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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.

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…
LONG READ
Brett McKay
13 Aug 2025, 15:46
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.
LONG READ
Brett McKay
29 Jul 2025, 2:46
'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…
LONG READ
Brett McKay
22 Jul 2025, 12:31
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.
LONG READ
Brett McKay
15 Jul 2025, 14:30
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.
LONG READ
Brett McKay
08 Jul 2025, 6:11
'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.
LONG READ
Brett McKay
01 Jul 2025, 8:26
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…
LONG READ
Brett McKay
17 Jun 2025, 9:46
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.
LONG READ
Brett McKay
10 Jun 2025, 10:45
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'.
LONG READ
Brett McKay
03 Jun 2025, 9:45
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?
LONG READ
Brett McKay
27 May 2025, 11:06
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 …
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Brett McKay
19 May 2025, 14:25
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?
LONG READ
Brett McKay
13 May 2025, 6:22
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?
LONG READ
Brett McKay
23 Apr 2025, 0:58
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.
LONG READ
Brett McKay
15 Apr 2025, 13:38
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.
LONG READ
Brett McKay
08 Apr 2025, 2:48
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…
LONG READ
Brett McKay
01 Apr 2025, 4:04
Drought-busting win over Brumbies gives Waratahs platform to build on
Ending a seven-year losing run against ACT helps NSW fans fall back in love with their improving team.
LONG READ
Brett McKay
25 Mar 2025, 6:50
Will the real Queensland Reds please stand up
Having swatted aside their age-old rivals from NSW, Les Kiss' troops are well placed to live up to lofty pre-season expectations i…
LONG READ
Brett McKay
18 Mar 2025, 14:12
Statement win in Auckland gives Brumbies tools for Super Rugby success
ACT's surprise win over Blues bodes well for their chances of going beyond the SRP semi-finals this year.
LONG READ
Brett McKay
11 Mar 2025, 10:05
The numbers show Super Rugby Pacific just got even tougher
Games are faster, defences more stretched, and coaches more challenged in the early throes of the new campaign.
LONG READ
Brett McKay
06 Mar 2025, 5:52
‘I tried to really line him up’: Swain holds sway as Brumbies 'brother' Ikitau feels full Force
Childhood mates whose careers followed the same path, Darcy Swain and Len Ikitau never thought they'd play against each other.
LONG READ
Brett McKay
26 Feb 2025, 2:14
Aussie fans need to ‘cool their jets’ despite opening clean sweep
Waratahs, Brumbies and Western Force all enjoyed dramatic opening wins in Super Rugby Pacific, but excitement should be tempered.
LONG READ
Brett McKay
18 Feb 2025, 2:43
Western Force and ACT Brumbies looking for signs of progress in Super Rugby Pacific
The capitulation of the Melbourne Rebels have meant the rest of the Australian franchises have strengthened and expectations have …
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Brett McKay
13 Feb 2025, 7:14
McKellar preaches patience as Rebel recruits bolster Waratahs hopes
The addition of six Wallabies including Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has raised expectations for last year's basement dwellers.
LONG READ
Brett McKay
05 Feb 2025, 1:57
Frustrating end but UK tour sparks renewed optimism in Australia
Australia may be annoyed after a narrow defeat in Ireland, but their displays bolster hope for the 2025 Lions series.
LONG READ
Brett McKay
04 Dec 2024, 3:24
18 debutants but Australia's core looking ‘more settled than ever’
A dozen players have established themselves as the heart of the Australia team through to the 2027 RWC.
LONG READ
Brett McKay
26 Nov 2024, 11:41
Key Wallabies trio running hot a year after being left in cold
Tom Wright, Len Ikitau and Noah Lolesio are playing their best rugby just over a year after being frozen out by Eddie Jones.
LONG READ
Brett McKay
19 Nov 2024, 12:47
Ripper of a performance but Wallabies must ensure it’s not another one-off
Australia will take plenty of confidence from beating England, but now have to contend with expectation and possible complacency.
LONG READ
Brett McKay
12 Nov 2024, 1:13
Tom Wright: The Year of Living Dynamically
Stephen Larkham wasn't sure of the league convert's best position, but the ACT full-back is now a potent Wallabies weapon.
LONG READ
Brett McKay
29 Oct 2024, 13:36
Should Fiji and Japan be included in the rejigged Rugby Championship?
With New Zealand and South Africa playing each other in 2026 and 2030, should tournament organisers look further afield?
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Brett McKay
22 Oct 2024, 7:53
Familiar sinking feeling means Wallabies must address defensive flaws
Conceding an average of 32 points and four tries a game, Joe Schmidt's Wallabies have issues to resolve before heading to Europe.
LONG READ
Brett McKay
01 Oct 2024, 4:45
Australia comeback highlights tale of two Bledisloe benches
Impact from the Wallabies' replacements galvanised them, in contrast to New Zealand's 'ad-hoc' strategy.
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Brett McKay
25 Sep 2024, 5:37
Can Schmidt revisit history and revive Wallabies for ‘worst type of All Blacks'?
Australia may fear the worst with a wounded New Zealand next, but Joe Schmidt has previous in overseeing a swift transformation.
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Brett McKay
11 Sep 2024, 13:28
Small steps for Wallabies but welcome signs of progress
Australia's ability to profit from in-game adjustments bodes well for further progress under Joe Schmidt.
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Brett McKay
03 Sep 2024, 5:33
'Workhorse Carlo Tizzano needs support to be at his best'
The rookie openside's defensive load must be lightened so he can make more impact around the field.
