Author: Nathan Williamson
Nathan Williamson
Loved rugby since the day I could remember, got the nickname Footy to show that, I watch Matt Dunning's dropkick every night before going to bed
Monday’s Rugby News looks at the Wallabies squad for the Bledisloe, The Wallaroos confidence heading into their clash with the Black Ferns, a recap of the Rugby around the country/pacific and shedding light on a new rugby/business-focused event [one_half last=”no”] Triple P’s return The Wallabies have announced a 36-man squad for the opening Bledisloe clash with New Zealand, highlighted by the returns of Jordan Petaia, David Pocock and Tatafu Polota-Nau. Petaia has worked his way back to full fitness via club sides Wests and Sunnybank after suffering a lisfranc injury in round three of the Super Rugby season. “It’s great…
Wednesday’s Rugby News looks at a World Cup-winning captain’s thoughts on the current day Wallabies, the Wallaroos name their squad and a bunch of signings across Super Rugby and the Sevens set-up. [one_half last=”no”] Nobody has confidence in Aussies John “Nobody” Eales has backed the Wallabies to make an impact at this year’s World Cup if they learn to believe in themselves. The two-time world champion believes that there is enough talent in the Wallabies squad to make it deep in the tournament, however, they need to trust in their abilities to get the job done. “There is talent there…
Monday’s Rugby News celebrates the Wallabies winning, Pocock’s return, O’Connor’s redemption and all the rugby around the country/Pacific [one_half last=”no”] Back on Track The Wallabies have got their Rugby Championship campaign back on track, defeating the Pumas 16-10 in a sloppy game at Suncorp Stadium. They benefited from going back to the basics: making your tackles when needed, picking a winger in the wing position and Michael Hooper playing the position on the back rather than as a third winger. For a full recap of the game, check out Reg’s in-depth match review here and Nick’s Player Ratings from the…
Round two of The Rugby Championship heads back to Australia where the Wallabies hosting the Pumas at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night. Both sides will be looking for their first win of 2019, as they look to brush off loses against South Africa and New Zealand respectively. Argentina will come into this match confident of causing an upset against a shaky Wallabies side, having taken the All Blacks down to the wire in Buenos Aires. The Wallabies head back to fortress Suncorp after an ill-disciplined loss against South Africa and will be looking to get revenge for their shocking loss…
Wednesday’s Rugby News reveals the return of James O’Connor to the Wallaby set-up, weeps at Will Genia’s last game at Suncorp, looks at how a move to 12 revitalised Samu Kerevi and examines what the opposition is thinking ahead of their clash with the Wallabies [one_half last=”no”] JOC’s back in gold Wallaby and newly signed Reds outside back James O’Connor is expected to make his return to the Wallabies when they take on Argentina on Saturday at his old stomping grounds, Suncorp Stadium. O’Connor has not played for the Wallabies since 2013, only recently becoming eligible for national duty after…
Monday’s Rugby News looks at the ups and downs from our national teams, former Wallabies lashes out at a contentious decision and a wrap-up of all the rugby around (and near) the country. [one_half last=”no”] Wobblies The Wallabies have stumbled in their opening Rugby Championship campaign, going down 35-17 to the Springboks. The side was hampered by poor execution and discipline in crucial moments of the match, which saw two bombed tries and a yellow card to Taniela Tupou (We’ll get to that later in the news). For a more in-depth account of the game, please check out Steve’s review…
The road to the 2019 World Cup begins on Sunday morning when the Wallabies travel to Johannesburg to take on the Springboks in the opening game of The Rugby Championship. The Wallabies will be looking to put aside their less than ideal 2018 season, with this performance shaping our expectations in a crucial World Cup year. They begin their campaign by heading to Ellis Park, the heart and soul of Springbok rugby. This is the site of many of the Springboks’ greatest triumphs, highlighted by their nation-building win in the 1995 World Cup final. Ellis Park is also the site…
Wednesday’s Rugby News examines the Brumbies influence on the Wallabies gameplan, confirms the worst kept secret in rugby, looks at the newest dual-code superstar starring for the Wallaroos and celebrates NSW rugby finally taking the NRC seriously. [one_half last=”no”] Captialising on strong foundations The Wallabies will be looking to draw off the strategies that guided the Brumbies to Super Rugby success throughout their Rugby Championship campaign. The Brumbies were able to dominant the Australian Conference as a result of the strong platform laid out by their set-piece, particularly their rolling maul, which saw hooker Folau Fainga’a rocket towards the top…
Monday’s Rugby News celebrates the Wallaroos first win on home soil, provides an update surrounding the mugging of a Wallaby, recaps club and schoolboy rugby and farewells two Wallaby halves. [one_half last=”no”] Walla-winners The Wallaroos have claimed their first win on home soil, defeating Japan 34-5 in Newcastle. In front of nearly 4,000 rapid fans, the Wallaroos ran in six tries to one, thanks to their debutants, who scored three of their six tries. However, it was the work of Wallaroos captain Grace Hamilton and dual-code star Millie Boyle who secured the win, with Hamilton named player of the match…
Wednesday’s Rugby News covers James O’Connor’s return to the Wallaby squad, the inspirational story of a young Wallaby, the Wallaroos prepare to take centre stage and recaps the start of the Australian School Championships. [one_half last=”no”] Joc-keying into the squad James O’Connor has been summoned into the Wallabies touring squad for the trip to South Africa. O’Connor heads to Johannesburg this week to link up with the squad after Rebel Marika Koroibete remained in Melbourne for the impending berth of his child. He will be included as a train-on member, with the delay in confirming a Super Rugby deal preventing…
