Opinion
International Rugby
'Wins over Lions and Boks feel a lifetime ago for Australia after capitulation to Italy'
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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.
69 Articles
Latest
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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, 6:23
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, 15:10
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, 12:56
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, 3:43
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, 17:46
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, 4:46
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, 14:31
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, 16:30
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, 8:11
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, 10:26
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, 11:46
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, 12:45
17
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
03 Jun 2025, 11:45
13
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
27 May 2025, 13:06
17
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
19 May 2025, 16:25
40
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
13 May 2025, 8:22
12
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
23 Apr 2025, 2:58
26
Interview
Ex-England cap Nic Dolly: 'As a rugby player, you obviously want to be wanted'
Nic Dolly's England career was thwarted by injury. Now the Force hooker has his sights on playing for Australia.
Brett McKay
15 Apr 2025, 15:38
10
Interview
Matt Faessler: ‘To be involved in a home World Cup would be just next level’
While the Reds are focused on finessing their playing style in SRP, big rewards loom on the horizon for the Australia hooker.
Brett McKay
08 Apr 2025, 4:48
4
Opinion
Four Australians racing into contention to face the Lions
Reds prop Alex Hodgman, ACT blindside Tom Hooper, NSW No.8 Langi Gleeson and Force No.10 Ben Donaldson are all pushing hard for se…
Brett McKay
01 Apr 2025, 6:04
10
