Greetings Gaggers and welcome to yet one more Friday’s Rugby Information in what has doubtlessly been a reasonably excellent news week for the sport in Oz.
In the present day let’s first observe the faint sniff of cash in ‘Go West Younger Rebs’. Meet up with the newest teaching appointments with ‘St Joe & Co.’ All hail an Australian Rugby legend in ‘Golden Slipper’. Observe the trajectory of one other Ounceslegend in ‘Hooper’s Honkers Whats up!’. Handle our falling rake shares in ‘Somebody Name a Hooker’. Preview spherical #4 of SRW in ‘Present Time’. And settle in for a ‘Friday’s Goss’ with Hoss’ presently ‘negotiating my brains out’ with Channel 7 for my memoirs: ’50 Shades of Lard’.
Go West Younger Rebs?
Coated by Happster yesterday, however price a fast revisit. Rumblings late this week about Leigh Clifford, each the previous Qantas Chairman & the previous chief govt of Rio Tinto. Mr Clifford tells the Australian Monetary Evaluate of working with ‘non-public fairness and different traders to boost $30m’ and plans for relocating the Rebels to ‘Western Melbourne’.
Now this actually twigged my curiosity twofold:
- I had all the time thought Western Melbourne was referred to as ‘South Australia’?
- That there appeared a lifeline for the embattled membership and the hope of some certainty for the gamers, coached and their family members.
While the promise of a lifeline is nice information to all, one should mood that pleasure for now. The AFR story additionally states that Lieutenant Dan Herbert, Rugby Australia chair has mentioned ‘no particulars or plans in regards to the transfer had been mentioned with the governing physique, regardless of it holding the licence to run the Rebels.’
Let’s hope on this case that the place there’s smoke, there seems to be the burning embers from the fires of ambition and planning, not a dumpster filled with the flames of damaged goals and busted contracts.
St Joe & Co.
The excellent news retains coming for us lengthy struggling and twitchy Wallaby Followers. Information this week that vaunted scrum guru and Kiwi (nobodies good, effectively only a few of us anyway) ‘Emmanuel’ Mike Cron has joined a burgeoning and star studded line up at Wallaby HQ as a part of St Joe’s teaching outfit
Emmanuel joins St Joe (Head & assault coach), Lord Laurie, Chris Thompson (workforce supervisor) & Eoin Toolan (head of research and expertise coach).
Definitely Hamish Bidwell from rugbypass.com is a fan on the newest appointment and had this to say:
”Scrummaging is only a fraction of what Mike Cron will deliver to the Wallabies.”
”As hires go, this can be a very astute one by Rugby Australia (RA) and head coach Joe Schmidt.”
”Cron shall be extra than simply an assistant to Schmidt and a technical useful resource for the gamers. Cron’s a life coach and mentor, a person who creates an atmosphere and sense of collegiality that helps make different males higher.”
Say what you need, however for the reason that canine breakfast of the RWC only a few may argue that RA haven’t made quite a lot of mature and regarded choices. This appears to a fantastic transfer, bRAvo.
Golden Slipper.
Robust, humble, resilient, gracious and deserving.
You by no means hear a nasty phrase about Brumbies & Wallabies legend James Slipper do you. Good workforce, poor workforce, good coach, poor coach, he merely rolls up the sleeves and offers it his finest each time he dons the jersey and walks off the sector figuring out he did what he may on the day. He ready effectively, sacrificed, toiled and ‘put in’ yet one more top notch shift.
Slips runs out for recreation #178 this Saturday when the Brumbies face the Tahs in Canberra to take the Australian document from the good Stephen ‘Squeak’ Moore. At present sitting #fifth on the all time document holders listing (with ‘by no means packed sq. as soon as’ Wyatt Crocket #1 on 202 video games), Slipper added, when requested about presumably taking the general document:
“We’ll see what occurs. I’m simply taking a look at this yr solely in the intervening time.
“(The physique) has its moments and days. After video games like final week, it’s pulled up fairly sore however the video games are the straightforward bit, it’s the coaching which might be exhausting.”
From all at G&GR and past these pages to the broader rugby cosmos, effectively carried out Slips, I personally couldn’t consider a extra worthy and deserving Australian to personal that achievement. Play effectively and play on.
Hooper’s Honkers Whats up.
Nicely, that is going to be fascinating.
After not less than 6 months of coaching & preparation (first on his personal after which with the workforce) Tahs & Wallaby legend, Michael Hooper will make his debut within the full throttled cardio assault of ‘Rugby 7’s’. And what a spot to make your debut, the famed HSBC Hong Kong 7’s.
Lengthy feted in XV’s for his health, work ethic & tempo, Hoops appears to have shed muscle mass in return for a extra streamlined physique, enhanced endurance and flat out velocity as he takes the sphere this weekend.
With the Olympics due in July, Hooper shall be pushing his case for extra recreation time and a spot on the battle of the rings in Paris. Watching Hoops on STAN has been a revelation. He appears relaxed and at peace with is determination to swap over to the 7’s recreation. Certainly when you have a spare quarter-hour I like to recommend you hear from the person himself about his change, his motivations and the challenges he confronted at ‘Going for Inexperienced and Gold’ and ‘sure’ we paid a lot for that product naming and placement.
