Month: September 2019

Rebels' injury list grows as round one team named

Sefa Naivalu is the latest high-profile Rebel to be ruled out of their opening Super Rugby clash, with the winger failing to overcome an infection. Naivalu shapes as one of the side’s key players heading into 2017, but the speedster will be watching on as his teammates play the Blues on Thursday night. The 25-year-old…

By JohnValbyNation September 29, 2019 0

The Pecking Order: Openside flankers

Australia has never been short of sevens, but who are the standouts this season? We’ve ranked the 7s in Wallabies contention at this point in the year. 1. Michael Hooper Hooper faces the toughest test of his Super Rugby career this season, leading a battling Waratahs side for the first time as its full-time captain.…

By JohnValbyNation September 29, 2019 0

Rebels appoint Thorpe as team director

Former All Blacks manager Tony Thorpe will join the Rebels as team director in 2018. Thorpe, who was most recently general manager of Fiji Rugby, will oversee the team’s wider strategy, on and off the field, working closely with Dave Wessels.   “I’m fortunate for the opportunity to work with David and the management team at the…

By JohnValbyNation September 29, 2019 0

Rebels feeling the Super Rugby pain

Rebels coach Tony McGahan says the ongoing Super Rugby uncertainty is seeping into his team’s performances, but stopped short of using it as an excuse for another loss. The franchise released a statement on Friday night explicitly ruling out the possibility of selling its licence to the ARU, a move that seemingly turns the pressure…

By JohnValbyNation September 29, 2019 0

Reds bring in more youth for Highlanders clash

Generation Next carried the Reds to their win last week and Nick Stiles has continued to back his young guns, bringing two Australian U20s players in on the bench for the clash with the Highlanders. Reece Hewat and Jayden Ngamanu have been named to potentially make their Super Rugby debuts, a reward for their form…

By JohnValbyNation September 29, 2019 0

Newcastle not safe from relegation yet warns Benitez

Fabian Schar and Sean Longstaff’s goals help pulled the Magpies seven points clear of the relegation zone Rafael Benitez has warned Newcastle United are far from certain of Premier League survival despite Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Burnley. Goals from Fabian Schar and Sean Longstaff sealed the victory at St James’ Park, which moved the Magpies…

By JohnValbyNation September 28, 2019 0

'I learned a lot from him' – Guardiola praises Cruyff for teaching a winning mentality

The City boss says the legendary Dutchman’s influence at Barcelona helped instill an inner belief and a thirst for winning Manchester City are benefitting from the belief instilled in Pep Guardiola by the legendary Johan Cruyff, according to the manager of the Premier League champions. City have lifted three trophies since Guardiola arrived in 2016 and…

By JohnValbyNation September 28, 2019 0