canterbury Men’s Phoenix 3.0 Firm Ground Rugby Boot Review

Rugby Boots for the Backs

For the agile player who wants to stay light on their feet to burn past opponents these rugby boots are as the name suggests built for speed and power across the pitch

They are designed for backs playing on soft natural grass surfaces that are wet and muddy and require the most traction

Asymmetric lacing gives you a greater surface area when you're kicking the ball and a high scuff resistance PU upper provides essential durability and abrasion resistance to last you through a long rugby season

A mesh lining makes sure your feet can breathe throughout any game wicking away sweat to keep you dry and comfortable Shock attenuating properties help to reduce strain to your lower limbs so that you can always play at maximum power

With the 3D moulded heel countering with rearfoot stability makes sure you're comfortable in these rugby boots as well as being supported from kick off to the final whistle

A TPU outsole with six 8mm removable metal studs (wrench included with purchase) makes it's easier for you to transition move quicker and change direction faster with the reduced stud count giving you extra stability during play With a sleek black dark grey and light silver design you'll be sure to stand out on the pitch

    

Key Elements for these rugby boots are :

• Asymmetric lacing
• Greater surface area for kicking
• High scuff resistance PU upper
• Abrasion resistance properties
• Mesh lining

• Sizing Chart for Canterbury

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https://therugbystore.com.au/canterbury-mens-phoenix-3-0-firm-ground-rugby-boots-review/

Adidas Unisex & Adult ACE 18.3 FG Rugby Boots - the review

Reborn to rule the pitch, these firm ground rugby cleats strap you in for all-out domination.This type of rugby boot is designed for either firm grounds or for Astro Turf The supportive mesh upper imitates your heel shape for secure lockdown, while a snug collar delivers a sock-like fit for ankle stability. Embossing on the forefoot helps keep the ball under your spell and the game under your control.      

• Structured Primemesh upper provides a comfortable, sock-like fit so you can move with instinct to control the ball at high speed
• Control embossing on the upper gives you improved ball handling
• Experience ultimate lockdown with an anatomically designed upper that mimics your heel shape
• Snug sock-like material fits like a second skin
• High-performance TPU-injected layers in the outsole designed to stabilize movement; Firm Ground outsole; Hybrid stud tips

https://therugbystore.com.au/adidas-unisex-adult-ace-18-3-fg-rugby-boots-the-review/

Mizuno Men’s Monarcidaneo Rugby Boots - A Review

Designed by MORELIA NEO II DNA.

Comfortable fit with the classic Mizuno design and an outsole that gives special stability and good traction with 6 removable, full aluminum studs on each rugby boot

      

• Lightweight highly flexible outsole made with soft synthetic leather
• 6 removable, full aluminum studs on each rugby boot provide outstanding stability and traction on soft ground
• Features Zero-Glide removable sock liner for enhanced foothold and maximum comfort
• Ideal rugby boot for the outside backs and quick kids with big feet

https://therugbystore.com.au/mizuno-mens-monarcidaneo-rugby-boots-review/

Review of the PUMA Unisex’s King Pro 21 Firm Ground Rugby Boots

PUMA Unisex’s King Rugby Boots

You're always looking for ways to up your game.

So are we. The King Pro is made for modern playmakers. These boots feature the all-new KINGForm technology, which is a rib structure fused to super soft K-Leather in key contact areas.

What does that mean on the rugby pitch?

Increased touch and increased responsiveness.

Comfortable, giving plenty of freedom of movement, these are the rugby boots that will lead your team to victory.        

https://therugbystore.com.au/review-of-the-puma-unisexs-king-pro-21-firm-ground-rugby-boots/

Adidas 31 Kakari(SG) Rugby Boots

Control the game in these soft-ground rugby boots.

Created for scrummaging and forward play, these rugby boots feature a 6x2 stud formation built for traction and power. A synthetic leather forefoot split provides supreme comfort, while the soft-ground-specific outsole keeps you on your feet and in the game.

