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Craig HillSuper 14 Round 8 Results
April 6th 2009 06:26
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Rugby Union - by Craig Hill
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Super 14 Round 7 Results
March 30th 2009 06:16
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Posted By: Craig Hill - Category: Super 14
Super 14 Round 6 Results
March 23rd 2009 06:07
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Posted By: Craig Hill - Category: Super 14
Super 14 Round 5 Results
March 16th 2009 05:58
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Posted By: Craig Hill - Category: Super 14
Super 14 Round 5 Preview All Games
March 9th 2009 08:54
The Brumbies welcome the NSW Waratahs on Friday night in a keenly-anticipated match up which helps to kick off the fifth round of the 2009 Investec Super 14. With the Bulls of South Africa off duty due to the bye, New South Wales could claim top spot in the rankings if they can register their fifth straight win. They will not find this an easy assignment given that they’ve only won once previously in Canberra since Super Rugby began. Fellow Australian sides the Western Force and the Queensland Reds also face intriguing match-ups as the championship ladder starts to take shape. The Reds could do the Waratahs a big favour by bowling the unbeaten Sharks of South Africa in Brisbane on Saturday night. Earlier in the evening, the Western Force confront the Crusaders in Christchurch, bidding for their first ever win over the seven-time champions.
Blues v Cheetahs
Venue: North Harbour Stadium, Albany
Kick-off: Friday 13 March, 7.35pm (local), 5.35pm (AEDT)
Referee: Keith Brown
Last year: Blues 50, Cheetahs 26 at Bloemfontein
The Blues have lost at their last two appearances on the northern side of the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Two years ago, they lost 25-32 to the Sharks at North Harbour. Last season, their conquerors were the Force, 17-27. The twin defeats came after the Blues had enjoyed a six-year unbeaten run at the ground between 2001 and 2006, where their victims included Queensland (39-35) in 2001, New South Wales (22-20) in 2002, and the Crusaders (39-5) in 2003. Overall, the Blues have won seven, lost three and drawn one at the ground – although they were not the home team for their maiden appearance, which was a winning one, against the Chiefs in 1997. At that stage, North Harbour was part of the Chiefs franchise, so the Blues’ 26-16 win wasn’t warmly greeted by the locals! Pat Lam’s men lie in fifth place on the standings, but head into this match with a 50 percent record in ’09 as a result of last weekend’s thrilling four-point loss to the Sharks. The four tries conceded at Eden Park took the total they have let in to 15, which is three more than have been conceded by the Cheetahs, who have the second leakiest Super Rugby defence. The Sharks’ defeat was compounded by the injuries suffered by winger Paul Williams and flanker Josh Blackie, which has seen them join flyhalf Tasesa Lavea, lock Anthony Boric and wingers Rene Ranger and Rudi Wulf on the unavailable list. Perhaps the biggest positive was the strong return of All Black lock Ali Williams, in his first match for the Blues since 2007. The Cheetahs relocated to Auckland having performed a little better than the 17-point losing margin indicated during last weekend’s loss to the Hurricanes at New Plymouth. Showing 10 changes from the line-up which melted in Brisbane the previous week, the South Africans scored two tries and could easily have had a couple more but for dropped balls, which will have given them some confidence as their arduous overseas tour draws to a close. Having fielded 25 players in his starting XV through the last two weeks, Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske will be looking to run with his top XV for the final two weeks of the trip, which should see the return of inspirational skipper Juan Smith. The Cheetahs, who are now the only team still register a win in this year’s championship, face the Blues and the Highlanders in their final two weeks away and will give themselves some chance of improving their diabolical touring record.
In round four – The end of tour ‘Blues’ got the Auckland-based side for the seventh time in 13 seasons, as they lost their first home game back from the South African tour. The Cheetahs could sympathise. The 17-point loss in New Plymouth dropped their touring record to 0 & 16.
Brumbies v Waratahs
Venue: Canberra Stadium
Kick-off: Friday 13 March, 7.40pm (AEDT)
Referee: Mark Lawrence
Last year: NSW Waratahs 24, Brumbies 17 at Sydney
Al Baxter becomes just the fifth player to surpass three figures in state caps for New South Wales as the Waratahs travel down the Hume Highway bidding for their fifth straight win of the championship. In hitting the 100, Baxter will move one appearance ahead of his good mate Matt Dunning, who was left languishing on 99 after a snapped Achilles ruled him out of this year’s competition. In surpassing Dunning, Baxter will complete a notable career double, having become Australia’s most capped Test prop last year when he moved beyond Ewen McKenzie. The Waratahs will be desperate to celebrate Baxter’s milestone with a victory which would take them to the top of the table, as the Bulls have the bye this weekend. New South Wales maintained their winning sequence at the Sydney Football Stadium by fending off a determined Queensland Reds outfit last weekend, although the win may have cost them No 8 Wycliff Palu, who sustained an injured hand. While there has been plenty of discussion surrounding the ‘Tahs playing style, the quality of their defensive work is unarguable. Only the Crusaders have been as mean as New South Wales, whose six tries conceded is five less than the 11 let in by the Brumbies, who have played one game less. The Brumbies skipped last weekend with the bye, although a number of squad members were released to play on Sunday for the Brumby Runners against an Australian Barbarians XV, including Test prop Ben Alexander and last year’s Qantas Wallabies Spring tourist Peter Kimlin. The bye has provided mixed blessings for the Brumbies in the past. Last year, they lost at home to the Chiefs coming off the break, but beat the Crusaders two years ago. The Brumbies, who depart for a three-match tour of South Africa after the game, have won five of the six previous meetings against the Waratahs in the capital, and are bidding for their 99th win in all Super Rugby matches.
The last time – The Brumbies have had two weeks to mull over a loss to the Force where they leaked four tries, and needed the aid of the referee to post one themselves, via a penalty try. The Waratahs extended their unbeaten run at the SFS to 10 matches last Friday night, defying the Reds.
Fortress Canberra
Prior to the visit by the Western Force two weeks ago, the Brumbies had lost just once at home against a fellow Australian side in the 14 years of Super Rugby. That defeat occurred when New South Wales called in 2005. The Waratahs won 10-6 en-route to that year’s final. Winger Lote Tuqiri, flanker and skipper Phil Waugh and prop Al Baxter are the only survivors from that winning side who will return on Friday night, although Stephen Hoiles was also on their team bus. The Randwick loose forward started on the blindside flank for New South Wales four years ago, but will this time skipper the Brumbies from the back of the scrum. Ben Batger, who was with the Brumbies then, is now a Waratahs’ squad member. Mark Gerrard, Stirling Mortlock, George Smith, Mark Chisholm and Nic Henderson are the Brumbies players from that match set to feature again, while Owen Finegan and Bill Young both played then, but are on the coaching staff now. The Waratahs’ success of 2005 is one of just two matches from 16 that the Brumbies have lost at home against Australian opposition in Super Rugby.
Crusaders v Western Force
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: Sat 14 March. 5.30pm (local), 3.30pm (AEDT)
Referee: Marius Jonker
Last year: Crusaders 29, Western Force 24 at Perth
The Crusaders are one of only two teams the Western Force has yet to beat – the Waratahs are the other – and they may never get a better chance to lower the seven-time champions, than this weekend. While the Force paid the price for missing 14 first half tackles as the Chiefs built up a match-winning 21-6 halftime break last Friday; the West Australians did at least improve their performance in the second term, despite losing 13-31. The same cannot be said for the Crusaders who laboured without reward in Dunedin, as the Highlanders advanced from a scoreless first half to kick the only points of the game in a 6-0 victory. That defeat has left the Crusaders on the edge of unchartered territory: the most successful franchise in Super Rugby has never before lost four games in a row. Todd Blackadder’s problems have been compounded by young Colin Slade’s goal-kicking struggles, with only four of his 12 shots on goal successful so far, as well as a chronic injury toll which has rubbed skipper Richie McCaw out for the next month at least due to a medial ligament strain in his knee. McCaw joins centre Casey Laulala as well as wingers Jared Payne and Kade Poki on the injured list, while prop Ben Franks and lock Brad Thorn are also struggling on that score. Fullback Leon MacDonald may finally return from the shoulder injury he suffered in round one against the Chiefs. The Western Force is without Qantas Wallabies No 8 Richard Brown, who is aiming to return from his injured shoulder in next week’s home game against the Sharks. The visitors will also be aware that, despite their troubles, the Crusaders still boast the stingiest defence in the league, having conceded four less tries than the Force. Both teams have scored nine tries to date in their four matches.
In round four: It was bad enough being beaten, but the Crusaders’ ill-fated visit to Carisbrook also saw them held scoreless for the first time in their 172-game history. The Force had surrendered their game in Hamilton by halftime, although an improved second half performance at least offered some promise for the trip south to Christchurch.
Exorcising the Demons
It was the venue of the Western Force’s greatest disaster in Super Rugby. Week five takes the West Australians back to the scene of the biggest humiliation in their short history, when thrashed 53-0 by the Crusaders in Christchurch two years ago. The Force had arrived in the South Island that year, having won five of the opening eight, with another drawn, to sit in the top four. The team departed 80-minutes later almost totally demoralised, after conceding eight tries without reply, which matched the number they had let in through their previous eight matches! The players won’t need any reminding this week of the catastrophic consequences of that experience. It threw their season into such a tail spin that the Force fell away to lose four of the last five, missing the playoffs in the process. Thirteen players from that galling night at the then Jade Stadium – Drew Mitchell, Cameron Shepherd, Haig Sare, Ryan Cross, Junior Pelesasa, Matt Giteau, Chris O’Young, David Pocock, Matt Hodgson, Nathan Sharpe, Troy Takiari, AJ Whalley and Tai McIsaac – are part of the Force travelling party in New Zealand, and will return to AMI Stadium seeking redemption. They will find a vastly different background to what they experienced two years ago. Not only is the ground under a major reconstruction, so too are their opponents! Such has been the combination of off-season departures, and now injury problems, that have shaken up the Crusaders - they will have just eight players from that night left for the ‘re-match’. This number includes lock Ross Filipo, who scored three of the Crusaders’ tries, and flanker Kieran Read, who got two. The win, which was the Crusaders’ first over the Force, was memorable for the Super Rugby heavyweights in more ways than one: not only was it the franchise’s 100th in Super Rugby, at their 148th attempt; it was also coach Robbie Deans’ 100th match in charge.
Highlanders v Chiefs
Venue: Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill
Kick-off: Sat 14 March. 7.35pm (local), 5.35pm (AEDT)
Referee: Matt Goddard
Last year: Chiefs 39, Highlanders 24 at Hamilton
It might be, geographically, the fartherest away venue for them nationally, but drawing the Highlanders in Invercargill is not a bad get for the Chiefs. The Waikato-based side has appeared twice previously at the home of Southland Rugby and has triumphed both times – 22-5 in 1996, and 29-24 six years later. The wins are two of four that the Chiefs have enjoyed away from home against the Highlanders. They also won 38-34 at Queenstown on their most recent southern jaunt two years ago, after winning for the first time at Carisbrook in 2004. Both sides picked up their first wins of the year last weekend. The Chiefs could be further boosted by the timely return from a back injury of All Black fullback Malili Muliaina, who has been absent since the opening weekend. His understudy, Sosene Anesi, injured his shoulder during last week’s win over the Western Force. The Highlanders’ defence was superb during last weekend’s historic shut-out of the Crusaders and it will need to be again to hold the Chiefs. History suggests the Highlanders will need to keep close tabs on the Chiefs wingers. Sitiveni Sivivatu scored a hat-trick against the Highlanders three years ago, while Lelia Masaga has scored twice in each of the last two games against the Southern men. While the Highlanders have won this contest five times, the Chiefs have prevailed on eight occasions, including the last five.
In round four: The victory songs were out for the first time in 2009, with the Highlanders shutting out the Crusaders 6-0, while the Chiefs picked up maximum points at home to the Western Force
Highlanders v Crusaders
Venue: Carisbrook, Dunedin
Kick off: Saturday 7 March, 7.35pm (local), 5.30pm (AEDT)
Referee: Ian Smith
Head to Head: Played 16: Crusaders 11, Highlanders 5
Last year: Highlanders 26, Crusaders 14 at Christchurch
The Highlanders’ shock 12-point win over the Crusaders in Christchurch last year, snapped a seven-game losing streak against their South Island rivals dating back to 2001. That memory will offer this year’s outfit plenty of hope this week, even though only 11 of that match night playing staff remain on the Highlanders roster. While the Highlanders failed to secure a consolation point for the first time during last week’s loss in Sydney, they were again competitive, and may fancy their chances against a Crusaders side suddenly under pressure. Excluding playoff matches, the Crusaders have not lost three regular season matches in a row in Super Rugby since the inaugural season in 1996 – when it occurred twice. That is the scenario facing Todd Blackadder’s men after last week’s 24-30 loss to the Hurricanes. That defeat has potentially come with an associated cost; leading try-scorer Casey Laulala (shoulder) and winger Kade Poki (ankle) are both in doubt, while lock Brad Thorn (heel) and prop Ben Franks also hobbled from the field. All Black fullback Leon MacDonald should return, and bring a calming presence with him. This may necessitate a change at flyhalf, with Stephen Brett a chance to takeover there from Colin Slade. Draft hooker Jason MacDonald, who became the Crusaders’ first choice when Corey Flynn broke his arm again, will head south well motivated to prove a point after being omitted this year following 32 games for the Highlanders over the previous three years. The Highlanders departed Sydney last Saturday with coach Glenn Moore confident that his skipper Jimmy Cowan would make a return from the elbow injury he suffered in round one. Experienced Otago lock Tom Donnelly should also be back from the broken thumb he sustained in the pre-season. Although the Crusaders won 38-3 last time they visited Carisbrook two years ago, scoring five tries (two by Laulala); that was just the seven-time champion’s fourth win from seven appearances at the ground. One of those wins was in the 1999 final, where Blackadder led the visitors to a 24-19 win which also featured his two current assistant coaches, Mark Hammett and Daryl Gibson. Overall, the Crusaders have won 11 and lost five in all matches against their southern neighbours.
In round three – The Highlanders showed their usual grit, but were flattened by tries either side of halftime, and couldn’t recover as they fell 16-34 to New South Wales. In Christchurch, the Crusaders were beaten at home by a New Zealand rival for a third year in a row, as the Hurricanes got up by six.
Reds v Sharks
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: Sat 14 March, 7.05pm (local), 8.05pm (AEDT)
Referee: James Leckie
Last year: Sharks 22, Queensland Reds 10 at Durban
The Sharks may be unbeaten from four thus far in 2009, but it would be totally understandable if they approached their Brisbane appointment with an ounce of trepidation. Prior to the Durban outfit’s record 59-16 win in the city two years ago, during a season where the Reds finished with the wooden spoon; the Sharks had lost on five consecutive visits to Queensland. In-form winger JP Pietersen, who scored his fourth try of the season last weekend at Eden Park, scored twice when the Sharks were last at Suncorp Stadium, while hooker Bismarck du Plessis has scored in each of the team’s last two matches with the Reds. The Sharks’ success in Brisbane two years ago is the only win the South Africans have had from their last 14 matches in Australia – an incredibly poor return, given that they have notched up 13 wins on New Zealand soil during the same time-frame. Although last year’s 12-point win in Durban was the Sharks’ third success in a row against the Reds, the ‘streak’ followed a run of seven years where Queensland had won every match between the two. Prior to their win in 2007, the Sharks only other win in Brisbane had occurred during Super Rugby’s inaugural season in 1996 where the South Africans, as the fourth qualifiers, bowled the top of the table Reds 43-25 at Ballymore in the first ever Super Rugby semi-final. Last weekend’s thrilling 35-31 win over the Blues made it two from two on the road for the Sharks, who now have two more matches in which to complete their most successful Super Rugby tour of Australia and New Zealand; as the most games they have ever won in this part of the world previously is two – a figure they have achieved on five previous occasions. Ominously for the Reds, Sharks coach John Plumtree was expecting his troops to improve for the Australian leg of the tour, having been given a light training regime at the resort town of Taupo ahead of the Auckland match. This was designed to allow the players to overcome the twin rigours of travel fatigue and the physical stress that was created by their taxing match with the Chiefs. Plumtree is expected to start Bok skipper John Smit at tighthead prop, after utilising the Test hooker off the bench in that role last weekend. The Reds returned from Sydney last Saturday frustrated after their third narrow loss from four outings. The four-point defeat at the SFS has also left lock Van Humphries and prop Greg Holmes in doubt for this weekend due to injury.
Virtual tipsters should be aware that eight of the last nine matches between these teams have been determined by margins of 12 points or less.
In round four: The Reds’ inter-state anguish stretched to five seasons, as they fell by four against the ‘Tahs, while the Sharks made it four from four with a valuable win at Eden Park
Stormers v Lions
Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
Kick-off: Sat 14 March, 5pm (local), 2am (Sun, 15 March, AEDT)
Referee: Craig Joubert
Last year: Stormers 22, Lions 13 at Johannesburg
The Johannesburg-based Super rugby side hasn’t beaten the Stormers since 2001. The year in question is significant, as it was the last time the Cats featured in the semi-finals, with their 29-24 win at Newlands in the opening round of that season providing a significant spring board for the then Laurie Mains-coached team. The Cats also beat the semi-final bound Stormers 18-16 at Cape Town in 1999, but have lost eight of 11 against their arch rivals from the coast in total. The Lions’ only wins against fellow South African teams since re-emerging in Super Rugby in their own colours have been home & away against the Cheetahs over the last two seasons. Prior to then, you have to go back to 2002 to find the last instance of the Johannesburg-based side winning at any other non home South African venue. That was in round one of 2002 when the Cats beat the Bulls 44-31 at Loftus. The Lions travel to Cape Town fresh from the bye while the Stormers sank deeper into the mire after losing a hard fought match at Loftus, which has left the highly-rated Capetonians one from four in the championship. While the Stormers revived their fortunes dramatically on tour last year, they run the risk of leaving themselves with simply too much to do in the five games upcoming on their travels, should they drop another game at home. This is especially so given that they have the next round off with the bye, which will concede further ground to the championship pace-setters. Regardless of which way you go, be aware that history says this one will be close: only one of the last 10 matches between these two sides in Super rugby has not finished in a 1-12 result. That was two years ago at Newlands when the Stormers won 30-8.
The last time: Both were competitive, but their gallantry was not enough against the unbeaten Bulls, with the Lions coming up short by seven, while the Stormers missed out by five in front of 50,000 at Loftus Versfeld.
The Try Trail
If you’ve found yourself spending quite a bit of time on the edge of your seat lately, don’t fret. You are not alone. After the opening four weeks of the Investec Super 14, the competition is on-track to set a record for the number of tries scored. Through the 27 matches played so far, 131 tries have been scored. That is five fewer than the same stage last year, but from one match less. By this stage of the first Super 14 in 2006, 114 tries had been scored. In 2007, the first four rounds yielded 106 tries. For those of you out there in virtual tipster land, be aware that the games are generally getting closer too. Of the 27 games played to date in the competition, 20 have been determined by margins of 12 points or less. This compares favourably to the same stage of last year’s tournament, where the number was 16. In 2006, just 14 of the 27 matches to this juncture had yielded 1-12 results. In 2007, 21 of the 27 games over the first four weeks were decided by 12 points or less.
Tries Scored
13 Bulls
13 Hurricanes
12 Sharks
12 Blues
10 Queensland Reds
10 Waratahs
9 Chiefs
9 Crusaders
9 Force
8 Highlanders
7 Brumbies
7 Stormers
5 Lions
6 Cheetahs
Tries Conceded
15 Blues
12 Hurricanes
12 Cheetahs
11 Brumbies
11 Highlanders
10 Force
8 Chiefs
8 Queensland Reds
8 Sharks
8 Stormers
7 Bulls
7 Lions
6 Crusaders
6 Waratahs
Leading Point-scorers
53 Morné Steyn (Bulls)
40 Daniel Bowden (Highlanders)
39 Rory Kockott (Sharks)
32 Mark Gerrard (Brumbies)
29 Kurtley Beale (Waratahs)
28 Jacques-Louis Potgieter (Cheetahs)
27 Jimmy Gopperth (Blues)
27 Peter Grant (Stormers)
25 Matt Giteau (Western Force)
22 Piri Weepu (Hurricanes)
21 Stephen Donald (Chiefs)
20 Pierre Spies (Bulls)
20 Casey Laulala (Crusaders)
Leading Try-scorers
4 Pierre Spies (Bulls)
4 Casey Laulala (Crusaders)
4 JP Pietersen (Sharks)
3 Hosea Gear (Hurricanes)
3 Peter Hynes (Queensland Reds)
3 Ashwin Willemse (Lions)
3 Wynand Olivier (Bulls)
3 Cameron Shepherd (Western Force)
2 Mark Gerrard (Brumbies)
2 Richard Kahui (Chiefs)
2 Brendan Leonard (Chiefs)
2 Lelia Masaga (Chiefs)
2 Stirling Mortlock (Brumbies)
2 Fourie du Preez (Bulls)
2 Lote Tuqiri (Waratahs)
2 Isaia Toeava (Blues)
2 Digby Ioane (Queensland Reds)
2 Jason Shoemark (Highlanders)
2 John Smit (Sharks)
2 Timana Tahu (Waratahs)
Blues v Cheetahs
Venue: North Harbour Stadium, Albany
Kick-off: Friday 13 March, 7.35pm (local), 5.35pm (AEDT)
Referee: Keith Brown
Last year: Blues 50, Cheetahs 26 at Bloemfontein
The Blues have lost at their last two appearances on the northern side of the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Two years ago, they lost 25-32 to the Sharks at North Harbour. Last season, their conquerors were the Force, 17-27. The twin defeats came after the Blues had enjoyed a six-year unbeaten run at the ground between 2001 and 2006, where their victims included Queensland (39-35) in 2001, New South Wales (22-20) in 2002, and the Crusaders (39-5) in 2003. Overall, the Blues have won seven, lost three and drawn one at the ground – although they were not the home team for their maiden appearance, which was a winning one, against the Chiefs in 1997. At that stage, North Harbour was part of the Chiefs franchise, so the Blues’ 26-16 win wasn’t warmly greeted by the locals! Pat Lam’s men lie in fifth place on the standings, but head into this match with a 50 percent record in ’09 as a result of last weekend’s thrilling four-point loss to the Sharks. The four tries conceded at Eden Park took the total they have let in to 15, which is three more than have been conceded by the Cheetahs, who have the second leakiest Super Rugby defence. The Sharks’ defeat was compounded by the injuries suffered by winger Paul Williams and flanker Josh Blackie, which has seen them join flyhalf Tasesa Lavea, lock Anthony Boric and wingers Rene Ranger and Rudi Wulf on the unavailable list. Perhaps the biggest positive was the strong return of All Black lock Ali Williams, in his first match for the Blues since 2007. The Cheetahs relocated to Auckland having performed a little better than the 17-point losing margin indicated during last weekend’s loss to the Hurricanes at New Plymouth. Showing 10 changes from the line-up which melted in Brisbane the previous week, the South Africans scored two tries and could easily have had a couple more but for dropped balls, which will have given them some confidence as their arduous overseas tour draws to a close. Having fielded 25 players in his starting XV through the last two weeks, Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske will be looking to run with his top XV for the final two weeks of the trip, which should see the return of inspirational skipper Juan Smith. The Cheetahs, who are now the only team still register a win in this year’s championship, face the Blues and the Highlanders in their final two weeks away and will give themselves some chance of improving their diabolical touring record.
In round four – The end of tour ‘Blues’ got the Auckland-based side for the seventh time in 13 seasons, as they lost their first home game back from the South African tour. The Cheetahs could sympathise. The 17-point loss in New Plymouth dropped their touring record to 0 & 16.
Brumbies v Waratahs
Venue: Canberra Stadium
Kick-off: Friday 13 March, 7.40pm (AEDT)
Referee: Mark Lawrence
Last year: NSW Waratahs 24, Brumbies 17 at Sydney
Al Baxter becomes just the fifth player to surpass three figures in state caps for New South Wales as the Waratahs travel down the Hume Highway bidding for their fifth straight win of the championship. In hitting the 100, Baxter will move one appearance ahead of his good mate Matt Dunning, who was left languishing on 99 after a snapped Achilles ruled him out of this year’s competition. In surpassing Dunning, Baxter will complete a notable career double, having become Australia’s most capped Test prop last year when he moved beyond Ewen McKenzie. The Waratahs will be desperate to celebrate Baxter’s milestone with a victory which would take them to the top of the table, as the Bulls have the bye this weekend. New South Wales maintained their winning sequence at the Sydney Football Stadium by fending off a determined Queensland Reds outfit last weekend, although the win may have cost them No 8 Wycliff Palu, who sustained an injured hand. While there has been plenty of discussion surrounding the ‘Tahs playing style, the quality of their defensive work is unarguable. Only the Crusaders have been as mean as New South Wales, whose six tries conceded is five less than the 11 let in by the Brumbies, who have played one game less. The Brumbies skipped last weekend with the bye, although a number of squad members were released to play on Sunday for the Brumby Runners against an Australian Barbarians XV, including Test prop Ben Alexander and last year’s Qantas Wallabies Spring tourist Peter Kimlin. The bye has provided mixed blessings for the Brumbies in the past. Last year, they lost at home to the Chiefs coming off the break, but beat the Crusaders two years ago. The Brumbies, who depart for a three-match tour of South Africa after the game, have won five of the six previous meetings against the Waratahs in the capital, and are bidding for their 99th win in all Super Rugby matches.
The last time – The Brumbies have had two weeks to mull over a loss to the Force where they leaked four tries, and needed the aid of the referee to post one themselves, via a penalty try. The Waratahs extended their unbeaten run at the SFS to 10 matches last Friday night, defying the Reds.
Fortress Canberra
Prior to the visit by the Western Force two weeks ago, the Brumbies had lost just once at home against a fellow Australian side in the 14 years of Super Rugby. That defeat occurred when New South Wales called in 2005. The Waratahs won 10-6 en-route to that year’s final. Winger Lote Tuqiri, flanker and skipper Phil Waugh and prop Al Baxter are the only survivors from that winning side who will return on Friday night, although Stephen Hoiles was also on their team bus. The Randwick loose forward started on the blindside flank for New South Wales four years ago, but will this time skipper the Brumbies from the back of the scrum. Ben Batger, who was with the Brumbies then, is now a Waratahs’ squad member. Mark Gerrard, Stirling Mortlock, George Smith, Mark Chisholm and Nic Henderson are the Brumbies players from that match set to feature again, while Owen Finegan and Bill Young both played then, but are on the coaching staff now. The Waratahs’ success of 2005 is one of just two matches from 16 that the Brumbies have lost at home against Australian opposition in Super Rugby.
Crusaders v Western Force
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: Sat 14 March. 5.30pm (local), 3.30pm (AEDT)
Referee: Marius Jonker
Last year: Crusaders 29, Western Force 24 at Perth
The Crusaders are one of only two teams the Western Force has yet to beat – the Waratahs are the other – and they may never get a better chance to lower the seven-time champions, than this weekend. While the Force paid the price for missing 14 first half tackles as the Chiefs built up a match-winning 21-6 halftime break last Friday; the West Australians did at least improve their performance in the second term, despite losing 13-31. The same cannot be said for the Crusaders who laboured without reward in Dunedin, as the Highlanders advanced from a scoreless first half to kick the only points of the game in a 6-0 victory. That defeat has left the Crusaders on the edge of unchartered territory: the most successful franchise in Super Rugby has never before lost four games in a row. Todd Blackadder’s problems have been compounded by young Colin Slade’s goal-kicking struggles, with only four of his 12 shots on goal successful so far, as well as a chronic injury toll which has rubbed skipper Richie McCaw out for the next month at least due to a medial ligament strain in his knee. McCaw joins centre Casey Laulala as well as wingers Jared Payne and Kade Poki on the injured list, while prop Ben Franks and lock Brad Thorn are also struggling on that score. Fullback Leon MacDonald may finally return from the shoulder injury he suffered in round one against the Chiefs. The Western Force is without Qantas Wallabies No 8 Richard Brown, who is aiming to return from his injured shoulder in next week’s home game against the Sharks. The visitors will also be aware that, despite their troubles, the Crusaders still boast the stingiest defence in the league, having conceded four less tries than the Force. Both teams have scored nine tries to date in their four matches.
In round four: It was bad enough being beaten, but the Crusaders’ ill-fated visit to Carisbrook also saw them held scoreless for the first time in their 172-game history. The Force had surrendered their game in Hamilton by halftime, although an improved second half performance at least offered some promise for the trip south to Christchurch.
Exorcising the Demons
It was the venue of the Western Force’s greatest disaster in Super Rugby. Week five takes the West Australians back to the scene of the biggest humiliation in their short history, when thrashed 53-0 by the Crusaders in Christchurch two years ago. The Force had arrived in the South Island that year, having won five of the opening eight, with another drawn, to sit in the top four. The team departed 80-minutes later almost totally demoralised, after conceding eight tries without reply, which matched the number they had let in through their previous eight matches! The players won’t need any reminding this week of the catastrophic consequences of that experience. It threw their season into such a tail spin that the Force fell away to lose four of the last five, missing the playoffs in the process. Thirteen players from that galling night at the then Jade Stadium – Drew Mitchell, Cameron Shepherd, Haig Sare, Ryan Cross, Junior Pelesasa, Matt Giteau, Chris O’Young, David Pocock, Matt Hodgson, Nathan Sharpe, Troy Takiari, AJ Whalley and Tai McIsaac – are part of the Force travelling party in New Zealand, and will return to AMI Stadium seeking redemption. They will find a vastly different background to what they experienced two years ago. Not only is the ground under a major reconstruction, so too are their opponents! Such has been the combination of off-season departures, and now injury problems, that have shaken up the Crusaders - they will have just eight players from that night left for the ‘re-match’. This number includes lock Ross Filipo, who scored three of the Crusaders’ tries, and flanker Kieran Read, who got two. The win, which was the Crusaders’ first over the Force, was memorable for the Super Rugby heavyweights in more ways than one: not only was it the franchise’s 100th in Super Rugby, at their 148th attempt; it was also coach Robbie Deans’ 100th match in charge.
Highlanders v Chiefs
Venue: Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill
Kick-off: Sat 14 March. 7.35pm (local), 5.35pm (AEDT)
Referee: Matt Goddard
Last year: Chiefs 39, Highlanders 24 at Hamilton
It might be, geographically, the fartherest away venue for them nationally, but drawing the Highlanders in Invercargill is not a bad get for the Chiefs. The Waikato-based side has appeared twice previously at the home of Southland Rugby and has triumphed both times – 22-5 in 1996, and 29-24 six years later. The wins are two of four that the Chiefs have enjoyed away from home against the Highlanders. They also won 38-34 at Queenstown on their most recent southern jaunt two years ago, after winning for the first time at Carisbrook in 2004. Both sides picked up their first wins of the year last weekend. The Chiefs could be further boosted by the timely return from a back injury of All Black fullback Malili Muliaina, who has been absent since the opening weekend. His understudy, Sosene Anesi, injured his shoulder during last week’s win over the Western Force. The Highlanders’ defence was superb during last weekend’s historic shut-out of the Crusaders and it will need to be again to hold the Chiefs. History suggests the Highlanders will need to keep close tabs on the Chiefs wingers. Sitiveni Sivivatu scored a hat-trick against the Highlanders three years ago, while Lelia Masaga has scored twice in each of the last two games against the Southern men. While the Highlanders have won this contest five times, the Chiefs have prevailed on eight occasions, including the last five.
In round four: The victory songs were out for the first time in 2009, with the Highlanders shutting out the Crusaders 6-0, while the Chiefs picked up maximum points at home to the Western Force
Highlanders v Crusaders
Venue: Carisbrook, Dunedin
Kick off: Saturday 7 March, 7.35pm (local), 5.30pm (AEDT)
Referee: Ian Smith
Head to Head: Played 16: Crusaders 11, Highlanders 5
Last year: Highlanders 26, Crusaders 14 at Christchurch
The Highlanders’ shock 12-point win over the Crusaders in Christchurch last year, snapped a seven-game losing streak against their South Island rivals dating back to 2001. That memory will offer this year’s outfit plenty of hope this week, even though only 11 of that match night playing staff remain on the Highlanders roster. While the Highlanders failed to secure a consolation point for the first time during last week’s loss in Sydney, they were again competitive, and may fancy their chances against a Crusaders side suddenly under pressure. Excluding playoff matches, the Crusaders have not lost three regular season matches in a row in Super Rugby since the inaugural season in 1996 – when it occurred twice. That is the scenario facing Todd Blackadder’s men after last week’s 24-30 loss to the Hurricanes. That defeat has potentially come with an associated cost; leading try-scorer Casey Laulala (shoulder) and winger Kade Poki (ankle) are both in doubt, while lock Brad Thorn (heel) and prop Ben Franks also hobbled from the field. All Black fullback Leon MacDonald should return, and bring a calming presence with him. This may necessitate a change at flyhalf, with Stephen Brett a chance to takeover there from Colin Slade. Draft hooker Jason MacDonald, who became the Crusaders’ first choice when Corey Flynn broke his arm again, will head south well motivated to prove a point after being omitted this year following 32 games for the Highlanders over the previous three years. The Highlanders departed Sydney last Saturday with coach Glenn Moore confident that his skipper Jimmy Cowan would make a return from the elbow injury he suffered in round one. Experienced Otago lock Tom Donnelly should also be back from the broken thumb he sustained in the pre-season. Although the Crusaders won 38-3 last time they visited Carisbrook two years ago, scoring five tries (two by Laulala); that was just the seven-time champion’s fourth win from seven appearances at the ground. One of those wins was in the 1999 final, where Blackadder led the visitors to a 24-19 win which also featured his two current assistant coaches, Mark Hammett and Daryl Gibson. Overall, the Crusaders have won 11 and lost five in all matches against their southern neighbours.
In round three – The Highlanders showed their usual grit, but were flattened by tries either side of halftime, and couldn’t recover as they fell 16-34 to New South Wales. In Christchurch, the Crusaders were beaten at home by a New Zealand rival for a third year in a row, as the Hurricanes got up by six.
Reds v Sharks
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: Sat 14 March, 7.05pm (local), 8.05pm (AEDT)
Referee: James Leckie
Last year: Sharks 22, Queensland Reds 10 at Durban
The Sharks may be unbeaten from four thus far in 2009, but it would be totally understandable if they approached their Brisbane appointment with an ounce of trepidation. Prior to the Durban outfit’s record 59-16 win in the city two years ago, during a season where the Reds finished with the wooden spoon; the Sharks had lost on five consecutive visits to Queensland. In-form winger JP Pietersen, who scored his fourth try of the season last weekend at Eden Park, scored twice when the Sharks were last at Suncorp Stadium, while hooker Bismarck du Plessis has scored in each of the team’s last two matches with the Reds. The Sharks’ success in Brisbane two years ago is the only win the South Africans have had from their last 14 matches in Australia – an incredibly poor return, given that they have notched up 13 wins on New Zealand soil during the same time-frame. Although last year’s 12-point win in Durban was the Sharks’ third success in a row against the Reds, the ‘streak’ followed a run of seven years where Queensland had won every match between the two. Prior to their win in 2007, the Sharks only other win in Brisbane had occurred during Super Rugby’s inaugural season in 1996 where the South Africans, as the fourth qualifiers, bowled the top of the table Reds 43-25 at Ballymore in the first ever Super Rugby semi-final. Last weekend’s thrilling 35-31 win over the Blues made it two from two on the road for the Sharks, who now have two more matches in which to complete their most successful Super Rugby tour of Australia and New Zealand; as the most games they have ever won in this part of the world previously is two – a figure they have achieved on five previous occasions. Ominously for the Reds, Sharks coach John Plumtree was expecting his troops to improve for the Australian leg of the tour, having been given a light training regime at the resort town of Taupo ahead of the Auckland match. This was designed to allow the players to overcome the twin rigours of travel fatigue and the physical stress that was created by their taxing match with the Chiefs. Plumtree is expected to start Bok skipper John Smit at tighthead prop, after utilising the Test hooker off the bench in that role last weekend. The Reds returned from Sydney last Saturday frustrated after their third narrow loss from four outings. The four-point defeat at the SFS has also left lock Van Humphries and prop Greg Holmes in doubt for this weekend due to injury.
Virtual tipsters should be aware that eight of the last nine matches between these teams have been determined by margins of 12 points or less.
In round four: The Reds’ inter-state anguish stretched to five seasons, as they fell by four against the ‘Tahs, while the Sharks made it four from four with a valuable win at Eden Park
Stormers v Lions
Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
Kick-off: Sat 14 March, 5pm (local), 2am (Sun, 15 March, AEDT)
Referee: Craig Joubert
Last year: Stormers 22, Lions 13 at Johannesburg
The Johannesburg-based Super rugby side hasn’t beaten the Stormers since 2001. The year in question is significant, as it was the last time the Cats featured in the semi-finals, with their 29-24 win at Newlands in the opening round of that season providing a significant spring board for the then Laurie Mains-coached team. The Cats also beat the semi-final bound Stormers 18-16 at Cape Town in 1999, but have lost eight of 11 against their arch rivals from the coast in total. The Lions’ only wins against fellow South African teams since re-emerging in Super Rugby in their own colours have been home & away against the Cheetahs over the last two seasons. Prior to then, you have to go back to 2002 to find the last instance of the Johannesburg-based side winning at any other non home South African venue. That was in round one of 2002 when the Cats beat the Bulls 44-31 at Loftus. The Lions travel to Cape Town fresh from the bye while the Stormers sank deeper into the mire after losing a hard fought match at Loftus, which has left the highly-rated Capetonians one from four in the championship. While the Stormers revived their fortunes dramatically on tour last year, they run the risk of leaving themselves with simply too much to do in the five games upcoming on their travels, should they drop another game at home. This is especially so given that they have the next round off with the bye, which will concede further ground to the championship pace-setters. Regardless of which way you go, be aware that history says this one will be close: only one of the last 10 matches between these two sides in Super rugby has not finished in a 1-12 result. That was two years ago at Newlands when the Stormers won 30-8.
The last time: Both were competitive, but their gallantry was not enough against the unbeaten Bulls, with the Lions coming up short by seven, while the Stormers missed out by five in front of 50,000 at Loftus Versfeld.