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Brett McKay
28 Aug 2024, 1:43
Australia must show that Springboks pain will yield longer-term gain
Joe Schmidt took solace in some aspects of the Wallabies' latest defeat, but swift improvements are needed.
LONG READ
Brett McKay
20 Aug 2024, 8:02
'The greatest speedbump for The Rugby Championship is its marketing'
A tournament with such rich history, pedigree and rivalries is being undersold to sports fans.
LONG READ
Brett McKay
14 Aug 2024, 3:57
Wallabies backrow stocks to get ultimate depth check
With Fraser McReight and Liam Wright out, Joe Schmidt will find out what sort of talent he has at his disposal with the Boks in Br…
LONG READ
Brett McKay
07 Aug 2024, 0:04
James Horwill: ''You can't tell me the code’s in trouble when you see every ticket's sold.'
With just under a year to go to the first Lions test, the ex-Wallabies skipper explains just how intense the tour is, for both sid…
LONG READ
Brett McKay
25 Jul 2024, 6:41
Daugunu salvo shows why Wallabies work-rate is everything to Schmidt
The first of Filipo Daugunu's stunning double against Wales underlines the coach's early impact on Australia.
LONG READ
Brett McKay
16 Jul 2024, 6:02
Wallabies far from perfect but ‘stressful’ Schmidt era starts on winning note
Only a second win from 13 Tests in Sydney was a solid benchmark to kick-start the new coach's reign.
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Brett McKay
09 Jul 2024, 3:24
The problem areas Joe Schmidt must address for 'desperate' Wallabies
Numerous on-field issues have becoming weeping sores for the embattled Australians as Wales arrive Down Under.
LONG READ
Brett McKay
02 Jul 2024, 13:20
Brumbies the best team in Australia but still nothing to show for it
ACT are in familiar territory after coming up short in a Super Rugby semi-final for a third straight year.
LONG READ
Brett McKay
20 Jun 2024, 5:40
Noah Lolesio: 'I've experienced all the ups and downs of international footy'
The fly-half is relaxed about the prospect of a Wallabies recall as he aims to steer Brumbies to the SRP final.
LONG READ
Brett McKay
12 Jun 2024, 4:17
Brumbies and Reds have confidence but distracted Rebels require major upset
Brumbies and Reds can be optimistic tackling the Super Rugby Pacific play-offs but Rebels face a tall order.
LONG READ
Brett McKay
05 Jun 2024, 6:02
Final-round curveball may open door to Brumbies top-two finish
Eleven sides are still in top-eight contention heading into the final round of Super Rugby Pacific games.
LONG READ
Brett McKay
30 May 2024, 2:17
How Kevin Foote's Rebels are making history after 'slap in the face'
Against a backdrop of financial ruin and doubt, the Rebels coach has steered his troops to a maiden Super Rugby play-off.
LONG READ
Brett McKay
21 May 2024, 14:56
Flood of back three talent highlights Australia’s folly in pursuing league stars
A glut of back-three talent has exposed Australia's short-sighted policy in luring Joseph Suaali’i from league.
LONG READ
Brett McKay
14 May 2024, 12:00
Brumbies and Reds primed to fly Aussie flag furthest
ACT and Queensland look well equipped to go deep into the Super Rugby Pacific Finals, but the other three sides face a rocky home …
LONG READ
Brett McKay
08 May 2024, 4:05
The case for keeping the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby Pacific
The future of the Victoria-based franchise have dominated the headlines in Australia but does winding them up make sense?
LONG READ
Brett McKay
02 May 2024, 2:41
Disciplinary verdicts as puzzling as ever – even when consistent to a fault
Arguments of inconsistency in SANZAAR's judicial process are mostly superficial, but it is still prone to some puzzling verdicts.
LONG READ
Brett McKay
25 Apr 2024, 12:58
How are Australian sides faring in Super Rugby Pacific?
Who's trending up? Who's performing as expected? And who still has work to do?
LONG READ
Brett McKay
16 Apr 2024, 6:41
Brumbies must nail new defensive system to take next step
Five straight wins have propelled ACT into contention but key areas of their game need work if they are to progress to a SRP final…
LONG READ
Brett McKay
09 Apr 2024, 12:15
The Waratahs, self-inflicted pressure, and the crippling weight of expectation
With the winds of change blowing through Australian rugby, the current fortunes of the Waratahs are causing furrowed brows
LONG READ
Brett McKay
03 Apr 2024, 7:43
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?
Who has credit in the bank and who has a case to build for the new Australia head coach?
LONG READ
Brett McKay
26 Mar 2024, 13:34
Who should Andy Farrell bring Down Under?
The Six Nations offered Wallabies fans a glimpse of how the Lions will arm themselves.
LONG READ
Brett McKay
20 Mar 2024, 11:01
2.6 million reasons why Wallabies review had to be released
Rugby Australia had no choice but to release the findings of their 2023 review, but will the lessons be heeded?
LONG READ
Brett McKay
13 Mar 2024, 2:26
Where next for Super Rugby Pacific's 'Super Round'?
With Melbourne's three-year hosting deal now up, should the concept stay in Victoria or move elsewhere?
LONG READ
Brett McKay
06 Mar 2024, 7:23
Open-minded Schmidt takes hands-on approach to Australia challenge
Joe Schmidt has been doing due diligence on the Wallabies even before he officially starts in the role.
LONG READ
Brett McKay
29 Feb 2024, 7:01
Three seasons in and Super Rugby Pacific is still trying to find its feet
With uncertainty swirling around the future of some franchises, the onus is on consolidating the tournament and winning new fans
LONG READ
Brett McKay
21 Feb 2024, 2:02
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