• Materials: Upper/synthetic leather; Outsole: Synthetic sole.
• Color: shadow navy/ftwr white/silver dawn
• Gender: UNISEX
• Specifications: Regular fit, shoelace closure, synthetic upper, lightweight and supportive fit, internal support system, 8 studs soft ground synthetic outsole to these rugby boots

https://therugbystore.com.au/adidas-31-kakarisg-rugby-boots/

Adidas LUZ65 Rugby Spike, Kakari SG Rugby Boots

Adidas Rugby Boots

Designed to support the powerhouse players that fuel the engine room of the team; the tight 5, the adidas Kakari SG Rugby Boots give the grip needed to wheel the opposition around and pilfer the ball. The synthetic leather forefoot split enhances comfort during play. The outsole thrives in soft ground conditions with the 6x2 stud arrangement gripping deep into the ground so you can dig in and defend the line. Engineered for the rugby field, the adidas Kakari SG Rugby Boots meet all standards and regulation set by World Rugby for play.

Features

• Synthetic leather forefoot split provides a comfortable and durable on-foot feel
• 10mm heel raise for optimal grip and dynamic positioning
• Soft-ground outsole ensures grip and control even in wet and damp conditions
• 6x2 stud configuration offers outstanding traction and power
• Studs can be tightened to suit playing conditions
• Boots completely meet standards of World Rugby

These Rugby boots for backs will help you with agility like lightning bolt. The synthetic upper design makes the Rugby spike as light and stylish as it looks. Built-in support system provides stability and provides powerful play with crumbs and breakdowns. In addition, the durable 8-stud rugby outsole will lead you to the run that dominates the game.

• The upper uses 50% recycled materials and is one of the adidas initiatives to zero plastic waste. Regular fit Shoelace Closure Synthetic upper Lightweight, flexible and supportive fit Internal support system 8 stud soft ground synthetic outsole Kakari (SG) rugby boot 

 

https://therugbystore.com.au/adidas-luz65-rugby-spike-kakari-sg-rugby-boots/

A lot to consider that rugby union football was birthed in 1823

A lot of consider that rugby football was birthed in 1823 when William Webb Ellis "using fine heedlessness for the guidelines of football (note that soccer was yet to separate into the a variety of codes) as played in his time at Rugby school, primary carried the ball in his arms and ran with it, thus starting the unique feature of the Rugby game".

Even though this is in fact apocryphal, since there is minimal in the way of affirmation to substantiate this view, it is nevertheless the popular viewpoint. So much so in fact that the world-wide representatives named the Rugby world cup the "William Webb Ellis Trophy".

Rugby institution for example had formed Rugby football from football and played this sport according to rugby union rules. The inquiry as to the reason why the game of Rugby school became so popular in preference to the games of other institutions, such as Eton, Winchester or Harrow was possibly largely due to the credibility and reputation and excellence of Rugby school under Dr. Arnold, and this also led most probably to its adoption by various other schools; for in 1860 many schools in addition to Rugby played football according to Rugby rules.

Throughout the middle of the 19th century, Rugby Football, up till that period a standard game only between school boys, took its place as a routine sport among men. The prior students of Rugby institution (and other Rugby playing academic institutions such as Marlborough School) began to spread their variation of rugby (Rugby rules) far and wide.

The first significant event was a former student, Arthur Pell who founded a group at Cambridge University in 1839. The Old Rugbeians disputed the Old Etonians to a game of football and contention at the Rugbeians' use of hands led to representatives of the notable public schools (Rugby, Eton college, Harrow, Marlborough, Westminster and Shrewsbury) meeting to draw up the 'Cambridge Rules' in 1848.

To start with, men who had enjoyed the game as schoolboys created clubs to enable all of them to continue enjoying their favored school game, and many other were stimulated to join with them; while in other instances, clubs were created by men who had not had the benefit of participating in the game at school, but who had the strength and the will to understand the example of individuals who had had this experience.

The introduction of rail lines during this period aided in the games capability to spread across the British isles. In 1863 a meeting was held in Cambridge where a ban was placed on "Hacking", "Tripping" and Blackheath's propensity, "running with the ball in the hands towards the opposite goal immediately after a fair catch".

 

A separate conference was also held in the Freemasons' Tavern, Great Queen Street, London with eleven academies and clubs supporting the kicking and handling codes present. They formed up common rules by which these individuals could play each other, nevertheless, after they had reached a compromise a number of the attendees recanted and ended up taking on the Cambridge rules (which precluded running with the ball).

Blackheath ultimately withdrew from the football association as it was at that point called. Henceforth there was a split between Association football (soccer) and Rugby Football (rugby).

