Latest news with #Lolesio
The Advertiser
4 hours ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Brumbies want Lions share of Wallabies selection
While his own position in the Wallabies isn't assured, Brumbies playmaker Noah Lolesio is plumping for his Canberra teammates to dominate Test selection to face the British and Irish Lions. Lolesio is Australia's incumbent flyhalf, wearing the 10 jersey on all four Tests of last year's UK spring tour, but announced through the Super Rugby Pacific season he would departing the Brumbies to play club rugby in Japan. Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has been coy on his selection thoughts, only saying players who have committed their future off-shore remain "in the mix". Making a successful return from a back injury last round, Lolesio told AAP he hadn't spoken recently to Schmidt, but would be "super stoked" to be named. The Brumbies are preparing to host the Hurricanes on Saturday night in a Super Rugby Pacific qualifying final after finishing third on a congested ladder. The Reds placed fifth and will take on the second-ranked Crusaders while NSW Waratahs (eighth) and Western Force (ninth) missed the finals. Before the Lions toured in 2001 the Brumbies won the then Super 12 competition, and had 13 players selected in the 31-man Wallabies squad, which went on to win the series 2-1. Given the ACT outfit are again Australia's top team, Lolesio would like to see his teammates recognised. "Super Rugby is basically a trial for higher honours and I believe whoever is the best team in their country, whoever finishes on top in the country should have the majority of the players earn higher honours," Lolesio said. "We've got a lot of talent all over Australia and each team has been very competitive compared to previous years ... but I'd love to see heaps of Brumbies boys make it." The Wallabies only play one Test - on July 6 against Fiji - before taking on the might of the northern hemisphere so Lolesio felt using team combinations would be smart. His sentiments were backed Brumbies teammate and incumbent Wallabies fullback Tom Wright. "In a team sport, that cohesion, it's definitely something that would go a long way," Wright told AAP. "I feel like naturally, the team that's able to progress through the year as far as we can, hopefully we're represented well in the gold jersey and that's a great indication of guys how hard they've worked in our Brumbies jersey all year." Ten-Test Tom Hooper is one of the form forwards in the competition, but like Lolesio, is also leaving Canberra, headed to the UK to play for Exeter. While they suffered a late loss against the Crusaders in the final round, Hooper said the Brumbies were unquestionably Australia's "winningest" side and hoped that counted for himself and his teammates. "I think that a winning culture is really important and it's something that we've worked really hard to develop here for a long time," the 24-year-old told AAP. "Whether it's myself or it's another 15 of my teammates, I'd just be so stoked to see some Brumbies boys in the squad because we do understand how to win games and we're a great team down here." While his own position in the Wallabies isn't assured, Brumbies playmaker Noah Lolesio is plumping for his Canberra teammates to dominate Test selection to face the British and Irish Lions. Lolesio is Australia's incumbent flyhalf, wearing the 10 jersey on all four Tests of last year's UK spring tour, but announced through the Super Rugby Pacific season he would departing the Brumbies to play club rugby in Japan. Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has been coy on his selection thoughts, only saying players who have committed their future off-shore remain "in the mix". Making a successful return from a back injury last round, Lolesio told AAP he hadn't spoken recently to Schmidt, but would be "super stoked" to be named. The Brumbies are preparing to host the Hurricanes on Saturday night in a Super Rugby Pacific qualifying final after finishing third on a congested ladder. The Reds placed fifth and will take on the second-ranked Crusaders while NSW Waratahs (eighth) and Western Force (ninth) missed the finals. Before the Lions toured in 2001 the Brumbies won the then Super 12 competition, and had 13 players selected in the 31-man Wallabies squad, which went on to win the series 2-1. Given the ACT outfit are again Australia's top team, Lolesio would like to see his teammates recognised. "Super Rugby is basically a trial for higher honours and I believe whoever is the best team in their country, whoever finishes on top in the country should have the majority of the players earn higher honours," Lolesio said. "We've got a lot of talent all over Australia and each team has been very competitive compared to previous years ... but I'd love to see heaps of Brumbies boys make it." The Wallabies only play one Test - on July 6 against Fiji - before taking on the might of the northern hemisphere so Lolesio felt using team combinations would be smart. His sentiments were backed Brumbies teammate and incumbent Wallabies fullback Tom Wright. "In a team sport, that cohesion, it's definitely something that would go a long way," Wright told AAP. "I feel like naturally, the team that's able to progress through the year as far as we can, hopefully we're represented well in the gold jersey and that's a great indication of guys how hard they've worked in our Brumbies jersey all year." Ten-Test Tom Hooper is one of the form forwards in the competition, but like Lolesio, is also leaving Canberra, headed to the UK to play for Exeter. While they suffered a late loss against the Crusaders in the final round, Hooper said the Brumbies were unquestionably Australia's "winningest" side and hoped that counted for himself and his teammates. "I think that a winning culture is really important and it's something that we've worked really hard to develop here for a long time," the 24-year-old told AAP. "Whether it's myself or it's another 15 of my teammates, I'd just be so stoked to see some Brumbies boys in the squad because we do understand how to win games and we're a great team down here." While his own position in the Wallabies isn't assured, Brumbies playmaker Noah Lolesio is plumping for his Canberra teammates to dominate Test selection to face the British and Irish Lions. Lolesio is Australia's incumbent flyhalf, wearing the 10 jersey on all four Tests of last year's UK spring tour, but announced through the Super Rugby Pacific season he would departing the Brumbies to play club rugby in Japan. Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has been coy on his selection thoughts, only saying players who have committed their future off-shore remain "in the mix". Making a successful return from a back injury last round, Lolesio told AAP he hadn't spoken recently to Schmidt, but would be "super stoked" to be named. The Brumbies are preparing to host the Hurricanes on Saturday night in a Super Rugby Pacific qualifying final after finishing third on a congested ladder. The Reds placed fifth and will take on the second-ranked Crusaders while NSW Waratahs (eighth) and Western Force (ninth) missed the finals. Before the Lions toured in 2001 the Brumbies won the then Super 12 competition, and had 13 players selected in the 31-man Wallabies squad, which went on to win the series 2-1. Given the ACT outfit are again Australia's top team, Lolesio would like to see his teammates recognised. "Super Rugby is basically a trial for higher honours and I believe whoever is the best team in their country, whoever finishes on top in the country should have the majority of the players earn higher honours," Lolesio said. "We've got a lot of talent all over Australia and each team has been very competitive compared to previous years ... but I'd love to see heaps of Brumbies boys make it." The Wallabies only play one Test - on July 6 against Fiji - before taking on the might of the northern hemisphere so Lolesio felt using team combinations would be smart. His sentiments were backed Brumbies teammate and incumbent Wallabies fullback Tom Wright. "In a team sport, that cohesion, it's definitely something that would go a long way," Wright told AAP. "I feel like naturally, the team that's able to progress through the year as far as we can, hopefully we're represented well in the gold jersey and that's a great indication of guys how hard they've worked in our Brumbies jersey all year." Ten-Test Tom Hooper is one of the form forwards in the competition, but like Lolesio, is also leaving Canberra, headed to the UK to play for Exeter. While they suffered a late loss against the Crusaders in the final round, Hooper said the Brumbies were unquestionably Australia's "winningest" side and hoped that counted for himself and his teammates. "I think that a winning culture is really important and it's something that we've worked really hard to develop here for a long time," the 24-year-old told AAP. "Whether it's myself or it's another 15 of my teammates, I'd just be so stoked to see some Brumbies boys in the squad because we do understand how to win games and we're a great team down here."
West Australian
5 hours ago
- Sport
- West Australian
Brumbies want Lions share of Wallabies selection
While his own position in the Wallabies isn't assured, Brumbies playmaker Noah Lolesio is plumping for his Canberra teammates to dominate Test selection to face the British and Irish Lions. Lolesio is Australia's incumbent flyhalf, wearing the 10 jersey on all four Tests of last year's UK spring tour, but announced through the Super Rugby Pacific season he would departing the Brumbies to play club rugby in Japan. Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has been coy on his selection thoughts, only saying players who have committed their future off-shore remain "in the mix". Making a successful return from a back injury last round, Lolesio told AAP he hadn't spoken recently to Schmidt, but would be "super stoked" to be named. The Brumbies are preparing to host the Hurricanes on Saturday night in a Super Rugby Pacific qualifying final after finishing third on a congested ladder. The Reds placed fifth and will take on the second-ranked Crusaders while NSW Waratahs (eighth) and Western Force (ninth) missed the finals. Before the Lions toured in 2001 the Brumbies won the then Super 12 competition, and had 13 players selected in the 31-man Wallabies squad, which went on to win the series 2-1. Given the ACT outfit are again Australia's top team, Lolesio would like to see his teammates recognised. "Super Rugby is basically a trial for higher honours and I believe whoever is the best team in their country, whoever finishes on top in the country should have the majority of the players earn higher honours," Lolesio said. "We've got a lot of talent all over Australia and each team has been very competitive compared to previous years ... but I'd love to see heaps of Brumbies boys make it." The Wallabies only play one Test - on July 6 against Fiji - before taking on the might of the northern hemisphere so Lolesio felt using team combinations would be smart. His sentiments were backed Brumbies teammate and incumbent Wallabies fullback Tom Wright. "In a team sport, that cohesion, it's definitely something that would go a long way," Wright told AAP. "I feel like naturally, the team that's able to progress through the year as far as we can, hopefully we're represented well in the gold jersey and that's a great indication of guys how hard they've worked in our Brumbies jersey all year." Ten-Test Tom Hooper is one of the form forwards in the competition, but like Lolesio, is also leaving Canberra, headed to the UK to play for Exeter. While they suffered a late loss against the Crusaders in the final round, Hooper said the Brumbies were unquestionably Australia's "winningest" side and hoped that counted for himself and his teammates. "I think that a winning culture is really important and it's something that we've worked really hard to develop here for a long time," the 24-year-old told AAP. "Whether it's myself or it's another 15 of my teammates, I'd just be so stoked to see some Brumbies boys in the squad because we do understand how to win games and we're a great team down here."
