Ellis Park, Johannesburg. One of the best stadiums in the world for rugby union. Absolutely incredible - bring on Springboks vs All Blacks. 🏉
Read the latest ✍🏻
@RugbyPass
#RSAvNZL
#Springboks
#AllBlacks
Aussie rugby should leave Super Rugby and go at it alone. If there was a domestic competition with teams like Brothers, Wests, Randwick and Easts, that would be an absolute home run for RA imo.
#TRC2024
#Wallabies
#RugbyAustralia
Suncorp Stadium has sold out for Wallabies vs Springboks. About 50,000 fans expected for what should be a cracking clash on Sat arvo.
First time since 2013 (vs B&I Lions) that the Wallabies have sold out a Test in Brisbane 👏
#Wallabies
#Springboks
#AUSvRSA
#Brisbane
The gap between Australian and New Zealand Super Rugby sides isn't just closing, it's closed.
Massive win for the Reds over the Chiefs. Fraser McReight was brilliant.
#SuperRugbyPacific
#QueenslandReds
#REDvCHI
DHL Stadium in Cape Town. On Sat, either the Springboks will win The Freedom Cup for the first time since ‘09 or the All Blacks’ Cup-winning streak will continue.
A breathtaking venue. Was lucky to come here for the SVNS Series in Dec. Great to be back.
#TRC2024
#RSAvNZL
The Junior Wallabies have beaten the Baby Blacks 44-35 in the
#WorldRugby
U20 Championship today.
From their 3 meetings in ‘23, NZ have only beaten their rivals ONCE - and it was a 1 point win.
Should All Blacks fans be worried? Does a golden future await the Wallabies?
#rugby
I’ve covered 3 All Blacks vs Springboks Tests as a journalist. Last year’s record ABs loss at Twickenham, the World Cup Final & tonight’s clash at Ellis Park.
If the ABs lose next weekend in Cape Town, yes, I am the problem.
#RSAvNZL
#AllBlacks
#Springboks
'If I want to take it seriously, I have to be playing more than just four hours a week.'
Eddie is right. There's a bigger issue hurting the Wallabies and rugby in Australia.
Took a deep dive into the state of the game in Aus✍️
#Wallabies
#EddieJones
First Wallaby out on the field this morn? Skipper Tate McDermott. Leading. By. Example.
The Wallabies’ final training session in Dunedin is underway. Definitely the underdogs going into tomorrow but you never know.
#NZLvAUS
#BledisloeCup
#rugby
@RugbyPass
Just arrived in Syd & jet lag is definitely kicking in but I couldn’t be more excited for Sat. The
#Wallabies
will be desperate to bounce back with a win - but so will
#LosPumas
.
Aus vs Arg. Eddie vs Cheika. This is box office
#RugbyChampionship
Who wins and why?
@RugbyPass
Aussie 7s star Darby Lancaster has signed with the
#MelbourneRebels
. Mark my words, Lancaster will be a Wallaby within two years.
MASSIVE news for the Rebels after re-signing two
#JuniorWallabies
yesterday. The future has never looked so bright for the club🔥
#SuperRugbyPacific
An unreal crowd here at the MCG - and there’s thousands more still on their way! Melbourne has caught Bledisloe Cup fever!
#AUSvNZL
#AllBlacks
@RugbyPass
All Blacks vice-captain Ardie Savea has officially signed with Moana Pasifika through till 2027.
“It will be huge to give back to my heritage and my culture in such a meaningful way,” he said.
Massive loss for the Hurricanes.
#SuperRugbyPacific
#rugby
#BREAKING
After the
#AllBlacks
’ final training session in Mendoza, captain Sam Cane spoke about the “physical” challenge vs Los Pumas. “It’s a battle of collisions and that’ll decide a lot of the game.”
Bring. It. On.
(Jordie won’t be kicking on Sat, McKenzie will)
#rugby
@RugbyPass
Eddie Jones looked broken after the Wallabies’ record 34 point loss to Wales. Not the result fans wanted or deserved.
The darkest night in Australian rugby history.
#rwc2023
#Wallabies
#WALvAUS
Wallabies' first Test of 2023 didn't go to plan vs
#Springboks
, but there's no need to panic. Quade Cooper should start in Sydney vs Los Pumas.
But changes are needed at 6, 12 & 14
#IMO
. The Wallabies are a lot better than that performance.
#Rugby
#Wallabies
#RugbyChampionship
If you’re an All Blacks fan, I’m sorry. If you’re a Springboks fan, you’re welcome.
The streak continues after a 4th Test here in Cape Town - seriously, this has to be unprecedented?!
