Tight Five
Australian rugby
Super Rugby gap between NZ and Australia is only widening
Australian teams’ record against their New Zealand counterparts has gone backwards this year while Roger Tuivasa-Sheck may have played his last game in the competition.
- by Paul Cully
Latest
Why the Waratahs have more than a sniff against Crusaders
Even an unexpected victory may not affect their eventual position on the Super Rugby table, but only a fool would say there’s nothing at stake in Christchurch.
- by Paul Cully
Tight Five
Australian rugby
Suaalii has a fight on his hands. The Waratahs already have a $5m fullback
There is no way the Waratahs should be moving Max Jorgensen from fullback to accommodate anyone. It’s becoming increasingly clear they have a special talent on their hands.
- by Paul Cully
Opinion
Australian rugby
A voice from the apartheid era reminds us sport and social issues live side by side
Why one former Wallaby has more reason than most to object to Brumbies chairman Matthew Nobbs’ views on the Voice to parliament.
- by Paul Cully
Tight Five
Super Rugby
Why you shouldn’t be fooled by the Waratahs’ winning run
Sure, NSW have improved as the season has progressed, as three straight victories highlight. But are they ready to compete with the best sides in the finals? Not quite.
- by Paul Cully
Why Eddie Jones and the Wallabies shouldn’t worry about Super Rugby table
Australian rugby has a 23-man squad capable of challenging anyone on their day. And the coach of their biggest rival – New Zealand – knows it.
- by Paul Cully
Tight Five
Super Rugby
Could Eddie’s Wallabies plans revolve around this heavy-hitting Tah?
Langi Gleeson was at his devastating best in the win over Queensland on Saturday. If he improves his fitness, he is likely to prove enormously appealing to Eddie Jones.
- by Paul Cully
Why Rugby Australia needs to get out of its own way
A scorched earth policy is fine until you burn your own villagers. And with one official claiming Super Rugby occupies “about 5 per cent” of head office’s time, it’s getting hot in the kitchen.
- by Paul Cully
Opinion
Australian rugby
Charge of the old bull: Hooper back and firing ahead of McReight duel
After a slow start, Michael Hooper has flicked a switch and returned to a dominant force for NSW. Next up is young challenger Fraser McReight.
- by Paul Cully
Analysis
Australian rugby
The good, the bad and the unknown of Rugby Australia’s finances
Surpluses are, of course, a good thing. But revenue and spending is where you get the true picture as the game continues to make eyes at private equity.
- by Paul Cully
Tight Five
Australian rugby
Super Rugby is a deeply uneven competition. Australia and New Zealand must act or it will fail
The Waratahs-Blues fixture should have been a blue-ribbon event. Instead it highlighted the problems faced by a competition with too many games of no consequence.
- by Paul Cully