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Sydney Morning Herald
3 days ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
The harsh truth about Australian rugby
The end of the regular season means it's time for some uncomfortable truths. Despite the perceived performance benefits of cutting the Rebels, the four remaining Australian sides have actually won fewer games against the Kiwis this year. They have won seven this year compared to nine last year, with the discrepancy explained by both the Reds and Brumbies flipping from a 3-2 trans-Tasman winning record in 2024 to a 2-3 losing one. While the early-season narrative was one of Australian improvement, it quietly flipped about two-thirds of the way through the competition, and the last win against a New Zealand team was the Reds' victory against the Blues in round 11. It's an obvious concern on the eve of the British and Lions series. Two-tier Super has a problem The win-loss record outline above is part of a much broader problem. The top six finishers this year are effectively the same top six teams from the past four years of Super Rugby Pacific. In fact, in the competition's history (beginning in 2022) only eight teams have finished in the top six, the Waratahs sneaking in twice (6th in 2023 and 6th in 2022) and the Highlanders sneaking in once (6th in 2024). It's a competition with bedded-in haves and have-nots, as the points differential from this year highlights again. The big six all have positive points differentials, and the rest have deeply negative ones, with the Highlanders the 'best' at minus 90. This is one reason why this column has been sympathetic towards Dan McKellar at the Waratahs this year. He's walked into a job in the current have-nots, and Super Rugby's lack of player movement makes upward mobility very hard to achieve. Wallabies form team of the week James Slipper (Brumbies) Richie Asiata (Reds) Zane Nonggorr (Reds) Tom Hooper (Brumbies) Fergus Lee-Warner (Waratahs) Joe Brial (Reds) Fraser McReight (Reds) Langi Gleeson (Waratahs) Teddy Wilson (Waratahs) Tom Lynagh (Reds) Tim Ryan (Reds) Hunter Paisami (Reds) Josh Flook (Reds) Lachie Anderson (Reds) - Player of the week Tom Wright (Brumbies) The Brumbies' missing drop goal There were six minutes left when Crusaders winger Sevu Reece knocked the ball on against the Brumbies on Saturday - that's a lot of rugby left in such a seesawing game. While the failure to spot the knock-on was clearly a mistake, it's an exaggeration to say it decided the game. Even if we enter the alternative universe of the knock-on being spotted, the Brumbies would have a defensive scrum with five-plus minutes to run down - the Crusaders would get another crack at winning the game. A bigger factor in the outcome was the Brumbies' aversion to the drop goal option in the final seconds, despite being in the perfect position - about 15m out, in the centre of the field, with front-foot ball. Noah Lolesio had to go back into the pocket and call the drop-goal. Suaalii v Tuipulotu is on Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii's scheduled return from his jaw injury is encouraging news, and his old mate Sione Tuipulotu is very much getting ready for their much-anticipated reunion during the Lions series. Tuipulotu was excellent for Glasgow against the Stormers in a URC quarter final over the weekend, making one outstanding second-half break. He showed no signs of the pectoral muscle injury that cast a cloud over his Lions participation earlier in the year. He must be a strong contender to start the first test in the Lions No 12 jersey, especially if Scotland's Finn Russell is the No 10.