#TRC2024
#RSAvNZL
I’ve covered 3 All Blacks vs Springboks Tests as a journalist. Last year’s record ABs loss at Twickenham, the World Cup Final & tonight’s clash at Ellis Park.
If the ABs lose next weekend in Cape Town, yes, I am the problem.
#RSAvNZL
#AllBlacks
#Springboks
The Springboks have just arrived at Ellis Park for their captains run. Last session before taking on the All Blacks here tomorrow (kick-off 5pm).
#RSAvNZ
#Springboks
#AllBlacks
As a rugby-mad Kiwi who grew up in Aussie, it doesn’t get any better than the Bledisloe Cup.
The All Blacks have a bit of a point to prove against a Wallabies outfit hurting themselves.
Accor Stadium, Sydney. Bring it on.
#TRC2024
#AUSvNZ
#BledisloeCup
According to reports online, Michael Hooper, Quade Cooper & Len Ikitau have all missed out on the Wallabies RWC squad.
Huge if true.
Aus will officially announce their squad tonight.
#RWC2023
#Wallabies
Joseph Sua’al’i, Andrew Kellaway, Darby Lancaster, Rob Leota and now Taniela Tupou… the Tahs are cooking up something special for 2025.
Read more 👉
@RugbyPass
#SuperRugbyPacific
#Waratahs
The
#AllBlacks
team is in to play South Africa this weekend. Overall, a very strong side.
Telea on the wing🔥
No Whitelock 🤕
No McKenzie 🤔
Would’ve loved to see Roigard on the bench too. Thoughts on the team?
#RugbyChampionship
I stand by what I said last May. Darby Lancaster will be a Wallaby very, very soon.
Last night against the Highlanders Darby scored 3 tries, beat 6 defenders and ran for more than 120 metres.
#SuperRugbyPacific
#Wallabies
Aussie 7s star Darby Lancaster has signed with the
#MelbourneRebels
. Mark my words, Lancaster will be a Wallaby within two years.
MASSIVE news for the Rebels after re-signing two
#JuniorWallabies
yesterday. The future has never looked so bright for the club🔥
#SuperRugbyPacific
The Springboks’ last 6 Tests vs Wallabies in Brisbane:
❌ 17-30 loss in 2021
❌ 18-23 loss in 2018
❌ 17-23 loss in 2016
❌ 20-24 loss in 2015
✅ 38-12 win in 2013
❌ 13-30 loss in 2010
That home advantage is massive. Should be a cracker next Sat.
#AUSvRSA
#Springboks
@RugbyPass
Will Jordan and Leicester Fainga’anuku will miss the All Blacks’ TRC opener against Los Pumas next weekend.
Jordan is “managing a migrainous condition” according to NZR.
Shaun Stevenson WILL travel to Argentina.
#AllBlacks
#TheRugbyChampionship
@RugbyPass
Just spoke with Sir John Kirwan in London. The legendary All Black is “really confident” that New Zealand will win the World Cup.
Kirwan also picked a “dark horse.” “Fiji. Fiji, mate. Fiji. Fiji. Fiji.”
#RWC2023
#AllBlacks
#FijiRugby
Read more on
@RugbyPass
Beauden Barrett deserves some praise after the 1/4 final win over Ireland. For a player who’s come under a fair amount of scrutiny, Barrett was great against the Irish.
That first ABs try all started with his chip kick. As they say, ‘class is permanent.’
#RWC2023
#AllBlacks
#BREAKING
Beauden Barrett is out of today’s Bledisloe Cup Test in Sydney due to illness. Will Jordan shifts to fullback and Sevu Reece moves to the right wing.
Harry Plummer is in line to debut off the bench.
#TRC2024
#BledisloeCup
#Wallabies
My parents recently found a pretend RWC final match report I wrote when I was about 9. Fast forward to '23 and I did the real thing for
@RugbyPass
at Stade de France in Paris.
Pretty cool how life works out. God, I love rugby.
#SuperRugbyPacific
#AllBlacks
#rugby
Bernard Foley is in France, or at least he was last week - going off a photo he was tagged in on IG.
With Max Jorgensen ruled out of
#rwc2023
, Eddie has to make the call. Big game on Sunday, and the Wallabies NEED Foley.
#Wallabies
#WALvAUS
#rugby
@rugbypass
It’d be incredible for Aussie rugby to see the Rebels beat the Reds on Friday night.
Considering all the talk about the state of the club, a win like that would be HUGE for Victorian rugby. Would be a statement, that’s for sure.
