Roar Pro
Joined February 2023
224k
Views
38
Published
1.4k
Comments
Published
Comments
Larkham must be assessed as a coach and not as the legendary player he was.
How big a call would it be to start Tom Lynagh at flyhalf in a Test against the Lions at this stage of his…
The second-worst thing about the latest assault of Tom Lynagh is that we’ll never know the truth. Here’s a young player, supremely talented but…
The Reds-Bristol debacle is not what the game needs right now. The selection of a full-strength side seemingly without any dialogue with Bristol, is…
The legendary Liverpool football manager Bill Shankly famously said “form is temporary but class is permanent.” Perhaps Joe Schmidt had that in mind when…
We need to start making rugby league think twice about which Australian Schoolboys it signs from rugby. The only way to do that is…
The Roar’s coverage of the Australian U18 side in the last week was a welcome addition to the Rugby page. Without it, I might…
So many of the former Wallabies coach's steps are easy to take...They just require some courage and be implemented by a competent leadership with vision.
South Africa awoke from a self-imposed slumber at Ellis Park on August 31. You read that right. After winning back-to-back William Webb Ellis Cups…
What took so long? It was sensational to see the English Rugby Football Union announce that England A will be playing Australia A later…
The Australian way? Exhibit A: Queensland vs Wales, July 19 2024. A Reds second XV full of kids put on jerseys and played like…
The time for platitudes and sympathy for these players is over. Accountability and a hard edge must be found now.
European Rugby is running rings around its competitors in New Zealand and Australia. It’s tougher, more varied and better organised than any of our…
The longer Australian rugby fixates on Eddie Jones, the further it will find itself from solutions. Yes, Eddie’s tenure was a monumental failure. Yes,…
The Reds are the real deal. Les Kiss’ side have now played all five Kiwi sides, beating three and pushing both the Hurricanes and…
Joe Schmidt achieved much of his success by making Eddie Jones look like a Pomeranian, with his coaching methods reported as tough, unpleasant and even brutal.
The pressure on Darren Coleman over the last few months was both foreseeable and unsurprising. Much has been written about Coleman not having enough…
Les Kiss identified the most significant change made since his arrival at the Reds to being his diverse and highly qualified assistants.
The Reds performances against Kiwi opposition over the past two weeks are the most impressive back to back by an Australian side since 2014.…
The saddest thing about Australian Rugby right now is that it hasn’t learnt its lesson. In a month when Tom Brady was throwing darts…
It’s not about “going wide” with predictable monotony, it’s about creating a chance to off load, square up defenders and challenge the line. It’s where the Reds excel and it’s also why people like to watch them.
Last-minute try sinks Reds despite JTA heroics, Drua keep alive faint finals hopes
The Brumbies who rolled the Drua but can’t beat any kiwi sides with 3 pointers and rolling mauls in SF and Finals.
Last-minute try sinks Reds despite JTA heroics, Drua keep alive faint finals hopes
No sore spot. Just triggered my BS and Tall Poppy detector.
Like I said, writing them off because they lost in Fiji… chiefs lost there this year, crusaders lost there last year.
Last-minute try sinks Reds despite JTA heroics, Drua keep alive faint finals hopes
Stock standard post from a keyboard warrior who’s been waiting from the start of the season to bag the Reds and Les Kiss.
Think you’ll find the Chiefs lost in Fiji this year as well as the Tahs. Last year the Drua beat the Saders, Tahs and Force in Fiji too. It’s a tough place to go.
Reds have already beaten Otago and the Blues, pushed the Chiefs very hard in New Zealand. They are worthy of being 4th place 80% of the way through the season. Not just that, people actually like the way they play most weeks which is why they haven’t had to go cap in hand to Moore Park…
Reds weren’t good enough today. But in a one off final I’d say the Chiefs or Canterbury would much rather face the Brumbies or any other team in the comp.
Last-minute try sinks Reds despite JTA heroics, Drua keep alive faint finals hopes
The thing about McDermott and Lynagh is that they challenge the line, keep defenders guessing.
Kiss coaches them that way and is obviously really behind keeping runners in motion and support play which helps his halves.
Aussie Rugby is at its best when we have a 9 who can run and a 10 who isn’t afraid to take the defrnce on, play what’s in front of him with both hands on the ball.
Reds combination knocking on the Wallabies' door, the other bolter to tame the Lions - five things
I’d love to see Zane Hilton given the HC role under Stuart Lancaster in a DoR type appointment.
Hilton is the best young coach we have, he’s served apprenticeships overseas and under Kiss etc.
Exclusive: Kiss' Wallabies appointment 'imminent' after QRU board meet, MacDonald in line to replace Cheika
I’d like to see:
(a) the underlying maths here. For example 2025 revenue minus debt facility minus other debts (?) minus operating costs = X
(b) the forecast revenue for 2026-2031 incorporating the deal with Nine with details of spending plans.
(c) Exactly how the current debt/ deficit is made up.
Article on all that coming Christie?
Revealed: Rugby Australia plans to be debt-free by end of 2025 despite jaw-dropping $36m deficit
Brumbies delivered a wet weather lesson through AAA, Slipper and Valetini. Reds played stupid rugby and their tight 5 were careless with the ball.
Thomas quick tapping, Canham running up right into contact, silly offloads etc. 101 of how not to play in the wet.
Larkham’s comments at the end of the night were interesting, Brumbies game plan is tighter and better suited to the rain. Kiss will be fuming with his pack and leaders.
