ISA 2025

[Running_rugby_1954]

Are any games going ahead?

 

[WLF3]

Are any games going ahead?

So here is the update for the Waves V Auggies games this weekend, (at this stage).

All Opens games are now on Saturday with the 1sts at 1.45pm, the 5ths kick it off on Sydney Academy of Sport field 1 at 8.30am.
Only the 16as and Bs are playing are playing on field 3 at 12.30 and 11.30 respectively.
All the 15s games are going ahead ie A,B,C and Ds. 16as on on Field 1 at 11.30 and the other 3 games are on field 3 from 8.30.

Unfortunately all the 14s and 13s games have been cancelled.
So that certainly affects the comp, which is very unfortunate.
As previously mentioned by DaS, you would expect the rain to severely affect the style of rugby, ie running rugby will be extremely difficult.

I also hope the Wallabies adjust as this will surely play into the Lions hands!

 

[Ziggy]

So here is the update for the Waves V Auggies games this weekend, (at this stage).

All Opens games are now on Saturday with the 1sts at 1.45pm, the 5ths kick it off on Sydney Academy of Sport field 1 at 8.30am.
Only the 16as and Bs are playing are playing on field 3 at 12.30 and 11.30 respectively.
All the 15s games are going ahead ie A,B,C and Ds. 16as on on Field 1 at 11.30 and the other 3 games are on field 3 from 8.30.

Unfortunately all the 14s and 13s games have been cancelled.
So that certainly affects the comp, which is very unfortunate.
As previously mentioned by DaS, you would expect the rain to severely affect the style of rugby, ie running rugby will be extremely difficult.

I also hope the Wallabies adjust as this will surely play into the Lions hands!

They have the 15A's playing at 11.30 on Field 1, just before the 2nds game.
Originally it was scheduled for 8am!

 

[moa999]

. If I see Knox decline games against St. Pats then I'll be left scratching my head. They've played some tough games already against their CAS colleagues..

Think it's viewed that Augs and Oakhill jnrs are at least as strong as Waverley, and the Knox 13 and 14As got pumped by Waverley by 40 and 50 something points. At that younger age group better for both teams for more even match ups.

But unfortunately this weeks weather looks like to intervene in many games.

 

[WLF3]

Think it's viewed that Augs and Oakhill jnrs are at least as strong as Waverley, and the Knox 13 and 14As got pumped by Waverley by 40 and 50 something points. At that younger age group better for both teams for more even match ups.

But unfortunately this weeks weather looks like to intervene in many games.

To be honest M,

I understand why you say that but I still think the Knox and Barker juniors should play all the ISA schools. TBH, the scores reported for the Waves junior teams v all the CAS schools and Pats last weekend were understated , sometimes by a lot, ie counting stopped at 50, sometimes at half time.
Pats junrs were a lot more competitive v their ISA counterparts , so Barker and Knox should play against these ISA teams.

Not sure who thinks the Augs and Oakhill jnrs are at least as strong as these Waves teams. Could be wrong but recon not.

 

[moa999]

Also whats the view on how to account for this Aloys v Chev/Oxley and Kinross v Stannies (who only played each other weeks ago in Rd 7 with Stannies going 5-1, all bar 13As) in the Red Group.

I'm presuming that the actual draw was possibly Aloys v Stannies, with Kinross having the bye. Aloys effectively deferring against Stannies and playing the I assume lower rated Chev/Oxley. And Kinross thus making up an extra game.

but I still think the Knox and Barker juniors should play all the ISA schools

I like a comp as much as the next person, but particularly at those younger years think it's far better to have competitive games week in week out and let the kids developed their skills, whether it's in the As or the Joey's Fs

 

[Rugby friend]

Knox 13 and 14A,B and Cs are playing Oakhill this weekend!

 

[DaSchmooze]

Knox 13 and 14A,B and Cs are playing Oakhill this weekend!

