Author: Nathan Williamson

Monday’s Rugby News looks at the results from Super Rugby Australia and Aotearoa, Steve Hansen’s criticism of Australian rugby and Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forest’s pledge to Rugby Australia Green And Gold Rugby · The Dropped Kick-Off 19 – Hospital Passes (Q&A II with the GAGR News Team) [one_half last=”no”] Something old, something blue Round two of the Super Rugby Australia competition welcomed the introduction of the Super Time format and the return of the Force. The round started in the neutral venue of Brookvale Oval, where the Rebels looked to get their first points on the board against the Reds. In…

Super Rugby Australia got it first taste of Super Time as the Rebels and Reds battled it out at Brookvale Oval. In wet conditions, the Rebels looked set to secure the all-important win in the reduced competition when Billy Meakes latched onto an intercept pass to put the Melbourne side up 18-8 in the 68th minute. However, James O’Connor would keep his side in the contest, slotting the penalty goal before putting Chris Feauai-Sautia into a hole with seconds remaining, producing the perfect pop-up pass for Alex Mafi to cross under the posts to send the game into extra time.…

Wednesday’s Rugby News looks at the career transformation of James O’Connor, U20 coach Jason Gilmore’s warning to fans, Nick Frisby’s stunning admission ahead of his return and the push to reduce substitutions Green And Gold Rugby · The Dropped Kick-Off 19 – Hospital Passes (Q&A II with the GAGR News Team) [one_half last=”no”] Wild child no more Reds captain Liam Wright has praised the transformation of reformed bad boy James O’Connor as he looks to guide the Reds to the Super Rugby Australia title. O’Connor has had a wild journey throughout his career, experiencing a rapid turn from ‘the next…

Monday’s Rugby News looks at the results from Super Rugby Australia and Aotearoa, the potential for a code switch for rugby’s sevens superstar and Dan Carter’s unique return to New Zealand rugby Green And Gold Rugby · GAGR Podcast 322 – Crisitunity [one_half last=”no”] It’s back! How good is it having Australia rugby back on our televisions! Round one of Super Rugby Australia kicked off with a thriller as the Reds broke a seven-year drought with a 32-26 win over the Waratahs. The Reds looked set to blow away the struggling Waratahs after racing out to a 19-7 lead after…

Wednesday’s Rugby News looks at the future of The Rugby Championship, the Waratahs injury crisis, the cancellation of the Sevens series and the redevelopment of Ballymore Green And Gold Rugby · GAGR Podcast 322 – Crisitunity [one_half last=”no”] TRC heading to NZ The Rugby Championship looks set to be based in NZ as Super Rugby continues to work around the sudden spike of corona cases in Victoria. According to The Australian, the latest spike in Victoria has left officials worried that it could happen in other states, with Sydney positioned as a possible centre for the tournament before the outbreak.…

Monday’s Rugby News looks at the results from Super Rugby Aotearoa, the Waratahs confirm their home venues, the Brumbies preparation ramping up and Chris Alcock’s shock retirement. Green And Gold Rugby · Rugby Report Card 106 – Call Of Rugby [one_half last=”no”] Aotearoa Analysis As the Kiwis enjoy their final moments of being the only major professional rugby competition in business, the Blues have continued their unbeaten run with a narrow 27-24 win over the Highlanders. The Highlanders looked set to cause a major upset after turning around a 22-10 deficit at half-time into a 24-22 lead after 55 minutes.…

Tuesday’s Rugby News looks at Rennie’s pitch for changes to the Giteau law, Michael Hooper’s future as Wallabies captain, Beale’s early exit and the Force’s future beyond 2020. Green And Gold Rugby · Rugby Report Card 106 – Call Of Rugby [one_half last=”no”] Rennie’s law New Wallabies coach Dave Rennie is looking to tweak the controversial ‘Giteau Law’ as a potential exodus looms. Rennie faced the media on Monday as he continues to quarantine in New Zealand, preparing to officially start as coach in July. With a host of potential selections looking to say Au Revoir to Australian rugby, the…

Monday’s Rugby News looks at the return of Super Rugby, new rule variations for the Australian competition, fresh signings for the Force and the departure of Henry Speight Green And Gold Rugby · Rugby Report Card 106 – Call Of Rugby [one_half last=”no”] Rugby’s Back! After 90+ rugby-less days, Super Rugby Aotearoa has kicked off in New Zealand and fans were treated with two classic matches. To start the NZ leg of the revised competition, the Chiefs travelled down to Otago to take on the Highlanders in front of a packed Forsyth Barr Stadium. The first half was a free-flowing…

Monday’s Rugby News looks at the search for the next CEO, Rennie’s major sacrifice, Alaalatoa going full Wolf of Wall Street and Beale’s ambitious Wallabies dream Green And Gold Rugby · GAGR Podcast 321 – Open Slather [one_half last=”no”] The search begins Rugby Australia has officially opened the search for Australia’s next top executive as they look for Raelene Castle’s permanent replacement. In a statement on Friday, chairman Hamish McLennan confirmed that search firm Hattonneale will be appointed to conduct the search. “The Board is pleased to appoint Hattonneale to lead the search for the next Chief Executive of Rugby…

Monday’s Rugby News looks at all the results from the Super Rugby, Super W and Global Rapid Rugby. Oh and the suspension of pretty much all those competitions [one_half last=”no”] Super Rugby recap Round seven of the Super Rugby season might be the last for a while but it threw up some cracking encounters across the weekend. The opening match was a thrilling contest between the Hurricanes and the Chiefs, with both teams looking to cement their place in the top eight. In the end, it would be Jordie Barrett that would break the deadlock and steal victory for the…