The Age
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Age
The harsh truth about Australian rugby
The end of the regular season means it's time for some uncomfortable truths. Despite the perceived performance benefits of cutting the Rebels, the four remaining Australian sides have actually won fewer games against the Kiwis this year. They have won seven this year compared to nine last year, with the discrepancy explained by both the Reds and Brumbies flipping from a 3-2 trans-Tasman winning record in 2024 to a 2-3 losing one. While the early-season narrative was one of Australian improvement, it quietly flipped about two-thirds of the way through the competition, and the last win against a New Zealand team was the Reds' victory against the Blues in round 11. It's an obvious concern on the eve of the British and Lions series. Two-tier Super has a problem The win-loss record outline above is part of a much broader problem. The top six finishers this year are effectively the same top six teams from the past four years of Super Rugby Pacific. In fact, in the competition's history (beginning in 2022) only eight teams have finished in the top six, the Waratahs sneaking in twice (6th in 2023 and 6th in 2022) and the Highlanders sneaking in once (6th in 2024). It's a competition with bedded-in haves and have-nots, as the points differential from this year highlights again. The big six all have positive points differentials, and the rest have deeply negative ones, with the Highlanders the 'best' at minus 90. This is one reason why this column has been sympathetic towards Dan McKellar at the Waratahs this year. He's walked into a job in the current have-nots, and Super Rugby's lack of player movement makes upward mobility very hard to achieve. Wallabies form team of the week James Slipper (Brumbies) Richie Asiata (Reds) Zane Nonggorr (Reds) Tom Hooper (Brumbies) Fergus Lee-Warner (Waratahs) Joe Brial (Reds) Fraser McReight (Reds) Langi Gleeson (Waratahs) Teddy Wilson (Waratahs) Tom Lynagh (Reds) Tim Ryan (Reds) Hunter Paisami (Reds) Josh Flook (Reds) Lachie Anderson (Reds) - Player of the week Tom Wright (Brumbies) The Brumbies' missing drop goal There were six minutes left when Crusaders winger Sevu Reece knocked the ball on against the Brumbies on Saturday - that's a lot of rugby left in such a seesawing game. While the failure to spot the knock-on was clearly a mistake, it's an exaggeration to say it decided the game. Even if we enter the alternative universe of the knock-on being spotted, the Brumbies would have a defensive scrum with five-plus minutes to run down - the Crusaders would get another crack at winning the game. A bigger factor in the outcome was the Brumbies' aversion to the drop goal option in the final seconds, despite being in the perfect position - about 15m out, in the centre of the field, with front-foot ball. Noah Lolesio had to go back into the pocket and call the drop-goal. Suaalii v Tuipulotu is on Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii's scheduled return from his jaw injury is encouraging news, and his old mate Sione Tuipulotu is very much getting ready for their much-anticipated reunion during the Lions series. Tuipulotu was excellent for Glasgow against the Stormers in a URC quarter final over the weekend, making one outstanding second-half break. He showed no signs of the pectoral muscle injury that cast a cloud over his Lions participation earlier in the year. He must be a strong contender to start the first test in the Lions No 12 jersey, especially if Scotland's Finn Russell is the No 10.
The Advertiser
27-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Wallabies workhorse has Super Rugby record in sight
James Slipper is set to become the most capped Super Rugby player and the second Australian to have played in two British and Irish Lions series after the Wallabies prop signed a contract extension. The ACT Brumbies stalwart inked a new one-year deal to stay in Canberra for an eighth year and his 16th Super season after making his debut with Queensland back in 2010. The most capped Australian in the competition, Slipper has made 195 appearances, seven short of fellow prop Wyatt Crockett, who played for the Crusaders from 2006-2018. Starting in 11 of his 12 matches for the Brumbies this season, the 35-year-old said it was easy to convince him to stay on for another year. "When there was an option on the table of playing another season for the Brumbies, I couldn't say no," the Gold Coast-born veteran said in a statement. "My body is still good and I feel the fittest that I have done in a long time. "I feel like I am still playing at a high level and contributing to the team. As long as I can do that, I will keep giving my all for the Brumbies." Slipper also made his Test debut in 2010, aged 21, and has become a key cog in the Wallabies forward pack with his ability to play both sides of the scrum. He became the most-capped Wallaby last September in the Bledisloe Cup against the All Blacks in Sydney, eclipsing fellow Brumbies legend George Gregan. A certainty