Nathan Sharpe: Rugby Australia President on the state of the game, previewing All Blacks v Wallabies
October 3, 2025 • 11 mins
Rugby Australia’s President has nothing but praise for Coach Joe Schmidt ahead of the final Rugby Championship clash.
The All Blacks are facing off against the Wallabies tonight at a sold-out Optus Stadium in Perth – the Wallabies just three points behind the New Zealand side.
Former Wallabies Captain and current President Nathan Sharpe joined Piney to preview the match, sharing his thoughts on Schmidt’s coaching.
“I think the way that Joe approaches things, around his connection, his care, y’know his values, and integrity, he’s brought that into the team and for want of a word, healed that team.”
“Now they’re starting to build something pretty special, and I think you can see that in the way that they approached a lot of the games this year.
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Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from News Talks edb.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Led us Low two tonight ten forty five New Zealand
time All blacksby Wallabies and a sold out OPTAs Stadium
in Perth for commentary here on News Talks. There be
a great pleasure to welcome in one of Australia's all
time great lockforwards.
Speaker 3 (00:27):
Australia can go again here Loco chokers with him, the
Big two just two looking all those got one last
week against the spring Books, but this one close to
the sticks, super try from the men in goal Nathan Sharp.
Speaker 2 (00:44):
No better player to have that post to the live.
Nathan Sharp debut for the Wallabies in two thousand and two,
was named Rookie of the Year that year and across
a glittering decade long career, he attended three Rugby World Cups,
captain his country ten times, was a two time John
Eels medallist as Australian Rugby Player of the Year, and
(01:04):
played one hundred and sixty Test matches for Australia. He
played fifteen seasons of Super Rugby, the first eight of
those for the Reds, and from two thousand and six
on for the Force, where he was the franchise's inaugural captain.
Earlier this year, he was appointed as President of Rugby Australia.
Nathan sharpers with us. Nathan, thanks for taking the time
(01:26):
on match day. You've got a very strong association with
Western Australia, as I say, having been the Western Forces
inaugural captain. So how much are you looking forward to
such a big occasion in Perth tonight?
Speaker 4 (01:38):
Hey going, Jason, thanks for your introduction.
Speaker 1 (01:40):
Matter.
Speaker 4 (01:40):
It seems like a long time ago, mate, I'd forgotten
done through those things, so it's nice to think about
me rightdown and then. But look mate, as you suggested,
they're being in Western Australia and you know, a capacity
house tonight. It's an amazing journey. I suppose the Western
Australian Rugby has come on that you know, from when
we first came here and expanded it to footprint within Australia.
(02:03):
You know who would have thought that? You know? At
full house watching of letters though and we watch what's
going to be a competitive game, I think, oh, without.
Speaker 2 (02:12):
Question, I want to talk about the game in a moment.
But as far as the development and progress of the
Wallabies under Joe Schmidt's coaching. How have you assised that.
Speaker 4 (02:23):
He's been outstanding looked. You know, I'd followed Joe from
Afar for a long period of time and never had
the oportunity to meet him or be coached by him,
but certainly impressed with the impact that he's had on
all the teams that he's worked with. And I think
you know, for us as Wallaby's supporters and you know
and mean part of that community here in Australia, it
(02:43):
was really important on the back of the World Cup
in twenty twenty three when we had a lot of
players that were almost broken by that experience. And I
think the way that Joe approaches things around his connection
and his care you know, his values and integrity, he's
brought that into the team and you know, for one
of the words, healed that team. And now they're starting
(03:04):
to build something pretty spressure and I think you can
see that in the way that they approached a lot
of the games this year. At times they haven't played
the best football, but they've managed to find a way
to get things done. And if you if you've watched
enough sport, and I'm sure all your listeners. Do those
teams seem to find a way? Are the ones that
you know something special is happening culturally, So you know
a bit of work for the world is that do
(03:25):
still in terms of execution and accuracy. But what he's
done culture has been magnificent and you know what a
great reflection on on that New Zealand culture that he's
brought to the team within Australia.