Monday’s Rugby News looks at a wild round of Super Rugby and Super W, the Aussies dominating at the Vancouver Sevens and all the madness from the Six Nations clash between England and Wales [one_half last=”no”] Super Rugby rundown Week 6 of the Super Rugby threw up plenty of record-breaking performances as the contenders start to separate themselves from the pretenders. Starting in the NRL heartland of Wollongong, the Sunwolves began their home life outside of Asia as they hosted the Brumbies in the first Super Rugby double-header. Eventually, the might of the ACT boys would overwhelm the moon doggies,…

Monday’s Rugby News looks at the results from the latest round of Super Rugby, the Aussies lighting up Los Angeles, Pete Samu’s quest for a recall and the Wallabies targeting Dan McKellar [one_half last=”no”] Super Rugby recap Round five of the Super Rugby season threw up a plethora of upsets and close encounters as the Australian resurgence continued. The round started in the land of the students as the Rebels travelled to Otago to take on the Highlanders. Not even the most die-heart Victorian rugby fan could’ve expected what transpired in the first 20 minutes, with the Rebels racing out…

Monday’s Rugby News looks at results from the Super Rugby and Super W, Wallabies attacking coach Scott Wisemantel plans to transform the Wallabies and new Waratahs CEO Paul Doorn attempting to upheave the struggling side. [one_half last=”no”] Super salvation Round four of the Super Rugby season may go down as a turning point for many sides after an intense weekend of matches. The action started in Christchurch where the Crusaders looked to impress in front of more than 50 returning legends. And boy did they put on a show, with four first-half tries from Codie Taylor, Tom Christie, Braydon Ennor…

Monday’s Rugby News looks at the results from the Super Rugby and Super W, the newest location for the Wallabies/Wallaroos and how the coronavirus has affected the gold medal defence of the women’s sevens side. [one_half last=”no”] Super Recap Round three of the Super Rugby separated the contenders from the pretenders, with some clear favourites rising to the top of the class. One of these was the Crusaders, who dominated the Blues 25-8 in Auckland. The defending champions bounced back from their disappointing loss to the Chiefs, with tries to All Blacks trio George Bridge, Richie Mo’unga and Jack Goodhue…

Monday’s Rugby News looks at the Super Rugby, the six (possibly seven) Nations, the host venue for the Wallabies clash against Argentina and the return of David Campese to Australian rugby [one_half last=”no”] Super Rugby recap Round two of the Super Rugby season started in the land of the students with the Highlanders hosting the Sharks. Despite little fanfare before the start of the year, the Sharks continued to fire on NZ soil, racing out to a 27-3 lead at the half-time break. From there, they would control the contest, with doubles to Makazole Mapimpi and Aphelele Fassi sealing the…

Wednesday’s Rugby News looks at Christian Lealiifano’s reaction to his award nomination, Simone’s re-signing, the potential return of the Australia A concept and how the coronavirus could impact Global Rapid Rugby [one_half last=”no”] Lealiifano honoured by Laureus Departed Wallaby Christian Lealiifano has expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming reaction to his nomination for Laureus World Sports Award for Comeback of the Year. The comeback award is given to those “who has overcome injury, illness, adversity, disappointment or failure and risen back to triumph in the sporting arena.” The former Brumbies and Wallabies flyhalf is joined by Andy Murray, NBA star…

Monday’s Rugby News looks at the opening round of Super Rugby, the Sydney Sevens, Henry Speight’s incredible feat and Bryan Habana’s plea to SANZAAR. [one_half last=”no”] It’s finally back Super Rugby has kicked off for another year with a bang with a series of upsets, comebacks and statement performances headlining the round. It started in Auckland with the era of Beauden kicking off for the Blues against the Chiefs. Unfortunately, no one told Beuaden, who was a notable absentee as the Chiefs came back from a 19-5 deficit to gift Warren Gatland his first win of the season. The action…

Wednesday’s Rugby News looks at a women’s sevens superstar returning for Sydney, Toomua’s eagerness for the Wallabies flyhalf position, a former Wallaby links up with the men’s sevens side and Henry Speight dealing with his return to Canberra as a Red. [one_half last=”no”] Charlotte’s coming back The Australian women’s team is set to welcome back several big names for the Sydney Sevens, none bigger than superstar Charlotte Caslick. Caslick returns after missing the last three tournaments due to a hamstring injury, with coach John Manenti expecting her to be ready to go. “I’m expecting Charlotte will be ready to go,”…

And we’re back! Monday’s Rugby News dissects Australia’s performance at the Hamilton Sevens, Dave Rennie’s thoughts on overseas players playing for the Wallabies along with the final trials for the Super Rugby sides. [one_half last=”no”] Semi final struggles Both Australian sevens teams have suffered losses during the semi-finals of the Hamilton Sevens. First up was the women’s team, who were defeated by Canada 28-14 after going unbeaten throughout the opening day. The Canadians would come back from a 12-7 half-time deficit to take the contest before they were eventually beaten by New Zealand in the final 24-7. The Aussies would…

Wednesday’s Rugby News looks at the sevens squad, Clark re-signs, when the location of next World Cups will be decided and South Africa set for a national tour [one_half last=”no”] Sevens squad named Australia has named a 13-man squad for their upcoming Olympic qualifier in Fiji. The Aussies were forced to go through the tournament after failing to secure automatic qualification due to finishing 7th in the World Rugby Sevens Series. They have appeared to have gone all out to secure their Toyko berth, naming Australian and Rebels flyer Jack Maddocks along with Brumbies forward Tom Cusack. The Aussie men…