Perth Now
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Brumbies want Lions share of Wallabies selection
While his own position in the Wallabies isn't assured, Brumbies playmaker Noah Lolesio is plumping for his Canberra teammates to dominate Test selection to face the British and Irish Lions. Lolesio is Australia's incumbent flyhalf, wearing the 10 jersey on all four Tests of last year's UK spring tour, but announced through the Super Rugby Pacific season he would departing the Brumbies to play club rugby in Japan. Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has been coy on his selection thoughts, only saying players who have committed their future off-shore remain "in the mix". Making a successful return from a back injury last round, Lolesio told AAP he hadn't spoken recently to Schmidt, but would be "super stoked" to be named. The Brumbies are preparing to host the Hurricanes on Saturday night in a Super Rugby Pacific qualifying final after finishing third on a congested ladder. The Reds placed fifth and will take on the second-ranked Crusaders while NSW Waratahs (eighth) and Western Force (ninth) missed the finals. Before the Lions toured in 2001 the Brumbies won the then Super 12 competition, and had 13 players selected in the 31-man Wallabies squad, which went on to win the series 2-1. Given the ACT outfit are again Australia's top team, Lolesio would like to see his teammates recognised. "Super Rugby is basically a trial for higher honours and I believe whoever is the best team in their country, whoever finishes on top in the country should have the majority of the players earn higher honours," Lolesio said. "We've got a lot of talent all over Australia and each team has been very competitive compared to previous years ... but I'd love to see heaps of Brumbies boys make it." The Wallabies only play one Test - on July 6 against Fiji - before taking on the might of the northern hemisphere so Lolesio felt using team combinations would be smart. His sentiments were backed Brumbies teammate and incumbent Wallabies fullback Tom Wright. "In a team sport, that cohesion, it's definitely something that would go a long way," Wright told AAP. "I feel like naturally, the team that's able to progress through the year as far as we can, hopefully we're represented well in the gold jersey and that's a great indication of guys how hard they've worked in our Brumbies jersey all year." Ten-Test Tom Hooper is one of the form forwards in the competition, but like Lolesio, is also leaving Canberra, headed to the UK to play for Exeter. While they suffered a late loss against the Crusaders in the final round, Hooper said the Brumbies were unquestionably Australia's "winningest" side and hoped that counted for himself and his teammates. "I think that a winning culture is really important and it's something that we've worked really hard to develop here for a long time," the 24-year-old told AAP. "Whether it's myself or it's another 15 of my teammates, I'd just be so stoked to see some Brumbies boys in the squad because we do understand how to win games and we're a great team down here."
