Tēnā koutou to all you G&GR’s out there in the digital world, and welcome to yet another iteration of whatever rolls through my brain that is vaguely rugby related, as published most Thursdays. I hope you’re all well, a little fat, rested, jovial and in some way engaged in the remaining Super Rugby matches while we also start to spin up for the mid-year test window. Being Thursday, I’ll have a look at the upcoming Super fixtures with team sheets and then skip over for the usual “Around the campfires…” segment and a bit of a gander at rugby in the less reported places.
As ever, a reminder this is a volunteer-driven site. As such, we invite, nay even welcome, new content and new contributors. So, if you have a burning one-off issue you want to rant about in a passingly coherent manner, or wish to be something more than a one-nighter and get into more of a situationship of rugby writing, please reach out on the links below or even just email me directly at [email protected] and get involved.
Capela Cattledogs Ladies Day on the calendar – up in Queensland Country, Central Highlands zone.
This week’s banner pic captures a number of the Barossa Rams in the throes of a reunion of their 1996 premiership winning side. And by all accounts a cracking weekend it was, although stories, recriminations and accusations of shenanigans all seem to have been diligently kept off socials (smart, but damn).
And speaking of the Barossa lads, they seem to have an epic evening in mind for Saturday 27 June as part of fund raising for Variety South Australia after their donk-on with the Old Collegians Rugby Club. So, even if you are nowhere near the vicinity, get there and get on it.
For the record, if you or your local club have a pic you would like to see highlighted on these auspicious pages – be it for a reunion, a fundraiser, some nostalgia or even just a laugh – again, feel free to reach out. Give me a pic and some backstory and one-up your mates or impress your granddad by getting headline coverage on an intergalactic web site! I’m happy to help shenanigans.
Other than that, be sure to get yourself up to date, in the picture and circled back to socialise by checking out Brissy and his synopsis of last weekend HERE, RAWFy and his musings on Wobbly selections HERE and certainly have a squiz at King KARL and his espousations about why referees are consistent, certain ex All Blacks that suddenly aren’t traitors to their nation anymore and why halfbacks aren’t cheats or protected species HERE.
Okey Dokey, enough of the preliminaries, let’s dive into it.
Super Rugby Semi Finals
I confess I was hardly surprised to see the token Aussie sides go crashing out of the Super Championship contention last weekend, to leave the closing weeks of the competition a solely Kiwi affair. That said, I was disappointed at the ineptitude of the Brumbies crash out and simply left numb by the Reds result after daring to hope at halftime.
Firstly, congratulations to the victors in the trans-Tasman matches. I want to be clear about that. While not all refereeing decisions made sense to me, none of them decided the outcome contrary to natural justice. And besides that, the Chiefs and the Canes were simple a class above the Donkeys and the Reds.
But as to the Brumbies, while I don’t ever like losing, I can reconcile a loss in any match as long as two things are clear: Firstly that my opponent was simply better than we were on the day and secondly that we/I gave good account of ourselves and made them fight for it. And it’s in point two that the Brums let themselves and us down.
Roma Echidnas have a HUUGGGEEEE day out this Saturday
Again, be clear that the Canes were good – some of their nine tries were superlative – but they weren’t half as good as the Canberrans made them look overall off the back of poor set piece execution, missed tackles, sloppy kicking (including basics like kick-offs and dead in-goals) and what looked like a complete absence of true urgency around the breakdown giving the Hurricanes almost free rein to do as they wished. Now to be fair, an element of the Donkey malpractice we hardy few Actarian supporters who sat through that display were treated to, were created by the Hurricanes and their skill, diligence and good play. But sure as Trump waddles, a lot of it was purely self-inflicted. And it’s that ineptitude that offends me to the core no matter how many times Larko wants to apologise.
I’ll say it again: something is severely amiss in Brumby-Town and has been for a while. And my gut tells me it’s no coincidence that I see and hear of Lord Laurie being at various club trainings in Sydney over the last month or so while the Donkeys fell apart at the seams.
Tassie rugby having a dig at mustering a crowd
As for the Reds, they at least had a crack and the 22-17 scoreline at oranges gave cause for hope. The Reds showed some real grit early, answering the Chiefs’ tries with their own to Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Aidan Ross, and captain Fraser McReight to keep the game tight. But hope was all we got as D-Mac took control of proceedings in the second spell and swung the game decisively in favor of the home team thereafter. D-Macs own cheeky quick-tap pie alongside majors to Samisoni Taukei’aho and Isaac Hutchinson sealed the 46-24 victory and the Reds exit.
From my perspective, while a few of the Reds faithful will be disappointed and likely a bit frothy about elements of the second spell, at least the Reds seemed to show up and get off the bus with some intent. And in that respect, they outclassed the Brums. But all that said, this was a Reds team littered with Wobblies and coached by the next Wobbs Big Man. So I expected better.
