Author: Nathan Williamson

Queens Birthday’s Rugby News looks at the penultimate round of the Super Rugby season, the Junior Wallabies continue their Under 20 World Championships campaign, a wrap up of rugby around the country and the Folau saga continues. [one_half last=”no”] Super Rugby recap Round 17 served up a case of deja vu from the previous round with the Bulls once again drawing in the opening encounter of the round against the Highlanders. This was a close counter in which the boys from Dunedin raced out to a 19-7 lead before the Bulls fought their way back to earn a draw after…

The Brumbies have secured the Australian Conference, defeating the Waratahs 35-24 to record their 6th win of out their last 7 games against their northern rivals. The Brumbies blew out the Waratahs in the first half, recording 28 unanswered points to race out to a 28-3 lead at the half time break. The Waratahs would show some fight in the second half to give their fans some hope, however, the Brumbies were ultimately too strong, led by strong performances from their forward pack and Christian Lealiifano. The Brumbies seem to be hitting their strides right in time for a strong…

Wednesday’s Rugby News looks at an extension for a deserving Rebel, the injury update for a promising Red, the Brumbies looking forward to staking their Wallaby claims and the Waratahs continue to ignore calls to rest players. [one_half last=”no”] Rangi signs extension Hooker Anaru Rangi has been rewarded for a strong 2019 season for the Rebels, signing a two-year extension until 2021. Rangi joined the Rebels in 2017 as part of the dirty dozen that came over to Victoria after the excommunication of the Western Force from the Super Rugby and he has developed cult-like status in Melbourne due to…

Monday’s Rugby News recaps the round that was in the Super Rugby, wraps up the various competitions around the country, examines the performances of the men’s Sevens team along with the exhilarating finish to the English Premiership featuring a couple of Aussies. [one_half last=”no”] Round 16 Super Rugby recap Auckland hosted the Bulls to start off round 16 in what could only be described as atrocious conditions. Neither team were able to control the ball and find a way to win this match, with the match ending in a 22 all draw after Blues flyhalf Harry Plummer missed the 82nd-minute…

Wednesday’s Rugby News mourns David Pocock’s retirement, the return of a Waratah, a call to arms for Wallaby fans and the rise of Super Rugby. [one_half last=”no”] Pocock retires from Brumbies David Pocock has announced his immediate retirement from domestic rugby after his struggles with a calf injury. Pocock has been sidelined since round four after suffering what he described as a ‘rare’ calf injury during Wallaby camp which has left him frustrated and itching to get back. “It’s been frustrating,” he said. “I took December and tried to get my body right and then first day of camp in…

The Jaguares have continued their unbeaten streak on Australian soil, defeating the Waratahs 23-15 at Bankwest Stadium. The Argentinian side controlled possession throughout the first half, racing out to a 13-3 lead. However, the Waratahs fought back thanks to strong performances from their bench, especially Curtis Rona to bring them within two points. However, the Jaguares showed their class to control the last ten minutes, kicking two penalty goals to secure the win and reinforce their lead in the South African Conference. As for the Waratahs, a lack of execution and creativity in key moments has now meant that their…

Wednesday’s Rugby News looks at the past, present and future of the Wallabies. It examines the retirement of Wallaby great George Smith, the standing down of hooker Tolu Latu along with the confidence of the Junior Wallabies ahead of the U20 World Championships. It also details the unfolding drama engulfing the Crusaders. [one_half last=”no”] Smith announces retirement Former Brumbies and Wallaby flanker George Smith has announced his retirement from rugby after a nearly two-decade span in the sport. Smith had been playing with UK side Bristol this season, however, he was released from his short term contract, with Smith confirming…

Friday’s Rugby News looks at the teams named for Union’s version of State of Origin, the return of Christian Lealiifano to the Wallaby fold, how Matt Toomua has been welcomed into the Rebels folds and the quest for the next Sevens star. [one_half last=”no”] Derby sides named Both the NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds have named their sides ahead of their must-win clash at Suncorp Stadium, with both sides making multiple changes to the teams that narrowly lost to the Lions and Rebels respectively. Reds coach Brad Thorn has made two changes to his side, with the main change coming…

Wednesday’s Rugby News looks at the impending decision regarding Israel Folau, the resting dilemma facing the Waratahs, a loophole preventing a Reds young gun from playing and the English player earning awards for being best on and off the field. [one_half last=”no”] Folau set for termination Reports are suggesting that Israel Folau is set to be sacked after all three members of the independent panel appear to have agreed that his use of social media warranted the punishment. The verdict is expected to be announced on either Wednesday or Thursday, with panel chair John West, Kate Eastman and John Boultbee…

The Lions have defeated the Waratahs 29-28 in a thrilling clash at Ellis Park that saw both sides trade tries throughout the contest. Both teams came out with no regards for defence, scoring three each to leave the score at 21-19 in favour of the Waratahs at half time . But once again, the Waratahs failed to find a way to win in the key moments, losing another close contest thanks to the influence from the likes of Harold Vorster, Malcolm Marx and Egon Seconds. The Match The first 30 minutes of the match were frenetic as both sides seemed…