The Try Trail
If you’ve found yourself spending quite a bit of time on the edge of your seat lately, don’t fret. You are not alone. After the opening four weeks of the Investec Super 14, the competition is on-track to set a record for the number of tries scored. Through the 27 matches played so far, 131 tries have been scored. That is five fewer than the same stage last year, but from one match less. By this stage of the first Super 14 in 2006, 114 tries had been scored. In 2007, the first four rounds yielded 106 tries. For those of you out there in virtual tipster land, be aware that the games are generally getting closer too. Of the 27 games played to date in the competition, 20 have been determined by margins of 12 points or less. This compares favourably to the same stage of last year’s tournament, where the number was 16. In 2006, just 14 of the 27 matches to this juncture had yielded 1-12 results. In 2007, 21 of the 27 games over the first four weeks were decided by 12 points or less.
Tries Scored
13 Bulls
13 Hurricanes
12 Sharks
12 Blues
10 Queensland Reds
10 Waratahs
9 Chiefs
9 Crusaders
9 Force
8 Highlanders
7 Brumbies
7 Stormers
5 Lions
6 Cheetahs
Tries Conceded
15 Blues
12 Hurricanes
12 Cheetahs
11 Brumbies
11 Highlanders
10 Force
8 Chiefs
8 Queensland Reds
8 Sharks
8 Stormers
7 Bulls
7 Lions
6 Crusaders
6 Waratahs
Leading Point-scorers
53 Morné Steyn (Bulls)
40 Daniel Bowden (Highlanders)
39 Rory Kockott (Sharks)
32 Mark Gerrard (Brumbies)
29 Kurtley Beale (Waratahs)
28 Jacques-Louis Potgieter (Cheetahs)
27 Jimmy Gopperth (Blues)
27 Peter Grant (Stormers)
25 Matt Giteau (Western Force)
22 Piri Weepu (Hurricanes)
21 Stephen Donald (Chiefs)
20 Pierre Spies (Bulls)
20 Casey Laulala (Crusaders)
Leading Try-scorers
4 Pierre Spies (Bulls)
4 Casey Laulala (Crusaders)
4 JP Pietersen (Sharks)
3 Hosea Gear (Hurricanes)
3 Peter Hynes (Queensland Reds)
3 Ashwin Willemse (Lions)
3 Wynand Olivier (Bulls)
3 Cameron Shepherd (Western Force)
2 Mark Gerrard (Brumbies)
2 Richard Kahui (Chiefs)
2 Brendan Leonard (Chiefs)
2 Lelia Masaga (Chiefs)
2 Stirling Mortlock (Brumbies)
2 Fourie du Preez (Bulls)
2 Lote Tuqiri (Waratahs)
2 Isaia Toeava (Blues)
2 Digby Ioane (Queensland Reds)
2 Jason Shoemark (Highlanders)
2 John Smit (Sharks)
2 Timana Tahu (Waratahs)
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Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: Super 14
Super 14 Round Four Wrapup
March 8th 2009 08:18
Three teams remain unbeaten after the fourth round of the Investec Super 14 concluded this morning.
The Bulls of South Africa rounded out a perfect start to their campaign, heading into the bye on the back of a hard fought 14-10 win over the Stormers at Loftus Versfeld, which maintained the Pretoria outfit’s hold on top position on the standings.
The South Africans, who won the title two years ago, shade the Waratahs on point’s differentials, with both sides having collected two try-scoring bonus points alongside their four championship wins.
New South Wales made it four from four during a rugged inter-state struggle with Queensland on Friday night, scoring a try in each half through prop Benn Robinson and replacement centre Timana Tahu to grind out a 15-11 win.
With the Bulls on the sidelines next weekend, the Waratahs have the chance to go top when they travel to Canberra on Friday night to face the Brumbies who are themselves coming off the bye.
Queensland, whose Friday night try was supplied by Qantas Wallabies winger Peter Hynes, are next in line for the third of the unbeaten teams – the Sharks of South Africa – who edged the Blues 35-31 in a pulsating Saturday afternoon clash at Eden Park.
The Sharks scored four tries to three, and held out a late rally by the home side, to complete the New Zealand section of their overseas tour with back-to-back wins.
Their next stop is Brisbane, where they have won just twice since Super Rugby began.
With the Lions also enjoying the weekend off with the bye, the Cheetahs were unable to complete an undefeated round for the South African teams, being over-run 29-12 by the Hurricanes in New Plymouth.
The maximum-point win, which was achieved despite an error-ridden performance, has allowed the New Zealand side to move into fourth place on the standings, with three straight wins after their opening round loss to the ‘Tahs.
While the Hurricanes always appeared to hold the upper hand, and led 17-5 at halftime, they were not always entirely convincing against a Cheetahs outfit that performed a lot better than their 17-point margin of defeat suggests.
The same could be said of the Western Force, who looked like they would be swamped at one point, but came back resolutely on Friday night against the Chiefs.
Although the Chiefs prevailed 31-13 to register their first win of the year, the Force enjoyed much the better of the second half, after two quick tries just before halftime had left them staring at a 6-21 deficit.
The Force missed 14 tackles in the first half, but tightened up significantly after the break, and would have denied the Chiefs their try-scoring bonus point had they not tried to run it out from behind their goal-line after the final siren, only to turn possession over in a prime attacking position for the home side.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the championship after four weeks is the plight of the defending champion Crusaders, who have now lost their last three after falling 0-6 to the Highlanders at Dunedin last night.
Todd Blackadder’s men have just five teams below them on the standings.
At Carisbrook, they were held scoreless for the first time in their 172-game history in what was also Super Rugby’s lowest scoring match, eclipsing the 6-3 game between the Brumbies and the Reds two years ago.
The Crusaders woes were added to by the medial ligament injury that was suffered by their skipper, Richie McCaw, which could see him sidelined for an extended period of time.
His absence is good news for the Force, who visit Christchurch on Saturday night.
The Bulls of South Africa rounded out a perfect start to their campaign, heading into the bye on the back of a hard fought 14-10 win over the Stormers at Loftus Versfeld, which maintained the Pretoria outfit’s hold on top position on the standings.
The South Africans, who won the title two years ago, shade the Waratahs on point’s differentials, with both sides having collected two try-scoring bonus points alongside their four championship wins.
New South Wales made it four from four during a rugged inter-state struggle with Queensland on Friday night, scoring a try in each half through prop Benn Robinson and replacement centre Timana Tahu to grind out a 15-11 win.
With the Bulls on the sidelines next weekend, the Waratahs have the chance to go top when they travel to Canberra on Friday night to face the Brumbies who are themselves coming off the bye.
Queensland, whose Friday night try was supplied by Qantas Wallabies winger Peter Hynes, are next in line for the third of the unbeaten teams – the Sharks of South Africa – who edged the Blues 35-31 in a pulsating Saturday afternoon clash at Eden Park.
The Sharks scored four tries to three, and held out a late rally by the home side, to complete the New Zealand section of their overseas tour with back-to-back wins.
Their next stop is Brisbane, where they have won just twice since Super Rugby began.
With the Lions also enjoying the weekend off with the bye, the Cheetahs were unable to complete an undefeated round for the South African teams, being over-run 29-12 by the Hurricanes in New Plymouth.
The maximum-point win, which was achieved despite an error-ridden performance, has allowed the New Zealand side to move into fourth place on the standings, with three straight wins after their opening round loss to the ‘Tahs.
While the Hurricanes always appeared to hold the upper hand, and led 17-5 at halftime, they were not always entirely convincing against a Cheetahs outfit that performed a lot better than their 17-point margin of defeat suggests.
The same could be said of the Western Force, who looked like they would be swamped at one point, but came back resolutely on Friday night against the Chiefs.
Although the Chiefs prevailed 31-13 to register their first win of the year, the Force enjoyed much the better of the second half, after two quick tries just before halftime had left them staring at a 6-21 deficit.
The Force missed 14 tackles in the first half, but tightened up significantly after the break, and would have denied the Chiefs their try-scoring bonus point had they not tried to run it out from behind their goal-line after the final siren, only to turn possession over in a prime attacking position for the home side.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the championship after four weeks is the plight of the defending champion Crusaders, who have now lost their last three after falling 0-6 to the Highlanders at Dunedin last night.
Todd Blackadder’s men have just five teams below them on the standings.
At Carisbrook, they were held scoreless for the first time in their 172-game history in what was also Super Rugby’s lowest scoring match, eclipsing the 6-3 game between the Brumbies and the Reds two years ago.
The Crusaders woes were added to by the medial ligament injury that was suffered by their skipper, Richie McCaw, which could see him sidelined for an extended period of time.
His absence is good news for the Force, who visit Christchurch on Saturday night.
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Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: Super 14
Super 14 Round 4 Teams
March 6th 2009 07:31
Chiefs v Western Force
Venue:Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Kick off: Friday 6 March, 7.35pm (local), 5.35pm (AEDT)
Referee: Matt Goddard
Chiefs
Sosene Anesi; Lelia Masaga, Richard Kahui, Callum Bruce, Sitiveni Sivivatu; Stephen Donald, Brendon Leonard; Liam Messam (captain), Serge Lilo, Tanerau Latimer; Kevin O'Neill, Craig Clarke; James McGougan, Aled de Malmanche, Ben May. Replacements: Hika Elliot, Joe Savage, Toby Lynn, Colin Bourke, Toby Morland, Mike Delany, Jackson Willison.
Force
Drew Mitchell; Nick Cummins, Ryan Cross, Junior Pelesasa, Cameron Shepherd; Matt Giteau, Josh Valentine; Matt Hodgson, David Pocock, Tamaiti Horua; Nathan Sharpe (captain), Tom Hockings; Ben Castle, Tai McIsaac, Pek Cowan. Replacements: Luke Holmes, A.J. Whalley, David Pusey, Richard Stanford, Chris O'Young, James O'Connor, Haig Sare
Waratahs v Reds
Venue: Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
Kick off: Friday 6 March, 7.40pm (AEDT)
Referee: Bryce Lawrence
Waratahs
Benn Robinson, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Al Baxter, Dean Mumm, Will Caldwell, Ben Mowen, Phil Waugh (capt), Wycliff Palu, Luke Burgess, Kurtley Beale, Lote Tuqiri, Tom Carter, Rob Horne, Lachie Turner, Sam Norton-Knight. Replacements: Adam Freir, Dan Palmer, Chris Thomson, Dave Dennis, Brett Sheehan, Daniel Halangahu, Timana Tahu
Reds
Mark McLinden; Digby Ioane, Charlie Fetoai, Berrick Barnes (captain), Peter Hynes; Quade Cooper, Ben Lucas; Leroy Houston, Daniel Braid, Scott Higginbotham; Hugh McMeniman, Van Humphries; Dayna Edwards, Sean Hardman, Greg Holmes. Replacements: Saia Faingaa, Laurie Weeks, Adam Byrnes, Poutasi Luafutu, Will Genia, Anthony Faingaa, Blair Connor
Hurricanes v Cheetahs
Venue: Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
Kick off: Saturday 7 March, 12.30pm (AEDT)
Referee: Paul Marks
Hurricanes
Neemia Tialata, Dane Coles, Tim Fairbrother, Jeremy Thrush, Jason Eaton, Karl Lowe, Scott Waldrom, Rodney So'oialo, Alby Mathewson, Piri Weepu, Hosea Gear, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Zac Guildford, Tamati Ellison
Replacements: Andrew Hore/Ged Robinson, John Schwalger, Api Naikatini, Faifili Levave, Willie Ripia, Jason Kawau, David Smith
Cheetahs
Hennie Daniller, Bjorn Basson, Piet van Zyl, Hanno Coetzee, Jongi Nokwe, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Sarel Pretorius, Hendro Scholtz (captain), Wayne van Heerden, Heinrich Brussow, David de Villiers, Flip van der Merwe, Bees Roux, Richardt Strauss, Wiaan du Preez. Replacements: Adriaan Strauss, Jean Botha, Francois Uys, Kabamba Floors, Tewis de Bruyn, Meyer Bosman, Danwell Demas
Blues v Sharks
Venue: Eden Stadium, Auckland
Kick off: Saturday 6 March 7:40pm (AEDT)
Referee: Marius Jonker
Blues
Isaia Toeava, Paul Williams,Anthony Tuitavake, Jamie Helleur, Joe Rokocoko, Jimmy Gopperth, Taniela Moa, Chris Lowrey, Onosa'i Auva'a, Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Kurtis Haiu, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu (capt), Tony Woodcock Replacements: Tom McCartney, Charlie Faumuina, Jay Williams, Josh Blackie, Chris Smylie, Michael Hobbs, Winston Stanley
Sharks
Stefan Terblanche, Odwa Ndungane, Adrian Jacobs, Francois Steyn, JP Pietersen, Ruan Pienaa, Rory Kockott, Ryan Kankowski, Keegan Daniel, Jacques Botes, Johann Muller(Capt), Steven Sykes, Jannie du Plessis, Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira, Replacements: John Smit, Deon Carstens, Alistair Hargreaves, Skholiwe Ndlovu, Ross Cronje, Riaan Swanepoel, Luzuko Vulindlu
Bulls v Stormers
Venue: Loftur Verfeld, Pretoria
Kick off: Saturday 7 March, 7.30pm (local)2:00am (AEDT) Sun 8 Mar
Referee: Craig Joubert
Bulls
Zane Kirchner; Akona Ndungane, JP Nel, Wynand Olivier, Gerhard van den Heever; Morné Steyn, Fourie du Preez (capt.); Pierre Spies, Pedrie Wannenburg, Deon Stegmann, Danie Rossouw, Bakkies Botha, Werner Kruger, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Gurthrö Steenkamp. Replacements: Derick Kuün, Rayno Gerber, Victor Matfield, Jacques Burger, Heini Adams, Burton Francis, Jaco Pretorius
Stormers
Percy Montgomery, Tonderai Chavhanga, Gcobani Bobo, Jean De Villiers , (capt.), Nick Koster, Willem De Waal, Ricky Januarie, Luke Watson, Duane Vermeulen, Schalk Burger, Andries Bekker, AJ Venter, Brian Mujati, Schalk Brits, Wicus Blaauw. Replacements: Deon Fourie, Schalk Ferreira, Adriaan Fondse, Francois Louw Dewaldt Duvenage, Peter Grant, Sireli Naqelevuki
Highlanders v Crusaders
Venue: Carisbrook Stadium, Dunedin
Kick off: Saturday 7 March, 7:35pm(Local)5:35pm(AEDT)
Referee: Ian Smith
Highlanders
Chris King, David Hall, Clint Newland, Josh Bekhuis, Hayden Triggs, Adam Thomson, Alando Soakai, George Naoupu, Jimmy Cowan (Capt), Daniel Bowden, Fetu’u Vainikolo, Jayden Hayward, Jason Shoemark, Ben Smith, Israel Dagg Replacements: Jason Rutledge, Anthony Perenise, Tom Donnelly, Steven Setephano, Sean Romans, Mathew Berquist, Kendrick Lynn
Crusaders
Wyatt Crockett, Jason Macdonald, Ben Franks/Bronson Murray, Brad Thorn, Ross Filipo, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (capt), Thomas Waldrom, Andy Ellis/Kahn Fotuali'i, Colin Slade, Blair Cook, Tim Bateman, Adam Whitelock, Jared Payne, Stephen Brett. Replacements: Dan Perrin, Bronson Murray/Owen Franks, Isaac Ross, George Whitelock, Kahn Fotuali'i/Tyson Keats, Ryan Crotty, Hamish Gard
Venue:Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Kick off: Friday 6 March, 7.35pm (local), 5.35pm (AEDT)
Referee: Matt Goddard
Chiefs
Sosene Anesi; Lelia Masaga, Richard Kahui, Callum Bruce, Sitiveni Sivivatu; Stephen Donald, Brendon Leonard; Liam Messam (captain), Serge Lilo, Tanerau Latimer; Kevin O'Neill, Craig Clarke; James McGougan, Aled de Malmanche, Ben May. Replacements: Hika Elliot, Joe Savage, Toby Lynn, Colin Bourke, Toby Morland, Mike Delany, Jackson Willison.
Force
Drew Mitchell; Nick Cummins, Ryan Cross, Junior Pelesasa, Cameron Shepherd; Matt Giteau, Josh Valentine; Matt Hodgson, David Pocock, Tamaiti Horua; Nathan Sharpe (captain), Tom Hockings; Ben Castle, Tai McIsaac, Pek Cowan. Replacements: Luke Holmes, A.J. Whalley, David Pusey, Richard Stanford, Chris O'Young, James O'Connor, Haig Sare
Waratahs v Reds
Venue: Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
Kick off: Friday 6 March, 7.40pm (AEDT)
Referee: Bryce Lawrence
Waratahs
Benn Robinson, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Al Baxter, Dean Mumm, Will Caldwell, Ben Mowen, Phil Waugh (capt), Wycliff Palu, Luke Burgess, Kurtley Beale, Lote Tuqiri, Tom Carter, Rob Horne, Lachie Turner, Sam Norton-Knight. Replacements: Adam Freir, Dan Palmer, Chris Thomson, Dave Dennis, Brett Sheehan, Daniel Halangahu, Timana Tahu
Reds
Mark McLinden; Digby Ioane, Charlie Fetoai, Berrick Barnes (captain), Peter Hynes; Quade Cooper, Ben Lucas; Leroy Houston, Daniel Braid, Scott Higginbotham; Hugh McMeniman, Van Humphries; Dayna Edwards, Sean Hardman, Greg Holmes. Replacements: Saia Faingaa, Laurie Weeks, Adam Byrnes, Poutasi Luafutu, Will Genia, Anthony Faingaa, Blair Connor
Hurricanes v Cheetahs
Venue: Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
Kick off: Saturday 7 March, 12.30pm (AEDT)
Referee: Paul Marks
Hurricanes
Neemia Tialata, Dane Coles, Tim Fairbrother, Jeremy Thrush, Jason Eaton, Karl Lowe, Scott Waldrom, Rodney So'oialo, Alby Mathewson, Piri Weepu, Hosea Gear, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Zac Guildford, Tamati Ellison
Replacements: Andrew Hore/Ged Robinson, John Schwalger, Api Naikatini, Faifili Levave, Willie Ripia, Jason Kawau, David Smith
Cheetahs
Hennie Daniller, Bjorn Basson, Piet van Zyl, Hanno Coetzee, Jongi Nokwe, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Sarel Pretorius, Hendro Scholtz (captain), Wayne van Heerden, Heinrich Brussow, David de Villiers, Flip van der Merwe, Bees Roux, Richardt Strauss, Wiaan du Preez. Replacements: Adriaan Strauss, Jean Botha, Francois Uys, Kabamba Floors, Tewis de Bruyn, Meyer Bosman, Danwell Demas
Blues v Sharks
Venue: Eden Stadium, Auckland
Kick off: Saturday 6 March 7:40pm (AEDT)
Referee: Marius Jonker
Blues
Isaia Toeava, Paul Williams,Anthony Tuitavake, Jamie Helleur, Joe Rokocoko, Jimmy Gopperth, Taniela Moa, Chris Lowrey, Onosa'i Auva'a, Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Kurtis Haiu, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu (capt), Tony Woodcock Replacements: Tom McCartney, Charlie Faumuina, Jay Williams, Josh Blackie, Chris Smylie, Michael Hobbs, Winston Stanley
Sharks
Stefan Terblanche, Odwa Ndungane, Adrian Jacobs, Francois Steyn, JP Pietersen, Ruan Pienaa, Rory Kockott, Ryan Kankowski, Keegan Daniel, Jacques Botes, Johann Muller(Capt), Steven Sykes, Jannie du Plessis, Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira, Replacements: John Smit, Deon Carstens, Alistair Hargreaves, Skholiwe Ndlovu, Ross Cronje, Riaan Swanepoel, Luzuko Vulindlu
Bulls v Stormers
Venue: Loftur Verfeld, Pretoria
Kick off: Saturday 7 March, 7.30pm (local)2:00am (AEDT) Sun 8 Mar
Referee: Craig Joubert
Bulls
Zane Kirchner; Akona Ndungane, JP Nel, Wynand Olivier, Gerhard van den Heever; Morné Steyn, Fourie du Preez (capt.); Pierre Spies, Pedrie Wannenburg, Deon Stegmann, Danie Rossouw, Bakkies Botha, Werner Kruger, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Gurthrö Steenkamp. Replacements: Derick Kuün, Rayno Gerber, Victor Matfield, Jacques Burger, Heini Adams, Burton Francis, Jaco Pretorius
Stormers
Percy Montgomery, Tonderai Chavhanga, Gcobani Bobo, Jean De Villiers , (capt.), Nick Koster, Willem De Waal, Ricky Januarie, Luke Watson, Duane Vermeulen, Schalk Burger, Andries Bekker, AJ Venter, Brian Mujati, Schalk Brits, Wicus Blaauw. Replacements: Deon Fourie, Schalk Ferreira, Adriaan Fondse, Francois Louw Dewaldt Duvenage, Peter Grant, Sireli Naqelevuki
Highlanders v Crusaders
Venue: Carisbrook Stadium, Dunedin
Kick off: Saturday 7 March, 7:35pm(Local)5:35pm(AEDT)
Referee: Ian Smith
Highlanders
Chris King, David Hall, Clint Newland, Josh Bekhuis, Hayden Triggs, Adam Thomson, Alando Soakai, George Naoupu, Jimmy Cowan (Capt), Daniel Bowden, Fetu’u Vainikolo, Jayden Hayward, Jason Shoemark, Ben Smith, Israel Dagg Replacements: Jason Rutledge, Anthony Perenise, Tom Donnelly, Steven Setephano, Sean Romans, Mathew Berquist, Kendrick Lynn
Crusaders
Wyatt Crockett, Jason Macdonald, Ben Franks/Bronson Murray, Brad Thorn, Ross Filipo, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (capt), Thomas Waldrom, Andy Ellis/Kahn Fotuali'i, Colin Slade, Blair Cook, Tim Bateman, Adam Whitelock, Jared Payne, Stephen Brett. Replacements: Dan Perrin, Bronson Murray/Owen Franks, Isaac Ross, George Whitelock, Kahn Fotuali'i/Tyson Keats, Ryan Crotty, Hamish Gard
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Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: Super 14
Super 14 Round Three Results
March 1st 2009 21:01
The Queensland Reds have opened their account for the 2009 Investec Super 14, concluding the third round with a 22-3 win over the Cheetahs of South Africa in Brisbane this afternoon.
A frantic but at times scrappy contest, which was played in temperatures that hovered around the 33 degree mark, saw the Reds score three tries but miss out on at least four other try-scoring opportunities as they were denied an additional bonus point.
Queensland led 7-3 at halftime, finally cracking the Cheetahs’ defence in the 25th minute when former Canberra Raider rugby league star Mark McLinden crossed for his first Super Rugby try.
That represented a relatively disappointing return for a half where the Reds dominated, but were guilty of taking short cuts, when showing more patience on the ball may have reaped greater returns.
A breakout 60 metre try after halftime kicked the Reds 15-3 clear. They then had a try from the best movement of the game, which was completed when Quade Cooper cross-kicked for Hugh McMeniman, ruled out for an earlier infringement by Cooper.
The Reds eventually got a third try, when quick thinking from lock Van Humphries set up Peter Hynes in the 76th minute, but both sides were literally exhausted by the end, which came with Queensland 22-3 to the good, but still one try short of a five-championship point return.
While the Reds first win of the campaign snapped a six-game losing run in the competition dating back to April last year, round three saw the Brumbies slump to their first loss of the campaign, beaten 25-16 by a plucky Western Force side in Canberra last night.
Qantas Wallabies winger Cameron Shepherd provided the star turn for the visitors, becoming just the second Western Australian player to score three tries in a Super Rugby match, but it was the Brumbies-bound flyhalf Matt Giteau who orchestrated the result, as the Force scored four tries to one.
The Qantas Wallabies star controlled the game for the visitors, providing the Force with a level of depth and variation in attack that the Brumbies couldn’t match.
The Brumbies led 9-8 at the mid-point, and then closed to 16-20 with a penalty try as the game entered its dying stages, but had their hopes finally killed off when Shepherd ran in his third try.
The win was just the Force’s third from 10 against Australian sides in Super Rugby, while it was just the second time from 16 Super Rugby games against Australian sides in Canberra that the Brumbies had lost!
The third weekend had opened across the Tasman on Friday night with the end of another long-standing run of outs.
In this instance, the Hurricanes recorded just their fourth win from 18 games, and their first in Christchurch since 2001, against the Crusaders.
The visitors, who were snapping a seven-game losing streak against the South Islanders, held off a furious late rally from the defending champions, lasting to win 30-24, after they had forged to a 30-12 advantage an hour into the contest.
All Black midfielder Ma’a Nonu, who scored one of the Hurricanes’ three tries, was a constant menace for a Crusaders outfit that was further hindered by injuries which have placed the future involvement of centre Casey Laulala and winger Kade Poki in doubt.
Laulala, who is the competition’s joint leading try-scorer with four, grabbed one of them in the match, as the Crusaders scored four tries to claim two bonus points for a mid-table position.
The unbeaten Waratahs also scored four tries later in the evening, allowing skipper Phil Waugh to celebrate his 100th Super Rugby appearance in style with a 34-16 win over the Highlanders at the Sydney Football Stadium.
Waugh became the 13th Australian, and the 23rd player in Super Rugby, to make a century of appearances in the competition.
He was joined in the hundred club 24 hours later by Blues veteran Justin Collins, who also celebrated in style after the Auckland-based side rounded out its three-match tour with a gutsy 14-8 win over the Stormers at Cape Town.
The Blues return to Auckland having taken 10 points on the road, which represents a more than satisfactory start for new coach Pat Lam.
Coming off the franchise’s worst ever loss a week earlier, where the Blues had leaked seven tries to the Bulls, the New Zealanders’ defensive work improved immeasurably as they shared a try apiece with the Stormers.
The two sides were tied 8-8 at halftime, but Blues winger Paul Williams kicked the only points of the second spell with two penalty goals to get his side home.
Williams, who had never been a first choice goal-kicker prior to this year, scored all of his team’s points.
The Stormers’ defeat, which dropped them to a one-win, two-loss, record thus far; pushed them further behind the three unbeaten sides; the Sharks, Bulls and NSW Waratahs.
Although they were denied a bonus point for the first time in three outings, the Bulls were satisfied with the four log points gained from a hard fought 16-9 win over local rivals, the Lions, in Johannesburg.
The Bulls worked to a 16-0 halftime advantage, scoring the only try of the game through in-form No 8 Pierre Spies, then held firm in the second half as the Lions rallied to close to within seven via three penalty goals.
The result maintained the Bulls’ position at the head of the standings, on point’s differentials over the Waratahs, with the Sharks moving to third after they inflicted a third straight defeat on the Chiefs at Hamilton.
Played in wet conditions, the Sharks scored three tries to two, although they were forced to fight off a determined late charge from the home side, which saw them three times denied by the match officials in their quest for tries.
A frantic but at times scrappy contest, which was played in temperatures that hovered around the 33 degree mark, saw the Reds score three tries but miss out on at least four other try-scoring opportunities as they were denied an additional bonus point.
Queensland led 7-3 at halftime, finally cracking the Cheetahs’ defence in the 25th minute when former Canberra Raider rugby league star Mark McLinden crossed for his first Super Rugby try.
That represented a relatively disappointing return for a half where the Reds dominated, but were guilty of taking short cuts, when showing more patience on the ball may have reaped greater returns.
A breakout 60 metre try after halftime kicked the Reds 15-3 clear. They then had a try from the best movement of the game, which was completed when Quade Cooper cross-kicked for Hugh McMeniman, ruled out for an earlier infringement by Cooper.
The Reds eventually got a third try, when quick thinking from lock Van Humphries set up Peter Hynes in the 76th minute, but both sides were literally exhausted by the end, which came with Queensland 22-3 to the good, but still one try short of a five-championship point return.
While the Reds first win of the campaign snapped a six-game losing run in the competition dating back to April last year, round three saw the Brumbies slump to their first loss of the campaign, beaten 25-16 by a plucky Western Force side in Canberra last night.
Qantas Wallabies winger Cameron Shepherd provided the star turn for the visitors, becoming just the second Western Australian player to score three tries in a Super Rugby match, but it was the Brumbies-bound flyhalf Matt Giteau who orchestrated the result, as the Force scored four tries to one.
The Qantas Wallabies star controlled the game for the visitors, providing the Force with a level of depth and variation in attack that the Brumbies couldn’t match.
The Brumbies led 9-8 at the mid-point, and then closed to 16-20 with a penalty try as the game entered its dying stages, but had their hopes finally killed off when Shepherd ran in his third try.
The win was just the Force’s third from 10 against Australian sides in Super Rugby, while it was just the second time from 16 Super Rugby games against Australian sides in Canberra that the Brumbies had lost!
The third weekend had opened across the Tasman on Friday night with the end of another long-standing run of outs.
In this instance, the Hurricanes recorded just their fourth win from 18 games, and their first in Christchurch since 2001, against the Crusaders.
The visitors, who were snapping a seven-game losing streak against the South Islanders, held off a furious late rally from the defending champions, lasting to win 30-24, after they had forged to a 30-12 advantage an hour into the contest.
All Black midfielder Ma’a Nonu, who scored one of the Hurricanes’ three tries, was a constant menace for a Crusaders outfit that was further hindered by injuries which have placed the future involvement of centre Casey Laulala and winger Kade Poki in doubt.
Laulala, who is the competition’s joint leading try-scorer with four, grabbed one of them in the match, as the Crusaders scored four tries to claim two bonus points for a mid-table position.
The unbeaten Waratahs also scored four tries later in the evening, allowing skipper Phil Waugh to celebrate his 100th Super Rugby appearance in style with a 34-16 win over the Highlanders at the Sydney Football Stadium.
Waugh became the 13th Australian, and the 23rd player in Super Rugby, to make a century of appearances in the competition.
He was joined in the hundred club 24 hours later by Blues veteran Justin Collins, who also celebrated in style after the Auckland-based side rounded out its three-match tour with a gutsy 14-8 win over the Stormers at Cape Town.
The Blues return to Auckland having taken 10 points on the road, which represents a more than satisfactory start for new coach Pat Lam.
Coming off the franchise’s worst ever loss a week earlier, where the Blues had leaked seven tries to the Bulls, the New Zealanders’ defensive work improved immeasurably as they shared a try apiece with the Stormers.
The two sides were tied 8-8 at halftime, but Blues winger Paul Williams kicked the only points of the second spell with two penalty goals to get his side home.
Williams, who had never been a first choice goal-kicker prior to this year, scored all of his team’s points.
The Stormers’ defeat, which dropped them to a one-win, two-loss, record thus far; pushed them further behind the three unbeaten sides; the Sharks, Bulls and NSW Waratahs.
Although they were denied a bonus point for the first time in three outings, the Bulls were satisfied with the four log points gained from a hard fought 16-9 win over local rivals, the Lions, in Johannesburg.
The Bulls worked to a 16-0 halftime advantage, scoring the only try of the game through in-form No 8 Pierre Spies, then held firm in the second half as the Lions rallied to close to within seven via three penalty goals.
The result maintained the Bulls’ position at the head of the standings, on point’s differentials over the Waratahs, with the Sharks moving to third after they inflicted a third straight defeat on the Chiefs at Hamilton.
Played in wet conditions, the Sharks scored three tries to two, although they were forced to fight off a determined late charge from the home side, which saw them three times denied by the match officials in their quest for tries.
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Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: Super 14
Super 14 Round 3 Teams
February 26th 2009 11:12
Crusaders v Hurricanes
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick off: Friday 27 February, 7.35pm (local), 5.35pm (AEDT)
Referee: Stuart Dickinson
Crusaders
Stephen Brett; Jared Payne, Casey Laulala, Tim Bateman, Kade Poki; Colin Slade, Kahn Fotuali'i/Andy Ellis, Thomas Waldrom, George Whitelock/Richie McCaw, Kieran Read, Ross Filipo, Isaac Ross/Brad Thorn, Ben Franks, Jason Macdonald, Wyatt Crockett. Replacements: Daniel Perrin, Bronson Murray, Michael Paterson/Ross, Nasi Manu/Whitelock/Paterson, Tyson Keats/Fotuali'i, Ryan Crotty, Adam Whitelock.
Hurricanes
Cory Jane; Zac Guildford, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Hosea Gear; Piri Weepu, Alby Mathewson; Rodney So'oialo (c), Scott Waldrom, Karl Lowe; Jason Eaton, Jeremy Thrush; Tim Fairbrother, Ged Robinson, John Schwalger. Replacements: Jacob Ellison, Neemia Tialata, Bryn Evans, Faifili Levave, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Tamati Ellison, David Smith.
Waratahs v Highlanders
Venue: Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
Kick off: Friday 27 February, 7.40pm (AEDT)
Referee: James Leckie
Waratahs
Sam Norton-Knight; Lachlan Turner, Rob Horne, Tom Carter, Lote Tuqiri; Kurtley Beale, Luke Burgess; Wycliff Palu, Phil Waugh (c), Ben Mowen; Will Caldwell, Dean Mumm; Al Baxter, Adam Freier, Benn Robinson. Replacements: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Dan Palmer, Chris Thomson, Scott Fava, Brett Sheehan, Daniel Halangahu, Timana Tahu.
Highlanders
Israel Dagg; Ben Smith, Jason Shoemark (c), Johnny Leota, Fetu'u Vainikolo; Daniel Bowden, Sean Romans; Steven Setephano, Alando Soakai, Adam Thomson; Hayden Triggs, Josh Bekhuis; Clint Newland, David Hall, Chris King. Replacements: Jason Rutledge, Anthony Perenise, George Naoupu, Tim Boys, Scott Cowan, Mathew Berquist, Kendrick Lynn.
Chiefs v Sharks
Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Kick off: Saturday 28 February, 5.35pm (local), 7.35pm (AEDT)
Referee: Bryce Lawrence
Chiefs
Sosene Anesi; Lelia Masaga, Dwayne Sweeney, Callum Bruce, Sitiveni Sivivatu; Stephen Donald, Brendon Leonard; Sione Lauaki, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam (captain), Kevin O'Neill, Craig Clarke, James McGougan, Aled de Malmanche, Sona Taumalolo. Replacements: Hika Elliot, Ben May, Toby Lynn, Serge Lilo, Toby Morland, Mike Delany, Jackson Willison.
Sharks:
TBA.
Brumbies v Western Force
Venue: Canberra Stadium, Canberra
Kick off: Saturday 28 February, 7:40pm (AEDT)
Referee: Matt Goddard
Brumbies
Mark Gerrard; Clyde Rathbone, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Stirling Mortlock, Francis Fainifo; Christian Lealiifano, Patrick Phibbs; Stephen Hoiles (c), George Smith, Julian Salvi; Mark Chisholm, Ben Hand; Guy Shepherdson, Stephen Moore, Nic Henderson. Replacements: John Ulugia, Ben Alexander, Sitaleki Timani, Peter Kimlin, Josh Holmes, Matt Toomua, Tyrone Smith.
Western Force
Drew Mitchell; Cameron Shepherd, Ryan Cross, Junior Pelesasa, Nick Cummins' Matt Giteau, Josh Valentine; Richard Brown, David Pocock, Matt Hodgson; Nathan Sharpe (c), Tom Hockings; Ben Castle, Tai McIsaac, Pek Cowan. Replacements: Luke Holmes, Kieran Longbottom, Richard Stanford, Tamaiti Horua, Chris O'Young, James O'Connor, Haig Sare.
Lions v Bulls
Venue: Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg
Kick off: Saturday 28 February, 5pm (local), 2am (Sun 1 Mar, AEDT)
Referee: Phillip Bosch
Lions
TBA.
Bulls
Zane Kirchner; Akona Ndungane, Jaco Pretorius, Wynand Olivier, Bryan Habana; Morne Steyn, Fourie du Preez (c); Pierre Spies, Dewald Potgieter, Deon Stegmann; Danie Rossouw, Bakkies Botha; Werner Kruger, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Gurthrö Steenkamp. Replacements: Derick Kuun, Rayno Gerber, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Pedrie Wannenburg, Heini Adams, Burton Francis, J.P. Nel.
Stormers v Blues
Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
Kick off: Saturday 28 February, 7.10pm (local), 4.10am (Sun 1 Mar, AEDT)
Referee: Marius Jonker
Stormers
Percy Montgomery; Tonderai Chavhanga, Gcobani Bobo, Jean De Villiers (c), Sireli Naqelevuki; Peter Grant, Ricky Januarie; Luke Watson, Duane Vermeulen, Schalk Burger; Andries Bekker, Adriaan Fondse; Brian Mujati, Schalk Brits, J.D. Moller. Replacements: Deon Fourie, Wicus Blaauw, AJ Venter, Francois Louw, Bolla Conradie, Nick Koster, Willem De Waal.
Blues
Isaia Toeava; Joe Rokocoko, Anthony Tuitavake, Jamie Helleur, Paul Williams; Tasesa Lavea, Taniela Moa; Jerome Kaino, Josh Blackie, Justin Collins; Anthony Boric, Kurtis Haiu/Chris Lowrey; John Afoa, Keven Mealamu (c), Tony Woodcock. Replacements: Tom McCartney, Tevita Mailau, Lowrey/Dean Budd, Peter Saili, Chris Smylie, Michael Hobbs, Winston Stanley.
Reds v Cheetahs
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick off: Sunday 1 March , 4pm (local), 5pm (AEDT)
Referee: Ian Smith
Reds
Mark McLinden; Brando Va'aulu, Digby Ioane, Berrick Barnes (captain), Peter Hynes; Quade Cooper, Ben Lucas; Leroy Houston, Daniel Braid, Scott Higginbotham; Hugh McMeniman, Van Humphries; Laurie Weeks, Sean Hardman, Greg Holmes. Replacements: Saia Faingaa, Dayna Edwards, Adam Byrnes, Tasi Luafutu, Will Genia, Anthony Faingaa, Blair Connor.
Cheetahs
TBA
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick off: Friday 27 February, 7.35pm (local), 5.35pm (AEDT)
Referee: Stuart Dickinson
Crusaders
Stephen Brett; Jared Payne, Casey Laulala, Tim Bateman, Kade Poki; Colin Slade, Kahn Fotuali'i/Andy Ellis, Thomas Waldrom, George Whitelock/Richie McCaw, Kieran Read, Ross Filipo, Isaac Ross/Brad Thorn, Ben Franks, Jason Macdonald, Wyatt Crockett. Replacements: Daniel Perrin, Bronson Murray, Michael Paterson/Ross, Nasi Manu/Whitelock/Paterson, Tyson Keats/Fotuali'i, Ryan Crotty, Adam Whitelock.