As for the other match, the Blues losing to the Cru 51-31 was hardly surprising. The Blues were tough, but the Cru know how to win – it’s their time of year.
So, with all that out of the way, the Sooky LaLa List is HERE and this weekend’s matchups look like the following:
Nerang Bulls up in Qld Gold Coast comp had a good day out over Gators
Chiefs v Crusaders at 5pm (Syd) on Friday 12 June from FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
Historically, the Chiefs have tended to be a bit of a spriggans for the Cru, snatching victories in unexpected places. But overall, the Cru have the wood on the Waikato, beating them in their last five Finals encounters and their last three general matches including when they last met at FMG Stadium earlier this season (43-33 in Rd 3).
That said, the Hamiltonians are hardly hapless vestal virgins, having won nine of their last ten fixtures against all-comers, scoring +45pts in their last two runs, and having won their last three semi-finals matches regardless of opponents. They’ve got game.
As to injuries and MIA, the Chiefs will of course miss Wallace Sititi after last weeks friendly-fire bump while the Cru will be significantly bolstered by Fletcher ‘AussieBoy’ Newell returning, seeing George Bower move to the bench.
For me, this will be a match of lineouts versus penalties. The Chiefs have scored five tries directly from stealing an opposition lineout this season, more than any other team in the competition, and their general lineout stats are only surpassed by the Forcies. They’re simply deadly in the air. Against that, the Cru freeze teams out, giving up only 8.1 penalties per match, the least of anyone, and remorselessly turn the screws accordingly.
I have no idea who wins this one, so I’ll say Cru based on their prodigious Finals record.
CHIEFS (1-15): Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Sione Ahio, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson (c), Simon Parker, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Kyren Taumoefolau, Quinn Tupaea, Lalakai Foketi, Liam Coombes-Fabling, Isaac Hutchinson
Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Jared Proffit, George Dyer, Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Kaylum Boshier, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Leroy Carter
CRUSADERS (1-15): Finlay Brewis, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Antonio Shalfoon, Jamie Hannah, Ethan Blackadder, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Taha Kemara, Sevu Reece, David Havili (c), Braydon Ennor, Chay Fihaki, Johnny McNicholl
Replacements: Manumaua Letiu, Jack Sexton, George Bower, Tahlor Cahill, Dom Gardiner, Kyle Preston, Rivez Reihana, Macca Springer
Referee: Angus Gardner
Rugby 10’s in Darwin. Touring selections are based strictly on drinking rankings surely.
Hurricanes v Blues at 5pm (Syd) on Saturday 13 June from Hnry Stadium, Wellington
This is an unusual match in that this will be the first finals meeting between the Hurricanes and Blues in Super Rugby history. And somewhat peculiarly, the Canes have lost their last three finals matches against New Zealand opposition, while the Blues have lost their last two finals fixtures against New Zealand opposition. So there isn’t a wealth of historic precedence, for whatever that’s worth, on either teams side.
Looking more recently, the Canes have won their last two donk-ons with the Bros, have won five of their last six matches against all comers and indeed have only dropped three games all season to now. Comparatively, the Bros have lost their last four Super matches straight and conceded at least 47 points in each.
Injuries and MIA wise, the Canes are in good shape while the Blues have a hospital ward off the field including some serious talent like Dalton Papali’i and Malachi Wrampling.
So, while the Blues bring a belting group of direct ball carriers who have the best gain-line success rate of Super Rugby this year (66%), they only actually break the tackle 20 times a match (second worst). Thus they only score 32.6 points a match while conceding +29. Comparatively, the Canes make 11.2 attacking 22m entries per game and break tackles >28 times a match and so score >40 points a match while conceding ~21.
Canes to win.
HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Pasilio Tosi, Caleb Delany, Warner Dearns, Brad Shields, Du’Plessis Kirifi (co-c), Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard, Ruben Love, Fehi Fineanganofo, Jordie Barrett (co-c), Billy Proctor, Josh Moorby, Callum Harkin
Replacements: Raymond Tuputupu, Siale Lauaki, Tyrel Lomax, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brayden Iose, Ereatara Enari, Jone Rova, Kini Naholo
BLUES (1-15): Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Bradley Slater, Marcel Renata, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Sam Darry, Torian Barnes, Anton Segner, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Stephen Perofeta, Caleb Clarke, Xavi Taele, AJ Lam, Cole Forbes, Beauden Barrett
Replacements: Eli Oudenryn, Mason Tupaea, Flyn Yates, Josh Beehre, Che Clark, Taufa Funaki, Pita Ahki, Payton Spencer
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Southern Inland Rugby Union table as of today – City on top as usual for mid-season in recent years
Around the campfires…
According to a bit of FB sleuthing, Warwick Water Rats travelled to take on the Goondiwindi Emu’s for a rematch of last year’s Grand Final last weekend. And while Rat spirits were high in anticipation of a square up, ultimately the Rodentia fell short by 19-12 in a match that had a strangely similar feel to that last epoch.