True but they are not playing Oakhill 13a or 14a. Oakhill 14a playing Shore B and Oakhill 13a playing Trinity 13a

 

[WLF3]

Also whats the view on how to account for this Aloys v Chev/Oxley and Kinross v Stannies (who only played each other weeks ago in Rd 7 with Stannies going 5-1, all bar 13As) in the Red Group.

I'm presuming that the actual draw was possibly Aloys v Stannies, with Kinross having the bye. Aloys effectively deferring against Stannies and playing the I assume lower rated Chev/Oxley. And Kinross thus making up an extra game.



I like a comp as much as the next person, but particularly at those younger years think it's far better to have competitive games week in week out and let the kids developed their skills, whether it's in the As or the Joey's Fs

M, my opinion is that at age 13+ most boys have already been playing for quite a few years, like since 7. So to suddenly ask to play “friendlies” like my most favourite sport , soccer,
“ the beautiful game” pleeeeease stop this BS, it’s way too much. Either aim up or give up and play the beautiful game and make mummy happy.
I am having a go but also believe you mean well and these BIG schools should, and CAN, do better.

 

[Rugby supporter]

CASISA Black Round 2:

Gregs v Cranbrook @ The Hill
I think it will be a rough day out this Saturday for Gregs. Their 5th place in CAS doesnt accurately reflect their ability - Cranbrook 1st XV can play. As always, if Greg's turn up the defensive pressure they may cause an upset but it will take Greg's at their best to do this. Cranbrook by 15+
Program Outcome - Look to the 14s game for Greg's to come out on top and potentially the 13s as well. Cranbrook 5-1

Chev vs Aloys @ Main Oval, Chevalier
A wonderful day out for the Aloys boys as Chev "enters the chat". This 1st XV game, played on the picturesque Main Oval in Bowral will be a great occasion for both schools. One can only hope that a structure like this helps revive Chev back to the power that it once was. I really dont know how to pick the 1st XV winner here. I'll take a punt and say that the CAS experience of Aloys may prove too much for the Chev boys to handle. Aloys by 5+
Program Outcome - I believe some of these fixtures will be handled by Oxley College down the road so that should prove a quality expereince for all teams. I have no idea of the strength of the Chev/Oxley teams so let's call it a 3 all draw

Pius v Trinity at Chaplin Oval
Without a doubt, MOTR for CASISA Black this weekend and one not to miss. 3rd v 3rd and both teams willing and able. How far can Pius stretch the good results from this season? Will Trinity have a plan B if the weather means their backs cant fire? All will be revealed and the best of luck to both teams. I'm saying Trinity by 5
Program Outcome: I dont know what the status of the Pius 15a is. I know they didnt play either A or B grade in ISA last term so I can only assume this will be the case I'd assume that Trinity carries in a 1-0 lead. I will say a 5-1 to Trinity with Pius 2nd XV preventing the clean sweep.

Kinross v Stannnies @ The Fortress
The time honoured rivalry writes another chapter this weekend in Orange. As is always the case with these things, current form isnt a predictor of outcome and this is especially true in this game. You'd say that Stannies probably have the edge in 1sts and Kinross will have to step up with their line defence to make an impact. Predicting a 5+ for Stannies but anything is possible.
Program Outcome: This will be close but I think Stannies may have too much beef in the senior grades. 5-1 to Bathurst

Gregs u16s have been big improvers all year. They get some quality cattle back this week as well. A lot of these lads are getting good game time in 2nds & 1sts XV as well. With an eye on next season.

 

[Tram Tracks]

I feel the 'comp' element of this CAS/ISA match up is lost with the number of changes, forfeits and essentially 'build your own adventure' going on.
Should we not use these 'rankings' to provide trial opponents for the coming season in the lead in to CAS/ISA instead of this post season in CAS case and mid season in ISA's case?

 

[Ziggy]

Think it's viewed that Augs and Oakhill jnrs are at least as strong as Waverley, and the Knox 13 and 14As got pumped by Waverley by 40 and 50 something points. At that younger age group better for both teams for more even match ups.

But unfortunately this weeks weather looks like to intervene in many games.

