Author: Zeb Holmes
Tuesday’s top rugby news has Hooper staying in blue, the Pumas promising more fight, the Wallabies slipping in the IRB rankings and a notable Sharks signing [one_half last=”no”] Hooper re-signs Star flanker Micheal Hooper has re-committed to the Waratahs and the Wallabies until 2016. The 21-year-old has already achieved 17 Wallabies caps and has become a team standout, initially filling in for the injured David Pocock. ‘To have clarity over what I’ll be doing the next couple of years is great and I’m stoked to be staying in Australia and playing with the Waratahs,’ Hooper said. Despite Saturday’s disappointing loss,…
Monday’s top rugby news has Folau possibly switching positions, the Springboks with some last-minute changes, World Club 7s victory for the Brumbies and Cipriani urged to shape up once again. [one_half last=”no”] Folau to fullback? Israel Folau could be switched to fullback in Ewen McKenzie’s lineup for the Wallabies second Rugby Championship encounter after an uneventful match at wing against the All Blacks on Saturday. The Wallabies must-win Saturday’s second Test in Wellington to avoid an eleventh straight Bledisloe disappointment and getting Folau more involved was identified as a major priority. ‘It’s up to us to find ways to keep him…
Tuesday’s top rugby news has O’Connor happy to return to the back three, Nonu making progress, some Rebels playing ITM cup and Wilkinson earning the big bucks. [one_half last=”no”] ‘Changed’ O’Connor returning to back three James O’Connor, who endured a difficult three-match experiment at five-eighth during the series loss to the Lions, has been told by new coach Ewen McKenzie that he will be returning to the back three. While happy with the news, O’Connor also realises that there are no guarantees that he will be part of the starting 15 at ANZ stadium. The 37-Test utility faces stiff competition,…
Monday’s top rugby news has Benji finally in blue, SBW possibly back to rugby, the Wallabies looking at the new scrum laws and George Smith honoured, again. [one_half last=”no”] Marshall finally signs Benji Marshall has ended months of speculation and signed for the Auckland Blues for the next two years. Marshall reiterated his plans to represent the All Blacks, asserting, ‘I back myself in everything I do, and trying to make a successful switch it’s going to be a tough one.’ Coach Sir John Kirwan has echoed this sentiment, but believes the intense scrutiny of the code-switch will not affect…
Friday’s top rugby news has a possible Super 18 model, Pulver being ‘realistic’, some Waratah line-up changes and Barrett re-signing with the ‘Canes. [one_half last=”no”] Super Rugby split It now appears that Super Rugby chiefs are leaning towards splitting the three conference system into two tiers, with two Argentinian sides to be added. Under a possible Super 18 model, Australian and New Zealand sides would form their own conference while South Africa would combine with Argentina. There was even talk of including an Asian team, possibly from Japan, for future expansion. In any case, it is becoming unlikely that the…
Wednesday’s top rugby news has Cheika pumped up over Potgeiger signing, a Digby legal update, an Irish sex scandal and New Zealanders finally banned for whinging. [one_half last=”no”] Cheika reacts to Potgieter signing Waratahs officials were overjoyed with yesterday’s breaking news that South African loose forward Jacques Potgieter is heading to the Waratahs on a two year contract. Coach Michael Cheika said he was an ideal fit for the squad. ‘In building our 2014 squad I wanted to profile one of our locks as a no-nonsense, hard and strong ball carrier and tackler, experienced and hungry to add these qualities…
Tuesday’s top rugby news has Benji finally joining the Blues, McKenzie encouraging attacking rugby, Rathbone criticizing the Brumbies style and some big name signings. [one_half last=”no”] Benji signing imminent Benji Marshall will join the Auckland Blues either today or Wednesday. The former tigers playmaker met on Monday night with his manager Martin Tauber, who has effectively ruled out the Waratahs, Rebels, French and Japanese rugby clubs. Marshall has now set his sights on an All Blacks jersey in time for the 2015 World Cup. Blues coach John Kirwan saw the 28 year old as an an option at five-eighth, inside…
