Opinion
International Rugby
Contributors
Brett McKay
@BMcSport
Brett McKay is an Australian sportswriter, broadcaster, commentator, and is one half of The 8-9 Combo Rugby Podcast. Brett covered rugby for Australian sports website The Roar for more than 15 years, has sat on Test Match and Super Rugby sidelines as a commentator for ABC Sport for more than a decade, and is a regular radio pundit for stations in Australia and New Zealand.
34 Articles
Latest
9 days ago International Rugby
Australia must guard against complacency after best victory for years
22 days ago International Rugby
Tom Wright is at the top of his game 12 months on from RWC rejection
29 days ago International Rugby
Fiji and Japan should be considered for a revamped Rugby Championship
51 days ago The Rugby Championship
Familiar frustrations mean Australia must improve defence before tour
Opinion
Australia comeback highlights tale of two Bledisloe benches
Impact from the Wallabies' replacements galvanised them, in contrast to New Zealand's 'ad-hoc' strategy.
Brett McKay
25 Sep 2024, 8:37
Opinion
Can Schmidt revisit history and revive Wallabies for ‘worst type of All Blacks'?
Australia may fear the worst with a wounded New Zealand next, but Joe Schmidt has previous in overseeing a swift transformation.
Brett McKay
11 Sep 2024, 16:28
Opinion
Small steps for Wallabies but welcome signs of progress
Australia's ability to profit from in-game adjustments bodes well for further progress under Joe Schmidt.
Brett McKay
03 Sep 2024, 8:33
Opinion
'Workhorse Carlo Tizzano needs support to be at his best'
The rookie openside's defensive load must be lightened so he can make more impact around the field.
Brett McKay
28 Aug 2024, 4:43
Opinion
Australia must show that Springboks pain will yield longer-term gain
Joe Schmidt took solace in some aspects of the Wallabies' latest defeat, but swift improvements are needed.
Brett McKay
20 Aug 2024, 11:02
Opinion
'The greatest speedbump for The Rugby Championship is its marketing'
A tournament with such rich history, pedigree and rivalries is being undersold to sports fans.
Brett McKay
14 Aug 2024, 6:57
Analysis
Wallabies backrow stocks to get ultimate depth check
With Fraser McReight and Liam Wright out, Joe Schmidt will find out what sort of talent he has at his disposal with the Boks in Br…
Brett McKay
07 Aug 2024, 3:04
Exclusive
James Horwill: ''You can't tell me the code’s in trouble when you see every ticket's sold.'
With just under a year to go to the first Lions test, the ex-Wallabies skipper explains just how intense the tour is, for both sid…
Brett McKay
25 Jul 2024, 9:41
Analysis
Daugunu salvo shows why Wallabies work-rate is everything to Schmidt
The first of Filipo Daugunu's stunning double against Wales underlines the coach's early impact on Australia.
Brett McKay
16 Jul 2024, 9:02
Opinion
Wallabies far from perfect but ‘stressful’ Schmidt era starts on winning note
Only a second win from 13 Tests in Sydney was a solid benchmark to kick-start the new coach's reign.
Brett McKay
09 Jul 2024, 6:24
Opinion
The problem areas Joe Schmidt must address for 'desperate' Wallabies
Numerous on-field issues have becoming weeping sores for the embattled Australians as Wales arrive Down Under.
Brett McKay
02 Jul 2024, 16:20
Opinion
Brumbies the best team in Australia but still nothing to show for it
ACT are in familiar territory after coming up short in a Super Rugby semi-final for a third straight year.
Brett McKay
20 Jun 2024, 8:40
Exclusive
Noah Lolesio: 'I've experienced all the ups and downs of international footy'
The fly-half is relaxed about the prospect of a Wallabies recall as he aims to steer Brumbies to the SRP final.
Brett McKay
12 Jun 2024, 7:17
Opinion
Brumbies and Reds have confidence but distracted Rebels require major upset
Brumbies and Reds can be optimistic tackling the Super Rugby Pacific play-offs but Rebels face a tall order.
Brett McKay
05 Jun 2024, 9:02
Opinion
Final-round curveball may open door to Brumbies top-two finish
Eleven sides are still in top-eight contention heading into the final round of Super Rugby Pacific games.
Brett McKay
30 May 2024, 5:17
Interview
How Kevin Foote's Rebels are making history after 'slap in the face'
Against a backdrop of financial ruin and doubt, the Rebels coach has steered his troops to a maiden Super Rugby play-off.
Brett McKay
21 May 2024, 17:56
Opinion
Flood of back three talent highlights Australia’s folly in pursuing league stars
A glut of back-three talent has exposed Australia's short-sighted policy in luring Joseph Suaali’i from league.
Brett McKay
14 May 2024, 15:00
Opinion
Brumbies and Reds primed to fly Aussie flag furthest
ACT and Queensland look well equipped to go deep into the Super Rugby Pacific Finals, but the other three sides face a rocky home …
Brett McKay
08 May 2024, 7:05
Opinion
The case for keeping the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby Pacific
The future of the Victoria-based franchise have dominated the headlines in Australia but does winding them up make sense?
Brett McKay
02 May 2024, 5:41
Opinion
Disciplinary verdicts as puzzling as ever – even when consistent to a fault
Arguments of inconsistency in SANZAAR's judicial process are mostly superficial, but it is still prone to some puzzling verdicts.
Brett McKay
25 Apr 2024, 15:58