And even those who advocated the Rugby code were not in complete agreement concerning the rules. Blackheath for example did not agree with "Hacking". A letter which appeared in the press in 1866, revealed that Richmond also were wanting to remove this feature of the game. In the end both clubs rejected to play any team which supported "hacking".

The result was that "hacking" faded away from club games even though it remained at Rugby School for a few years more. The Rugby Football Union was constituted in 1871 and instantly made "hacking" and "tripping" unlawful.

https://therugbystore.com.au/index.php/2021/09/07/a-lot-of-consider-that-rugby-football-was-birthed-in-1823-when-william/

The Rules (Laws) of Rugby Union in Perth

 

https://www.youtube.com/embed/smnuRhNtT2E

 

Let us explain the laws of rugby union. The object of the game is for your team to score more points than the opposing team. The game is played with two teams of 15 playing on a field. That'S 100 meters, long between the goal lines In rugby union. You may run forwards with the ball and you may kick the ball forwards, But whats interesting about rugby union is that you can only pass the ball backwards or sideways.

 

The Main laws of rugby is You cannot pass the ball forwards and doing so will result in your opponent being awarded possession. The idea is to score points and there are several ways to do. This. # 1, A Try. You can run with the ball into the opponent's in goal area a place. The ball down onto the ground. This is a try and is worth five points.

 

Unlike in American Football, the player must press the ball on the ground with downward pressure. No downward pressure equals no try # 2, A Conversion After scoring a try. You awarded a conversion, kick to add more points. The kick is made from a spot. Twenty meters from the goal line and perpendicular to the spot, where the try was scored.

 

Kicking the rugby ball between the posts and over the crossbar scores. Two points # 3, A penalty. If your opponent commits a foul, you may choose to kick the ball from the ground between the goal posts. This scores three points # 4. A Drop-Goal.You can also kick the ball between the posts at any time. During open play To do this, you must drop the ball on onto the ground first before kicking it. This also scored three points.

 

To stop you from scoring your opponents, will try and stop you by tackling Your opponent, can grab you below the shoulders and pull you to the floor or stop you moving forwards In rugby union once a player is tackled, the ball carrier MUST let go of the Rugby Ball, This usually results in players pushing each other away on the ground. Whilst a team mate tries to get possession of the ball players from either team can get possession at this point, This is known as a ruck and is an important part in the game.

 

To the untrained eye, it looks like a bunch of men rolling around on the floor a bit, but in reality theyre trying to push their opponents away so that they can get the ball. The maul is the other important part of the game. This is essentially a ruck, whilst standing up players will push opposing players backwards in order to get better field position, Unlike in American Football or rugby League, there are no set limits for possession

 

If a team can keep the ball for the entire game, they generally will. The game is played in two 40 minute halves For a combined playing time of 80 minutes Team with the highest score after 80. Minutes wins Thats, basically the gist of it, but theres. A few other rules youll need to understand before playing or going to a game.

 

For example, knock on Any player deflecting the ball forwards with their arms or body is committing a knock-on. Remember, youre not allowed to pass the ball forwards, so youre not allowed to deflect it forwards either unless its a kick Committing a knock on will result in the other team being awarded a scrum Scrum. This is a method of restarting play, usually after a forward pass or knock on

 

The forwards of both teams line up and push against one another. Whilst the ball is rolled between them In general, any team can win possession of the ball at this point in touch. This is rugby terminology for out of the playing area. As indicated in the laws of the game The outer lines of the field are touch lines and any ball leaving the field of play is said to be in touch Line-out. This is another method of restarting play, usually when the ball has left the field in touch players from each team line up 1 metre. Apart, whilst the ball is thrown into play between them, players are allowed to lift teammates up to try and gain possession of the ball.

 

There are many other rules not discussed here, but as you watch or play rugby union, they will be very clear. They will become very clear indeed,

 

As found on YouTube

https://therugbystore.com.au/index.php/2022/09/28/the-rules-laws-of-rugby-union-in-perth/

Enter the game of Rugby Union

Global Rugby has a leading class team of regional growth personnel used both by World Rugby and Regions supplying a comprehensive series of competitors, property development and training programmes. At the core of these solutions is the Get Into Rugby Programme.

WHAT IS GET INTO RUGBY?

http://www.worldrugby.org/photos/8857

The Get Into Rugby program belongs to the World Rugby strategy to boost engagement in Rugby throughout the globe.

