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
The Waratahs have been upset by a determined Sunwolves team, going down 31-29 in their first match in Newcastle. The Sunwolves were too good for a Waratah side that were wasteful with possession and disjointed in attack and defence. Semisi Masirewa was the star for the Sunwolves, crossing for a hat-trick that was complimented by the automatic boot of Hayden Parker, which ultimately proved to be the difference on the score line. Below is the finishing statement from my piece on the Waratahs in Wednesday’s News, and it seemed to come to fruition, summing up the Waratahs performance on the…
Wednesday’s Rugby News pumps up Quade Cooper’s return to Suncorp, examines the crucial improvement in the Waratahs performance, looks at a tough choice for a sevens and Waratahs forward along with outlining the hunger of the Reds to win their Super W play-off for a shot at the Waratahs [one_half last=”no”] Reds unfazed by returning Cooper Saturday, the 30th of April: the date marked on the calendar of many rugby fans as the return of the banished child of Queensland rugby back to where he made his name. This Saturday marks the first time that Rebels fly half Quade Cooper…
The Waratahs have recorded the upset of the tournament so far, defeating the reigning champions the Crusaders 20-12 at a wet contest at the SCG. The Waratahs ended the 19 games, 370-day unbeaten streak of the Crusaders in a sloppy encounter that saw more errors than points. In the end, it was the Waratahs that were slightly better on the night, finding success through an aerial assault that saw Israel Folau dominate the contested high ball, having a hand in two Waratah tries to put them at the top of the Australian Conference momentarily. The Match The Waratahs got off…
Wednesday’s Rugby News examines worries around the SCG surface, the Folau that is scoring tries for fun, the resting of a giant Rebel and the return of the Honey Badger. [one_half last=”no”] SCG all good on the surface The SCG has been given the green light (unofficially) ahead of the Waratahs clash with the Crusaders on Saturday. The ground has come under heavy criticism after transforming into Bondi Beach after the first couple of mauls and scrums in the side’s derby against the Reds two weeks ago. In response, the SCG Trust has replaced 3000 square foot of the ground…
Wednesday’s Rugby News looks at two of the Brumbies’ Wallaby contingent in doubt for their Waratahs clash, The Rebels name their squad for their South African tour, the Reds looking to bounce back ahead of their Toyko trip and opposition to the proposed World League leads to talks about format flexibility. [one_half last=”no”] Brumby duo in doubt for NSW clash The Brumbies could enter their crunch Super Rugby clash with the NSW Waratahs without star Wallabies Allan Alaalatoa and David Pocock. The pair suffered injuries in last week’s 29-26 loss to the Melbourne Rebels, a game in which they led…
The Waratahs have recorded their 10th straight win over the Reds, securing the 28-17 win in a scrappy contest. The Waratahs seemed to control the first half, with the much-hyped “all Wallaby” backline showing glimpses of their class in attack, breaking the line early whilst being backed up by a much improved forward pack. However, the Reds held tough, taking their chances initially to keep in touch with the Waratahs to set up what seemed to be an electric second half. However, outside of a couple of flashes from both sides, the second half was disjointed, with both sides committing…
Wednesday’s Rugby News looks at the two Australian derbies in this week’s Super Rugby. It examines the spray given by Waratah coach Daryl Gibson in light of their poor start to the season along with a Reds desperate to break their drought against the “old enemy” at the SCG. The news then turns its attention to the clash in Melbourne in which the Brumbies seek a more balanced performance after the loss against the Hurricanes, whilst the Rebels look to hammer home their advantage in their quest for a maiden finals appearance. [one_half last=”no”] Gibson puts Waratahs on notice After a less…
Wednesday’s Rugby News looks at Tolu Latu’s suspension, Scott Fardy’s decision to stay in Ireland, Pocock raring to return to the Brumbies and the high praise that a former Wallaby centre has for a future Wallaby star. [one_half last=”no”] Tolu hit for six Waratahs hooker Tolu Latu has been suspended for six weeks after pleading guilty to “a dangerous charge into a ruck or maul” at the final moments of the Waratahs nailbiter against the Sunwolves. The incident in question pertains to Latu attempting to clear out flanker and fellow Aussie Ed Quirk in the 79th minute, with the hooker…
The Waratahs have scrapped a 31-30 win over the Sunwolves in what was an unconvincing performance from the boys in blue. The match was an open contest in which both teams let the ball fly throughout the hands, with the Waratahs seemingly the more impressive team with ball in hand in the first half. However, the Waratahs were ill-disciplined in defence, allowing some soft penalties in their own half which kept the Sunwolves in the contest throughout the match. This was coupled with lazy defence in periods which put the Japanese side in a perfect position to win the match,…
Wednesday’s Rugby News examines the news across the Australian Super Rugby teams, with Beale set to partner Hunt in the centres, Pocock set for an extended rest due to concussion, Quade Cooper keeps his focus on the Rebels whilst leaving the door open for the World Cup and Duncan Paia’aua’s spot in the Reds side assured despite impending Toulon move. [one_half last=”no”] Kurtley Hunting for Sunwolves Kurtley Beale has been confirmed as a starter for the Waratahs clash against the Sunwolves, with the Wallaby set to partner new recruit Karmichael Hunt in the centres. Beale is returning to the Waratahs…
