Analysis
Super Rugby Pacific
Wallaby franchises fall to earth with a bump after a bruising Super Rugby reality check
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Contributors
Brett McKay
@BMcSport
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.
77 Articles
Latest
Super Rugby Pacific
Fantastic start to Super Rugby Pacific with more blockbusters on way
10
12 days ago
Super Rugby Pacific
Golden start for Waratahs and Brumbies has Australia hoping for more
28
18 days ago
Super Rugby Pacific
Australian duo have made an encouraging start to Super Rugby Pacific
7
25 days ago
Super Rugby Pacific
Australian franchises will be looking to get off to a flying start
17
33 days ago
Opinion
Kiss needs to pick-and-stick to end Wallabies’ revolving-door selection policy
Joe Schmidt has given plenty of players opportunities; his successor needs to give them the experience to become genuine Test play…
Brett McKay
02 Dec 2025, 4:48
29
Opinion
Wallabies awards: Ikitau, Jorgensen & Hooper stand out in up-then-down year
Who was Australia's best player in 2025? Most improved? Who scored their best try? Highs and lows from a mixed year.
Brett McKay
25 Nov 2025, 3:00
32
Opinion
'Weary Wallabies have become too predictable and easy to unpack on tour'
Australia need to 'find their special sauce' and end 2025 on a high against France after a punishing tour of Europe so far.
Brett McKay
18 Nov 2025, 3:47
35
Opinion
'Wins over Lions and Boks feel a lifetime ago for Australia after capitulation to Italy'
Inviting teams back into games in the way Australia have is a recipe for disaster as they prepare to tackle Ireland and France.
Brett McKay
11 Nov 2025, 11:58
24
Opinion
Look up! Australia have to be better in the air to defuse bombs heading their way
A weakness at dealing with high balls is just one of the issues facing the Wallabies for the rest of their European tour.
Brett McKay
04 Nov 2025, 12:15
25
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
07 Oct 2025, 2:11
55
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
30 Sep 2025, 3:08
47
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
23 Sep 2025, 5:57
18
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
16 Sep 2025, 4:23
27
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
09 Sep 2025, 13:10
35
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
28 Aug 2025, 10:56
42
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
19 Aug 2025, 1:43
24
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
13 Aug 2025, 15:46
29
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
29 Jul 2025, 2:46
38
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
22 Jul 2025, 12:31
18
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
15 Jul 2025, 14:30
18
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
08 Jul 2025, 6:11
16
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
01 Jul 2025, 8:26
7
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
17 Jun 2025, 9:46
11
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
10 Jun 2025, 10:45
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