Speaker 2 (03:39):
Well, you talk about finding a way, did you think
the long wait for a win at Eden Park might
be coming last weekend?
Speaker 4 (03:47):
Look, I was hopeful you had. It's one of those
things that you know, I was involved in the last
one in two thousand and two, and you sort of
you wanted the opportunity to contest it. You know, I
did that a few times in my career. You know,
we got to you get to that one all situation
and you don't get your hands on it. But this
year I think was the best opportunity in a long time.
And you know, credits for the All Blacks, they came
(04:11):
back from a hiding the week before them. They're always
going to be tough eating Park, but I did think
there was a there was a bit of a chance
there and Having said that, I think the Wallabies, you know,
they probably, if they're really clinical on it, they didn't
really make the most that opportunity. And you've got to
take the referee out of it, because you know, I
thought both teams probably had a bit of an opportunity
(04:33):
to talk about that. If they controlled what they could control,
I think they'd be a bit disappointed. They weren't quite
as accurate in a lot of areas, and you can
see that in the penalty account. You can see that
in the turnovers and the unforced eras. So this weekend
I think they'll be looking to rectify that situation, but
unfortunately it won't be for the But at those times, well, I.
Speaker 2 (04:54):
Think most of our listeners, in fact, the vast majority,
would prefer a three game series where you know it's
alive and it was a live tonight, that's not to be.
But I'm not sure that dilutes Australia's desire in any way,
does it, Nathan? You'd imagine there'd be a Philly committed,
a bunch of men and Green and Gold tonight trying
to square this up.
Speaker 4 (05:13):
Look, I don't think you changed anything for the Wallabies,
you know, they'll be wanting to get a win against
New Zealand on home soil. And you know, I know
from my time as a player, was lucky enough to
be in teams that were you know, one, two, three
best teams in the world. But it's just funny in
the Australian psyche. You know, we could beat every team
(05:33):
in the world comfortably and then we'd lose the ladders
they through one old draw or something like that, and
you'd walk down the street and people go, oh, you
got a rubbish because he didn't beat New Zealand. So
I can tell you there is plenty on the line
tonight for the Australian all these they're going to want
that win and become away from this campaign with a
one all status.
Speaker 2 (05:52):
One hundred and sixteen test matches you played against every
rugby nation in the world. How much did you relish
your battles with the All Blacks as a player?
Speaker 4 (06:02):
Look at that Dole highlight for me, you knew that
it was going to be a game where you only
had limited chances and if you didn't take those opportunities
then one they would make you pay. But too you
just didn't get many from them, so you know, I
remember reviewing games and you say, well, there's one or
two moments there. They're really the only opportunities that we
(06:23):
got against New Zealand, and that was quite unique because
you could play other teams and was certainly strong in
some areas. But you know, the New Zealand team, the
All Blacks, when we would play them, that was strong
across the board. Just good athletically, good combination, team, great
culturally as well, and that sometimes is a difficult thing
to find in international sport as a team that has
(06:46):
all those properties covered, you know, And one of the
things that I that I always reflect on, like if
you played against So Africa, you knew it was going
to be a heavy day. You know you're going to
be tackling big bodies and all the rest of us.
But when you played the All Blacks, you were going
to be tackling heavy players, athletic players, and you had
to chase them as well. You had to do everything.
It was a tiring game. You knew were going to
be out and your feet at the end of the
(07:06):
end of it.
Speaker 2 (07:07):
Where does you win over the All Blacks? In the
two thousand and three Rugby World Cup semi final, rate
among your most memorable matches in Green and Gold.