All match particulars (in HK time) at hksevens.com
Somebody Name a Hooker.
Nope, not only a main tv community tactic (allegedly) for securing a narrative, however as an alternative spherical #7 of Tremendous Rugby. With Aussie hookers dropping like flies, the decision has gone out to rakes all throughout this large brown land. This week additionally sees the primary bye weekend. Gamers from the Reds, Crusaders, Hurricanes and Highlanders all having fun with some relaxation time and ft up someplace, little question studying Friday’s Rugby Information.
All workforce information from Completely satisfied’s Thursday Information.
Friday 5 April 5:05 pm AEDT – Blues v Western Pressure at Eden Park, Auckland, ad-free, dwell on Stan Sport
One other week, one other lot of mass adjustments to a Kiwi facet, with the Blues making a complete of 10 adjustments to their facet to host the Pressure. I get that the Blues are outfit, you rule out Patrick Tuipolotu and usher in Dalton Papali’i, Mr Dalton Papali’i’ (I hear this tune in my thoughts each time I kind his identify) however 10 adjustments continues to be 10 adjustments!
The Pressure are coming off a slogfest at Lake Lautoka in Fiji final week which little question will result in some heavy legs for this one. Certainly one would hope that the Pressure flew from Fiji to NZ direct to save lots of on journey and some extra treasured days to get better for this match.
Anyhoo. There’s actually no cause to choose the drive for this one is there? Their type while OK, has been a tad inconsistent. They beat the Communist’s in advantageous model, had an actual heavy hit out final week in Fiji, however in appalling circumstances. For all of that although they sit on the backside of the ladder nonetheless. And to high all of it off, this match is on the grave yard of Eden Park as effectively.
Nope, no cause in any respect to again the Pressure right here.
Fearless prediction: Pressure by 2
Referee: Paul Williams Assistant Referees: Marcus Playle, Mike Winter
Friday 5 April 7:35 pm AEDT – Melbourne Rebels v Fijian Drua at AAMI Park, Melbourne ad-free, dwell on Stan Sport
A glimmer of excellent information for the Rebs franchise late this week and perhaps, simply perhaps that may result in certainty and peace of thoughts because the uncertainty of all of it is simply plain merciless. It may show to be false hope, just like the Dinosaurs did 65 million years in the past: ‘I reckon that meteorite would possibly simply miss us you recognize’.
Let’s hope there’s actual meat to the bones of those experiences and that it interprets to an on subject raise as effectively. Positive they beat the Tahs final week and rightfully so. However they did so by ‘sucking much less’ (queue Yowie in 3,2,1…..). The talent, kicking, recreation plan and degree of play was very poor, made to look higher by the Tahs who have been fairly merely, rancid.
The Drua, effectively they’re higher ready, higher funded, extra skilled outfit than their earlier campaigns and they’re on an ominous roll. Positive they will win at residence, however I reckon they will greater than win in Melbourne too. Dependable Hooker Tevita Ikanivere returns, Mirai Mirai (on the wall) is a terrific loosie and he’s additionally again within the run on facet and in Frank Lomani they’ve, in my view, the SRP participant of the yr to this point.
Fearless Prediction: Murphy to take out Drua #10, however Drua to win by 16.
Referee: Damon Murphy Assistant Referees: Graham Cooper, Jeremy Markey
Saturday 6 April 5:05 pm AEDT – Chiefs v Moana Pasifika at FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, ad-free, dwell on Stan Sport
I’d prefer to discover a constructive to say about MP and their possibilities for this one, however I can’t.
Fearless Prediction: Chuffs by 25
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe Assistant Referees: Stu Curran, Jackson Henshaw
Saturday 6 April 7:35 pm AEDT – ACT Brumbies v NSW Waratahs at GIO Stadium, Canberra, ad-free, dwell on Stan Sport and the 9 Community.
“80 per cent of teaching is in choice” Emmanuel: Mike Cron.
For the 38 of you to take heed to this weeks ‘Speaking Groups Podcast’, you’ll already know I went off reservation with my view on the Tahs exterior backs this yr. For the document, I assumed the workforce seemed effectively coached, however poorly chosen and mentioned as a lot.
This week Coach Coleman should observe Channel 7’s lead (allegedly) and have these in his cost pulled off shortly and cope with any fall out afterward. The Tahs pack have been terrific. Jethro Holloway, Flanders Hannigan, Kenny Rogers, Mad Canine Swinton, Clubba Langy Gleeson, The Bull and co have aimed up every match, however the jerseys from #10 – #15? Not a lot.
This week they face a Brumbies facet that’s appeared to have gone from stuttering to steamrolling within the area of some brief weeks. Their forwards are again of their relentless groove. Their backs are electrical and have flare, flash and ending prowess. In Phil Collins at #10 they’ve Australia’s finest aim kicker and out & out finest #10. In actual fact, I imagine he’s 100% from the tee for conversions for the season and excessive 80%’s for penalties.
