Time is running out for Wallabies hopefuls to impress new coach Joe Schmidt. Here are the players putting their hands up for a first international call-up.
A round of trans-Tasman clashes in Super Rugby was compelling and showed the competition is flying.
The Rebels aren’t the only ones on trial as their increasingly bitter battle with Rugby Australia plays out – it’s the entire concept of the five-team model.
Kurtley Beale had a remarkable impact at fullback for the Force in Saturday’s victory over the Crusaders.
The future of the Giteau Law may be of little consequence for the new Australian coach.
The ‘Lions phenomenon’ may be helping Australia’s Super Rugby contingent with the Rebels uncovering a new rising star.
Move to Europe and the cash will flow,they said. Well,it hasn’t for South African teams just yet. If it doesn’t,they might be back in Super Rugby given the extraordinary cost of keeping up with the giants of European rugby.
NSW’s malaise would appear to be terminal. But the example of the Blues – for so long New Zealand rugby’s great underachievers – shows a turnaround is possible.
The significance of Joe Schmidt’s latest recruit cannot be overestimated – and it shows the Wallabies coach wants to leave a lasting legacy.
The Brumbies and Reds put on a quality display on Saturday,but it’s still a step below Test rugby and that complicates matters for the Wallabies’ coach.
A few years ago I would have been hostile to even contemplate a switch to summer to align with the northern hemisphere. Now I am merely neutral,not to mention curious.