Author: Yowie

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,…

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 Images Rugbypass 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…

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 Wallabies Wallabies 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…

Wednesday’s Rugby News sees Wallaby routine adjustments, Bok changes for the Sydney game, pressure on the ABs, French mischief and the Force bulking-up. This Wednesday’s Rugby News is brought to you by a weird, re-gifted, bootleg Scotch. It turns out that really good whiskies are aged in oak for a reason. Proper distilleries looking to sponsor G&GR news should contact G&GR admin with their proposal. Wallabies bounce-back methods Embed from Getty Images The SMH reports that centre Len Ikitau and fullback Reece Hodge have opened up on the tweaks the group made to their preparations leading into the Adelaide match.…

Today’s rugby news discusses the “drinks break” head-scratcher, the Fiji back office, the Wallaby injury toll and NZ under 9s crowd carry-on. Front Rower confused Nine reports that Wallabies prop Scott Sio says he is “confused” by World Rugby’s new water break directive that is stopping play for hydration at the 20 and 60 minute mark in Tests. The water break concept is that both teams have a clearly defined drink break window while at the same time clamping-down on the trend of water boys and trainers taking the field clutching bottles. But on Stan Sport’s Between Two Posts, Sio…

Today’s rugby news sees Kerevi out with an ACL (dammit!), the Brumbies confirm their 2023 coaching setup, Wallaroos confirm squad for O’Reilly Cup and All Blacks players being a bit rubbish apparently. Kerevi out with ACL from Commonwealth Games game Embed from Getty Images Fox reports that Samu Kerevi is expected to miss the rest of the year due to a knee injury. It’s understood Kerevi, 28, suffered an ACL injury during Australia’s narrow 7-5 victory over Kenya in their Commonwealth Games pool match over the weekend. Kerevi took no further part in Australia’s campaign, where John Manenti’s side lost…

Today’s Rugby News has Twiggy backing an Aussie Super Rugby comp, Eddie “come here and say it”, Jones sounded-out for post-2023 return, Reds signings (and Force goodbyes) and Joe Marler talks concussion. Twiggy prepared to back Aussie-only Super Comp Rugby Australia has received the backing of its broadcaster and billionaire mining magnate Twiggy “Andrew” Forrest to go it alone in Super Rugby next year according to the SMH. RA and NZR are renegotiating their agreement to play in Super Rugby together beyond next season, with Australia after a bigger share of the broadcast rights revenue. As it stands, Sky pays…

With the international season back on there is more rugby news than you can poke a forky stick at. Reece Hodge comes into the Wallaby squad, Cooper looking shaky, Kerevi called-up up for Commonwealth Sevens and the Brisbane First Nations game. Reece Hodge summoned from Australia A to cover for Tom Banks Rugbypass reports that the Wallabies have called experienced utility back Reece Hodge into their squad as injury cover for Tom Banks ahead of this week’s second test against England in Brisbane. Banks was taken from the field during the first half of Australia’s series-opening win over the English…

It’s not Hoss today. Deal with it. Hoss has Covid and it’s a risk factor to be a heavy-drinking misanthropic fat pr!ck. Please use those same thoughts & prayers that have been so effective at stopping Seppo one-way shootouts. Today’s news sees possible Wallaby back-row combinations, Sir Clive Woodward’s opinion on Eddie Jones and more on brain injury. Wallaby back row Wayne Smith of the SMH has opined on Australia’s back row options. The Reds have presented Harry Wilson with the Stan Pilecki Medal for the peer-voted best player of the season while Rob Valetini is well in line for…

Wednesday’s Rugby News sees Eddie Jones mischief, reactions to McLennan’s sabre rattling and a concussion protocol rejig. England Tour The SMH reports that Sydney University centre Guy Porter is on the cusp of an England debut after being named in Eddie Jones’ 36-player squad to tour Australia next month. Porter was a fringe Brumbies player when the COVID-19 pandemic hit two years ago, but took a chance in the English Premiership to kick-start his career abroad. Porter graduated from The Scots College alongside Angus Crichton and Jack Maddocks. Eddie Jones also celebrated the 45 years since the release of “Never…

Today’s rugby news sees Brumbies bracing for the Blues semi-final, Wallaroos win the first half against NZ, NSW consider bringing back Latu and a bizarre peek under the bonnet of the South African psyche. Today’s news brought to you by Jura “Journey” single malt. Distilleries can contact Yowie@GAGR for more news sponsorship opportunities. Brumbies Brumbies Brumbies Brumbies (Brumbies) Embed from Getty Images G&GR graduate Nathan Williamson reports that the Brumbies will attempt the “Chewbacca defence” at SANZAAR’s Judicial Committee on Tuesday night (last night your time) in a bid to get Len Ikitau’s red card reversed and ensure he is…

Wednesday’s rugby news sees the Force beat Moana Pasifika in Auckland, a five week ban for Highlander Sam Gilbert’s Hooper tackle, Queensland-based 2029 Rugby World Cup mooted, David Pocock’s Senate run and Adam Coleman eyes Tongan World Cup selection. Force keep finals chance alive Embed from Getty Images Channel 9 reports that the Western Force have kept their finals hopes alive and continued Western Australia’s blue-smashing form in a 48-28 win over Moana Pasifika in Auckland. The Force claimed their first win in New Zealand since 2014, while also earning the crucial bonus point to keep things tight in the…

