The Aussie 23 under 23

U20s
Aussie U20s celebrating a win against NZ in the 2016 Oceania Under 20s Championship Photo Source: HJ Nelson
The depth in Australian rugby appears to be on the up. Something that can only be a positive when looking towards the future and the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

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It’s Time For Two Tiers In Super Rugby

super rugbyIn 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.

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Hypothetical Pacific heritage rugby teams: Samoa

Manu Samoa at the 2015 Rugby World Cup
Manu Samoa at the 2015 Rugby World Cup

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.

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NRC 2015 Season Comprehensive Preview: City, Spirit & Rays

All you need to know for the second season of the National Rugby Championships 2015.

The 9 captains pose for the NRC 2015 launch. (News Corp Australia)
The 9 captains pose for the NRC 2015 launch. (News Corp Australia)

The 2015 season of the National Rugby Championship kicks off tonight, featuring the defending champions Brisbane City and last years runners-up Perth Spirit in a grand final replay.

If you have any questions about this years competition or the sides competing, you’ve come to the right place.

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The Rugby Championships: Wallabies v Springboks Preview and Best Bets

Matt Giteau is set to combine with Quade Cooper as a second playmaker for the Wallabies against the Boks in Brisbane. Photo sourced from: Getty Images
Matt Giteau is set to combine with Quade Cooper as a second playmaker for the Wallabies against the Boks in Brisbane.
Photo sourced from: Getty Images

Round 1 of the Rugby Championships (RC) has already kicked off, with the classy All Blacks toppling the spirited Pumas (39-18), while the Wallabies are set to take on the Springboks tonight at 8:05 in Brisbane.

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The Wallabies: Dale’s Possibles V Cheika’s Probables

Cheika has culled his extended 40 man Wallabies squad down to 31, ahead of next Saturday's Rugby Championship opener. Photo sourced from: www.allrugbynews.com
Cheika has culled his extended 40 man Wallabies squad down to 31, ahead of next Saturday’s Rugby Championship opener.
Photo sourced from: http://www.allrugbynews.com
With Michael Cheika culling his extended squad from 40 to 31 today, a number of incumbent and experienced Wallabies have been left out of the squad, raising a few questions on selection.

This got me thinking. What is Cheika’s probable line up and who would I like to see lineup against the Springboks next Saturday (18th July) in The Rugby Championship opener. Continue reading