In eight weeks or so a Wallaby will run onto the smooth field in Sydney with a number 15 on his back to set things right against Wales. Fullbacks have a unique ability to win or lose a Test. The decision to counter from a… Read More »Kells, Wright, Donno, Jock or Kurtley? What Joe Schmidt’s past tells us about the Wallaby fullback sweepstakes
In Joseph Heller’s wonderful novel, Catch-22, the title refers to an insoluble logical dilemma that faces the hero Yossarian in his efforts to avoid being killed in World War 2. Catch-22 is as follows: the only way to be allowed to leave the Army is… Read More »‘It’s a miracle any player can walk’: The Catch-22 that makes rugby a brutal game of chance
As Jock Campbell modestly played down his chances of a Wallabies recall, the in-form Queensland fullback threw his weight behind rising fly-half Tom Lynagh’s hopes of a maiden call-up. After another eye-catching season, second-year playmaker Lynagh was the first No.10 namedropped by Wallabies coach Joe… Read More »‘He’s ready’: Campbell backs teammate for gold as fullback mounts own selection and contract extension case
If there is anything surer than the nose on your own face, it is that the Central Coast Mariners, even after a disastrous start to the 2023/24 A-league season, have been consistently the best team and deserve a spot in the decider next weekend. Not… Read More »Sydney FC do not deserve to play in the A-League Grand Final, yet still have a chance – and that should worry the Mariners
When Sydney made the grand final in 2022, before being mercilessly pumped by a well-oiled Geelong machine, most regarded the Swans as having made it that far ahead of their time. Almost half the side that day was aged 23 or younger, which paled into… Read More »Sydney has a list aged perfectly for the times: The Swans are flying high thanks to a great list built over previous seasons