Author: Hugh Adams

Wednesday’s rugby news has Ben McCalman signing a flexible contract, Laurie Weeks suspended, Adam Thomson keen for another year with the Reds and Danny Cipriani arrested. [one_half last=”no”] McCalman Re-signs Backrower Ben McCalman has signed a new three year flexible contract with the ARU and Western Force. Under the contract, McCalman is eligible to play one domestic season in Japan at the end of the 2015 World Cup and before the 2016 Super Rugby season. “The Western Force gave me an opportunity early in my career and I have thoroughly enjoyed my experiences here in Perth over the past six years,” McCalman…

Tuesday’s rugby news has Dennis still confident, Jono Lance called up, Mogg warns Force and England smash the Barbarians. [one_half last=”no”] Dennis Still Confident Waratahs captain Dave Dennis is still confident about the Waratahs chances despite recent suspensions to key players. “We’re not going to go away from something that we’ve spent three years building, we just need to stay positive and head to Bloemfontein with that attitude,” he said. “We had another example in that second half against the Lions that when we play our style of footy we can get it right. It was a 20 or 25-minute period…

Monday’s rugby news has Sam Carter injured, Rob Horne suspended, Cooper trying to get out of his deal with Toulon and Glasgow win the Pro 12 in Paul O’Connell’s last game. [one_half last=”no”] Sam Carter Injured Brumbies lock Sam Carter has been ruled out for at least three months with a grade 3 MCL tear. Carter also suffered a small tear in his meniscus and a small fracture during the Brumbies match against the Bulls. Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham spoke about Carter’s injury on Saturday. “Like any Test player, international player, it’s going to be a loss to your team,” he said. “He…

The Waratahs face the Lions at 3:10am (AEST) on Sunday morning at Ellis Park and  the match will be crucial in determining who will make the finals. View image | gettyimages.com Form Waratahs: WWLWW Lions: WLWLW The Waratahs and Lions have played 17 times with the Waratahs winning 15 times and the Lions winning twice.  The Waratahs currently sit 2nd on the ladder whilst the Lions currently sit 7th, however, his could significantly change if the Lions defeat the Waratahs this weekend. What They Said Lions coach Johan Ackermann has put the pressure on the Waratahs by claiming that Sunday’s match…

Friday’s rugby news has Quade Cooper straight back into the starting side, QRU committee formed, Drew Mitchell and Matt Giteau close to Wallabies recall and Dylan Hartley suspended. [one_half last=”no”] Quade to Start Quade Cooper has been named in the starting side to play the Western Force this weekend after returning from a two month injury lay-off. Lachie Turner also returns to the starting side after missing last weekend’s match with concussion. “Quade was given the all clear 10 days ago but we wanted to keep working on his strength and bulk just to ensure we didn’t compromise his return,” said Richard…

Thursday’s rugby news has Cheika saying England are favourites, Ben Alexander staying in Australia until the end of 2016, Jonathan Davies ruled out of the World Cup and the Waratahs sign a host of young players. [one_half last=”no”] England are Favourites: Cheika Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has put the pressure on England saying that they will be favourites when they play Australia on October 3 at Twickenham. “I don’t think they’re going to be lacking anything when they play at Twickenham against Australia,” Cheika told BBC Radio 5Live. “They beat us up there last time and they will go into that game raging…

Wednesday’s rugby news has Cheika defending Skelton, Hugh Roach looking forward to challenges in South Africa, Under 20’s World Cup to be broadcasted and Ireland announce squad for Barbarians. [one_half last=”no”] Cheika Defends Skelton Waratahs coach Michael Cheika has defended Will Skelton’s tackling technique after he was suspended for a lifting tackle on Sam Whitelock. “I’m not sure what he’s done wrong with his tackling technique … He’s just been tackling guys,” Cheika said. “The thing with Whitelock was a little bit unfortunate because he was just trying to get him down on the ground. Two guys like that can’t really know what…

