Author: Yowie

Todays rugby news sees discipline loom as the All Blacks’ Achilles Heel, a good time to own two televisions for 7:00pm Thursday night (Wallaroos v NZ and Jnr Wallabies v Ireland) and referee Ben O’Keeffe discusses Super Final perfomance.NZ players growing accustomed to lenient treatment?This item by Gregor Paul at RugbyPass questions whether officials running New Zealand games are going easy, and whether this is setting up the All Blacks for a World Cup shock.The Super Rugby Pacific final had an obvious moment that would likely have been treated more harshly had it happened anywhere else in the world.The incident…

Today’s rugby news sees the Wallabies training well, Australia A to take on Tonga on 14 July, a deaf Rugby World Cup wrap-up and NZ playing the underdog violin in a confusing mixed metaphor.Wallabies train wellThe SMH reports that the Wallabies have used Coogee Beach for one of their first big training sessions.An oversize Wallabies squad is camped in Eddie Jones’ beloved beachside suburb this week, ahead of a final 33-man squad being named on Sunday for the Rugby Championship. Taking a week’s break after their seasons ended at the weekend, Brumbies players – and France-based locks Will Skelton and Richie…

….or “D-day plus one” 79 years ago, a crucial period of World War II, sees ex-Tahs coach Rob Penney take up the Crusaders coaching gig, Christian Lealiifano looking to represent Samoa at RWC2023, US Major League Rugby players turn into a bunch of commies, and stabbing is ‘unacceptable’ at South African club matches. Rob Penney to replace Robinson at CrusadersFormer Waratahs coach Rob e (above, looking surprised at the news) has been named as the successor to Scott “Shaver” Robinson at the Crusaders according to Pravda. His appointment completes one of the great coaching comebacks.Penney was shown the door at…

Today’s Rugby News has Hooper considering his post-Super options, Cron encouraging Folau Fainga’a to ease back on the BS, Aaron Mauger to step down from coaching Moana Pasifika and NZ Sevens players accused of “gamesmanship”.Hooper to play last Super game in Sydney next weekThe SMH reports that 31 year old Michael Hooper is nearing the end of a five year contract and has informed NSW Rugby he will not be continuing in Super Rugby. That means the Waratahs’ tight clash with Moana Pasifika on Saturday week at Allianz Stadium is almost certainly Hooper’s last game at home.The sixth-placed Tahs are…

Today’s rugby news has Brumby movement at the station, Eddie Jones booking a psychologist, wowdy webel Josh Kemeny suspended for three weeks and the latest episode of Cooper Watch. Nic White and Pete Samu to leave BrumbiesThe Western Force have confirmed the signing of Wallabies scrumhalf Nic White for 2024, while Pete Samu has signed a two year deal with French powerhouse Bordeaux from 2024, according to Pravda and Rugbypass and “Parkour*” Nathan Williamson.[*Range Rover thanks mate]White’s two-year deal will keep him in Australian Rugby until after the British and Irish Lions tour in 2025.”I couldn’t be happier to be…

Wednesday’s Rugby News sees Koroibete announced (!) as 2022 John Eales Medallist, One Hot Minute by Red Hot Quadie Cooper, Dave Rennie knocks back a Blues gig, Super W Fijiana Drua nearly go hungry and Yank & South African coaches cover themselves in glory in the MLR. Breaking news! Koroibete announced as 2022 John Eales Medallist (and Australia wins 1983 America’s Cup!)As the finale to the newish “drip feed the year after” [system/excitement factory] of Australian rugby awards, Marika Koroibete has been announced as the winner of his second John Eales Medal, becoming the sixth Wallaby to win the award on…

Today’s rugby news has Reds lock Angus Blyth cop a three match ban, Waratah playmaker Will Harrison out for the season after re-injuring his knee, racism “rife” in English rugby and Nigel Owens knocking back a Springboks coaching role to start a family. Blyth out for three games for high shot on Corey TooleRugbypass reports that Queensland Reds lock Angus Blyth will miss three Super Rugby Pacific games for his late, high shot on Corey Toole that left the Brumbies winger bloodied and concussed.testBlyth launched himself at Toole with a ducked head, collecting the winger on the chin in the…

In this loig-free Wednesday’s Rugby News, possible Super-style card treatment at World Cup (and Stuart Hogg retirement), ABs lament lack of ideas, Brad Thorn chatter and Deaf Rugby Sevens. Super(ish) card treatment at 2023 World Cup?Nine reports that the Super Rugby yellow/red card system is being seriously investigated ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.This year, Super Rugby Pacific organisers introduced a new procedure whereby television match officials review yellow card infringements and determine whether it warrants an upgrade to a red card with very little loss of game time.However, there would be a distinct difference between the…

Wednesday’s Rugby News sees Scott “Stanley Knife” Robertson get the Nearlies gig post World Cup, a new global tournament from 2026, the Tahs reflect on their start to the season and Paul Smith expects more diving in rugby. NZR appoint Robertson as next coachBloody Everyone Reports that New Zealand Rugby has named Scott Robertson as Ian Foster’s successor, with the 48 year old to take charge of the All Blacks after the Rugby World Cup later this year. The Crusaders coach has signed a four year contract which will run from the start of 2024 and take him through to…

Eddie Jones dips toe into League water with defence coach Brett HodgsonRugbypass reports that Eddie Jones has named his Wallabies new defence coach, appointing Brett Hodgson on a two year deal through to the end of 2024. The former NRL player had been due to start working as the England defence coach for the 2023 Guinness Six Nations. With Anthony Seibold having signalled his intention in October to quit that role, Jones picked Hodgson as Seibold’s successor and he spent the Autumn Nations Series shadowing his fellow Australian. However, after Jones was dismissed in early December as the England head…