Speaker 4 (07:15):
Yeah, look, I think it's definitely in the top three
for me. And you know, yes one was the occasion
because you know the game previously that you know they
absolutely trounced us on the same oval, you know, maybe
six to eight weeks beforehand. But I think the thing
that sticks out for me the most is that, and
people might not realize this, but New Zealand in that
(07:36):
sort of eighteen month period had been electric in terms
of scoring, tries off, counterattack and turnover and we effetively
change our game plan within a week. And the ability
to do that and then execute is something that's still
sicks with me because that'st an easy thing to do
for a team that's been playing a specific way for
a couple of years to change that in six days
and then get the results. So yeah, it does stick
(07:58):
that with me a lot.
Speaker 2 (08:00):
You often came up against the likes of Ali Williams
and Chris Jack and the all Black Second Road during
your time the Wallabies. What was your strategy, particularly at
lineout time against guys like that.
Speaker 4 (08:11):
Well, it's funny, you know New Zealand for a long
period of time that was their achilles hell, their line
out and you know, for us, we used to target
that for a long period and then you know, there
came a period of time where I think the All
Blacks recognize that and they put a lot of work
into it. They got a great athlete in Kieran Reid
coming into the system and adding a third and four
(08:31):
jumper really really helped them. So they kind of went
from you know, the bath house to the panhouse in
that area. But you know, playing against Ali and Chris
Jack terrific competitors, terrific All Blacks and you know, I
certainly was always a huge challenge for myself and you know,
mostly Dan Vicken and Justin Harrison.
Speaker 2 (08:53):
And to tonight a big inclusion for the Wallabies, Will
Skelton will return to the second row. How big is
that for the Wallabies having well back tonight.
Speaker 4 (09:02):
Well, he's a big body. I can start by saying
that I'm not sure if anyone's seen him in person,
and that he's an absolute monster. And I think that
that that that size is one thing, but I think
that the other thing that helps the while in their
current state is that he's got a huge amount of
experience and brings a level of calmness to the team.
They love having him in there, knowing that he's there
(09:24):
to support them. He's experienced, he knows all the right
but to push the opposition and he's big enough to
do it. So he's quite talismanic for the wall it
is and I would have loved to have seen him.
I would have loved to have seen him on the
pitch last week, but it wasn't to be. And I
think he's going to relish opportunity tonight.
Speaker 2 (09:40):
And amongst all your other very the busy parts of
your life, you're now the president of Rugby Australia. What
does that role involve?
Speaker 4 (09:48):
Yeah, looks it's been a great experience. So I thought
Joe Roff finished up in March and I took over
from there for a two year term. And you know,
one of the things in that position it really is
an advocacy role, so you know, trying to grow the
game and keep all the membi unions and in this
st and the wallity is together explectively trying to drive
(10:09):
for their outcomes for Australian rugby and both the women's
and the men's games. So you know, from that perspective,
I'm involved in the strategic direction of where things are
going in Australian rugby and I think that you know,
you can see the results on the pitch, but certainly
there's been a lot of work done outside of that
in the last eighteen months by the board and Civil
War and Dan Herbert to sort of correct the nose
(10:31):
of that we were looking out in twenty twenty three,
and it's more about picking that work up and continuing
went on to keep growing the game here but also
making the Waldies back to that sort of top three
competitive team in the world.
Speaker 2 (10:42):
Well just to finish. Then, we are two years out
from a Rugby World Cup on Australian soil. Surely your
presidency goes to the end of that tournament, does it,
or do you have to give it up before there?
Speaker 4 (10:50):
No, I've got to give it up. Yeah. I enjoying
all these games on the sideline and you know that
we pulled away from it mate, so yeah, it's good.
I'll be at all those games and sitting here in Perth,
say to watch the game tonight, the opening game of
the World Cup in twenty twenty seven, will be fantastic
here off the stadium when Australia takes on who that
(11:12):
is to be decided in the next period of time.
