Lyon thump Benetton for maiden Champions Cup win

Keeping kids in sport at the u14 age group not just a challenge for RA, but also cricket, netball, and the other footy codes so the competition well and truly on to keep the smaller playing base is hot!

I think the issue for both rebels and force is fully fit they had “decent” mid table teams but were continually unlucky with injuries most seasons…. Or the other way to look at it is the replacement depth wasn’t anywhere near the standard of the front line and so competitive for 50mins before fading away to a close loss / blow out loss too often.

Also great mention of the Penrith Emus. The neglect of rugby in Sydney outside the 'traditional' private school areas has had a lasting effect with many sports fans in Sydney. They wouldn't know or care when the wallabies play.

Except the evidence only exists in your own mind John.

It's true tho. Until we start believing in ourselves and believing in our own rugby knowledge again, instead of being told we must play like 4th ranked kiwis, we are going nowhere.

The next coach must not be from NSW nor a kiwi coach just grubbily creaming off a million dollars a year by appeasing the most powerful union the Tahs.

The evidence is in that all they have done is drag Australia down

Suddenly, in certain positions, teams like the Reds and Tahs have real quality depth. Given RA's inability to effectively match off-shore salaries (I understand they have already told Topou that they can't match his existing contract), we will see a fair few players depart for Japan, France, etc post Lions.

I’m proud to consider him a good friend too. We last had lunch in Paris prior to one of the RWC semifinals. I can strongly support his passion for Aussie rugby.

Why are there so many foreigners writing stuff to keep Australian rugby down ? Are they all so terrified we might succeed if we regain our self confidence and engender some Aussie spirit ?