Hurricanes
Cory Jane; Zac Guildford, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Hosea Gear; Piri Weepu, Alby Mathewson; Rodney So'oialo (c), Scott Waldrom, Karl Lowe; Jason Eaton, Jeremy Thrush; Tim Fairbrother, Ged Robinson, John Schwalger. Replacements: Jacob Ellison, Neemia Tialata, Bryn Evans, Faifili Levave, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Tamati Ellison, David Smith.
Waratahs v Highlanders
Venue: Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
Kick off: Friday 27 February, 7.40pm (AEDT)
Referee: James Leckie
Waratahs
Sam Norton-Knight; Lachlan Turner, Rob Horne, Tom Carter, Lote Tuqiri; Kurtley Beale, Luke Burgess; Wycliff Palu, Phil Waugh (c), Ben Mowen; Will Caldwell, Dean Mumm; Al Baxter, Adam Freier, Benn Robinson. Replacements: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Dan Palmer, Chris Thomson, Scott Fava, Brett Sheehan, Daniel Halangahu, Timana Tahu.
Highlanders
Israel Dagg; Ben Smith, Jason Shoemark (c), Johnny Leota, Fetu'u Vainikolo; Daniel Bowden, Sean Romans; Steven Setephano, Alando Soakai, Adam Thomson; Hayden Triggs, Josh Bekhuis; Clint Newland, David Hall, Chris King. Replacements: Jason Rutledge, Anthony Perenise, George Naoupu, Tim Boys, Scott Cowan, Mathew Berquist, Kendrick Lynn.
Chiefs v Sharks
Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Kick off: Saturday 28 February, 5.35pm (local), 7.35pm (AEDT)
Referee: Bryce Lawrence
Chiefs
Sosene Anesi; Lelia Masaga, Dwayne Sweeney, Callum Bruce, Sitiveni Sivivatu; Stephen Donald, Brendon Leonard; Sione Lauaki, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam (captain), Kevin O'Neill, Craig Clarke, James McGougan, Aled de Malmanche, Sona Taumalolo. Replacements: Hika Elliot, Ben May, Toby Lynn, Serge Lilo, Toby Morland, Mike Delany, Jackson Willison.
Sharks:
TBA.
Brumbies v Western Force
Venue: Canberra Stadium, Canberra
Kick off: Saturday 28 February, 7:40pm (AEDT)
Referee: Matt Goddard
Brumbies
Mark Gerrard; Clyde Rathbone, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Stirling Mortlock, Francis Fainifo; Christian Lealiifano, Patrick Phibbs; Stephen Hoiles (c), George Smith, Julian Salvi; Mark Chisholm, Ben Hand; Guy Shepherdson, Stephen Moore, Nic Henderson. Replacements: John Ulugia, Ben Alexander, Sitaleki Timani, Peter Kimlin, Josh Holmes, Matt Toomua, Tyrone Smith.
Western Force
Drew Mitchell; Cameron Shepherd, Ryan Cross, Junior Pelesasa, Nick Cummins' Matt Giteau, Josh Valentine; Richard Brown, David Pocock, Matt Hodgson; Nathan Sharpe (c), Tom Hockings; Ben Castle, Tai McIsaac, Pek Cowan. Replacements: Luke Holmes, Kieran Longbottom, Richard Stanford, Tamaiti Horua, Chris O'Young, James O'Connor, Haig Sare.
Lions v Bulls
Venue: Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg
Kick off: Saturday 28 February, 5pm (local), 2am (Sun 1 Mar, AEDT)
Referee: Phillip Bosch
Lions
TBA.
Bulls
Zane Kirchner; Akona Ndungane, Jaco Pretorius, Wynand Olivier, Bryan Habana; Morne Steyn, Fourie du Preez (c); Pierre Spies, Dewald Potgieter, Deon Stegmann; Danie Rossouw, Bakkies Botha; Werner Kruger, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Gurthrö Steenkamp. Replacements: Derick Kuun, Rayno Gerber, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Pedrie Wannenburg, Heini Adams, Burton Francis, J.P. Nel.
Stormers v Blues
Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
Kick off: Saturday 28 February, 7.10pm (local), 4.10am (Sun 1 Mar, AEDT)
Referee: Marius Jonker
Stormers
Percy Montgomery; Tonderai Chavhanga, Gcobani Bobo, Jean De Villiers (c), Sireli Naqelevuki; Peter Grant, Ricky Januarie; Luke Watson, Duane Vermeulen, Schalk Burger; Andries Bekker, Adriaan Fondse; Brian Mujati, Schalk Brits, J.D. Moller. Replacements: Deon Fourie, Wicus Blaauw, AJ Venter, Francois Louw, Bolla Conradie, Nick Koster, Willem De Waal.
Blues
Isaia Toeava; Joe Rokocoko, Anthony Tuitavake, Jamie Helleur, Paul Williams; Tasesa Lavea, Taniela Moa; Jerome Kaino, Josh Blackie, Justin Collins; Anthony Boric, Kurtis Haiu/Chris Lowrey; John Afoa, Keven Mealamu (c), Tony Woodcock. Replacements: Tom McCartney, Tevita Mailau, Lowrey/Dean Budd, Peter Saili, Chris Smylie, Michael Hobbs, Winston Stanley.
Reds v Cheetahs
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick off: Sunday 1 March , 4pm (local), 5pm (AEDT)
Referee: Ian Smith
Reds
Mark McLinden; Brando Va'aulu, Digby Ioane, Berrick Barnes (captain), Peter Hynes; Quade Cooper, Ben Lucas; Leroy Houston, Daniel Braid, Scott Higginbotham; Hugh McMeniman, Van Humphries; Laurie Weeks, Sean Hardman, Greg Holmes. Replacements: Saia Faingaa, Dayna Edwards, Adam Byrnes, Tasi Luafutu, Will Genia, Anthony Faingaa, Blair Connor.
Cheetahs
TBA
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Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: Super 14
Super 14 Round 3 Preview All Games
February 23rd 2009 11:29
Waratahs skipper Phil Waugh brings up 100 appearances this week, while two fascinating derby matches promise plenty of headlines, as week three of the Investec Super 14 gets underway.
Phil Waugh first played Super Rugby for the Waratahs 10 seasons ago. Friday night will see his tally of competition caps click over to three figures, making him the 23rd player in Super Rugby – and the 13th Australian – to achieve that mark. Fittingly, Waugh will raise the milestone in front of the faithful at the Sydney Football Stadium although the under-rated Highlanders – who have won at the ground on their two most recent visits – will be determined to gate-crash the party. The opening game of the round earlier in the night sees the 18th edition of the hard fought Crusaders-Hurricanes rivalry; which is numerically the most long-standing of all Super Rugby match ups, in terms of the amount of games played. The Saturday action, from an Australian stand point, will then focus in on Canberra for the first all-Australian clash of the competition between the Brumbies and the Force. This is followed on Sunday afternoon by the Reds’ first home outing of the programme, with Queensland hosting the Cheetahs at Suncorp Stadium.
Crusaders v Hurricanes
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick off: Friday 27 February, 7.35pm (local), 5.35pm (AEDT)
Referee: Stuart Dickinson
Head to Head: Played 17: Crusaders 13, Hurricanes 3, Drawn 1
Last year: i) Crusaders 20, Hurricanes 13 at Wellington
(ii) Crusaders 33, Hurricanes 22 (S/F) at Christchurch
This is a game the Hurricanes hate, primarily because they nearly always lose it. The Crusaders-‘Canes rivalry is the greatest in Super Rugby, in terms of matches played, with this being the 18th contest between the two. The Hurricanes have only won three of those. Even worse, they’ve only won one of the last 10 on Colin Cooper’s watch, since he took over in 2003, and have lost the last seven in a row. The Hurricanes have been to the playoffs four times under Cooper and have been stopped by the Crusaders every time – three times in a semi-final as well as the fog-bound 2006 final. Cooper’s only win over the Crusaders came at Wellington in the final round of 2004, when the ‘Canes were already out of the playoffs and the Crusaders already in. The Hurricanes last (& only) win in Christchurch occurred in 2001 on a day when a 20-year-old Richie McCaw made his Super rugby debut with a fleeting appearance off the bench. If Cooper is looking to instil his players with positives in the lead-up, he might consider telling them that they are at least closing the gap: the Crusaders have won the last five matches between the two by 1-12 points margins. Both sides seem likely to make personnel changes from last week. The latest word out of Christchurch suggests that All Blacks Richie McCaw and Brad Thorn should make it back after they missed the last-gasp 16-18 loss to the Brumbies through injury, but there was less confidence surrounding the readiness of Leon MacDonald’s injured AC (shoulder) joint. Hooker Corey Flynn (arm) and halfback Andy Ellis (high ankle sprain) were also in doubt after failing to complete last weekend. The Hurricanes may have been guilty of having one eye ahead on the Crusaders last week, in terms of their selection for the 22-17 win over the Highlanders, with changes probable. Expect Conrad Smith to start in the midfield, after scoring a try off the bench last week, while Ma’a Nonu may also return after being given a rev – which seemed to work – with his relegation to the bench for the Highlanders game. Don’t be surprised also if Piri Weepu reverts from halfback to flyhalf for the visit to Christchurch, with last year’s All Black end-of-year tourist Alby Matthewson returning in the number nine jersey. This would leave no room for the 19-year-old flyhalf Daniel Kirkpatrick. An interesting sideline to this contest will be the clash between the brothers – former Hurricanes-turned Crusaders No 8 Thomas Waldrom against former Crusaders-turned Hurricanes and All Black openside flanker, Scott Waldrom. While their record at home is the best in the competition, the Crusaders have lost in Christchurch against a fellow New Zealand side in each of the last two campaigns, with the Chiefs winning in 2007 while the Highlanders achieved the rare feat last term.
In round two – Despite tackling themselves to a stand still, Todd Blackadder’s men were done on the bell, as the Brumbies played their second get-out-of-jail card for the season. They must have borrowed it from the Hurricanes after they’d used it the night before, scoring twice in the last five to escape with their first win of the season.
Waratahs v Highlanders
Venue: Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
Kick off: Friday 27 February, 7.40pm (AEDT)
Referee: James Leckie
Head to Head: Played 13: Waratahs 10, Highlanders 3
Last year: NSW Waratahs 15, Highlanders 12 at Dunedin
The Highlanders might have lost their first two matches, but they arrive in Sydney having won on each of their two most recent visits to the Sydney Football Stadium – 29-28 in 2004, & 26-25 three years later. The wins represent two of only three the Highlanders have ever had in Super rugby against the Waratahs. The first – 39-20 at Dunedin in 2001 – was the first win achieved by an Otago-based side against New South Wales in 100 years! Prior to last term, when they lost narrowly on visits to Brisbane and Canberra, the Highlanders had won at least one game on Australian soil for five years running. Last year, five of the 10 defeats suffered by the Highlanders were by the margin of a converted try or less, and that trend has resumed through the first two rounds of the 2009 campaign. But although their frustration was clear after the Hurricanes wriggled off the hook with two late tries in Wellington last Friday night, the southern men will take confidence from their competitiveness thus far, especially as their playing resources are set to be strengthened this week by the return of All Black halfback Jimmy Cowan. Unfortunately the news is not so good on the status of their other absent All Black, the 129-kg Southland prop Jamie Mackintosh, whose injured knee is now expected to keep him sidelined for six weeks. Although the Waratahs extended their unbeaten sequence at the SFS to eight last weekend against the Chiefs, the home side will be desperate to stay unbeaten and maintain the momentum ahead of the traditional state of the union clash against an improving Queensland outfit, which follows in week four.
In round two – The Waratahs beat the Chiefs by four but the outcome was where the excitement started and ended because the spectacle wasn’t flash. The Highlanders must feel that they’re caught in a time warp – the first 75 minutes of the opening two weekends of their competition have been great!
A Century of Waugh: Waratahs skipper Phil Waugh will become the 13th Australian, and the 23rd player in total, to make it to 100 Super Rugby caps when he raises his century against the Highlanders on Friday night. Waugh, who debuted back in 2000 against the Stormers, has already gone beyond 100 state caps for New South Wales but played his 99th in Super Rugby against the Chiefs. The 29-year-old will become the 10th player to have achieved the milestone appearing for just one team in Super Rugby, and the third Waratah to have done it, following on from Chris Whitaker (107) and David Lyons (100). Chris Latham (who represented the Tahs in 10 Super Rugby matches) and Brendan Cannon (who made 69 NSW appearances) also surpassed the century mark but appeared for another franchises when the milestone came up – Latham supplementing his Waratahs caps with 99 games for Queensland, while Cannon played 19 for the Reds and 18 for the Force. Six Brumbies have made over 100 appearances in the competition, with George Gregan’s competition record 136 caps heading that list, while George Smith and Stirling Mortlock were the most recent editions last year. Waugh becomes the second Australian addition to the ‘100 club’ for 2009, following on from Sean Hardman, who in week one became the first Queenslander to surpass the Super Rugby ton having played exclusively for the Reds. The New South Wales skipper will be joined in the club the following day by Blues veteran Justin Collins, should the loose forward make his 89th appearance for the Auckland franchise during their date with the Stormers in Cape Town. Collins earlier played 11 games for the Chiefs.
Chiefs v Sharks
Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Kick off: Saturday 28 February, 5.35pm (local), 7.35pm (AEDT)
Referee: Bryce Lawrence
Head to Head: Played 11: Sharks 6, Chiefs 5
Last year: Sharks 47, Chiefs 23 at Durban
The Chiefs are in familiar territory – none from two, with semi-final participation already looking like an uphill battle. While this is their first Hamilton game of the competition – and they won six from seven on their home patch last term, which included beating eventual champions the Crusaders – the signs are already looking ominous. This is the fourth time from the last five years that the Chiefs have dropped their opening two games. And while it wasn’t entirely unexpected, given that they were away to last year’s two finalists first up, the bad news is that the Crusaders of 2004 are the only side in Super Rugby history to have made the final after going winless through weeks one and two. Worryingly, Chiefs coach Ian Foster was making no promises early in the week about the availability of All Blacks Malili Muliaina, Sione Lauaki and Richard Kahui, after all three wound up missing out on last Friday’s four-point loss in Sydney. The hulking Lauaki especially would not be missed by the Sharks, as he’s had some fun with them before; notably on the South Africans’ most recent visit to Hamilton two years ago, when the Chiefs won 35-27, with halfback Brendan Leonard and winger Lelia Masaga among the try-scorers. The Sharks, who came through last weekend’s 25-10 win over the Lions with no major injury concerns, have won away to the Chiefs three times previously – in 1997, 1999 and 2003. Last year, No 8 Ryan Kankowski scored two of the Sharks seven tries as they crushed the Chiefs by 24 to take an eight-wins-to-five advantage in this rivalry. The Sharks won one, drew one and lost three on their tour of Australia and New Zealand last year, en-route to a semi-final finish, after having won two from four from this draw on their tour two years ago, when they went on to host the final. The match will be a homecoming of sorts for former All Black analyst and ex-Wellington NPC coach John Plumtree, who lived in Hamilton briefly during his last stint back home. Plumtree brought the Wellington side to Waikato Stadium for the Air New Zealand Cup final three years ago, but will be hoping for better memories this time, because he lost that one!
In round two – If it was hard watching for Waratahs fans – it was even harder for those following the Chiefs: they lost! The 7-11 reverse at the SFS concluded a difficult opening week for the Waikato-based side, with two near misses. At the other end of the spectrum, the Sharks completed two wins in seven days with a no frills 25-10 home defeat of the Lions, although the South African side was unable to add a try-scoring bonus point in either game.
“The Next Time, We’ll Bring a Sniper!” – Current Springbok assistant coach Dick Muir is no longer a part of the Sharks set up, and that might be just as well after the snappy quote he delivered off the cuff to the media during the Sharks last visit to the Chiefs two years ago. Having just watched on helplessly as, for the second straight year, his side had been unable to contain a rampaging Sione Lauaki, Muir quipped: “the next time we are here, we’ll bring a sniper with us and take him out from the stand!” The Tongan-born All Black No 8’s participation was in doubt on Monday after being a late withdrawal from the side that lost to the Waratahs due to a twinged hamstring.
Brumbies v Western Force
Venue: Canberra Stadium, Canberra
Kick off: Saturday 28 February, 7:40pm (AEDT)
Referee: Matt Goddard
Head to Head: Played 3: Brumbies 2, Force 1
Last year: Western Force 29, Brumbies 22 at Perth
Last year, the Western Force came from 15 points down at halftime to claim their first win over the Brumbies on a night when James O’Connor bagged his maiden Super Rugby try. The second youngest ever Test Wallaby got the second try of his Force career during last Friday’s win over the Cheetahs, but the keenly anticipated visit to the Australian capital promises to be a big step up from that match for the teenager and his team-mates. And history is heavily against them: from nine outings against fellow Australian teams thus far in their four-year history, the Force has won just twice. They will need to improve that ratio if they are to climb up the Investec Super 14 log, especially with two matches in New Zealand to follow this game. A key figure for the visitors will be the Brumbies-bound Matt Giteau, who has already been a major player in these games. Giteau scored a try for the Brumbies when they beat the Force 25-10 on opening night in Perth four years ago, then bagged one for the Force during their comeback win last year. Expect there to be a lot of public and media focus around the Qantas Wallabies flyhalf this week, but that potential distraction for the Force might suit the Brumbies just fine. The Force will train in Sydney this week prior to moving to Canberra for the game. The Brumbies enter this contest sitting in third place on the competition point’s table (see below), have no significant injury concerns, and are defending a fantastic record against their fellow Aussie teams in Super Rugby. Since their formation from scratch in 1996, the Brumbies have won 21 and lost just 10 against their compatriots. Canberra has hosted 15 of these games, and the Brumbies have only lost once!
In round two – The Brumbies re-enacted their late, late show to knock off the Crusaders. In Perth, the Force dominated territory and possession, but was unable to totally shake off the Cheetahs, eventually taking the honours by six.
Lions v Bulls
Venue: Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg
Kick off: Saturday 28 February, 5pm (local), 2am (Sun 1 Mar, AEDT)
Referee: Phillip Bosch
Head to Head: Played 11: Bulls 6, Lions 5
Last year: Bulls 31, Lions 17 at Pretoria
They’re top of the table, and the Bulls will also take a pretty useful record with them to Coca Cola Park for their derby match-up with the Lions. The men from Pretoria have won in neighbouring Johannesburg on three previous occasions – 31-7 on their most recent visit in 2007, and by 1-12 margins in 2001 and 2003. In-form centre Wynand Olivier, who has scored tries in each of the Bulls’ two wins thus far in the campaign, also scored twice on the most recent visit to the Lions, where the Bulls led 10-7 at halftime before running away with it in the second period. Winger Akona Ndungane took his turn to be a multiple try-scorer in the corresponding game at Loftus last year, as the Bulls won by 14. Bulls coach Frans Ludeke is well known at Lions’ HQ. Even though he will be without injured skipper Victor Matfield for a couple more weeks, the Bulls boss should arrive back at his old stomping ground smiling, having guided his new side to six consecutive Super Rugby wins dating back to the back end of last year’s competition. Even that may not save him from caustic reminders from the locals of his previous coaching stints at Ellis Park. Ludeke formerly coached the Lions in the South African domestic Currie Cup and twice (in 2002 & 2006) had charge of the Johannesburg-based Cats (the forerunner of the Lions) in Super Rugby – finishing second last with the team both times! His successor Eugene Eloff could identify with Ludeke’s trials. Eloff would have been a frustrated man after last weekend’s mistake-fest in Durban, which made the Sharks’ job easier than it should have been. That defeat may have cost the Lions the services of the Springbok winger Ashwin Willemse, after he appeared to damage his hamstring during the game. Willemse scored three tries in his first two appearances of the competition. His would be a big loss for a side short on confidence and proven performers at this level.
In round two – The Queensland Reds of 2007, who were humiliated at Loftus, could identify with how powerless the Blues must have felt as the Bulls ran up seven tries in a 59-26 rout. The Lions were their own worst enemies against the Sharks in Durban, self destructing after they’d shown resilience to lead 10-8, 50 minutes in.
Stormers v Blues
Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
Kick off: Saturday 28 February, 7.10pm (local), 4.10am (Sun 1 Mar, AEDT)
Referee: Marius Jonker
Head to Head: Played 11: Blues 7, Stormers 4
Last year: Blues 17, Stormers 14 at Auckland
Cape Town is a most hospitable tourist destination, and the Blues have certainly enjoyed their time at the foot of the impressive Table Mountain. While the Auckland-based side lost 20-33 on its most recent visit two years ago, that was its first reverse in four – having cracked Newlands 26-12 in 2001, 36-8 in 2003 and 37-24 in 2005. Last year, a wobbly late penalty goal by Ben Atiga gave the Blues a three-point win at Eden Park, but that was the first 1-12 margin between these sides in 12 games – so don’t be surprised if this one blows out, one way or the other. The Blues, who have won eight of the 12 between these teams, conceded their highest ever score at Loftus last weekend, with that being just the third time the franchise had let in 50 points from 160 matches. In those circumstances, the return to the starting line-up from baby duty of the All Blacks Jerome Kaino and Joe Rokocoko as well as halfback Taniela Moa couldn’t have come at a better time. The flip side is that the belting in the Bull Ring has cost them the services of suspended winger Rene Ranger, who would have been doubtful with a fractured eye socket anyway, and possibly Isaia Toeava (knee) and Kurtis Haiu (head knock). All Black prop Tony Woodcock is also in doubt with a hamstring complaint. The Blues are batting at exactly 50 percent on South African soil, having won 14, lost 14 and drawn two through their history. Although the Stormers faded late against the Reds, the win has got them underway and Rassie Erasmus will be looking to add to the momentum before their daunting visit to the Bulls next week. Fullback Conrad Jantjies is one to keep an eye on in this clash – he has been a try-scorer in the last two games between these respective sides.
In round two – The Stormers led 27-5 after an hour against the Reds but got the wobbles, conceding three late tries as the plucky Queenslanders closed to within three. The Blues fielded an under-strength side at Loftus and were out of business after 23 minutes, by which time they’d been blitzed 26-0. It ended 59-26 in the Bulls’ favour.
Reds v Cheetahs
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick off: Sunday 1 March , 4pm (local), 5pm (AEDT)
Referee: Ian Smith
Head to Head: Played 3: Cheetahs 2, Reds 1
Last year: Cheetahs 29, Queensland Reds 14 at Bloemfontein
The Reds were once the biggest bullies of South African teams they entertained in Brisbane. Through the Super 12 decade (1996-2005), the Reds at one point went through seven seasons and 14 games (1997-2003) unbeaten at home against South African teams. While their overall home record in Super Rugby against South Africa still stands at a healthy 21 wins against seven losses; in the last three years (eg. the Super 14 era), Queensland has won three and lost four against South African visitors. That makes the Cheetahs’ visit an exceedingly important one for Queensland, who will be desperate to get their first win up after two promising, albeit unsuccessful, outings in South Africa. Friday’s late rush of scoring in the 24-27 loss to the Stormers at Newlands has at least ensured the Reds will enter this match with the same number of log points as the Cheetahs, who picked up their second consolation point for a narrow loss in Perth on the same evening. The Cheetahs are expected to add Springbok winger Jonge Nokwe to their line-up after he was given another week to get right following injury. Queensland coach Phil Mooney may also be in a position to improve his resources; most notably with the addition of Qantas Wallabies forward Hugh McMeniman. The Reds may also field their third centre in as many matches if last year’s Australia A skipper, Morgan Turinui is fit, after Charlie Fetoai and Digby Ioane wore 13 in South Africa. Queensland beat the Cheetahs 23-13 when the Free State men visited two years ago, but lost 6-10 at Bloemfontein three years ago, and 14-29 during the corresponding match last year, where Brando Va’aulu scored both of the Reds’ tries. Last week’s frustrating night at Subiaco, where the Cheetahs were lashed with their third yellow card of the season, saw the South Africans’ touring record in Australasia crash to 0 & 14.
In round two – Three tries in the final 15 minutes at Newlands gave the Reds two bonus points and a swag-load of confidence that they can bring home from their trip to South Africa. The Cheetahs at least maintained their consistency at Subiaco – they were dealt a yellow card, and they lost by not many.
Phil Waugh first played Super Rugby for the Waratahs 10 seasons ago. Friday night will see his tally of competition caps click over to three figures, making him the 23rd player in Super Rugby – and the 13th Australian – to achieve that mark. Fittingly, Waugh will raise the milestone in front of the faithful at the Sydney Football Stadium although the under-rated Highlanders – who have won at the ground on their two most recent visits – will be determined to gate-crash the party. The opening game of the round earlier in the night sees the 18th edition of the hard fought Crusaders-Hurricanes rivalry; which is numerically the most long-standing of all Super Rugby match ups, in terms of the amount of games played. The Saturday action, from an Australian stand point, will then focus in on Canberra for the first all-Australian clash of the competition between the Brumbies and the Force. This is followed on Sunday afternoon by the Reds’ first home outing of the programme, with Queensland hosting the Cheetahs at Suncorp Stadium.
Crusaders v Hurricanes
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick off: Friday 27 February, 7.35pm (local), 5.35pm (AEDT)
Referee: Stuart Dickinson
Head to Head: Played 17: Crusaders 13, Hurricanes 3, Drawn 1
Last year: i) Crusaders 20, Hurricanes 13 at Wellington
(ii) Crusaders 33, Hurricanes 22 (S/F) at Christchurch
This is a game the Hurricanes hate, primarily because they nearly always lose it. The Crusaders-‘Canes rivalry is the greatest in Super Rugby, in terms of matches played, with this being the 18th contest between the two. The Hurricanes have only won three of those. Even worse, they’ve only won one of the last 10 on Colin Cooper’s watch, since he took over in 2003, and have lost the last seven in a row. The Hurricanes have been to the playoffs four times under Cooper and have been stopped by the Crusaders every time – three times in a semi-final as well as the fog-bound 2006 final. Cooper’s only win over the Crusaders came at Wellington in the final round of 2004, when the ‘Canes were already out of the playoffs and the Crusaders already in. The Hurricanes last (& only) win in Christchurch occurred in 2001 on a day when a 20-year-old Richie McCaw made his Super rugby debut with a fleeting appearance off the bench. If Cooper is looking to instil his players with positives in the lead-up, he might consider telling them that they are at least closing the gap: the Crusaders have won the last five matches between the two by 1-12 points margins. Both sides seem likely to make personnel changes from last week. The latest word out of Christchurch suggests that All Blacks Richie McCaw and Brad Thorn should make it back after they missed the last-gasp 16-18 loss to the Brumbies through injury, but there was less confidence surrounding the readiness of Leon MacDonald’s injured AC (shoulder) joint. Hooker Corey Flynn (arm) and halfback Andy Ellis (high ankle sprain) were also in doubt after failing to complete last weekend. The Hurricanes may have been guilty of having one eye ahead on the Crusaders last week, in terms of their selection for the 22-17 win over the Highlanders, with changes probable. Expect Conrad Smith to start in the midfield, after scoring a try off the bench last week, while Ma’a Nonu may also return after being given a rev – which seemed to work – with his relegation to the bench for the Highlanders game. Don’t be surprised also if Piri Weepu reverts from halfback to flyhalf for the visit to Christchurch, with last year’s All Black end-of-year tourist Alby Matthewson returning in the number nine jersey. This would leave no room for the 19-year-old flyhalf Daniel Kirkpatrick. An interesting sideline to this contest will be the clash between the brothers – former Hurricanes-turned Crusaders No 8 Thomas Waldrom against former Crusaders-turned Hurricanes and All Black openside flanker, Scott Waldrom. While their record at home is the best in the competition, the Crusaders have lost in Christchurch against a fellow New Zealand side in each of the last two campaigns, with the Chiefs winning in 2007 while the Highlanders achieved the rare feat last term.
In round two – Despite tackling themselves to a stand still, Todd Blackadder’s men were done on the bell, as the Brumbies played their second get-out-of-jail card for the season. They must have borrowed it from the Hurricanes after they’d used it the night before, scoring twice in the last five to escape with their first win of the season.
Waratahs v Highlanders
Venue: Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
Kick off: Friday 27 February, 7.40pm (AEDT)
Referee: James Leckie
Head to Head: Played 13: Waratahs 10, Highlanders 3
Last year: NSW Waratahs 15, Highlanders 12 at Dunedin
The Highlanders might have lost their first two matches, but they arrive in Sydney having won on each of their two most recent visits to the Sydney Football Stadium – 29-28 in 2004, & 26-25 three years later. The wins represent two of only three the Highlanders have ever had in Super rugby against the Waratahs. The first – 39-20 at Dunedin in 2001 – was the first win achieved by an Otago-based side against New South Wales in 100 years! Prior to last term, when they lost narrowly on visits to Brisbane and Canberra, the Highlanders had won at least one game on Australian soil for five years running. Last year, five of the 10 defeats suffered by the Highlanders were by the margin of a converted try or less, and that trend has resumed through the first two rounds of the 2009 campaign. But although their frustration was clear after the Hurricanes wriggled off the hook with two late tries in Wellington last Friday night, the southern men will take confidence from their competitiveness thus far, especially as their playing resources are set to be strengthened this week by the return of All Black halfback Jimmy Cowan. Unfortunately the news is not so good on the status of their other absent All Black, the 129-kg Southland prop Jamie Mackintosh, whose injured knee is now expected to keep him sidelined for six weeks. Although the Waratahs extended their unbeaten sequence at the SFS to eight last weekend against the Chiefs, the home side will be desperate to stay unbeaten and maintain the momentum ahead of the traditional state of the union clash against an improving Queensland outfit, which follows in week four.
In round two – The Waratahs beat the Chiefs by four but the outcome was where the excitement started and ended because the spectacle wasn’t flash. The Highlanders must feel that they’re caught in a time warp – the first 75 minutes of the opening two weekends of their competition have been great!
A Century of Waugh: Waratahs skipper Phil Waugh will become the 13th Australian, and the 23rd player in total, to make it to 100 Super Rugby caps when he raises his century against the Highlanders on Friday night. Waugh, who debuted back in 2000 against the Stormers, has already gone beyond 100 state caps for New South Wales but played his 99th in Super Rugby against the Chiefs. The 29-year-old will become the 10th player to have achieved the milestone appearing for just one team in Super Rugby, and the third Waratah to have done it, following on from Chris Whitaker (107) and David Lyons (100). Chris Latham (who represented the Tahs in 10 Super Rugby matches) and Brendan Cannon (who made 69 NSW appearances) also surpassed the century mark but appeared for another franchises when the milestone came up – Latham supplementing his Waratahs caps with 99 games for Queensland, while Cannon played 19 for the Reds and 18 for the Force. Six Brumbies have made over 100 appearances in the competition, with George Gregan’s competition record 136 caps heading that list, while George Smith and Stirling Mortlock were the most recent editions last year. Waugh becomes the second Australian addition to the ‘100 club’ for 2009, following on from Sean Hardman, who in week one became the first Queenslander to surpass the Super Rugby ton having played exclusively for the Reds. The New South Wales skipper will be joined in the club the following day by Blues veteran Justin Collins, should the loose forward make his 89th appearance for the Auckland franchise during their date with the Stormers in Cape Town. Collins earlier played 11 games for the Chiefs.
Chiefs v Sharks
Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Kick off: Saturday 28 February, 5.35pm (local), 7.35pm (AEDT)
Referee: Bryce Lawrence
Head to Head: Played 11: Sharks 6, Chiefs 5
Last year: Sharks 47, Chiefs 23 at Durban
The Chiefs are in familiar territory – none from two, with semi-final participation already looking like an uphill battle. While this is their first Hamilton game of the competition – and they won six from seven on their home patch last term, which included beating eventual champions the Crusaders – the signs are already looking ominous. This is the fourth time from the last five years that the Chiefs have dropped their opening two games. And while it wasn’t entirely unexpected, given that they were away to last year’s two finalists first up, the bad news is that the Crusaders of 2004 are the only side in Super Rugby history to have made the final after going winless through weeks one and two. Worryingly, Chiefs coach Ian Foster was making no promises early in the week about the availability of All Blacks Malili Muliaina, Sione Lauaki and Richard Kahui, after all three wound up missing out on last Friday’s four-point loss in Sydney. The hulking Lauaki especially would not be missed by the Sharks, as he’s had some fun with them before; notably on the South Africans’ most recent visit to Hamilton two years ago, when the Chiefs won 35-27, with halfback Brendan Leonard and winger Lelia Masaga among the try-scorers. The Sharks, who came through last weekend’s 25-10 win over the Lions with no major injury concerns, have won away to the Chiefs three times previously – in 1997, 1999 and 2003. Last year, No 8 Ryan Kankowski scored two of the Sharks seven tries as they crushed the Chiefs by 24 to take an eight-wins-to-five advantage in this rivalry. The Sharks won one, drew one and lost three on their tour of Australia and New Zealand last year, en-route to a semi-final finish, after having won two from four from this draw on their tour two years ago, when they went on to host the final. The match will be a homecoming of sorts for former All Black analyst and ex-Wellington NPC coach John Plumtree, who lived in Hamilton briefly during his last stint back home. Plumtree brought the Wellington side to Waikato Stadium for the Air New Zealand Cup final three years ago, but will be hoping for better memories this time, because he lost that one!
In round two – If it was hard watching for Waratahs fans – it was even harder for those following the Chiefs: they lost! The 7-11 reverse at the SFS concluded a difficult opening week for the Waikato-based side, with two near misses. At the other end of the spectrum, the Sharks completed two wins in seven days with a no frills 25-10 home defeat of the Lions, although the South African side was unable to add a try-scoring bonus point in either game.
“The Next Time, We’ll Bring a Sniper!” – Current Springbok assistant coach Dick Muir is no longer a part of the Sharks set up, and that might be just as well after the snappy quote he delivered off the cuff to the media during the Sharks last visit to the Chiefs two years ago. Having just watched on helplessly as, for the second straight year, his side had been unable to contain a rampaging Sione Lauaki, Muir quipped: “the next time we are here, we’ll bring a sniper with us and take him out from the stand!” The Tongan-born All Black No 8’s participation was in doubt on Monday after being a late withdrawal from the side that lost to the Waratahs due to a twinged hamstring.
Brumbies v Western Force
Venue: Canberra Stadium, Canberra
Kick off: Saturday 28 February, 7:40pm (AEDT)
Referee: Matt Goddard
Head to Head: Played 3: Brumbies 2, Force 1
Last year: Western Force 29, Brumbies 22 at Perth
Last year, the Western Force came from 15 points down at halftime to claim their first win over the Brumbies on a night when James O’Connor bagged his maiden Super Rugby try. The second youngest ever Test Wallaby got the second try of his Force career during last Friday’s win over the Cheetahs, but the keenly anticipated visit to the Australian capital promises to be a big step up from that match for the teenager and his team-mates. And history is heavily against them: from nine outings against fellow Australian teams thus far in their four-year history, the Force has won just twice. They will need to improve that ratio if they are to climb up the Investec Super 14 log, especially with two matches in New Zealand to follow this game. A key figure for the visitors will be the Brumbies-bound Matt Giteau, who has already been a major player in these games. Giteau scored a try for the Brumbies when they beat the Force 25-10 on opening night in Perth four years ago, then bagged one for the Force during their comeback win last year. Expect there to be a lot of public and media focus around the Qantas Wallabies flyhalf this week, but that potential distraction for the Force might suit the Brumbies just fine. The Force will train in Sydney this week prior to moving to Canberra for the game. The Brumbies enter this contest sitting in third place on the competition point’s table (see below), have no significant injury concerns, and are defending a fantastic record against their fellow Aussie teams in Super Rugby. Since their formation from scratch in 1996, the Brumbies have won 21 and lost just 10 against their compatriots. Canberra has hosted 15 of these games, and the Brumbies have only lost once!
In round two – The Brumbies re-enacted their late, late show to knock off the Crusaders. In Perth, the Force dominated territory and possession, but was unable to totally shake off the Cheetahs, eventually taking the honours by six.
Lions v Bulls
Venue: Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg
Kick off: Saturday 28 February, 5pm (local), 2am (Sun 1 Mar, AEDT)
Referee: Phillip Bosch
Head to Head: Played 11: Bulls 6, Lions 5
Last year: Bulls 31, Lions 17 at Pretoria
They’re top of the table, and the Bulls will also take a pretty useful record with them to Coca Cola Park for their derby match-up with the Lions. The men from Pretoria have won in neighbouring Johannesburg on three previous occasions – 31-7 on their most recent visit in 2007, and by 1-12 margins in 2001 and 2003. In-form centre Wynand Olivier, who has scored tries in each of the Bulls’ two wins thus far in the campaign, also scored twice on the most recent visit to the Lions, where the Bulls led 10-7 at halftime before running away with it in the second period. Winger Akona Ndungane took his turn to be a multiple try-scorer in the corresponding game at Loftus last year, as the Bulls won by 14. Bulls coach Frans Ludeke is well known at Lions’ HQ. Even though he will be without injured skipper Victor Matfield for a couple more weeks, the Bulls boss should arrive back at his old stomping ground smiling, having guided his new side to six consecutive Super Rugby wins dating back to the back end of last year’s competition. Even that may not save him from caustic reminders from the locals of his previous coaching stints at Ellis Park. Ludeke formerly coached the Lions in the South African domestic Currie Cup and twice (in 2002 & 2006) had charge of the Johannesburg-based Cats (the forerunner of the Lions) in Super Rugby – finishing second last with the team both times! His successor Eugene Eloff could identify with Ludeke’s trials. Eloff would have been a frustrated man after last weekend’s mistake-fest in Durban, which made the Sharks’ job easier than it should have been. That defeat may have cost the Lions the services of the Springbok winger Ashwin Willemse, after he appeared to damage his hamstring during the game. Willemse scored three tries in his first two appearances of the competition. His would be a big loss for a side short on confidence and proven performers at this level.
In round two – The Queensland Reds of 2007, who were humiliated at Loftus, could identify with how powerless the Blues must have felt as the Bulls ran up seven tries in a 59-26 rout. The Lions were their own worst enemies against the Sharks in Durban, self destructing after they’d shown resilience to lead 10-8, 50 minutes in.
