Author: Zeb Holmes
Tuesday’s rugby news has the Tahs trying to target Carter, troubling mismatches in the NSW GPS, Gill arguing for experienced Sevens players and the ABs squad named. [one_half last=”no”] Tahs targeting Carter NSW defence coach Nathan Grey has focused his team’s efforts on stultifying the Crusaders attack by targeting Dan Carter in Saturday’s Super Rugby final. Wycliff Palu was used effectively last week on Brumbies playmaker Matt Toomua and while the Tahs will keep pressure on the Crusaders star, Bernard Foley said that Grey will surprise the opposition with a number of different defensive schemes. Foley also took the time to address the…
Monday’s rugby news has the Tahs united in the face of history, Gibson giving some insider tips, Aussie Sevens winning bronze and a new quota system in South African schools. [one_half last=”no”] Unity the key to Tahs run Injured Waratahs skipper Dave Dennis believes that the unshakable unity of the Tahs will propel the team to overcome their horror run against the Crusaders and win their first Super Rugby final. The NSW franchise have lost 11 straight against the Crusaders, including the 2005 and 2008 grand finals. “I am extremely confident because of the way they boys are playing; the harmony, the…
Friday’s rugby news has the Brumbies line-up announced, Hunt reportedly at the Reds, Cheika supporting Super Rugby changes and the Blues keeping hold of their stars. [one_half last=”no”] Full fitness Brumbies won’t target Folau Wallaby halfback Nic White has said that the Brumbies would be “poking the wrong bear” if they try to unsettle superstar Israel Folau in their semi-final this weekend against the Waratahs. Folau has said that the Brumbies targeted some sledging at the competition’s top try scorer in their last encounter, which NSW won 39-8. The Brumbies will be boosted by full availability, with the side unchanged after last week’s 32-20 victory…
Thursday’s rugby news has all the news from the Wallaby squad announcement, with Speight in, a change in playmakers, McKenzie confident and the return of Springbok Juan Smith. [one_half last=”no”] Speight included in Aussie squad Explosive Brumbies winger Henry Speight has been named in the Wallabies Rugby Championship squad. The Fijian-born Speight is the only uncapped player named and will only become eligible to play after September 11, meaning that he will miss the opening three matches of the tournament. Speight was on fire against the Chiefs last week and Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie was quick to recognise the impact…
Wednesday’s rugby news has the Brumbies bracing for a front row battle, the Tahs banning their opposing mascot, the Sevens team going poaching and an interesting claim from a South African sports scientist. [one_half last=”no”] Brumbies props face challenge Brumbies director of rugby Laurie Fisher has challenged Scott Sio to step up against an experienced Waratahs forward pack in this weekend’s match-up. “Scotty [Sio] has developed into a Test player, but by no means is he the finished product,” Fisher said. “He needs to bring a real edge to his game on Saturday and that’s his challenge.” The Tahs played off their set-piece dominance,…
Tuesday’s rugby news has the Wallabies allocated to the NRC, some possible changes in the Aussie semi-final, our Sevens team angry at the Commonwealth draw and a shocking attack in Clermont. [one_half last=”no”] Wallabies join NRC teams The ARU has unveiled the NRC teams which the current Wallabies will represent. In general, Wallabies will be aligned to the NRC team affiliated with their club, counting towards the four Test players allowed for each NRC team outside of their 33-man contracted squad. ARU General Manager Andrew Fagan said the announcement was an important milestone for the new competition. “The alignment of current…
Monday’s rugby news has Speight preferred over Folau, Gill hyping the Commonwealth Games, the Waratahs lineout calls cracked and McCaw returning at 6. [one_half last=”no”] Roff talks up explosive Speight Former Wallaby Joe Roff has made the bold claim that Brumbies winger Henry Speight is just as dangerous as the ARU’s pin-up star Israel Folau. Speight, who held the distinction of being Australia’s leading tryscorer in the 2012-13 Super Rugby season was back to his best last week against the Chiefs after a season interrupted by injury. “His ferocity with ball in hand, he just doesn’t want to be tackled and it’s…