for selection next month, Slipper is set to become the second Wallaby in the modern era to face the touring Lions twice, with the series 12 years apart. Only Brumbies flanker George Smith has achieved the feat, turning out for the 2001 and 2013 Lions tours. Fellow Wallabies veteran James O'Connor, currently playing for the Crusaders and who face the Brumbies on Friday night, is also hopeful of earning another Lions call-up. Meanwhile, Queensland have re-signed young centre Josh Flook until the end of 2026. The 23-year-old, who made his Wallabies debut last year, has had a tough Super campaign after injuring his hamstring in round two. He's set to return for the final round of the regular season with the fifth-placed Reds hosting Fijian Drua, adding to his 55-game tally. James Slipper is set to become the most capped Super Rugby player and the second Australian to have played in two British and Irish Lions series after the Wallabies prop signed a contract extension. The ACT Brumbies stalwart inked a new one-year deal to stay in Canberra for an eighth year and his 16th Super season after making his debut with Queensland back in 2010. The most capped Australian in the competition, Slipper has made 195 appearances, seven short of fellow prop Wyatt Crockett, who played for the Crusaders from 2006-2018. Starting in 11 of his 12 matches for the Brumbies this season, the 35-year-old said it was easy to convince him to stay on for another year. "When there was an option on the table of playing another season for the Brumbies, I couldn't say no," the Gold Coast-born veteran said in a statement. "My body is still good and I feel the fittest that I have done in a long time. "I feel like I am still playing at a high level and contributing to the team. As long as I can do that, I will keep giving my all for the Brumbies." Slipper also made his Test debut in 2010, aged 21, and has become a key cog in the Wallabies forward pack with his ability to play both sides of the scrum. He became the most-capped Wallaby last September in the Bledisloe Cup against the All Blacks in Sydney, eclipsing fellow Brumbies legend George Gregan. A certainty for selection next month, Slipper is set to become the second Wallaby in the modern era to face the touring Lions twice, with the series 12 years apart. Only Brumbies flanker George Smith has achieved the feat, turning out for the 2001 and 2013 Lions tours. Fellow Wallabies veteran James O'Connor, currently playing for the Crusaders and who face the Brumbies on Friday night, is also hopeful of earning another Lions call-up. Meanwhile, Queensland have re-signed young centre Josh Flook until the end of 2026. The 23-year-old, who made his Wallabies debut last year, has had a tough Super campaign after injuring his hamstring in round two. He's set to return for the final round of the regular season with the fifth-placed Reds hosting Fijian Drua, adding to his 55-game tally. James Slipper is set to become the most capped Super Rugby player and the second Australian to have played in two British and Irish Lions series after the Wallabies prop signed a contract extension. The ACT Brumbies stalwart inked a new one-year deal to stay in Canberra for an eighth year and his 16th Super season after making his debut with Queensland back in 2010. The most capped Australian in the competition, Slipper has made 195 appearances, seven short of fellow prop Wyatt Crockett, who played for the Crusaders from 2006-2018. Starting in 11 of his 12 matches for the Brumbies this season, the 35-year-old said it was easy to convince him to stay on for another year. "When there was an option on the table of playing another season for the Brumbies, I couldn't say no," the Gold Coast-born veteran said in a statement. "My body is still good and I feel the fittest that I have done in a long time. "I feel like I am still playing at a high level and contributing to the team. As long as I can do that, I will keep giving my all for the Brumbies." Slipper also made his Test debut in 2010, aged 21, and has become a key cog in the Wallabies forward pack with his ability to play both sides of the scrum. He became the most-capped Wallaby last September in the Bledisloe Cup against the All Blacks in Sydney, eclipsing fellow Brumbies legend George Gregan. A certainty for selection next month, Slipper is set to become the second Wallaby in the modern era to face the touring Lions twice, with the series 12 years apart. Only Brumbies flanker George Smith has achieved the feat, turning out for the 2001 and 2013 Lions tours. Fellow Wallabies veteran James O'Connor, currently playing for the Crusaders and who face the Brumbies on Friday night, is also hopeful of earning another Lions call-up. Meanwhile, Queensland have re-signed young centre Josh Flook until the end of 2026. The 23-year-old, who made his Wallabies debut last year, has had a tough Super campaign after injuring his hamstring in round two. He's set to return for the final round of the regular season with the fifth-placed Reds hosting Fijian Drua, adding to his 55-game tally.