1News
2 days ago
- Sport
- 1News
Brumbies denied by Crusaders in Canberra battle
The ACT Brumbies have seen their Canberra fortress raided by the Crusaders, who snatched a top-two spot on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder in a thrilling final-round clash. While the Chiefs locked down the No. 1 ranking with a win over the Highlanders earlier on Friday night, the Brumbies and Crusaders met in a battle for second position, with the Kiwi outfit victorious, 33-31. The Crusaders hit the front in the 76th minute with reserve hooker George Bell peeling off a maul to dive over. His try came after referee James Doleman missed a clear knock-on by Sevu Reece in the previous play, much to the disgust of a vocal Canberra crowd. With little more than a minute to play it looked like Brumbies winger Corey Toole would put his side back in the lead as he pin-balled through the defence, but Scott Barrett dislodged the ball from his arms three metres from the tryline. ADVERTISEMENT The third-placed Brumbies, the top-ranked Australian side, will now host the team that finishes fourth — the Hurricanes or Queensland — in the qualifying finals next weekend. By finishing in the top two the Crusaders are now guaranteed to host a home semi-final provided they win their week one final. Wallabies playmaker Noah Lolesio was gutted his team wasn't able to win after clawing their way back into the match. "It's pretty disappointing. We were really in that game. We did really well to get back the lead. I'm lost for words at the moment," said Lolesio, who made a successful return from a serious back injury earlier this month. "It's a tough pill to swallow as we really wanted to win this game. "We're going to have to get over and work into whoever we've got next Saturday." The Brumbies trailed 25-14 at halftime with the Crusaders dominant in every aspect, with their line speed in defence and physicality at the breakdown causing the home side headaches. ADVERTISEMENT But Canberra started the second half with intent, with prop Rhys Van Nek burrowing across. The Brumbies then set up a heart-stopping finish when they drew level at 28-28 after Lolesio converted a try by Andy Muirhead in the 56th minute. After some quick hands, Muirhead still had plenty of work to do but the winger showed his will to drag three defenders across the line. A penalty strike by Lolesio then put his team ahead with eight minutes to play but the Crusaders — the most successful team in the competition's history with 14 titles — wouldn't be denied. Crusaders skipper Codie Taylor lauded his team's defensive effort and calmness. "Good to show a bit of composure there at the back end of that game as it seems to be a common trend for us, leaking points in that second half," the hooker said. "It's always hard fought over here and, last year it was the same, and we were on the short straw of that and managed to sneak a W (win) tonight, so proud of the lads." In another blow for the Brumbies, they could lose centre Len Ikitau, who showed his pace to score in the 16th minute but also limped off with 10 minutes to play.
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Brumbies denied by Crusaders in Canberra battle
The ACT Brumbies have seen their Canberra fortress raided by the Crusaders, who snatched a top two spot on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder in a thrilling final round clash. While the Chiefs locked down the No.1 ranking with a win over the Highlanders earlier on Friday night, the Brumbies and Crusaders met in a battle for second position with the Kiwi outfit victorious, 33-31. The visitors hit the front in the 76th minute with reserve hooker George Bell peeling off a maul to dive over. His try came after referee James Doleman missed a clear knock-on by Sevu Reece in the previous play, much to the disgust of a vocal Canberra crowd. With little more than a minute to play it looked like Brumbies winger Corey Toole would put his side back in the lead as he pin-balled through the defence, but Scott Barrett dislodged the ball from his arms three metres from the tryline. The third-placed Brumbies, the top-ranked Australian side, will now to host the team that finishes fourth - the Hurricanes or Queensland - in the qualifying finals next weekend. By finishing in the top two the Crusaders are now guaranteed to host a home semi-final provided they win their week one final. Wallabies playmaker Noah Lolesio was gutted his team wasn't able to win after clawing their way back into the match. "It's pretty disappointing. We were really in that game. We did really well to get back the lead. I'm lost for words at the moment," said Lolesio, who made a successful return from a serious back injury earlier this month. "It's a tough pill to swallow as we really wanted to win this game. "We're going to have to get over and work into whoever we've got next Saturday." The Brumbies trailed 25-14 at halftime with the Crusaders dominant in every aspect, with their line speed in defence and physicality at the breakdown causing the home side headaches. But Canberra started the second half with intent, with prop Rhys Van Nek burrowing across. The Brumbies then set up a heart-stopping finish when they drew level at 28-28 after Lolesio converted a try by Andy Muirhead in the 56th minute. After some quick hands, Muirhead still had plenty of work to do but the winger showed his will to drag three defenders across the line. A penalty strike by Lolesio then put his team ahead with eight minutes to play but the Crusaders - the most successful team in the competition's history with 14 titles - wouldn't be denied. Crusaders skipper Codie Taylor lauded his team's defensive effort and calmness. "Good to show a bit of composure there at the back end of that game as it seems to be a common trend for us, leaking points in that second half," the hooker said. "It's always hard fought over here and, last year it was the same, and we were on the short straw of that and managed to sneak a W (win) tonight, so proud of the lads." In another blow for the Brumbies, they could lose centre