Bobby V bashes Reds as Brumbies deliver timely reminder of Aussie status, Kiss left to rue missed chance
It’s a form selection but yes, Robertson a bit off.
I do like the idea of Asiata coming off the bench with Tizzano though.
No Taniela, skipper benched and JAS at 15: Ex-Test star's 'exciting' form Wallabies XV to take on the Lions
A shockingly bad deal when you look at the numbers and growth – almost looks like a case of any deal is better than no deal.
Also a catastrophic error to not ensure at least one or two Super Rugby matches are on free to air. At a time, no less, when free to air viewers are increasing.
Very disappointing, especially given that Super Rugby finally seems to be on the up again. What has gone on here?
Wallabies win incentives included in $215m broadcast deal, Super Rugby FTA coverage up in the air
Did Schmidt see something in him or was it more that he was the only choice:
– Lynagh and HMP too young last year
– Donaldson not playing regularly at 10
– RWC fly-half leaving for league
– etc.
Lolesio played well on the end of season tour but was solid rather than world class…
'I wanted to stay': Lolesio says Wallaby coaching uncertainty played role in decision to quit Australia
Think the Force is many people’s second team – great to see them doing well and think they are on to something with their backrow especially.
Feel for Otago though, just keep coming up short.
Tizzano, Potter star during Force's vital come-from-behind win over Highlanders
So you’re saying that Lolesio should be the only one on trial for his form, that the last coaching job Larkham had shouldn’t be looked at?
Is Larkham behind Lolesio’s struggles? Brumbies coach's Irish experience might provide a clue
Three tries a piece, 10 all at HT, 13-10 at 70 minutes…
The HMP non-try under the posts was a turning point and the missed conversions important too.
There’s a lot to take from that including some of the best defence I’ve seen in a long while. Reds will believe they can get the better of them next time.
Ps yeah they should have taken the 3 on offer. But it’s hard to beat the best Kiwi sides at any level with penalty kicks unless you are the Boks.
'I'll wear that as captain': Reds rue missed chances as Chiefs storm home to move atop Super Rugby standings
Doesn’t need one right now. The rugby his sides play does the talking. Even shut up Campo.
Is Larkham behind Lolesio’s struggles? Brumbies coach's Irish experience might provide a clue
It’s a good point Tony but doesn’t that feed into the ‘rigidity’ comments and also the observation that the style doesn’t work against the big beasts?
For example, do they wait too long to get into good field positions instead of playing what’s in front of them?
And what happens when the right field position is denied by a better pack (especially at test level)?
Is Larkham behind Lolesio’s struggles? Brumbies coach's Irish experience might provide a clue
Hi Hitting Gaps
To me, that’s the key observation. Standing static and flat has to be coached, yes some players are more prone to it but it can be addrsssd at training. Hasn’t been much sign of that…
Is Larkham behind Lolesio’s struggles? Brumbies coach's Irish experience might provide a clue
Hi El Flash
That was hinted at in Munster and when you look at the quote in the article from Larkham when he was challenged, it effectively said “I don’t see a problem, if other people do that there’s problem.”
Is Larkham behind Lolesio’s struggles? Brumbies coach's Irish experience might provide a clue
Isn’t that kind of the point though.
This from the Irish examiner was used to describe Larkham’s attack:
“….perceived rigidity in sticking to pre-ordained strategies that result in a lack of offensive creativity”.
To me, as Rugby viewer, I can see that rigid approach in the Brumbies. Perhaps why Lolesio responded to Schmidt and a different environment and may respond well to Kiss…
Is Larkham behind Lolesio’s struggles? Brumbies coach's Irish experience might provide a clue
Just don’t feel that Lolesio has ever been more than a 6/10 maybe 7/10 for the Brumbies even in his best seasons.
And I don’t think it’s a stretch or unfair to link at least part of that to Larkham and the way he sees the game.
When you speak to die hard Munster supporters, their young fly halves and backs experienced very similar issues. They are scathing.
Is Larkham behind Lolesio’s struggles? Brumbies coach's Irish experience might provide a clue
Have to disagree that he’s been excellent or outstanding in any season that he’s played at the Brumbies.
Last season he looked ok, above average maybe.
It wasn’t until he got to the Wallsby set up that he went from ok to going pretty well in my opinion. Never outstanding.
Is Larkham behind Lolesio’s struggles? Brumbies coach's Irish experience might provide a clue
Published a week early Hika- never too early to build it up though, a burgeoning rivalry!
Is Larkham behind Lolesio’s struggles? Brumbies coach's Irish experience might provide a clue
In 2 years time de Luttis will be. Zonggor coming along too.
Tupou thinks he’s indispensable which is perhaps why his conditioning and work ethic are so low
Super Rugby teams round 8: Tupou benched, big guns return for Reds as HMP starts against Chiefs
When you look at the young tight heads coming through there’s a legitimate question now about whether you can justify topping up Tupou’s contract beyond this year.
Super Rugby teams round 8: Tupou benched, big guns return for Reds as HMP starts against Chiefs
It’s a cautionary tale isn’t it really?
“Show me the money” or “I’m taking calls from Leinster” … you have to write cheques your body and mind can cash.
No doubt Taniela is a superb talent and physically a beast but you have to stay focused and grounded. If his agent thinks going off to Ireland or France is where he’ll get the support and pastoral care he needs … he should think again.
'Do I know how to play rugby?': Wallaby's extraordinary admission ahead of Lions amid crisis of confidence