Author: Hugh Adams

Let’s look back at Round 8 of the NRC and see which teams are set to take out the inaugural title with just one more round game to go.       Key Stats – There were 49 tries scored in total across the four matches – a record try scoring round!  There have been 291 tries in total in 32 matches to date with an average of 9.1 tries per match – The were 39 conversions from 49 attempts at a percentage of 79.5% which is the highest goal kicking success rate of any round so far. – 72…

The Queensland Reds have announced the signing of former All Black Adam Thomson for the 2015 Super Rugby season. Thomson has played 29 tests for the All Blacks and has made 68 Super Rugby appearances for the Highlanders after making his debut in 2006.  He has played the last two seasons in Japan. The signing of Thomson means he will be ineligible for the All Blacks 2015 World Cup squad. #155082282 / gettyimages.com At age 32 he is probably towards the end of his career but his strong running game and experience will be significant for the Reds back row…

The Wallabies will play the Springboks this weekend at Newlands in Cape Town.  Here are the top 10 things you need to know about this weekend’s clash. 1. The Wallabies have not won at Newlands since 1992 when they won 26-3.  They have lost their past 6 tests there. 2. The Wallabies will move to 2nd in the IRB World Rankings if they are able to beat the Springboks.  Australia currently have a ranking of 88.10 whilst the Springboks have a ranking of 88.24. 3. The Springboks have a 76% success rate against the Wallabies when they play in South…

Former Wallaby Matt Giteau announced last week that he will finish his rugby career with Toulon in France. But how different would things be if he finished his career in a Wallabies jersey? #495298855 / gettyimages.com I’ve watched a lot of the Top 14 recently and enjoyed the likes of James O’Connor, Drew Mitchell and Matt Giteau tearing it up for Toulon.  However, something which has stood out for me has been how Matt Giteau has been playing.  His maturity and balance in his game allows him to orchestrate many of Toulon’s tries without throwing hail mary’s or making aimless kicks.…

Friday’s rugby news has Genia hungry for Wallabies, the Badge to play against the Wallabies, Super Rugby draw revealed and Prince Harry named as front man for England Rugby.  [one_half last=”no”] Genia Hungry for Wallabies Will Genia is hungry to return to the Wallabies starting lineup after returning to the squad in his return from an ankle injury. “When Ewen called me up and told me I’d got picked it was like I’d been picked for the first time and that’s a good sign … From my point of view, I feel really hungry and the desire is obviously still there and…

Thursday’s rugby news has Skelton dumped for Wallabies tour, Phipps and Foley respond to criticism, Cowan signs with Blues and a Louw blow for the Springboks.  [one_half last=”no”] Skelton Dumped for Wallabies Tour Giant second rower Will Skelton has been left out of the Wallabies for their tour to South Africa and Argentina.  Meanwhile, Will Genia, Benn Robinson, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Saia Faingaa and Joe Tomane have all been included in the squad. Wallabies coach is certain that the experienced players will add value to the squad. “It’s pleasing to be able to bring in some experienced guys for what will…

The first four rounds of the NRC has already revealed plenty of talented players.  Here are a few standout players in the tournament so far. Jed Holloway (Greater Sydney Rams) The Rams’ young captain Jed Holloway. Big, strong and seriously quick.  Holloway was apart of the Australian under 20’s in 2012 and has been apart of the Waratahs squad over the past two seasons after making his debut in 2013 against the Western Force.  He can play lock but is currently playing number 8. In the space of a few minutes in the Rams v Vikings match, he reeled in a…

Wednesday’s rugby news has Stephen Moore calling to fix up the set piece, Genia linked to Bath move, Gold Coast Sevens draw announced and All Blacks announce their squad.  [one_half last=”no”] Moore Calls to Fix Set Piece Injured Wallabies hooker Stephen Moore has called for the Wallabies to fix up their set piece.  Moore emphasised the importance of the set piece especially with upcoming games against Argentina and the Springboks. “It’s such an important area of the game … We talk a lot about running rugby, scoring tries, flair … but it all starts with set piece in Test footy.…

Tuesday’s rugby news has Quade Cooper’s return delayed, Palu added to Wallabies injury list, Larkham goes to the US and Pietersen replaces Pienaar.  [one_half last=”no”] Quade’s Return Delayed Quade Cooper is not expected to return to the Wallabies until the end of year tour.  Cooper is still recovering from shoulder and hip surgeries.  A two month delay means that Cooper has ruled out making a comeback for the final Bledisloe test against the All Blacks in October. Before returning for the Wallabies, Cooper is expected to play in the later rounds of the National Rugby Championship for Brisbane City. [/one_half] [one_half…

Monday’s rugby news has Tatafu injured again, the Wallabies promising to win back their fans, Genia set to return to the Wallabies and Nonu out for the season.  [one_half last=”no”] Tatafu Injured Again Wallabies hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau is set to miss the rest of the Rugby Championship after suffering an ankle injury in the Wallabies win over Argentina.  Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie expressed his frustration with the injury. “Taf did a great job for us off no football. The issue now is to avoid surgery because we don’t want this (injury) clashing with the end of year tour,” McKenzie said. [/one_half] [one_half…

