July 2008

Well we have been up and running with our new website for a few months now, and I would like to say a big thank you to all visitors. We have had fantastic feedback!

The Wallabies have just finished a camp at Manly and are looking forward to our first Tri-Nations match against the Springboks in Perth on the 19th of July.

So far this year there have been some pleasing signs against Ireland and France. With each Test Match, everyone in the squad is gaining a better understanding of how we are trying to play and that has transferred into an improvement from match to match.

Looking ahead to the Tri-Nations, we are all aware of the increase in intensity and speed, especially under the new elv's. We are excited about the challenge in front of us, and hopefully can continue to improve our performances and results.

I hope you enjoy the rugby over the next couple of months as much as we do!

Cheers Stirlo

Brett Harris | September 20, 2008

AUSTRALIA will have to find consistency to navigate what is arguably their most arduous tour of the northern hemisphere when they depart for Hong Kong and Europe next month.

For the first time, Australia will play a Bledisloe Cup match against the All Blacks in Hong Kong en route.

The Wallabies will then play four Tests, including matches against European heavyweights England and France, as well as Six Nations champion Wales.

They may or may not gain some respite against Italy, but they finish the tour with a gala match against a star-studded Barbarians side at Wembley.

AAP | September 13, 2008

A drought-breaking Tri-Nations title slipped through the Wallabies' fingers as the All Blacks pulled off a 28-24 comeback victory at a heaving Suncorp Stadium.

Australia wasted a 10-point second-half lead in the pulsating clash through costly turnovers which were duly punished by the ruthless New Zealanders who retained the Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup with the win.

The All Blacks scored three straight converted tries after trailing 17-7 early in the second-half to have the decider seemingly wrapped up at 28-17.

But a bustling Ryan Cross try and a last-minute attack had the Wallabies inside the visitors quarter on the last play of the game but couldn't produce the dream finish most of the 52,328-strong crowd wished.

The All Blacks' comeback not only denied Australia their first Tri-Nations title since 2001 but snuffed out hopes of a Bledisloe Cup win with NZ taking a 2-1 lead in the four-match series.

September 13, 2008

Defeated Australian captain Stirling Mortlock has praised his side, despite seeing them slip to a 28-24 defeat against New Zealand - in doing so losing both the Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup.

Australia had looked good at 10-7 going into half-time, and then 17-7 shortly after the break, but could do little but watch as New Zealand ran in 21 unanswered points.

Despite being hugely disappointed Mortlock could not praise his side enough for their effort in Brisbane,

"I'm almost speechless, we ran ourselves rugged out there, but hats off to the Kiwis," said Mortlock.

"The build-up this week was for a causal match, and I think both teams went at it for 80 minutes. Unfortunately we weren't on the positive side but I think the effort was great."

The game swung back and forth, as first New Zealand surged ahead, before Australia roared back only to see New Zealand turn on the style. Then Ryan Cross scored late on to ensure a frantic finish, but the Wallabies could not finish the job.