Rugby Union
The NRC Graduate 1st & 2nd XV
The National Rugby Championship has become a great development tool for Australian rugby. Sadly there just doesn’t seem to be enough professional position to keep the rising talent base in Australia. Continue reading
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
Super Rugby Fantasy Round 1: Reiks of Ioane
Round one has thrust us into another year of potential sleepers, let downs and superstars.
Continue reading
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.
Hypothetical Pacific heritage rugby teams: Fiji
Hypothetical Pacific heritage rugby teams: Samoa
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.
National Rugby Championships 