The heavens turned out more-or-less favourable for Sydney’s North Harbour Rays, playing their first home game, against the so far undefeated NSW Country Eagles. With a week of weather suitable for a Crowded House song, a crowded grandstand was always going to be unlikely. Yet 1982 brave souls still ventured out to Brookvale Oval on this blustery Thursday night, eager to see what this NRC fuss was all about, and for the most part, the skies were at peace. It was great to see kids kicking a ball around on the hill, a BBQ on the go and people talking…

In the lead up to the Wallabies clash with the Springboks in Perth this weekend.  Here is what you need to know about how the Springboks have been travelling in 2014.   Article by ‘Blue’ This weekends match is between two teams that need to press the reset button after less than convincing starts to their respective campaigns. Before I look at the Bok team, I’d like to reflect on where Bok rugby is at right now. I wrote a post on the forums way back in April after the South African Super Rugby squad announcements and noted that I…

The Wallabies have announced their squad for the next stage of the Rugby Championship. The Qantas Wallabies will assemble in Perth on Sunday ahead of their match against South Africa at Patersons Stadium on Saturday 6 September.  They will then play against Argentina at CBus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast on Saturday 13 September. Pat McCabe and Nathan Charles have been left out of the squad due to injuries and have been replaced by Peter Betham and Tatafu Polota-Nau who returns from a knee injury. Uncapped Western Force player Kyle Godwin has been included in the squad as a…

The All Blacks and Wallabies have ended each other’s winning streak after a 12-12 draw in a wet encounter at ANZ Stadium.  The Match The Wallabies were looking to change things up before the match had even started as they interestingly stood in a staggered formation whilst watching the Haka. The match started off at a rapid pace with the Wallabies taking a quick lineout and then unsuccessfully attempting a second, suggesting were set to play an up tempo game. It was only a short while before the All Blacks were awarded a penalty after a Wallaby player failed to roll away.…

Following the launch of the NRC this week, we will be previewing another NRC team – the NSW Country Eagles.  The NSW Country Eagles are associated with both Eastern Suburbs and Randwick Rugby.  Both Sydney clubs have strong affiliations with NSW Country Rugby through providing opportunities for Country players. Rick Hutchinson and Peter Tonkin have formed the NSW Country Eagles out of  their passion for NSW Country Rugby. Their goal is to give NSW Country Rugby members and players the opportunity to reach the highest level of Rugby and also engage the rugby communities of NSW Country through the NRC competition. The Eagles…

The official law variations for this season’s National Rugby Championship have been approved by the IRB and have been announced at the official launch of the NRC at Coogee Oval today. The long process included over 600 votes from fans; a review by a panel of experts (which included former Wallabies coach Bob Dwyer, former international Rugby referee Wayne Erickson, former Wallaby Rod Kafer and  Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie); over 6000 votes a shortlist of suggestions and feedback from fans on the Green and Gold Rugby online forums.   ARU CEO Bill Pulver was confident that the changes will provide an exciting…

After 19 rounds and 3 weeks of finals, the Green and Gold Rugby podcast panel have compiled their Australian Super Rugby team of the year. [one_third last=”no”] 1. James Slipper So many times this season I’d be at the Reds games shaking my head in frustration or disgust. But sometimes it was amazement at what James Slipper was able to do.  I just thought he was superb.  He showed his ball skills a few times, he scored a couple of tries and I just don’t think there was anyone else who played as well as him this year. Scott Sio had…

Today, we have a closer look at Brisbane City as we continue our series previewing teams for this year’s inaugural National Rugby Championship. Brisbane City is one of two Queensland teams who will compete in this year’s National Rugby Championship.  Brisbane City will train at Ballymore Stadium along with the other Queensland team, Queensland Country.  Brisbane City will play its home games at Ballymore Stadium, with one match to be played at Suncorp Stadium as the curtain raiser to the Qantas Wallabies v All Blacks Test Match in Brisbane.   Brisbane City will wear a yellow and blue uniform, with a crest featuring…

5000 Waratahs supporters came out to Martin Place today to share the victory celebration after the Waratahs defeated the Crusaders on Saturday night to claim their first ever Super Rugby title. New South Wales Premier Mike Baird was joined by the Waratahs coaching staff including head coach Michael Cheika and the Waratahs squad including captains Dave Dennis and Michael Hooper. Premier Mike Baird was the first to extent his congratulations. “It’s fantastic to welcome all of you to this very special day… New South Wales has waited a long time for a Super Rugby title and the good news is that…

The Waratahs have won the Super Rugby title for the first time ever defeating the Crusaders 33-32 in a thriller at ANZ Stadium. The Match The Waratahs kicked off and regathered possession from the kick off.  They soon earned a penalty after the Crusaders went off their feet at the breakdown.  Bernard Foley had no troubles sending it through the posts to take the score to 3-0 after 2 minutes. Two minutes later Adam Ashley-Cooper crossed over after a fantastic team try where the Waratahs dragged the Crusaders from sideline to sideline.  Bernard Foley was unable to add the extra 2…