#SuperRugbyPacific
#rugby
The Queensland Reds have been so impressive in SRP that nobody is really talking about the absence of James O'Connor. When JOC returns from injury, I'll be very interested to see just how good they can be.
Expect them to be a real force come playoffs.
#SuperRugbyPacific
#Reds
Hope Carlo Tizzano gets a run for the Wallabies next weekend. He made the most tackles out of any player in Super Rugby - 30+ more than 2nd (Dalton Papali’i, Blues).
He’s a perfect replacement for the injured Fraser McReight at openside.
#Wallabies
#AUSvRSA
Best rugby stadium in the world? About 90 minutes until kick-off and the crowd is already something special. Such a fun, rugby-loving vibe around the place.
#RSAvNZ
#RSAvNZL
#Springboks
#AllBlacks
For the first time since 2009, the Springboks hold The Freedom Cup.
Deserved their win over the All Blacks tonight here in Cape Town. The visitors had their chances, but the Boks showed their class once again.
#TRC2024
#RSAvNZL
#Springboks
#AllBlacks
Dropped Wallaby Quade Cooper has rejected Eddie Jones' calls after the veteran was left out of the Wallabies' World Cup squad.
“We can’t get hold of him,” Jones said. “I think he’s very upset mate.”
Can't help but feel bad for Quade.
#RWC2023
#Wallabies
#rugby
#EddieJones
Carter Gordon dropped. Not a surprise but it just goes to show that far too much was expected of him far too soon.
Needed another (experienced/veteran) flyhalf in that squad to take the pressure off. Let's hope Gordon can bounce back.
#Wallabies
#WALvAUS
Let me be the first to say… happy Rugby World Cup day 🎉
It’s just about 1am here in Paris, so only about 20 hrs to go until kick-off but who’s counting…
#rwc2023
#FRAvNZL
#AllBlacks
as
#FranceRugby
Sensational game between South Africa U20 & Argentina U20. Junior Boks snatch it at the death 30-28.
ARG winger Franco Rossetto was unbelievable with FOUR tries. Yes, FOUR.
Great crowd & conditions, too.
AUS v NZ up next to determine who wins TRC U20 title.
#BREAKING
Five 2023 Junior Wallabies reps have committed to Queensland Rugby.
Remember the names Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Max Craig, Tim Ryan, John Bryant & Trevor King. They join former
#AllBlacks
Alex Hodgman and Jeff Toomaga-Allen at Ballymore.
#rugby
@RugbyPass
#Reds
This is the first time since 1996 that the Crusaders have started a Super Rugby season with an 0-3 record.
Dynasty over? I think so.
#SuperRugbyPacific
#Crusaders
Not long now until 'Hoops' debuts on the SVNS Series. From all accounts the former Wallabies captain has been training well.
Quick chat with
@Aussie7s
' Matt Gonzalez today at Hong Kong Stadium. 📸
@RugbyPass
Read more:
TJ Perenara has officially re-signed with
@Hurricanesrugby
and NZR for 2024 & 2025.
Will be interesting to see how things play for TJ. Faces an uphill battle to return to Test rugby imo.
The biggest winner out of this might be Cam Roigard. TJ must be a great mentor.
#rugby
Apparently the All Blacks team to play Ireland has been leaked. It’s unclear as to who the source is but there’s a massive thread on Reddit.
Christie ahead of Roigard.
Fainga’anuku starts for Telea (injury).
Huge news if true. ABs officially name their team tonight
#rwc2023
Wallaby Darby Lancaster has joined the Waratahs. There’s been rumours for a while but glad to see it’s offical.
Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway & Joseph Suaali’i could all join Darby in the same backline… that’s scarily good.
#Waratahs
#SuperRugbyPacific
#BREAKING
Will Skelton will captain the Wallabies at this year's Rugby World Cup in France. I'll be honest, I didn't see this one coming.
No room for Quade Cooper, Michael Hooper, Len Ikitau or Jed Holloway in the squad. 25 players are set for their first RWC.
#Wallabies
@RugbyPass
Just spoke with South Africa U20 captain Zachary Porthen. After the interview he asked me if I’ve got ‘any tips’ for how he can be better with media.
Zach caught me off-guard in the best way with that. No player has ever asked me that before.
That’s elite from the young man.
Sensational game between South Africa U20 & Argentina U20. Junior Boks snatch it at the death 30-28.
ARG winger Franco Rossetto was unbelievable with FOUR tries. Yes, FOUR.
Great crowd & conditions, too.
AUS v NZ up next to determine who wins TRC U20 title.