Tuesday’s rugby news has Hoiles calling to limit stoppages, Reds possibly looking overseas, Latu and Skelton suspended for dangerous tackle and Barbarians announce squad. [one_half last=”no”] Hoiles Calls to Limit Stoppages Waratahs back rower Steven Hoiles has expressed concern over the amount of stoppages in the modern game.  Hoiles was particularly frustrated by the amount of stoppages in the Waratahs match against the Crusaders on Saturday night. “I thought the stoppage of the game, I think that’s a blight on the game, to be honest,” Hoiles said. “If you want to be really technical every cleanout involves a shoulder at some stage ……

Monday’s rugby news has O’Connor denying tension with Adam Thompson, Quade move to Toulon more likely, Latu and Skelton cited for dangerous tackle and Bath reach the finals of the Aviva Premiership. [one_half last=”no”] JOC Denies Tension Queensland Reds player James O’Connor has denied tension between himself and Adam Thompson after they had a heated exchange in the dressing room at half time during their match against the Sharks. “Thommo is one of my best mates in the team,” O’Connor said. “We had a bit of a disagreement about a play down the left side of the field just before half-time. That’s…

The Waratahs have put in an impressive performance to defeat the Crusaders 32-22 at ANZ Stadium.  The Match The Waratahs could not have had a worse start to the match with Naiyaravoro knocking the ball on from the kick off and gifting the Crusaders possession in the Waratahs 22.  After several phases the Crusaders powerhouse winger Nemani Nadolo scored a nice try in the corner.  Dan Carter missed the conversion from the sideline. The Waratahs replied almost immediately with Israel Folau setting up Taqele Naiyaravoro in the corner.  Bernard Foley converted to bring the score to 7-5 after 8 minutes. Minutes later…

Friday’s rugby news has Cummins concerned about selection, Adam Ashley-Cooper up for Crusaders challenge, Hanson signs with Rebels and the Hurricanes switch up their side to play the Blues. [one_half last=”no”] Nick Cummins Worried Western Force winger Nick Cummins has opened up about the fear of being remembered for his personality rather than his rugby. “First things first, I’m a rugby player and I want that to be the main thing … It’s nothing about trying to get some fame or status or anything like that”. Cummins also opened up about his doubts over being selected for the Wallabies due to the performance…

This weekend’s results from the Shute Shield saw wins for Eastwood, Manly, Southern Districts, Gordon, Warringah and West Harbour. Full results below: Eastwood v. Sydney University – Match of the Round T.G. Millner Field 7TWO TV Match – 3.00pm Referee: Graham Cooper (WA) Assistant Referees: Nick Hannon, Alex Richards Eastwood 34 (T Pearce, M Snowden, J Grant, B Shurner, B Batger tries; 3 goals B Batger, 1 penalty B Batger) beat Sydney University 29 (D Hickey 2, T Carter, M O’Dare tries; 3 goals B Hodge, 1 penalty goal B Hodge) Competition leaders Eastwood faced off against Sydney University in…

Here are all the results from a rainy weekend of Shute Shield action: Gordon v Southern Districts Chatswood Oval Referee: Tim Wills Southern Districts 23 (M Carbone try, one penalty try; B Volavola 2 goals, B Volavola 3 penalty goals) beat Gordon 21 (M McDougall, J Dempsey, R Pixley; 3 goals T Preston) West Harbour v Penrith Concord Oval Referee: Charles Hartson West Harbour 48 (D Lolohea, J Tuapou, M Coles, M Silipa, J Brooks, G Kolomalu, K Kapene-Belcher tries; A Le Lievre 5 goals, 1 penalty goal) beat Penrith 5 (P Makasini try) Parramatta v Warringah Merrylands RSL Rugby…

