Latest news with #AngusBell
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Schmidt says Wallabies must hit the ground running in Melbourne
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt says his young side must hit the ground running in the second Test to have any chance of keeping the British and Irish Lions series alive. The tourists outgunned Australia 27-19 in their opening clash in Brisbane on Saturday, with the scoreline flattering the hosts. They were slow off the mark, conceding a converted try in the eighth minute, and chased the game for much of the first-half. Another early lapse soon the restart saw them slump 24-5 behind before a gutsy fightback ensured they will take some confidence into Melbourne next weekend. "We've got to keep learning fast and hit the ground running next week. Otherwise it becomes a dead rubber in Sydney," Schmidt said, referring to the third and final Test. "Inevitably you're desperate to keep the series alive and I know that the Lions will want to close it out in Melbourne. So Melbourne is going to be massive for both teams." Schmidt will almost certainly be making changes to his starting XV. Experienced forwards Rob Valetini and Will Skelton are fit again and are in line to replace Nick Champion de Crespigny and either Jeremy Williams or Nick Frost. Australia were also noticeably better in the second-half when scrum-half Tate McDermott came off the bench and Angus Bell was installed at loosehead prop, with a case to be made for their inclusion. "I felt the bench added value when they came on. In that last 20 to 25 minutes, we did get a bit of momentum, and we weren't far away," said Schmidt. But with the Lions battle-hardened after winning all six games of their Australia tour so far, the Wallabies know they must lift their level considerably to have any hope of causing an upset at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. "I do think if we can just improve our accuracy, it will help us to be competitive," said Schmidt. "They've got strength and depth, and they came with a plan that they got the better of us in the first quarter, and we've got to start more strongly next week. "There's very much some of our collision area work has to be better, just because we know they're coming so hard there. "There was a few things in the lineup that I think we can tidy up. In contrast, I thought our scrum was very strong." mp/mtp
BBC News
15-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Former captain Moore backs Bell to be Wallabies skipper
Former Australia captain Stephen Moore would select prop Angus Bell to skipper the Wallabies against the British and Irish head coach Joe Schmidt is yet to name his series captain, with the first Test kicking off on Saturday in Brisbane (11:00 BST).Number eight Harry Wilson, who scored a late try to defeat Fiji in the Wallabies' only warm-up game, is the favourite to skipper the side after performing the role in that win and against England, Scotland and Ireland in November."We need our players that are world class, Angus Bell is a good example. I would have had him as captain if it was up to me," Moore told BBC's Rugby Union Weekly."Captaincy is an area they have ummed and ahhed about over the last couple of years."I don't know if it will be Harry Wilson, I think so, as he was captain against Fiji and they haven't named the captain."Squad members James Slipper, Will Skelton and David Porecki, who only this year has got over his injury troubles that kept him out since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, have all captained Australia in the past two said Wilson is "one of the players at the forefront" of his thinking when it comes to a Test captain, but added he wanted to ensure his skipper was fully Rob Valetini missed the game against Fiji through injury and Moore believes his selection in the back row might be a problem for Wilson."Joe would have preferred to do that right [naming the captain], but that it is not his story to keep chopping and changing. He is finding out the best way to win," added Moore, who played in all three Tests against the Lions in 2013."Is Harry in that team? If Rob Valetini plays then are they in that team together? Do they need a jumping back rower?"There are bunch of options that they have got and they are just not clear on the right one is. That is why we are seeing that hesitation." Wallabies lack 'world-class 10' Following the win over Fiji, the Wallabies' first-choice fly-half Noah Lolesio was ruled out of the series through injury means 22-year-old Tom Lynagh, son of 1991 World Cup-winning number 10 Michael, is reportedly set, external to start his first Test on back James O'Connor, 35, and 17-cap Ben Donaldson are Schmidt's other options in the position.O'Connor started all three Tests against the Lions in 2013 but has not played international rugby in almost three believes number 10 remains a "gap" in the national team."Since Stephen Larkham retired in 2007, we haven't had an out-and-out world-class 10 for a period of time like the other great nations have had," the former hooker added."It is a big position and we are going into a series with some younger players being tried and tested on a very big stage."Joe will make sure that their job is kept as simple as possible so they know exactly what they need to do under pressure and they can go out and execute it."
