NOUN An annual state/feeling of hope which is swiftly replaced with the harsh and bitter taste of despondence...
This morning feels like a hang over.
It’s nothing new for Wallabies fans, we have faith in our side. We entrust them with our hopes and sense of pride. Yet, again and again we are left shattered, awakening to the realisation it wasn’t a dream.
There is a lot to loath from the Australian Super Rugby conference in 2016, but there is also something to love. Depth.
It may not be immediately evident but once digging through all the hysteria of the post-Rugby World Cup exodus and the performance of the Aussie conference, there are some positive signs to draw hope. Continue reading
How many fresh faces will we see wearing Wallabies gold in June 2016?
Over the last five non Rugby World Cup (RWC) or Lions Series years, roughly five players have made their Wallabies debuts each June Test series. After seven rounds of Super Rugby, the collective health of Australia’s rugby stars has remained relatively intact. Yet, with the likes of Wallabies incumbent Kane Douglas’ unlikely to recover from a knee reconstruction in time and a number of Super Rugby rounds to come, there will be the opportunity for new blood.
A little while back we looked at the hypothetical Fijian side, which was overflowing with barnstorming backs who were accompanied by some great forward talent.
There was a 9-6 split of Fijians and ‘foreigners’ in the starting XV, with a further 4-4 split on the bench.
This weeks Samoan side is heavily laden with Samoan talent who have pledged allegiance to other nations. Similarly to the Fijian side, a lot of top tier nations sport Samoan talent among their ranks, however the Wallabies and All Blacks dominate this squad with 5 and 4 respectively.
Alright I’m throwing caution to the wind and getting straight to the big predictions.
The penultimate week of the Rugby World Cup (RWC) is upon us and if there is one inarguable truth that can be taken out of the 2015 tournament and that is the closing of the gap. The gap between the tier 1 nations (10 teams) and the chasing tier 2 nations (13 teams).
Since round one, Japan’s performances have been the story of the RWC, Fiji have overcome some poor form in recent years, Georgia have improved by leaps and bounds and the days of 100+ point wins are evidently over.
The Rugby World Cup.
It’s about patriotism, who you are and where you come from.
It’s about your lineage, your family, your heritage.
It’s about being Australian, losing your voice yelling at the television and going through the heart breaks and successes of the Wallabies.
Scotland fell agonisingly short of a dramatic upset win, when they were pinged by Craig Joubert for an offside in the dying minutes of their quarter final against Australia.
The decision has sparked outrage among Scotland and the home nations, as it provided Bernard Foley with the match winning penalty.
Photo sourced from http://www.Zimbo.com
Fans were thrilled with a try every 320 seconds (5.33 mins) of play, with a total of 15 five pointers being scored throughout the 80 minute encounter, the most of any National Rugby Championship (NRC) match in 2015 with only one round remaining.
National Rugby Championships 