CAS Rugby 2025

[rod skellet]

Barker played their final pool match today. In what was thought to be a easier game just was not to be. Barker lost 36/33 with a penalty on full time. 2 very soft yellow cards resulting in Barker playing 20 mins of a 50 min game with 14 men was the real archilles heal. The standard of refereeing will certainly make other schools consider if the expense of attending this tournament is worth it. Credit to all the Japanese schools though. They play and expansive game with few errors and are great to watch. What was interesting is when the come up against the Fijian school who play a similar expansive game but with bigger bodies. It is suddenly one way traffic with the Japanese schools not being able to cope with the power and speed of the Fijians. Barker will be in the bottom end of the playoffs having 2 losses from 3 games albeit with bonus points in both games for losing by 7 points or less in each game. 7 point loss in the first game and 3 points in todays game.

 

[Mule]

Barker played their final pool match today. In what was thought to be an easier game just was not to be. Barker lost 36/33 with a penalty on full time. 2 very soft yellow cards resulting in Barker playing 20 mins of a 50 min game with 14 men was the real archilles heal. The standard of refereeing will certainly make other schools consider if the expense of attending this tournament is worth it. Credit to all the Japanese schools though. They play and expansive game with few errors and are great to watch. What was interesting is when the come up against the Fijian school who play a similar expansive game but with bigger bodies. It is suddenly one way traffic with the Japanese schools not being able to cope with the power and speed of the Fijians. Barker will be in the bottom end of the playoffs having 2 losses from 3 games albeit with bonus points in both games for losing by 7 points or less in each game. 7 point loss in the first game and 3 points in todays game.

Refereeing wasn’t the biggest problem I feel (although the referee may have been swayed by the demeanour of the players and supporters which was visibly and audibly apparent)…. In the two losses it was seemingly hard for the combinations to gel with a large squad rightly seeing many players get game time

 

[Mule]

Barker played their final pool match today. In what was thought to be a easier game just was not to be. Barker lost 36/33 with a penalty on full time. 2 very soft yellow cards resulting in Barker playing 20 mins of a 50 min game with 14 men was the real archilles heal. The standard of refereeing will certainly make other schools consider if the expense of attending this tournament is worth it. Credit to all the Japanese schools though. They play and expansive game with few errors and are great to watch. What was interesting is when the come up against the Fijian school who play a similar expansive game but with bigger bodies. It is suddenly one way traffic with the Japanese schools not being able to cope with the power and speed of the Fijians. Barker will be in the bottom end of the playoffs having 2 losses from 3 games albeit with bonus points in both games for losing by 7 points or less in each game. 7 point loss in the first game and 3 points in todays game.

Barker v Hamilton Boys (NZ) in next playoff round - should be a cracker!!

 

[Gregs general]

Any team lists for this week

 

[NGRUGBY_]

Barker played their final pool match today. In what was thought to be a easier game just was not to be. Barker lost 36/33 with a penalty on full time. 2 very soft yellow cards resulting in Barker playing 20 mins of a 50 min game with 14 men was the real archilles heal. The standard of refereeing will certainly make other schools consider if the expense of attending this tournament is worth it. Credit to all the Japanese schools though. They play and expansive game with few errors and are great to watch. What was interesting is when the come up against the Fijian school who play a similar expansive game but with bigger bodies. It is suddenly one way traffic with the Japanese schools not being able to cope with the power and speed of the Fijians. Barker will be in the bottom end of the playoffs having 2 losses from 3 games albeit with bonus points in both games for losing by 7 points or less in each game. 7 point loss in the first game and 3 points in todays game.

Pretty dissapointed with how Barker approached this tournament. Fully understand it is pre-season and they want to test combinations and trial different players, but the level of rotation is baffling. So many players constantly coming on and off the field makes it very tough on those boys who are the mainstays within the side to retain any consistency. Think they may have decided to use it as an opportunity to test out combinations after losing the first game, however they could still have qualified for the final 4, making it very frustrating as I don't believe we have seen them at their full potential in the competition yet.

Standout players for me over the first 3 games would be TJ Talaileva, James Archer, Harrison Dene and Tahj Smith. Also quite like the look of their islander loosehead, and their islander number 8, but no idea who these players are. Anyone got any idea?

Cannot wait to see them face Hamilton.

 

[Scrum Things Never Change]

I believe they've had 5 or 6 opens teams most years, but yes, player numbers are down over all of the age groups. I'm sure the demographics of The Hills and surrounding areas are changing, but I think you'll find there are other reasons why numbers are down at Oakhill.

I believe they've had 5 or 6 opens teams most years, but yes, player numbers are down over all of the age groups. I'm sure the demographics of The Hills and surrounding areas are changing, but I think you'll find there are other reasons why numbers are down at Oakhill.

Agree. There are absolutely other reasons why rugby numbers are down at Oakhill - a definite shift in school priorities to different focus areas. There is also no head of rugby to help drive the visibility, resources and a “program” forward across the school. There is definitely a number of terrific players below the 1st XV in other grades & they clearly stand out in the sides & when they play the CAS teams. Hopefully a clearer way forward for Oakhill rugby will be seen shortly.

 

[DaSchmooze]

Agree. There are absolutely other reasons why rugby numbers are down at Oakhill - a definite shift in school priorities to different focus areas. There is also no head of rugby to help drive the visibility, resources and a “program” forward across the school. Hopefully a way forward will be seen shortly.

What are the areas they are focussing on now STNC?

 

[OleMan]

Pretty dissapointed with how Barker approached this tournament. Fully understand it is pre-season and they want to test combinations and trial different players, but the level of rotation is baffling. So many players constantly coming on and off the field makes it very tough on those boys who are the mainstays within the side to retain any consistency. Think they may have decided to use it as an opportunity to test out combinations after losing the first game, however they could still have qualified for the final 4, making it very frustrating as I don't believe we have seen them at their full potential in the competition yet.