Speaker 2 (11:15):
Nathan. Great to get the chance to chat to you
on game day. Thanks so much for being so accessible
to us and we all hope for a fantastic game
at the sold out stadium tonight. Thanks for joining us
O ourris enjoy Hey, Thanks thank you, Nathan. Nathan Sharp
there one hundred and sixteen Test Wallaby's lock president of
Rugby Australia and as you can hear, they're a pretty
articulate bloke on rugby matters.
Speaker 1 (11:36):
For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live
to News Talk sed B weekends from midday or follow
the podcast on iHeartRadio
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from News Talks edb.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Led us Low two tonight ten forty five New Zealand
time All blacksby Wallabies and a sold out OPTAs Stadium
in Perth for commentary here on News Talks. There be
a great pleasure to welcome in one of Australia's all
time great lockforwards.
Speaker 3 (00:27):
Australia can go again here Loco chokers with him, the
Big two just two looking all those got one last
week against the spring Books, but this one close to
the sticks, super try from the men in goal Nathan Sharp.
Speaker 2 (00:44):
No better player to have that post to the live.
Nathan Sharp debut for the Wallabies in two thousand and two,
was named Rookie of the Year that year and across
a glittering decade long career, he attended three Rugby World Cups,
captain his country ten times, was a two time John
Eels medallist as Australian Rugby Player of the Year, and
(01:04):
played one hundred and sixty Test matches for Australia. He
played fifteen seasons of Super Rugby, the first eight of
those for the Reds, and from two thousand and six
on for the Force, where he was the franchise's inaugural captain.
Earlier this year, he was appointed as President of Rugby Australia.
Nathan sharpers with us. Nathan, thanks for taking the time
(01:26):
on match day. You've got a very strong association with
Western Australia, as I say, having been the Western Forces
inaugural captain. So how much are you looking forward to
such a big occasion in Perth tonight?
Speaker 4 (01:38):
Hey going, Jason, thanks for your introduction.
Speaker 1 (01:40):
Matter.
Speaker 4 (01:40):
It seems like a long time ago, mate, I'd forgotten
done through those things, so it's nice to think about
me rightdown and then. But look mate, as you suggested,
they're being in Western Australia and you know, a capacity
house tonight. It's an amazing journey. I suppose the Western
Australian Rugby has come on that you know, from when
we first came here and expanded it to footprint within Australia.
(02:03):
You know who would have thought that? You know? At
full house watching of letters though and we watch what's
going to be a competitive game, I think, oh, without.
Speaker 2 (02:12):
Question, I want to talk about the game in a moment.
But as far as the development and progress of the
Wallabies under Joe Schmidt's coaching. How have you assised that.
Speaker 4 (02:23):
He's been outstanding looked. You know, I'd followed Joe from
Afar for a long period of time and never had
the oportunity to meet him or be coached by him,
but certainly impressed with the impact that he's had on
all the teams that he's worked with. And I think
you know, for us as Wallaby's supporters and you know
and mean part of that community here in Australia, it
(02:43):
was really important on the back of the World Cup
in twenty twenty three when we had a lot of
players that were almost broken by that experience. And I
think the way that Joe approaches things around his connection
and his care you know, his values and integrity, he's
brought that into the team and you know, for one
of the words, healed that team. And now they're starting
(03:04):
to build something pretty spressure and I think you can
see that in the way that they approached a lot
of the games this year. At times they haven't played
the best football, but they've managed to find a way
to get things done. And if you if you've watched
enough sport, and I'm sure all your listeners. Do those
teams seem to find a way? Are the ones that
you know something special is happening culturally, So you know
a bit of work for the world is that do
(03:25):
still in terms of execution and accuracy. But what he's
done culture has been magnificent and you know what a
great reflection on on that New Zealand culture that he's
brought to the team within Australia.
Speaker 2 (03:39):
Well, you talk about finding a way, did you think
the long wait for a win at Eden Park might
be coming last weekend?
