Author: Hoss

Hello Gaggers, great to be back in the saddle for Friday’s rugby frivolities. Special thanks to Yowie, who tried his best last Friday.Now, where was I? Oh yes, let’s kick start today with RA’s version of ‘Dumb & Dumber?’. Cast your vote in who should be the next coach of the Wallabies in ‘Help Wanted’. Check out your SRP squads for 2024 in ‘Super Sized’. Look at one of Yowie’s favourite pickup lines as well as player safety in ‘Mouthful of Goodness’. And get exclusive access to none other than Eddie Jones himself in his only official* RA exit Interview…

Who’s laughing now NZR? Soon to be sacked Ian ‘Fozzie’ Foster

Greetings fellow rugby lovers and welcome to another Friday’s Rugby News.Today I invite all Wallabies fans to cast off the yoke of despair for all that ails Australian rugby and instead pay homage to the rugby gods for what we witnessed last week and for this RWC in general. Putting our orange woes to one side, as fans of this great game, we have witnessed sumptuous rugby and titillating sporting theatre thus far.So for all of that, let’s hook into today with ‘We’ll Take it From Here!’. Dive into semi-final previews with ‘My Precious’. Hand out a G&GR gong with…

The MatchThe quarter finals are upon us and so the brutal knockout stage of an epic RWC.First HalfBoth sides looked settled early with space being found on attack by both, down their respective right hand edges. Sustained right hand edge pressure for the FISMs saw a 5th minute penalty, although Boffelli pulled the attempt to the left, leaving scores at 0-0.One thing evident early in the match were the Welsh jerseys. The WRU’s decision to save money and attaching playing numbers with sticky tape would prove rather embarrassing and a complete farging disaster.Welsh #9 Davis dropped a simple pass just…

Konechiwa, and welcome to the Black Friday edition of Friday’s Rugby News.No point fluffing about, so today get the firing squad ready and take aim with Later Traitor? Take a look at possible rugby positives and opportunities from The Regression we had to Have. Discuss actual rugby matches and cracking ones at that in Eight is Enough. And put a full stop on a week of war, referendum, scandal and lies (and that’s just within Rugby Australia) with Friday’s RWC Goss with Hoss categorically ruling out I’m the next coach of Uzbekistan. Later Traitor?It’s a fair question isn’t it and…

Sunday, 8 October: Ireland v Scotland, Stade de France, Paris (6:00 AM)Ireland (15-1): Hugo Keenan; Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Johnny Sexton (capt), Jamison Gibson-Park; Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier, Peter O’Mahony; Iain Henderson, Tadhg Beirne; Tadhg Furlong, Dan Sheehan, Andrew PorterReplacements: Ronan Kelleher, Dave Kilcoyne, Finlay Bealham, James Ryan, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley, Stuart McCloskeyScotland (15-1): Blair Kinghorn; Darcy Graham, Huw Jones, Sione Tuipulotu, Duhan van der Merwe; Finn Russell, Ali Price; Jack Dempsey, Rory Darge, Jamie Ritchie (capt); Grant Gilchrist, Richie Gray; Zander Fagerson, George Turner, Pierre SchoemanReplacements: Ewan Ashman, Rory Sutherland, WP Nel, Scott Cummings,…

Greetings all and welcome to the first ever RWC edition of ‘Green & Gold and Nearly All Black Rugby’ or ‘GAGANABR’ (pronounced ‘gag-en-aber’). I said a few weeks back we all needed to embrace our inner Kiwi as our own side looked destined for the dung heap of RWC oblivion.With only a few more sleeps before our dear ol’ pet Wallaby is finally laid to rest and shot in the head at close range by Fijian hunters, today we look at the games that still matter for those nations who can actually play rugby. Let’s start today with a FRN…

Monday, October 2: Australia v Portugal, Stade Geoffroy Guichard, Saint-Étienne (2:45 AM)Australia (15-1): Andrew Kellaway; Mark Nawaqanitawase, Izaia Perese, Lalakai Foketi, Marika Koroibete; Ben Donaldson, Tate McDermott; Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Tom Hooper; Richie Arnold, Nick Frost; James Slipper, David Porecki (capt), Angus BellReplacements: Matt Faessler, Blake Schoupp, Pone Fa’amausili, Rob Leota, Josh Kemeny, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Carter Gordon, Suli VunivaluPortugal (15-1): Nuno Sousa Guedes, Raffaele Storti, Pedro Bettencourt, Tomás Appleton (c), Rodrigo Marta, Jerónimo Portela, Samuel Marques, Thibault de Freitas, Nicolas Martins, David Wallis, Martim Belo, José Madeira, Diogo Hasse Ferreira, Mike Tadjer, David CostaReplacements: Francisco Fernandes, Duarte Diniz, Francisco Bruno, Martim Belo, Steevy…