Today’s rugby news sees new law variations for a faster game with less TMO delay (or fewer delays), women players getting paid (a bit), Louis Lynagh recovering & still available for Australia and Welsh Rugby’s Tom Jones trouble is not unusual. The Laws, They Are A-Changin’The Brett Lee of Rugby Australia press conference Dorothy Dixers, Nathan Williamson, reports that Super Rugby Pacific law variations are set to be implemented for the 2023 season. Referees will enforce 90 second time limits on conversions, 60 for penalty kicks, 30 for scrums and lineouts and 5 seconds for the ball to be used…

Today’s rugby news sees lower tackle height controversy, tough luck for the Tahs, Welsh rugby admin drama and we check in on some familiar names in the Japanese competition. We are indeed staying away from all the long bows being drawn from Eddie Jones’ press conference by various media outlets. Watch the presser for yourself in the comments section of Tuesday’s post. UK controversy over new lower tackle heightsSky Sports reports that the Rugby Football Union could face a no-confidence vote from grassroots clubs amid growing opposition to plans for a radical tackle-height change. It was announced last week tackling…

Today’s rugby news sees Eddie Jones getting the coke & sars, Scott “Razor” Robertson intrigue, missing Springboks winger found and World Series Sevens programme skups New Zealand bro. Eddie Jones & Poms part ways.The RFU have released a statement confirming that lovable larrikin Eddie Jones will get to enjoy some more family time. “Following a review of the autumn, Eddie Jones has been dismissed from the position of England Men’s Head Coach. The Rugby Football Union (RFU) will now conclude the long-term work it has been undertaking on coach succession planning with changes set to be announced in the near…

Today’s Rugby News sees South Africans reach their limit of Rassie nonsense, World Rugby Awards, the Western Force 2023 squad and the Wallabies’ run of injury and unavailability. South Africans starting to tire of Rassie’s BSNews 24 reports that SA Rugby and local coaches are believed to be irate at Erasmus over his conduct.Rassie was on Thursday banned for two matches by World Rugby after he posted several tweets highlighting refereeing errors. It followed South Africa’s narrow defeats to Ireland (19-16) in Dublin and France (30-26) in Marseille. SA Rugby president Mark Alexander, was furious after the latest debacle. When…

On this solemn “9-11” day, Dave Rennie comments on key France game moments, women’s World Cup final fever, concussion shenanigans and England coaching changes & criticism. Rennie addresses France frustration Tom Decent of the SMH reports Dave Rennie’s comments on the France game. Rennie had benched starting five-eighth Bernard Foley in the 72nd minute to bring on Reece Hodge. Former Wallaby Drew Mitchell said during Stan Sport’s coverage the decision to hook Foley was “interesting”. “I think it was a poor substitution taking Bernard Foley off. You’ve got seven minutes to play and you take your key decision-maker off? [It…

In today’s rugby news the Wallaroos have their work cut out when facing the Red Roses, Lord Laurie gives “lazy” Wallabies both barrels, Nigel Owens has had enough TMO and Suzie the waitress strikes again.Red Roses might be alrightEmbed from Getty ImagesSam Worthington at Nine reports that England’s women’s rugby team might be OK (or, to quote the article, “might just be the best sporting side you have never heard of”). Since losing to New Zealand in 2019, the Red Roses have peeled off a remarkable 28 straight wins – a tier one Test rugby world record for men or…

Today’s rugby news sees Wallaroo Scotland prep, head impact damage, New Fiji Drua facility and the multiple demands on Michael Cheika.Tight-budget Wallaroos prepare for Scotland (Sat, Oct 15, 2022, 12:00 PM NZ time)Embed from Getty ImagesNathan Williamson reports in Pravda that the Wallaroos will face Scotland and Wales to round out their group stages, needing to win at least one to book their place in the quarter-finals.The Wallaroos lasts played Scotland in 2002 (which is not that long ago if you’ve been shaving for more than five minutes, so back off Nathan!).It’s a challenge the Wallaroos and assistant Scott “Beans”…

The Hunter Valley Crips held their memorial service for Coolio on Thursday night, rendering Hoss unavailable to do today’s news. When asked if he wanted to put anything up for Friday’s news, Hoss replied: “Tell me why are we so blind to see? That the ones we hurt are you and me.”Indeed. Please be nice to Hoss at this time of grief. It won’t be long until the old Hoss is back to being in the top seven regular above-the-line G&GR contributors. In the meantime here’s some proper news on a Friday.BLACK FERNS v WALLAROOS Sat 8 Oct, 5:05 pm…

Today’s rugby news sees Mathieu Raynal take ze responsibilitee, Michael Hooper set to return to Wallaby training, a new independent referee selectors panel and Tupou set to re-sign with Rugby Australia…but not necessarily for the Reds. Raynal ‘I take total responsibility for what I did’Embed from Getty ImagesRugbypass reports that referee Mathieu Raynal has addressed his controversial decision to penalise Bernard Foley in the first Bledisloe Cup Test against the All Blacks, saying “I try to do what is the most fair.”After being crowned French rugby’s referee of the season yesterday, Raynal discussed the entire affair.“I take total responsibility for…

Today’s rugby news sees Dave Rennie explain his changes, Koroibete about brutality, the RFU issue fresh guidance on disrespect and SBW IQ shocker. Dave Rennie explains sweeping changes to WallabiesWallabies coach Dave Rennie has turned over almost half of his run-on side ahead of Thursday night’s Bledisloe Cup encounter against New Zealand, with quiet-type Nic White the highest profile casualty.Rugbypass reports that Rennie has made seven changes to his starting XV for the Marvel Stadium match following the disappointing 24-8 loss to South Africa in Sydney earlier this month. Bernard Foley returns to the side for the first time since…