Monday’s Rugby News recaps the Super Rugby final along with club rugby across the country, outlines the plans for an injured Wallabies return and an interesting job advertisement has been posted over the weekend. [one_half last=”no”] Three-peat The Crusaders have added to their claim of being one of the greatest professional clubs in 21st-century sport, securing their 10th Super Rugby title with a 19-3 win over the Jaguares. Cold and slippery conditions in Christchurch ensured a low-scoring contest (lowest in competition’s history), with just one try scored during the 80-minute slugfest. Initally, the Jaguares did not appear to be fazed…
Wednesday’s Rugby News confirms James O’Connor’s return, two key re-signings for Super Rugby clubs, Berne’s challenge to the Wallabies backs and the arch enemy name their squad for the Rugby Championship. [one_half last=”no”] Joc-er returns After weeks of speculation, James O’Connor is set to return to Australian Rugby, with the outside back expected to be named in the Wallabies squad to South Africa over the next 48 hours. O’Connor is set to become eligible for Wallaby selection once again after signing a long-term deal to the Queensland Reds, with the contract expected to last at least three years. Plans for…
Monday’s Rugby News wraps up the Super Rugby semi-finals along with the various club competitions across Australia, provides an update on the fitness of David Pocock (along with the potential return of a former Wallaby) and outlines the new laws set for trial in the NRC [one_half last=”no”] Super semi-finals The semi-finals of the Super Rugby have thrown up some thrilling displays of rugby across the weekend as we get set to crown the champions for 2019. The first semi-final witnessed the Jaguares attempt to make their first Super Rugby grand final as they hosted a Brumbies side hellbent on…
Wednesday’s Rugby News looks at the Brumbies preparations in Argentina, the push to move rugby to free to air, Joe Powell’s upcoming battle with his past and the quest to maintain young talent. [one_half last=”no”] Brumbies taken back to 2004 Brumbies and Wallabies lock Rory Arnold is confident that the side can extend their winning streak to nine games and end their 15-year Super Rugby drought with strong performances over the next fortnight. The Brumbies are currently on a club record seven straight winning streak and are looking to earn their spot in their first final since 2013 when they…
Monday’s Rugby News wraps up all the rugby across all the major competitions, weeps the heartbreak from the Under 20’s World Champs, looks at the carousel of Australian coaches, discusses the Wallaroos squad for their historic series and recaps award season for Super Rugby clubs. *NOTE: This is an extended version as it has been a huge 2-3 days of news in rugby union that has been overshadowed by every man and their dog (including myself) talking about the fundraising efforts of a former multi-millionaire player. [one_half last=”no”] Heartbreaking The Junior Wallabies have suffered an agonising loss to France 24-23…
Thursday’s Rugby News looks at the Brumbies inspiration heading into the finals, some good news for the Junior Wallabies, further sanctions for a Waratah and debate rages about the optimal amount of Super Rugby teams [one_half last=”no”] Rise for Christ(ian) The Brumbies are committed to sending out their inspirational captain and fly-half Chrisitan Lealiifano as a winner, with their first test coming on Saturday in the form of a quarter-final clash with Sharks. Lealiifano has been a stalwart for the Brumbies over the past decade, serving as an inspiration both on and off the field during his journey back to…
Wednesday’s Rugby News recaps the remarkable performance by the Junior Wallabies, a young Brumby drawing off his experience with a different Sharks team, a former Brumby urges selectors to reward Super Rugby form and a certain “beast” is ruled out for the Sharks. [one_half last=”no”] The future is bright The Junior Wallabies have advanced to the final of the U20 World Championship after defeating Argentina 34-13. The side got off to the stronger start out of the two, with tries to Harry Wilson and Michael McDonald putting the side ahead 17-6 before the break. However, McDonald’s efforts would quickly go…
Monday’s Rugby News recaps the final round of Super Rugby’s regular season, a look around the various competitions in Australia, the efforts of the Women’s Sevens side in securing their qualification for the Toyko Olympics and an update on the fitness of a key Wallaby. [one_half last=”no”] Super Rugby Final Round The final round of the Super Rugby has thrown up plenty of twists and disappointments (mainly for Australian fans) as teams looked to confirm their spot in the finals. The first match of the round took us down to Invercargill, where the Highlanders dominated an under-strength Waratahs side 49-12.…
The Highlanders have blitzed the Waratahs 49-12 to keep their small finals hopes alive. The match was hardly a contest in the first half, with the Highlanders facing more competition from racing the clock than the Waratahs, running in 6 tries in the first half to race out to a 42-7 lead at the break. Whilst the Waratahs showed some fight after the break, it was ultimately in vain as the Highlanders were simply too strong for the understrength Waratahs, who will rue failing to rest their key players at earlier stages of the season. The Match The Waratahs got…
Wednesday’s Rugby News looks at the Rebels preparing for their shot at club history, Brumbies gearing up for a milestone match, the Waratahs look to the future and the Junior Wallabies refuse to tread lightly against the old enemy. [one_half last=”no”] Rebels ready to make history The Rebels are preparing for their clash with the red hot Chiefs with the words of famous Oakland Raiders coach Al Davis (and Snoop Dogg) ringing in their eyes: just win baby win. This is the simple equation that faces the Rebels in order to secure the first finals appearance for the club and…