Well, to steal a quote from Mrs Hoss on my birthday: ‘thank fudge that’s over’. Today let’s confine the past to the past and free ourselves of the depressing shadow of that match featuring those seafaring mammals and a group of underperforming marsupials. It’s time to turn our attention to the future with ‘The People’s Champion’. Jump into Round #4 RWC action with ‘Who Cares Anyway?’. Investigate a whisper growing to a rumble in ‘Not Again’. Jump on the Nippon Express with Eddie in ‘Wax Off!’. Hum a ditty with ‘The Brian Side of Strife’. And take us home in…

Live Chat.Monday, 25 September: Wales v Australia, OL Stadium, Lyon (5:00 AM)Wales (15-1): Liam Williams, Louis Rees-Zammit, George North, Nick Tompkins, Josh Adams, Dan Biggar, Gareth Davies, Taulupe Daletau, Jac Morgan (c), Aaron Wainwright, Adam Beard, Will Rowlands, Tomas Francis, Ryan Elias, Gareth ThomasReplacements: Elliot Dee, Corey Domachowski, Henry Thomas, Dafydd Jenkins, Taine Basham, Tomos Williams, Gareth Anscombe, Rio Dyer.Australia (15-1): Andrew Kellaway; Mark Nawaqanitawase, Jordan Petaia, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete; Ben Donaldson, Tate McDermott; Rob Valetini, Tom Hooper, Rob Leota; Richie Arnold, Nick Frost; James Slipper, David Porecki (capt), Angus BellReplacements: Matt Faessler, Blake Schoupp, Pone Fa’amausili, Matt Philip, Fraser McReight, Nic White, Carter…

Sunday, September 24: South Africa v Ireland, Stade de France, Paris (5:00 AM)South Africa (15-1): Damian Willemse,; Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel, Damian De Allende, Cheslin Kolbe; Manie Libbok, Faf de Klerk; Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph Du Toit, Siya Kolisi (capt); Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth; Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Steven KitshoffReplacements: Deon Fourie, Ox Nche, Trevor Nyakane, Jean Kleyn, RG Snyman, Marco van Staden, Kwagga Smith, Cobus ReinachIreland (15-1): Hugo Keenan; Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Johnny Sexton (capt), Jamison Gibson-Park; Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier, Peter O’Mahony; James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne; Tadhg Furlong, Ronan Kelleher, Andrew PorterReplacements: Dan Sheehan, David Kilcoyne,…

Bonjour & welcome one, welcome all to another RWC edition of Friday’s Rugby News.Today come with me on an adventure of whimsical nonsense and kick off with ‘Building A Better Future’. Preview the Wallabies v Wales match in ‘Last Chance Saloon!’ Hedge our bets with another team to follow just in case, with ‘Welcome Home Cuz’. Preview round three RWC in ‘Troisième tour.’ And put an exclamation mark on the rugby week with another bumper ‘Friday’s Goss With Hoss’, also available for selection should Eddie call. And let’s face it, with some of the bat-poo crazy calls so far, I…

Monday, September 18: England v Japan, Stade de Nice, Nice (5:00 AM)England (15-1): Freddie Steward; Jonny May, Joe Marchant, Manu Tuilagi, Elliot Daly; George Ford, Alex Mitchell; Lewis Ludlam, Ben Earl, Courtney Lawes (capt); Ollie Chessum, Maro Itoje; Kyle Sinckler, Jamie George, Joe MarlerReplacements: Theo Dan, Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, George Martin, Billy Vunipola, Ben Youngs, Marcus Smith, Ollie LawrenceJapan (15-1): Semisi Masirewa; Kotaro Matsushima, Tomoki Osada, Ryoto Nakamura, Jone Naikabula; Rikiya Matsuda, Yutaka Nagare; Kazuki Himeno (capt), Pieter Labuschagne, Michael Leitch; Amato Fakatava, Jack Cornelsen; Jiwon Gu, Shota Horie, Keita InagakiReplacements: Atsushi Sakate, Craig Millar, Asaeli Ai Valu, Warner Dearns, Kanji Shimokawa,…

Sunday, September 17: Ireland v Tonga, Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes (5:00 AM AEST)Ireland (15-1): Hugo Keenan; Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Johnny Sexton (capt), Conor Murray; Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher, Tadhg Furlong; Tadhg Beirne, James Ryan; Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris.Replacements: Rob Herring, Dave Kilcoyne, Finlay Bealham, Iain Henderson, Ryan Baird, Craig Casey, Ross Byrne, Robbie Henshaw.Tonga (15-1): Charles Piutau; Afusipa Taumoepeau, Malakai Fekitoa, Pita Ahki, Solomone Kata; William Havili, Augustine Pulu; Vaea Fifita; Sione Talitui, Tanginoa Halaifonua; Halaleva Fifita, Sam Lousi; Ben Tameifuna (capt), Paula Ngauamo, Siegfried Fisi’ihoiReplacements: Sam Moli, Tau Koloamatangi, Sosefo Apikotoa, Semisi Paea,…

