Good morning, good night, good day and good riddance to a different working week. It’s Friday, and the world’s greatest G&GR Friday’s Rugby Information is again once more.
Wall to wall rugby information at the moment, actually I’ve included a musical intermission to interrupt it up and allow you to stretch. First up let’s return to the longer term with ‘Cheik Please’. Rejoice provincial concord in ‘Tah Rebels’. Get the low down on a current re-signing and really feel hungry on the similar time courtesy of ‘Paisami on Why’. Preview spherical #12 of SRP in ‘The Soiled Dozen’. Hop up, shake it off and have a cerebral stretch with our musical ‘Intermission’. Then strap your self in for the journey residence by dropping into camp Wallaroo for ‘Duck Looking Canucks’. Earlier than farewelling the weekly grind with a whopping ‘Friday’s Goss with Hoss’, making mums comfortable in all places since 1983.
Cheik Please.
‘Hey, it’s the NSW Waratahs, I’d like to talk with 2013 please?’
There comes some extent in life the place planets align, the place alternative, timing and wish meet head on in a cosmic consummation and the outcomes could be actually transformative. Enter, stage proper, one M. Cheika.
For the report, Darren Coleman appears a cracking man and a greater than affordable coach, however, in my view, his choices, continued, rusted on, what the hell are you pondering choices?, will possible see his Daceyville departure at season’s finish. And that’ll be a disgrace.
Certain, the entire ‘win first 4 or else’, ‘mid yr inner overview’, ‘no choice now until yr’s finish’ scream of the ‘prepared, fireplace, goal’ method for which each RA and the Israeli navy appear masters of. And sure, the harm gods have been fairly unkind to Australia’s most profitable SR crew of the final 10 years (what different Oz facet has received a completely built-in comp since 2014? I’m sorry, however it’s scientifically confirmed). So there are definitely contributing components to the Tahs marketing campaign this yr, however wins nonetheless stay the solely unit of foreign money on which careers both wither or thrive.
I’d agree that Cheik’s strategies are probably not sustainable for a chronic tenure on the Tahs. However equally I’d wager that two years on the helm, with a said succession plan and a delegated ‘inheritor obvious’ and a clearly outlined handover course of, would each get immediate outcomes that profit the Tahs and Rugby Australia on the similar time. Presently I might see Cheik transferring to a Director of Rugby Position on the Tahs or enjoying a job as an assistant coach at Wallaby stage for the 27 residence RWC.
The Golden Daybreak we’ve been promised for Australian rugby is now not 2-3 years away from starting, it’s subsequent bloody yr when the FUKIRs arrive on our doorstep. Time is now not our good friend. Actually it’s bearing down at us, fangs out, glistening, snot snarling and bile spitting, able to derail what might probably be a lifeline to the code to final a technology.
With all that in thoughts it’s merely time to behave. It’s time to be devoid of emotion about ‘good guys’. It’s time to make chilly, laborious, goal calls about one of the best pursuits of the code. In any other case the ‘golden daybreak’ will likely be within the rear imaginative and prescient mirror and we’ll all be left asking, ‘Whisky Tango Foxtrot simply occurred’? Do you actually need to threat all of that?
It’s time: Cheik please.
Tah Rebels.
In what’s a primary in my dwelling reminiscence, not simply have RA made a terrific name, but in addition opened up a glimpse behind the curtains of what ‘centralisation’ would possibly appear like and the way it would possibly truly operate. And you understand what Gaggers? I prefer it.
RA, the Rebels and the Tahs have manufactured a short-term mortgage deal that can see the Pone Specific get his first sport day run of SRP in 2024. The large man has fallen down the pecking order on the Rebs, behind The Abattoir, Sam Talakai, Matt ‘Davy Jones’ Gibbon, spectacular teenager Isaac Kailea and large Cabous ‘The Moose’ Eloff.
The Tahs alternatively are with out 7 of their season 2024 contracted entrance rowers, with Julian Heaven the most recent hooker to go down injured and out for the yr. Heaven injured the AC joint in his proper shoulder in the course of the defeat to the Hurricanes and can miss the ultimate 4 video games of the season.
This quick time period deal is smart, offers Pone some a lot wanted sport time and helps Australian rugby total. Good name and effectively performed all events concerned.
In addition to, sources near occasions (talking anonymously as they aren’t authorised to publicly remark, and are utterly fabricated by me to create a narrative) just about verify that when the Mexican Rebels fold at season’s finish, they’ll largely be NSW Waratahs subsequent season anyway, so why not get a head begin now? It simply is smart.