Wednesday’s Rugby News looks at David Pocock’s fitness, Daryl Gibson re-signs with the Waratahs, inside the preseason with the Reds and the loss of further talent to rugby league. [one_half last=”no”] Pocock non-committal on fitness Brumbies and future saint David Pocock has refused to call himself a certain starter ahead of their clash against the Rebels, with the flanker still working back to full fitness after dealing with a variety of niggling injuries over the preseason. Pocock has struggled with neck and shoulder injuries since nearly being decapitated at various stages throughout the Rugby Championship and Spring Tour with his preparations…
Tuesday’s Rugby News examines the importance of Quade Cooper to an initial Rebels finals appearance, the Waratahs look to strengthen their defence, Karmichael Hunt opens up about his road to redemption and a former Rebel embraces a culture change in New Zealand. [one_half last=”no”] Rebel march lies with Quade As the Rebels begin their quest for an initial finals campaign in 2019 against the Brumbies on Friday, Wallabies and Rebels halfback Will Genia believes that his old Queensland and current half partner Quade Cooper is the key player to push the side to the next level. Genia believes that Cooper’s…
Wednesday’s Rugby News sees Steve Hansen fire shots at Michael Cheika, expansion plans for the Rugby Championship, resting plans for the Super Rugby season revealed and Karmichael Hunt’s role at the Waratahs becomes clearly. [one_half last=”no”] Hansen’s dis(ney) at “emotional” Cheika ♫ Who’s the leader of the team that plays for you and me? M-I-C-K-E-Y-C-H-E-I-K-A ♫ At least this is the view of New Zealand coach Steve Hansen, who referred to Cheika as “Mickey Mouse” and mocked his emotional fragility. These comments were made during a fundraiser in Wellington on Monday during an interview in which a quote from Wallaby…
Wednesday’s Rugby News looks at a potential revamp to international rugby, the confirmation of a returning Wallaby, Cheika’s plans for his European adventure and a post-World Cup exodus continues for a giant Rebel. [one_half last=”no”] A whole new world (league) A new World Rugby League has been floated by the major Rugby CEO in the quest to revamp international rugby after the World Cup. The discussions for a new league was high on the agendas as leaders from Tier 1 nations wrapped up a meeting on Tuesday morning at the World Rugby summit in Los Angeles. The proposed World League…
The final edition of Wednesday’s Rugby News for 2018 looks at more former Wallaby figures throwing their two cents in about the current situation, the Rebels face competition for their coach and Quade Cooper discusses his hopes as a new Rebel and his potential return to the Wallabies. As this is the last one for the year, I would just like to give thanks to everyone at GAGR from my fellow news writers to everyone who’s either learnt, laughted or enjoyed reading any of my long drawn out news articles, makes the long nights/early mornings after work and university writing…
Wednesday’s Rugby News examines Eddie Jones’ perception of the Pocock injury, Genia reflects on test 100, a big call on the horizon for the hottest coach in World Rugby and stars begin to flock to Global Rapid Rugby. [one_half last=”no”] Eddie refuses to take Pocock bait As Wallaby fans light candlelight vigils and research voodoo healing spells to try and get David Pocock fit for the clash against England, coach Eddie Jones has refused to bite on the possibility of Pocock missing the clash. Pocock came from the field during the 26-7 win against Italy after complaining of neck soreness,…
Wednesday’s Rugby News looks at the potential changes for the Wallabies, a star of the future is tied down long-term, the Welsh camp complain after an injury to their star player and the Brumbies coach reflects on his factfinding mission across Europe. [one_half last=”no”] Axe set to fall for Italian Job After a disappointing loss to Wales on the weekend, Michael Cheika is expected to swing the axe as the Wallabies prepare to take on Italy. Cheika is set to recall Rebels outside back and Ellyse Perry’s arm candy Matt Toomua to replace Bernard Foley after his wayward kicking display…
Wednesday’s Rugby News looks at Adam Ashley-Cooper’s return to the Wallabies, the optimism of the Welsh ahead of the upcoming test, the rebranding of World Series Rugby and Eddie Jones’ radical suggestion to improve officiating in rugby [one_half last=”no”] Ashley-Cooper ready to get up and Adam With the Wallabies set to begin their Spring Tour in the early hours of Sunday morning against Wales, one of the main talking points has been the sudden return of Adam Ashley-Cooper into the Wallabies framework. Ashley-Cooper had targeted his return from the European and Japanese wilderne$$ into Australian rugby as the 2019 Super…
Wednesday’s Rugby News confirms the resigning of a young Wallaby prop, Rob Horne details his struggles with life after injury, Fiji’s place in the NRC confirmed for future and England’s injury curse continues. [one_half last=”no”] Young bull staying in green and gold pastures As the Wallabies set to jet off on their Rugby Contiki across Europe, they have been boosted by the resigning of Allan Alaalatoa (commonly referred to as 7 A’s in the comments section) for the next 4 years. Alaalatoa has signed on with Rugby Australia and the Brumbies until the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France and…
Wednesday’s Rugby News examines Quade Cooper’s departure and parting gift to the Reds, the front-runner for Wallabies outside centre, the All Blacks preparation for the final Bledisloe and the confidence behind Queensland Country’s tilt to go back to back [one_half last=”no”] Quade no longer a Thorn in his side The worst kept secret in Australian rugby has finally been confirmed with Quade Cooper signing with the Melbourne Rebels for the upcoming 2019 Super Rugby season. Cooper spent the majority of 2018 exiled into the club wilderness, taking part in Queensland’s number 1 rated show “I’m a Wallaby, get me out…