The Rogues Rant
Welcome to The Rogues Rant, an occasional look at all things Rugby.
How much worse can things get for the ARU? On the back of the Super Rugby fiasco and the Wallabies poor performance against Scotland it was confirmed this week that several of the ARU’s major sponsors have jumped ship as well. BMW, Buildcorp and Lion Nathan have all ended their association with the ARU which can’t help the current state of the finances in Australian Rugby. The Australian Under 20’s side finished sixth in Georgia at the World Rugby Under 20’s Championships, going down to Scotland as well 24 – 17 in the play off for fifth spot. New Zealand won the title with a resounding 64 – 17 win over England in the Grand Final. The Championships would suggest that what we have seen in Super Rugby and with the Wallabies this year is not going to change any time soon. The Under 20’s basic skill level was poor and the side’s ability to read what was happening in front of them during their matches was akin to what we have been witnessing all year in Super Rugby and with the Wallabies. Where to for Australian Rugby from here? Michael Chieka has made some changes for this week against Italy in Brisbane with Steven Moore back in charge on the field and with a bit more muscle included with Rory Arnold and Rob Horne also getting a start. Let’s hope they can lift the intensity and commitment in the team this time around.
The British and Irish Lions have run themselves into some form for this Saturdays First Test against the Mighty All Blacks. Strong wins against the Maori All Blacks and the Chiefs has seen coach Gatland pick a very much in form team for the match in Aukland. Likewise the All Blacks have gone for a very attacking lineup which should make for a very pacey game. After scoring twelve tries in their match against Samoa I think we can expect plenty of attack from the world champions. Sound defense has been a feature of the Lions recent matches after a bit of a shaky start. However I reckon the All Blacks can win and win well.