With no Will Jordan, it’ll be very interesting to see who the
#AllBlacks
select at fullback to play Argentina.
J Barrett (31 Test starts at No. 15)
D McKenzie (20)
B Barrett (16)
S Stevenson (0)
Who starts and why?
#WorldRugby
#rugby
@RugbyPass
First the Hurricanes and now Munster. The ‘minor premiers’ from Super Rugby Pacific & URC both bow out in the semis on the same day.
The Chiefs & Glasgow Warriors march on for a shot at silverware 🏆
@RugbyPass
#SuperRugbyPacific
#URC
#rugby
An outstanding game between Otago & Wellington. Just goes to show how good this competition is for NZ rugby, and it also highlights what Aussie rugby is missing.
Brumbies’ Hudson Creighton had a blinder for Otago.
Tane Edmed has played well for Harbour.
#BunningsNPC
#rugby
This is a team more than capable of winning a medal in Paris but it’ll come down to what version of the Aussie Sevens turns up.
Consistency wasn’t their friend in 2023/24 but they’re a team capable of creating history at the Games.
New Wallabies coach is officially Joe Schmidt. Great pickup for Aussie rugby - there’s no doubt about that.
Signed on until at least after the Lions Tour. Schmidt vs Farrell, can’t wait.
#Wallabies
#rugby
About 5 mins after this vid was taken, one of the last things I saw at Aussie women’s 7s training today was Maddison Levi running away for a long-range try…
The Aussies look ready. Not long now until the Hong Kong Sevens.
#SVNSSeries
#HSBCSVNSSERIES
@Aussie7s
Thousands here singing at Stade de France (and even more outside) an hour before kick-off.
The Wallabies are 0-4 under coach Eddie Jones this year, and they’ll be desperate to turn that around tonight.
#rugby
#FRAvAUS
@RugbyPass
Shannon Frizell has looked VERY good at blindside flanker for the All Blacks. Backing up a strong performance in the No. 6 jersey last weekend too.
Have the
#AllBlacks
found their next Jerome Kaino?
#TheRugbyChampionship
#Springboks
#Wallabies
centre Len Ikitau will reportedly miss both Bledisloe Cup matches after fracturing his scapula against
#LosPumas
.
Tough blow for the Wallabies, but Ikitau could potentially feature at this year's Rugby World Cup.
#rugby
#injury
#AllBlacks
That’s what champions do. Congratulations to the Crusaders who have won their SEVENTH title in as many years.
The Chiefs’ fairytale finish wasn’t to be but they should still be extremely proud of their efforts this season.
#SuperRugbyPacific
#CHIvCRU
#Crusaders
#rugby
An incredible report out of New Zealand suggests that Sam Whitelock could make a comeback with the All Blacks after being approached by Scott Robertson.
The 153-Test veteran, who has been to four World Cups, is currently playing in France with Pau.
Massive!
#AllBlacks
Italy can knock France out of the Rugby World Cup next week IF the All Blacks beat Uruguay.
Grab your popcorn folks, Thursday & Friday could could flip
#rwc2023
on its head. Bring it on.
#AllBlacks
#NZLvITA
#Wallabies
confirm their side to take on Argentina in
#Sydney
. They’ve made some crucial changes imo.
McReight, Kerevi & Mark N get a start ✅
Quade holds his place 🥳
No Ryan Lonergan 🤔
Big week for Eddie & his Wallabies. This team is a step in the right direction.
#rugby
With Will Jordan injured, Ruben Love is a genuine option to start at fullback vs. England. Love is first out of SR fullbacks in line breaks (5) in ‘24 and has generally been great.
If it was my pick, would easily take Love over Beauden Barrett.
#SuperRugbyPacific
#AllBlacks
#BREAKING
Super Round will officially return to Melbourne’s AAMI Park on March 1-3 in 2024.
It was just announced at Forsyth Barr Stadium ahead of Bledisloe II this afternoon.
#rugby
#SuperRugbyPacific
@RugbyPass
Special moment at
#HK7s
with New Zealand’s Shiray Kaka giving her gold medal to a young fan in an Australian jersey.
“She has been cheering for me all weekend,” Kaka told me.
Inspiring the next generation both on and off the field.
@nz_sevens
@SVNSSeries
#Wallabies
assistant coach Neal Hatley ranks the
#Pumas
forwards “pretty highly” compared to other packs around the world.
That’s high praise.
Expecting a physical war between these two sides on Sat. Who wins and why?
Read more on
@RugbyPass
#rugby
#RugbyChampionship
Two-time Rugby World Cup winner Richie McCaw was watching on as the
#AllBlacks
hit the field in Dunedin for their captain's run on Friday afternoon.