As a rusted on Tahs fan even I can’t see a path previous the Brumbies on this one. The Brumbies have seemingly now bedded down that ruthless ahead play of the McKellar period, however sprinkled it with that verve and daring that made Bernie Larkham the most effective Wallaby #10 of all time. And any workforce that may marry these two traits, is a workforce going locations and going straight previous the Tahs.
Fearless prediction: Kills me to kind this, Brumbies by 21.
Referee: Nic Berry Assistant Referees: Jordan Manner, Matt Kellahan
Present Time.
Friday 5 April 5:05 pm AEDT – Melbourne Rebels v Queensland Reds at AAMI Park, Melbourne, on Stan Sport
Reds have been underwhelming this season and appear to lack measurement that leaves them open to exploitation through route 1 from different sides. The Rebs will look to use that and may get this one comfortably.
Fearless prediction: Rebs by 18
Saturday 6 April 5:05 pm AEDT – ACT Brumbies v Fijian Drua at GIO Stadium, Canberra, on Stan Sport
The Brumbies facet look to be operating into higher type and the Fijian facet doesn’t look match to me. Add in journey and fatigue from the Druas final outing and I feel the Brumbies are specials.
Fearless Prediction: Brumbies by 9
Saturday 6 April 6:05 pm AEDT – Western Pressure v NSW Waratahs at UWA Sports activities Park, Perth, on Stan Sport
The Forces’ funding of their Ladies’s program is baring fruit this yr. However the Tahs are the tempo setters and look a lot fitter and higher drilled than all different sides thus far in 24.
Fearless Prediction: Tahs by 15.
Friday’s Goss’ with Hoss.
The Hooker’s Curse 2.0.
The #2 jersey at Daceyville is cursed. Porky Porecki continues to be round 4 weeks from returning and now information that in type rake Mahe Vailanu is out for the yr after struggling a knee harm 28 minutes into the Tahs horror displaying final week.
And to rub salt into this followers already gaping wound? Vailanu injured his knee tearing downfield in help of Dylan Pietsch ready for a go that by no means bloody got here. You simply couldn’t script these items may ya! Blow a attempt to a knee in a single foul swoop!
Harry Potter & the Surgeons Scalpel.
Information Thursday that Pressure full again Harry Potter will go below the knife for syndesmosis surgical procedure. Rotten luck for the Hogwarts Alumni and more likely to see him miss the rest of this SRP season
Murphy’s Guidelines.
From my least favorite Ouncesref to serving to Wallabies Bledisloe possibilities in a single foul swoop? Nicely perhaps.
Final week Damon Murphy discovered himself, effectively not precisely ‘poorly positioned’, however not less than in the best way of a scurrying Cam Roigard in the course of the Canes v Landers match. Consequently Roigard was pressured to pivot awkwardly, was then tackled mid-pivot and bing-bam-boom is now out for six months after present process knee surgical procedure.
While horrible luck for Roigard, the Canes can name on a seemingly rejuvenated, refreshed and roaring TJ Paranoia as a greater than helpful backup. From all at G&GR, right here’s wishing Cam Roigard a easy and well timed restoration. He’s some participant.
Siya Later!
Returning (????) head coach & former Catholic water boy, Rassie ‘Jaco Johan’ Erasmus has seemingly signalled the tip of Siya Kolesi’s reign as El Capitan. Regardless of being a twin RWC successful skipper, Erasmus has acknowledged he would ”desire to have my captain regionally based mostly as that permits for extra interplay.” Kolisi responded along with his traditional good grace and mentioned he had assumed the captaincy would go elsewhere as soon as he signed with Racing 92.
Wright Man, Wright Place.
Large fan of Liam Wright for lots of the unsexy stuff he does so very effectively. Appears John Ferguson at rugypass.com feels the identical means
Who’s who at Wallaroos.
New teaching appointments have been introduced on the Wallaroos. rugby.com.au has extra.
About Time.
Appears world rugby does learn G&GR on Fridays in spite of everything. planetrugby.com has extra.
God Zammit!
The tip of Rugby as we all know it? In accordance with stuff.co.nz perhaps.
Shute First.
Not solely the creed for all American police, but in addition the beginning of the 2024 Constitution Corridor Shute Defend. The competitors will get below means this weekend with 12 sides prepared and roaring to go. rugby.com.au has extra
Taking the puss.
I don’t faux to be an professional, or a lot good in any respect at a few of the pronunciations of our PI fraternity within the rugby groups. Like most Aussies I learn what’s written as one phrase, with out all of the dots, dashes, hyphens and such. However final week listening to the Kiwi protection of MP match, one of many commentators referred to MP as ‘Par-see-if-eee-ka’ and I assumed she was simply ‘taking the puss’ a wee bit. So I assumed substitute instructor Mr Garvy is perhaps as a way to assist spotlight the variations within the notion of names and that of their right pronunciations.
Till subsequent week. Go the Tahs girls.
H’o’ss – out.