Collaborating with Regional Associations and also Unions, Get Into Rugby will be an essential initiative to grow the Game, as Rugby rejoins the Olympic Games in Rio 2016.
The goal of the program is to raise the variety of new players, coaches and also referees over the next 4 years.

Get Into Rugby will promote the appreciates of Rugby and also make sure youngsters are encouraged to TRY-- PLAY-- STAY in Rugby in a risk-free, pleasurable and also modern method.
Unions that provide the Get Into Rugby program will certainly have accessibility to devices through a Toolkit, training, education and learning as well as interactive online resources.

The Get Into Rugby Toolkit consists of balls, bibs and tag belts, and also is an indispensable part of the program.

Try Introducing children and also ladies to the principles of Rugby for the very first time.
Beginning with initial Rugby sessions. These include the principles of Rugby, speed, equilibrium, control, passing, catching and also team effort.

 

PLAY
Establishing gamers' abilities, developing their Game understanding as well as encounter of the special ethos of Rugby.

Training sessions to show the concepts and also skills of Rugby and a risk-free progression to playing the Game.

REMAIN
How you can maintain players in the Game for life and also enjoy and also experience the enjoyable, physical fitness, health and wellness benefits and also distinct values of playing Rugby: integrity, respect, uniformity, enthusiasm and also discipline.

WHAT TO DO NEXT?
Please logon to the Get Into Rugby website for more information: worldrugby.org/getintorugby
For a first discussion on just how the program works, application process and how it can benefit your Union kindly get in touch with the World Rugby Regional Staff member for your area. All contact details are on the internet site.

The website supplies information on:
Exactly how a Union can supply Get Into Rugby
Application as well as process
Planning templates
Taste coaching sessions
Interactive forum
To know even more regarding your Member Union click here

https://therugbystore.com.au/index.php/2021/09/05/enter-the-game-of-rugby-union/

TOP 5 RUGBY BOOTS FOR BACKS FOR 2021 - 2022

A buyers' guide featuring boots for backs, traditional forwards and everyone inbetween

Best Rugby Boots of 2021

Unlike in a sport like cycling or golf, there isn’t much equipment you need to play rugby. One thing you cannot scrimp on is a good pair of boots.

Gone are the days when your boots would be heavy by half-time and you could have any colour as long as it was black. Boot technology has made significant strides and it is probably time to trade in your old kicks for something more modern with our guide to the best rugby boots of 2020.

Looks are important but there is more to a modern pair of boots than just if they’ll stand out when you run onto the pitch on a Saturday. Most boots will be specified as either soft ground (SG) or firm ground (FG). Soft-ground boots are for the mid-season when the ground is muddy with little grip. They will have traditional studs; long, rounded, and metal. Firm-ground boots are for better surfaces where you can forgo long studs in favour of sleeker plastic pegs, shorter metal studs, or a combination of the two.

A lightweight boot will allow you to reach your top speed but it comes at the expense of protection from a stray stud. Forwards may prefer to carry a bit more weight to protect them in scrums and mauls whereas backs would be advised to head down the lightweight route to maximise their agility.

Below we run through the best rugby boots of 2021

Best Rugby Boots

Adidas Kakari Z.0 SG Boots

The Kakari Z.0 is classy and understated enough for even the most traditional of forwards. The bootie style fit is exceptionally comfortable but an inner support strap ensures that comfort doesn’t come at the expense of performance.

The split sole is ideal for the grunt work of the tight five. You can stay low and planted in the turf and still generate power thanks to the sole flexibility.

+ A boot for forwards that doesn’t come at the expense of speed.

+ Slipper like comfort means it doesn’t feel like you’re wearing a high-performance boot.

– At almost $123 (aud) this really is at the top end of boot prices.

 

Canterbury Phoenix 3.0 Pro SG Boots - $147.25 AU

A do-it-all boot which looks as good as it feels. The Phoenix 3.0 is designed to be lightweight but without sacrificing durability or protection thanks to a TPU mesh skin. The foot is held in place by a neoprene tongue, which combines with internal straps to provide a comfortable but secure fit.

Finally, a mix of removable studs and molded elements gives you maximum grip in the winter and flexibility to put on some shorter studs for those spring and autumn days.

+ The classy black design is offset perfectly with some silver detail on the laces, a very good-looking boot.