Speaker 4 (03:47):
Look, I was hopeful you had. It's one of those
things that you know, I was involved in the last
one in two thousand and two, and you sort of
you wanted the opportunity to contest it. You know, I
did that a few times in my career. You know,
we got to you get to that one all situation
and you don't get your hands on it. But this
year I think was the best opportunity in a long time.
And you know, credits for the All Blacks, they came
(04:11):
back from a hiding the week before them. They're always
going to be tough eating Park, but I did think
there was a there was a bit of a chance
there and Having said that, I think the Wallabies, you know,
they probably, if they're really clinical on it, they didn't
really make the most that opportunity. And you've got to
take the referee out of it, because you know, I
thought both teams probably had a bit of an opportunity
(04:33):
to talk about that. If they controlled what they could control,
I think they'd be a bit disappointed. They weren't quite
as accurate in a lot of areas, and you can
see that in the penalty account. You can see that
in the turnovers and the unforced eras. So this weekend
I think they'll be looking to rectify that situation, but
unfortunately it won't be for the But at those times, well, I.
Speaker 2 (04:54):
Think most of our listeners, in fact, the vast majority,
would prefer a three game series where you know it's
alive and it was a live tonight, that's not to be.
But I'm not sure that dilutes Australia's desire in any way,
does it, Nathan? You'd imagine there'd be a Philly committed,
a bunch of men and Green and Gold tonight trying
to square this up.
Speaker 4 (05:13):
Look, I don't think you changed anything for the Wallabies,
you know, they'll be wanting to get a win against
New Zealand on home soil. And you know, I know
from my time as a player, was lucky enough to
be in teams that were you know, one, two, three
best teams in the world. But it's just funny in
the Australian psyche. You know, we could beat every team
(05:33):
in the world comfortably and then we'd lose the ladders
they through one old draw or something like that, and
you'd walk down the street and people go, oh, you
got a rubbish because he didn't beat New Zealand. So
I can tell you there is plenty on the line
tonight for the Australian all these they're going to want
that win and become away from this campaign with a
one all status.
Speaker 2 (05:52):
One hundred and sixteen test matches you played against every
rugby nation in the world. How much did you relish
your battles with the All Blacks as a player?
Speaker 4 (06:02):
Look at that Dole highlight for me, you knew that
it was going to be a game where you only
had limited chances and if you didn't take those opportunities
then one they would make you pay. But too you
just didn't get many from them, so you know, I
remember reviewing games and you say, well, there's one or
two moments there. They're really the only opportunities that we
(06:23):
got against New Zealand, and that was quite unique because
you could play other teams and was certainly strong in
some areas. But you know, the New Zealand team, the
All Blacks, when we would play them, that was strong
across the board. Just good athletically, good combination, team, great
culturally as well, and that sometimes is a difficult thing
to find in international sport as a team that has
(06:46):
all those properties covered, you know, And one of the
things that I that I always reflect on, like if
you played against So Africa, you knew it was going
to be a heavy day. You know you're going to
be tackling big bodies and all the rest of us.
But when you played the All Blacks, you were going
to be tackling heavy players, athletic players, and you had
to chase them as well. You had to do everything.
It was a tiring game. You knew were going to
be out and your feet at the end of the
(07:06):
end of it.
Speaker 2 (07:07):
Where does you win over the All Blacks? In the
two thousand and three Rugby World Cup semi final, rate
among your most memorable matches in Green and Gold.
Speaker 4 (07:15):
Yeah, look, I think it's definitely in the top three
for me. And you know, yes one was the occasion
because you know the game previously that you know they
absolutely trounced us on the same oval, you know, maybe
six to eight weeks beforehand. But I think the thing
that sticks out for me the most is that, and
people might not realize this, but New Zealand in that
(07:36):
sort of eighteen month period had been electric in terms
of scoring, tries off, counterattack and turnover and we effetively
change our game plan within a week. And the ability
to do that and then execute is something that's still
sicks with me because that'st an easy thing to do
for a team that's been playing a specific way for
a couple of years to change that in six days
and then get the results. So yeah, it does stick
(07:58):
that with me a lot.