Hi Moa. I'll be very surprised if Oakhill 15A/B's side play Waverley next week. If so they are on a hiding to nothing.
Played this year in a trial at the start of Term 2 and both games were over 60-0.
It may be Oakhill A's play Waverley B's which in my opinion would be a fairer match up and would aid in the rugby development of both sides.
Don't know about the 13's and 14's sides.

 

[HeatherWick]

Just saw that NSW Rugby TV posted about the AUG WAV game, don't think they've heard about it being moved to Saturday though, as the post states that they're on for 6:30 tonight.

 

[HeatherWick]

 

[Mule]

absolutely embarrassing as a Knox Old Boy i would never have imagined the day when Knox would forfeit games in the A's. Back when i was there in the 90's we were a dominant school, we beat Joeys when we are in the 15a's and 16as, i assume it is the changing demographic of the school and no one playing rugby anymore. I remember in year 7 our rugby sides went down to the 13H's that is 8 sides of rugby! Would they struggle to fill 2 sides these days?

my 3 cents worth (1c as an old boy, 1c as an leaver boy parent, 1c as a current boy parent): Knox has changed their overall approach - impressively driving academic more & more, increasing their overall student numbers with a skew to non-rugby-loving background families, and also introducing many more co curricular options, so even with more boys, the spread is much wider! Rugby is a big loser in all of this unfortunately (with non-player rugby stakeholders also thinned out, eg good teachers/coaches etc)

 

[DaSchmooze]

I feel the 'comp' element of this CAS/ISA match up is lost with the number of changes, forfeits and essentially 'build your own adventure' going on.
Should we not use these 'rankings' to provide trial opponents for the coming season in the lead in to CAS/ISA instead of this post season in CAS case and mid season in ISA's case?

I think in order for there to be buy in from all schools, the CASISA Comp needs to have jeopardy and tension and you only get that by calling it a comp. I had to go back and check the wording on the joint statement about this comp and it reads...

"The new format will see CAS and ISA schools compete for their respective association competitions throughout Term 2 and will then combine to play in a graded inter association competition during Term 3."

So from my eyes, it tells me that is supposed to be a competition and not an end of year trial. So with that being said, we can all draw our own conclusions as to what is happening with these declined games. I find it most frustrating that Barker would think nothing of putting 50+ onto a senior team but couldnt bear it if it happens to them. It's disingenuous.

I have noting but respect for the smaller programs that run in ISA. They turn up each week - sometimes in a bus for hours on end - to give their best and accept the scores for what they are with grace and dignity. ISA couldn't run if they all of a sudden declined to play for fear of losing.

Ive never paid too much attention to what happens in junior years rugby but this year it has forced me to - and it has been an eye opening experience. I would have made the assumption that a strong 1XV team equals a quality Rugby program but this appears to be anything but the case. Whilst I am happy to accept there there is some pretty rapid demographic change at some of these schools, I'd also make the argument that when you jack up the school fees to such a high extent, you're losing a massive cohort of kids who ordinarily would attend and bulk up your grades across the board. Scholarship programs simply paper over the cracks - made even worse when you are offering these to kids from other Independent schools. I'm also happy to accept that Rugby is not (and should not) be the sole indicator of where to send your kid, but if you have the luxury of options and if all things are equal in any other factor that is important to you then your choice is becoming clearer.

 

[DaSchmooze]

my 3 cents worth (1c as an old boy, 1c as an leaver boy parent, 1c as a current boy parent): Knox has changed their overall approach - impressively driving academic more & more, increasing their overall student numbers with a skew to non-rugby-loving background families, and also introducing many more co curricular options, so even with more boys, the spread is much wider! Rugby is a big loser in all of this unfortunately (with non-player rugby stakeholders also thinned out, eg good teachers/coaches etc)

This seems to be very rapid Mule.

I'd ask ther question though - are academics and sport mutually exclusive? Isn't it possible to have both?

 

[WLF3]

I think in order for there to be buy in from all schools, the CASISA Comp needs to have jeopardy and tension and you only get that by calling it a comp. I had to go back and check the wording on the joint statement about this comp and it reads...