+ A comfortable fit coupled with a durable upper means you will get plenty of game time out of these boots.

– Designed for back-row players, these boots lack some protection for the front five and might not be agile enough for the backs.

Gilbert Kaizen 1.0 SG Boots - $89.99

 

Designed for speed and agility, these are perfect for fleet-footed outside backs. A knitted upper, brought over from football boots, hugs the foot without adding more than the bare essentials in weight. Perfect for some dazzling footwork and a sprint into the open field.

The offset laces mean that, even when your only option is to kick, you can do it with confidence thanks to an unbroken kicking zone.

+ Very lightweight but still offering a solid and secure fit.

+ A raised heel ensures you are always in the most powerful position when you need to surge by the last defender.

– The knitted upper and lightweight construction means these are best avoided if you are wearing a number in single digits.

Adidas Kakari Elite SG Boots - $158.51

 

Some things can be found in all rugby clubs anywhere in the world. The first is at least one Welsh person and the second is a host of players wearing these boots.

The Kakari Elite is a boot for forwards which shuns the perceived wisdom that forwards only want to wear black boots. The upper provides protection from a misplaced size 12 but these are still lightweight despite that. An integrated cage system straps the foot firmly in meaning you can dance past the last man once you make the break.

 

https://therugbystore.com.au/top-5-rugby-boots-for-backs-for-2021/

THE BEST RUGBY BOOTS FOR 2022

Top Class Rugby Boot Reviews

Considering all these factors, rugby boots tend to run a little more expensive than most rugby footwear, so it’s important to make the best-educated choice before purchasing. The price tag can be a hassle for some people, however, you might find that you can just as easily get away with older models that provide good quality and performance without too much of a spend. Whichever of the boots from our top 10 list you choose, you can rest assured that you will be getting a high-quality pair of rugby boots that will keep you safe while allowing you to make the best of your playing abilities.

 

IN DEPTH REVIEW TOP Class Rugby Boots 

Canterbury Stampede 2.0 SG

Adidas Kakari Force SG

Adidas Malice Control SG

Mizuno Monarcida Neo Rugby SI

Canterbury Men's Phoenix Raze SG Rugby Boot

CANTERBURY STAMPEDE

There is nothing that can stand in the way of the Canterbury Stampede 2.0 rugby cleats. This design is built for power and explosiveness, and you will love its performance features. It is constructed on a PowerLast that has a wide fit in the forefoot for comfort and has that well-known Canterbury heel raise which reduces strain on your legs. Built for soft ground, the Stampede 2.0 comes with 8 studs with bonus TPU traction.

The upper of the Stampede 2.0 cleats is made from synthetic PU for durability, and the toe box of this option is reinforced for strength. The collar is padded with 10mm foam for added comfort, and the wide fit will be a welcome change to standard footwear of this kind. The heel raise is at 8mm, putting you in a power position on the field, and the additional TPU we mentioned in the studs is there for even more power than you can possibly imagine.

The Canterbury Stampede 2.0 rugby cleats are the one design that you shouldn’t mess with. If you’re the type of player who needs more from their boots, who likes to be strong and uncompromising on the field, then you need footwear to match, and the Stampede 2.0 is definitely it.

ADIDAS KAKARI FORCE SG

Right alongside Nike, there is Adidas, another powerhouse in the world of sports footwear. The Kakari Force SG rugby cleats is a design specifically created for tight five players on soft ground. It has a very precise configuration of studs, as well as a raised heel which helps you push forward. The lockdown on these rugby boots is amazing, and you can trust that its comfort levels will be up to par, as well. As the brand says, conquer the scrum in the Kakari Force!

The upper of this option is made from premium leather, and there is a synthetic lining as well as a sock-like design for security. The studs are positioned to provide you with customized traction on a soft ground outsole, and you would do well to tighten them correctly before the game. The heel raise is 10mm, to ensure the dynamic of your movements. Of course, to round up the design there is a lace-up system with which you can easily adjust the fit to your liking.

The Adidas Kakari Force SG is made according to all the standards set by World Rugby, and you can be sure that they are the best of the best currently on the market. Once you invest in these bad boys, you will not look back ever again. So what are you waiting for? Go get your new groundbreaking shoes!