The Advertiser
02-06-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Eight Aussies in Super Rugby Pacific 'Team of the Year'
Australian forwards have been rewarded for their consistent form with six named in a Super Rugby Pacific Team of the Year, including props Angus Bell and Allan Alaalatoa. Super Rugby Pacific player of the year, Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea, who had an unbeatable lead in voting with two rounds of the competition remaining, headlines the side. While the Team of the Year will become an official post-season recognition in Super Rugby Pacific alongside Player of the Year from next season, an honorary team has been named for 2025. There are eight Australians in total - two backs in cross-code star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who was named as fullback in his first season, and Western Force winger Harry Potter. The line-up was formed from the top-ranked players in each position based on Player of the Year votes from across the season. If players were used across multiple positions, for team of the year purposes they were assigned only the position they most played during the season. "Selection in this team is a reflection of the respect and admiration these players have earned from their opponents, week in and week out, throughout the 2025 season," Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley said. Australian openside flankers Carlo Tizzano, Fraser McReight and Langi Gleeson could not initially be separated for the third back row position, having received the same amount of votes (29). With voting coming down to who received the most "three votes" for best in a game, Tizzano and McReight couldn't be split, with both receiving five. They also received the same minor votes and shared the award. 2025 SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC TEAM OF THE YEARPROPS - Allan Alaalatoa (ACT Brumbies, 20 votes), Angus Bell (NSW Waratahs, 14 votes) HOOKER - Tevita Ikanivere (Fijian Drua, 19 votes) SECOND ROW - Jeremy Williams (Western Force, 21 votes), Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues, 20 votes) BACK ROW - Ardie Savea (Moana Pasifika, 46 votes), Tom Hooper (ACT Brumbies, 31 votes), Carlo Tizzano (Western Force, 29 votes) / Fraser McReight (Queensland Reds, 29 votes) HALFBACK - Cam Roigard (Hurricanes, 28 votes) FLY HALF - Damian McKenzie (Chiefs, 36 votes)CENTRES - Timoci Tavatavanawai (Highlanders, 32 votes), AJ Lam (Blues, 14 votes) WINGERS - Harry Potter (Western Force, 18 votes), Kini Naholo (Hurricanes, 18 votes) FULLBACK - Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (NSW Waratahs, 20 votes) Australian forwards have been rewarded for their consistent form with six named in a Super Rugby Pacific Team of the Year, including props Angus Bell and Allan Alaalatoa. Super Rugby Pacific player of the year, Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea, who had an unbeatable lead in voting with two rounds of the competition remaining, headlines the side. While the Team of the Year will become an official post-season recognition in Super Rugby Pacific alongside Player of the Year from next season, an honorary team has been named for 2025. There are eight Australians in total - two backs in cross-code star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who was named as fullback in his first season, and Western Force winger Harry Potter. The line-up was formed from the top-ranked players in each position based on Player of the Year votes from across the season. If players were used across multiple positions, for team of the year purposes they were assigned only the position they most played during the season. "Selection in this team is a reflection of the respect and admiration these players have earned from their opponents, week in and week out, throughout the 2025 season," Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley said. Australian openside flankers Carlo Tizzano, Fraser McReight and Langi Gleeson could not initially be separated for the third back row position, having received the same amount of votes (29). With voting coming down to who received the most "three votes" for best in a game, Tizzano and McReight couldn't be split, with both receiving five. They also received the same minor votes and shared the award. 