Rugby

Hooper ready to hit top form in battle for Wallabies spot

Georgina Robinson Incumbent Wallabies breakaway Michael Hooper is responding the only way he knows how to the selection threat posed to him by returning Test veteran George Smith. He's playing his heart out.

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Rugby

No royal welcome for Kings captain as fans hold grudge

Georgina Robinson Luke Watson must be the only captain in Super Rugby to be regularly booed by his home crowd.

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Rugby

Lions prowl as Kings face fight to save Super status

Georgina Robinson Super Rugby's newest side has more than respect and legitimacy to play for; the Kings are playing for sheer survival.

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The Breakdown

Folau scales new heights to sharp end of Waratahs' most-wanted-player list

Georgina Robinson The Waratahs have maintained radio silence amid renewed speculation on the future of code-hopping star Israel Folau.

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Rugby

Tahs kicking themselves over lack of attack in Barnes' boot

Georgina Robinson Test playmaker Berrick Barnes has played roughly 20 minutes of rugby this season but for the most part the Waratahs back line has managed to draw the attention away from his absence and on to their...

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Rugby

Waratahs wary of Kings ambush

Georgina Robinson PORT ELIZABETH: Officially it is known as the "friendly city" but there is a distinct feeling the Waratahs are walking around the sleepy Eastern Cape hamlet with a target on their backs.

Rugby

Thumbs down: Tahs lose Barnes for six weeks

Georgina Robinson Any continuity the Waratahs hoped to build in their back line has been dashed by news Berrick Barnes will miss at least five or six weeks with a dislocated thumb.

Rugby

Kirwan's Blues loom as big test for Tahs

Georgina Robinson John Kirwan and Michael Cheika have more than a few things in common. After coaching abroad for years, both are undertaking the biggest rugby rebuilds in their respective countries, Kirwan at the...

Rugby

Waratahs seek change to their pack mentality

Georgina Robinson Domination is the name of the game for the Waratahs pack when they come up against the Blues in Sydney this weekend.

Cheika calls for an end to 'ridiculous' breaks in play

Georgina Robinson Michael Cheika has called for an end to ''ridiculous'' stoppages during Super Rugby games after a drinks break and lengthy scrum sets disrupted momentum during his side's last-gasp win over the Blues...

Hooper on Tahs defence

Georgina Robinson Test breakaway Michael Hooper says he is happy with his performances for the Waratahs despite the side's mixed results.

McKibbin says Waratahs must grow quickly or risk falling short of finals for another year

Georgina Robinson Waratahs coach Michael Cheika may be taking the long-term view after his side's worst defeat in at least six seasons, but his players want to start winning games soon.

Rugby Union

Tough farewell for Rebel

Georgina Robinson Nick Phipps disappointed that club was talking to former Wallaby Luke Burgess.

Rugby

Old habits die hard as Waratahs suffer another loss

Georgina Robinson It did take a beating and it is going to take a few more but the real Waratahs – or is it the new Waratahs – finally wobbled to their feet.

Tahs sense turnaround

Georgina Robinson The Waratahs believe their first-half performance against the Cheetahs told them they had the game plan to beat any side in the competition.

Rugby

Cheika happy with standout No.7 jumping through Hoops

Georgina Robinson Waratahs coach Michael Cheika has declared Michael Hooper the archetypal NSW player but wants more aggression across the board from his forwards.

Rugby Union

Waratahs have last shout to sink Rebels

Georgina Robinson Three second-half tries from the Waratahs condemn Melbourne Rebels to their second loss on the trot.

Slow starters can win - they just need a jolt from the coach

Georgina Robinson IT'S getting a bit weird. The Waratahs must learn to click in attack without a half-time lecture from coach Michael Cheika after three second-half tries against the Rebels saved NSW from losing a...

Rugby

Cheika runs combinations as Tahs ready for blowtorch

Georgina Robinson Test playmaker Berrick Barnes looks set to return to the Waratahs starting line-up as one of seven changes coach Michael Cheika is contemplating for Friday's home game against the Cheetahs.