ADIDAS MALICE CONTROL SG

The Adidas Malice Control rugby boots are designed to be the support a backline player needs. It is lightweight and breathable thanks to its synthetic mesh upper, and it has a hybrid combination of studs with molded placements in between. What sets apart the Malice from other designs of its kind is the fact that it has an asymmetrical lacing system which both looks cool and has a purpose in the game.

The Malice rugby cleats will keep your feet cool and sweat-free thanks to its porous mesh upper. The lacing closure we touched on is conceived in such a way that there is a large spot left on top of the boot so you can strike the ball without any problems. The hybrid studs mean that there are four low profile aluminum ones in the front, as well as two aluminum ones in the back. They’re divided by these placements that increase control as you run.

Overall, the Adidas Malice Control is one tough design meant for soft ground play. It offers you greater control of your movements, of the ball and consequently of the game itself, and if you are the type of player who is all about that precision and power dynamic, you will love every second you play in these sneakers!

Mizuno Monarcida Neo Rugby SI

The Mizuno Monarcida Neo Rugby SI, Is a Unisex Kids Rugby boot, Black/Black, and this could be a limited model of the cleat, great for soccer and rugby alike. It boasts of a barefoot feel, keeping it soft and lightweight with kangaroo leather uppers. This particular model is made in Japan, so make sure to check sizes before you order. Its technical plate allows for flexibility, enhanced stability, and durability, and is particularly suited for firm ground fields. Weighing in at only 8.1oz, it’s sure to catch your eye for an assessment.

A graded Pebax sole plate rests at the base of the Mizuno Monarcida Neo Rugby SI cleats, which not only provides enhanced support and stability but allows for the flexibility needed by wingers for quick maneuvering and dodging tackles. The plate helps with quick sprints by providing a firm base to press against for explosive power and provides durability overall to the integrity of the cleat.

Designed for firm ground, 13 PU studs line the sole in specific positions to better help alleviate pressure points. Soft kangaroo leather creates the soft supple uppers of the Morelia II, giving it a great in-shoe feel, but also making it quick and functional in terms of ball handling. For soccer, this is ideal, but for rugby, kickers will appreciate the sense of touch more so than other positioned players. A tongue overlays lace-up closure so you won’t be catching your cleats in knots!

The Mizuno Monarcida Neo Rugby SI is designed for advanced players who enjoy a barefoot feel for grip and the soft touch feel of kangaroo leather uppers. Perfectly positioned cleats alleviate pressure points during play, and the Pebax sole plate gives the performance an upgrade in flexibility, durability, and stability. Well worth the investment if you’re a long time rugby specialist!

Canterbury Men's Phoenix Raze SG Rugby Boot, 

When you’re on the pitch, you need a rugby boot that can adapt and the Canterbury Phoenix Raze SG is built for it.

Designed for forwards who enjoy an extra level of comfort and stability in their footwear these soft ground rugby boots in Canterbury's classic black and red colours will keep your feet comfortable game after game Built for adaptability across the pitch these boots are for soft ground play on natural grass surfaces that are wet and muddy and require the most traction

These rugby boots are comfortable and supportive they have a durable PU upper and a heavily cushioned ankle collar offering a tight and snug fit for wider feet without being uncomfortable

They come with a 9mm heel-to-toe heel raise reduces strain to your lower limbs and helps to position your foot for maximum power and drive on the pitch Moulded studs plus 8 removable metal studs mean these boots provide grip even in the depths of Winter giving you the power and lightweight agility you need to reach the breakdown first

Designed with a durable PU upper and a heavily cushioned ankle collar for maximum wearer comfort, it’s engineered on Canterbury's game-changing Power Last 1.1, which offers a more comfortable wider forefoot and a locked in toe box and collar.

An 9 mm heel raise reduces lower limb strain and promotes a power position, whilst a hybrid outsole with eight removable TPU studs gives you the traction you need when the going gets soft.

• 8mm foam cushioning in collar for comfort
• Wide-fitting forefoot shaping
• Hybrid 8 plate outsole provides lightweight traction

https://therugbystore.com.au/the-best-rugby-boots-for-2022/

The massive experience gap young Wallabies face against All Blacks as Auckland plans wild welcome

The Wallabies will be out to change 35 years of history at Eden Park on Saturday night in their Bledisloe Cup opener with the All Blacks. New Zealand, in contrast, will be celebrating it.