Stormers v Blues
Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
Kick off: Saturday 28 February, 7.10pm (local), 4.10am (Sun 1 Mar, AEDT)
Referee: Marius Jonker
Head to Head: Played 11: Blues 7, Stormers 4
Last year: Blues 17, Stormers 14 at Auckland
Cape Town is a most hospitable tourist destination, and the Blues have certainly enjoyed their time at the foot of the impressive Table Mountain. While the Auckland-based side lost 20-33 on its most recent visit two years ago, that was its first reverse in four – having cracked Newlands 26-12 in 2001, 36-8 in 2003 and 37-24 in 2005. Last year, a wobbly late penalty goal by Ben Atiga gave the Blues a three-point win at Eden Park, but that was the first 1-12 margin between these sides in 12 games – so don’t be surprised if this one blows out, one way or the other. The Blues, who have won eight of the 12 between these teams, conceded their highest ever score at Loftus last weekend, with that being just the third time the franchise had let in 50 points from 160 matches. In those circumstances, the return to the starting line-up from baby duty of the All Blacks Jerome Kaino and Joe Rokocoko as well as halfback Taniela Moa couldn’t have come at a better time. The flip side is that the belting in the Bull Ring has cost them the services of suspended winger Rene Ranger, who would have been doubtful with a fractured eye socket anyway, and possibly Isaia Toeava (knee) and Kurtis Haiu (head knock). All Black prop Tony Woodcock is also in doubt with a hamstring complaint. The Blues are batting at exactly 50 percent on South African soil, having won 14, lost 14 and drawn two through their history. Although the Stormers faded late against the Reds, the win has got them underway and Rassie Erasmus will be looking to add to the momentum before their daunting visit to the Bulls next week. Fullback Conrad Jantjies is one to keep an eye on in this clash – he has been a try-scorer in the last two games between these respective sides.
In round two – The Stormers led 27-5 after an hour against the Reds but got the wobbles, conceding three late tries as the plucky Queenslanders closed to within three. The Blues fielded an under-strength side at Loftus and were out of business after 23 minutes, by which time they’d been blitzed 26-0. It ended 59-26 in the Bulls’ favour.
Reds v Cheetahs
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick off: Sunday 1 March , 4pm (local), 5pm (AEDT)
Referee: Ian Smith
Head to Head: Played 3: Cheetahs 2, Reds 1
Last year: Cheetahs 29, Queensland Reds 14 at Bloemfontein
The Reds were once the biggest bullies of South African teams they entertained in Brisbane. Through the Super 12 decade (1996-2005), the Reds at one point went through seven seasons and 14 games (1997-2003) unbeaten at home against South African teams. While their overall home record in Super Rugby against South Africa still stands at a healthy 21 wins against seven losses; in the last three years (eg. the Super 14 era), Queensland has won three and lost four against South African visitors. That makes the Cheetahs’ visit an exceedingly important one for Queensland, who will be desperate to get their first win up after two promising, albeit unsuccessful, outings in South Africa. Friday’s late rush of scoring in the 24-27 loss to the Stormers at Newlands has at least ensured the Reds will enter this match with the same number of log points as the Cheetahs, who picked up their second consolation point for a narrow loss in Perth on the same evening. The Cheetahs are expected to add Springbok winger Jonge Nokwe to their line-up after he was given another week to get right following injury. Queensland coach Phil Mooney may also be in a position to improve his resources; most notably with the addition of Qantas Wallabies forward Hugh McMeniman. The Reds may also field their third centre in as many matches if last year’s Australia A skipper, Morgan Turinui is fit, after Charlie Fetoai and Digby Ioane wore 13 in South Africa. Queensland beat the Cheetahs 23-13 when the Free State men visited two years ago, but lost 6-10 at Bloemfontein three years ago, and 14-29 during the corresponding match last year, where Brando Va’aulu scored both of the Reds’ tries. Last week’s frustrating night at Subiaco, where the Cheetahs were lashed with their third yellow card of the season, saw the South Africans’ touring record in Australasia crash to 0 & 14.
In round two – Three tries in the final 15 minutes at Newlands gave the Reds two bonus points and a swag-load of confidence that they can bring home from their trip to South Africa. The Cheetahs at least maintained their consistency at Subiaco – they were dealt a yellow card, and they lost by not many.
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Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: Super 14
Super 14 Stormers Defeat Reds
February 21st 2009 23:08
The Stormers held off a fast finish from the Queensland Reds at Newlands last night to claim a sixth consecutive win over the Australian side.
The South Africans held on to win 27-24, although there was great merit in the way the Reds rallied from 5-27 down after an hour in order to snatch two valuable bonus points.
Phil Mooney’s men had made the perfect start when Qantas Wallabies flyhalf Quade Cooper scored off an early charge down, but the visitors then had to play second fiddle while the Stormers scored three tries to run up a 22-point lead.
Lock Andries Bekker, who was a try-scorer against the Wallabies in Johannesburg last year, hurt Australia again, while speedy wingers Tonderai Chavhanga and the Fijian international Sireli Naqelevuki also nipped in for tries, which appeared to have the Stormers on-course for maximum points.
A try by replacement Saia Faingaa in the 62nd minute revitalized the Reds, who closed further through scores by flanker Scott Higginbotham and lock Van Humphries, to leave the South Africans hanging on grimly for the final whistle.
The two consolation points earned – one for scoring four tries and one for finishing within seven of the Stormers – were the Reds’ first for the season, and have allowed them to tie the Cheetahs of South Africa on the competition ladder.
Queensland’s first opponent when it returns home from the Republic is the Cheetahs, with the clash scheduled for next Sunday afternoon at Suncorp Stadium.
AAP
The South Africans held on to win 27-24, although there was great merit in the way the Reds rallied from 5-27 down after an hour in order to snatch two valuable bonus points.
Phil Mooney’s men had made the perfect start when Qantas Wallabies flyhalf Quade Cooper scored off an early charge down, but the visitors then had to play second fiddle while the Stormers scored three tries to run up a 22-point lead.
Lock Andries Bekker, who was a try-scorer against the Wallabies in Johannesburg last year, hurt Australia again, while speedy wingers Tonderai Chavhanga and the Fijian international Sireli Naqelevuki also nipped in for tries, which appeared to have the Stormers on-course for maximum points.
A try by replacement Saia Faingaa in the 62nd minute revitalized the Reds, who closed further through scores by flanker Scott Higginbotham and lock Van Humphries, to leave the South Africans hanging on grimly for the final whistle.
The two consolation points earned – one for scoring four tries and one for finishing within seven of the Stormers – were the Reds’ first for the season, and have allowed them to tie the Cheetahs of South Africa on the competition ladder.
Queensland’s first opponent when it returns home from the Republic is the Cheetahs, with the clash scheduled for next Sunday afternoon at Suncorp Stadium.
AAP
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Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: Super 14
Super 14 Brumbies Defeat Crusaders
February 21st 2009 23:00
A week after they kicked an 80th minute dropped goal to beat the Highlanders in Dunedin, the Brumbies have scored a try and converted it after the bell to knock off the defending champion Crusaders.
With Qantas Wallabies coach Robbie Deans watching on from the stands, Australian captain Stirling Mortlock calmly drew his kick in from wide of the posts to convert Mark Gerrard’s 80th minute try, which handed the Brumbies a thrilling 18-16 win in tonight’s match at Canberra Stadium.
The result has allowed the Brumbies to join the NSW Waratahs at the top of the table after two rounds of the 2009 Super 14.
Yet it seemed unlikely for most of the match, as the Crusaders, despite missing senior All Blacks Richie McCaw, Leon MacDonald and Brad Thorn, held sway, on the scoreboard at least.
Three times in the game the Brumbies drew level, and each time the Crusaders scored again straight away, appearing to have possibly landed the killer blow in the 57th minute when lock Ross Filipo scored in the corner, after flyhalf Colin Slade had charged down an over-complicated attempted clearance.
The try, which came a minute after the Brumbies had tied the game 11-11, only put five points between the teams, but so efficient was the Crusaders defense, that seemed like a mountain for the Brumbies to climb.
It became so too as, time and again through the remaining 23 minutes, the Brumbies ran aground against an unrelenting Crusaders defensive wall.
While the Brumbies dominated possession, the visitors were quick to smother any movement, forcing the home side’s error rate to climb alarmingly as their desperation rose and the time ticked on.
The last 10 minutes saw the Brumbies virtually camped inside the Crusaders half, but seemingly unable to penetrate until, after repeated waves of attack, up the middle of the field, and to both sides, Gerrard finally wrestled his way over despite the efforts of two desperate defenders.
That made it 16-16 with time up, but Mortlock’s kick never looked like missing, and the miracle was complete.
All this drama was in complete contrast to the earlier moments of the game, when the Crusaders had made most of the running, striking the first points when Slade kicked a seventh minute penalty goal, and then the first try, 11 minutes later.
Gerrard had just brought the Brumbies back on terms with his opening penalty goal of the night, when a mis-communication in general play saw the home side hand Crusaders centre Casey Laulala an intercept, and he needed no second invitation in running the ball in from halfway to post the game’s opening try.
Laulala’s third try of the competition, after he scored two last week against the Chiefs, had the Crusaders in front 8-3 after 18 minutes, but the Brumbies chipped away and eventually leveled up in the 34th minute.
The home side’s opening try was scored by flyhalf Christian Lealiifano, who was released in midfield by George Smith, after the Qantas Wallabies flanker broke through on the fringes of an attacking ruck.
Within five minutes, the Crusaders were back in front again, with fullback Stephen Brett converting a 39th minute penalty goal to push the visitors out to an 11-8 advantage.
That was the score at halftime, although the Brumbies deficit could easily have been greater after Crusaders winger Kade Poki followed up a kick through that had to be hurriedly slammed into touch by home skipper Stephen Hoiles.
It proved to be the first of a number of acts that were just enough to get the Brumbies home for their sixth win over their great Kiwi rivals in Canberra.
For the Brumbies: Tries by Christian Lealiifano and Mark Gerrard; penalty goals by Gerrard and Stirling Mortlock, conversion by Mortlock.
For the Crusaders: Tries by Casey Laulala and Ross Filipo; penalty goals by Colin Slade and Stephen Brett
Halftime: Crusaders 11, Brumbies 8
Referee: Bryce Lawrence
ARU
With Qantas Wallabies coach Robbie Deans watching on from the stands, Australian captain Stirling Mortlock calmly drew his kick in from wide of the posts to convert Mark Gerrard’s 80th minute try, which handed the Brumbies a thrilling 18-16 win in tonight’s match at Canberra Stadium.
The result has allowed the Brumbies to join the NSW Waratahs at the top of the table after two rounds of the 2009 Super 14.
Yet it seemed unlikely for most of the match, as the Crusaders, despite missing senior All Blacks Richie McCaw, Leon MacDonald and Brad Thorn, held sway, on the scoreboard at least.
Three times in the game the Brumbies drew level, and each time the Crusaders scored again straight away, appearing to have possibly landed the killer blow in the 57th minute when lock Ross Filipo scored in the corner, after flyhalf Colin Slade had charged down an over-complicated attempted clearance.
Stephen Hoiles Brumbies
The try, which came a minute after the Brumbies had tied the game 11-11, only put five points between the teams, but so efficient was the Crusaders defense, that seemed like a mountain for the Brumbies to climb.
It became so too as, time and again through the remaining 23 minutes, the Brumbies ran aground against an unrelenting Crusaders defensive wall.
While the Brumbies dominated possession, the visitors were quick to smother any movement, forcing the home side’s error rate to climb alarmingly as their desperation rose and the time ticked on.
The last 10 minutes saw the Brumbies virtually camped inside the Crusaders half, but seemingly unable to penetrate until, after repeated waves of attack, up the middle of the field, and to both sides, Gerrard finally wrestled his way over despite the efforts of two desperate defenders.
That made it 16-16 with time up, but Mortlock’s kick never looked like missing, and the miracle was complete.
All this drama was in complete contrast to the earlier moments of the game, when the Crusaders had made most of the running, striking the first points when Slade kicked a seventh minute penalty goal, and then the first try, 11 minutes later.
Gerrard had just brought the Brumbies back on terms with his opening penalty goal of the night, when a mis-communication in general play saw the home side hand Crusaders centre Casey Laulala an intercept, and he needed no second invitation in running the ball in from halfway to post the game’s opening try.
Laulala’s third try of the competition, after he scored two last week against the Chiefs, had the Crusaders in front 8-3 after 18 minutes, but the Brumbies chipped away and eventually leveled up in the 34th minute.
The home side’s opening try was scored by flyhalf Christian Lealiifano, who was released in midfield by George Smith, after the Qantas Wallabies flanker broke through on the fringes of an attacking ruck.
Within five minutes, the Crusaders were back in front again, with fullback Stephen Brett converting a 39th minute penalty goal to push the visitors out to an 11-8 advantage.
That was the score at halftime, although the Brumbies deficit could easily have been greater after Crusaders winger Kade Poki followed up a kick through that had to be hurriedly slammed into touch by home skipper Stephen Hoiles.
It proved to be the first of a number of acts that were just enough to get the Brumbies home for their sixth win over their great Kiwi rivals in Canberra.
For the Brumbies: Tries by Christian Lealiifano and Mark Gerrard; penalty goals by Gerrard and Stirling Mortlock, conversion by Mortlock.
For the Crusaders: Tries by Casey Laulala and Ross Filipo; penalty goals by Colin Slade and Stephen Brett
Halftime: Crusaders 11, Brumbies 8
Referee: Bryce Lawrence
ARU
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Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: Super 14
Super 14 Force Defeat Cheetahs
February 21st 2009 04:00
The Western Force is on the board in the 2009 Investec Super 14 after a nail-biting 16-10 win over the Cheetahs from a tough struggle at Subiaco Oval tonight.
Both sides scored a try apiece in a match that went down to the wire, perhaps reflecting the pressure which surrounded the two sides heading into the contest on the back of their first round defeats.
Although the Cheetahs arrived in Perth with a bleak touring record in the tow, having lost all 13 matches previously played in Australia and New Zealand; the South Africans were always in striking range tonight which kept the Western Australian crowd on the edge of their seats.
The Force led 16-7 just after halftime and appeared poised to break away, only to be reined in by the dogged resistance of the Cheetahs.
Not only did the men from Bloemfontein survive a 10-minute period reduced to 14 men, conceding just a dropped goal; they then wiped that deficit with a 62nd minute penalty goal which set up a desperate finish – with less than the margin of a converted try separating the teams.
In a nervous last 10 minutes, the Force largely controlled the field position, without ever looking likely to land the knock out blow.
For all that, they seldom looked like being threatened either, with the game grinding to a halt in a stalemate played largely between the Cheetahs goal-line and the halfway line.
“We worked hard for it. A lot didn’t go our way but we presented ourselves with a lot of opportunity, and we hung tough when we had too,” an upbeat Western Force coach John Mitchell said afterwards.
“We controlled the front 50 [of the ground] and kept our composure. Even though the scoreboard didn’t reflect it, I felt we were always really in control of the match – they deserve a lot of credit for keeping it as close as it was.”
The Force had opened the scoring in the ninth minute via a Matt Giteau penalty goal, but the trench warfare nature of the game then set in as the contest went scoreless for 22 minutes before the Qantas Wallabies flyhalf intervened again.
Having twice been narrowly denied themselves; once through being held up and then once through being grounded inches short of the goal-line; the Cheetahs conceded the opening try after Giteau opened up a gap to work James O’Connor across close to the goal-line.
Confronted by a sliding defensive line that was back peddling, the 19-year-old Wallabies star was untroubled in slipping by his marker to score handy to the goal-posts.
Giteau converted to push the Force out to a 10-0 advantage, but this was cut to three, five minutes later after a combination of some good fortune and grand perseverance from Cheetahs winger Danwel Dumas.
Following a loose ball that had been poked through optimistically by a team-mate, Dumas hacked it up the sideline, and then cleaned up the scraps to score, after it had eluded the Force defenders.
Jacques-Louis Potgieter converted to get his side within three, but the Force finished the opening period strongly, adding a second penalty goal to their point’s tally when the Cheetahs cynically infringed at the breakdown in order to slow down the home side’s momentum.
The offence, in this instance committed by flanker Heinrich Brussouw, not only cost the Cheetahs three points; it also saw referee James Leckie issue the visitors with a final warning about offending in the contact zone.
This became significant within five minutes of the re-start when prop Wiun du Preez committed an illegality inside the Cheetahs half which saw him banished by the match official.
The flow on effect from that decision was that the game was reduced to uncontested scrums for the 10 minutes du Preez was absent, as the Cheetahs were already down to two fit props by that point.
It took the home side just a minute to capitalize on the Cheetahs’ man-power reduction, with Giteau utilizing the field position to slot a dropped goal, but that proved to be the Force’s final scoring advance of an at times frustrating evening.
The Force now rearm in preparation for three matches away, starting next weekend in Canberra, while the Cheetahs will continue their tour against the Queensland Reds on Sunday week at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
For the Western Force: Try by James O’Connor; conversion, dropped goal and 2 penalty goals by Matt Giteau.
For the Cheetahs: Try by Danwel Dumas; conversion and a penalty goal by Jacques-Louis Potgieter.
Halftime: Western Force 13, Cheetahs 7
Referee: James Leckie
ARU
Both sides scored a try apiece in a match that went down to the wire, perhaps reflecting the pressure which surrounded the two sides heading into the contest on the back of their first round defeats.
Although the Cheetahs arrived in Perth with a bleak touring record in the tow, having lost all 13 matches previously played in Australia and New Zealand; the South Africans were always in striking range tonight which kept the Western Australian crowd on the edge of their seats.
The Force led 16-7 just after halftime and appeared poised to break away, only to be reined in by the dogged resistance of the Cheetahs.
Not only did the men from Bloemfontein survive a 10-minute period reduced to 14 men, conceding just a dropped goal; they then wiped that deficit with a 62nd minute penalty goal which set up a desperate finish – with less than the margin of a converted try separating the teams.
James O'Connor Force
In a nervous last 10 minutes, the Force largely controlled the field position, without ever looking likely to land the knock out blow.
For all that, they seldom looked like being threatened either, with the game grinding to a halt in a stalemate played largely between the Cheetahs goal-line and the halfway line.
“We worked hard for it. A lot didn’t go our way but we presented ourselves with a lot of opportunity, and we hung tough when we had too,” an upbeat Western Force coach John Mitchell said afterwards.
“We controlled the front 50 [of the ground] and kept our composure. Even though the scoreboard didn’t reflect it, I felt we were always really in control of the match – they deserve a lot of credit for keeping it as close as it was.”
The Force had opened the scoring in the ninth minute via a Matt Giteau penalty goal, but the trench warfare nature of the game then set in as the contest went scoreless for 22 minutes before the Qantas Wallabies flyhalf intervened again.
Having twice been narrowly denied themselves; once through being held up and then once through being grounded inches short of the goal-line; the Cheetahs conceded the opening try after Giteau opened up a gap to work James O’Connor across close to the goal-line.
Confronted by a sliding defensive line that was back peddling, the 19-year-old Wallabies star was untroubled in slipping by his marker to score handy to the goal-posts.
Giteau converted to push the Force out to a 10-0 advantage, but this was cut to three, five minutes later after a combination of some good fortune and grand perseverance from Cheetahs winger Danwel Dumas.
Following a loose ball that had been poked through optimistically by a team-mate, Dumas hacked it up the sideline, and then cleaned up the scraps to score, after it had eluded the Force defenders.
Jacques-Louis Potgieter converted to get his side within three, but the Force finished the opening period strongly, adding a second penalty goal to their point’s tally when the Cheetahs cynically infringed at the breakdown in order to slow down the home side’s momentum.
The offence, in this instance committed by flanker Heinrich Brussouw, not only cost the Cheetahs three points; it also saw referee James Leckie issue the visitors with a final warning about offending in the contact zone.
This became significant within five minutes of the re-start when prop Wiun du Preez committed an illegality inside the Cheetahs half which saw him banished by the match official.
The flow on effect from that decision was that the game was reduced to uncontested scrums for the 10 minutes du Preez was absent, as the Cheetahs were already down to two fit props by that point.
It took the home side just a minute to capitalize on the Cheetahs’ man-power reduction, with Giteau utilizing the field position to slot a dropped goal, but that proved to be the Force’s final scoring advance of an at times frustrating evening.
The Force now rearm in preparation for three matches away, starting next weekend in Canberra, while the Cheetahs will continue their tour against the Queensland Reds on Sunday week at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
For the Western Force: Try by James O’Connor; conversion, dropped goal and 2 penalty goals by Matt Giteau.
For the Cheetahs: Try by Danwel Dumas; conversion and a penalty goal by Jacques-Louis Potgieter.
Halftime: Western Force 13, Cheetahs 7
Referee: James Leckie
ARU
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Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: Super 14
Super 14 Waratahs Defeat Chiefs
February 21st 2009 03:40
It wasn’t pretty, but the New South Wales Waratahs have maintained their unbeaten start to the 2009 Investec Super 14 after an 11-7 win over an under-manned Chiefs outfit at the Sydney Football Stadium tonight.
In doing so, the Waratahs set a new franchise record of eight, for consecutive home wins – having last suffered defeat at the SFS when the Chiefs’ previously visited for the last game of the unfortunate 2007 campaign.
The visitors, who were bidding for their fourth consecutive win over New South Wales, had their hopes dented prior to arrival when they lost skipper Malili Muliaina and key players No 8 Sione Lauaki, and centre Richard Kahui to injuries.
As it turned out, rather than providing the Waratahs with an advantage, their collective absence may have lulled the home side into a false sense of security.
Certainly NSW coach Chris Hickey will next week be conducting a detailed review into the reasons as to why his side was so flat, as the Waratahs repeatedly struggled to put the Chiefs away despite dominating possession and territory throughout what was a disappointing spectacle.
Despite the perfect late summer conditions, neither side could score a try in the second half, with the game being determined in the Waratahs’ favour thanks to the penalty, and wobbly dropped goal, contributed in quick succession by flyhalf Kurtley Beale.
Beale’s boot swung the scoreboard back in the home side’s favour in the 54th minute, edging them ahead by one point, which became four, moments later, when he was successful from midfield with a dropped goal.
It wasn’t the most graceful strike ever but, like the Waratahs’ performance, it got the job done; although neither kick nor game will linger long in the memory banks.
The Waratahs briefly looked the goods in the early moments, opening the scoring with a classy try by Timana Tahu in the 15th minute.
It was an opportunity created by the vision of Beale, who spied Tahu ranging wide on the outside flank of the Chiefs defensive line, and expertly picked him out with a perfectly placed cross kick, which allowed the former rugby league star-turned Qantas Wallaby to collect the first try of his Super Rugby career.
Beale couldn’t add the trimmings by converting from touch, and that failure left the door open for the Chiefs to take the lead 11 minutes later when prop Arizona Taumalolo also claimed his maiden Super Rugby try.
The burly Tongan-raised prop smashed his way over from close range barely a minute after halfback Luke Burgess had initially spared the Waratahs by knocking All Black winger Sitiveni Sivivatu off-stride as he dived for the goal-line.
All Black flyhalf Stephen Donald converted the Taumalolo try and the Chiefs maintained the two-point advantage until halftime, entering the changing sheds 7-5 to the good.
For the NSW Waratahs: Try by Timana Tahu; penalty goal and a dropped goal by Kurtley Beale.
For the Chiefs: Try by Arizona Taumalolo; conversion by Stephen Donald.
Halftime: Chiefs 7, NSW Waratahs 5
Referee: Stuart Dickinson
ARU
In doing so, the Waratahs set a new franchise record of eight, for consecutive home wins – having last suffered defeat at the SFS when the Chiefs’ previously visited for the last game of the unfortunate 2007 campaign.
The visitors, who were bidding for their fourth consecutive win over New South Wales, had their hopes dented prior to arrival when they lost skipper Malili Muliaina and key players No 8 Sione Lauaki, and centre Richard Kahui to injuries.
As it turned out, rather than providing the Waratahs with an advantage, their collective absence may have lulled the home side into a false sense of security.
Certainly NSW coach Chris Hickey will next week be conducting a detailed review into the reasons as to why his side was so flat, as the Waratahs repeatedly struggled to put the Chiefs away despite dominating possession and territory throughout what was a disappointing spectacle.
Luke Burgess Waratahs
Despite the perfect late summer conditions, neither side could score a try in the second half, with the game being determined in the Waratahs’ favour thanks to the penalty, and wobbly dropped goal, contributed in quick succession by flyhalf Kurtley Beale.
Beale’s boot swung the scoreboard back in the home side’s favour in the 54th minute, edging them ahead by one point, which became four, moments later, when he was successful from midfield with a dropped goal.
It wasn’t the most graceful strike ever but, like the Waratahs’ performance, it got the job done; although neither kick nor game will linger long in the memory banks.
The Waratahs briefly looked the goods in the early moments, opening the scoring with a classy try by Timana Tahu in the 15th minute.
It was an opportunity created by the vision of Beale, who spied Tahu ranging wide on the outside flank of the Chiefs defensive line, and expertly picked him out with a perfectly placed cross kick, which allowed the former rugby league star-turned Qantas Wallaby to collect the first try of his Super Rugby career.
Beale couldn’t add the trimmings by converting from touch, and that failure left the door open for the Chiefs to take the lead 11 minutes later when prop Arizona Taumalolo also claimed his maiden Super Rugby try.
The burly Tongan-raised prop smashed his way over from close range barely a minute after halfback Luke Burgess had initially spared the Waratahs by knocking All Black winger Sitiveni Sivivatu off-stride as he dived for the goal-line.
All Black flyhalf Stephen Donald converted the Taumalolo try and the Chiefs maintained the two-point advantage until halftime, entering the changing sheds 7-5 to the good.
For the NSW Waratahs: Try by Timana Tahu; penalty goal and a dropped goal by Kurtley Beale.
For the Chiefs: Try by Arizona Taumalolo; conversion by Stephen Donald.
Halftime: Chiefs 7, NSW Waratahs 5
Referee: Stuart Dickinson
ARU
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Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: Super 14
Super 14 Bulls Defeat Reds
February 15th 2009 09:41
A strong second half has allowed the Bulls to overpower the Queensland Reds 33-20 at Loftus Versfeld.
The home side ran away with the game at the back end of the second period, out-scoring their visitors by 23-14 in the half to take maximum points out of the contest.
The outcome leaves the Bulls at the top of the table after the first round of the Investec Super 14.
The Reds were not helped by the second half sin-binning of lock Adam Byrnes for 10 minutes as a result of a dangerous charge at a ruck.
Queensland had closed to within five points, at 13-18, after a brilliant solo try from Qantas Wallabies winger Digby Ioane before Byrne’s indiscretion, which left his side short-staffed for a critical period of play.
It took the full 10 minutes for the Bulls to make their numerical advantage count, but the try on debut by Burton Francis just as Byrnes was returning to the field, proved the game-breaker.
Having been forced to operate without possession for most of the time that they were down to 14 men, the Reds simply ran out of gas, yielding a penalty goal and another try to the Bulls before a late consolation try by Peter Hynes rounded out the scoring.
While the Bulls took the spoils, the performance should still offer the Reds encouragement, in terms of the manner in which they competed, and how they stuck to the task in adversity.
It was certainly a far cry from the 13-try rout of their previous visit two years ago, where the Reds had been humiliated by a competition record 89-point margin.
The Bulls bullied the Reds that night, and they attempted to repeat the act from kick off tonight, dominating the opening moments to such an extent that, after 15 minutes, they had only been called on to make two tackles.
Even so, such was the resilience of the Reds defence, the Bulls only led 3-0 at this stage.
Bulls flyhalf Morne Steyn opened the scoring with a sixth minute penalty goal, but this was cancelled out when Reds halfback Ben Lucas replied 11 minutes later.
Queensland then took the lead when skipper Berrick Barnes steered over a dropped goal as the Reds made the most of their rare forays into Bulls’ territory.
They could have gone even further ahead had Lucas been on target with a second penalty goal attempt, and this failure was punished just before halftime when the Bulls claimed the opening try of the game.
It came after a defensive Reds scrum was placed under extreme pressure and went backwards, which allowed Bulls halfback Fourie du Preez to get around and impede Lucas’s attempt to clear the ball.
Not only did du Preez managed to knock the ball away, he was also the quickest to react, pouncing to score a try which gave the Bulls a flattering 10-6 halftime lead.
Earlier, the Sharks opened with a win, coming from 0-10 at halftime to beat the Stormers 20-15 in an exciting match in Cape Town.
For the Bulls: Tries by Fourie du Preez, Wynand Olivier, Burton Francis and Pierre Spies; 2 conversions and 3 penalty goals by Morne Steyn.
For the Queensland Reds: Tries by Digby Ioane and Peter Hynes; conversions by Berrick Barnes and Quade Cooper, penalty goal by Ben Lucas, dropped goal by Berrick Barnes.
Halftime: Bulls 10, Queensland Reds 6
Referee: Marius Jonker
ARU
The home side ran away with the game at the back end of the second period, out-scoring their visitors by 23-14 in the half to take maximum points out of the contest.
The outcome leaves the Bulls at the top of the table after the first round of the Investec Super 14.
The Reds were not helped by the second half sin-binning of lock Adam Byrnes for 10 minutes as a result of a dangerous charge at a ruck.
Queensland had closed to within five points, at 13-18, after a brilliant solo try from Qantas Wallabies winger Digby Ioane before Byrne’s indiscretion, which left his side short-staffed for a critical period of play.
It took the full 10 minutes for the Bulls to make their numerical advantage count, but the try on debut by Burton Francis just as Byrnes was returning to the field, proved the game-breaker.
Digby Ioane Reds
Having been forced to operate without possession for most of the time that they were down to 14 men, the Reds simply ran out of gas, yielding a penalty goal and another try to the Bulls before a late consolation try by Peter Hynes rounded out the scoring.
While the Bulls took the spoils, the performance should still offer the Reds encouragement, in terms of the manner in which they competed, and how they stuck to the task in adversity.
It was certainly a far cry from the 13-try rout of their previous visit two years ago, where the Reds had been humiliated by a competition record 89-point margin.
The Bulls bullied the Reds that night, and they attempted to repeat the act from kick off tonight, dominating the opening moments to such an extent that, after 15 minutes, they had only been called on to make two tackles.
Even so, such was the resilience of the Reds defence, the Bulls only led 3-0 at this stage.
Bulls flyhalf Morne Steyn opened the scoring with a sixth minute penalty goal, but this was cancelled out when Reds halfback Ben Lucas replied 11 minutes later.
Queensland then took the lead when skipper Berrick Barnes steered over a dropped goal as the Reds made the most of their rare forays into Bulls’ territory.
They could have gone even further ahead had Lucas been on target with a second penalty goal attempt, and this failure was punished just before halftime when the Bulls claimed the opening try of the game.
It came after a defensive Reds scrum was placed under extreme pressure and went backwards, which allowed Bulls halfback Fourie du Preez to get around and impede Lucas’s attempt to clear the ball.
Not only did du Preez managed to knock the ball away, he was also the quickest to react, pouncing to score a try which gave the Bulls a flattering 10-6 halftime lead.
Earlier, the Sharks opened with a win, coming from 0-10 at halftime to beat the Stormers 20-15 in an exciting match in Cape Town.
For the Bulls: Tries by Fourie du Preez, Wynand Olivier, Burton Francis and Pierre Spies; 2 conversions and 3 penalty goals by Morne Steyn.
For the Queensland Reds: Tries by Digby Ioane and Peter Hynes; conversions by Berrick Barnes and Quade Cooper, penalty goal by Ben Lucas, dropped goal by Berrick Barnes.
Halftime: Bulls 10, Queensland Reds 6
Referee: Marius Jonker
ARU
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Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: Super 14
Super 14 Waratahs Defeat Hurricanes
February 15th 2009 09:35
New South Wales has recorded just its second win from eight visits to Wellington in Super Rugby, overcoming the Hurricanes 26-22 at Westpac Stadium tonight.
The visitors scored four tries to three to claim maximum points out of the contest, showing steel in the second spell to successfully resist a stern late charge from the Hurricanes.
Although the Hurricanes rallied from 14 points behind to close to four, 15 minutes from the end, the Waratahs looked to have locked up the game when impressive young centre Rob Horne claimed his side’s fourth try.
The score came after a clever cross-field kick by Kurtley Beale was collected by Lachie Turner, who then attracted the two remaining Hurricanes defenders before releasing Horne for an unimpeded run to the goal-line.
Beale’s fine conversion from a wide angle made it 26-15, but the Waratahs promptly gave the points back by switching off from the kick off, which allowed Hurricanes lock Jeremy Thrush to storm through, collect the ball, and then free winger Hosea Gear up for the ‘Canes’ third try.
A desperate finish followed, but the ‘Tahs held on.
“We hung in there very well… it was a good win in the end,” Waratahs skipper Phil Waugh said.
“You’ve got to score points when you get the chances and fortunately tonight we were able to. We know we’ve still got a lot of work to do though. We still let the Hurricanes back into the game.”
The Waratahs had taken a commanding 19-5 advantage into the break after an opening period where they had looked far more polished than their hosts.
Beale provided the touch of class that opened up the Hurricanes for the Waratahs’ first try, firing a sweeping pass across the face of the advancing defence that pushed Horne into a yawning gap.
Quick to accept the invitation, the centre splintered the Hurricanes defence, before calmly feeding Sam Norton-Knight back on the inside for the fullback to score adjacent to the goal-posts.
The try, in the ninth minute, rocked the home crowd, and they were left stunned again 12 minutes later when Lote Tuqiri took the odds to gas around Hurricanes flanker Scott Waldrom in a cross-field run which yielded the Tahs’ second try.
In their efforts to rally, the Hurricanes then handed the Waratahs a third try, when Ma’a Nonu attempted to kick the ball in behind the advancing sky blue defensive line.
Fortunately for the visitors, the ball was blocked, bouncing up into Turner’s hands with 90 metres of open territory in front of him.
Although he appeared to have knocked the ball on prior to collecting it, the match officials failed to react, as the Waratahs flier raced the length of the field to score against the Hurricanes for the third successive year.
Perhaps feeling guilty, the Waratahs virtually gave the Hurricanes their only try of the first half, which came after No 8 Scott Fava threw an errant pass from behind a midfield scrum.
The ball was hacked through by the Hurricanes but, while Beale got back to recover possession, his hurried clearance under pressure was charged down by his opposite number Dan Kirkpatrick, with the 19-year-old debutante showing composure to regather the ball and score the try.
Earlier tonight, the Crusaders - who defeated the Waratahs in last year's Grand Final - also made a winning start to the 2009 competition, edging out the Chiefs 19-13 in Christchurch
For the NSW Waratahs: Tries by Sam Norton-Knight, Lote Tuqiri, Lachie Turner and Rob Horne; 3 conversions by Kurtley Beale
For the Hurricanes: Tries by Dan Kirkpatrick, Dane Coles and Hosea Gear; 2 conversions and a penalty goal by Kirkpatrick.
Halftime: NSW Waratahs 19, Hurricanes 5
Referee: Stuart Dickinson
ARU
The visitors scored four tries to three to claim maximum points out of the contest, showing steel in the second spell to successfully resist a stern late charge from the Hurricanes.
Although the Hurricanes rallied from 14 points behind to close to four, 15 minutes from the end, the Waratahs looked to have locked up the game when impressive young centre Rob Horne claimed his side’s fourth try.
The score came after a clever cross-field kick by Kurtley Beale was collected by Lachie Turner, who then attracted the two remaining Hurricanes defenders before releasing Horne for an unimpeded run to the goal-line.
Beale’s fine conversion from a wide angle made it 26-15, but the Waratahs promptly gave the points back by switching off from the kick off, which allowed Hurricanes lock Jeremy Thrush to storm through, collect the ball, and then free winger Hosea Gear up for the ‘Canes’ third try.
Kurtley Beale Waratahs
A desperate finish followed, but the ‘Tahs held on.
“We hung in there very well… it was a good win in the end,” Waratahs skipper Phil Waugh said.
“You’ve got to score points when you get the chances and fortunately tonight we were able to. We know we’ve still got a lot of work to do though. We still let the Hurricanes back into the game.”
The Waratahs had taken a commanding 19-5 advantage into the break after an opening period where they had looked far more polished than their hosts.
Beale provided the touch of class that opened up the Hurricanes for the Waratahs’ first try, firing a sweeping pass across the face of the advancing defence that pushed Horne into a yawning gap.
Quick to accept the invitation, the centre splintered the Hurricanes defence, before calmly feeding Sam Norton-Knight back on the inside for the fullback to score adjacent to the goal-posts.
The try, in the ninth minute, rocked the home crowd, and they were left stunned again 12 minutes later when Lote Tuqiri took the odds to gas around Hurricanes flanker Scott Waldrom in a cross-field run which yielded the Tahs’ second try.
In their efforts to rally, the Hurricanes then handed the Waratahs a third try, when Ma’a Nonu attempted to kick the ball in behind the advancing sky blue defensive line.
Fortunately for the visitors, the ball was blocked, bouncing up into Turner’s hands with 90 metres of open territory in front of him.
Although he appeared to have knocked the ball on prior to collecting it, the match officials failed to react, as the Waratahs flier raced the length of the field to score against the Hurricanes for the third successive year.
Perhaps feeling guilty, the Waratahs virtually gave the Hurricanes their only try of the first half, which came after No 8 Scott Fava threw an errant pass from behind a midfield scrum.
The ball was hacked through by the Hurricanes but, while Beale got back to recover possession, his hurried clearance under pressure was charged down by his opposite number Dan Kirkpatrick, with the 19-year-old debutante showing composure to regather the ball and score the try.
Earlier tonight, the Crusaders - who defeated the Waratahs in last year's Grand Final - also made a winning start to the 2009 competition, edging out the Chiefs 19-13 in Christchurch
For the NSW Waratahs: Tries by Sam Norton-Knight, Lote Tuqiri, Lachie Turner and Rob Horne; 3 conversions by Kurtley Beale
For the Hurricanes: Tries by Dan Kirkpatrick, Dane Coles and Hosea Gear; 2 conversions and a penalty goal by Kirkpatrick.
Halftime: NSW Waratahs 19, Hurricanes 5
Referee: Stuart Dickinson
ARU
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Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: Super 14
Super 14 Blues Defeat Force
February 14th 2009 09:27
After leading at halftime, the Western Force has conceded three second half tries at Subiaco Oval to sink to defeat on the opening night of the Investec Super 14 for the fourth straight year.
A nightmare 11-minute period after halftime saw the Auckland-based Blues score three tries without reply to turn a six-point deficit into a match-winning 25-14 advantage.
While the Force did get back to within striking distance when Matt Hockings was rewarded for good support play with a try after 57 minutes, the home side could close no further during a final 20 minutes that was punctuated by mistakes from both sides.
In the end, it was the dominance of the Blues forwards that ultimately held sway, denying Force attacking talismans Matt Giteau and the young James O’Connor the opportunity to swing the outcome.
“Too many mistakes,” Force skipper Nathan Sharpe lamented afterwards.
“We showed in patches that we can play pretty good football, but we made too many mistakes to play too much of it tonight!”