Tah Rebs.
Paisami on Why.
It appears rejuvenated Pink, Hunter Pasiami, has unfinished enterprise in each the purple and gold jerseys. Sufficient in order that he’s walked away from profitable abroad presents. That is excellent news for each the Reds and Wallabies. It appears Les Kiss is a Dropped Kickoff listener as effectively, for he too believes Paisami has the makings of a good #10, one thing I floated on the DKO some time again, that may very well be fascinating to observe evolve as effectively.
When requested ‘why’ he had chosen to remain, The Squatter informed AAP: “A significant aim is to tug on that gold jersey once more. That begins right here by enjoying my greatest footy for the Reds, and hopefully the chance to play on the subsequent stage comes from that. Having the British & Irish Lions touring Australia subsequent yr comes round as soon as in a participant’s lifetime, and hopefully I can earn a component in that.”
I can let you know for a truth the information additionally purchased a tear or two to the dimwitted QPRQ based mostly, G&GR writers.
The Soiled Dozen.
Final drink saloon. The practice is leaving the station. The rubber meets the street. Or simply plain ol’ up spit creek and not using a paddle. No matter your metaphor, this weekend there will likely be tears and tantrums a loads.
Welcome to spherical #12 of Tremendous Rugby Pacific the place groups with two wins are nonetheless official finals contenders. How’s that for rewarding rank mediocrity, people!
All groups courtesy Glad’s Thursday Information
Friday 10 Might 5:05pm AEST – Moana Pasifika v Chiefs at Go Media Stadium, Auckland
How do I put this politely? Ah bugger it, little greater than an opposed coaching run for the Chuffs.
Fearless Prediction: Chuffs by 30.
Referee: Damon Murphy Assistant Referees: Nic Berry, George Myers
Friday 10 Might 7:35pm AEST – Reds v Rebels at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
The northern Reds v the southern Reds in what shapes as a possible ding-dong battle among the many piggies. From 1-8 there seems an actual ‘evenness’ concerning the head-to-head challenges. If I needed to choose one differentiator, it will be the northern Reds are a extra cohesive outfit.
The match sees the return of JOC from the pine for a probable first outing of this SRP season. Be fascinating to see how Rabbit goes first run again. I might add this to the combination, although: if Flash Gordon is to stake any Wallaby claims he actually should dominate Lawson Creighton on this match to point out he ‘has the minerals’.
Fearless Prediction: Northern Reds by 8.
Referee: Paul Williams Assistant Referees: Dan Waenga, Mike Winter
Saturday 11 Might 2:35pm AEST – Blues v Hurricanes at Eden Park, Auckland
Match of the spherical and attainable SRP remaining preview. The 2 Kiwi giants go at one another Saturday afternoon within the early sport. Listening to the boys ‘Speaking Groups Podcast’ I believe they nailed their descriptions. The Canes look polished and a cohesive unit. The Blues look scary and, if upset, simply bash and bulldoze sides. So as to add insult to harm additionally they have an abundance of tempo and talent out vast.
I can see this being a excessive scoring, however very shut sport and an excellent one for us neutrals. It appears the Canes are additionally anticipating a troublesome day on the workplace, naming a 6:2 bench. That may very well be fascinating.
Fearless Prediction: Blues by 4.
Referee: James Doleman Assistant Referees: Jono Bredin, Fraser Hannon.
Saturday 11 Might 5:05pm AEST – Highlanders v Crusaders at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
These two groups nonetheless have all of it to play for on this one. The Landers are seventh on 19 factors, the Saders are tenth on 13 factors, simply 4 factors behind the eighth positioned Drua.
Fears about Scott Barrett’s again harm from final week seem unfounded and was nothing greater than ‘shagger’s again’. Up entrance the Saders are again to their menacing greatest with the return of Tamaiti Williams and Codie Taylor each from harm. They accomplice the fairly helpful Fletcher Newell. Nonetheless, the Landers are greater than helpful in their very own proper with Ethan de Groot (c), Henry Bell and Jermaine Ainsley.
I believe this may very well be an excellent, free flowing sport to observe. I additionally suppose the Saders would possibly spook just a few high 8 groups after this match.
Fearless Prediction: Crusaders by 18.
Referee: Angus Gardner Assistant Referees: Jordan Manner, Matt Kellahan
Saturday 11 Might 7:35pm AEST – Waratahs v Brumbies at Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Trying ahead to the battle of the loosies. However that’s about the one factor I’m wanting ahead too.
Fearless Prediction: Brumbies by 19.