Monday’s top rugby news has the Brumbies back in business, some All Black squad changes, the Lions promoted to S15 and a worrying brain injury study. [one_half last=”no”] No rest for shattered Brumbies A devastated Brumbies side has vowed to turn Super Rugby final heartbreak into 2014 title triumph, with coach Jake White giving his non-Wallabies a mere seven days break before beginning next year’s campaign. ‘It starts again from nought,’ White said. With flanker George Smith, lock Peter Kimlin and prop Dan Palmer the only frontline players leaving, the young team should be marked as strong contenders. White also…
Tuesday’s top rugby news has some Chiefs pre-match mind-games, Folau’s future still uncertain, McCaw included in the All-Blacks squad and new criticism of rugby’s concussion testing. [one_half last=”no”] Chiefs talk up travel factor The Brumbies and Chiefs have weighed in on the potential impact that discrepant travel schedules may have on Saturday’s Super Rugby final. The Brumbies’ arrival in Hamilton will be the last stop in an arduous 30,000 kilometre journey from South Africa. Worryingly, the Sharks were belted 37-6 at Waikato Stadium in last year’s final after making a similar trek. ‘Travel does play a little factor,’ said Chiefs…
Monday’s top rugby news has a Super Rugby shake-up, more Waratahs re-signing, Benji’s rugby motives tested and a pair of internationals banished from provincial rugby. [one_half last=”no”] SA to leave Super Rugby? SANZAR are considering changing the format of Super Rugby in 2016. One prominent proposition sees South Africa forming its own competition with at least six teams and, potentially, an Argentinean side. The Australian and New Zealand provinces would form a second grouping and possibly welcome an Asian side. SARU’s insistence on having six teams involved in future competitions has sparked the need for change as such an expansion will render…
Tuesday’s rugby news has Link resting star Wallabies, the Bulls with a clean bill of health, a new director of NSWRU and some international signings. [one_half last=”no”] Link may rest superstars A number of senior Wallabies may be rested for the opening stages of the Rugby Championship as Ewen Mckenzie will be placing a big selection emphasis on match fitness, rather than selecting underdone players hampered by niggling injuries. ‘You have to pick players who are fit and raring to go,’ McKenzie said. ‘By doing that you create depth, you create competition, you create trust.’ Key players who may enter a…
Here it is – the G&GR writers’ Super Rugby team of the week for the Qualifying Finals. With a great win by the Brumbies and a disappointing Reds loss, who makes this week’s team? [one_third last=”no”] 1. Scott Sio Very strong at the breakdown this week, creating a number of turnovers. Also demonstrated his continually improving scrummaging, absolutely dominating the Cheetahs. [/one_third] [one_third last=”no”] 2. Saia Fainga’a Tried hard in a thoroughly beaten side, showing his strong defence. Also threw immaculately in the line-out to earn the nod over Moore. [/one_third] [one_third last=”yes”] 3.Ben Alexander A vital cog in a dominant…
Monday’s rugby news has the Brumbies confident, the Reds disappointed, financial crisis for Irish Rugby and a bitter Tongan schoolboy rivalry. [one_half last=”no”] Brumbies ready for finals clash Brumbies coach Jake White has praised his team’s effort during their dramatic 15-13 victory over the Cheetahs and is looking forward to the Super Rugby semi-final against three-time champions the Bulls in Pretoria next weekend. ‘We have no doubt that it will be the same kind of bruising encounter but we showed when we played them here this year that we can beat them,’ White said after his team’s nervous finish.…