Wednesday’s Rugby News sees the Wallaroos pipped by Japan, a global north v south tournament back on the agenda, Aussie player retention news and catch-up game scheduled for Moana Pasifika and the Western Force. Defence helps Japanese beat Wallaroos 12-10 After beating Fiji 36-19 on Friday night afternoon (FFS), Australia have been pipped by Japan 12-10 on Tuesday. Pravda reports that Wallaroos fullback Lori Cramer had a chance to steal a win at the 77-minute mark but the normally reliable goalkicker sprayed a shot at penalty goal from a gentle angle. Skipper Shannon Parry said: “We failed to execute on…

Wednesday’s Rugby News sees Melbourne Super Round constructive feedback, Fraser McReight vs Michael Hooper, Wallaroos’ June tour booked, Kyle Godwin off to Lyon and Angus Bell avoiding suspension despite red card. Melbourne Super Round: “there are definitely other places where it would work as well” (Nic White) Embed from Getty Images Melbourne’s Super Round has had mixed reviews. Brumbies halfback Nic White and this writer’s new favourite backhanded wordsmith said: “You could take it to Brisbane, Sydney, Auckland, any of the big cities. Hopefully it sticks around and it moves around, I think it’s great, like a festival of rugby,…

Wednesday’s rugby news sees Brad Thorn not rule out a Wallabies coaching gig (if offered), favouritism, body-shaming and cultural insensitivity at the Black Ferns, another Latu red card and England’s Mike Brown shoveling some dirt on Eddie Jones. Brad Thorn not ruling out coaching Wallabies The Sydney Morning Herald reports that, in the aftermath of Queensland’s 21-7 win over the McKellar-prepared Brumbies at Suncorp Stadium on April 2, the SMH pushed hard for a definitive answer on Queenslander Brad Thorn’s national coaching ambitions…and Thorn finally relented. “Australia is where the challenge is for me and where I’m connected to,” Thorn…

Wednesday’s Rugby News has more Commonwealth backing for RWC2027, rain on Spain’s 2023 Rugby World Cup spot, Owen Farrell’s tackle technique back in the spotlight and gathering ’round for more Rassie wisdom. Further Commonwealth funding boost for Aust RWC2027 (and Women’s 2029) Embed from Getty Images [some front-rower-looking chap and Phil Waugh at a RWC2027 event] Pravda reports that the recently released Federal Budget confirms the Commonwealth’s investment for Australia’s existing bid to host Rugby World Cup 2027 will be extended to include a bid for the women’s Rugby World Cup in 2029. It follows $9.8m in funding the Australian…

Wednesday’s Rugby News sees tough-talk from the Brumbies, more NZ covid drama, big-money factors and a big day for Ireland’s Australian-born prop Finlay Bealham. Brumby Darcy Swain wants Reds to shut up (you’re not my real dad!) In pre-WWE smackdown trash-talk news, G&GR’s own Nathan Williamson reports that Brumbies lock Darcy Swain still feels the pain from last year’s heartbreaking (for some) final against the Reds ahead of this Friday’s blockbuster top-of-the-table clash at GIO Stadium (Canberra). Watching the Reds and the 40,000+ fans celebrate wildly still stings for the 24-year-old, eager to ‘shut them up.’ “They carried on a…

Tuesday’s Rugby News has Reds injuries mounting, Scott Wisemantel helps with Lismore flood evacuation, pay & conditions for our women players and international matters. Reds’ growing injury list not ideal Pravda reports on the Reds’ injuries woes, with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto the latest to join the list. Salakaia-Loto played just four minutes in his captaincy debut against the Western Force on Friday before limping off with an ankle injury. It’s the same injury that sidelined Tate McDermott – the man Salakaia-Loto replaced as captain – a week ago. It’s too early to confirm a “captain’s curse”, but James O’Connor has apparently…

Wednesday’s Rugby News sees Russia suspended, leaping over defenders banned, Reece Hodge suspended and Wallaby movements (ruining the theme). World Rugby suspends Russia and Belarus The Guardian reports that World Rugby has joined a growing list of international sports governing bodies by placing immediate suspensions on Russia and Belarus. The unions from the respective countries have been barred from all international rugby and cross-border club rugby activities until further notice. Furthermore, the Rugby Union of Russia has been suspended from World Rugby membership. In a statement released on Tuesday, World Rugby reiterated its condemnation of “Russia’s aggressive invasion of Ukraine…

Wednesday’s Rugby News sees James Slipper re-sign with the Brumbies, creative solutions to Super Rugby’s covid problems, the Junior Wallabies confirm their first squad of 2022 and Aussie Tawera Kerr-Barlow shares some stories. James Slipper re-signs with Brumbies Embed from Getty Images 114test cap Wallaby prop (either side will do), three World Cup veteran, sorely-missed Red and current Brumby James Slipper is eyeing a fourth World Cup appearance after signing a one year contract extension with Rugby Australia and the Brumbies according to G&GR’s own Nathan Williamson. Having made his debut in 2010, the loosehead has been a mainstay for…