Friday’s rugby news has Brad Thorn going to the Reds, Ben Alexander and Sam Carter returning for the Brumbies, Brodie Retallick out for up to four weeks and Men’s Sevens squad named for Glasgow. [one_half last=”no”] Brad Thorn Recruited by Reds Former All Black Brad Thorn has agreed to help Queensland rugby’s emerging forwards.  Thorn, 40, will retire from rugby next month but clearly wants to stay in the game as a mentor for younger players coming through the ranks. It is hoped that Thorn encourage hard work and controlled aggression (what he is known for) which will be a huge positive for the struggling…

The Brumbies and Waratahs will meet in Canberra on Friday night and it will be a must win game for both sides who are desperate to finish on top of the Australian conference. Wallabies spots are on the line all across the park in what is set to be a great match.  Ben Alexander and Sam Carter return to the Brumbies starting team whilst the Waratahs have named an unchanged side. The Brumbies hinted earlier in the week they will use their strong rolling maul against the Waratahs where they scored three tries  from against the Highlands last weekend.  The…

The Shute Shield continued on Saturday which saw wins to Warringah, Manly, Sydney Uni, Eastwood, Randwick and West Harbour. Here are the results: Gordon v Warringah Chatswood Oval – 3.00pm Referee: Jamie McGregor Warringah 29 (J Holmes, H Jones 2, T Davis tries, 1 penalty try; H Jones 2 goals) b Gordon 26 (E Moss, B Quinn, S Ala, J Dempsey tries; T Preston 3 goals) Manly v Southern Districts Manly Oval – 3.00pm Referee: Will Houston Manly 25 (D Maraki, C Yarrington tries; R Hodge 5 penalty goals) beat Southern Districts 18 (M Carbone, R Williams tries; B Volavola…

Here’s all the results from the weekend’s action from the Shute Shield. Eastern Suburbs v Northern Suburbs Woollahra Oval Norths 31 (M McGrath, J Kay, R Woolf tries; J Kay 2 goals, J Kay 4 penalty goals) beat Easts 10 (Lance try; Lance goal, Lance penalty goal) Eastwood v. Parramatta T. G. Millner Field Eastwood 41 ( J Neale, H Perrett, B Coady, B Curtis, A Delmorrow tries; B Batger 2 goals, B Batger 4 penalty goals) def Parramatta 3 (T Woods penalty goal) Manly v. Gordon Manly Oval Manly 22 (D Porecki, R Hooper, BJ Hartmann tries; S Lane…

The Waratah’s have announced that Daryl Gibson will take over as the Waratah’s head coach for 2016 on a three year deal as Michael Cheika steps up as full time Wallabies coach. Gibson was appointed assistant coach of the Waratah’s in 2013 and has been attributed to much of their success. Gibson was excited about the new opportunity. “I’m very proud to be appointed to this role, it has been a privilege to coach under Michael and help him to create the club culture and identity over the past few seasons,” he said. “The selection process for this role has been extremely…

The Waratahs have defeated the Blues 23-11 at Allianz Stadium. The Waratahs were made to work for the victory after a solid defensive performance from the Blues but the Waratahs dominated the scrum and finished well to secure the win. The Match The Waratahs began the match strongly as an early opportunity went begging when Israel Folau made a break and then an error was made by Matt Carraro. Moments later Benn Robinson was held up over the line after another good play by the Waratahs. The Waratahs finally converted an opportunity after a beautiful set play move sent Michael Hooper through a…

Sunday afternoon is set to be a blockbuster match between the Waratahs and the Brumbies at Allianz Stadium as the top two teams of the Aussie conference go head to head.   The Waratahs have made two changes from last week’s team that lost to the Highlanders with Tolu Latu coming in for Tatafu Polota-Nau and Taqele Naiyaravoro in for Peter Betham. The Brumbies have named an unchanged starting XV from the one that defeated the Reds last weekend.  David Pocock returns to the side via the bench. Form Brumbies: WLWWW Waratahs: LW,Bye,WL The clinical Brumbies have had a superb start to…