What makes the Force’s frustration even greater, is that they largely handled the best their visitors could throw at them in the first half, despite playing into a strong breeze.
The expected Blues dominance in the scrum through their All Black front row failed to materialize, while the visitors were guilty of some aimless kicking which denied them the opportunity to build up sustained pressure on the Force defence.
By contrast, the Force largely took the scoring opportunities that were on offer, establishing their 14-8 halftime lead after converting two of the three try-scoring opportunities they created in the first half.
Firstly prop AJ Whalley became the game’s unlikely first try-scorer, crashing across shortly after a superb no-look flick pass from Giteau had maintained the pressure on the Blues’ defence just out from the goal-line.
The try came after the Force had largely contained everything the Blues had thrown at them playing down-wind in the first period, with the visitors having gained just a penalty goal for their efforts prior to Whalley’s 16th minute try.
Back came the Blues, but a concerted assault on the Force goal-line in the 23rd minute came apart spectacularly when an errant pass found the Qantas Wallabies winger Drew Mitchell, who sprinted 95 metres to score a soul destroying try.
While Giteau’s second conversion pushed the Force out to a 14-3 lead, this was cut by five, six minutes later when Blues No 8 Chris Lowery crossed to mark his Super Rugby debut with a try.
The Blues nearly added to their tally seven minutes later when All Black winger Anthony Tuitavake evaded Mitchell, but Wallaby No 8 Richard Brown made a desperate last ditch tackle, and the New Zealander lost the ball as he attempted to stretch out and ground it over the goal-line.
It was a narrow escape, but the Force were unable to capitalise on the good fortune, although they did pick up a consolation point for their efforts.
The win allowed new coach Pat Lam to mark his debut with a win, which was the 100th achieved by the Blues in Super Rugby – just the second team to achieve that mark after the Crusaders.
For the Western Force: Tries by AJ Whalley, Drew Mitchell and Matt Hockings; 2 conversions by Matt Giteau.
For the Blues: Tries by Chris Lowery, Justin Collins, Anthony Boric and Taniela Moa; conversion by Jimmy Gopperth, penalty goal by Paul Williams
Referee: Bryce Lawrence
ARU
A nightmare 11-minute period after halftime saw the Auckland-based Blues score three tries without reply to turn a six-point deficit into a match-winning 25-14 advantage.
While the Force did get back to within striking distance when Matt Hockings was rewarded for good support play with a try after 57 minutes, the home side could close no further during a final 20 minutes that was punctuated by mistakes from both sides.
In the end, it was the dominance of the Blues forwards that ultimately held sway, denying Force attacking talismans Matt Giteau and the young James O’Connor the opportunity to swing the outcome.
“Too many mistakes,” Force skipper Nathan Sharpe lamented afterwards.
“We showed in patches that we can play pretty good football, but we made too many mistakes to play too much of it tonight!”
Cameron Shepherd
What makes the Force’s frustration even greater, is that they largely handled the best their visitors could throw at them in the first half, despite playing into a strong breeze.
The expected Blues dominance in the scrum through their All Black front row failed to materialize, while the visitors were guilty of some aimless kicking which denied them the opportunity to build up sustained pressure on the Force defence.
By contrast, the Force largely took the scoring opportunities that were on offer, establishing their 14-8 halftime lead after converting two of the three try-scoring opportunities they created in the first half.
Firstly prop AJ Whalley became the game’s unlikely first try-scorer, crashing across shortly after a superb no-look flick pass from Giteau had maintained the pressure on the Blues’ defence just out from the goal-line.
The try came after the Force had largely contained everything the Blues had thrown at them playing down-wind in the first period, with the visitors having gained just a penalty goal for their efforts prior to Whalley’s 16th minute try.
Back came the Blues, but a concerted assault on the Force goal-line in the 23rd minute came apart spectacularly when an errant pass found the Qantas Wallabies winger Drew Mitchell, who sprinted 95 metres to score a soul destroying try.
While Giteau’s second conversion pushed the Force out to a 14-3 lead, this was cut by five, six minutes later when Blues No 8 Chris Lowery crossed to mark his Super Rugby debut with a try.
The Blues nearly added to their tally seven minutes later when All Black winger Anthony Tuitavake evaded Mitchell, but Wallaby No 8 Richard Brown made a desperate last ditch tackle, and the New Zealander lost the ball as he attempted to stretch out and ground it over the goal-line.
It was a narrow escape, but the Force were unable to capitalise on the good fortune, although they did pick up a consolation point for their efforts.
The win allowed new coach Pat Lam to mark his debut with a win, which was the 100th achieved by the Blues in Super Rugby – just the second team to achieve that mark after the Crusaders.
For the Western Force: Tries by AJ Whalley, Drew Mitchell and Matt Hockings; 2 conversions by Matt Giteau.
For the Blues: Tries by Chris Lowery, Justin Collins, Anthony Boric and Taniela Moa; conversion by Jimmy Gopperth, penalty goal by Paul Williams
Referee: Bryce Lawrence
ARU
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Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: Super 14
Super 14 Brumbies Defeat Highlanders
February 14th 2009 09:09
The Brumbies have kicked off the Investec Super 14 on a winning note, pipping the Highlanders 33-31 in a desperate finish at Carisbrook in Dunedin tonight.
The win was finally secured by a 79th minute dropped goal from Brumbies flyhalf Christian Lealiifano after the visitors had been sluggish out of the blocks, then assumed control, only to go back into their shells again when the result seemed in the bag.
A Brumbies victory had seemed highly unlikely after an error-ridden opening 20 minutes which saw the locals do all of the scoring.
The Highlanders scored three tries during this period, with all three seemingly coming out of nothing as the home side capitalised on the mistakes of their visitors.
It says much for the belief that the new leadership combination of coach Andy Friend and skipper Stephen Hoiles has instilled within the Brumbies that the side was able to recover, but they won’t have been deceived.
Against a better side than the lowly rated Highlanders, there would have been no escape.
Ex-skipper Stirling Mortlock led the recovery mission in his own indomitable style, ramming his way over for the Brumbies first try of the season after 25th minute.
In doing so, the Qantas Wallabies skipper became just the second Australian (after Joe Roff) and only the seventh player to post 50 tries in Super Rugby.
Mortlock added try number 51 two minutes after halftime, again using his bulk and strength to force his way over from close range, and the Brumbies were back in business.
While the Highlanders had led 19-10 at halftime, the try straight after the resumption clearly rocked them, and they surrendered the lead five minutes later.
The Brumbies’ third try was scored by Mortlock’s centre partner Adam Ashley-Cooper, who exposed some weak defence as he brushed off two tackles to score adjacent to the goal-posts.
Mark Gerrard’s second conversion, which added to the two earlier penalty goals he had kicked, pushed the Brumbies out to a 25-19 advantage, which the fullback then extended by five off a sweetly-timed Mortlock pass.
The Gerrard try handed the Brumbies a bonus point, and raised 30 unanswered points in 27 minutes, but the game tightened up from this point.
After a period of stalemate, Highlanders prop Chris King grabbed his side’s fourth try, eight minutes from time, which was confirmed after a lengthy delay by the Television Match Official.
The try set up a grand stand finish, with the Highlanders reclaiming the lead, and seemingly setting themselves up for a remarkable comeback win, after replacement hooker Jason Rutledge burrowed his way across four minutes from time.
It was the Brumbies who displayed the greatest composure when it mattered however, setting themselves for a midfield dropped kick, which Lealiifano struck truly, to land his side the game.
Defeat was a bitter pill for the Highlanders to swallow after the courage they showed, especially losing their two leading All Blacks – skipper and halfback Jimmy Cowan and prop Jamie Mackintosh – to injuries prior to halftime.
The win was only the Brumbies’ second from six visits to Dunedin, but their eighth from 14 matches against the Highlanders overall.
It was also their 15th win from 36 Super Rugby matches in New Zealand.
The New Zealand side picked up two bonus points for finishing so close, but will be disappointed to have missed the chance for much more.
For the Brumbies: Tries by Stirling Mortlock (2), Adam Ashley-Cooper and Mark Gerrard; 2 conversions and 2 penalty goals by Gerrard, dropped goal by Christian Lealiifano.
For the Highlanders: Tries by Jason Shoemark, Fetu’u Vainikolo, Daniel Bowden, Chris King and Jason Rutledge; 3 conversions by Bowden.
Halftime: Highlanders 19, Brumbies 10
Referee: James Leckie
ARU
The win was finally secured by a 79th minute dropped goal from Brumbies flyhalf Christian Lealiifano after the visitors had been sluggish out of the blocks, then assumed control, only to go back into their shells again when the result seemed in the bag.
A Brumbies victory had seemed highly unlikely after an error-ridden opening 20 minutes which saw the locals do all of the scoring.
The Highlanders scored three tries during this period, with all three seemingly coming out of nothing as the home side capitalised on the mistakes of their visitors.
It says much for the belief that the new leadership combination of coach Andy Friend and skipper Stephen Hoiles has instilled within the Brumbies that the side was able to recover, but they won’t have been deceived.
Against a better side than the lowly rated Highlanders, there would have been no escape.
Christian Lealifano Brumbies
Ex-skipper Stirling Mortlock led the recovery mission in his own indomitable style, ramming his way over for the Brumbies first try of the season after 25th minute.
In doing so, the Qantas Wallabies skipper became just the second Australian (after Joe Roff) and only the seventh player to post 50 tries in Super Rugby.
Mortlock added try number 51 two minutes after halftime, again using his bulk and strength to force his way over from close range, and the Brumbies were back in business.
While the Highlanders had led 19-10 at halftime, the try straight after the resumption clearly rocked them, and they surrendered the lead five minutes later.
The Brumbies’ third try was scored by Mortlock’s centre partner Adam Ashley-Cooper, who exposed some weak defence as he brushed off two tackles to score adjacent to the goal-posts.
Mark Gerrard’s second conversion, which added to the two earlier penalty goals he had kicked, pushed the Brumbies out to a 25-19 advantage, which the fullback then extended by five off a sweetly-timed Mortlock pass.
The Gerrard try handed the Brumbies a bonus point, and raised 30 unanswered points in 27 minutes, but the game tightened up from this point.
After a period of stalemate, Highlanders prop Chris King grabbed his side’s fourth try, eight minutes from time, which was confirmed after a lengthy delay by the Television Match Official.
The try set up a grand stand finish, with the Highlanders reclaiming the lead, and seemingly setting themselves up for a remarkable comeback win, after replacement hooker Jason Rutledge burrowed his way across four minutes from time.
It was the Brumbies who displayed the greatest composure when it mattered however, setting themselves for a midfield dropped kick, which Lealiifano struck truly, to land his side the game.
Defeat was a bitter pill for the Highlanders to swallow after the courage they showed, especially losing their two leading All Blacks – skipper and halfback Jimmy Cowan and prop Jamie Mackintosh – to injuries prior to halftime.
The win was only the Brumbies’ second from six visits to Dunedin, but their eighth from 14 matches against the Highlanders overall.
It was also their 15th win from 36 Super Rugby matches in New Zealand.
The New Zealand side picked up two bonus points for finishing so close, but will be disappointed to have missed the chance for much more.
For the Brumbies: Tries by Stirling Mortlock (2), Adam Ashley-Cooper and Mark Gerrard; 2 conversions and 2 penalty goals by Gerrard, dropped goal by Christian Lealiifano.
For the Highlanders: Tries by Jason Shoemark, Fetu’u Vainikolo, Daniel Bowden, Chris King and Jason Rutledge; 3 conversions by Bowden.
Halftime: Highlanders 19, Brumbies 10
Referee: James Leckie
ARU
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Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: Super 14
Trial: Super 14 Reds Defeat Western Force
February 7th 2009 07:06
A David Pocock hat-trick and a 19-0 lead wasn't enough for the Western Force as a Digby Ioane-inspired Queensland stormed to a 22-19 Super 14 trial win at Ballymore.
It was a case of 'anything you can do I can do better' for Ioane who watched Wallabies teammate Pocock cross for three tries in 42 minutes before ripping the game away from the Force.
The dynamic winger scored his own hat-trick in a 17-minute period for the Reds to escape with an unlikely comeback victory to the delight of the 5,632-strong Brisbane crowd.
After giving Queensland the lead for the first time with a 74th-minute try off a superb Will Genia inside ball, Ioane snuffed out a gilt-edged Force counter-attack by marking a Haig Sare chip near the line.
In an entertaining but sometimes mistake-riddled match, both sides showed some of their best and worst but Force coach John Mitchell won't be too concerned by the defeat as the Reds turnaround came after he substituted Pocock, skipper Nathan Sharpe and playmaker Matt Giteau.
The Force lost halfback Josh Valentine on game day when they opted against risking a lingering hamstring strain, promoting teenage third-stringer Justin Turner.
It didn't take Turner long to make an impression, scooting off just the third ruck of the match, slicing through the thin defence and drawing a last defender to send Pocock over in the corner.
Pocock made it two within a quarter-hour by crossing with a powerful solo effort after receiving the ball virtually flat-footed 15m out.
The Zimbabwe-born, Queensland-raised forward, who the Reds last year chased hard to return to Brisbane, almost had a first-half hat-trick when fellow flanker TamaitiHorua barged through slack defence but his inside ball travelled forward to Pocock.
He didn't have to wait long in the second half though, with a turnover from QuadeCooper proving terribly costly for the Reds as the Force quickly punished with Giteau and Junior Pelesasa sending Pocock over with ease.
The Reds finally got on the board in the 50th minute when young lock RobSimmons dived over from a rolling maul.
The ball was slippery on a typically balmy Brisbane night but neither coach would have been pleased by the ball-handling on show, with even Giteau dropping a couple cold.
In the set pieces, the Force's superior line-out consistently frustrated the Reds' attacking throws but after a shaky start Queensland's scrum scored a marginal points victory.
QueenslandcoachPhilMooney lamented a string of wasted opportunities in the first half but was delighted with the improved composure on show after the break, plus Ioane's brilliance.
"Digby is such a dynamic athlete that we are always trying to get the ball in his hands, we couldn't do it in the first half but once we did in the second half he was outstanding," Mooney said.
"What a guy to have in your side."
Mitchell was unfazed by the scoreline, labelling it "irrelevant".
But while he could claim a moral victory on the first-half performance, he was critical of the Force's lack of precision in attack.
"If we were a bit more accurate in the first half we could have got more points on the board," the Force coach said.
AAP
It was a case of 'anything you can do I can do better' for Ioane who watched Wallabies teammate Pocock cross for three tries in 42 minutes before ripping the game away from the Force.
The dynamic winger scored his own hat-trick in a 17-minute period for the Reds to escape with an unlikely comeback victory to the delight of the 5,632-strong Brisbane crowd.
After giving Queensland the lead for the first time with a 74th-minute try off a superb Will Genia inside ball, Ioane snuffed out a gilt-edged Force counter-attack by marking a Haig Sare chip near the line.
In an entertaining but sometimes mistake-riddled match, both sides showed some of their best and worst but Force coach John Mitchell won't be too concerned by the defeat as the Reds turnaround came after he substituted Pocock, skipper Nathan Sharpe and playmaker Matt Giteau.
The Force lost halfback Josh Valentine on game day when they opted against risking a lingering hamstring strain, promoting teenage third-stringer Justin Turner.
It didn't take Turner long to make an impression, scooting off just the third ruck of the match, slicing through the thin defence and drawing a last defender to send Pocock over in the corner.
Pocock made it two within a quarter-hour by crossing with a powerful solo effort after receiving the ball virtually flat-footed 15m out.
The Zimbabwe-born, Queensland-raised forward, who the Reds last year chased hard to return to Brisbane, almost had a first-half hat-trick when fellow flanker TamaitiHorua barged through slack defence but his inside ball travelled forward to Pocock.
He didn't have to wait long in the second half though, with a turnover from QuadeCooper proving terribly costly for the Reds as the Force quickly punished with Giteau and Junior Pelesasa sending Pocock over with ease.
The Reds finally got on the board in the 50th minute when young lock RobSimmons dived over from a rolling maul.
The ball was slippery on a typically balmy Brisbane night but neither coach would have been pleased by the ball-handling on show, with even Giteau dropping a couple cold.
In the set pieces, the Force's superior line-out consistently frustrated the Reds' attacking throws but after a shaky start Queensland's scrum scored a marginal points victory.
QueenslandcoachPhilMooney lamented a string of wasted opportunities in the first half but was delighted with the improved composure on show after the break, plus Ioane's brilliance.
"Digby is such a dynamic athlete that we are always trying to get the ball in his hands, we couldn't do it in the first half but once we did in the second half he was outstanding," Mooney said.
"What a guy to have in your side."
Mitchell was unfazed by the scoreline, labelling it "irrelevant".
But while he could claim a moral victory on the first-half performance, he was critical of the Force's lack of precision in attack.
"If we were a bit more accurate in the first half we could have got more points on the board," the Force coach said.
AAP
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Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: Super 14
Trial: Super 14 Waratahs Defeat Brumbies
February 7th 2009 06:45
Last year's Investec Super 14 finalists are looking strong again.
The New South Wales Waratahs have concluded their on-field preparations for next week’s Investec Super 14 opener against the Hurricanes in Wellington by beating the ACT Brumbies 17-14 at the Sydney Football Stadium.
This allowed the Waratahs to finish with a perfect three and zero record from their pre-season, after earlier wins over the Reds and the Fiji Warriors.
Both sides scored two tries before a crowd of 8321 at the SFS in a contest that was filled with endeavour, but punctuated by the type of errors you would expect to see in a pre-season trial.
The Waratahs led 10-0 at halftime, with impressive backs Timana Tahu and Rob Horne combining for the only try of the first period, which was scored by Horne following a break by Tahu.
This advantage was extended to 17-0 after 57 minutes when Kurtley Beale, who’d moved out to inside centre for the second half, reacted first to reach a chip poked through by Daniel Halangahu.
While the Brumbies had lacked the cohesion and urgency of the Waratahs throughout the opening hour, the visitors came to life in the 66th minute when replacement halfback Patrick Phibbs broke out for flyhalf Christian Lealiifano to score.
The Brumbies scored again nine minutes later, when some slick work at the front of the lineout caught the Waratahs off guard, allowing the replacement hooker John Ulugia to crash across.
Lealiifano converted from touch and, while the big finish failed to catch the Waratahs on the night, it will have given the Brumbies some confidence ahead of their trip to Dunedin for the Investec Super 14 opener against the Highlanders next Friday night.
The Queensland Reds also produced a big finish tonight, but met with more success than the Brumbies, coming from 0-19 astern to run down the Western Force 22-19 at Ballymore.
The freakish contest saw two Qantas Wallabies score three tries, with flanker David Pocock dotting down three times for the Force, only to have the effort cancelled out by a second half hat-trick from Reds and Wallabies winger Digby Ioane.
The Force led 19-0 after 42 minutes, with Matt Giteau converting two of Pocock’s three tries, but failed to score again.
Ioane’s three tries were joined on the score card by a try from lock Rob Simmons and a conversion from Quade Cooper as the Reds gained a morale-boosting finish to their pre-season programme by chalking up their first win.
They had earlier run both the Waratahs and the Blues close.
Queensland starts the Super 14 in South Africa, and will take the confidence gained from tonight with them as they travel to Pretoria to meet the Bulls.
The Force, who gave their Qantas Wallabies contingent a first run for the season after they had all missed the earlier trial against the Crusaders, now return to Perth to prepare for an opening night match with the Blues of Auckland.
The Blues gained their second win of the pre-season programme earlier today when they came from 12-27 down at halftime to beat the Highlanders 45-34 in Auckland.
The curtain-raiser at the Sydney Football Stadium saw the Brumby Runners beat the Junior Waratahs 37-14.
AAP
The New South Wales Waratahs have concluded their on-field preparations for next week’s Investec Super 14 opener against the Hurricanes in Wellington by beating the ACT Brumbies 17-14 at the Sydney Football Stadium.
This allowed the Waratahs to finish with a perfect three and zero record from their pre-season, after earlier wins over the Reds and the Fiji Warriors.
Both sides scored two tries before a crowd of 8321 at the SFS in a contest that was filled with endeavour, but punctuated by the type of errors you would expect to see in a pre-season trial.
The Waratahs led 10-0 at halftime, with impressive backs Timana Tahu and Rob Horne combining for the only try of the first period, which was scored by Horne following a break by Tahu.
This advantage was extended to 17-0 after 57 minutes when Kurtley Beale, who’d moved out to inside centre for the second half, reacted first to reach a chip poked through by Daniel Halangahu.
While the Brumbies had lacked the cohesion and urgency of the Waratahs throughout the opening hour, the visitors came to life in the 66th minute when replacement halfback Patrick Phibbs broke out for flyhalf Christian Lealiifano to score.
The Brumbies scored again nine minutes later, when some slick work at the front of the lineout caught the Waratahs off guard, allowing the replacement hooker John Ulugia to crash across.
Lealiifano converted from touch and, while the big finish failed to catch the Waratahs on the night, it will have given the Brumbies some confidence ahead of their trip to Dunedin for the Investec Super 14 opener against the Highlanders next Friday night.
The Queensland Reds also produced a big finish tonight, but met with more success than the Brumbies, coming from 0-19 astern to run down the Western Force 22-19 at Ballymore.
The freakish contest saw two Qantas Wallabies score three tries, with flanker David Pocock dotting down three times for the Force, only to have the effort cancelled out by a second half hat-trick from Reds and Wallabies winger Digby Ioane.
The Force led 19-0 after 42 minutes, with Matt Giteau converting two of Pocock’s three tries, but failed to score again.
Ioane’s three tries were joined on the score card by a try from lock Rob Simmons and a conversion from Quade Cooper as the Reds gained a morale-boosting finish to their pre-season programme by chalking up their first win.
They had earlier run both the Waratahs and the Blues close.
Queensland starts the Super 14 in South Africa, and will take the confidence gained from tonight with them as they travel to Pretoria to meet the Bulls.
The Force, who gave their Qantas Wallabies contingent a first run for the season after they had all missed the earlier trial against the Crusaders, now return to Perth to prepare for an opening night match with the Blues of Auckland.
The Blues gained their second win of the pre-season programme earlier today when they came from 12-27 down at halftime to beat the Highlanders 45-34 in Auckland.
The curtain-raiser at the Sydney Football Stadium saw the Brumby Runners beat the Junior Waratahs 37-14.
AAP
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Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: Super 14
Trial: Super 14s Brumbies Defeat Hurricanes
February 2nd 2009 06:34
Brumbies halfback Josh Holmes gave an early indication he intends to challenge Luke Burgess for the Qantas Wallabies No.9 jersey in 2009 with a dominant display in a 28-14 win over the Hurricanes in the Super 14 trial at Canberra Stadium.
Holmes was in everything during his first half run and scored the only try of the first 40 in the 29th minute on a hot night in the national capital.
The No.9 was on the spot to crash over after 2008 revelation Tyrone Smith had made an incisive burst, Mark Gerrard's conversion giving the home side a 7-0 halftime lead.
The former Waratahs halfback also came close on two other occasions as the Brumbies began their new era under Andy Friend by dominating the territory and possession against an under strength Hurricanes side.
It wasn't all good news for the 22-year-old who was assisted off at halftime after taking a heavy knock following one of his trademark bursts.
Holmes has long been highly rated but is yet to realise his full potential, something he hoped would turn around when he switched to the Brumbies last year.
Burgess starred for the Waratahs last year but had a mixed debut international season, with his passing game coming under scrutiny.
Coach Friend made nine changes at halftime, including Holmes' replacement, ex-Western Force recruit James Stannard, and former Qantas Wallabies winger Clyde Rathbone, playing his first game for the Canberrans in nearly two years.
The Canes made 10 changes, including Cory Jane who scored his side's first try five minutes after the break to make it 7-7.
A try under the posts to Wallaby prop Ben Alexander put the Brumbies ahead again 14-7 but the visitors hit back three minutes later through Zac Guildford as the second favourites for this year's Super 14 title began to get the better of the Brumbies' Bs.
But the Brumbies third halfback to be used, Patrick Phibbs, sealed the win with a 76th minute five-pointer before Afusipa Taumoepeau scored out wide to make it 28-14.
Test stars Stirling Mortlock, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Stephen Moore and George Smith sat out the trial.
Friend confirmed man-of-the-match Holmes had suffered no serious injury.
"I thought he did really well, he had a good 40 minutes there," the coach said.
Holmes said his first priority was to secure the Brumbies' starting position.
"I wanted to get a bit more consistency and a bit more confidence this year and running the ball a bit more myself ... I definitely want to be a running halfback," he said.
"I definitely want to be the No.9 for the Brumbies but there's still a lot of work to go so I'll keep working hard at that.
"I'll take confidence away from this game."
Friend was pleased with his first night at the helm.
"The most important thing for us is we're playing our style of Rugby and I saw enough there today to say there's been a lot of intention in the stuff we've been putting in the last 14 weeks, we can get better at that," he said.
AAP
Holmes was in everything during his first half run and scored the only try of the first 40 in the 29th minute on a hot night in the national capital.
The No.9 was on the spot to crash over after 2008 revelation Tyrone Smith had made an incisive burst, Mark Gerrard's conversion giving the home side a 7-0 halftime lead.
The former Waratahs halfback also came close on two other occasions as the Brumbies began their new era under Andy Friend by dominating the territory and possession against an under strength Hurricanes side.
It wasn't all good news for the 22-year-old who was assisted off at halftime after taking a heavy knock following one of his trademark bursts.
Holmes has long been highly rated but is yet to realise his full potential, something he hoped would turn around when he switched to the Brumbies last year.
Burgess starred for the Waratahs last year but had a mixed debut international season, with his passing game coming under scrutiny.
Coach Friend made nine changes at halftime, including Holmes' replacement, ex-Western Force recruit James Stannard, and former Qantas Wallabies winger Clyde Rathbone, playing his first game for the Canberrans in nearly two years.
The Canes made 10 changes, including Cory Jane who scored his side's first try five minutes after the break to make it 7-7.
A try under the posts to Wallaby prop Ben Alexander put the Brumbies ahead again 14-7 but the visitors hit back three minutes later through Zac Guildford as the second favourites for this year's Super 14 title began to get the better of the Brumbies' Bs.
But the Brumbies third halfback to be used, Patrick Phibbs, sealed the win with a 76th minute five-pointer before Afusipa Taumoepeau scored out wide to make it 28-14.
Test stars Stirling Mortlock, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Stephen Moore and George Smith sat out the trial.
Friend confirmed man-of-the-match Holmes had suffered no serious injury.
"I thought he did really well, he had a good 40 minutes there," the coach said.
Holmes said his first priority was to secure the Brumbies' starting position.
"I wanted to get a bit more consistency and a bit more confidence this year and running the ball a bit more myself ... I definitely want to be a running halfback," he said.
"I definitely want to be the No.9 for the Brumbies but there's still a lot of work to go so I'll keep working hard at that.
"I'll take confidence away from this game."
Friend was pleased with his first night at the helm.
"The most important thing for us is we're playing our style of Rugby and I saw enough there today to say there's been a lot of intention in the stuff we've been putting in the last 14 weeks, we can get better at that," he said.
AAP
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Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: Super 14
Super 14s Reds Lose Trial To Blues
February 2nd 2009 05:28
Queensland's Reds fought back from 26-14 down to match the Blues in the try count but not on the scoreboard, losing their trial match 26-24 on Friday night.
Both Super 14 sides scored four tries but the visitors missed with a last minute conversion attempt that would have secured a draw.
Reds coach Phil Mooney was satisfied with the result, seeing enough progress despite some rustiness certain facets of play.
"The signs are very promising," Mooney said. "If we limit the turnovers we'll be much better."
Reds flyhalf Quade Cooper revelled in his return match, threatening the defence almost every time he had the ball.
He was happy with his first game back and said he couldn't wait for the competition to start.
"We've stepped up another level on last year, you could see out there today how far the boys have come compared to this time last year."
After a fumbling opening by both sides the Blues were first to score when fullback Paul Williams capitalised on some missed tackles inside him to cross in the corner.
As well as being over-anxious with their passing, the Reds also overdid the kicks, several times putting the ball out on the full.
The bright signs began to emerge midway through the half when Cooper's passing became more precise.
He put Braid into a gap with a last minute, pinpoint pass and then followed that with another to wing Digby Ioane that caused trouble for the defence.
Cooper finally opened the scoring himself when he wrestled his way over the line after a jinking run and then a deft Cooper chip kick gave Anthony Faingaa a try under the posts.
Cooper's second conversion gave the Reds a 14-7 halftime lead.
The Blues tied it up again just after halftime when the Reds were a man down, captain Greg Holmes yellow carded for what referee Garrett Williamson decided was one team foul too many.
Giant backrower Jerome Kaino crossed and Michael Hobbs converted.
Wing Rene Ranger put the Blues into the lead with a try when the Reds were back to full strength and Taniela Moa scored their fourth to put them out to 26-14.
Reds No.8 Leroy Houston pulled one back when he followed a jinking run by replacement wing Blair Connor but Cooper's conversion attempt was wide.
Some alert work by the Reds backs gave Connor room to again show his pace and evasive skills to cross for the final try of the match. However the conversion attempt by Ben Lucas missed and the Blues prevailed.
AAP
Both Super 14 sides scored four tries but the visitors missed with a last minute conversion attempt that would have secured a draw.
Reds coach Phil Mooney was satisfied with the result, seeing enough progress despite some rustiness certain facets of play.
"The signs are very promising," Mooney said. "If we limit the turnovers we'll be much better."
Reds flyhalf Quade Cooper revelled in his return match, threatening the defence almost every time he had the ball.
He was happy with his first game back and said he couldn't wait for the competition to start.
"We've stepped up another level on last year, you could see out there today how far the boys have come compared to this time last year."
After a fumbling opening by both sides the Blues were first to score when fullback Paul Williams capitalised on some missed tackles inside him to cross in the corner.
As well as being over-anxious with their passing, the Reds also overdid the kicks, several times putting the ball out on the full.
The bright signs began to emerge midway through the half when Cooper's passing became more precise.
He put Braid into a gap with a last minute, pinpoint pass and then followed that with another to wing Digby Ioane that caused trouble for the defence.
Cooper finally opened the scoring himself when he wrestled his way over the line after a jinking run and then a deft Cooper chip kick gave Anthony Faingaa a try under the posts.
Cooper's second conversion gave the Reds a 14-7 halftime lead.
The Blues tied it up again just after halftime when the Reds were a man down, captain Greg Holmes yellow carded for what referee Garrett Williamson decided was one team foul too many.
Giant backrower Jerome Kaino crossed and Michael Hobbs converted.
Wing Rene Ranger put the Blues into the lead with a try when the Reds were back to full strength and Taniela Moa scored their fourth to put them out to 26-14.
Reds No.8 Leroy Houston pulled one back when he followed a jinking run by replacement wing Blair Connor but Cooper's conversion attempt was wide.
Some alert work by the Reds backs gave Connor room to again show his pace and evasive skills to cross for the final try of the match. However the conversion attempt by Ben Lucas missed and the Blues prevailed.
AAP
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Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: Super 14
Matt Giteau Undecided Beyond 2009
January 9th 2009 00:23
Star Australian flyhalf Matt Giteau has confirmed he will see out his contract with the Western Force but admits he has no idea what his Super 14 future holds thereafter.
Rumours were rife that Giteau would return to the Brumbies in 2009 or move to French side Bayonne on a deal worth almost $10 million once his six figure deal with third-party sponsor Firepower collapsed.
But Giteau said he would now honour the final year of his contract with the Force and would wait until the end of the '09 season before making a decision on his next contract.
"I can say now that I'm committed to the Force for next year and I won't be making a decision on my future until next season is over," Giteau wrote in The Sunday Times.
"I never tried to get out of my contract legally because things get ugly when you start doing that and I didn't want to go there."
A third-party compensation package reportedly worth $1.6 million was put to Giteau once his Firepower deal collapsed but only on the condition he extended his stay with the Force until the end of 2011.
However, Giteau rejected the offer and said he was yet to decide whether to remain in Perth beyond '09.
"All I can say about why I didn't accept the new third party offer is that both parties wanted different things," Giteau wrote.
"There was nothing personal about it, I just wanted to see this year out first."It wasn't all about money.
"Everyone knows you have a short life span in sport and have to make the most of your opportunities, but my decision wasn't just about the money.
"I have been happy and I've enjoyed the two years at the Force and making a decision in the future will be difficult because I know I can still enjoy it in Perth.
"But as I said, before I decide anything I want to honour my contract."
The Force resume pre-season training on Monday but the future of head coach John Mitchell is still up in the air.
Mitchell, who is contracted until the end of 2011, has been placed on restricted duties following allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards employees.
The Force have set up an independent inquiry, led by retired West Australian Supreme Court Judge Robert Anderson QC, to investigate the allegations, with the findings expected by about mid-January.
AAP
05 Jan 2009
Rumours were rife that Giteau would return to the Brumbies in 2009 or move to French side Bayonne on a deal worth almost $10 million once his six figure deal with third-party sponsor Firepower collapsed.
But Giteau said he would now honour the final year of his contract with the Force and would wait until the end of the '09 season before making a decision on his next contract.
"I can say now that I'm committed to the Force for next year and I won't be making a decision on my future until next season is over," Giteau wrote in The Sunday Times.
"I never tried to get out of my contract legally because things get ugly when you start doing that and I didn't want to go there."
A third-party compensation package reportedly worth $1.6 million was put to Giteau once his Firepower deal collapsed but only on the condition he extended his stay with the Force until the end of 2011.
However, Giteau rejected the offer and said he was yet to decide whether to remain in Perth beyond '09.
"All I can say about why I didn't accept the new third party offer is that both parties wanted different things," Giteau wrote.
"There was nothing personal about it, I just wanted to see this year out first."It wasn't all about money.
"Everyone knows you have a short life span in sport and have to make the most of your opportunities, but my decision wasn't just about the money.
"I have been happy and I've enjoyed the two years at the Force and making a decision in the future will be difficult because I know I can still enjoy it in Perth.
"But as I said, before I decide anything I want to honour my contract."
The Force resume pre-season training on Monday but the future of head coach John Mitchell is still up in the air.
Mitchell, who is contracted until the end of 2011, has been placed on restricted duties following allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards employees.
The Force have set up an independent inquiry, led by retired West Australian Supreme Court Judge Robert Anderson QC, to investigate the allegations, with the findings expected by about mid-January.
AAP
05 Jan 2009
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Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: Super 14
Wallabies Return To Waratahs For 2009
January 5th 2009 23:02
Preparations for the HSBC Waratahs 2009 Super 14 campaign step up another gear today with a number of Wallabies joining the training squad for the first time.
Luke Burgess, Dean Mumm, Wycliff Palu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Timana Tahu, Lote Tuqiri and Lachie Turner all return to the training paddock, and will be joined by former Wallabies forwards coach Michael Foley.
"We're really on the doorstep of the season now," said Head Coach Chris Hickey. "We had a really hard and productive seven weeks leading into the Christmas and New Year break and now it's time to pick that up another level.
"We're less than three weeks away from our first trial against the Reds and less than six weeks away from the start of the tournament so there's a lot to do, not much time but there's a really good feeling about the place and everyone's excited about the weeks ahead."
Hickey stated how impressed he was with the commitment of the squad over the Christmas-New Year break, with great results from testing conducted ahead of this afternoon's first full team run.
"All of the players have remained on active individual programs since the team's last group session on 19 December, and the testing we've done has shown some players have recorded physical improvements and even PBs since then which is great news," said Hickey. "The Wallabies rejoining the squad certainly know just how hard everyone has been working back here and the competition for places in the team is really going to intensify over the coming weeks."
Adam Freier, Brett Sheehan, Al Baxter, Benn Robinson and Phil Waugh will join the squad over the coming week, while Sekope Kepu and Matt Dunning are recovering from surgery.
The Waratahs play their first trial on 24 January against the Reds in Toowoomba, and their first Super 14 match against the Hurricanes on 14 February.
Media Release
NSW Rugby Union
Luke Burgess, Dean Mumm, Wycliff Palu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Timana Tahu, Lote Tuqiri and Lachie Turner all return to the training paddock, and will be joined by former Wallabies forwards coach Michael Foley.
"We're really on the doorstep of the season now," said Head Coach Chris Hickey. "We had a really hard and productive seven weeks leading into the Christmas and New Year break and now it's time to pick that up another level.
"We're less than three weeks away from our first trial against the Reds and less than six weeks away from the start of the tournament so there's a lot to do, not much time but there's a really good feeling about the place and everyone's excited about the weeks ahead."
Phil Waugh 2008 Final
Hickey stated how impressed he was with the commitment of the squad over the Christmas-New Year break, with great results from testing conducted ahead of this afternoon's first full team run.
"All of the players have remained on active individual programs since the team's last group session on 19 December, and the testing we've done has shown some players have recorded physical improvements and even PBs since then which is great news," said Hickey. "The Wallabies rejoining the squad certainly know just how hard everyone has been working back here and the competition for places in the team is really going to intensify over the coming weeks."
Adam Freier, Brett Sheehan, Al Baxter, Benn Robinson and Phil Waugh will join the squad over the coming week, while Sekope Kepu and Matt Dunning are recovering from surgery.
The Waratahs play their first trial on 24 January against the Reds in Toowoomba, and their first Super 14 match against the Hurricanes on 14 February.
Media Release
NSW Rugby Union
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Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: Super 14
South African Referees Dominate Investec Super 14
December 15th 2008 14:42
Australian Stuart Dickinson has been added to the SANZAR Merit Based panel of referees for the 2009 Super 14
South Africans account for four of the nine referees in the inaugural Merit Panel of officials announced by SANZAR on Monday to take charge of next season's Investec Super 14 Rugby matches.
South Africa New Zealand Australia Rugby (SANZAR) announced last month that it would use referees on merit rather than on nationality to officiate in the southern hemisphere provincial Super 14 series in 2009.
It means referees will no longer be barred from refereeing their countrymen in matches against a team from another nation.
The move was made to ensure the best players would be refereed by the best officials, SANZAR said.
South Africans Marius Jonker, Craig Joubert,Jonathan Kaplan and Mark Lawrence head the pool, which also includes Australians Stuart Dickinson, Matt Goddard and James Leckie and New Zealanders Bryce Lawrence and Steve Walsh.
SANZAR said the group would control at least 75 per cent of matches in the tournament while a back-up panel of seven referees had been selected to officiate when Six Nations appointments, injury or unavailability make Merit Panel officials unavailable.
It said changes may be made to the panel during the season depending on the outcome of regular assessments by the referees' selectors.
