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Contributors

Brett McKay

Brett McKay is an Australian sportswriter, broadcaster, commentator, and is one half of The 8-9 Combo Rugby Podcast. Brett covered rugby for Australian sports website The Roar for more than 15 years, has sat on Test Match and Super Rugby sidelines as a commentator for ABC Sport for more than a decade, and is a regular radio pundit for stations in Australia and New Zealand.

72 Articles
LONG READ
Opinion

Are Wallabies still on upward trajectory after TRC or has progress flatlined?

Australia appeared to be building nicely after the Lions series but a disappointing end to the Rugby Championship raises more ques…

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
07 Oct 2025, 2:11
LONG READ
Analysis

‘Wallabies need to look in mirror…the real problem might be staring back at them’

Australian reaction to defeat in Auckland focused on refereeing decisions, but simple skill errors were more to blame.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
30 Sep 2025, 3:08
LONG READ
Opinion

‘There’s nothing to fear for Australia. They should embrace the freedom of Eden Park’

Despite New Zealand's dominant record at their Auckland fortress, their form presents Australia with an opportunity.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
23 Sep 2025, 5:57
LONG READ
Opinion

‘Australia should expect biggest, meanest reaction from wounded New Zealand’

Australia's frustrating home loss to Argentina ensures there will be no complacency heading into the Bledisloe Cup series.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
16 Sep 2025, 4:23
LONG READ
Opinion

‘Watching the Wallabies is hard work, but wins quickly erase the stress'

Australia seem to have found a way that works for them, even if it involves coming back from big deficits.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
09 Sep 2025, 13:10
LONG READ
Opinion

'It might be time to start believing in these Wallabies'

Having impressed in their last four Tests against the Lions and South Africa, Australia must deal with rising expectations.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
28 Aug 2025, 10:56
LONG READ
Opinion

‘There was so much to love about a Wallabies win no-one saw coming’

Lineout dominance, breakdown prowess, smart kicking and midfield guile all fuelled Australia's stunning win in Johannesburg.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
19 Aug 2025, 1:43
LONG READ
Opinion

Legacy of Lions series must propel Wallabies into South Africa challenge

Australia need to maintain the physicality they belatedly produced against the Lions, and tweak their defence, to stand a chance a…

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
13 Aug 2025, 15:46
LONG READ
Opinion

Lessons the Wallabies must heed to turn Lions heartbreak into future success

The manner of their Second Test defeat by the Lions was shattering but exposed some of Australia's own weaknesses.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
29 Jul 2025, 2:46
LONG READ
Opinion

'The Wallabies need to convert much better - or Melbourne could be much worse'

The Wallabies showed encouraging flashes in the second half of their first Test loss to the Lions, but they can't afford to squand…

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
22 Jul 2025, 12:31
LONG READ
Opinion

Noah Lolesio's injury highlights the Wallabies' fragile depth at 10

With the playmaker out of the Lions series, wizened fly-half James O'Connor may be required to run the Wallabies cutter.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
15 Jul 2025, 14:30
LONG READ
Opinion

Six selection questions for Joe Schmidt as Lions loom large

The Wallabies coach has a major issue at fly-half, decisions to make in his pack as well as concerns over his back three.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
08 Jul 2025, 6:11
LONG READ
Interview

'People remember Lions Tests, but the tour matches are where the magic happens'

Luke Morahan's sensational solo try for Queensland and ACT's win over the Lions were highlights of the 2013 tour.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
01 Jul 2025, 8:26
LONG READ
Opinion

Brumbies backed to rebound despite more semi-final heartbreak

ACT may have lost a fourth straight Super Rugby Pacific semi-final, but Laurie Fisher doesn’t believe it will leave any mental s…

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
17 Jun 2025, 9:46
LONG READ
Opinion

Are Brumbies good enough to take next step? Will Reds ever make final four?

Questions abound for the top two Australian sides, with ACT eyeing history and Queensland stuck in a familiar rut.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
10 Jun 2025, 10:45
LONG READ
Interview

Tom Hooper: Brumbies’ ‘Land Cruiser in low gear’ revs up for Hurricanes

The versatile ACT forward talks Hurricanes, Wallabies, Scott Fardy and his move to 'Exeter Brumbies'.

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
03 Jun 2025, 9:45
LONG READ
Opinion

Putting for birdie, saving par, or rounds to forget? How have Aussie sides fared in SRP?

What to make of the campaigns of the Brumbies, Reds, Waratahs and Force heading into the final round of Super Rugby Pacific?

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
27 May 2025, 11:06
LONG READ
Opinion

Why Australian rugby pins its hopes on the Brumbies to wrest the Super Rugby crown from New Zealand hands

Stephen Larkham's side underlined their status as the nation's premier franchise and burnished their title-winning credentials by …

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
19 May 2025, 14:25
LONG READ
Opinion

Key questions for four Australian teams on final stretch of Super Rugby Pacific

Can Brumbies and Reds secure home advantage for play-offs? Can the Force and Waratahs make top six?

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
13 May 2025, 6:22
LONG READ
Opinion

Crusaders impact could put veteran O’Connor in Wallabies mix for Lions

He may be 34 and only averaging 23 minutes per game, but could the experienced No.10 return to Australia fold?

Brett McKay
Brett McKay
23 Apr 2025, 0:58