Local Murinae rattus reports are that much of the first half was spent in resolute defence, with possession hard to come by. But on the odd occasion when the Rats could scavenge some ball in hand, they looked sharp and incisive. And the set piece showed obvious signs of improvement throughout the match.
The highlight of the match was undoubtably the charge-down try to Hamish Swift both for its effort as much as its half-back cheek, while sagacious nods were also offered to veteran Brad Johnson who added a sneaky pick-and-drive try in the second half to keep the contest alive. Aside from that, Player of the Match went to Sekove “Scoby” Nabili for his fearless efforts on both sides of the ball. With ball in hand, he consistently found ways through the defensive line to get the Rats on the front foot.
Rats having a chat at Goondi last weekend.
Special mentions also go to Alosio “Abel” Abele for another powerhouse performance in the midfield, delivering bone-crunching defence while also breaking the line with ball in hand. Hamish Swift also came in for for further mention in despatches, not just of his pie but more-so his smart distribution around the ruck and service to Tom Gillespie at flyhalf who organised the side well, both in shutting down opposition attacks and unlocking opportunities out wide.
Next weekend the Rats enjoy a well-earned break. The squad has worked hard through the opening half of the season and currently sits 3rd on the B-Grade ladder. Well done lads.
Goondi had a good day out…
Out in NSW Country, New England Rugby Union, under bright sunshine at Bellevue Oval, Armidale, the Dorrigo Rangers faced off against St Alberts College in a tough, physical encounter that showcased two contrasting styles — Dorrigo’s trademark grit and physicality against the elusive pace of the Albies outfit.
From the opening whistle, the visiting Rangers met the challenge head‑on, more than matching the at-home Albies in contact and intensity. The home side, however, found space out wide and used their speed to break through the line on several occasions, building a lead that proved difficult for the Rangers to chase down.
Despite the scoreboard, Dorrigo’s determination never wavered and they stayed in the fight. Ryan and Zac crossed each for well-earned tries, both the result of sustained pressure. But the damage had been done early on and the lads couldn’t reel in the gap. The final score read St Alberts 38 to Dorrigo 12.
The Rangers now enjoy a bye next week, before returning home to the Dorrigo Recreation Ground on June 20 for a big clash against the Armidale Blues.
Rangers (gold hoop on green) dans la mêlée with Albies (green, red & black)
Up in NSW Country Mid North Coast zone, the Grafton Redmen Women’s side (Redchix) will be champing at the bit as it will be 34-days next Saturday since side has played a game of rugby. Byes, general zone byes and a forfeit have resulted in the ladies’ being left frustrated and concerned about a lack of match fitness after a flawless start to the season. To get specific, the Redchix remain on top of the MNCZ ladder with three wins and will be hoping to keep their undefeated record intact when they take on SCU Marlins in Coffs Harbour on Saturday.
That said, the opposing Marlins ladies have tasted victory this season and have been undoubtably improving with each outing. They will make a good account of themselves no-doubt. But they face a daunting task on Saturday trying to shut down a formidable Grafton side.
According to the obviously impartial Grafton FB page, the Redchix possess a well-balanced and mobile pack of forwards, but it’s their outside backs who have been cashing in, scoring plenty of five-pointers with winger Krystal McMahon, centres Yuri Fuller and Shaniqua Williams along with fullback Emily Loy racking an imposing 14 pies between them in just three games.
Williams, who also plays for the Grafton rugby league women’s side, has plenty of speed off the mark, remarkable sleight of hand and rock-solid defence. Along with Fuller, they are arguably the two best centres in the MNC zone.
Aside the Ladies fixture, the Redmen second grade side also take on Marlins while first grade has the weekend off with Marlins unable to field a side this season.
Grafton Redchix Shaniqua Williams proving to be dead-set deadly with ball in-hand in 2026
Coming down the coast a bit to Hunter rugby, the Uni of Newcastle Seahorses want everyone to know that his Saturday, they welcome generations of Seahorses back to where it all began – Bernie Curran Oval – as they have a day out against Merewether Carlton.
For decades, the Newcastle University Rugby Union Club has been built on more than just the game. It’s been built on lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, hard-fought victories, muddy jerseys, post-match celebrations, and a community that continues to grow long after the final whistle blows.
Reunion Day is our chance to celebrate the players, coaches, volunteers, supporters and committee members who have helped shape the Seahorses into the club we know today. Whether you pulled on the maroon and white last season or twenty years ago, you’ll always be part of the Seahorses family.
Looking back at photos like these reminds us that while faces, hairstyles and jerseys may change, the spirit of the club never does. The pride of representing Newcastle University, the mateship formed on and off the field, and the stories that get better every year remain at the heart of everything we do.