RNZ News
27-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Rugby: Slipper set to surpass Crusaders prop as most capped Super Rugby player
James Slipper is honoured after becoming the most capped Wallaby player of all time following the test against the All Blacks in Sydney in 2024. Photo: Photosport Wallabies prop James Slipper has signed a one-year contract extension with the ACT Brumbies that is likely to see him become the most-capped Super Rugby player in the competition's history. The 35-year-old loosehead, who is already the most capped Australian test player with 143 caps, has played 195 Super Rugby matches since making his debut for the Queensland Reds in 2010. That leaves him seven appearances short of the existing record of 202 held by All Blacks and Canterbury Crusaders prop Wyatt Crockett, a mark he is likely to surpass next season. "When there was an option on the table of playing another season for the Brumbies, I couldn't say no," Slipper said in a press statement. "My body is still good and I feel the fittest that I have done in a long time. I feel like I am still playing at a high level and contributing to the team. As long as I can do that, I will keep giving my all for the Brumbies." Wyatt Crockett played 202 Super Rugby games. Photo: Photosport The Brumbies play the Crusaders in the final round of the Super Rugby season in Canberra on Friday looking to lock up a top-two spot in the standings and home advantage in the first two rounds of the playoffs. "Slipps is the ultimate professional, with an incredible work ethic. He is a world-class player who continues to deliver for us season after season," Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said. "He has taken his form to another level this campaign, he has been outstanding. His set-piece, defence, carrying and leadership have proved important for the team." Slipper's versatility in being able to play on both sides of the front row means he is also very much in the frame to play in the test series against the British & Irish Lions in July and August. He played all three Lions tests off the bench in 2013 and is one of a small number of Wallabies veterans hoping to match George Smith (2001 and 2013) by taking on the tourists in two separate series. - Reuters
The Star
27-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Rugby-Evergreen prop Slipper signs on for another year in Super Rugby
FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Autumn International - Wales v Australia - Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, Britain - November 20, 2021 Australia's James Slipper during the warm up before the match Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers/File Photo SYDNEY (Reuters) - Wallabies prop James Slipper has signed a one-year contract extension with the ACT Brumbies that is likely to see him become the most-capped Super Rugby player in the competition's history. The 35-year-old loosehead, who is already the most capped Australian test player with 143 caps, has played 195 Super Rugby matches since making his debut for the Queensland Reds in 2010. That leaves him seven appearances short of the existing record held by All Blacks and Canterbury Crusaders prop Wyatt Crockett, a mark he is likely to surpass next season. "When there was an option on the table of playing another season for the Brumbies, I couldn't say no," Slipper said in a press statement. "My body is still good and I feel the fittest that I have done in a long time. I feel like I am still playing at a high level and contributing to the team. As long as I can do that, I will keep giving my all for the Brumbies." The Brumbies take on the Canterbury Crusaders in the final round of the Super Rugby season in Canberra on Friday looking to lock up a top-two spot in the standings and home advantage in the first two rounds of the playoffs. "Slipps is the ultimate professional, with an incredible work ethic. He is a world-class player who continues to deliver for us season after season," Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said. "He has taken his form to another level this campaign, he has been outstanding. His set-piece, defence, carrying and leadership have proved important for the team." Slipper's versatility in being able to play on both sides of the front row means he is also very much in the frame to play in the test series against the British & Irish Lions in July and August. He played all three Lions tests off the bench in 2013 and is one of a small number of Wallabies veterans hoping to match George Smith (2001 and 2013) by taking on the tourists in two separate series. (Reporting by Nick Mulvenney, editing by Peter Rutherford)
