Wallabies have broken All Blacks drought, but they still need spring reign
There's really only one phrase to sum up the Wallabies' home internationals in 2017: if only. If only they won the restart in Dunedin. If only they held on to that lead against South Africa in Perth. If only they were able to pinch a win on the Highveld in Bloemfontein. The year could have been so different.
- by Matt Burke
Latest
Rugby Championship 2017: Wallabies pressure made the All Blacks look vulnerable
With all the negativity and disappointment that surrounded the Wallabies' loss to the Kiwis in Sydney, that "oh so close" moment against the All Blacks last week provided a small glimmer of light and hope for supporters.
- by Matt Burke
COMMENT
Force
Axing the Western Force was a huge mistake for Super Rugby and the ARU
If anyone can empathise with what the Western Force players are going through right now, it's me. I've been there when your playing future has been taken away from you.
- by Matt Burke
COMMENT
Super Rugby
Is Super Rugby really worth saving? I've got a better idea
Super Rugby is in the midst of a massive overhaul, and before that model is in place, it needs another massive overhaul.
- by Matt Burke
Australian rugby can't afford another 18 months like the past 18 months
As the Super Rugby season stutters back to life and all eyes look across the ditch at the All Blacks-Lions decider, one question about the state of the game in Australia comes to mind: How did it come to this?
- by Matthew Burke
Given the British and Irish Lions' struggles, maybe Australian rugby's not so bad
If a brand such as the British and Irish Lions are having "deer in the headlights moments" in New Zealand, perhaps Australian rugby isn't as bad as we thought.
- by Matthew Burke
Why Bledisloe Cup opener looms as pivotal moment for Australian rugby
August 19 will be one of the most important days in recent history for Australian rugby. It's got nothing to do with the performances of our Super Rugby teams or the drama surrounding one franchise being culled. But August 19 is the date of the first Bledisloe Cup clash.
- by Matthew Burke
Waratahs star Israel Folau admits he has 'never been challenged like this before'
Sun-Herald rugby columnist Matt Burke sits down with Israel Folau to talk form and Super Rugby on the eve of the Waratahs' clash with the Melbourne Rebels.
- by Matthew Burke
COMMENT
Super Rugby
Why would Wallabies coach Michael Cheika suggest Waratahs chase Cooper Cronk?
Why would the Australian coach endorse – even suggest – the recruitment of a 33-year-old rugby league player. I just can't understand it.
- by Matthew Burke
COMMENT
Australian rugby
What the 2017 British and Irish Lions squad to tour New Zealand says about Australian rugby
Sixteen members of the Lions squad toured Australia four years ago. How many of the Wallabies side have survived from 2013?
- by Matthew Burke
Super Rugby cull: Australian rugby needs Western Force and Melbourne Rebels should go
Six weeks ago, I was adamant the Western Force should be the team to go – but now I'm not so sure.
- by Matthew Burke
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/by/matthew-burke-hvetu