture against the ACT Brumbies, scheduled for Saturday, February 22, at GIO Stadium in Canberra. Notably, Wallabies hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa is poised to make his debut off the bench, following his recent return from a three-year stint with Montpellier in France.Key Squad Updates:Starting XV:Reserves:Head Coach Simon Cron expressed confidence in the selected squad, emphasizing the blend of seasoned internationals and emerging talents. The team aims to build on their momentum following a thrilling 45-44 comeback victory over Moana Pasifika in the season opener.Fans can…

The Highlanders are poised to host the Blues in their first home game of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season at Forsyth Barr Stadium this Saturday. After a spirited performance in Sydney, the team is eager to showcase their prowess in front of their home crowd.Team Lineup Adjustments:Coach’s Perspective:Head Coach Jamie Joseph emphasized the significance of the home advantage:”Playing under the roof at Forsyth Barr Stadium, especially during the University of Otago’s O’Week, provides an electrifying atmosphere. The Blues are formidable as reigning champions, but with our preparation and the support of our fans, we’re set to deliver a compelling…

The Gallagher Chiefs are set to face the Crusaders in their first home game of the season this Friday at FMG Stadium Waikato, with kick-off at 7:05 pm. This match holds special significance as flanker Jahrome Brown is slated to make his debut for the Chiefs, while center Quinn Tupaea is poised to earn his 50th cap.Key Highlights:Coaching Insights:Head Coach Clayton McMillan expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming match, stating:”We’re really excited for Jahrome to have the opportunity to put on the jersey for the first time and to do it in front of whānau and friends at home as well.…

In a strategic move to elevate their performance, the Western Force has secured the expertise of Leon MacDonald as a coaching consultant across all their programs. MacDonald, renowned for his tenure as an All Blacks assistant coach and a successful five-season stint leading the Blues—highlighted by a 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman title—brings a wealth of experience to the Force.The 47-year-old former All Blacks back, with 56 caps between 2000 and 2008, including participation in the 2003 World Cup, is set to commence his role later this week. MacDonald’s appointment aligns with the Force’s ambition to establish themselves as a world-class…

In a pulsating start to the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season, the NSW Waratahs secured a dramatic 37-36 victory over the Highlanders at Allianz Stadium. The match, characterised by multiple lead changes and high-intensity play, showcased the resilience and determination of both teams.Match Highlights:Scoring Summary:Key Moments:Player Insights:Coach’s Perspective:Waratahs’ Head Coach Dan McKellar expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, emphasizing the importance of belief and resilience:”We spoke pre-game about having belief in each other… The last passage of play there… we were far from perfect. But the nice thing is there’re some harsh learnings that we can review off the back…

In a pulsating start to the Super Rugby Pacific season, the Western Force showcased their trademark resilience, clinching a 45-44 victory over Moana Pasifika at HBF Park. Head Coach Simon Cron attributed the win to the team’s deep-seated “unwavering grit,” a hallmark of the Force’s legacy.The match reached its climax when fly-half Ben Donaldson, despite sustaining an ankle injury early in the second half, orchestrated a remarkable 26-phase, 70-meter drive. Donaldson’s 50-meter sprint through the defense culminated in a try after the final siren, and his flawless kicking added 15 points to the scoreboard.Reflecting on the performance, Cron emphasized the…

In a heart-stopping opener to the 2025 SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific season, the Western Force celebrated their 20th anniversary with a dramatic 45-44 triumph over Moana Pasifika at HBF Park. The match culminated in a sensational after-the-siren try, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.Match Highlights:Scoring Summary:Coach’s Insight:Reflecting on the exhilarating finish, Head Coach Simon Cron highlighted the team’s tenacity:”We’ve talked about previous teams in Western Force history having a lot of unwavering grit and fighting to the 83rd minute. I think these boys did that.”Cron also emphasized the importance of learning from such encounters:”It’s important to learn how…

The NSW Waratahs Women’s squad recently concluded a 10-day tour across the Tasman, engaging in In a thrilling start to the Super Rugby Pacific season, the NSW Waratahs edged out the Highlanders with a 37-36 victory at Allianz Stadium. The match, characterized by multiple lead changes and high-intensity play, showcased the Waratahs’ resilience under new Head Coach Dan McKellar.Match Overview:Key Moments:Scoring Summary:Player Performances:Coach’s Reflection:Post-match, Coach Dan McKellar praised the team’s determination:”We spoke pre-game about having belief in each other… The last passage of play there… we were far from perfect. But the nice thing is there’s some harsh learnings that…