Friday’s rugby news has some discontent with the NRC, the Tahs talking down league rumours, the Brumbies making a backline change and the Highlanders boosted by the return of Ben Smith. [one_half last=”no”] Force unhappy with NRC procedure The Western Force are said to be dissatisfied with the requirements of the the new NRC. Under ARU rules, all players not selected for the Wallabies’ Rugby Championship campaign must play in the NRC, which kicks off next month. As each NRC team is only allowed 16 Super Rugby players, many contracted by the Force will have to make extended stints interstate,…
Thursday’s rugby news has a Super Rugby expansion update, Dennis talking his team up, Pulver seemingly ok with player drain and another Stade Francais jersey for the trophy room. [one_half last=”no”] Asian teams make Super Rugby push Japan and Singapore have both submitted tenders to enter the 2016 Super Rugby competition, with a decision set for September or October. “Asia is a region that has been the focus of considerable investment by the International Rugby Board in recent years and is a strategically sound location for the evolution of Super Rugby,” SANZAR chief executive Greg Peters emphasised. The two nations will hope…
Wednesday’s rugby news has the Brumbies scrum to be tested, more Beale speculation, injury woes for the Reds and SBW racing against the clock. [one_half last=”no”] Brumbies ready for scrum battle The Brumbies maintain that their technical prowess in the front-row can overcome the behemoth Chiefs props Ben Tameifuna and Jamie Mackintosh during Saturday’s Super Rugby qualifying final. While Ben Alexander (120kg) and fellow Brumbies prop Scott Sio (116kg) give away 34kg to their opponents, the 29-year-old asserted, “You just have to find ways around that using technique, work ethic and what-not.” With reserve Brumbies prop JP Smith ruled out with a knee injury, Australian under-20…
Tuesday’s rugby news has Genia pulling himself from Bledisloe consideration, Lealiifano given an unusual incentive, the ARU trying to force a TV bidding war and Dean Mumm to face a significant sideline stint. The Call of the Wallaby [youtube id=FjrwOV3PWGc width=”400″ height=”235″]A quick first-up reminder to check out the new Australian rugby documentary “The Call of the Wallaby” tonight, featuring Sean Maloney and Andrew Swain seeking to discover what it means to be a true Wallaby supporter. The pair will follow seven fanatical fans from different demographics ahead of the Bledisloe Cup match on August 16. The show premieres Tuesday 15th July, 7pm, Fox…
Monday’s rugby news has the Brumbies with new-found depth, the Tahs reminded of a weakness, Beale considering league and Warburton stranded by the chaos of Welsh rugby. [one_half last=”no”] Larkham lauds team’s depth Coach Stephen Larkham has found the silver lining in ACT’s heavy injury toll, emphasising the new found depth and confidence that the Brumbies will bring into this weekend’s match against the Chiefs. 36 players have been used by the Brumbies so far this season, and Larkham believes that this experience will prevent a repeat of last year’s final, where the Chiefs were able to use their superior bench…
Friday’s rugby news has some changes to the Tahs, Woodward injured, the Force lineup set and Weepu heading overseas. [one_half last=”no”] Force team set for must-win clash Western Force coach Michael Foley has made a number of changes to his team to take on the Brumbies, knowing that a win will propel the Force into their first Super Rugby Finals appearance. Foley has inserted back-rower Brynard “Rhino” Stander, replacing the suspended Hugh McMeniman at 6. The pack will also be boosted by flanker Chris Alcock, who is returning after early season shoulder surgery. In the backline, Junior Rasolea returns to outside centre,…
