World Rugby

South Africa R. U. Kidding me? Super Rugby’s Rot

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Force
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

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Nigel.jpg

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).

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It’s Time For Two Tiers In Super Rugby

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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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The Prospects: Pathway to green and gold

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JED
Jed Holloway has been devastating for the NSW Waratahs in 2016. Photo sourced from: Zimbio

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.

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Hypothetical Pacific heritage rugby teams: Samoa

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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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The Rugby Championships: Wallabies v Springboks Preview and Best Bets

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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

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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 →

Rugby Laws: Where to from here?

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The NRC law variation commitee
The NRC law variation commitee

The ongoing debate on whether rugby laws should be altered in order to promote a more exciting product is fast becoming a hot topic. Experimental laws are being trialled at a number of domestic competitions around the world including the inaugural season of Australia’s National Rugby Championships’ and South Africa’s Varsity Cup. To date, the NRC is producing some of the most crowd thrilling games of rugby that can be watched around the planet, mainly due to law variations. On the other hand, international rugby laws are too complicated, reducing the speed and entertainment of the game. It is time the the IRB takes notice of what it’s fans want: exciting, fast paced rugby.

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