Author: Hamish Cole

England coach Eddie Jones has encouraged rugby union to make at least two fundamental changes to the rules in order to speed up play. Jones highlighted the dramatic impact the NRL’s new “six-again” rule had on the quality and speed of the games. “It’s definitely become less of a wrestle in the NRL and a faster, more continuous game,” Jones told Sky Sport in New Zealand. “I think we need to make that adjustment in rugby. Now we’ve got this game that’s almost like NFL.” So what changes should be made? Firstly, as Eddie suggested, the reserve bench should be…

Wednesday’s Rugby News sees Hooper’s fighting words, Marler charged, Tim Walsh stresses no need for new players, and more Six Nations games affected by Coronavirus. [one_half last=”no”] Hooper’s fighting words Former Waratahs captain Michael Hooper says the Tahs season is not over and they will take inspiration for the Chiefs resurgence last year.  Despite losing the first five matches of the season, the Chiefs still managed to make finals footy. However, many are putting a line through the Tahs after their 51-14 humiliation in Wollongong on Friday. But Hooper has come out swinging. “It’s not dead in the water,”…

Wednesday’s Rugby News sees Skelton likely to remain in Europe, possible changes to the ‘Giteau Law’, Dan McKellar linked to Wallabies coaching role, and former Wallabies shortlisted for Rugby Australia’s board. [one_half last=”no”] Skelton likely to remain in Europe Will Skelton’s asking price of $800,000 per season has dashed Rugby Australia’s hopes of bringing the big second-rower home, according to Tom Decent. Skelton, who currently plays for UK club Saracens, is likely to continue his career in Europe with a move to French side La Rechelle for the next two years. Rugby Australia attempted to lure Skelton back to…

Wednesday’s Rugby News sees more broadcasting criticism from the Daily Telegraph, Ardie Savea clarifies his comments, Ben Te’o opens up on Eddie Jones, and Simone fit and firing. [one_half last=”no”] Daily Telegraph criticises RA Broadcasting deal Jamie Pandaram from the Daily Telegraph is reporting two weeks after Rugby Australia put their broadcasting deal to the open market only Channel 10 and Optus have shown interest. Fox Sports insiders (or fellow employees) have informed the Daily Telegraph they will not make a bid for the rugby and haven’t spoken to Rugby Australia since their late bid for the rights to the…

Wednesday’s Rugby News sees the search for a new Rugby Australia Chairman, Super Rugby suspensions, a fascinating interview with Andrew Kellaway, and the Springboks receiving an international sports award. [one_half last=”no”] Search for new RA Chairman In typical rugby union fashion, the favourite to succeed Cameron Clyne as Rugby Australia chairman is Sydney University boardroom veteran David Mortimer.  A committee, made up of John Sharp, Daryl McDonough and Mark L’Huillier, is currently interviewing candidates for the position of chairman and two new directors. This represents a third of the nine seats on the RA board, highlighting the significance of the…

Thursday’s Rugby News sees the launch of the 2020 Super W season, the broadcasting agreement that won over Shute Shield rugby, Tahs and Rebels ring the changes, and the Reds make a profit. [one_half last=”no”] Super W 2020 Launched The third season of the Super W competition was launched in Canberra yesterday with players to remain unpaid. Raelene Castle praised the success of the Super W but challenged players to continue to lift the standard. “The success of the competition has also led to the double-digit growth of female participation over the last two years as the competition grows, and…

Wednesday’s Rugby News sees RA set to get club rugby rights, Kiwis doubt SA move, coaches break ranks, and the Brumbies poor crowds. [one_half Last=”no”] RA Set To Get Club Rugby Rights Raelene Castles TV Broadcasting package seems to be coming together with Rugby Australia expected to come to an agreement with Shute Shield about the sale of its broadcasting rights. RA will now be able to shop their premier club rugby competitions to broadcasters in an effort to improve the appeal of showcasing rugby. Although the competitions themselves have limited monetary value, RA believes it is vital to…

NSW Country Eagles have moved into second spot on the NRC ladder after defeating the Western Force 38 to 24 at Port Macquarie Regional Stadium. The Force were previously undefeated but off the back of a dominant scrum the Eagles proved too much for the competition leaders. First Half It was a frenetic start to the match with a number of turnovers from both sides, with poor handling and breakdown work disrupting a number of promising early attacking raids. NSW Country Eagles drew first blood with a brilliant try to Mark Nawaqanitawase in the 6th minute. Inside centre Joey Walton…

