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Roar Guru
Joined June 2017
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Thank you to The Roar for enabling me to combine my great interests in sport and writing. Specialising in biographies. If you would like a biography written about a sportsman/woman or anyone for that matter let me know.
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As self-designated old timer’s rugby selector of the 'favourites fifteens' from Australia and New Zealand, I can now proudly announce the Favourites Overseas XV.…
Of all the positions in rugby, hooker is the least desirable on the field. It takes a unique character to want to scrummage with…
The key to improving Australian rugby is to treat it as the best niche sport in Australia. The days of competing with the AFL…
If you played as a back in rugby union, the dark arts of prop forward play were maybe a mystery to you. Even knowing…
Was Martin Johnson a rugby thug or just an overly aggressive player? He was a good man to have on your side, as he…
I have been analysing why I currently have this fascination with the English cricket team playing Bazball. In my earlier years there was always…
The size difference between players in rugby union is what defines it from other winter codes, a game for all types. The most striking…
Francois Pienaar may not be remembered for his greatness as a pure rugby flanker, but he will forever be memorialised as one of the…
Recently I wrote an article about the incomparable French rugby union flanker Jean-Pierre Rives who stated, “he couldn’t help but admire rugby’s most gifted…
To live through the 70s and 80s and experience French rugby was to experience how rugby should be played. No one epitomised this more…
Now to the forward pack we move for our favourite overseas rugby team. We have a brilliant backline with Gareth Edwards, Barry John, Danie…
There is a perception that if you critique rugby today, you are not a true rugby fan. I disagree with that premise. The devoted…
Please, All Blacks selectors, be brave and select Damian McKenzie in the squad for the Rugby World Cup. Yes, I know he faces opposition…
One of the most exciting sporting events I have seen recently has been LIV Golf in Adelaide shown on free-to-air television this weekend. I…
I recently authored an article based on the question, “is Gareth Edwards the greatest rugby player ever?” with the answer not conclusive, but he…
A video of New Zealand Women’s Sevens star Jorja Miller caught my eye and I was impressed with her skill level, which led me…
So far, we have JPR Williams, David Duckham, Gerald Davies, Philippe Sella and Danie Gerber named in my favourite overseas team and we need…
Neil Wagner is a one-of-a-kind bowler who is admired for his ability to adapt, tenacity and unlimited energy, making him one of the great…
It would be easy to write that one of rugby’s biggest disappointments was the absence of Danie Gerber from international rugby during South Africa’s…
You may not believe it but back in the 1970s athletics meetings attracted as many spectators as rugby matches in New Zealand. Big crowds…
Tough gig this selecting!
The 'Favourites Overseas XV' is complete. Will today's players be remembered as fondly as these rugby icons?
I did wonder. I cannot make an objective comment about Sid as I am totally biased!
The 'Favourites Overseas XV' is complete. Will today's players be remembered as fondly as these rugby icons?
The Welsh, Lions and Barbarians backs did alright didn’t they?
The 'Favourites Overseas XV' is complete. Will today's players be remembered as fondly as these rugby icons?
I wonder if at the core of it is the focus on “Me” rather than “We”?
The 'Favourites Overseas XV' is complete. Will today's players be remembered as fondly as these rugby icons?
No, he never went quite so well against the All Blacks. I believe even he admitted Going outplayed him on most occasions.
The 'Favourites Overseas XV' is complete. Will today's players be remembered as fondly as these rugby icons?
For a Saffer Os would be a favourite player no doubt.
The 'Favourites Overseas XV' is complete. Will today's players be remembered as fondly as these rugby icons?
They are favourite players Decoy, I’m more a Jones fan than McCaw. And I tried to revive memories of distant players from the past too.
The 'Favourites Overseas XV' is complete. Will today's players be remembered as fondly as these rugby icons?
Rugby players are better people Otago!!
Keith Wood - dynamo hooker and a charismatic leader
Yes, Gareth Edwards was a fantastic player.
The 'Favourites Overseas XV' is complete. Will today's players be remembered as fondly as these rugby icons?
Os was so close JN, but you’ve got to have a guy called “Mighty Mouse” surely!!
The 'Favourites Overseas XV' is complete. Will today's players be remembered as fondly as these rugby icons?
Unfortunately video is blocked here Dave, will try somewhere else.
Keith Wood - dynamo hooker and a charismatic leader
I wrote a similar article a while back Adam, so with more pressure maybe this could happen. https://www.theroar.com.au/2022/09/20/under-85kg-rugby-where-size-doesnt-count/
Why an under 85kg Bledisloe Cup could be better than the real thing
Hey Harry, I admire your style, how do you get in that zone? My writing is like bread and butter to your haute cuisine!
What three hours in a bar taught me about RWC contenders - including the 'most confident 0-4 team on the planet'
“It would prove to be a memorable, historic weekend. And it began, as so many of Hunter S Thompson’s adventures would, with drinks at a bar.”
What three hours in a bar taught me about RWC contenders - including the 'most confident 0-4 team on the planet'
You cannot see many fans leaving AFL or NRL for rugby, so don’t chase them. Cater to the true rugby fan and give them what they want. It would be a tough grind to gain more rugby schools so just build on the existing ones, create a list and target with funding, expertise etc.
Eddie has done what was needed four years ago and ripped the bandaid off. Now he's breathed life into Aussie rugby
Patience, grassroots and excellence are the keys Christy.
Eddie has done what was needed four years ago and ripped the bandaid off. Now he's breathed life into Aussie rugby
The thinking behind this appointment is potentially a brilliant move. Why appoint a skipper-Hooper etc who is so used to losing?
'Surprised the hell out of me': Jones gets a 'disciple for life' with left field call on 'reluctant' World Cup captain
A very positive article Christy. No one can criticise the youth and inexperience in this squad when the past players did nothing for Australian rugby.
Eddie has done what was needed four years ago and ripped the bandaid off. Now he's breathed life into Aussie rugby
Occasionally use one but it is ridiculous to kick possession away with only a 50/50 chance of getting it back again. White is a culprit and McDermott too with his telegraphed and slow intention to kick. If you broke down and analysed the benefits of the box kick, most times it would reveal it is a waste of time. Just because teams use them doesn’t mean they are right.
Studs and duds: Eddie hails 'some kind of monster', Carter fails number one job, 'horrible hint' of 2019 mess
If readers on the Roar can see that box kicks from the halfback are not working why aren’t the coaching staff aware of it?
Studs and duds: Eddie hails 'some kind of monster', Carter fails number one job, 'horrible hint' of 2019 mess
Yes, he had a very serious, tense look on his face, like he wasn’t enjoying it.
Bledisloe heartbreak: Eddie's Wallabies denied by last minute Mo'unga penalty as ABs seal stunning comeback
Thank you for all your comments BF. The thought of a captain didn’t even cross my mind. Too many to choose from?
For the overseas XV, between McBride, Johnson and Wood, I’ll go Johnson. The overall team between Eales, Johnson and Fitzpatrick, I’ll go Fitzy.
The 'Favourites Overseas XV' is complete. Will today's players be remembered as fondly as these rugby icons?