Down and out:Wallabies captain Michael Hooper (front left),Will Genia (front right) and the Wallabies come to terms with defeat against Scotland.

Australian rugby can't afford another 18 months like the past 18 months

As the Super Rugby season stutters back to life and all eyes look across the ditch at the All Blacks-Lions decider,one question about the state of the game in Australia comes to mind:How did it come to this?

  • Matthew Burke

Latest

Red alert:Courtney Lawes of the British and Irish Lions and teammates come to terms with defeat against the Blues at Eden Park.

Given the British and Irish Lions'struggles,maybe Australian rugby's not so bad

If a brand such as the British and Irish Lions are having "deer in the headlights moments" in New Zealand,perhaps Australian rugby isn't as bad as we thought.

  • Matthew Burke
Big game:There will be plenty riding on the result when Michael Cheika's Wallabies take on the All Blacks on August 19.

Why Bledisloe Cup opener looms as pivotal moment for Australian rugby

August 19 will be one of the most important days in recent history for Australian rugby. It's got nothing to do with the performances of our Super Rugby teams or the drama surrounding one franchise being culled. But August 19 is the date of the first Bledisloe Cup clash.

  • Matthew Burke
Tough times:Israel Folau and the Waratahs look dejected as the Crusaders pile on the tries.

Waratahs star Israel Folau admits he has'never been challenged like this before'

Sun-Herald rugby columnist Matt Burke sits down with Israel Folau to talk form and Super Rugby on the eve of the Waratahs' clash with the Melbourne Rebels.

  • Matthew Burke
Key man:Cooper Cronk.

Why would Wallabies coach Michael Cheika suggest Waratahs chase Cooper Cronk?

Why would the Australian coach endorse – even suggest – the recruitment of a 33-year-old rugby league player. I just can't understand it.

  • Matthew Burke
Below his best this year:Israel Folau.

What the 2017 British and Irish Lions squad to tour New Zealand says about Australian rugby

Sixteen members of the Lions squad toured Australia four years ago. How many of the Wallabies side have survived from 2013?

  • Matthew Burke
Advertisement
Pressed:CEO Bill Pulver.

Super Rugby cull:Australian rugby needs Western Force and Melbourne Rebels should go

Six weeks ago,I was adamant the Western Force should be the team to go – but now I'm not so sure.

  • Matthew Burke
All class:Mark Ella playing for Randwick in 1984.

Super Rugby 2017:Why the 15-man game is losing its identity

Constant tinkering with the laws by the powers that be has changed the 15-man game significantly – and not for the better.

  • Matthew Burke
Unlucky 13?:Israel Folau is dragged down by Henry Speight.

Daryl Gibson says NSW Waratahs determined to earn respect against Crusaders

I sat down through the week with Waratahs head coach Daryl Gibson and got some insight into the team,pressure,SAANZAR and how they are going to approach this game today at the SFS.

  • Matthew Burke
Last-ditch tackle:Brumbies skipper Sam Carter finds a half gap against the Waratahs.

Super Rugby 2017:It's not all doom and gloom,there are a few shining lights

A quarter of the way through the Super Rugby season and you don't need me to tell you it's been a battle for the Australian teams.

  • Matthew Burke