Search results

Starting to look competetive. Robertson not big enough to play Tighthead anymore, should go hard for Talakai. Hopefully Faifua comes through as lock depth is key. Some good signs this year. Guy Porter > Kuenzle at 13 for me, and keen to see Pasitoa get big mins at 10/12. Don't see much in...

Like the idea, but no way all clubs will be involved. Needs to be short and sharp, costs under control, something players want to play in (i.e. not NRC / ARC all over again) Could look like a 4 week, 16 team knock-out tourny with 5x Syd, 4x Bris, 2xJID, 2x Dewar, 2x WA, 1x Aus Barbarians (i.e...

I think it's recognition that Brums consistent performance is a function of strong talent ID, development, coaching, system and squad continuity (i.e the antithesis of the tahs) I think the organisation is forward thinking, and will primarly recruit now with 2026 and beyond in mind: - I would...

I agree Wright is bolted on, especially due to connection with Lolesio. I also wouldn't be surprised to see Flook start on a wing. We don't have many defensively sound, high footy IQ players.

Why wouldn't Slipper be there for Lions? He is signed through 25' and were not spoilt for loose heads so seems like natural full stop to his career... Will probably need a bit of management this series so do expect Hodgman to play significant minutes. Without Bell/Schoupp we are light on for...

Good news. Should shore up the scrum.

Dont do it. Replay was painful. Clinging to this for hope: Bell Porecki Tupou Amotosero Salakai-Loto Leota Gamble Gleeson Wilson Gordon Kellaway Foketi Sua'ali'i Vaihu Jorgenson

Yes, it makes sense for NZR and the harsh reality is the Wallabies hasn't been competetive enough for 20 years+ for our complaints to carry any weight. I believe (based on a podcast with Dan Herbert earlier this year) that this tour did require SANZAAR sign-off and involved some compensation to...

Anyone else thinking Jahrome Brown might be the best backup 7? Im a big fan of Wright's as in international 7 option, and I like Scott, Reimer & Gamble, but Browne has probably edged ahead for me.

2nd this. He was fine and still a premier lock for me. Was usually defending at pillar which Reds didn't challenge much. Was pressuring the box kick from an offside position a number of times in the first half so needs to sort that out.

Agree with this, though it kind of already happens to an extent (Hodgeman, Tooamaga-Allen, Tua, Kautai, Browne, Sapsford, Franklin, Medrano, Moli Ekuasi, Proctor etc.). You probably mean including the top tier of NZ players... In any other industry/company, bringing IP and different...

100% agree with this. Still great commercial opportunities in international and club rugby. RA just need to pivot their business model. They will eventually be forced to do it (i.e. cut/privatise teams, open eligibiltiy) so may as well bite the bullet and shape what it looks like. For me - 3...

I've heard there is an "Aus XV" tour of the Northern Hemisphere is happening towards the end of the year (playing Bristol and a couple of others). Have heard nothing on an Aus A team for the Pac Nations Cup before that. A shane but prpbably can't afford as would not be remotely profitable.

Word on street this week was Rodda may not be getting RA top up so reasonable chance he won't be at the Force (or even in Aus) next year. Would be a massive shame.

Because he is consistently dominant in the best league in Europe. Agree he needs to be available to help build cohesion, but he is the incumbent wallaby captain and tight head lock. If available for TRC and Spring Tour, that'd be close to 80% availability.

100% - Skelton's dominant in the best club comp on the planet. Close to World XV quality. He's in whenever available. But assuming we won't see him until TRC, for Wales/Georgia I'd go with: 4. Frost / Swain 5. Rodda / Lukhan Hooper also in squad and can cover lock. Interested in Canham &...

Agree, the Frost project is worth sticking with. Not quite there with best locks in the world for physicality just yet, but seems a personality worth investing in and at 24 still has massive upside.

Also winning more tight contacts this year, is disciplined and effective both sides of the ball at breakdown. Not quite the power of Swinton, athleticism of Cale, or creativity of Wilson - but a real meat and 3 veg player that will make others better. With Swinton going o/s and Wilson injured...

Don't think he can start in same backrow with McReight imo. Too loose. Maybe bench impact option.

It has some appeal, but he is also quite limited for a 6, especially at breakdown. For me, Wright/Valetini, Swinton/Valetini or Valetini/Wilson are better 6/8 options.