"The new format will see CAS and ISA schools compete for their respective association competitions throughout Term 2 and will then combine to play in a graded inter association competition during Term 3."

So from my eyes, it tells me that is supposed to be a competition and not an end of year trial. So with that being said, we can all draw our own conclusions as to what is happening with these declined games. I find it most frustrating that Barker would think nothing of putting 50+ onto a senior team but couldnt bear it if it happens to them. It's disingenuous.

I have noting but respect for the smaller programs that run in ISA. They turn up each week - sometimes in a bus for hours on end - to give their best and accept the scores for what they are with grace and dignity. ISA couldn't run if they all of a sudden declined to play for fear of losing.

Ive never paid too much attention to what happens in junior years rugby but this year it has forced me to - and it has been an eye opening experience. I would have made the assumption that a strong 1XV team equals a quality Rugby program but this appears to be anything but the case. Whilst I am happy to accept there there is some pretty rapid demographic change at some of these schools, I'd also make the argument that when you jack up the school fees to such a high extent, you're losing a massive cohort of kids who ordinarily would attend and bulk up your grades across the board. Scholarship programs simply paper over the cracks - made even worse when you are offering these to kids from other Independent schools. I'm also happy to accept that Rugby is not (and should not) be the sole indicator of where to send your kid, but if you have the luxury of options and if all things are equal in any other factor that is important to you then your choice is becoming clearer.

Very astutely put DaS!

 

[Old School Rugger]

"I would have made the assumption that a strong 1XV team equals a quality Rugby program but this appears to be anything but the case"

Too true. Barker, Knox, Waverley, Newington, Scots, Kings - their 'programs' are recruitment fuelled.

No ISA school offers scholarships, and yet Auggies and Oakhill have great strength across all ages. And Saturday sport at Oakhill isn't even compulsory.

I suspect this cross over 'comp' is going to be a one off based on the lack of respect CAS schools have paid to playing ISA head to head.

I think in order for there to be buy in from all schools, the CASISA Comp needs to have jeopardy and tension and you only get that by calling it a comp. I had to go back and check the wording on the joint statement about this comp and it reads...

"The new format will see CAS and ISA schools compete for their respective association competitions throughout Term 2 and will then combine to play in a graded inter association competition during Term 3."

So from my eyes, it tells me that is supposed to be a competition and not an end of year trial. So with that being said, we can all draw our own conclusions as to what is happening with these declined games. I find it most frustrating that Barker would think nothing of putting 50+ onto a senior team but couldnt bear it if it happens to them. It's disingenuous.

I have noting but respect for the smaller programs that run in ISA. They turn up each week - sometimes in a bus for hours on end - to give their best and accept the scores for what they are with grace and dignity. ISA couldn't run if they all of a sudden declined to play for fear of losing.

Ive never paid too much attention to what happens in junior years rugby but this year it has forced me to - and it has been an eye opening experience. I would have made the assumption that a strong 1XV team equals a quality Rugby program but this appears to be anything but the case. Whilst I am happy to accept there there is some pretty rapid demographic change at some of these schools, I'd also make the argument that when you jack up the school fees to such a high extent, you're losing a massive cohort of kids who ordinarily would attend and bulk up your grades across the board. Scholarship programs simply paper over the cracks - made even worse when you are offering these to kids from other Independent schools. I'm also happy to accept that Rugby is not (and should not) be the sole indicator of where to send your kid, but if you have the luxury of options and if all things are equal in any other factor that is important to you then your choice is becoming clear.

 

[WLF3]

This seems to be very rapid Mule.

I'd ask ther question though - are academics and sport mutually exclusive? Isn't it possible to have both?

DaS, I guess that boils down as whether you want a well rounded child, and that doesn’t mean by just playing rugby, or just an academic child.
Room for both imo, however, social skills and team work are a major requirement in life, not sure academia alone delivers that, imo.

Yes it is possible have to have both, and that’s historically proven.