Len Ikitau, who showed his pace to score in the 16th minute but also limped off with 10 minutes to play. The ACT Brumbies have seen their Canberra fortress raided by the Crusaders, who snatched a top two spot on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder in a thrilling final round clash. While the Chiefs locked down the No.1 ranking with a win over the Highlanders earlier on Friday night, the Brumbies and Crusaders met in a battle for second position with the Kiwi outfit victorious, 33-31. The visitors hit the front in the 76th minute with reserve hooker George Bell peeling off a maul to dive over. His try came after referee James Doleman missed a clear knock-on by Sevu Reece in the previous play, much to the disgust of a vocal Canberra crowd. With little more than a minute to play it looked like Brumbies winger Corey Toole would put his side back in the lead as he pin-balled through the defence, but Scott Barrett dislodged the ball from his arms three metres from the tryline. The third-placed Brumbies, the top-ranked Australian side, will now to host the team that finishes fourth - the Hurricanes or Queensland - in the qualifying finals next weekend. By finishing in the top two the Crusaders are now guaranteed to host a home semi-final provided they win their week one final. Wallabies playmaker Noah Lolesio was gutted his team wasn't able to win after clawing their way back into the match. "It's pretty disappointing. We were really in that game. We did really well to get back the lead. I'm lost for words at the moment," said Lolesio, who made a successful return from a serious back injury earlier this month. "It's a tough pill to swallow as we really wanted to win this game. "We're going to have to get over and work into whoever we've got next Saturday." The Brumbies trailed 25-14 at halftime with the Crusaders dominant in every aspect, with their line speed in defence and physicality at the breakdown causing the home side headaches. But Canberra started the second half with intent, with prop Rhys Van Nek burrowing across. The Brumbies then set up a heart-stopping finish when they drew level at 28-28 after Lolesio converted a try by Andy Muirhead in the 56th minute. After some quick hands, Muirhead still had plenty of work to do but the winger showed his will to drag three defenders across the line. A penalty strike by Lolesio then put his team ahead with eight minutes to play but the Crusaders - the most successful team in the competition's history with 14 titles - wouldn't be denied. Crusaders skipper Codie Taylor lauded his team's defensive effort and calmness. "Good to show a bit of composure there at the back end of that game as it seems to be a common trend for us, leaking points in that second half," the hooker said. "It's always hard fought over here and, last year it was the same, and we were on the short straw of that and managed to sneak a W (win) tonight, so proud of the lads." In another blow for the Brumbies, they could lose centre Len Ikitau, who showed his pace to score in the 16th minute but also limped off with 10 minutes to play. The ACT Brumbies have seen their Canberra fortress raided by the Crusaders, who snatched a top two spot on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder in a thrilling final round clash. While the Chiefs locked down the No.1 ranking with a win over the Highlanders earlier on Friday night, the Brumbies and Crusaders met in a battle for second position with the Kiwi outfit victorious, 33-31. The visitors hit the front in the 76th minute with reserve hooker George Bell peeling off a maul to dive over. His try came after referee James Doleman missed a clear knock-on by Sevu Reece in the previous play, much to the disgust of a vocal Canberra crowd. With little more than a minute to play it looked like Brumbies winger Corey Toole would put his side back in the lead as he pin-balled through the defence, but Scott Barrett dislodged the ball from his arms three metres from the tryline. The third-placed Brumbies, the top-ranked Australian side, will now to host the team that finishes fourth - the Hurricanes or Queensland - in the qualifying finals next weekend. By finishing in the top two the Crusaders are now guaranteed to host a home semi-final provided they win their week one final. Wallabies playmaker Noah Lolesio was gutted his team wasn't able to win after clawing their way back into the match. "It's pretty disappointing. We were really in that game. We did really well to get back the lead. I'm lost for words at the moment," said Lolesio, who made a successful return from a serious back injury earlier this month. "It's a tough pill to swallow as we really wanted to win this game. "We're going to have to get over and work into whoever we've got next Saturday." The Brumbies trailed 25-14 at halftime with the Crusaders dominant in every aspect, with their line speed in defence and physicality at the breakdown causing the home side headaches. But Canberra started the second half with intent, with prop Rhys Van Nek burrowing across. The Brumbies then set up a heart-stopping finish when they drew level at 28-28 after Lolesio converted a try by Andy Muirhead in the 56th minute. After some quick hands, Muirhead still had plenty of work to do but the winger showed his will to drag three defenders across the line. A penalty strike by Lolesio then put his team ahead with eight minutes to play but the Crusaders - the most successful team in the competition's history with 14 titles - wouldn't be denied. Crusaders skipper Codie Taylor lauded his team's defensive effort and calmness. "Good to show a bit of composure there at the back end of that game as it seems to be a common trend for us, leaking points in that second half," the hooker said. "It's always hard fought over here and, last year it was the same, and we were on the short straw of that and managed to sneak a W (win) tonight, so proud of the lads." In another blow for the Brumbies, they could lose centre Len Ikitau, who showed his pace to score in the 16th minute but also limped off with 10 minutes to play.