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe Assistant Referees: Stu Curran, Jackson Henshaw
Saturday 11 Might 9:55pm AEST – Western Drive v Fijian Drua at HBF Park, Perth
A Drive win would truly make the final 2 rounds extraordinarily tight, with all sides mathematically nonetheless an opportunity of constructing the highest eight. The Drive are at residence and welcome Izack Rodda and Nic ‘the Lip’ White to the beginning facet. And it can’t be discounted simply how shut the Drua bought to an admittedly underwhelming Brumbies facet final week.
Type would recommend the Drua are specials, however each Drive and Fiji type fluctuate wildly. So, who is aware of?
Fearless Prediction: Hoss does. Put your cash on a draw. Simply to make issues actual fascinating!
Referee: Angus Mabey Assistant Referees: Jordan Kaminsky, Marcus Playle.
Intermission
No expense spared and makes as a lot, if no more, sense than Wednesday’s Rugby Information anyhow.
Duck Looking Canucks.
Do not try and say that quick!
Sat, Might 11, 2024, 4:55pm Allianz Stadium. 4:30pm protection, 4:55pm kick off
New Wallaroos coach, the superbly named former Pommy halfback, Jo Yapp, has introduced her first Wallaroos facet who face Canadia this Saturday at Allianz Stadium. With expertise beginning to construct properly throughout the squad, eight Wallaroos now have greater than 20 caps every (in comparison with 3 when Jay Tregonning took over, and a attainable three debutantes from the pine) and all of the sudden the trajectory of the Wallaroos facet is each thrilling and hints at higher occasions forward.
At present ranked fifth on this planet, they’ll tackle the fashionable and 4th ranked Canucks, recent from a spanking of the USA. This match will likely be each a problem and an fascinating measure of simply the place our women are at. Solid your thoughts again a yr and the Wallaroos completed the Pacific 4 competitors on a excessive with wins towards France and Wales, additional proof that the Wallaroos are a rising menace.
Tahs skipper, Piper ‘Plucka’ Duck, who missed out on the gold jersey for 18 months after harm and shite luck, will likely be one to observe. You might recall that Plucka was named the youngest Wallaroo skipper ever and has labored her approach again to type and a deserved golden #8 jersey and will likely be eager to make an affect. Be careful Canucks.
With the all-conquering Tahs rightfully making up the majority of the squad, I’m to see how the halves pairing of Layne Morgan and Bella McKenzie go. Additionally with a favorite of mine in ‘G-Fred’, Georgia Freidrichs, at #13, the 2 strive scoring speedsters out vast in Desiree Miller and Maya Stewart may very well be in for some actual enjoyable. Good sport to observe and intelligent advertising for it to be on Moms’ Day. In the event you can, get right down to the sport and help the crew.
Go effectively Wallaroos.
Wallaroos: 1. Brianna Hoy (NSW Waratahs) – 3 caps 2. Tania Naden (ACT Brumbies) – 10 caps 3. Bridie O’Gorman (NSW Waratahs) – 17 caps 4. Kaitlan Leaney (NSW Waratahs) – 15 caps 5. Michaela Leonard (c) (Western Drive) – 22 caps 6. Siokapesi Palu (ACT Brumbies) – 6 caps7. Ashley Marsters (Melbourne Rebels) – 26 caps 8. Piper Duck (NSW Waratahs) – 10 caps 9. Layne Morgan (NSW Waratahs) – 19 caps 10. Arabella McKenzie (NSW Waratahs) – 21 caps 11. Desiree Miller (NSW Waratahs) – 2 caps 12. Trilleen Pomare (Western Drive) – 24 caps 13. Georgina Friedrichs (NSW Waratahs) – 19 caps 14. Maya Stewart (NSW Waratahs) – 8 caps15. Lori Cramer (Queensland Reds) – 19 caps Reserves 16. Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke* (Western Drive) – debut 17 Sally Fuesaina* (ACT Brumbies) – debut 18. Eva Karpani (NSW Waratahs) – 21 caps 19. Atasi Lafai (NSW Waratahs) – 9 caps 20. Leilani Nathan (NSW Waratahs) – 2 caps 21. Tabua Tuinakauvadra (ACT Brumbies) – 4 caps 22. Samantha Wooden* (Western Drive) – debut 23. Faitala Moleka (ACT Brumbies) – 6 caps *Denotes potential debut
Fearless Prediction: Wallaroos by 8.
Friday’s Goss with Hoss
Really feel like a Ewe, or Two?
