Australian Rugby Union
South Africa R. U. Kidding me? Super Rugby’s Rot
I honestly believe, in announcing the cessation of the Western Force’s license, the ARU has finally signed Super Rugby (SR) and SANZAAR’s death warrants.
Super Rugby has expanded beyond redemption and it all boils down to South African Rugby Union’s (SARU) selfish agenda and the lack of a spine from the ARU and NZRU.
The result? The demise of the spine of the competition, which was based around each side playing one another in a round robin format, along with the spirit of local derbies. Continue reading
Rugby’s TMO Challenge System
Two days have passed since the All Blacks again displayed why they are the number one side in world rugby.
There has been a lot of discussion about the ‘controversial call’ surrounding Speights no-try, but very little has been constructive.
The only coherent, unbiased analysis of the incident has come from Nick Pfitzner in his article TMO – Time to Move On?. He discusses the laws behind the TMO’s decision and the ambiguity and inconsistency behind them. He also attempts to offer a constructive solution, which I have dubbed the TMO Challenge System (TCS).
Cheika Reveals ‘False Sense Of Security’ Ambush
Amidst the mountain of articles stating the success of the All Blacks, many of which suggest not even a Herculean performance from the Wallabies will be enough at Eden Park, Cheika has revealed his secret weapon.
It’s Time For Two Tiers In Super Rugby
In the words of the Katie Perry “Super Rugby changes structures, like a girl changes clothes” and very few fans would disagree that the current system is in a shambles.
There is no doubt that the most recent venture into expansion and the inclusion of the Argentinian Jaguares and the Japanese Sunwolves, was intended to broaden the marketing base, hopefully providing a gravy train for the host nations. Yet,the most recent evolution of the competition to a two conference, four group structure, in which many teams will face off only once every second year has proven confusing at best, and disastrous at worst.
The Western Sydney Rams: Team List
Most Improved Australian XV
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
The Prospects: Pathway to green and gold
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.
World Cup Final Predictions: Wallabies v All Blacks
Alright I’m throwing caution to the wind and getting straight to the big predictions.
Tier 2, Super Rugby and the National Rugby Championship
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.
National Rugby Championships 