AFP/AAP
15th Dec 2008
South Africans account for four of the nine referees in the inaugural Merit Panel of officials announced by SANZAR on Monday to take charge of next season's Investec Super 14 Rugby matches.
South Africa New Zealand Australia Rugby (SANZAR) announced last month that it would use referees on merit rather than on nationality to officiate in the southern hemisphere provincial Super 14 series in 2009.
It means referees will no longer be barred from refereeing their countrymen in matches against a team from another nation.
The move was made to ensure the best players would be refereed by the best officials, SANZAR said.
South Africans Marius Jonker, Craig Joubert,Jonathan Kaplan and Mark Lawrence head the pool, which also includes Australians Stuart Dickinson, Matt Goddard and James Leckie and New Zealanders Bryce Lawrence and Steve Walsh.
SANZAR said the group would control at least 75 per cent of matches in the tournament while a back-up panel of seven referees had been selected to officiate when Six Nations appointments, injury or unavailability make Merit Panel officials unavailable.
It said changes may be made to the panel during the season depending on the outcome of regular assessments by the referees' selectors.
AFP/AAP
15th Dec 2008
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Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: Super 14
Super 14: Round 6 Fixtures - Holi Days
March 22nd 2008 00:30
...and Easter egg-cellence...
HIGHLANDERS (NZ) v WESTERN FORCE
at Queenstown Events Centre
Live on LIVE at 12:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Highlanders 8-7 in Perth, February 2007
The Force is strong with this won...so who's your daddy now huh?
...this is a Force to be reckoned with and the Highlanders better not forget that. Actually the Force better not forget that either. Don't forget boys...a match is a game of 2 halves not a game played by halves. Except that damn flyhalf Giteau will probably do it all again.
That's okay. He'll be back as a Brumby soon...
Although the Highlanders have yet to win a match...they have also yet to lose a match badly. This is not a weak team, just a team that is not as strong. Big difference.
May the Force be with you...by 7 points.
**********
BLUES (NZ) v STORMERS (SA)
at Eden Park, Auckland
Live on LIVE at 3:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Stormers 33-20, in Cape Town, April 2007
Hmm... the question one must ask oneself, a tad pompous and onnoxiously is...do I care?
Hmmm...not really.
Eenie, meenie, minie mo...pick the team that's got to go. Okay. Stormers it is.
Blues to win.
**********
CHIEFS (NZ) v BULLS (SA)
in Rotorua at 5.35pm
Last meeting: Bulls 30-27, in Pretoria, February 2007
Aaah the Bulls. The defending champions. How great they were...
Chiefs to win.
**********
QLD REDS v LIONS (SA)
in Johannesburg
Live on LIVE at 2:00am AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Lions 26-20, in Brisbane, March 2007
That lion is no match for that angry Koala.
The Reds are feeling goooood after their fantastic 40-8 win over the Bulls last week and in the Rugby jungle...the Lion sleeps every night. No brainer.
Reds to win.
***************************** ****
Although I very much appreciate your participation and comments, I am suffering from blogging interaction overload.
I have checked myself into Bloghab.
Therefore I choose to close the Comments Section indefinitely. Such a loss I know... Thank you for your time.
Thank you for clicking this;
Round 6: Saturday March 22
HIGHLANDERS (NZ) v WESTERN FORCE
at Queenstown Events Centre
Live on LIVE at 12:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Highlanders 8-7 in Perth, February 2007
The Force is strong with this won...so who's your daddy now huh?
...this is a Force to be reckoned with and the Highlanders better not forget that. Actually the Force better not forget that either. Don't forget boys...a match is a game of 2 halves not a game played by halves. Except that damn flyhalf Giteau will probably do it all again.
That's okay. He'll be back as a Brumby soon...
Although the Highlanders have yet to win a match...they have also yet to lose a match badly. This is not a weak team, just a team that is not as strong. Big difference.
May the Force be with you...by 7 points.
**********
BLUES (NZ) v STORMERS (SA)
at Eden Park, Auckland
Live on LIVE at 3:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Stormers 33-20, in Cape Town, April 2007
Hmm... the question one must ask oneself, a tad pompous and onnoxiously is...do I care?
Hmmm...not really.
Eenie, meenie, minie mo...pick the team that's got to go. Okay. Stormers it is.
Blues to win.
**********
CHIEFS (NZ) v BULLS (SA)
in Rotorua at 5.35pm
Last meeting: Bulls 30-27, in Pretoria, February 2007
Aaah the Bulls. The defending champions. How great they were...
Chiefs to win.
**********
Sunday March 23
QLD REDS v LIONS (SA)
in Johannesburg
Live on LIVE at 2:00am AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Lions 26-20, in Brisbane, March 2007
That lion is no match for that angry Koala.
The Reds are feeling goooood after their fantastic 40-8 win over the Bulls last week and in the Rugby jungle...the Lion sleeps every night. No brainer.
Reds to win.
***************************** ****
Although I very much appreciate your participation and comments, I am suffering from blogging interaction overload.
I have checked myself into Bloghab.
Therefore I choose to close the Comments Section indefinitely. Such a loss I know...
Thank you for your time.Thank you for clicking this;
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Super 14: Round 6 Good Friday Results
March 21st 2008 21:00
Please note: results and pics only.
Reviews will be added and post expanded later. Maybe.
The Waratahs could have won. No really, they could have. If the game was 5 minutes long.
- "This pose is called The Danlander, better known as That-Brilliant-Pretty-Boy-is- Going-To-Get-That-Kick-That-Prick"
*********************
Guess who was on the sidelines??????
Stephen Larkham!!!!!!!!!
...yes I did watch the match...kind of lost focus for a while there...but snapped back because I got scared the Cheetahs might win this at the end.
It got too close for comfort.
Reviews will be added and post expanded later. Maybe.
Crusaders 34 - 7 Waratahs
The Waratahs could have won. No really, they could have. If the game was 5 minutes long.
- "This pose is called The Danlander, better known as That-Brilliant-Pretty-Boy-is- Going-To-Get-That-Kick-That-Prick"
Aww, it's alright mate...we can't all be Stephen Larkham. There can only be One. And the Tahs might win someday...
*********************
Brumbies 29 - 23 Cheetahs
Guess who was on the sidelines??????
Stephen Larkham!!!!!!!!!
...yes I did watch the match...kind of lost focus for a while there...but snapped back because I got scared the Cheetahs might win this at the end.
It got too close for comfort.
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Super 14: Round 6 Fixtures - Great Friday!
March 21st 2008 00:00
Big big BIG matches on today/tonight.
...there will be blood. There will be sin. Befitting really.
Round 6: Friday March 21
CRUSADERS (NZ) v NSW WARATAHS
at AMI Stadium, Christchurch,
Live on LIVE at 5:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Crusaders 34-33 in Sydney, March 2007
Ohhhkayyyyy. This is the biggest test of the Tahs lives. Yes it is that dramatic.
The Tahs are coming off a bye and are without their new star, League convert, Timana Tahu (out with a
The Crusaders will.
The Tahs may have won 3 from 4 matches so far but at the moment they're all Terry Malloy on the waterfront. The Tahs have yet to cement the suspicion that they are real contenders. Perhaps this is their strategy.
The Crusadsacks are coming off an easy kill v The Cheetahs but looked a little mind-tricked by the Force 2 weeks ago. So they're not invulnerable. Just unstoppable.
Still...I don't think that this will be a massacre. The Tahs will draw blood too. Alas their pen(alties) will not be mightier than the Crusaders swords... Sorry folks. For the Tahs to win this, the at-full-strength-and-on-home- ground Crusadists will all have to retire. Yesterday.
Crusaders by 12 pints...er...I mean...points.
Crusaders:
Forwards;
Mose Tuiali'i, Richard McCaw (capt), Kieran Read, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Greg Somerville, Corey Flynn, Ben Franks.
Backs
Leon MacDonald, Scott Hamilton, Casey Laulala, Tim Bateman, Kade Poki, Daniel Carter, Andrew Ellis,
Reserves:
Ti'i Paulo, Wyatt Crockett, Michael Paterson, Nasi Manu, Kahn Fotuali'i, Caleb Ralph, Sean Maitland.
Waratahs:
Forwards:
Wycliff Palu, Phil Waugh (capt), *Rocky Elsom*, Dan Vickerman, Dean Mumm, Matt Dunning, Adam Freier, Sekope Kepu.
Backs:
Lachie Turner, Alfi Mafi, Ben Jacobs, Tom Carter, Lote Tuqiri, Kurtley Beale, Brett Sheehan,
Reserves:
Tatafu Polota-Nau, Al Baxter, Will Caldwell, Beau Robinson, Josh Valentine, Sam Harris, Rob Horne, Benn Robinson.
*Rocky Elsom* - hasn't left yet...refer previous post.
***************************** *****
CHEETAHS (SA) v BRUMBIES
at Canberra Stadium,
Live on LIVE at 7:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Cheetahs 38-20 in Bloemfontein, March 2007
Hmmmm...even though the heavily depleted Brumbies are still fairly depleted...I don't see them losing to The Cheetahs.
...because let's face it...if the Brumbies lose to the so far winless Cheetahs...they might as well give up the ghost (of Larkham, Gregan, Paul....and Young...aaah music to my ears) and go home.
Oh wait. They are at home. And they've got the heavy power of Forwards back in the pack. Oh wow. The Brumbies might...
...because face it...if they don't...they might as well leave home.
Brumbies by 10
...because 10 was my favourite Rugby number...what? You were expecting an educated guess? Puh-lease.
Brumbies:
Forwards:
Stephen Hoiles, George Smith (c), Mitchell Chapman, Mark Chisholm, Peter Kimlin, Salesi Maafu, Huia Edmonds, Nic Henderson.
Backs:
Mark Gerrard, Peter Playford, Sanualio Afeaki, Tyrone Smith, Fracis Fainifo, Christian Lealiifano, Josh Holmes,
Reserves:
John Ulugia, Guy Shepherdson, Alister Campbell, Julian Salvi, Patrick Phibbs, Afusipa Taumoepeau, Matt Toomua.
Cheetahs:
Who cares?
***************************** *****
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Super 14: Round 5 results
March 19th 2008 03:30
One may ask what's the point of posting the results now? So late in the week and quite a few days after the round ended?
Well one can ask all they want. Doesn't change the fact that they're here, they're clear, get used to it.
...but apologies for my laxity. I know y'all just hang out for what I have to report. Just like you can't get enough of Victoria Beckham's political opinion...
Aneewayyy...apologies also for the results without review but I'm currently on...oh what the hell... I'm lazy okay?
(Commentary in green; please refer to previous post)
Round 5 Results:
Stormers (SA) 35 - 26 Chiefs (NZ)
Told you.
Hurricanes (NZ) 33 - 15 Brumbies
Wish I hadn't told you...
Western Force 27 - 17 Blues (NZ)
Don't I say I didn't tell you.
Crusaders (NZ) 55 - 7 Cheetahs (SA)
And I quote (myself);
Reds 40 - 8 Bulls (SA)
Damn. Wish I had told you....but again I quote;
Sharks (SA) 16 - 8 Lions (SA)
Could there have been a more appropriate result??
The Sharks 8 the Lions...!!!
The NSW Waratahs and the Highlanders (NZ) had a bye week last week.
*********************
images courtesy of Rugby Heaven
*********************
Although I very much appreciate your participation and comments, blogging interaction has become the anagram Louis Vuitton of time. It's a luxury item.
Therefore I choose to close the Comments Section indefinitely. Such a loss I know... Thank you for your time.
Thank you for clicking this;
Well one can ask all they want. Doesn't change the fact that they're here, they're clear, get used to it.
...but apologies for my laxity. I know y'all just hang out for what I have to report. Just like you can't get enough of Victoria Beckham's political opinion...
Aneewayyy...apologies also for the results without review but I'm currently on...oh what the hell... I'm lazy okay?
(Commentary in green; please refer to previous post)
Round 5 Results:
Stormers (SA) 35 - 26 Chiefs (NZ)
Told you.
Hurricanes (NZ) 33 - 15 Brumbies
Wish I hadn't told you...
Western Force 27 - 17 Blues (NZ)
Hello? My ball. The Force is with me. In fact I am the Force...and as soon as I return to The Brumbies, I will be on the good side again...
Don't I say I didn't tell you.
Crusaders (NZ) 55 - 7 Cheetahs (SA)
And I quote (myself);
Oh come on! Is this a Rugby match or a public flogging?
...but...are the Crusaders getting cocky and therefore complacent? If so, the Cheetahs may stand a chance. About as much chance as I have of getting picked for the Wallabies. It could happen but only if I'm the last human left standing.
Crusaders by default. Goliath wins this.
...but...are the Crusaders getting cocky and therefore complacent? If so, the Cheetahs may stand a chance. About as much chance as I have of getting picked for the Wallabies. It could happen but only if I'm the last human left standing.
Crusaders by default. Goliath wins this.
Reds 40 - 8 Bulls (SA)
The Rugby version of When High Fives Go Wrong
Damn. Wish I had told you....but again I quote;
Last Meeting: Bulls 92-3 in Pretoria, May 5, 2007
This stat is no joke.
I don't think it will be as bad as their last meeting but the Reds need to get angry...otherwise that koala is going to say "you clipped us" (say it fast)...
Really really want the Reds to win. I don't think they will....but stranger things have happened.
This stat is no joke.
I don't think it will be as bad as their last meeting but the Reds need to get angry...otherwise that koala is going to say "you clipped us" (say it fast)...
Really really want the Reds to win. I don't think they will....but stranger things have happened.
Sharks (SA) 16 - 8 Lions (SA)
Could there have been a more appropriate result??
The Sharks 8 the Lions...!!!
The NSW Waratahs and the Highlanders (NZ) had a bye week last week.
*********************
images courtesy of Rugby Heaven
*********************
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Super 14: Round 5 Fixtures (scrum-ptious pi)
March 14th 2008 02:00
Happy International Pi Day Everyone!....and that would be pi as in the mathematical constant...not meat/potatoe/cherry.
Why today March 14?
Well...Pi Day is observed on March 14 (3/14 in American date format), due to pi being equal to roughly 3.14.
Cool huh? On with the sweet as pi and just as briliant Super 14... and apologies for the lack of commentary. I'm halfway up a mountain that looked like a molehill...
*********************
Friday March 14th
Chiefs (NZ) v Stormers (SA)
Waikato Stadium, Hamilton,
LIVE at 5:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: February 16, 2007 (Cape Town) – Stormers 21-16 Chiefs
Did the Stormers get lucky v the Reds last week?...or are they really playing Rugby? The Chiefs may be running out of steam.
Stormers to win.
Hurricanes (NZ) v The Brumbies
at Canberra Stadium, Canberra,
LIVE at 7:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Hurricanes 11-10 in Wellington, February 23, 2007
Oh boy. The forecast calls for pain. For the Brumbies to win this...they needStephen Larkham a miracle Stephen Larkham. And they need to win this. (2nd last match before their bye)
They're on home ground but the Canes are looking dangerous. Anywhere.
Go The Brumbies!! Even if they don't win...
*********************
Saturday March 15th
Blues (NZ) v Western Force
at North Harbour Stadium, Auckland,
LIVE at 3:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Blues 33-6 in Perth, May 4, 2007
The Force didn't lose too badly v The Crusaders last week. Let's hope they grow from that because the Blues are feeling bruised after their loss to the Sharks.
Blues will win. Just in case they don't...The Force will.
Crusaders (NZ) v Cheetahs (SA)
at AMI Stadium, Christchurch,
LIVE at 5:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Crusaders 49-28 in Bloemfontein, February 24, 2007
Oh come on! Is this a Rugby match or a public flogging?
...but...are the Crusaders getting cocky and therefore complacent? If so, the Cheetahs may stand a chance. About as much chance as I have of getting picked for the Wallabies. It could happen but only if I'm the last human left standing.
Crusaders by default. Goliath wins this.
Qld Reds v Bulls (SA)
at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane 8.05pm
LIVE at 7:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
Last Meeting: Bulls 92-3 in Pretoria, May 5, 2007
This stat is no joke.
I don't think it will be as bad as their last meeting but the Reds need to get angry...otherwise that koala is going to say "you clipped us" (say it fast)...
Really really want the Reds to win. I don't think they will....but stranger things have happened. Their full strength side lost against the Foals (Brumbies...).
*********************
Sunday March 16th
LIONS (SA) v SHARKS (SA)
at Ellis Park, Johannesburg,
LIVE at 2:00am AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Sharks 33-3 in Durban, April 28, 2007
Daaaaa dum. Daaaaa dum. dun dun dun dun dun...you know where I'm going with this right?
As Brody (Roy Scheider RIP) would tell the Lions...you're gonna need a bigger boot.
Sharks to win by 2 arms and a leg.
*********************
BYE: NSW WARATAHS, HIGHLANDERS (NZ)
*********************
Although I very much appreciate your participation and comments, blogging interaction has become the anagram Louis Vuitton of time. It's a luxury item.
Therefore I choose to close the Comments Section indefinitely. Such a loss I know... Thank you for your time.
Thank you for clicking this;
Why today March 14?
Well...Pi Day is observed on March 14 (3/14 in American date format), due to pi being equal to roughly 3.14.
Cool huh? On with the sweet as pi and just as briliant Super 14... and apologies for the lack of commentary. I'm halfway up a mountain that looked like a molehill...
*********************
Friday March 14th
Chiefs (NZ) v Stormers (SA)
Waikato Stadium, Hamilton,
LIVE at 5:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: February 16, 2007 (Cape Town) – Stormers 21-16 Chiefs
Did the Stormers get lucky v the Reds last week?...or are they really playing Rugby? The Chiefs may be running out of steam.
Stormers to win.
Hurricanes (NZ) v The Brumbies
at Canberra Stadium, Canberra,
LIVE at 7:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Hurricanes 11-10 in Wellington, February 23, 2007
Oh boy. The forecast calls for pain. For the Brumbies to win this...they need
They're on home ground but the Canes are looking dangerous. Anywhere.
Go The Brumbies!! Even if they don't win...
*********************
Saturday March 15th
Blues (NZ) v Western Force
at North Harbour Stadium, Auckland,
LIVE at 3:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Blues 33-6 in Perth, May 4, 2007
The Force didn't lose too badly v The Crusaders last week. Let's hope they grow from that because the Blues are feeling bruised after their loss to the Sharks.
Blues will win. Just in case they don't...The Force will.
Crusaders (NZ) v Cheetahs (SA)
at AMI Stadium, Christchurch,
LIVE at 5:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Crusaders 49-28 in Bloemfontein, February 24, 2007
Oh come on! Is this a Rugby match or a public flogging?
...but...are the Crusaders getting cocky and therefore complacent? If so, the Cheetahs may stand a chance. About as much chance as I have of getting picked for the Wallabies. It could happen but only if I'm the last human left standing.
Crusaders by default. Goliath wins this.
Qld Reds v Bulls (SA)
at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane 8.05pm
LIVE at 7:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
Last Meeting: Bulls 92-3 in Pretoria, May 5, 2007
This stat is no joke.
I don't think it will be as bad as their last meeting but the Reds need to get angry...otherwise that koala is going to say "you clipped us" (say it fast)...
Really really want the Reds to win. I don't think they will....but stranger things have happened. Their full strength side lost against the Foals (Brumbies...).
*********************
Sunday March 16th
LIONS (SA) v SHARKS (SA)
at Ellis Park, Johannesburg,
LIVE at 2:00am AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Sharks 33-3 in Durban, April 28, 2007
Daaaaa dum. Daaaaa dum. dun dun dun dun dun...you know where I'm going with this right?
As Brody (Roy Scheider RIP) would tell the Lions...you're gonna need a bigger boot.
Sharks to win by 2 arms and a leg.
*********************
BYE: NSW WARATAHS, HIGHLANDERS (NZ)
*********************
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Super 14 2008: Round 4 Stats
March 14th 2008 00:30
Please click on tables for large view.
Yep. Still can't figure out how to embed/create tables within the body of the post! Oh well. All you have to do is click. You know how to click don't you?
Ladder:
P = Played
W = Won
D = Drawn
L = Lost
PF = Points For
PA = Points Against
PD = Points Differential
BP = Bonus Points
Points are awarded in all Super 14 matches as follows:
Win: 4 points
Draw: 2 points
Loss: 1 point, for a loss by a margin of seven or fewer points
Loss: 0 points
Bonus: 1 point, for scoring at least four tries
******************************
Top Point Scorers:
******************************
Top Try Scorers:
******************************
info courtesy of ARU
******************************
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Super 14: Round 4 Results - The Tahs Reign
March 10th 2008 21:10
...all over my beloved Brumbies parade.
I'll spare you the rundown and just give you the results.
Friday 07/03
HURRICANES (NZ) 10 - 6 HIGHLANDERS (NZ)
Told you. (refer Preview post...every time I write "told you")
Carisbrook still is the House of Pain but for the Highlanders only. They couldn't catch a break even if it was stuck to their hands.
If they started playing productive Rugby instead of tactical stupidity they might.
They should have won this match according to territory (77%) and possesion (63%) stats but they didn't so they remain leading contenders for the 2008 Wooden Spoon.
NSW WARATAHS 24 - 17 BRUMBIES 17
Obviously Waratahs like monsoonal conditions. It rained for what seemed like forty days and forty nights...but was just forty minutes on both sides of the half-time break.
Oh well...it's not like the Tahs have never beaten the Brumbies before on Tah home ground...
and they're still a long way away from convincing anyone that they're in the Super 14 championship running.
The rain didn't dampen tempers. Phew...they flew. As well as fists. I'm convinced that players were looking to get yellow-carded so that they could sit in the sin bin!
The Brumbies were in the lead at half-time 17-10 but ran out of horsepower. And I had to go out so I didn't watch the 2nd half. Whoops. No big loss. And neither was the score.
Felt very sorry for the fans though...Friday night in Sydney was paradise. If you're a dam.
********************
Saturday 08/03
BULLS (SA) 31 - 17 LIONS (SA)
As testament to how good the Bulls are (or how bad the Lions are...but I'm nice), they won this despite having 2 players in the sin bin for 10 minutes each.
Took some time for the Bulls to grab themselves by the horns but once they did, the Lions were left behind.
Still...the Lions managed to get tries in against the defending Champions and that's always reason to be optimistic in the face of a loss.
CHIEFS (NZ) 22 - 20 CHEETAHS (SA)
The Chiefs were losing 0-17 at halftime...then they got tribal and played a second half which appeased the Gods.
QLD REDS 16 - 34 STORMERS (SA)
Hmmm....the Reds lost to the Stormers. Blunders will never cease to amaze me...
********************
Sunday 09/03
SHARKS (SA) 22 - 17 BLUES (NZ)
Hmmm...the Blues lost to the Sharks. New Zealanders never fail to amuse me...
CRUSADERS (NZ) 29 - 24 WESTERN FORCE
I told you. I told you!! (refer Review post. Oh what the hell, I'll just quote myself)
So close, so close. And pretty boy flyhalf (Carter not Gits. Not this time) was having a bit of an off night.
Unfortunately the Crusaders remain just far too good for their own good.
********************
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I'll spare you the rundown and just give you the results.
Friday 07/03
HURRICANES (NZ) 10 - 6 HIGHLANDERS (NZ)
Told you. (refer Preview post...every time I write "told you")
Carisbrook still is the House of Pain but for the Highlanders only. They couldn't catch a break even if it was stuck to their hands.
If they started playing productive Rugby instead of tactical stupidity they might.
They should have won this match according to territory (77%) and possesion (63%) stats but they didn't so they remain leading contenders for the 2008 Wooden Spoon.
NSW WARATAHS 24 - 17 BRUMBIES 17
Obviously Waratahs like monsoonal conditions. It rained for what seemed like forty days and forty nights...but was just forty minutes on both sides of the half-time break.
Oh well...it's not like the Tahs have never beaten the Brumbies before on Tah home ground...
and they're still a long way away from convincing anyone that they're in the Super 14 championship running.
The rain didn't dampen tempers. Phew...they flew. As well as fists. I'm convinced that players were looking to get yellow-carded so that they could sit in the sin bin!
The Brumbies were in the lead at half-time 17-10 but ran out of horsepower. And I had to go out so I didn't watch the 2nd half. Whoops. No big loss. And neither was the score.
Felt very sorry for the fans though...Friday night in Sydney was paradise. If you're a dam.
********************
Saturday 08/03
BULLS (SA) 31 - 17 LIONS (SA)
As testament to how good the Bulls are (or how bad the Lions are...but I'm nice), they won this despite having 2 players in the sin bin for 10 minutes each.
Took some time for the Bulls to grab themselves by the horns but once they did, the Lions were left behind.
Still...the Lions managed to get tries in against the defending Champions and that's always reason to be optimistic in the face of a loss.
CHIEFS (NZ) 22 - 20 CHEETAHS (SA)
The Chiefs were losing 0-17 at halftime...then they got tribal and played a second half which appeased the Gods.
QLD REDS 16 - 34 STORMERS (SA)
Hmmm....the Reds lost to the Stormers. Blunders will never cease to amaze me...
********************
Sunday 09/03
SHARKS (SA) 22 - 17 BLUES (NZ)
Hmmm...the Blues lost to the Sharks. New Zealanders never fail to amuse me...
CRUSADERS (NZ) 29 - 24 WESTERN FORCE
I told you. I told you!! (refer Review post. Oh what the hell, I'll just quote myself)
Common sense and knowledge says the Crusaders will win.
Uncommon sense of absurdity and a healthy dose of crazy says...the Force may stand a chance.
Uncommon sense of absurdity and a healthy dose of crazy says...the Force may stand a chance.
So close, so close. And pretty boy flyhalf (Carter not Gits. Not this time) was having a bit of an off night.
Unfortunately the Crusaders remain just far too good for their own good.
********************
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Comments (1) Super 14: Round 4 Fixtures
March 7th 2008 03:07
It's International Women's Day today!...although why have only one day to celebrate our magnificence when there's 365 days (leap year...) left?
Sorry the first 2 matches are not in chronological order. I'm sure you'll understand why. If not, please read the Fuschia Mission Statement.
*********************
Friday March 7th
NSW WARATAHS v THE (Mighty) BRUMBIES
Aussie Stadium, Sydney
LIVE at 7:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Brumbies 36-10 in Canberra, April 8, 2007
This is a HUGE match. The proverbial Clash of The Titans.
Unfortunately, this match...it's looking more like the Clash of The Light-'uns.
The baby back-lines give new meaning to dummy passes!
The average age of the Tahs backline is just 23. The average age for the Brumbies backline is 24 years. Sure, this may mean a new exciting era but in Rugby, it feels like junior club Rugby.
Thank God for the Forwards.
The Brumbies were back with a vengeance last week (thanks to Stephen Larkham. No this isn't a gratuitous mention. refer this post). It was their best performance this season, Forwards and Backs in Super grunt form.
...but The Brumbies have been rocked with more bad news (refer this post: Julian Huxley) and now the question is...how will The Brumbies respond to Huxley's loss emotionally?
Nature is culling the mighty Brumbies...Huxley's indefinite spell out of the game makes him the 6th Brumbies Back on the sidelines, as they endure not only the loss of the legendary Larkham and Gregan but also a horrible run of injuries, in only the 4th week of the Super 14 season.
The Tahs too are battling injuries, suffering a blow wth the withdrawal of Winger Timana Tahu with a hamstringproblem, but Fullback Lachlan Turner's shoulder has been okayed to get damaged another day.
....and they did the seemingly impossible last week v The Highlanders, winning a close hard fought match. They're currently sitting 4th on the ladder.
...but as was shown last week, The Mighty Brumbies never say die. I only hope the rookies have absorbed this creed because this is the Tahs Annual Blood Drive. Did I mention they're on home ground?
BRUMBIES:
Forwards:
1. Nic Henderson; 2. Saia Faingaa; 3. Silesi Ma'afu; 4. Adam Wallace-Harrison; 5. Mark Chisholm; 6. Mitchell Chapman; 7. George Smith; 8. Stephen Hoiles
Backs:
10. Patrick Phibbs; 10. Christian Lealiifano; 11. Francis Fainifo; 12. Tyrone Smith; 13. Sanualio Afeaki; 14. Peter Playford; 15. Mark Gerrard
Reserves:
16 Huia Edmonds; 17 Ben Alexander; 18 Peter Kimlin; 19 Julian Salvi; 20 Josh Holmes; 21 Afusipa Taumoepeau; 22 Tim Wright
WARATAHS:
Forwards:
1. Sekope Kepu; 2. Adam Freier; 3. Matt Dunning; 4. Will Caldwell; 5. Daniel Vickerman;
6. Rocky Elsom; 7. Phil Waugh; 8. Wycliff Palu
Backs:
9. Brett Sheehan; 10. Kurtley Beale 11. Lote Tuqiri; 12. Tom Carter; 13. Ben Jacobs;
14. Alfi Mafi; 15. Lachlan Turner
Reserves:
16. Tatafu Polota-Nau; 17. Al Baxter 18. Dean Mumm; 19. Beau Robinson; 20. Luke Burgess; 21. Sam Harris; 21. Sam Horne; 22. Tim Wright
Can't predict this and not only because I was wrong last week. This match could go either way and I'm not being coy.
Keep in mind the 2 vital factors;
1. the home ground advantage for the Tahs
2. how the Brumbies will respond to Huxley's loss
I hope Stephen Larkham is there tonight.
_____________________________ __________
HIGHLANDERS (NZ) v HURRICANES (NZ)
at Carisbrook, Dunedin
LIVE at 5:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Hurricanes 22-21 in Wellington, April 27, 2007
The Hurricanes have been hit with injury woes and the Highlanders have yet to win a match, albeit because they too are missing a lot of key players.
The Hurricanes are gathering strength. The Highlanders are trying to build up but it won't be enough. Again.
Hurricanes will win.
********************
Saturday March 8th
BULLS (SA) v LIONS (SA)
at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
LIVE at 4:00am AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Bulls 31-7 in Johannesburg, April 21, 2007
The Bulls are finding it harder to maintain Champion status and are currently sitting 10th on the ladder....but v The Lions? No contest. The Bulls are King of this jungle
Bulls will gore the Lions.
_____________________________ _________
CHIEFS (NZ) v CHEETAHS (SA)
at Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
LIVE at 5:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: 22-22 in Bloemfontein, March 2, 2007
Both teams lost their matches last week but the Chiefs still have more grunt. The Cheetahs are fast but need to sharpen their attack claws.
Chiefs will eat Cheetah meat.
_____________________________ __________
QUEENSLAND REDS v STORMERS (SA)
at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
LIVE at 7:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Stormers 37-24 in Cape Town, April 28, 2007
Well...the angry koala got thumped last week v The (understrength) Brumbies and I'm sure they can't bear the humiliation. Particularly because they've been doing so well.
The Reds season depends on this match. They cannot afford to lose this and although it looks like easy picking against the winless Stormers, the Stormers didn't lose too badly v The Crusaders last week. It wasn't the trouncing I had expected.
The Stormers merely lost 22-0, instead of Gazillion-nil.
Please note that they last time these 2 played, the Stormers won but...you're only as good as your last match. Cripes. They're both in trouble.
Reds to withstand the storm.
********************
Sunday March 9th
SHARKS (SA) v BLUES (NZ)
at Absa Stadium, Durban,
LIVE at 4:00am AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Sharks 34-18 in Durban, semi-final, May 12, 2007
The match of the round. Both sides remain unbeaten...but that will change with this match! Someone's got to lose.
Blues are currently at the top of the ladder because traitorous ex Brumbies Coach David Nucifora is spilling Brumbies trade secrets. Okay that's not true but I like the sound of my keyboard tapping.
...but...the Blues haven't won in Durban since '04 and the Sharks have beaten the Blues 6 times out of 10 matches. Heavee stats people. The Sharks chomped the Bulls last week but maybe they'll get the Blues this week?
Blues to bruise.
_____________________________ __
CRUSADERS (NZ) v WESTERN FORCE
at Subiaco Oval, Perth,
LIVE at 7:00pm AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Crusaders 53-0 in Christchurch, April 7, 2007
3 interesting facts;
1) with every Crusaders win...Australian fans are feeling happier and happier. How can this be you ask? Well, Deans is the new Australian Coach...and his success bodes well for us right?
I don't agree. Robbie is stealing precious Australian time.
2) Force Coach John Mitchell faces his former All Black coaching partner Deans. Will they say "G'day mate" to each other or "fush and chups"?
3) Matt Giteau comes up against Dan Carter in what is (could be if Gits becomes the Wallabies #10) the beginning of a long rivalry at Super 14 and Test level.
What will Deans make of it? Will he be watching Gits? He says not. Dumbass liar.
Will he tell Giteau Carter's secrets? Will he sabotage us or salvage us? Will he stop saying fush and chups?
Crusaders are on a mission and they're not missing a trick, although they could be missing brilliant captain Richie McCaw and should be missing Dan Carter who should have better things to do like try on new lipstick or something...God I'm bad...
The Force haven't been doing too badly but against the Crusaders, that's like saying the molehill doesn't look too small against the mountain.
I really don't know what to say.
Common sense and knowledge says the Crusaders will win.
Uncommon sense of absurdity and a healthy dose of crazy says...the Force may stand a chance.
******************************
Please Note:
Although I have reopened the Comments Section, I cannot guarantee that I will respond quickly/as soon as possible/ever to any comment/s left.
I very much appreciate your participation and comment/s but I do not have the luxury of blogging interaction time. Please don't think me rude. I'm realistic.
I will endeavour (ooh big word) to answer any questions/respond asap. Thank you for your time.
Thank you for clicking this;
Sorry the first 2 matches are not in chronological order. I'm sure you'll understand why. If not, please read the Fuschia Mission Statement.
*********************
Friday March 7th
NSW WARATAHS v THE (Mighty) BRUMBIES
Aussie Stadium, Sydney
LIVE at 7:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Brumbies 36-10 in Canberra, April 8, 2007
This is a HUGE match. The proverbial Clash of The Titans.
Unfortunately, this match...it's looking more like the Clash of The Light-'uns.
The baby back-lines give new meaning to dummy passes!
The average age of the Tahs backline is just 23. The average age for the Brumbies backline is 24 years. Sure, this may mean a new exciting era but in Rugby, it feels like junior club Rugby.
Thank God for the Forwards.
The Brumbies were back with a vengeance last week (thanks to Stephen Larkham. No this isn't a gratuitous mention. refer this post). It was their best performance this season, Forwards and Backs in Super grunt form.
...but The Brumbies have been rocked with more bad news (refer this post: Julian Huxley) and now the question is...how will The Brumbies respond to Huxley's loss emotionally?
Nature is culling the mighty Brumbies...Huxley's indefinite spell out of the game makes him the 6th Brumbies Back on the sidelines, as they endure not only the loss of the legendary Larkham and Gregan but also a horrible run of injuries, in only the 4th week of the Super 14 season.
The Tahs too are battling injuries, suffering a blow wth the withdrawal of Winger Timana Tahu with a hamstringproblem, but Fullback Lachlan Turner's shoulder has been okayed to get damaged another day.
....and they did the seemingly impossible last week v The Highlanders, winning a close hard fought match. They're currently sitting 4th on the ladder.
...but as was shown last week, The Mighty Brumbies never say die. I only hope the rookies have absorbed this creed because this is the Tahs Annual Blood Drive. Did I mention they're on home ground?
BRUMBIES:
Forwards:
1. Nic Henderson; 2. Saia Faingaa; 3. Silesi Ma'afu; 4. Adam Wallace-Harrison; 5. Mark Chisholm; 6. Mitchell Chapman; 7. George Smith; 8. Stephen Hoiles
Backs:
10. Patrick Phibbs; 10. Christian Lealiifano; 11. Francis Fainifo; 12. Tyrone Smith; 13. Sanualio Afeaki; 14. Peter Playford; 15. Mark Gerrard
Reserves:
16 Huia Edmonds; 17 Ben Alexander; 18 Peter Kimlin; 19 Julian Salvi; 20 Josh Holmes; 21 Afusipa Taumoepeau; 22 Tim Wright
WARATAHS:
Forwards:
1. Sekope Kepu; 2. Adam Freier; 3. Matt Dunning; 4. Will Caldwell; 5. Daniel Vickerman;
6. Rocky Elsom; 7. Phil Waugh; 8. Wycliff Palu
Backs:
9. Brett Sheehan; 10. Kurtley Beale 11. Lote Tuqiri; 12. Tom Carter; 13. Ben Jacobs;
14. Alfi Mafi; 15. Lachlan Turner
Reserves:
16. Tatafu Polota-Nau; 17. Al Baxter 18. Dean Mumm; 19. Beau Robinson; 20. Luke Burgess; 21. Sam Harris; 21. Sam Horne; 22. Tim Wright
Can't predict this and not only because I was wrong last week. This match could go either way and I'm not being coy.
Keep in mind the 2 vital factors;
1. the home ground advantage for the Tahs
2. how the Brumbies will respond to Huxley's loss
I hope Stephen Larkham is there tonight.
_____________________________ __________
HIGHLANDERS (NZ) v HURRICANES (NZ)
at Carisbrook, Dunedin
LIVE at 5:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Hurricanes 22-21 in Wellington, April 27, 2007
The Hurricanes have been hit with injury woes and the Highlanders have yet to win a match, albeit because they too are missing a lot of key players.
The Hurricanes are gathering strength. The Highlanders are trying to build up but it won't be enough. Again.
Hurricanes will win.
********************
Saturday March 8th
BULLS (SA) v LIONS (SA)
at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
LIVE at 4:00am AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Bulls 31-7 in Johannesburg, April 21, 2007
The Bulls are finding it harder to maintain Champion status and are currently sitting 10th on the ladder....but v The Lions? No contest. The Bulls are King of this jungle
Bulls will gore the Lions.
_____________________________ _________
CHIEFS (NZ) v CHEETAHS (SA)
at Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
LIVE at 5:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: 22-22 in Bloemfontein, March 2, 2007
Both teams lost their matches last week but the Chiefs still have more grunt. The Cheetahs are fast but need to sharpen their attack claws.
Chiefs will eat Cheetah meat.
_____________________________ __________
QUEENSLAND REDS v STORMERS (SA)
at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
LIVE at 7:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Stormers 37-24 in Cape Town, April 28, 2007
Well...the angry koala got thumped last week v The (understrength) Brumbies and I'm sure they can't bear the humiliation. Particularly because they've been doing so well.
The Reds season depends on this match. They cannot afford to lose this and although it looks like easy picking against the winless Stormers, the Stormers didn't lose too badly v The Crusaders last week. It wasn't the trouncing I had expected.