Standout players for me over the first 3 games would be TJ Talaileva, James Archer, Harrison Dene and Tahj Smith. Also quite like the look of their islander loosehead, and their islander number 8, but no idea who these players are. Anyone got any idea?

Cannot wait to see them face Hamilton.

A different perspective... I believe Barker has taken a large squad over to Japan. As a parent, if I'm spending money on sending my son a Rugby trip to Japan, I sure as sh!t expect that he'll get a reasonable amount of game time.

 

[FowardsWorkHard1984]

G'day fellas, I have heard some good things about this upcoming Cranbrook 1st XV. This weekend will be a great test for these boys who are coming off a 36-12 win against Shore to face one of the powerhouses Riverview. Looking forward to it. Any thoughts on matchups, or predictions?

 

[Mule]

A different perspective... I believe Barker has taken a large squad over to Japan. As a parent, if I'm spending money on sending my son a Rugby trip to Japan, I sure as sh!t expect that he'll get a reasonable amount of game time.

Indeed; best to make it very clear the selection policies on such tours before getting parents to cough up big $$$

Barker may have won 3 out of 3 if simply they’d stayed on the right side of the refereeing In a different cultural setting

 

[Scrum Things Never Change]

What are the areas they are focussing on now STNC?

The school takes a very visible approach of equality in all sports; ie No particular sport to be perceived or given more or less support, in any way/ shape/ form. There is an increasing focus on attracting students with a pattern of high academic achievement, which of course is also welcomed. However, rugby participation or ability is prob not seen as valuable to Oakhill College, as years past. Looking forward to seeing the CAS/ ISA competition this year. Best of luck to all the boys.

 

[pierre]

As much as the Barker 1st XV are looking promising, the 3rd XV this weekend are looking in spectacular form. As the Barker 1st's squad is overseas in Japan the Barker 3rd's line up as the highest grade against Riverview this weekend. It's amazing to see the spread of talent across different opens teams which was seen as a previous weakness over the years. The 3rds are coached by the finest coach to ever touch the couch grass. This 3rds team is arguably the greatest 3rds lineup over the last few years.

 

[scrumhalf]

G'day fellas, I have heard some good things about this upcoming Cranbrook 1st XV. This weekend will be a great test for these boys who are coming off a 36-12 win against Shore to face one of the powerhouses Riverview. Looking forward to it. Any thoughts on matchups, or predictions?

Should be a good test of Cranbrooks program across the board but especially in the 1s and 2s with many games in jepordy due to recent rain.

 

[saladsdontwinscrums1]

With heavy rainfall throughout Sydney this week, it is almost certain that the Woollahra council will close the grounds, resulting in many games that won't go forward. The Cranbrook main field will likely not close, so the 1s, 2s, and 3s will play tomorrow. Unfortunately, now the council closes the grounds with any rain; back in the day, footy was played rain, hail, and shine.

 

[hyaaa]

As much as the Barker 1st XV are looking promising, the 3rd XV this weekend are looking in spectacular form. As the Barker 1st's squad is overseas in Japan the Barker 3rd's line up as the highest grade against Riverview this weekend. It's amazing to see the spread of talent across different opens teams which was seen as a previous weakness over the years. The 3rds are coached by the finest coach to ever touch the couch grass. This 3rds team is arguably the greatest 3rds lineup over the last few years.

indubitably, I watched the 3rds XV barker play against oak hill, there was an unbelievable amount of promise with the team, it was reported that there were injuries in the team early on before the game, thus we have not even begun to see the full potential of this team. I've heard chatter that once this 3rds team kicks into gear that they will defeat all CAS schools easily. I'm sure they will bring impressive feats to barkers opens. Current captain Ethan Tam leads his team into the Riverview match, hopeful that the rain eases off and allows for an excellent round of footy.

 

[ScrummyBear1994]

With heavy rainfall throughout Sydney this week, it is almost certain that the Woollahra council will close the grounds, resulting in many games that won't go forward. The Cranbrook main field will likely not close, so the 1s, 2s, and 3s will play tomorrow. Unfortunately, now the council closes the grounds with any rain; back in the day, footy was played rain, hail, and shine.

Good to know. Should be a good game, Cranbrook always hosts exceptional events like these. Good luck to both teams. Scrum on!

 

[Soupnasty]

Just watched the Barker games on YouTube.
Must say, everyone is saying "they didn't play their first team enough"
I don't see how that was the issue. It was much clearer that they either didn't have a game plan or didn't execute it. It was so sloppy, poorly managed game in all 3 games. Bit unfair to blame the squad when the game drivers executed poorly.
If they had kept it tight and powered - different results.

 

[scrumhalf]

With heavy rainfall throughout Sydney this week, it is almost certain that the Woollahra council will close the grounds, resulting in many games that won't go forward. The Cranbrook main field will likely not close, so the 1s, 2s, and 3s will play tomorrow. Unfortunately, now the council closes the grounds with any rain; back in the day, footy was played rain, hail, and shine.

Well said, remeber like it was yesterday playing schoolboy footy in ankle deep water, good luck to all teams tommorow, ill be at the cranbrook game, should be a cracker

 

[Ziggy]

feel free to post results from todays games across all age groups

 

[Elfster]

Knox 38 defeated Shore 26.

Knox got to a 19-0 start and then Shore came into the game. Halftime 19-12.

Shore struck early in the second half to get to 19 all. Then two tries to Knox. Shore got a chance, got to 31-26 then Knox scored at the death.
Played in good conditions and was probably a bit of a forward battle.