2025 SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC TEAM OF THE YEARPROPS - Allan Alaalatoa (ACT Brumbies, 20 votes), Angus Bell (NSW Waratahs, 14 votes) HOOKER - Tevita Ikanivere (Fijian Drua, 19 votes) SECOND ROW - Jeremy Williams (Western Force, 21 votes), Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues, 20 votes) BACK ROW - Ardie Savea (Moana Pasifika, 46 votes), Tom Hooper (ACT Brumbies, 31 votes), Carlo Tizzano (Western Force, 29 votes) / Fraser McReight (Queensland Reds, 29 votes) HALFBACK - Cam Roigard (Hurricanes, 28 votes) FLY HALF - Damian McKenzie (Chiefs, 36 votes)CENTRES - Timoci Tavatavanawai (Highlanders, 32 votes), AJ Lam (Blues, 14 votes) WINGERS - Harry Potter (Western Force, 18 votes), Kini Naholo (Hurricanes, 18 votes) FULLBACK - Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (NSW Waratahs, 20 votes) Australian forwards have been rewarded for their consistent form with six named in a Super Rugby Pacific Team of the Year, including props Angus Bell and Allan Alaalatoa. Super Rugby Pacific player of the year, Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea, who had an unbeatable lead in voting with two rounds of the competition remaining, headlines the side. While the Team of the Year will become an official post-season recognition in Super Rugby Pacific alongside Player of the Year from next season, an honorary team has been named for 2025. There are eight Australians in total - two backs in cross-code star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who was named as fullback in his first season, and Western Force winger Harry Potter. The line-up was formed from the top-ranked players in each position based on Player of the Year votes from across the season. If players were used across multiple positions, for team of the year purposes they were assigned only the position they most played during the season. "Selection in this team is a reflection of the respect and admiration these players have earned from their opponents, week in and week out, throughout the 2025 season," Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley said. Australian openside flankers Carlo Tizzano, Fraser McReight and Langi Gleeson could not initially be separated for the third back row position, having received the same amount of votes (29). With voting coming down to who received the most "three votes" for best in a game, Tizzano and McReight couldn't be split, with both receiving five. They also received the same minor votes and shared the award. 2025 SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC TEAM OF THE YEARPROPS - Allan Alaalatoa (ACT Brumbies, 20 votes), Angus Bell (NSW Waratahs, 14 votes) HOOKER - Tevita Ikanivere (Fijian Drua, 19 votes) SECOND ROW - Jeremy Williams (Western Force, 21 votes), Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues, 20 votes) BACK ROW - Ardie Savea (Moana Pasifika, 46 votes), Tom Hooper (ACT Brumbies, 31 votes), Carlo Tizzano (Western Force, 29 votes) / Fraser McReight (Queensland Reds, 29 votes) HALFBACK - Cam Roigard (Hurricanes, 28 votes) FLY HALF - Damian McKenzie (Chiefs, 36 votes)CENTRES - Timoci Tavatavanawai (Highlanders, 32 votes), AJ Lam (Blues, 14 votes) WINGERS - Harry Potter (Western Force, 18 votes), Kini Naholo (Hurricanes, 18 votes) FULLBACK - Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (NSW Waratahs, 20 votes)
Perth Now
02-06-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Eight Aussies in Super Rugby Pacific 'Team of the Year'
Australian forwards have been rewarded for their consistent form with six named in a Super Rugby Pacific Team of the Year, including props Angus Bell and Allan Alaalatoa. Super Rugby Pacific player of the year, Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea, who had an unbeatable lead in voting with two rounds of the competition remaining, headlines the side. While the Team of the Year will become an official post-season recognition in Super Rugby Pacific alongside Player of the Year from next season, an honorary team has been named for 2025. There are eight Australians in total - two backs in cross-code star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who was named as fullback in his first season, and Western Force winger Harry Potter. The line-up was formed from the top-ranked players in each position based on Player of the Year votes from across the season. If players were used across multiple positions, for team of the year purposes they were assigned only the position they most played during the season. "Selection in this team is a reflection of the respect and admiration these players have earned from their opponents, week in and week out, throughout the 2025 season," Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley said. Australian openside flankers Carlo Tizzano, Fraser McReight and Langi Gleeson could not initially be separated for the third back row position, having received the same amount of votes (29). With voting coming down to who received the most "three votes" for best in a game, Tizzano and McReight couldn't be split, with both receiving five. They also received the same minor votes and shared the award. 