Wednesday’s Rugby News looks at the decision from Israel Folau’s code of conduct hearing, the emotional and physical toll of Quade Cooper’s return, the Brumbies unfazed about criticism of their play and the Junior Wallabies name their squad for the Under 20’s World Championship. [one_half last=”no”] Folau found guilty Israel Folau has been found guilty of a breach of his contract with Rugby Australia. The outcome was reached by an independent panel at the conclusion of an intense 3-day code of conduct hearing, which determined that Folau’s social media post constituted a “high level” breach of his contract. Folau’s legal…

The Bulls have a secured a narrow 28-21 over the Waratahs, holding off the fast-finishing Waratahs to scrape home in a match which neither team will be happy with their performance. The Waratahs suffered death by scrum (and Peyper), consistently penalised and bullied at scrum time, with the Bulls asserting their dominance, crossing twice to take an 18-7 half time lead. However, the Waratahs clawed their way back through some expansive, running rugby lead by Kurtley Beale, to tie the contest up with 15 minutes to go. However, Simphiwe Matanzima crossed the line with 10 minutes left to secure the…

Wednesday’s Rugby News examines the Junior Wallabies win over Fiji, returning Wallabies for both the Waratahs and Rebels and why one of the Reds best believes that it’s now or never for their Super Rugby finals aspirations. [one_half last=”no”] Junior Wallabies shut out Fiji The Junior Wallabies have scratched their way to a 16-0 win over Fiji in Oceania Under 20 Championship, setting up a clash in the final with New Zealand. Scattered showers would make for a slippery game and difficult conditions for attacking rugby, with both sides guilty of simple handling mistakes throughout the clash. After ringing in…

Wednesday’s Rugby News looks at Hunt’s compassion for his suspended teammate, the Waratahs excitement for their new stadium, the Brumbies facing Super Rugby’s road trip from hell, and a young gun’s injury leaves the Reds at crisis point. [one_half last=”no”] Hunt feeling for Folau Waratahs centre Karmichael Hunt has opened up about his support for his close friend Israel Folau, calling the situation “sad.” Hunt and Folau have shared similar career paths, being the only two men to have played three codes professionally, along with both men embroiled in controversy during their rugby union stints, with Hunt having been suspended…

The Waratahs have shown that there is life without Israel Folau, recording a 23-20 win over the conference-leading Rebels in dewy conditions at the SCG. The Rebels would dominate the majority of the first half, scoring two tries to lead 20-7 at the break. However, an inspired second half from Bernard Foley and the centurion, Michael Hooper engineered the comeback victory that puts the NSW side inside the top 8 and within four points from the top of the conference. The Match The first half would be dominated by both sides trading kicks as the dewy surface wreaked havoc on…

Wednesday’s Rugby News looks at the Waratahs and the Rebels ahead of their clash on Saturday, tributes for a retired Reds and Wallaby Lock continue to flow in, and a former World Cup-winning coach responds to cheating claims. [one_half last=”no”] Waratahs woes continue The Waratahs have been hit with another setback with outside back Kurtley Beale fighting a bout of tonsillitis to be fit ahead of their clash with the Rebels. This setback comes off the back of being the most talked about Australian Super Rugby team in the past week despite not playing a game due to the Israel…

With all the talk continuing to rage on about Israel Folau and his saga, an aspect that has rarely been discussed is the $4 million that is freed up by the termination of his contract. Assuming that does not/loses his appeal to be paid out of his contract, myself along with the fellow news writers have come with a list of the serious and not so serious ways that the ARU could spend the money. Put in all on Black so we can finally support an all black win Give Hooper more money (because one boat isn’t enough) Donate to Pocock’s charity Pay Twiggy for…

Wednesday’s Rugby News looks at George Gregan’s assessment of the Wallabies World Cup hopes, alternates to the World League, the outcome of Billy Meakes trip to the tribunal and the Brumbies attempting to turn around their second-half woes. [one_half last=”no”] Gregan still believes it’s coming home Whilst many have already ruled out the Wallabies from World Cup contention, Australia’s most capped player George Gregan believes that the side can win the tournament if they manage to curb their inconsistency. Despite enduring their worst test campaign in 60 years in 2018, Gregan has backed Michael Cheika and the Wallabies to peak…

The Blues have held off the fast-finishing Waratahs 32-29 to continue their impressive run at home. The Blues would get off to a flying start, racing out to a 17-0 lead within 20 minutes. However, the Waratahs recovered from the slow start, fighting back into the match and they kept within striking distance for the majority of the second half. In the end, the Blues showed their class, controlling the ball in the last moments of the game (after a questionable decision to kick the ball away as soon as the Waratahs got it), hanging on at the end to…

Wednesday’s Rugby News examines the Springboks perception of Australian rugby, the delay of a Wallaby hooker’s return, the Brumbies looking for consistency, and the wake up that the Waratahs need. [one_half last=”no”] Springboks’ soft perception Reds prop JP Smith has given an insight into the mindset of South African rugby, revealing that they see their Australian counterparts as soft and easy to intimidate JP and his brother Ruan joined the Reds last year after mixing their time between South Africa and Australia and his blunt assessment came as the Reds prepare to host the Stormers on Friday. “I know what…