Aaron Smith will become just the tenth All Blacks player to notch 100 Tests when he runs out in Auckland.

Right alongside Smith will be captain Sam Whitelock, the only other current Kiwi centurion, just as he was 19 years ago.

The pair first met on the way to their first day of high school in Feilding, a town of 17,000 people set in the beautiful rolling hills of the Manawatu.

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“I remember it really clearly,” Whitelock said.

“Walking across the school grounds and little short Maori boy with a big afro yelling out at me going, ‘Oh bro, are you coming here?’

“I was like, ‘I’m dressed in school uniform walking to the first day of school so it’s pretty obvious’.”

Halfback Smith, 35 centimetres shorter than the imposing Whitelock, would take two years longer than his school mate to represent the All Blacks.

(Photo by Renee McKay/Getty Images)

“It’s pretty cool that we’ve both gone down different pathways, but we’re both here together,” Whitelock said.

“It’s pretty humbling for ourselves, but also the school and the community.

“People don’t see his hard work that goes on behind the scenes.

“He is the guy that’s always writing things down, putting a plan together and making sure that everything he’s doing is for the betterment of the team.”

Smith has played more than twice the number of Test matches than the entire Wallabies’ back line selected by Dave Rennie: just one of the reasons Australia will start as underdogs against the New Zealanders.

More Rugby

• The massive experience gap young Wallabies face against All Blacks as Auckland plans wild welcome
• 'Don't tell us how to play': Boks bristle at 'boring' taunts ahead of Lions decider
• 'Tortured souls': Why everybody loves to hate the All Blacks
• Is it time to boot the box kick?
• Foster vows All Blacks fans will see a 'significant shift forward' as they defend incredible Eden Park record

Rugby

The other chief reason would be 35 years of hurt. Not since 1986 have the Wallabies beaten New Zealand at Eden Park, a run that has helped keep the coveted Bledisloe Cup in New Zealand since 2003.

One factor that could help Rennie’s side snap the streak is the weather. Australia secured a heart-stopping 16-16 draw with New Zealand on their first-up Test in New Zealand last year, achieved in ferocious winds and rain at Wellington’s Sky Stadium.

A gale force wind warning issued for Auckland on Saturday was not lost on All Blacks coach Ian Foster.

“(Australia are) a very committed physical ruck-and-run type team,” he said.

“They’ve spoken about dominating us up front and playing a fast physical game.

“The Wellington Test last year, my recollection was there was a lot of rain and wind and it was a very different game. The ball was swirling around.

“Hopefully we get a slightly different day here.”

Original source: https://www.theroar.com.au/2021/08/07/history-calls-for-wallabies-and-all-blacks/

https://blog.therugbystore.com.au/the-massive-experience-gap-young-wallabies-face-against-all-blacks-as-auckland-plans-wild-welcome/

Australia trio dropped from New Zealand opener after curfew breach

Australia drop Marika Koroibete, Isi Naisarani and prop Pone Fa'amausili for Saturday's match against New after breaking a team curfew with a drinking session.

Original source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/58086862

https://therugbystore.com.au/australia-trio-dropped-from-new-zealand-opener-after-curfew-breach/

Bledisloe dawn: The questions for the Wallabies ahead of Game 1

Well, the Wallabies are in New Zealand ahead of the first Bledisloe Cup Test, and I must say, it’s a bit surprising we still don’t know where the second match will be played yet.

Of course, there’s good reason for that, and one of very many would be that the Nine Network in Australia is working feverishly with the NRL and several state governments around plans and possibilities and numerous contingencies around how to keep rugby league being played in a rapidly-changing COVID situation in Sydney and Brisbane.

Games being played in other sports, even games little more than a week away, would be down the priority list at the moment, and that would make things difficult for Rugby Australia to gain the clarity they would most certainly need for the rest of the series and The Rugby Championship beyond.

Hopefully, the next week questions are answered soon enough.

This week, on the other hand, raises different kinds of questions that can only be answered on the field with the first match of the series now just days away.

What is the back row strategy?
The team being named later in the week will partly answer this one, but it will be interesting to see which approach Dave Rennie takes into the first Bledisloe on Saturday.

(Andrew Phan/supplied by Rugby Australia)

The Rob Valetini-Michael Hooper-Harry Wilson unit were generally effective in the first two Tests against France, even if by the second game Les Bleus finished well on top of the breakdown ledger. But the unit didn’t survive intact for the third game.