Attention-grabbing story on ABC Information in the course of the week about our latest shearing champion. 38yo Australian girl Jeanine Kimm knocked over 358 ewes at a median of 80.8 seconds every. Whereas spectacular, KARL tells me the Kiwis maintain a greater report, although, and capable of ‘do’ a ewe each 76.32 seconds. Bloody Kiwis win once more.
Underneath 20s Unperturbed.
Simply once you thought the fats woman was about to sing (or ‘weight challenged, feminine figuring out vocalist’ in case you favor) our Wallaby toddlers pulled a rabbit outta their hats and rolled the junior Dutch Dust Farmers.
I watched the second half in what was a see-sawing encounter in very moist circumstances; nonetheless, I used to be pleasantly shocked by the endeavour, talent and tempo that our lot performed with. Our beginning entrance row particularly have been excellent.
With the competitors nonetheless within the stability and bonus factors crucial, our younger males tackle the Junior Kiwis, or ‘Lamb Lovers’ as they’re identified (apparently one each 76.32 seconds), this weekend.
- Sunday 12/05. 1.30pm Kick off. South Africa v Argentina – on STAN
- Sunday 12/05. 3.30pm Kick off. Australia v NZ – on STAN
100 Not Out.
In a season of so close to, but up to now, one Tah particularly has stood tall. Massive Jed Holloway runs out for his a centesimal Tah cap this Saturday towards the Ponies. Whereas the SRP season appears to be like destined to be ugly for Jed and the Tahs, he can maintain his head up excessive and look ahead to carrying the Wallaby jersey later within the season. From all on G&GR, effectively finished Jed.
Dick hurts knee.
Who’s proof studying stuff at rugby.com.au?
After reporting Aussie 7s participant Lily Dick had certainly damage her knee in the course of the Singapore 7s, Natho goes on to put in writing: ‘Dick in the meantime didn’t characteristic after day one, having been thrust into the beginning facet towards Nice Britain’.
So many questions.
Au revoir?
Drums are beating that each Ned ‘Flanders’ Hanigan and Tahs skipper, Jake ‘Commissioner’ Gordon, might each be off to the land of unconditional give up and profiteroles subsequent yr. Each have been excellent this yr and the Tahs fan in me is saddened, however as long-serving and dependable servants to the Premier State, I hope they’ll each make euro whereas the rugby solar shines.
And Sayonara Too!
Breaking information final evening on the SMH, that aspiring Tahs #10 Will Harrison, who’s off contract on the finish of this yr, has additionally signed to go OS, a Japanese membership on a two yr contract.
In a traditional legislation of unintended penalties second, it appears the delays in a call on the Rebels future and a possible 30-odd gamers hitting the market, means the remaining Oz sides have understandably held off contract negotiations with these gamers of their very own who’re quickly off contract. On this occasion, the Tahs are reportedly eager on Flash Gordon, therefore the delays in negotiating with Harrison and Edmed, and have now misplaced Harrison and at the moment are not any certainty on getting Flash Gordon both!
Nonetheless, equally comprehensible, these gamers off contract have sought employment and monetary certainty elsewhere. So riddle me this Gaggers, if the Rebels ought to survive, then what are golf equipment to do to fill the gaping holes left from the gamers leaping ship throughout this present void of nothingness?
Wouldn’t centralisation or clear and outlined management on this situation from RA be helpful proper about now!
Kiwi ‘Gutto Rull’?
Rumblings out of Kiwi land that there are some discussions with Princess Richie Mo’unga about an early return (AKA contract cancellation) to the AB arrange. It’s a certain signal of panic from incoming break dancer and typically coach, Scott Robbo, that the ABs completely suck and possibly received’t win inithung with out Princess Mo’unga again almost in black. Search for a Kiwi model of the Giteau Rule to be rolled out quickly I reckon.
That’s a Wrap.
The Godfather of G&GR, the Pope of Podcasts, the Ayatollah of Rugby-olla, Mr Shane ‘Sully’ Sullivan will once more be again this weekend together with his newly minted ‘Weekend Wrap’ article on G&GR. Whoever stated there’s such a factor as an excessive amount of rugby has by no means met Sully!
You’ll be able to contact el supremo on: sully@greenandgoldrugby.com
Moms’ Day.
We don’t ever say it sufficient will we, however this weekend discover a minute, discover a telephone and the place you’ll be able to, say ‘thanks’ to those that helped elevate you, information you, love you and form you to the individual you’re at the moment. I definitely wouldn’t have needed to boost me.
From us at G&GR and from my household to yours, comfortable Moms’ Day.
Go the Tahs.
Hoss – out