Join us this Saturday at Bernie Curran Oval as we reconnect with old teammates, celebrate our club’s rich history, and create new memories for the next generation of Seahorses.
Once a Seahorse, always a Seahorse. 🐎❤️
Details:
📍 Bernie Curran Oval, Newcastle Uni
📅 Saturday 13 June
🍻 Old teammates, old stories, and a day celebrating everything that makes this club special.
Random Seahorses from history
Elsewhere around the traps, it’s great to see the Hay Cutters are still trundling about and currently playing as a 2nd grade side in the Southern Inland zone. The Cutters (blue & red on yellow) are shown below in a recent encounter up against Tumut Bulls 2nd grade a fortnight ago. Hay took the day comfortably in the end by 59-0 including a hat-trick of pies to breakaway Rupert ‘Crackers’ Lilburne.
With the Kapooka army base at Wagga recently moving back to a 13 week training cycle (from the previous 9wks) there is some rumour they may re-enter the SIRU competition in a season or two after a hiatus of some years. In years gone-by Kapooka (known as Riverina Army Rugby Club – RARC) were perennial powerhouses in Riverina and SIRU given they were not just a collective of a few hundred staff comprising fit, well-fed and rugby-familiar boof-heads who needed a distraction on weekends, but also because the Kapooka base itself was a scarcely camouflaged unofficial warehouse for army ASRU rep players (Australian Services Rugby Union). As such, I recall many a brutal day out was had against the RARC lads in the 90’s especially. But that said, RARC often struggled for reliable numbers and quality cattle in the lower grades given the demands of the training schedules to the point where it wasn’t unheard of for half their 3rd grade to be made up of a random mob of totally rugby-bereft fresh recruits, some playing in bush boots, happy to be having a break from pack marches and bayonet drills.
So, perhaps RARC and the Cutters may make for unlikely bed-fellows and an amalgam club? It wouldn’t be pretty, but it may work. We’ll see…
Hay Cutters scything the Tumut Bulls out at Hay
Speaking of Southern Inland, Wagga Ag College rugby (WAC) wanted to shout out a huge thank you to everyone who came down to Beres Ellwood Oval on Saturday last and helped make their 2026 Ladies Day such a special occasion. It was fantastic to see so many people, including plenty of ex-WAC’s, around the ground, supporting the club and celebrating the women who contribute so much to our rugby community.
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the WAC Women’s side, who put together a fantastic performance to come away with a hard-fought 12–7 victory over Wagga City femme fatales. Comment from Supercoach Paddy Prest was that the green girls showed plenty of determination and resilience to get the result on an important club day. Undoubtably they will continue building throughout the season. 
WAC Chix leading the way on Ladies Day
Unfortunately, it wasn’t the day WAC were hoping for in the men’s grades, with First’s, Second’s and Third’s all going down to strong Wagga City sides. But while the results didn’t fall Aggies way, the effort and commitment shown across all teams never wavered.
A special thank you to all of Aggies sponsors, volunteers, supporters and everyone who helped make Ladies Day such a success. The club are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support that allows them to thrive both on and off the field.
WAC Ladies Day results – not everything they wanted, but a few rums were consumed regardless.
And finally for today, down in NSW Country, Central West Rugby – South West zone, the Temora Tuskers want everyone and their dog to know that they’re having a ball to celebrate everything about Temora rugby and especially recognising the incredible achievements of their 1986 Men’s and 2016 Women’s premiership teams as they celebrate their 40 and 10 year reunions.
As per the flyer below, they invite all and sundry to join them on Saturday 20th June (their bye weekend) for a special night as they honour the proud history of the Temora Tuskers — reconnecting with past and present players, supporters, families and friends while celebrating the legacy, memories and lifelong friendships that make our club so special. It will be a night to relive the stories, celebrate the victories, exaggerate no stories, tell no lies and honour the generations that helped shape Temora Rugby into what it is today.
And being a country rugby club, I hear there is also a ‘no questions asked’ drop-off bus service at evenings end. Outstanding.
Details:
Righto, I reckon that will about do for today. With the Kings Long Weekend behind us in NSW etc, normal programming resumes for all this weekend and as such it’s boots back on and mouthguards back in as the mid season grind resumes. So you know what I’m going to say now yeh? Get yourself organised and wander on down to your local paddock to cheer on your local bovines, ovines, canines, rodentia, poultry, crocodilians, swine or ophidians. Pay the guy at the gate, fill some water bottles, run a touch line, sweep a dressing shed, buy too many beers, inhale a steak sandwich or two, and then tell a referee what you really think about Law 6.5.a (respectfully of course). It’s a public service and good for your mental health, so do your bit.
Besides that, say ‘Hi’ to your mum for me.
Play hard. Run straight. Tackle brave.