Thursday’s rugby news has more player exodus concerns, the Tahs at full-strength, the Brumbies talking up their pressure match and Welsh finances still uncertain. [one_half last=”no”] More concern over player drain The loss of Wallaby Nick Cummins has re-initiated the emphatic concern of the Rugby Union Players’s Association (RUPA) that high profile Test players will continue to opt for the outrageous salaries on offer in Europe and Japan, leaving the ARU behind. “Players are no different to anyone else in their own workplace with respect to money,” Greg Harris, chief executive of RUPA, said. The financial troubles of the ARU have been driven by…
Wednesday’s rugby news has a recent Wallabies walkout applauding the exclusion policy, the Reds motivated, the Brumbies set for must-win match and the Blues dealt a major injury setback. [one_half last=”no”] Douglas commends ARU’s stance Waratahs second-rower Kane Douglas has backed the ARU’s tough stance on Test eligibility, despite the restrictions preventing him and recent departing Wallaby Nick Cummins from competing in next year’s World Cup. ARU chief executive Bill Pulver last month emphatically dismissed the prospect of introducing sabbaticals that would allow Test stars to continue representing the Wallabies while playing offshore. “I think they have to be strong on…
Tuesday’s rugby news has the Honey Badger’s dad emphasising the winger’s sacrifice, the Sevens squad selected, some Aussie forwards out for the final Super Rugby Round and Ben Smith hospitalised in Sydney. [one_half last=”no”] Father expands on Cummins switch Nick Cummins’ single dad Mark has emphasised that his son’s decision to sign with Japanese rugby was a “remarkable family first” sacrifice to help his seven siblings. “He’s no mercenary. He treasures playing for the Wallabies,” Cummins’ father said. “He told me that in his heart he couldn’t enjoy himself when he could be doing more for the kids.” Two of Cummins’ siblings…
Monday’s rugby news has the Tahs guaranteed the minor premiership, a number of key players returning for the must-win Force v Brumbies match and Ma’a Nonu changing teams again. [one_half last=”no”] ACT and Force welcome back stars Saturday’s clash between the Force and the Brumbies will decide the finals hopes of both teams, with the winner of the Aussie derby most likely progressing ahead of the Chiefs, currently tied with both teams at sixth spot with 40 points. The Brumbies expect to have Wallabies Matt Toomua, Joe Tomane and Pat McCabe back on deck after injury, along with centre Andrew Smith…
Friday’s rugby news has the Force struggling with injury, the Tahs continuing the attack, the Rebels dropping Woodward and Carter returning at 12. Breaking News: Nick ‘The Honey Badger’ Cummins is leaving Aussie rugby, having signed for Japanese club Coca Cola West Red Sparks for next season. This means he’s out of contention for the World Cup next year. Tell us what you think about that using a Honey Badger-esque phrase [one_half last=”no”] Force battling injuries The Force have been dealt a blow to their finals hopes, losing halfback Alby Mathewson for Saturday night’s must-win clash with the Reds.…
Thursday’s rugby news has Horwill on-board with the possible JOC signing, the Waratahs involved in a takeover bid, the Reds apparently chasing Karmichael Hunt and Steffon Armitage contemplating a French switch. [one_half last=”no”] Horwill trusts Red’s management Captain James Horwill has expressed his faith in the Red’s management, saying that he is sure that if former Wallaby James O’Connor is coming to Queensland, the recruitment team will make sure that it is for the right reasons. Reds chief executive Jim Carmichael has refused to confirm the rumours that the 23-year-old has already signed a two-year deal, reiterating that the team will…
Wednesday’s rugby news has the Tahs forced to make changes, Hodgson fit for the Force, Laurie Fisher unconcerned by any exodus and a South African half injured. [one_half last=”no”] Hoiles to replace injured Dennis Former Wallaby Stephen Hoiles will fill in at blindside flanker for Sunday’s match against the Highlanders, replacing Waratahs captain Dave Dennis who will miss the rest of the season with ACL surgery. NSW coach Michael Cheika could have opted for Jacques Potgieter at blindside flanker, promoting either damaging ballrunner Will Skelton or lineout ace Mitch Chapman to starting lock. In the end, Cheika took what he…