Some observations from the Fiji Test

Irish eyes are smiling after a big win over Scotland

Australia has gotten through a potentially dangerous game against Samoa, winning 34-15 at Bankwest Stadium. However, what are the key take-aways from the performance? Pocock Unscathed In his first game back since March, the most pleasing aspect of his performance was seeing Pocock leave the field at the 59th minute. Not because he was poor in any way, but because baring a training injury, Pocock will be lining up for Australia in some way on the 21st September against Fiji. Pocock was his usual busy self throughout the match, finishing with five carries for 28 metres, eight tackles, and a…

Brisbane City and Fijian Drua have played out an enthralling 22-all draw in front of a decent crowd at GPS Rugby Club

At least there is the World Cup to come. After copping it from all sides the All Blacks … pumping of the Wallabies shows they are still the best team in the world. Although, what are the key talking points from the match? One more year After a week of slamming the Kiwis is it really that surprising they came out strong? The likes of Smith, Barrett, Mo’unga, and Savea showed why they have been so brilliant for the All Blacks for the last few years, and why they will be so strong come the World Cup. Although the All…

Fiji sealed their third Rugby Sevens World Series title in five years after their tournament victory in Paris over the weekend. With the Sevens season coming to a close for the 2018/19 season we will take a look at how the Australians faired this year and look ahead to the 2020 season, a potentially massive year for the Aussie team with the Olympics in Japan. Player of the year Maurice Longbottom. Led the way for Australia in tries (6th overall), line breaks (4th overall), and runs (16th overall) to finish the season as the Aussies best. Much of Australia’s attack…

The 2018/19 World Series Sevens comes to an end this weekend in Paris, with one of the tightest finishes to the competition in recent memory. Only two points separates Fiji and America at the top of the table, while South Africa will be looking to secure Olympic qualification for Tokyo 2020. See everything you need to know below! Last time out – London Sevens Champions: Fiji Fiji went top of the World Series ladder with a 42-7 victory over Australia in the Cup Final. The Fijians now hold a two-point lead over the US going into the final tournament. Australia…

The Australian men’s team claimed silver in the London Sevens following a 43-7 loss to the Fijians in the final. The second place finish was the Aussies best finish of the 2018-19 World Series, however, they were outclassed by a simply brilliant Fijian outfit. The Australians were forced to defend for long periods, with the Fijians offloading ability proving to brilliant and challenging to contain. The Cup final berth was the Aussies first since the Singapore Sevens in 2018, and first in London since 2015. Australian coach Tim Walsh said he was proud of his sides effort this weekend. “I…

The World Series Sevens returns after a month and a half long break with the second last tournament in London. With only three points separating the USA in first and the Fijians in second place, this years World Series looks to be one of the closest in recent memory. Furthermore, with Olympic qualification on the line, the London Sevens looms as one of the most important tournaments of the Series.  Last time out – Singapore Sevens Champions: South Africa South Africa went a long way to confirming automatic qualification for the Olympics with their second Cup victory in Singapore. The…

With three tournaments to go the finish to World Series is hotting up with automatic qualification for next years Olympics on the line. Singapore will be make or break for the likes of South Africa and England in making the top four, while Australia will be looking to turn around their poor form and finish the Series strong. Last time out – Hong Kong Fiji won their fifth consecutive Hong Kong Sevens with a 21-7 victory over France to go second on the overall Series standings. Fiji showed their class throughout the tournament with victories over Australia, New Zealand, Argentina…

The World Series returns to the home of Sevens this weekend in Hong Kong. Fiji will be gunning for their fifth successive Hong Kong Sevens title, while the US have a great opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the ladder. Get everything you need to know below. Last time out – Vancouver South Africa registered their first tournament win of the Series over unlikely Cup finalists France in the 21-12 victory. The tournament win came at a crucial time for the Bokka, as they now sit nine points ahead of England in fourth position, with only four…

After once again promising so much in Vegas the Aussies failed to deliver in the knockout stages, however, will they finally turn their fortunes around in Vancouver? Read all about it below in the Vancouver Sevens preview. Last time out – Vegas It was 5th time lucky for the American’s winning their first tournament of the series after four previous losses in Cup finals. Up against Samoa in their first Cup final since Paris in 2016, the US did it with ease running out 27-0 victors. New Zealand picked up the bronze medal to keep themselves within touching distance of…