Analysis
Nations Championship
Joe Schmidt leaves the Wallabies in a far better place - but key questions loom
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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.
93 Articles
Latest
International Rugby
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Nations Championship
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Nations Championship
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International Rugby
Ryan Lonergan aims to make most of likely Australia call-up
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56 days ago
Opinion
A tale of two Australian 10s – and why their team’s fortunes are tied to them
Carter Gordon's X-factor gives Queensland Reds an extra dimension while Jack Bowen has given NSW Waratahs more creativity in attac…
Brett McKay
26 May 2026, 13:01
25
Opinion
Force and Waratahs join late Australian finals charge with two rounds to go
All four Australian teams remain in qualifying contention for the Super Rugby Pacific finals heading into the final two rounds.
Brett McKay
18 May 2026, 12:53
17
Interview
Ben Donaldson: ‘I’m trying to play freer. In the past I've probably been guilty of over-thinking things’
A change of mindset has allowed prospective Australia fly-half Ben Donaldson to show his full range of skills for Western Force.
Brett McKay
11 May 2026, 14:55
12
Opinion
Which Wallabies contenders advanced their cause in Australian domestic duels?
With the four Australian sides facing each other in Super Rugby Pacific last weekend, which players made a statement for Test sele…
Brett McKay
05 May 2026, 13:10
16
Opinion
'Super Round was brilliant, but spluttering Australian lineouts missed the mark'
The season's stats may suggest otherwise, but Waratahs, Brumbies and Reds were all undermined by lax lineouts at crucial times.
Brett McKay
28 Apr 2026, 10:52
7
Opinion
‘There’s an argument that the form Australian team right now is the Western Force’
Despite their lowly position, beating the Crusaders gives the Perth outfit a chance to launch a late run into play-off contention.
Brett McKay
21 Apr 2026, 5:59
27
Opinion
Australian sides learn to win ugly as seminal Super Rugby Pacific run-in looms
Neither the Reds nor Brumbies were easy on the eye, but each earned vital wins over New Zealand opposition to burnish their play-o…
Brett McKay
14 Apr 2026, 11:57
13
Opinion
Donaldson's tour de Force gave future Wallabies coach Les Kiss plenty to ponder
Donaldson was player of the match, up against Australia No.10 rival Carter Gordon, in a comprehensive win for the Force.
Brett McKay
07 Apr 2026, 12:37
17
Interview
Zac Lomax: ‘He's an elite league player but it's a huge challenge with a short runway in union'
How will Australia's latest big-name cross-code convert adapt to rugby union?
Brett McKay
31 Mar 2026, 2:24
12
Opinion
How the new-look Brumbies are confounding Super Rugby Pacific expectations
Having lost key personnel and brought through untried youngsters, the ACT side were not predicted to enjoy such a promising start …
Brett McKay
23 Mar 2026, 10:10
18
Opinion
Time for Australian sides to learn to love the grind of Super Rugby
Teams destined for finals will set their season up over the next phase of the competition. What do the four Aussie sides need?
Brett McKay
18 Mar 2026, 10:28
10
Analysis
Wallaby franchises fall to earth with a bump after a bruising Super Rugby reality check
Three losses in four proved a stark weekend for Australia's Super Rugby Pacific interest and they will be hoping to bounce back in…
Brett McKay
10 Mar 2026, 4:51
4
Opinion
‘If we can bottle the last three weeks for the rest of the season, Super Rugby will be in a great place’
The first three rounds have brought some fantastic rugby, with more potential blockbusters on the way.
Brett McKay
03 Mar 2026, 1:22
10
Analysis
Golden start for Waratahs and Brumbies has Australia hoping for more
Two rounds, two bonus-point wins for the Brumbies and Waratahs suggest that both franchises can be competitive and potentially end…
Brett McKay
24 Feb 2026, 7:49
28
Analysis
Waratahs and Brumbies start Super Rugby Pacific in perfect style
While the Waratahs and Brumbies top the standings early on, there are causes for concern in Queensland and Perth.
Brett McKay
17 Feb 2026, 6:43
7
Opinion
Opening salvos will dictate Australian Super Rugby Pacific fortunes
With a home World Cup appearing on the horizon, Australia's Super Rugby Pacific franchises know they will be under more scrutiny t…
Brett McKay
10 Feb 2026, 4:48
17
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