The Stormers merely lost 22-0, instead of Gazillion-nil.
Please note that they last time these 2 played, the Stormers won but...you're only as good as your last match. Cripes. They're both in trouble.
Reds to withstand the storm.
********************
Sunday March 9th
SHARKS (SA) v BLUES (NZ)
at Absa Stadium, Durban,
LIVE at 4:00am AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Sharks 34-18 in Durban, semi-final, May 12, 2007
The match of the round. Both sides remain unbeaten...but that will change with this match! Someone's got to lose.
Blues are currently at the top of the ladder because traitorous ex Brumbies Coach David Nucifora is spilling Brumbies trade secrets. Okay that's not true but I like the sound of my keyboard tapping.
...but...the Blues haven't won in Durban since '04 and the Sharks have beaten the Blues 6 times out of 10 matches. Heavee stats people. The Sharks chomped the Bulls last week but maybe they'll get the Blues this week?
Blues to bruise.
_____________________________ __
CRUSADERS (NZ) v WESTERN FORCE
at Subiaco Oval, Perth,
LIVE at 7:00pm AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Crusaders 53-0 in Christchurch, April 7, 2007
3 interesting facts;
1) with every Crusaders win...Australian fans are feeling happier and happier. How can this be you ask? Well, Deans is the new Australian Coach...and his success bodes well for us right?
I don't agree. Robbie is stealing precious Australian time.
2) Force Coach John Mitchell faces his former All Black coaching partner Deans. Will they say "G'day mate" to each other or "fush and chups"?
3) Matt Giteau comes up against Dan Carter in what is (could be if Gits becomes the Wallabies #10) the beginning of a long rivalry at Super 14 and Test level.
What will Deans make of it? Will he be watching Gits? He says not. Dumbass liar.
Will he tell Giteau Carter's secrets? Will he sabotage us or salvage us? Will he stop saying fush and chups?
Crusaders are on a mission and they're not missing a trick, although they could be missing brilliant captain Richie McCaw and should be missing Dan Carter who should have better things to do like try on new lipstick or something...God I'm bad...
The Force haven't been doing too badly but against the Crusaders, that's like saying the molehill doesn't look too small against the mountain.
I really don't know what to say.
Common sense and knowledge says the Crusaders will win.
Uncommon sense of absurdity and a healthy dose of crazy says...the Force may stand a chance.
******************************
Please Note:
Although I have reopened the Comments Section, I cannot guarantee that I will respond quickly/as soon as possible/ever to any comment/s left.
I very much appreciate your participation and comment/s but I do not have the luxury of blogging interaction time. Please don't think me rude. I'm realistic.
I will endeavour (ooh big word) to answer any questions/respond asap. Thank you for your time.
Thank you for clicking this;
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Super 14 2008: Round 3 Stats
March 6th 2008 23:00
BIG match tonight (Fri 07/03 AEST time)...BRUMBIES v NSW WARATAHS.
Question is...how will the Brumbies react under emotional pressure? (please refer to previous post).
Round 4 Previews Coming Next.
********
Please click on tables for large view.
Sorry, still can't figure out how to embed/create tables within the body of the post!
Ladder:
P = Played
W = Won
D = Drawn
L = Lost
PF = Points For
PA = Points Against
PD = Points Differential
BP = Bonus Points
Points are awarded in all Super 14 matches as follows:
Win: 4 points
Draw: 2 points
Loss: 1 point, for a loss by a margin of seven or fewer points
Loss: 0 points
Bonus: 1 point, for scoring at least four tries
******************************
Top Point Scorers:
Why is that pretty boy so damn good??
******************************
Top Try Scorers:
Go the Brumbies Forwards!!
******************************
info courtesy of ARU
******************************
Please Note:
Although I have reopened the Comments Section, I cannot guarantee that I will respond quickly/as soon as possible/ever to any comment/s left.
I appreciate your participation and comments but I no longer have the luxury of blogging interaction time. I will do my best to respond when possible and will endeavour (ooh big word) to answer any questions asap. Thank you for your time.
Thank you for clicking this;
Question is...how will the Brumbies react under emotional pressure? (please refer to previous post).
Round 4 Previews Coming Next.
********
Please click on tables for large view.
Sorry, still can't figure out how to embed/create tables within the body of the post!
Ladder:
P = Played
W = Won
D = Drawn
L = Lost
PF = Points For
PA = Points Against
PD = Points Differential
BP = Bonus Points
Points are awarded in all Super 14 matches as follows:
Win: 4 points
Draw: 2 points
Loss: 1 point, for a loss by a margin of seven or fewer points
Loss: 0 points
Bonus: 1 point, for scoring at least four tries
******************************
Top Point Scorers:
Why is that pretty boy so damn good??
******************************
Top Try Scorers:
Go the Brumbies Forwards!!
******************************
info courtesy of ARU
******************************
Please Note:
Although I have reopened the Comments Section, I cannot guarantee that I will respond quickly/as soon as possible/ever to any comment/s left.
I appreciate your participation and comments but I no longer have the luxury of blogging interaction time. I will do my best to respond when possible and will endeavour (ooh big word) to answer any questions asap. Thank you for your time.
Thank you for clicking this;
| 126 |
| Vote |
Okay. So I Was Wrong (but Thank God for Larkham)
March 1st 2008 21:00
...and did you realise that "okay" is the world's best word? It's so versatile.
It can be used as a noun:
"DuskDevi gave her not so okay opinion as to who will win"
As an adjective:
"DuskDevi did an okay job predicting last week's winners but not so okay this week"
It can be used as a verb:
"Did DuskDevi do okay?"
As an adverb:
"DuskDevi is doing okay after realising she was wrong"
Or as an affirmation:
"Okay. I suck."
...but I digress. Plus I'm not so sure I've got the above examples right. Well, it is 2am...
Yes. I was wrong. So wrong that if the Brumbies want to rip my club membership up I'll hand deliver them the shredder. And here's what I had for dinner...
I wasn't wrong about everyone (again, 3 out of 5)...just the ones that matter.
Please Note: This is a brief review. Results and apologies only.
********************
Brumbies 43 - 11 Qld Reds
Match played Sat March 1st at 7:30pm at Canberra Stadium
- The main reason why I hang my head in shame. Not just because I'm having a bad hair day after losing my hat. I said the Reds would win...
The Brumbies won. they won!...and they won so well and so deservedly...
..I...I am mortified I could have ever doubted them. Oh God of Rugby-ing please forgive me. I forgot that the team that had Larkham and Gregan as its champions will never say die.
Besides Larkham was on the sidelines.
Brumbies 2-try hero Mark Chisolm said his side...had been inspired by a pre-match pep-talk from Brumbies legend Stephen Larkham.
And I did say;
Chisholm's quote above was in reference to the horrible injury that struck teammate #15 Julian Huxley.
Huxley was taken to hospital for precautionary scans on his neck after a front-on tackle on Reds lock James Horwill in just the 3rd minute of the match, 'connected' badly.
(One of the main reasons why Backs should never tackle Forwards or if doing so, always go for the knees.)
The match was held up for about 6 minutes as medical staff attended to a convulsing Huxley, which was just awful.
I know I call Huxley all manner of names ("naff ponce", "pansy boy" jonny wilkinson", etc) but I don't mean any of that. He's a good kid, a good Human, a good Rugby player and oh God I hope he's okay.
Huxley's loss seemed to "inspire" The Brumbies who ensured the Reds went home win-less again and retained the Rod Macqueen Cup (named after the legendary former Brumbies and Wallabies Coach).
The Brumbies scored 6 tries to 1 and Mark Chisholm was da bomb! (do people still say that?)
Leading 10-3 at halftime, the mega horsepowered Brumbies extended the lead to 17-6 when Chisolm danced through a gaping hole to go over uncontested in the 50th minute.
The lead was 24-6 when Chsiholm got his second in the 58th minutes after a textbook flick pass from George Smith allowed the ball to be played wide and deep.
Chisolm's second half double was complemented by tries to Mark Gerrard, Ben Alexander, Peter Playford and Stephen Hoiles.
Gerrard, who was named Man-of-the-Match after replacing the injured Huxley at Fullback, converted 5 of the tries and also booted a penalty goal.
Brilliant match. Brilliant win. Brilliant Brumbies.
As for the Reds...they're having trouble digesting their hats. Join the club. The losers who have had their membership ripped up club.
***************************
Friday Feb 29th:
Hurricanes (NZ) 39 - 19 Chiefs (NZ)
- I said they would win. Also said they don't matter to me...
History repeating. The Hurricanes kept it together despite surrendering to their own eye of the storm and losing their ferocity half way.
Saturday March 1st:
Western Force 18 - 16 Lions (SA)
- Another one right. A narrow win and not the best performance but a win nonetheless. Now the Force can say that it's definitely with them, over all the South African teams.
Crusaders (NZ) 22 - 0 Stormers (SA)
- I said the Crusaders would win by 400. 2 2=4...
It was a done deal from the moment their names got picked to play this match.
NSW Waratahs 15 - 12 Highlanders (NZ)
- The second reason why I ate mytah backwards hat.
Ugly match as befitting a game played in the House of Pain (Carisbrook, Dunedin) and that weather was paradise for masochists.
Tahs #8 Wycliff Palu was the hero...even if he got sinbinned for punching a Highlander. Yep. Still a hero (although that could have proved costly for the Tahs).
Kurtley Beale still sucks but the Waratahs managed to do what I thought they could never do. Win a match in Dunedin against the Highlanders. Win a match. Fullstop.
********************
At time of writing this sorry excuse of a post, these matches were still to be played (overnight AEST):
CHEETAHS (SA) v BLUES (NZ)
BULLS (SA) v SHARKS (SA)
*************
Will be back with news about Huxley's condition as I see/hear/know it.
Thank you for clicking this;
It can be used as a noun:
"DuskDevi gave her not so okay opinion as to who will win"
As an adjective:
"DuskDevi did an okay job predicting last week's winners but not so okay this week"
It can be used as a verb:
"Did DuskDevi do okay?"
As an adverb:
"DuskDevi is doing okay after realising she was wrong"
Or as an affirmation:
"Okay. I suck."
...but I digress. Plus I'm not so sure I've got the above examples right. Well, it is 2am...
Yes. I was wrong. So wrong that if the Brumbies want to rip my club membership up I'll hand deliver them the shredder. And here's what I had for dinner...
I wasn't wrong about everyone (again, 3 out of 5)...just the ones that matter.
Please Note: This is a brief review. Results and apologies only.
********************
Brumbies 43 - 11 Qld Reds
Match played Sat March 1st at 7:30pm at Canberra Stadium
- The main reason why I hang my head in shame. Not just because I'm having a bad hair day after losing my hat. I said the Reds would win...
The Brumbies won. they won!...and they won so well and so deservedly...
..I...I am mortified I could have ever doubted them. Oh God of Rugby-ing please forgive me. I forgot that the team that had Larkham and Gregan as its champions will never say die.
Besides Larkham was on the sidelines.
Brumbies 2-try hero Mark Chisolm said his side...had been inspired by a pre-match pep-talk from Brumbies legend Stephen Larkham.
Before the game Stephen Larkham came to talk to us and said, 'when one man goes down there's a whole 21 of us back on the field and on the bench that are going to pick up his spot' and the blokes that came off the bench did that.
And I did say;
Reds will win...
...but just in case the mere presence of Larkham is a blessing for these guys...
Go The Brumbies!!
...but just in case the mere presence of Larkham is a blessing for these guys...
Go The Brumbies!!
Chisholm's quote above was in reference to the horrible injury that struck teammate #15 Julian Huxley.
Huxley was taken to hospital for precautionary scans on his neck after a front-on tackle on Reds lock James Horwill in just the 3rd minute of the match, 'connected' badly.
(One of the main reasons why Backs should never tackle Forwards or if doing so, always go for the knees.)
The match was held up for about 6 minutes as medical staff attended to a convulsing Huxley, which was just awful.
I know I call Huxley all manner of names ("naff ponce", "pansy boy" jonny wilkinson", etc) but I don't mean any of that. He's a good kid, a good Human, a good Rugby player and oh God I hope he's okay.
Huxley's loss seemed to "inspire" The Brumbies who ensured the Reds went home win-less again and retained the Rod Macqueen Cup (named after the legendary former Brumbies and Wallabies Coach).
The Brumbies scored 6 tries to 1 and Mark Chisholm was da bomb! (do people still say that?)
Leading 10-3 at halftime, the mega horsepowered Brumbies extended the lead to 17-6 when Chisolm danced through a gaping hole to go over uncontested in the 50th minute.
The lead was 24-6 when Chsiholm got his second in the 58th minutes after a textbook flick pass from George Smith allowed the ball to be played wide and deep.
Chisolm's second half double was complemented by tries to Mark Gerrard, Ben Alexander, Peter Playford and Stephen Hoiles.
Gerrard, who was named Man-of-the-Match after replacing the injured Huxley at Fullback, converted 5 of the tries and also booted a penalty goal.
Brilliant match. Brilliant win. Brilliant Brumbies.
As for the Reds...they're having trouble digesting their hats. Join the club. The losers who have had their membership ripped up club.
***************************
Friday Feb 29th:
Hurricanes (NZ) 39 - 19 Chiefs (NZ)
- I said they would win. Also said they don't matter to me...
History repeating. The Hurricanes kept it together despite surrendering to their own eye of the storm and losing their ferocity half way.
Saturday March 1st:
Western Force 18 - 16 Lions (SA)
- Another one right. A narrow win and not the best performance but a win nonetheless. Now the Force can say that it's definitely with them, over all the South African teams.
Crusaders (NZ) 22 - 0 Stormers (SA)
- I said the Crusaders would win by 400. 2 2=4...
It was a done deal from the moment their names got picked to play this match.
NSW Waratahs 15 - 12 Highlanders (NZ)
- The second reason why I ate my
Ugly match as befitting a game played in the House of Pain (Carisbrook, Dunedin) and that weather was paradise for masochists.
Tahs #8 Wycliff Palu was the hero...even if he got sinbinned for punching a Highlander. Yep. Still a hero (although that could have proved costly for the Tahs).
Kurtley Beale still sucks but the Waratahs managed to do what I thought they could never do. Win a match in Dunedin against the Highlanders. Win a match. Fullstop.
********************
At time of writing this sorry excuse of a post, these matches were still to be played (overnight AEST):
CHEETAHS (SA) v BLUES (NZ)
BULLS (SA) v SHARKS (SA)
*************
Will be back with news about Huxley's condition as I see/hear/know it.
Thank you for clicking this;
| 110 |
| Vote |
Super 14: Round 3 Fixtures
February 29th 2008 00:00
Happy Leap Year Day everyone!
Not sure what this means you can do, other than leap frogs, puddles and tall buildings (well this is a Super post...).
Oh yeah...the ladeez can propose. A toast?
On with the games...
*********************
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 29
HURRICANES (NZ) v CHIEFS (NZ)
at Westpac Stadium, Wellington
LIVE at 5:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Hurricanes 39-32, in Hamilton, February 2007
The Chiefs got lucky last week with their win over The Waratahs. Yes I know I give the Tahs a lot of grief but if it wasn't for the last minute penalty (handed on a platter with bells on by the Tahs)...Tahs Coach, Ewen McKenzie would have been back in hospital...
Hurricanes caned Qld last week. And the match wasn't pretty either... Don't really care who wins at this stage but I flipped a coin anyway. (plus history says so...)
Hurricanes to win.
********************
SATURDAY, MARCH 1
WESTERN FORCE v LIONS (SA)
at Ellis Park, Johannesburg
LIVE at 3:30am AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Lions 25-24, in Perth, February '07
Apparently, the Lions remain the only South African team that hasn't been beatenup by Matt Henjak by the Force.
What does it all mean?
Pride has no place with the Force?
hahahahahahahahahahahaahahaha hahahaha!!!...ahhh sheesh...I'm funny...
Anyway, the Lions are feeling the Blues after being thrashed by them. Wounded pride makes them dangerous. Still...Gits was on fire last week and Cameron Shepherd is back at fullback, moving Drew Mitchell to wing where he does the most damage.
Force to win.
_________________
CRUSADERS (NZ) v STORMERS (SA)
at Newlands, Cape Town.
LIVE at 5:30am AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Crusaders 36-11 in Christchurch, March 2007
Ho hum. Does anyone really care? We all know this is a done deal...or is it?
Believe it or not, The Stormers have actually had themselves a can of Crusaders whup ass, way back in '06...but The Stormers haven't whipped up any wins so far this year and The Crusaders...well, they're out to get the Holy Grail.
Crusaders by 400.
____________________
HIGHLANDERS (NZ) v NSW WARATAHS
at Carisbrook, Dunedin
LIVE at 5:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Highlanders 26-25, in Sydney, April 2007
Oh my God. Carisbrook is the House of Pain.
...and the Tahs are already in pain with the loss of Prop snArL Baxter and the Highlanders pack is as scary as a Scot denied his brew on Hogmanay.
Pudding aka Matt Dunning has moved to Tighthead, which means that the Tahs are going to get penalised for not engaging and Pudding will kiss the ground and then he'll cry.
AND...Kurtley Beale sucks. Larkham's successor his ass...umption.
Highlanders haven't won a match...but that will change. Sorry Tahs, but I'm picking the Highlanders to win.
(NB. If the Tahs win...I'll eat my Tah backwards.)
_________________
QLD REDS v BRUMBIES
at Canberra Stadium, Canberra
LIVE at 7:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Brumbies 6-3, Brisbane, February 2007
May The God of Rugby-ing forgive me for this lack of faith but...Fisher didn't use the answer tomy his prayers.
Larkham would have been the Saviour.
The Brumbies are hurting, they're hurting bad and the Reds are looking good to win their first ever match in Canberra.
(The Reds have won only once in 13 matches v The Brumbies.)
Comparing the Reds backline to the Brumbies...I'll take Ferrari horsepower over equine speed. And that Angry Koala is a bear back rider...
Reds will win. Fisher to beg for forgiveness.
...but just in case the mere presence of Larkham is a blessing for these guys...
Go The Brumbies!!
___________________
SUNDAY, MARCH 2
CHEETAHS (SA) v BLUES (NZ)
in Bloemfontein, SA.
LIVE at 2:00am AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Blues 26-8, in Auckland, April 2007
The Blues are bruising their opponents and the Cheetahs are just not good enough to land one.
Blues cruise.
___________________
BULLS (SA) v SHARKS (SA)
at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
LIVE at 4:00am AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Bulls 20-19 in Durban, May 2007
May I suggest you at least program the DVD-R?
Even though the Bulls were massacred by the Crusaders last week, these 2 are the 2007 finalists (Bulls won).
The Sharks are currently sitting 3rd on the Ladder....and I'm predicting Jaws will chomp the Bullrush.
Sharks attack.
*****************************
Thank you for clicking this;
Not sure what this means you can do, other than leap frogs, puddles and tall buildings (well this is a Super post...).
Oh yeah...the ladeez can propose. A toast?
On with the games...
*********************
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 29
HURRICANES (NZ) v CHIEFS (NZ)
at Westpac Stadium, Wellington
LIVE at 5:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Hurricanes 39-32, in Hamilton, February 2007
The Chiefs got lucky last week with their win over The Waratahs. Yes I know I give the Tahs a lot of grief but if it wasn't for the last minute penalty (handed on a platter with bells on by the Tahs)...Tahs Coach, Ewen McKenzie would have been back in hospital...
Hurricanes caned Qld last week. And the match wasn't pretty either... Don't really care who wins at this stage but I flipped a coin anyway. (plus history says so...)
Hurricanes to win.
********************
SATURDAY, MARCH 1
WESTERN FORCE v LIONS (SA)
at Ellis Park, Johannesburg
LIVE at 3:30am AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Lions 25-24, in Perth, February '07
Apparently, the Lions remain the only South African team that hasn't been beaten
What does it all mean?
Pride has no place with the Force?
hahahahahahahahahahahaahahaha hahahaha!!!...ahhh sheesh...I'm funny...
Anyway, the Lions are feeling the Blues after being thrashed by them. Wounded pride makes them dangerous. Still...Gits was on fire last week and Cameron Shepherd is back at fullback, moving Drew Mitchell to wing where he does the most damage.
Force to win.
_________________
CRUSADERS (NZ) v STORMERS (SA)
at Newlands, Cape Town.
LIVE at 5:30am AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Crusaders 36-11 in Christchurch, March 2007
Ho hum. Does anyone really care? We all know this is a done deal...or is it?
Believe it or not, The Stormers have actually had themselves a can of Crusaders whup ass, way back in '06...but The Stormers haven't whipped up any wins so far this year and The Crusaders...well, they're out to get the Holy Grail.
Crusaders by 400.
____________________
HIGHLANDERS (NZ) v NSW WARATAHS
at Carisbrook, Dunedin
LIVE at 5:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Highlanders 26-25, in Sydney, April 2007
Oh my God. Carisbrook is the House of Pain.
...and the Tahs are already in pain with the loss of Prop snArL Baxter and the Highlanders pack is as scary as a Scot denied his brew on Hogmanay.
Pudding aka Matt Dunning has moved to Tighthead, which means that the Tahs are going to get penalised for not engaging and Pudding will kiss the ground and then he'll cry.
AND...Kurtley Beale sucks. Larkham's successor his ass...umption.
Highlanders haven't won a match...but that will change. Sorry Tahs, but I'm picking the Highlanders to win.
(NB. If the Tahs win...I'll eat my Tah backwards.)
_________________
QLD REDS v BRUMBIES
at Canberra Stadium, Canberra
LIVE at 7:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Brumbies 6-3, Brisbane, February 2007
May The God of Rugby-ing forgive me for this lack of faith but...Fisher didn't use the answer to
Larkham would have been the Saviour.
The Brumbies are hurting, they're hurting bad and the Reds are looking good to win their first ever match in Canberra.
(The Reds have won only once in 13 matches v The Brumbies.)
Comparing the Reds backline to the Brumbies...I'll take Ferrari horsepower over equine speed. And that Angry Koala is a bear back rider...
Reds will win. Fisher to beg for forgiveness.
...but just in case the mere presence of Larkham is a blessing for these guys...
Go The Brumbies!!
___________________
SUNDAY, MARCH 2
CHEETAHS (SA) v BLUES (NZ)
in Bloemfontein, SA.
LIVE at 2:00am AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Blues 26-8, in Auckland, April 2007
The Blues are bruising their opponents and the Cheetahs are just not good enough to land one.
Blues cruise.
___________________
BULLS (SA) v SHARKS (SA)
at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
LIVE at 4:00am AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Bulls 20-19 in Durban, May 2007
May I suggest you at least program the DVD-R?
Even though the Bulls were massacred by the Crusaders last week, these 2 are the 2007 finalists (Bulls won).
The Sharks are currently sitting 3rd on the Ladder....and I'm predicting Jaws will chomp the Bullrush.
Sharks attack.
*****************************
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Super 14 2008: Round 2 Stats
February 26th 2008 21:30
Please click on tables for enlarged view.
Sorry, can't figure out how to embed/create tables within the body of the post!
Ladder:
Yayyy! The Brumbies are no longer at the bottom! Unfortunately the Crusadsacks are still at the top. And no I'm not going to mature any time soon.
P = Played
W = Won
D = Drawn
L = Lost
PF = Points For
PA = Points Against
PD = Points Differential
BP = Bonus Points
Points are awarded in all Super 14 matches as follows:
Win: 4 points
Draw: 2 points
Loss: 1 point, for a loss by a margin of seven or fewer points
Loss: 0 points
Bonus: 1 point, for scoring at least four tries
******************************
Top Point Scorers:
Again....ignore the name at the top...insignificant really...
******************************
Top Try Scorers:
******************************
info courtesy of Australian Rugby
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Super 14: Round 2 Results (3 out of 5...not bad)
February 23rd 2008 22:00
...and tomorrow I will predict the Dow Jones average for the next 5 years and maybe even read a few palms.
(I'm an experienced palm reader. My children use to stick their hands out frequently and I always saw Mary Reiby and John Flynn disappear...boomtish Thankyerverreemuch. I'm here all week.)
As of writing, 5 matches have been played...and I was right 3 out of 5.
Qld Reds 18 - Hurricanes (NZ) 23
Fri 22/02 5:30pm at Westpac Stadium, Wellington.
I was wrong...but I did say it would be a tight match. Also said that the Hurricanes would be in full force, reeling from their Round 1 loss.
Reds led in the first half but the Angry Koala ran out of steam in the second.
Score was even at 13, midway through the 2nd half but Hurricanes Winger Ma'a Nonu broke the game open by counter attacking and finishing a pretty impressive 80m try, putting the 'canes in the lead 23-13.
Captain John Roe gave hope close to full time when he stole a try, after a lineout near the line.
Unfortunately this try wasn't converted and then the 'Canes put the boot in with a turn-over from the kick off...and the Hurricanes celebrated their first win of the season.
Reds
Tries: Van Humphries, John Roe
Cons: Clinton Schifcofske
Pens: Clinton Schifcofske 2
Hurricanes
Tries: Tane Tu'ipulotu, Ma'a Nonu
Cons: Jimmy Goperth 2
Pens: Jimmy Goperth 3
********************
Western Force 16 - Cheetahs (SA) 15
Sat 23/02 3:00am at Bloemfontein
I was right. That's all you need to know.
Kidding.
Gits was the hero, scoring all 16 points.
Haven't watched the full match (yet. come on...it was 3am) but have seen highlights.
Despite dominant possesion, the Force trailed by 2 points at half time (12-10) but Giteau rectified this with a penalty.
The Force remained with them in the last minutes and good handling, patience and pressure resulted in the Cheetahs conceding a penalty, which Gits kicked over to save the day.
Cheetahs remain impressive though.
Force:
Tries: Matt Giteau
Cons: Matt Giteau
Pens: Matt Giteau 3
Cheetahs:
Tries: Hennie Daniller, Heinrich Brussow
Con: Jacques-Louis Potgieter
Pens: Conrad Barnard
********************
Crusaders (NZ) 0 - Bulls (SA) 0
Kidding.
Crusaders (NZ) -10 - Bulls (SA) 0
The Crusaders lost points because Dan Carter's lipgloss was not his colour and...okay, okay. I'm kidding!
Crusaders (NZ) 54 - Bulls (SA) 19
Sat 23/02 5:00am at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
It was slaughter.
...and humiliation for the reigning champs. Beaten...badly...on home ground by the same team they tore apart at last year's semi final.
Can't say much else, I didn't watch the match in full (it was broadcast at 5am local time) but watched the highlights and man oh man the Crusaders were on a mission.
I hate Dan Carter. He was magnificent. Prick.
Captain Richie McCaw was also back to brilliant form, which means he's finally recovered from last year's RWC embarassment.Choke. Joke.
The Bulls did look ferocious at first (they led 12-0) but the Crusaders drew blood 10 minutes before half time and before you could cry "ole"...the Crusaders went in to the 2nd half in the lead 17-12.
Thing is...this wasn't the same Bulls team that gave South Africa their first Super Rugby win. The Bulls were missing their great players (Victor Matfield, Bakkie Botha, Bryan Habana)... Plus the weird walkout by their champion Coach Heyneke Meyer and this was a Bulls side severely weakened at the shoulders and left carrying the burden.
Oh well...I was right.
Crusaders:
Tries: Stephen Brett, Andy Ellis, Richie McCaw, Kade Poki, Nasi Manu, Dan Carter, Leon MacDonald
Con: Dan Carter 5
Pen: Dan Darter 3
Dry Heaves: Dusk Devi 9 (...every time that pretty boy stepped up to the plate)
Bulls:
Tries: JP Nell
Con: Morney Stey
Pen: Derick Hougarrd 4
********************
NSW Waratahs 17 - Chiefs (NZ) 20
Sat 23/02 5:30pm Waikato Stadium, Hamilton.
Well...looks like Coach McKenzie won't be heading back to hospital after all...
(Will fill in the blanks when I'm feelingless sarcastic more positive more able to do so)
The Tahs didn't play a bad game but they messed up chances and didn't follow through with choices. The match was 17-all 4 minutes to full time...and then the Tahs do what they always do. Play an individual game.
Repeat after me people. There is no idiot in team. And I was wrong.
********************
Brumbies 22 - Highlanders 20
YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!
Not pretty...the backline...I've seen fresh meat less raw but the Forwards brought us home on home ground.
I was right.
********************
This post will be updated with extended reviews and results of last 2 matches (played overnight in South Africa) soon.
********************
images courtesy of Rugby Heaven and Rugby Heaven NZ
**********************
Attention Orblers and Orblees.
Please read this post 'An Opportunity To Do Some Good'
...and thank you for clicking;
(I'm an experienced palm reader. My children use to stick their hands out frequently and I always saw Mary Reiby and John Flynn disappear...boomtish Thankyerverreemuch. I'm here all week.)
As of writing, 5 matches have been played...and I was right 3 out of 5.
Super 14: Round 2 results
Qld Reds 18 - Hurricanes (NZ) 23
Fri 22/02 5:30pm at Westpac Stadium, Wellington.
I was wrong...but I did say it would be a tight match. Also said that the Hurricanes would be in full force, reeling from their Round 1 loss.
Reds led in the first half but the Angry Koala ran out of steam in the second.
Score was even at 13, midway through the 2nd half but Hurricanes Winger Ma'a Nonu broke the game open by counter attacking and finishing a pretty impressive 80m try, putting the 'canes in the lead 23-13.
Captain John Roe gave hope close to full time when he stole a try, after a lineout near the line.
Unfortunately this try wasn't converted and then the 'Canes put the boot in with a turn-over from the kick off...and the Hurricanes celebrated their first win of the season.
Reds
Tries: Van Humphries, John Roe
Cons: Clinton Schifcofske
Pens: Clinton Schifcofske 2
Hurricanes
Tries: Tane Tu'ipulotu, Ma'a Nonu
Cons: Jimmy Goperth 2
Pens: Jimmy Goperth 3
********************
Western Force 16 - Cheetahs (SA) 15
Sat 23/02 3:00am at Bloemfontein
I was right. That's all you need to know.
Kidding.
Gits was the hero, scoring all 16 points.
Haven't watched the full match (yet. come on...it was 3am) but have seen highlights.
Despite dominant possesion, the Force trailed by 2 points at half time (12-10) but Giteau rectified this with a penalty.
The Force remained with them in the last minutes and good handling, patience and pressure resulted in the Cheetahs conceding a penalty, which Gits kicked over to save the day.
Cheetahs remain impressive though.
Force:
Tries: Matt Giteau
Cons: Matt Giteau
Pens: Matt Giteau 3
Cheetahs:
Tries: Hennie Daniller, Heinrich Brussow
Con: Jacques-Louis Potgieter
Pens: Conrad Barnard
********************
Crusaders (NZ) 0 - Bulls (SA) 0
Kidding.
Crusaders (NZ) -10 - Bulls (SA) 0
The Crusaders lost points because Dan Carter's lipgloss was not his colour and...okay, okay. I'm kidding!
Crusaders (NZ) 54 - Bulls (SA) 19
Sat 23/02 5:00am at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
It was slaughter.
...and humiliation for the reigning champs. Beaten...badly...on home ground by the same team they tore apart at last year's semi final.
Can't say much else, I didn't watch the match in full (it was broadcast at 5am local time) but watched the highlights and man oh man the Crusaders were on a mission.
I hate Dan Carter. He was magnificent. Prick.
Captain Richie McCaw was also back to brilliant form, which means he's finally recovered from last year's RWC embarassment.
The Bulls did look ferocious at first (they led 12-0) but the Crusaders drew blood 10 minutes before half time and before you could cry "ole"...the Crusaders went in to the 2nd half in the lead 17-12.
Thing is...this wasn't the same Bulls team that gave South Africa their first Super Rugby win. The Bulls were missing their great players (Victor Matfield, Bakkie Botha, Bryan Habana)... Plus the weird walkout by their champion Coach Heyneke Meyer and this was a Bulls side severely weakened at the shoulders and left carrying the burden.
Oh well...I was right.
Crusaders:
Tries: Stephen Brett, Andy Ellis, Richie McCaw, Kade Poki, Nasi Manu, Dan Carter, Leon MacDonald
Con: Dan Carter 5
Pen: Dan Darter 3
Dry Heaves: Dusk Devi 9 (...every time that pretty boy stepped up to the plate)
Bulls:
Tries: JP Nell
Con: Morney Stey
Pen: Derick Hougarrd 4
********************
NSW Waratahs 17 - Chiefs (NZ) 20
Sat 23/02 5:30pm Waikato Stadium, Hamilton.
Well...looks like Coach McKenzie won't be heading back to hospital after all...
(Will fill in the blanks when I'm feeling
The Tahs didn't play a bad game but they messed up chances and didn't follow through with choices. The match was 17-all 4 minutes to full time...and then the Tahs do what they always do. Play an individual game.
Repeat after me people. There is no idiot in team. And I was wrong.
********************
Brumbies 22 - Highlanders 20
YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!
Not pretty...the backline...I've seen fresh meat less raw but the Forwards brought us home on home ground.
I was right.
********************
This post will be updated with extended reviews and results of last 2 matches (played overnight in South Africa) soon.
********************
images courtesy of Rugby Heaven and Rugby Heaven NZ
**********************
Attention Orblers and Orblees.
Please read this post 'An Opportunity To Do Some Good'
...and thank you for clicking;
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The Dark Side of The (Western) Force
February 22nd 2008 23:02
By now Sportsfans all know that Henjak has an 'issue' (see previous posts) and that if the 'issue' fits...then you're Sin-derella.
...but what if Sin-derella is the only one who can go to the ball?
According to media reports, Force officials "wrestled" with the problem of whether or not to allowSin-derella Henjak to join the team last week for the team's 3 match Super 14 tour of South Africa.
Henjak was named in the starting line-up for the opening round match versus The Sharks in Durban, against the wishes of the ARU Chief Executive John O'Neill, who demanded the Force deal with the disciplinary matter "promptly".
Normally I would cheer on anyone who rebelled against Windbag O'Neill's wishes but unfortunately Sportsfans...Jerk O'Neill was in the right.
Western Force coach John Mitchell supposedly wanted to "tear up" Henjak's contract and expel him from the team, but he then realised that this would "penalise" the entire side... The problem was that Henjak is the only experienced scrumhalf in the touring party
As Henjak's team mate and close friend Matt Giteau said (before the hearing and the Sharks match in Durban);
So The Force played him against the Sharks last weekend, then sent him home to face the music...under pressure from the ARU.
The Tribunal panel, chaired by retired District Court judge Robert Viol, and also including senior Perth lawyer Stephen Scott and acting Force CEO Mitch Hardy, sat for more than four hours before the Rugby WA board met to discuss the findings, resulting in a decision to fire the loose cannon.
Incredibly, Henjak said he was "bitterly disappointed'' by the decision, but would not comment on whether he intended to appeal.
...aaahh...hindsight.
RugbyWA chairman Geoff Stooke said the RugbyWA conduct committee had been unable to find any justification for the assault.
Mr Stooke apologised to members, supporters, sponsors and all involved in WA Rugby.
Not to mention the reputation of the game they play in heaven...but do I really mean that?
I'm not blaming Rugby for 'nurturing' and 'turning a blind eye' to this behaviour. Rugby doesn't 'breed' this kind of behaviour. Unfortunately you will always find weeds amongst the roses. And the weeds can be pretty.
I blame Henjak for being an ass. Kid had all the opportunity in the world and people who were prepared to give him many chances. That's what Rugby people do. They stand by their weeds hopng they blossom into at least a cactus.
Still a prick but useful and productive.
Henjak's the Lindsay Lohan or the Kate Moss of the Australian Rugby world. Total mess but talented. Please note I don't think LiLo and KaMo are talented (hello? Glorified coke snorting show ponies. puh-lease...) but I'm drawing a comparison here.
If Henjak is Lohan...then Larkham is Streep. Getting my drift? And the difference in personality, attitude, aptitude and application of talent.
It doesn't matter where Henjak is or what he does or who he's with...he will always be an ass.
As referred to in the original Henjak post, he was with the Brumbies when he got in trouble in '04. Now sure the Brumbies have had 'incidents' but in general and overall...the Brumbies breed Gentlemen Warriors.
I am not condoning how this was eventually dealt with but at the time, he was disciplined by the Brumbies.
It wasn't 'til late last year that this incident reared its ugly head publicly. The Force secretly paid a South African national $16,000, who then subsequently dropped police charges and a civil case over an alleged assault.
The Force did this because an outstanding legal matter would have created difficulties for Henjak to play in the Force's Super 14 matches in South Africa....and they did this because rightly or wrongly, they believed that Henjak was repentant.
Thing is...has the internal handling of such matters made the players arrogantly complacent because they know the Force is desperate to maintain its foothold in Super 14?
...and hate to be a bitch because I do respect Coach John Mitchell...but...didn't the all Blacks have the same problem when Mitchell was their coach? I'm just saying...because it seems that Henjak isn't the only Force player who has caused problems. And All Blacks...the dark side of The Force...see what I'm getting at?
Then again...I am just stirring the potential fire. Mitchell is not responsible for how his players conduct themselves off field.
In December, Australia was stunned by the 'Quokka Shocker' affair, in which Force players Scott Fava and Richard Brown were fined a total of AU$16,000 for mistreating quokkas during a bonding camp on Rottnest Island.
Apparently this is a common 'pasttime'. Read this. Please note the date. When in WA do as WA's do? Lose your humanity?
The Force was also fined AU$150,000 last year for breaching ARU protocols after it was reported that AU$300,000 in secret payments were made to lure players to Perth.
There were also revelations that two players assaulted a former employee in a Sydney bar early last year.
Golly. The Force players are in majority from the eastern coast of Australia. Maybe being 4 hours behind the times of the rest of Australia has messed with their heads.
I don't know how else to explain it.
...and I really really don't know how to explain Henjak's haircut.
********************
image courtesy of The Daily Telegraph
If you would like to make a comment on this post then please go to My Profile page (link provided) and send me a Personal Message and I will 'open' the Comments Section.
Once 'opened' say what you will but I cannot guarantee that I will respond quickly (this is why I have disabled the Comments Section in the first place - I'm a tempus fugitive), so Thank You for your patience.
...but what if Sin-derella is the only one who can go to the ball?
According to media reports, Force officials "wrestled" with the problem of whether or not to allow
Henjak was named in the starting line-up for the opening round match versus The Sharks in Durban, against the wishes of the ARU Chief Executive John O'Neill, who demanded the Force deal with the disciplinary matter "promptly".
Normally I would cheer on anyone who rebelled against Windbag O'Neill's wishes but unfortunately Sportsfans...Jerk O'Neill was in the right.