Could McCaw be a bolter for the ABs' World Cup squad? No, but keep dreaming - God knows I am.
#rugby
#NZLvAUS
Will Jordan picked for his FIRST Test start in the No. 15 jersey for the All Blacks.
Interesting team though with plenty of debutants. Very excited to ‘Shooter’ Stevenson on the right wing vs Eddie’s Wallabies. Happy with the team?
#AllBlacks
#NZLvAUS
#BledisloeCup
@RugbyPass
Cam Roigard has been brilliant against Namibia so far. 2 tries and there’s still plenty of rugby to be played.
The ABs definitely could’ve used him last week…
#rwc2023
#AllBlacks
France No. 10 Romain Ntamack ruled out of
#rwc2023
with an ACL injury. Devastating news for the hosts.
In my opinion, France can’t win the World Cup now. Their chances go down with Ntamack.
The All Blacks should be favourites, followed by South Africa
#rugby
#AllBlacks
A lot has been said about Eddie Jones’ Wallabies this year, but history is on their side ahead of a decisive clash at
#RWC2023
.
Fiji haven’t beaten the Wallabies since 1954. Aussie have won 17 of the last 18 meetings, which includes one draw in 1961.
#Wallabies
#Fiji
#rugby
Not rugby related but shoutout to the
@TheMatildas
Semi-final bound! Is that the most famous win in Australian football history? I think so
#FIFAWomensWorldCup
Tate was also first out at last week’s Tuesday training session in Melbourne.
Incredible he’s gone from dropped (earlier this year) to skipper - but there’s no arguing that McDermott is skipper material.
No sign of Michael Hooper at
#Wallabies
training this morning. The co-captain is focusing on his rehab & is still a chance of playing in Bledisloe I on Sat.
Can this Wallabies team end more than two decades of Bledisloe Cup hurt? It all starts at the MCG.
#AllBlacks
@RugbyPass
Massive loss for the Wallabies with Fraser McReight ruled out with an injury. But it’s not all bad news
6 uncapped players have been named including Olympian Corey Toole & Force’s Carlo Tizanno.
Marika Koroibete & Angus Bell are two game-changing inclusions.
#Wallabies
New Zealand win the inaugural Rugby Championship U20 with a thrilling 36-25 win over Australia.
It was a one point game. Edge of your seat kind of footy on the Sunny Coast.
NZ’s Stanley Solomon & AUS’s Will McCulloch with a double each.
Devastating news for the Black Ferns Sevens with Shiray Kaka confirming her Olympic dream is over. Kaka had been outstanding on the SVNS Series before injuring her knee in Singapore last weekend.
When I was growing up, yes the All Blacks had the likes of McCaw, Carter & Nonu but their bench was the secret to their success.
Now, the ABs’ bench isn’t a strength, it’s become a problem. 4 Tests in ‘24 where they haven’t scored in the last 20 mins.
#TRC2024
#AllBlacks
The Springboks started their Rugby World Cup campaigns with a loss in both 2015 and 2019. They were beaten by Japan (‘15) and the All Blacks (‘19).
If anything, that stat offers a glimmer of hope for Scotland fans ahead of
#RSAvSCO
at
#RWC2023
clash this weekend.
#rugby
Honestly wouldn’t be surprised to see Scotland beat the Springboks on Sunday, only to go and lose to Tonga in a fortnight.
In what would be a repeat of 2019, I can’t see Scotland moving past the pool stage at
#RWC2023
.
#rugby
#Scotland
#Springboks
Solid media turnout at Friday's
#AllBlacks
captain's run in Dunedin. The team hit the field, including skipper Sam Cane.
Will the ABs get it done in Bled II or will the Wallabies shock the rugby world? Bring it on.
#rugby
#NZLvAUS
#BledisloeCup
Harry Wilson has a 100% winning record as the Wallabies’ starting captain. Not bad considering he wasn’t even in the 23 during the Wales Tests in July.
#Wallabies
#TRC2024
There’s literally a line of fans waiting to have their picture taken with Portia Woodman-Wickliffe.
Portia’s been taking pics for at least 10 minutes now. International superstar.
@RugbyPass
@SVNSSeries
@nz_sevens
So many talking points from this announcement but overall, this is a really good All Blacks squad.
Big INs: Ruben Love, Will Jordan, Sam Darry & Sam Cane
Big OUT: Finlay Christie
Good to see Noah Hotham rewarded for a promising debut vs Fiji.
#AllBlacks
#rugby