For the third game, Rennie promoted Isi Naisarani from the bench into number eight, left Wilson out completely and then pushed Valetini back to the bench to bring Lachie Swinton in.

It was a clear shift in approach. Valetini’s heavy physicality and Wilson’s wide channel speed was swapped out for Naisarani’s centre corridor presence and Swinton’s work rate, and though it felt a bit curious at the time, the two combined surprisingly effectively with Michael Hooper’s typically productive game.

(Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

A surprising combination in the same way Hooper ‘just worked’ when buddied up with Scott Fardy and David Pocock back in the day.

My strong suspicion is that that third France Test trio will be favoured again, if for no other reason than to lay a physical benchmark for the rest of the series. The Wallabies learned the hard way in Melbourne the folly of playing wide before going forward, and repeating that mistake against New Zealand at Eden Park is a recipe for disaster.

When to bring Taniela Tupou on?
The third match against France seemed to confirm – for now at least – that Taniela Tupou is best suited to coming off the bench for maximum impact, and that Allan Ala’alatoa is very much your starting benchmark setter.

Certainly, Ala’alatoa doesn’t offer anything of the bench impact that Tupou does; he just isn’t wired that way.

But Tupou is, though curiously his numbers from the last two Tests against France are surprisingly comparable from an output point of view. Starting the Second Test and coming off the bench in the Third, Tupou’s minutes-per-carry are remarkably similar. He didn’t make a tackle in the decider, but you’ll recall the Wallabies enjoyed pretty much exclusive possession in the last half an hour.

Getty Images

The difference, of course, is the quality of his involvements and the physicality he imparts on a game. Against tiring forwards nearing the hour mark of a game, the force of a 140kg monster is huge. Ala’alatoa just can’t do that.

So if it’s clear that Ala’alatoa starts, the question then becomes the timeframe in introducing Tupou to the contest.

There’s a train of thought that bringing him on before halftime allows Dave Rennie the chance to double-dip – five or ten minutes of impact before the break, reload and go again for another forty.

I’m not sure that works against New Zealand, though. The All Blacks will know Tupou’s first-contact tackle isn’t always great, and they’ll work him over to blunt his energy level and dampen his impact.

Again, we’ll find this out soon enough, but I suspect the final half-hour will remain the plan for now.

The scrumhalf conundrum
It’s one thing to bring Nic White back into camp because you expect him to be right for the back half of The Rugby Championship, and state lockdowns would prevent a timely late arrival, but is there a chance he could actually be right for this weekend?

He was hopeful rather than confident at a Canberra Stadium announcement back during the France series, but there’s genuine confidence to his tone now: “I’m back training now so fingers crossed I’m able to contribute in some capacity over the next couple of weeks,” he said before the Wallabies left Australia last week.

Certainly, he’s one of those guys who you pick if fit. The underlying question, however, is how fit is fit enough?

(Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

To kick for line or not at all?
Is there enough confidence in the lineout set-piece to remove the threat of backfield All Black counter by simply putting the ball into row B at every opportunity?

Obviously, it held up pretty well against France, but French experience levels may have been a bigger factor in that, given the abundant French talent on show.

But this might yet be the biggest sign of Dan McKellar’s input into the Wallabies coaching set-up. And suddenly, if the Wallabies are more confident about taking on the likes of Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick than giving the broken field ball to the All Blacks’ back three, then that really will be a significant step forward.

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Are the outsiders about a bigger plan?
This is more around Duncan Paia’aua than Quade Cooper, I’ll admit, but both are certainly curious inclusions in this current Wallabies squad; Paia’aua as a selected squad member, Cooper as an intriguing consultant-type mentor who can still drill blokes 30 metres away while on the run.

What is Dave Rennie really playing at here? Is it a very strong enticement campaign, hoping to get Paia’aua back into one of the Super Rugby sides? Is it the first sign of a weakening of the previously firm stance on overseas-based players? Is it somehow COVID-forced to overcome a lack of available options left in Australia?

And is Paia’aua really in the frame to play this weekend or next?

Again, we’ll find this answer and all the others later in the week.

Original source: https://www.theroar.com.au/2021/08/03/bledisloe-dawn-the-questions-for-the-wallabies-ahead-of-game-1/

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