Speaker 2 (08:00):
You often came up against the likes of Ali Williams
and Chris Jack and the all Black Second Road during
your time the Wallabies. What was your strategy, particularly at
lineout time against guys like that.
Speaker 4 (08:11):
Well, it's funny, you know New Zealand for a long
period of time that was their achilles hell, their line
out and you know, for us, we used to target
that for a long period and then you know, there
came a period of time where I think the All
Blacks recognize that and they put a lot of work
into it. They got a great athlete in Kieran Reid
coming into the system and adding a third and four
(08:31):
jumper really really helped them. So they kind of went
from you know, the bath house to the panhouse in
that area. But you know, playing against Ali and Chris
Jack terrific competitors, terrific All Blacks and you know, I
certainly was always a huge challenge for myself and you know,
mostly Dan Vicken and Justin Harrison.
Speaker 2 (08:53):
And to tonight a big inclusion for the Wallabies, Will
Skelton will return to the second row. How big is
that for the Wallabies having well back tonight.
Speaker 4 (09:02):
Well, he's a big body. I can start by saying
that I'm not sure if anyone's seen him in person,
and that he's an absolute monster. And I think that
that that that size is one thing, but I think
that the other thing that helps the while in their
current state is that he's got a huge amount of
experience and brings a level of calmness to the team.
They love having him in there, knowing that he's there
(09:24):
to support them. He's experienced, he knows all the right
but to push the opposition and he's big enough to
do it. So he's quite talismanic for the wall it
is and I would have loved to have seen him.
I would have loved to have seen him on the
pitch last week, but it wasn't to be. And I
think he's going to relish opportunity tonight.
Speaker 2 (09:40):
And amongst all your other very the busy parts of
your life, you're now the president of Rugby Australia. What
does that role involve?
Speaker 4 (09:48):
Yeah, looks it's been a great experience. So I thought
Joe Roff finished up in March and I took over
from there for a two year term. And you know,
one of the things in that position it really is
an advocacy role, so you know, trying to grow the
game and keep all the membi unions and in this
st and the wallity is together explectively trying to drive
(10:09):
for their outcomes for Australian rugby and both the women's
and the men's games. So you know, from that perspective,
I'm involved in the strategic direction of where things are
going in Australian rugby and I think that you know,
you can see the results on the pitch, but certainly
there's been a lot of work done outside of that
in the last eighteen months by the board and Civil
War and Dan Herbert to sort of correct the nose
(10:31):
of that we were looking out in twenty twenty three,
and it's more about picking that work up and continuing
went on to keep growing the game here but also
making the Waldies back to that sort of top three
competitive team in the world.
Speaker 2 (10:42):
Well just to finish. Then, we are two years out
from a Rugby World Cup on Australian soil. Surely your
presidency goes to the end of that tournament, does it,
or do you have to give it up before there?
Speaker 4 (10:50):
No, I've got to give it up. Yeah. I enjoying
all these games on the sideline and you know that
we pulled away from it mate, so yeah, it's good.
I'll be at all those games and sitting here in Perth,
say to watch the game tonight, the opening game of
the World Cup in twenty twenty seven, will be fantastic
here off the stadium when Australia takes on who that
(11:12):
is to be decided in the next period of time.
Speaker 2 (11:15):
Nathan. Great to get the chance to chat to you
on game day. Thanks so much for being so accessible
to us and we all hope for a fantastic game
at the sold out stadium tonight. Thanks for joining us
O ourris enjoy Hey, Thanks thank you, Nathan. Nathan Sharp
there one hundred and sixteen Test Wallaby's lock president of
Rugby Australia and as you can hear, they're a pretty
articulate bloke on rugby matters.
Speaker 1 (11:36):
For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live
to News Talk sed B weekends from midday or follow
the podcast on iHeartRadio
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