2025 SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC TEAM OF THE YEARPROPS - Allan Alaalatoa (ACT Brumbies, 20 votes), Angus Bell (NSW Waratahs, 14 votes) HOOKER - Tevita Ikanivere (Fijian Drua, 19 votes) SECOND ROW - Jeremy Williams (Western Force, 21 votes), Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues, 20 votes) BACK ROW - Ardie Savea (Moana Pasifika, 46 votes), Tom Hooper (ACT Brumbies, 31 votes), Carlo Tizzano (Western Force, 29 votes) / Fraser McReight (Queensland Reds, 29 votes) HALFBACK - Cam Roigard (Hurricanes, 28 votes) FLY HALF - Damian McKenzie (Chiefs, 36 votes)CENTRES - Timoci Tavatavanawai (Highlanders, 32 votes), AJ Lam (Blues, 14 votes) WINGERS - Harry Potter (Western Force, 18 votes), Kini Naholo (Hurricanes, 18 votes) FULLBACK - Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (NSW Waratahs, 20 votes)
The Age
01-06-2025
- Sport
- The Age
‘Not going to happen quickly': McKellar says Tahs re-build will be long haul
'When I stepped foot in the door, it wasn't where it needed to be. And the players have certainly bought into that and the change and progress there has been significant. 'Unfortunately, when you're going through what we're going through at the moment, if you want to put in place something that's going to allow for sustainable success, it takes time to change. And you don't always see that progress on the field through results and outcomes.' Asked when he believed the side would make that change, turn the corner and be consistently successful, McKellar said: 'I can't put a timeline on it but it's not going to happen quickly.' 'We're going back multiple years here and it's got nothing to do with any other previous programs, or previous coaches, but the reality is that it's not something that's new. 'I think how we're going to get real change is by making sure that we identify the best young players in NSW that are desperate to want to play for NSW, and we keep them and we bring them through and develop them into good NSW players. That's how we're going to get the real change, and that's going to take some time. 'I knew we were going to have some good times, and I knew that we were going to have some tough days and that hasn't changed. So there hasn't been any real surprises. 'I knew it was going to be a big job - but that excites me. We all want a strong and successful NSW Waratahs. 'There's been significant changes to the group, but you can already see the progress that's been made there around how we do things. I know people don't see that, and they might regard it as rubbish. But we are in this for the long haul. And that's how you get sustainable change.' McKellar said he would now begin to focus on finalising the Tahs' roster for next year, and confirmed the front row would be an area of priority, with Angus Bell playing in Ulster, and Tupou is also yet to make a call on his future. Mahe Vailanu, Julian Heaven, Rob Leota and Langi Gleeson are leaving, and Tane Edmed is a possible departure, too. He will look at recruitment in all positions, but McKellar said the key to success is getting the NSW production line right. Loading 'There's never going to be an issue with talent in NSW - it's making sure we maintain and hold and develop the good young ones we've got,' McKellar said. 'We've got a number of good ones coming through that 20s program. Guys like Eamon Doyle, Sid Harvey, Austin Durbidge, Marshall Le Maitre, Toby Brial, these boys. They're in our system now, and they're the future. So when they become Super Rugby players, they'll know what's expected of them, day in and day out.' The Waratahs will have a week off before coming back together to begin preparations for the tour match against the British and Irish Lions on July 5. McKellar said he expects new recruit Matt Phillip will be in the mix for the clash, but Pete Samu is unlikely given Clermont are a strong chance to play in the Top 14 final. 'There's a bit of a sour taste in people's mouths after Auckland, so we've got a great opportunity in front of a full house at Allianz in what's a once in a career opportunity for players and coaches,' McKellar said.