Friday’s rugby news has a much needed review of concussion testing, some surprising Brumbies line-up changes, the Waratahs off to Argentina and the Heinekin Cup still on shaky ground. [one_half last=”no”] IRB to review concussion testing The IRB has responded to widespread criticism and will review its in-match test for concussion. While the pitch-side suspected concussion assessment (PSCA) has been in place for a year, debate was ignited by the controversial return of George Smith during the third Lions Test, just five minutes after an obvious concussion. Peter FitzSimons labelled Smith’s return a ‘disgrace’ which compromises player safety. The IRB has…
Monday’s top rugby news has Beale on the chopping block, Cheika slamming the refs, McCaw’s return and some Bath pub crawl shenanigans. [one_half last=”no”] Beale latest Rebels casualty The Melbourne Rebels have continued their spectacular overhaul by cutting ties with Wallabies playmaker Kurtley Beale. This news follows the removal of coach Damien Hill, marquee five-eighth James O’Connor, foundation captain Gareth Delve among other veterans and the club’s private owners handing control back to the Victorian Rugby Union. ‘The decision that we’ve made is looking to the future and as I’ve made clear the team dynamics, the organisational culture, is something that…
Here it is – the G&GR writers’ Super Rugby team of the week for round 20. After a Lions-imposed hiatus, the Aussie teams turned in some great matches in the last 2013 Super Rugby round. Who made this week’s team? [one_third last=”no”] 1. Benn Robinson As always scrummaged well and was effective in the tight breakdown contest. Added an expanded running game, including a great line-break which should have set up a winning Waratahs drive.[/one_third] [one_third last=”no”] 2. Saia Fainga’a Heavily involved in a very strong Reds forward pack. Constantly putting his hands up for hit-ups and threw very well at…
Tuesday’s rugby news has more Aussie rugby bombshells, with Link stepping in as Wallabies coach, Damien Hill replaced at the Rebels, Super 15 contract talk and new scrum laws for the upcoming Rugby Championships. [one_half last=”no”] McKenzie takes Wallaby reins Departing Reds coach Ewen McKenzie will lead the Wallabies to the 2015 Rugby World Cup after the ARU released Robbie Deans from his two-year contract six months early. McKenzie is expected to be named as Deans’ replacement today after fighting off Brumbies coach Jake White. The popular 48-year-old is predicted to shore up the scrum and re-ignite the Wallabies’ attack…
Monday’s rugby news has all the backlash from Saturday’s thumping, with Deans on the way out, the Rebels dropping O’Connor and Smith leaving the Test arena, while in international news, the Bulls and Sharks face the judiciary. [one_half last=”no”] Deans departure imminent Robbie Deans’ days as Wallabies coach appear to be numbered as the ARU begins to process the demoralising 41-16 thumping by the Lions in Saturday’s third Test. Far from defending the New Zealand-born coach, Bill Pulver said the ARU would ‘not be entering into any speculation or debate’ about Deans’ future. This comes despite reports top-level officials held…
A last-minute try from the Manly Marlins was enough to secure a draw with top-placed Eastwood at a sunny TG Millner Field yesterday. With the scores tied 13-all at the break, a try from Eastwood’s Hugh Perrett gave the home side a 26-21 lead with seven minutes remaining. A Powerful maul from the Manly pack levelled the scores at the death and gave them a chance to snatch victory with the conversion. Although Tom Chesters’ touchline kick was unsuccessful, Manly take away a valuable two points that sees them sit equal-fourth with Southern Districts, who have a game in hand.…
Tuesday’s top rugby news sees the Lions losing their captain, Robbie Fruean’s health issues, the Rebels appealing suspension and the Bulls battling injuries. [one_half last=”no”] Warburton out, justice delayed In a follow up to yesterday’s speculation, Lions captain Sam Warburton has been ruled out of Saturday’s third Test in Sydney. Post-match scans confirmed that the Welsh flanker suffered a significant tear in his left hamstring during the second Test. Describing the news as ‘incredibly disappointing’, Warburton’s outstanding performance at the breakdown in Melbourne will be sorely missed heading into the series deciding third match The Lions head coach Warren Gatland is due…