Welcome to another Friday, Gaggers, and what a week it was! We had great games, terrific skills, incredible fitness, wonderful sportsmanship, controversies, disappointments, injuries & suspensions. Week #2 certainly has a lot to live up to, so let’s hook in.We kick off today with ‘Pain in the Grass?’. Preview the Wallaby v The Flying Fijians in ‘Depends Who’s Driving!’. Dive into all other week #2 matches with ‘Deuxième Round’. Ponder an interesting perspective in ‘Oh Lord It’s Hard To Be Humble’. Hide your lunch boxes for ‘Born When Meat Was Cheap’. And wrap up another epic RWC week with ‘Friday’s…

Monday, September 11: Wales v Fiji, Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux (5:00 AM) STAN sport.Wales (15-1): Liam Williams, Louis Rees-Zammit, George North, Nick Tompkins, Josh Adams, Dan Biggar, Gareth Davies, Taulupe Daletau, Jac Morgan (c), Aaron Wainwright, Adam Beard, Will Rowlands, Tomas Francis, Ryan Elias, Gareth ThomasReplacements: Elliot Dee, Corey Domachowski, Dillon Lewis, Dafydd Jenkins, Tommy Reffell, Tomos Williams, Sam Costelow, Rio Dyer.Fiji (15-1): Ilaisa Droasese; Selesitino Ravutaumada, Waisea Nayacalevu (capt), Semi Radradra, Vinaya Habosi; Teti Tela, Frank Lomani; Viliame Mata; Lekima Tagitagivalu, Albert Tuisue; Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Isoa Nasilasila; Luke Tagi, Samuel Matavesi, Eroni MawiReplacements: Tevita Ikanivere, Peni Ravai, Mesake Doge, Temo Mayanavanua, Levani…

Monday, September 11: South Africa v Scotland, Stade Vélodrome, Marseille (1:45 AM) STAN Sport.South Africa (15-1): Damian Willemse, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe, Manie Libbok, Faf de Klerk, Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (capt), Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx, Steven Kitshoff.Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche, Trevor Nyakane, RG Snyman, Marco van Staden, Duane Vermeulen, Grant Williams, Willie le Roux.Scotland (15-1): Blair Kinghorn; Darcy Graham, Huw Jones, Sione Tuipulotu, Duhan van der Merwe; Finn Russell, Ben White; Jack Dempsey, Rory Darge, Jamie Ritchie (capt); Grant Gilchrist, Richie Gray; Zander Fagerson, George Turner, Pierre SchoemanReplacements: Dave…

We’ll open the comments section for some of the key matches of the RWC for those keen to participate.Enjoy & go you Wallabies!WALLABIES (15-1): Ben Donaldson; Mark Nawaqanitawase, Jordan Petaia, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete; Carter Gordon, Tate McDermott; Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Tom Hooper; Will Skelton, Richie Arnold; Taniela Tupou, David Porecki, Angus BellReplacements: Matt Faessler, Blake Schoupp, Zane Nonggorr, Matt Philip, Rob Leota, Langi Gleeson, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Ben DonaldsonGeorgia (15-1): Davit Niniashvili, Akaki Tabutsadze, Demur Tapladze, Merab Sharikadze (capt), Mirian Modebadze, Luka Matkava, Vaso Lobzhanidze, Beka Gorgadze, Luka Ivanishvili, Tornike Jalaghonia, Kote Mikautadze, Nodar Cheishvili, Guram Papidze, Shalva Mamukashvili, Nika Abuladze.Replacements: Tengizi Zamtaradze, Guram…

Well Gaggers, like my GP constantly tells me: ‘your wait is over’.That’s right, after four years, two coaches, 16 CEOs, 3 GMs, COVID, Super Rugby Oz, SRP, loving NZR, hating NZR, winning hosting rights to our own world cups and a partridge in a pear tree, finally we are just one sleep away from the greatest sporting spectacle of the year. The 2023 Rugby World Cup.Today let’s have a closer look at three matches across the weekend. Starting with ‘NZ Hates France’. Preview our Wallabies first up match with ‘Those Grizzly Georgians’. Stoke the flickering embers of bitterness in ‘Remember…

Now where was I before I rudely interrupted myself? Oh yes, hello and welcome to Friday’s Rugby News on whatever site I am on this week (is ‘The Roar’ for sale?). Today let’s slip the straight jacket back on with ‘Sympathy for The Devils’. Look at the Wallabies first up game in ‘Georgia On My Mind’. Try not to gloat in ‘The Kiwis are Stuffed’. Then I invite to to exercise your upcoming votes thoughtfully in ‘You’re The Voice’. And wrap up the news week with ‘Friday’s Goss with Hoss’ now officially with more credibility than QANTAS!Sympathy For The Devils?Not…