Western Force coach John Mitchell supposedly wanted to "tear up" Henjak's contract and expel him from the team, but he then realised that this would "penalise" the entire side... The problem was that Henjak is the only experienced scrumhalf in the touring party
As Henjak's team mate and close friend Matt Giteau said (before the hearing and the Sharks match in Durban);
Matt adds depth to the side...he has a lot of experience, he drives the forwards really well, he organises them well. From a five-eighth point of view he gives some great service. He's got a great pass.
Obviously being good mates we really understand each other's game really well and I think we've got a connection on the field.
Obviously being good mates we really understand each other's game really well and I think we've got a connection on the field.
So The Force played him against the Sharks last weekend, then sent him home to face the music...under pressure from the ARU.
Matt Henjak (flanked by his girlfriend and his lawyer...the lawyer's on the right) during his tribunal meeting at the headquarters of Western Force in Perth
The Tribunal panel, chaired by retired District Court judge Robert Viol, and also including senior Perth lawyer Stephen Scott and acting Force CEO Mitch Hardy, sat for more than four hours before the Rugby WA board met to discuss the findings, resulting in a decision to fire the loose cannon.
Incredibly, Henjak said he was "bitterly disappointed'' by the decision, but would not comment on whether he intended to appeal.
I am bitterly disappointed of the decision handed down by RugbyWA... It is something I have got to go home and think about.
...aaahh...hindsight.
RugbyWA chairman Geoff Stooke said the RugbyWA conduct committee had been unable to find any justification for the assault.
In light of the circumstances and in particular Matt Henjak's prior record the committee recommended that the contract of Matt Henjak with the Western Force be terminated forthwith
Mr Stooke apologised to members, supporters, sponsors and all involved in WA Rugby.
Rugby WA does not have a culture of alcohol abuse and anti social behaviour.
What it does have is a small number of individuals who have let the organisation down badly by their unacceptable behaviour.
What it does have is a small number of individuals who have let the organisation down badly by their unacceptable behaviour.
Not to mention the reputation of the game they play in heaven...but do I really mean that?
I'm not blaming Rugby for 'nurturing' and 'turning a blind eye' to this behaviour. Rugby doesn't 'breed' this kind of behaviour. Unfortunately you will always find weeds amongst the roses. And the weeds can be pretty.
I blame Henjak for being an ass. Kid had all the opportunity in the world and people who were prepared to give him many chances. That's what Rugby people do. They stand by their weeds hopng they blossom into at least a cactus.
Still a prick but useful and productive.
Henjak's the Lindsay Lohan or the Kate Moss of the Australian Rugby world. Total mess but talented. Please note I don't think LiLo and KaMo are talented (hello? Glorified coke snorting show ponies. puh-lease...) but I'm drawing a comparison here.
If Henjak is Lohan...then Larkham is Streep. Getting my drift? And the difference in personality, attitude, aptitude and application of talent.
It doesn't matter where Henjak is or what he does or who he's with...he will always be an ass.
As referred to in the original Henjak post, he was with the Brumbies when he got in trouble in '04. Now sure the Brumbies have had 'incidents' but in general and overall...the Brumbies breed Gentlemen Warriors.
I am not condoning how this was eventually dealt with but at the time, he was disciplined by the Brumbies.
It wasn't 'til late last year that this incident reared its ugly head publicly. The Force secretly paid a South African national $16,000, who then subsequently dropped police charges and a civil case over an alleged assault.
The Force did this because an outstanding legal matter would have created difficulties for Henjak to play in the Force's Super 14 matches in South Africa....and they did this because rightly or wrongly, they believed that Henjak was repentant.
Thing is...has the internal handling of such matters made the players arrogantly complacent because they know the Force is desperate to maintain its foothold in Super 14?
...and hate to be a bitch because I do respect Coach John Mitchell...but...didn't the all Blacks have the same problem when Mitchell was their coach? I'm just saying...because it seems that Henjak isn't the only Force player who has caused problems. And All Blacks...the dark side of The Force...see what I'm getting at?
Then again...I am just stirring the potential fire. Mitchell is not responsible for how his players conduct themselves off field.
In December, Australia was stunned by the 'Quokka Shocker' affair, in which Force players Scott Fava and Richard Brown were fined a total of AU$16,000 for mistreating quokkas during a bonding camp on Rottnest Island.
Apparently this is a common 'pasttime'. Read this. Please note the date. When in WA do as WA's do? Lose your humanity?
The Force was also fined AU$150,000 last year for breaching ARU protocols after it was reported that AU$300,000 in secret payments were made to lure players to Perth.
There were also revelations that two players assaulted a former employee in a Sydney bar early last year.
Golly. The Force players are in majority from the eastern coast of Australia. Maybe being 4 hours behind the times of the rest of Australia has messed with their heads.
I don't know how else to explain it.
...and I really really don't know how to explain Henjak's haircut.
********************
image courtesy of The Daily Telegraph
If you would like to make a comment on this post then please go to My Profile page (link provided) and send me a Personal Message and I will 'open' the Comments Section.
Once 'opened' say what you will but I cannot guarantee that I will respond quickly (this is why I have disabled the Comments Section in the first place - I'm a tempus fugitive), so Thank You for your patience.
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Super 14: Round 2 Fixtures
February 22nd 2008 03:41
...and a gratuitous perve perfection shot...just because...
********************
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22
Qld REDS v HURRICANES
Westpac Stadium, Wellington
LIVE at 5:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Reds 25-16, Brisbane, Feb 07
Damn that Koala looks angry.
The Reds will be feeling confident after their miraculous win last week but was that just luck?...and because Larkham and I said so...?
Hopefully Lathurus (Chris Latham) wears headgear. Tight play is needed, which means no thrills, no frills just good handling. And composure. Wellington is Windy...and the weather's not that good either.
The Reds have a great team, it's just a case of how much can that Angry Koala bear...The Reds haven't won in Wellington for 10 years and will face a disaster warning Hurricanes side, desperate to put last week's 20-3 tryless loss to NSW Waratahs, behind them.
Reds:
(Players to watch Bolded)
Forwards:
1.Greg Holmes; 2. Stephen Moore; 3. Rodney Blake; 4. Van Humphries; 5. James Horwill; 6. Hugh McMeniman; 7. David Croft; 8. (C) John Roe
Backs:
9. Sam Cordingley; 10. Berrick Barnes; 11. Clinton Schifcofske; 12. Chris Siale; 13. Morgan Turinui; 14. Digby Ioane; 15. Chris Latham .
Reserves:
Sean Hardman, Dayna Edwards, Ed O'Donoghue, Leroy Houston, Will Genia, Peter Hynes, Quade Cooper.
My money is on the Reds. Tight game.
Wonder what Larkham thinks...
*************************
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23
CHEETAHS (SA) v WESTERN FORCE
Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein,
LIVE at 3:00am AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Force 45-17, Perth, April 07
Matt Henjak has turned to the Dark Side (reasons why in post to follow) and there is much disturbance in the Force.
James Stennard now dons the #9 and Cameron Shepherd's AFL shenanigans sees him out with a knee strain. All that kicking...it's just not Rugby, people.
The Force did okay in last week's 17-10 loss to '07 finalists the Sharks but The Cheetahs thought it was a feline-y to lose to the Lions last week so they're out for blood.
Western Force:
Forwards
1. Pek Cowan; 2. Tai McIsaac; 3. Troy Takiari; 4. Tom Hockings; 5. Nathan Sharpe (c);
6. Sam Wykes; 7. David Pocock; 8. Richard Brown
Backs:
9. James Stannard; 10. Matt Giteau (vc); 11. Nick Cummins; 12. Scott Daruda; 13. Scott Staniforth; 14. Ryan Cross; 15. Drew Mitchell
Reserves:
Luke Holmes, AJ Whalley, Dave Pusey, Tamaiti Horua, Scott Fava, Lachlan MacKay, Josh Tatupu.
Force to win. If they execute their mind tricks well...
********************
CRUSADERS (NZ) v Bulls (SA)
Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria,
LIVE at 5:00am AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Bulls 27-12, Pretoria, semi-final - May 07
Yawn. Boring. Who cares if they're the Champions of the last 2 seasons? This will be like watching turtles race.
Okay, okay...this will be a very exciting match. Will go so far (and low) as to say that this will be the match of the Round...some would say, the Season. Most of all to see how many times Dan Carter pulls out a photo of Larkham to seek guidance. (see Stephen Larkham Facts: #5)
The Bulls are on a 7 match winning streak plus they're on home ground and they've whupped the Crusaders the last few times they've met. Let us not forget that the Crusaders colours are red and we all know that Bulls don't like red...but, the Crusadsacks are (unfortunately) in fine matador form.
I'm hoping the both lose but seeing that goes against the Laws of Probability (and Rationality and Good Sportsmanship)...Crusaders will win this for sure.
Only because Dan Carter wants to get as much air time as possible.
********************
NSW WARATAHS v CHIEFS (NZ)
Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, 5.35pm
LIVE at 5:30pm AESTFox Sports 2
Last meeting: Chiefs 28-23, Sydney, April 07
Hmm...the Waratahs haven't won in Hamilton for 6 years. BUT...they impressed last week with their tight play and the Chiefs are bruised black and Blues (they lost to the Blues last week).
Coack McKenzie will have recovered sufficently but I'm hoping he has reason to be shocked again.
Go the Waratahs!
(By the way...McKenzie is a Forward and Forwards don't faint. They petrify.)
Waratahs:
(players to watch Bolded)
Forwards:
1. Matt Dunning; 2. Adam Freir; 3. Al Baxter; 4. Dean Mumm; 5. Dan Vickerman; 6. Rocky Elsom; 7. Phil Waugh (C); 8. Wycliff Palu
Backs:
9. Brett Sheehan; 10. Kurtley Beale; 11. Lote Tuqiri; 12. Tom Carter; 13. Ben Jacobs; 14. Timana Tahu; 15. Lachlan Turner
Reserves:
Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson, Will Caldwell, Beau Robinson, Luke Burgess, Sam Harris, Alfi Mafi.
Say Tah-Tah to the 6 year losing streak.
*******************
BRUMBIES v HIGHLANDERS (NZ)
Canberra Stadium, 7.35pm
LIVE at 7:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Brumbies 29-10, Dunedin, May 07
The Brumbies first match was all about how they'd do without Larkham, Gregan, Jeremy Paul and injured Captain Mortlock and permanently injured winger Clyde Rathbone.
This week is still all about that. And worse. This is the Brumbies most inexperienced backline ever. Ashley-Cooper and Fairbanks are injured and new players (including a leaguie) are being blooded.
Still...we may have a chance seeing as the Highlanders are NZ's lowest rank team and the Brumbies are playing at home. After the thrashing we got by the Crusadsacks last week, we need home comfort. Forwards really need to get it together and thankfully, Mark Chisholm is back (after a back injury...and he's a Forward).
Brumbies:
Forwards:
1. Nic Henderson; 2. Huia Edmonds; 3. Guy Shepherdson; 4. Mark Chisholm; 5. Al Campbell; 6. Mitch Chapman; 7. George Smith (C); 8. Stephen Hoiles
Backs:
9. Josh Holmes; 10. Christian Lealiifano; 11. Francis Fainifo; 12. Anthony Faingaa; 13. Tyrone Smith; 14. Mark Gerrard; 15. Julian Huxley
Reserves:
Saia Faingaa, Salesi Maafu, Peter Kimlin, Julian Salvi, Patrick Phibbs, Peter Playford, Afusipa Taumoepeau.
Hopefully Larkham will attend the match. Brumbies to win.
*****************************
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24
Sportsfans...may Sunday be your day of...here's the rest.
SHARKS (SA) v STORMERS (SA)
Absa Stadium, Durban,
LIVE at 2:00am AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Sharks 36-10, Cape Town, May 07
Don't really care who wins. They both bore me. As long as one replaces the Brumbies at the bottom of the ladder.
********************
LIONS (SA) v BLUES (NZ)
Ellis Park, Johannesburg,
LIVE at 4:00am AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Blues 41-14, Auckland, March 07
Blues will win. I flipped a coin.
******************************
Thank you for clicking this;
Please Note:
The Comments Section has been disabled as I am unable to respond to any comment/s left because I'm...nope. sorry....out of excuses. My apologies for the inconvenience. Have a great weekend.
********************
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22
Qld REDS v HURRICANES
Westpac Stadium, Wellington
LIVE at 5:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Reds 25-16, Brisbane, Feb 07
Damn that Koala looks angry.
The Reds will be feeling confident after their miraculous win last week but was that just luck?...and because Larkham and I said so...?
Hopefully Lathurus (Chris Latham) wears headgear. Tight play is needed, which means no thrills, no frills just good handling. And composure. Wellington is Windy...and the weather's not that good either.
The Reds have a great team, it's just a case of how much can that Angry Koala bear...The Reds haven't won in Wellington for 10 years and will face a disaster warning Hurricanes side, desperate to put last week's 20-3 tryless loss to NSW Waratahs, behind them.
Reds:
(Players to watch Bolded)
Forwards:
1.Greg Holmes; 2. Stephen Moore; 3. Rodney Blake; 4. Van Humphries; 5. James Horwill; 6. Hugh McMeniman; 7. David Croft; 8. (C) John Roe
Backs:
9. Sam Cordingley; 10. Berrick Barnes; 11. Clinton Schifcofske; 12. Chris Siale; 13. Morgan Turinui; 14. Digby Ioane; 15. Chris Latham .
Reserves:
Sean Hardman, Dayna Edwards, Ed O'Donoghue, Leroy Houston, Will Genia, Peter Hynes, Quade Cooper.
My money is on the Reds. Tight game.
Wonder what Larkham thinks...
*************************
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23
CHEETAHS (SA) v WESTERN FORCE
Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein,
LIVE at 3:00am AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Force 45-17, Perth, April 07
Matt Henjak has turned to the Dark Side (reasons why in post to follow) and there is much disturbance in the Force.
James Stennard now dons the #9 and Cameron Shepherd's AFL shenanigans sees him out with a knee strain. All that kicking...it's just not Rugby, people.
The Force did okay in last week's 17-10 loss to '07 finalists the Sharks but The Cheetahs thought it was a feline-y to lose to the Lions last week so they're out for blood.
Western Force:
Forwards
1. Pek Cowan; 2. Tai McIsaac; 3. Troy Takiari; 4. Tom Hockings; 5. Nathan Sharpe (c);
6. Sam Wykes; 7. David Pocock; 8. Richard Brown
Backs:
9. James Stannard; 10. Matt Giteau (vc); 11. Nick Cummins; 12. Scott Daruda; 13. Scott Staniforth; 14. Ryan Cross; 15. Drew Mitchell
Reserves:
Luke Holmes, AJ Whalley, Dave Pusey, Tamaiti Horua, Scott Fava, Lachlan MacKay, Josh Tatupu.
Force to win. If they execute their mind tricks well...
********************
CRUSADERS (NZ) v Bulls (SA)
Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria,
LIVE at 5:00am AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Bulls 27-12, Pretoria, semi-final - May 07
Yawn. Boring. Who cares if they're the Champions of the last 2 seasons? This will be like watching turtles race.
Okay, okay...this will be a very exciting match. Will go so far (and low) as to say that this will be the match of the Round...some would say, the Season. Most of all to see how many times Dan Carter pulls out a photo of Larkham to seek guidance. (see Stephen Larkham Facts: #5)
The Bulls are on a 7 match winning streak plus they're on home ground and they've whupped the Crusaders the last few times they've met. Let us not forget that the Crusaders colours are red and we all know that Bulls don't like red...but, the Crusadsacks are (unfortunately) in fine matador form.
I'm hoping the both lose but seeing that goes against the Laws of Probability (and Rationality and Good Sportsmanship)...Crusaders will win this for sure.
Only because Dan Carter wants to get as much air time as possible.
********************
NSW WARATAHS v CHIEFS (NZ)
Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, 5.35pm
LIVE at 5:30pm AESTFox Sports 2
Last meeting: Chiefs 28-23, Sydney, April 07
Hmm...the Waratahs haven't won in Hamilton for 6 years. BUT...they impressed last week with their tight play and the Chiefs are bruised black and Blues (they lost to the Blues last week).
Coack McKenzie will have recovered sufficently but I'm hoping he has reason to be shocked again.
Go the Waratahs!
(By the way...McKenzie is a Forward and Forwards don't faint. They petrify.)
Waratahs:
(players to watch Bolded)
Forwards:
1. Matt Dunning; 2. Adam Freir; 3. Al Baxter; 4. Dean Mumm; 5. Dan Vickerman; 6. Rocky Elsom; 7. Phil Waugh (C); 8. Wycliff Palu
Backs:
9. Brett Sheehan; 10. Kurtley Beale; 11. Lote Tuqiri; 12. Tom Carter; 13. Ben Jacobs; 14. Timana Tahu; 15. Lachlan Turner
Reserves:
Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson, Will Caldwell, Beau Robinson, Luke Burgess, Sam Harris, Alfi Mafi.
Say Tah-Tah to the 6 year losing streak.
*******************
BRUMBIES v HIGHLANDERS (NZ)
Canberra Stadium, 7.35pm
LIVE at 7:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Brumbies 29-10, Dunedin, May 07
The Brumbies first match was all about how they'd do without Larkham, Gregan, Jeremy Paul and injured Captain Mortlock and permanently injured winger Clyde Rathbone.
This week is still all about that. And worse. This is the Brumbies most inexperienced backline ever. Ashley-Cooper and Fairbanks are injured and new players (including a leaguie) are being blooded.
Still...we may have a chance seeing as the Highlanders are NZ's lowest rank team and the Brumbies are playing at home. After the thrashing we got by the Crusadsacks last week, we need home comfort. Forwards really need to get it together and thankfully, Mark Chisholm is back (after a back injury...and he's a Forward).
Brumbies:
Forwards:
1. Nic Henderson; 2. Huia Edmonds; 3. Guy Shepherdson; 4. Mark Chisholm; 5. Al Campbell; 6. Mitch Chapman; 7. George Smith (C); 8. Stephen Hoiles
Backs:
9. Josh Holmes; 10. Christian Lealiifano; 11. Francis Fainifo; 12. Anthony Faingaa; 13. Tyrone Smith; 14. Mark Gerrard; 15. Julian Huxley
Reserves:
Saia Faingaa, Salesi Maafu, Peter Kimlin, Julian Salvi, Patrick Phibbs, Peter Playford, Afusipa Taumoepeau.
Hopefully Larkham will attend the match. Brumbies to win.
*****************************
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24
Sportsfans...may Sunday be your day of...here's the rest.
SHARKS (SA) v STORMERS (SA)
Absa Stadium, Durban,
LIVE at 2:00am AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Sharks 36-10, Cape Town, May 07
Don't really care who wins. They both bore me. As long as one replaces the Brumbies at the bottom of the ladder.
********************
LIONS (SA) v BLUES (NZ)
Ellis Park, Johannesburg,
LIVE at 4:00am AEST Fox Sports 2
Last meeting: Blues 41-14, Auckland, March 07
Blues will win. I flipped a coin.
******************************
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Please Note:
The Comments Section has been disabled as I am unable to respond to any comment/s left because I'm...nope. sorry....out of excuses. My apologies for the inconvenience. Have a great weekend.
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Super 14 2008: Round 1 Stats
February 21st 2008 21:30
Well sportsfans...here are the results of Week One's efforts.
(please click on tables to see enlarged view)
Ladder:
Ignore the stat at the bottom of the ladder. This will change. (oh please God please...)
P = Played
W = Won
D = Drawn
L = Lost
PF = Points For
PA = Points Against
PD = Points Differential
BP = Bonus Points
Points are awarded in all Super 14 matches as follows:
Win: 4 points
Draw: 2 points
Loss: 1 point, for a loss by a margin of seven or fewer points
Loss: 0 points
Bonus: 1 point, for scoring at least four tries
********************
Top Point Scorers:
Ignore the name at the top of the table. In fact, pretend this name doesn't exist.
********************
Top Try Scorers:
********************
info courtesy of Australian Rugby
(please click on tables to see enlarged view)
Ladder:
Ignore the stat at the bottom of the ladder. This will change. (oh please God please...)
P = Played
W = Won
D = Drawn
L = Lost
PF = Points For
PA = Points Against
PD = Points Differential
BP = Bonus Points
Points are awarded in all Super 14 matches as follows:
Win: 4 points
Draw: 2 points
Loss: 1 point, for a loss by a margin of seven or fewer points
Loss: 0 points
Bonus: 1 point, for scoring at least four tries
********************
Top Point Scorers:
Ignore the name at the top of the table. In fact, pretend this name doesn't exist.
********************
Top Try Scorers:
********************
info courtesy of Australian Rugby
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| Vote |
Waratahs Coach in Hospital!
February 21st 2008 05:56
The shock of seeing the NSW Waratahs win a match was too much for Waratahs Coach, Ewen McKenzie who was rushed to hospital after the realisation sunk in.
Sources say that McKenzie had gone in to shock as soon as the whistle blew at full time and the Waratahs were top of the scoreboard in last weeks' match aganist the Hurricanes.
Apparently the first symptoms of shock set in when McKenzie saw the stadium crowd. He was expecting one maybe 2 fans but it was a full house.
The second sypmtoms of shock set in when he heard Tuqiri say that he (Tuqiri) was happy to let others hog the limelight.
Mckenzie is expected to join his team for this weekend's match in New Zealand (v The Chiefs) because the smelling salts are about to run out and the hospital needs the bed.
However the hospital is prepared to admit McKenzie again next week...just in case the Waratahs win again.
Source: 21st Century Vixen
...and now for the real story.
from Rugby Heaven
Mckenzie: "...all of a sudden I started seeing stars but that was just because someone had stuck a photo of Larkham and Gregan in front of me and then the whistle blew and the match was over and we had won and then I woke up in hospital attached to a drip because Matt Dunning was holding my hand..."
**********
Assistant Coach Todd Louden Clear has "welcomed" the chance to prepare an unchanged line-up against the Chiefs, who lost to the Blues in the opening round.
Louden said:
Louden described the Chiefs as "one of the more dangerous teams in the competition".
The Waratahs team doctor is travelling with extra supplies of smelling salts.
Please Note:
Ewen McKenzie is a Forward (because there's no such thing as an ex Forward) and Forwards don't faint. They petrify.
********************
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Please Note:
The Comments Section has been disabled as I am currently unable to respond to any comment/s left because I'm watching the clouds otside my window. My apologies for the inconvenience. Thank you for participating in my madness.
Sources say that McKenzie had gone in to shock as soon as the whistle blew at full time and the Waratahs were top of the scoreboard in last weeks' match aganist the Hurricanes.
Apparently the first symptoms of shock set in when McKenzie saw the stadium crowd. He was expecting one maybe 2 fans but it was a full house.
The second sypmtoms of shock set in when he heard Tuqiri say that he (Tuqiri) was happy to let others hog the limelight.
Mckenzie is expected to join his team for this weekend's match in New Zealand (v The Chiefs) because the smelling salts are about to run out and the hospital needs the bed.
However the hospital is prepared to admit McKenzie again next week...just in case the Waratahs win again.
Source: 21st Century Vixen
...and now for the real story.
from Rugby Heaven
NSW Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie was in hospital today (Thursday 21/02) after having a kidney stone removed but was still expected to join his team in New Zealand before Saturday's Super 14 clash with the Chiefs.
Mckenzie: "...all of a sudden I started seeing stars but that was just because someone had stuck a photo of Larkham and Gregan in front of me and then the whistle blew and the match was over and we had won and then I woke up in hospital attached to a drip because Matt Dunning was holding my hand..."
**********
McKenzie went into hospital last night, though not before deciding to field the same team in Hamilton which beat the Hurricanes in their first round clash at the SFS last Saturday.
The Waratahs were to fly out from Sydney this afternoon with attack coach Todd Louden temporarily in charge.
"I expect to join the team on Friday, but until then it's business as usual with (assistant) Todd (Louden), Les (Kiss) and Steve (Tuynman)," said McKenzie in a statement.
The Waratahs were to fly out from Sydney this afternoon with attack coach Todd Louden temporarily in charge.
"I expect to join the team on Friday, but until then it's business as usual with (assistant) Todd (Louden), Les (Kiss) and Steve (Tuynman)," said McKenzie in a statement.
Assistant Coach Todd Louden Clear
has "welcomed" the chance to prepare an unchanged line-up against the Chiefs, who lost to the Blues in the opening round.Louden said:
As Ewen says, it's business as usual and knowing him as I do, he'll be on the first plane to New Zealand.
From a team perspective running out an unchanged line-up is good for building combinations and confidence....IIt was a good start last week, but our plan is to build each match so we need to step up again against the Chiefs.
From a team perspective running out an unchanged line-up is good for building combinations and confidence....IIt was a good start last week, but our plan is to build each match so we need to step up again against the Chiefs.
Louden described the Chiefs as "one of the more dangerous teams in the competition".
The Chiefs will be stinging from last week's loss to the Blues, but they showed they can attack from anywhere on the park....they have the ability to score from anywhere and will keep coming at us for the full 80 minutes, so we need to be right on our game to shut them down.
The Waratahs team doctor is travelling with extra supplies of smelling salts.
Please Note:
Ewen McKenzie is a Forward (because there's no such thing as an ex Forward) and Forwards don't faint. They petrify.
********************
Thank you for clicking this;
Please Note:
The Comments Section has been disabled as I am currently unable to respond to any comment/s left because I'm watching the clouds otside my window. My apologies for the inconvenience. Thank you for participating in my madness.
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Super 14: Round 1 Results...and Lathurus saves the day.
February 20th 2008 06:02
Yeah, yeah...so this is a bit late...but it's here now so y'all can breathe easy now. Yes I'm at NASA now...in training as a space cadet.
Truth is...I didn't watch the matches live, I recorded (most of) them and have been taking my time to view. Fast Scan is such a handy feature on to have... Very new for me this, this not wanting to watch a Brumbies match live. Wonder why... I still would have recorded it (during the Larkham era) but only to freeze frame and slow mo. We do things slowly in space.
Crusaders (NZ) 34 v Brumbies 3
Crusaders
Tries: Mose Tuiali’i 2; Brad Thorn, Daniel Carter
Conversions: Daniel Carter 4
Penalty goals: Dan Carter 2
Brumbies
Penalty Goal: Julian Huxley
Injuries:
Adam Ashley-Cooper (#13 Outside Centre) - ankle, out for 6 weeks.
Gene Fairbanks (#12 Inside Centre) - shoulder/neck, out for 4 weeks.
Brumbies - pride, out all season.
It wasn't pretty people. Although Dan Carter is too pretty. naff ponce.
As I so politely stated in my Fixtures post
Brumbies are sitting at the bottom of the ladder. Sure one can say that it's early days but one can also say that the Brumbies day may be done.
Both sides suffered handling errors and turnovers but I blame that on the horrible conditions. Christchurch was cold and under water and water on a Rugby ball is like a hangover breakfast. Greasy. The field was an ice rink.
Still...the Crusaders played the better match and why wouldn't they? They were playing against a newly deCAPitated team. Missing their CAPtain Mortlock and their most CAPped legends, Gregan and Larkham.
Don't underestimate this very important factor. I'm not living in the past. I'm lamenting the Brumbies future.
Crusaders. humph. Take Dan Carter out and they're nothing. (not true but I like it). Unfortunately he was back to his brilliant best and no, there's nothing wrong with your eyesight. I may need help though...
Brumbies didn't do too badly...and that's me scraping the bottom of the barrel for optimism. Despite their lack of possesion and their 2 missed try opportunities, their 'strong' defence gave sportsfans hope.
Julian Huxley (#15 Fullback) and Greg Holmes (#9 Halfback) combined to stop a try. Then they just stopped trying.
Have I mentioned I'm a big fan of Japanese Rugby?
...but I haven't given up on the Brumbies. Not yet. Not until hell freezes over. And I've heard the devil encourages global warming.
**********
Qld Reds 22 v Highlanders (NZ) 16 - Brisbane
Reds:
Tries: (C)John Roe 2, Clinton Schifcofske
Con: Clinton Schifcofske 2
PG: Clinton Schifcofske
Highlanders
Tries: 1 Con: 1 PG: 3
Go The Reds!!...I told you so...so did Stephen Larkham... 6 point win isn't that different from a 10 point win.
Latham: "If that's a vestal virgin...I'm outta here..."
NB: this image is from the RWC '07.
Chris Latham is Legend!
Latham (or Latharus as he is now known) was knocked out cold and seeing star systems but then rose (Lazarus like) to win the match for the Reds.
Thus the banjos were brought out and a folk song was writ and scones were named in his honour.
Seriously though...Latham was amazing. In his first match of his final Super 14 season, he was hit by Highlanders #8 Steven Setephano (in the first half) but madly wrestled away the team doctor when he woke up and immediately ran back into the match. AND he played the full 80 minutes.
Reds coach Phil Mooney said;
With the Highlanders trailing by 3 points and looking to win, Latham earned his Hero status in the dying minutes by foiling an attack near the line and kicking the ball 100m down field, which allowed a final-minute 40m penalty goal by winger Clinton Schifcofske to clinch the win.
Schifcofske played a brilliant game, despite or because of his unpronouncable name.
There was some controversy over 2 calls by the SA ref. He awarded tries to the Reds without conclusive video proof.
The decisions puzzled and frustrated the Highlanders but they were told to get off their high horses.
Rumour has it that the Video Refs are going to strike, demanding more air time and a mirror in their dressing room.
**********
Sharks (SA) 17 v Western Force 10 - Durban
The Force wasn't with them...didn't see this match because it was on at some unGodlike hour plus I forgot to set the record timer on the DVD-R.
From what I have read and seen (highlights...obviously not the Force's), it was gloom before the Force ran on field. Captain Nathan Sharpe was ruled out with a stomach virus, leaving Hobbiteau (Matt Giteau) with the Captain duty.
Sportsfans can be forgiven for thinking they were watching an AFL match (albeit with less men in white coats. I say 'less' because doctors were on call just in case Henjak decided to get punch drunk)...this was a match "dominated by boot rather than ball in hand".
Can't say much. Can't be too hard on the Force because this wasn't a bad start for them and considering I took it easy on myex beloved Brumbies and they just plain sucked.
**********
NSW Waratahs 20 v Hurricanes 3(NZ) - Sydney
Waratahs:
Tries: Lachie Turner 2, Rocky Elsom tries;
Con: Kurtley Beale
PG: Kurtley Beale
Hurricanes:
PG: 1
Okay, so I was wrong. I thought the Hurricanes would do damage but the Waratahs withstood and conquered.
I still don't really care.
The Waratahs need to do much more to win my fan-dom. Like...actually win a match that counts. Still...twas good Rugby...no such thing as bad Rugby, except when the Crusaders win. Most impressive was the fact that the 'Tahs managed to keep the 'Canes tryless.
I was right about Lachlan Turner though. Kid's a star. If he knows what's good for him, he'll sign with the Brumbies now. Might go places then. Like Canberra.
Totally surprised at the crowd though. Obviously not everyone is as fickle as I. After their 2007 season, I was expecting an empty stadium but full capacity. Could be the start of something big. Let's just hope it's not Tuqiri's already inflated ego.
Standouts were #8 Wycliff Palu (Man of the Match), blindside flanker Rocky 'Ball-boa' Elsom, winger Timana Tahu and flyhalf Kurtley Beale.
**********
Here's the rest. Yawn....
Blues (NZ) 32 v Chiefs (NZ) 14
Stormers (SA) 9 v Bulls (SA) 16
Cheetahs (SA) 22 v Lions (SA) 23
**********
images courtesy of RugbyHeaven
**********
Thank You for clicking;
Truth is...I didn't watch the matches live, I recorded (most of) them and have been taking my time to view. Fast Scan is such a handy feature on to have... Very new for me this, this not wanting to watch a Brumbies match live. Wonder why... I still would have recorded it (during the Larkham era) but only to freeze frame and slow mo. We do things slowly in space.
Super 14: Round 1 Results:
Crusaders (NZ) 34 v Brumbies 3
Crusaders
Tries: Mose Tuiali’i 2; Brad Thorn, Daniel Carter
Conversions: Daniel Carter 4
Penalty goals: Dan Carter 2
Brumbies
Penalty Goal: Julian Huxley
Injuries:
Adam Ashley-Cooper (#13 Outside Centre) - ankle, out for 6 weeks.
Gene Fairbanks (#12 Inside Centre) - shoulder/neck, out for 4 weeks.
Brumbies - pride, out all season.
In space there is no gravity. Space Cadet Lesson #1
It wasn't pretty people. Although Dan Carter is too pretty. naff ponce.
As I so politely stated in my Fixtures post
I'm not sure that the Brumbies will win this match. The loss of Gregan, Larkham and Paul plus Mortlock out injured will be felt.
It was painful. Houston we have a problem. (I'm at NASA remember?)Brumbies are sitting at the bottom of the ladder. Sure one can say that it's early days but one can also say that the Brumbies day may be done.
Both sides suffered handling errors and turnovers but I blame that on the horrible conditions. Christchurch was cold and under water and water on a Rugby ball is like a hangover breakfast. Greasy. The field was an ice rink.
Still...the Crusaders played the better match and why wouldn't they? They were playing against a newly deCAPitated team. Missing their CAPtain Mortlock and their most CAPped legends, Gregan and Larkham.
Don't underestimate this very important factor. I'm not living in the past. I'm lamenting the Brumbies future.
Crusaders. humph. Take Dan Carter out and they're nothing. (not true but I like it). Unfortunately he was back to his brilliant best and no, there's nothing wrong with your eyesight. I may need help though...
Brumbies didn't do too badly...and that's me scraping the bottom of the barrel for optimism. Despite their lack of possesion and their 2 missed try opportunities, their 'strong' defence gave sportsfans hope.
Julian Huxley (#15 Fullback) and Greg Holmes (#9 Halfback) combined to stop a try. Then they just stopped trying.
Have I mentioned I'm a big fan of Japanese Rugby?
...but I haven't given up on the Brumbies. Not yet. Not until hell freezes over. And I've heard the devil encourages global warming.
**********
Qld Reds 22 v Highlanders (NZ) 16 - Brisbane
Reds:
Tries: (C)John Roe 2, Clinton Schifcofske
Con: Clinton Schifcofske 2
PG: Clinton Schifcofske
Highlanders
Tries: 1 Con: 1 PG: 3
Go The Reds!!...I told you so...so did Stephen Larkham...
6 point win isn't that different from a 10 point win.
Latham: "If that's a vestal virgin...I'm outta here..."
NB: this image is from the RWC '07.
Chris Latham is Legend!
Latham (or Latharus as he is now known) was knocked out cold and seeing star systems but then rose (Lazarus like) to win the match for the Reds.
Thus the banjos were brought out and a folk song was writ and scones were named in his honour.
Seriously though...Latham was amazing. In his first match of his final Super 14 season, he was hit by Highlanders #8 Steven Setephano (in the first half) but madly wrestled away the team doctor when he woke up and immediately ran back into the match. AND he played the full 80 minutes.
Reds coach Phil Mooney said;
You never write him off...I think he heard the sirens and got up.
That, in itself, was an example of the bloke. He might have been in Disneyland but his first reaction was to get back into the line.
The way he got through the 80 minutes, we don't want to make light of that. He was in pain.
That, in itself, was an example of the bloke. He might have been in Disneyland but his first reaction was to get back into the line.
The way he got through the 80 minutes, we don't want to make light of that. He was in pain.
With the Highlanders trailing by 3 points and looking to win, Latham earned his Hero status in the dying minutes by foiling an attack near the line and kicking the ball 100m down field, which allowed a final-minute 40m penalty goal by winger Clinton Schifcofske to clinch the win.
Schifcofske played a brilliant game, despite or because of his unpronouncable name.
There was some controversy over 2 calls by the SA ref. He awarded tries to the Reds without conclusive video proof.
The decisions puzzled and frustrated the Highlanders but they were told to get off their high horses.
Rumour has it that the Video Refs are going to strike, demanding more air time and a mirror in their dressing room.
**********
Sharks (SA) 17 v Western Force 10 - Durban
The Force wasn't with them...didn't see this match because it was on at some unGodlike hour plus I forgot to set the record timer on the DVD-R.
From what I have read and seen (highlights...obviously not the Force's), it was gloom before the Force ran on field. Captain Nathan Sharpe was ruled out with a stomach virus, leaving Hobbiteau (Matt Giteau) with the Captain duty.
Sportsfans can be forgiven for thinking they were watching an AFL match (albeit with less men in white coats. I say 'less' because doctors were on call just in case Henjak decided to get punch drunk)...this was a match "dominated by boot rather than ball in hand".
Can't say much. Can't be too hard on the Force because this wasn't a bad start for them and considering I took it easy on my
**********
NSW Waratahs 20 v Hurricanes 3(NZ) - Sydney
Waratahs:
Tries: Lachie Turner 2, Rocky Elsom tries;
Con: Kurtley Beale
PG: Kurtley Beale
Hurricanes:
PG: 1
Okay, so I was wrong. I thought the Hurricanes would do damage but the Waratahs withstood and conquered.
I still don't really care.
The Waratahs need to do much more to win my fan-dom. Like...actually win a match that counts. Still...twas good Rugby...no such thing as bad Rugby, except when the Crusaders win. Most impressive was the fact that the 'Tahs managed to keep the 'Canes tryless.
I was right about Lachlan Turner though. Kid's a star. If he knows what's good for him, he'll sign with the Brumbies now. Might go places then. Like Canberra.
Totally surprised at the crowd though. Obviously not everyone is as fickle as I. After their 2007 season, I was expecting an empty stadium but full capacity. Could be the start of something big. Let's just hope it's not Tuqiri's already inflated ego.
Standouts were #8 Wycliff Palu (Man of the Match), blindside flanker Rocky 'Ball-boa' Elsom, winger Timana Tahu and flyhalf Kurtley Beale.
**********
Here's the rest. Yawn....
Blues (NZ) 32 v Chiefs (NZ) 14
Stormers (SA) 9 v Bulls (SA) 16
Cheetahs (SA) 22 v Lions (SA) 23
**********
images courtesy of RugbyHeaven
**********
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Stephen Larkham: eClairvoyant? Or a Finn?
February 15th 2008 06:19
Not only does he have the ability to foresee a game of Rugby, he's also just yum.
AND...he's singing a Split Enz song.
Larkham is seeing Red tonight and splitting up the fight for the #10 position.
Following on from what was promised in the previous post - Super 14 08: Round 1Fixtures
****
Wallaby Legend and all round Hunk of a Man (shortened official title) has added another 2 talents to his resume.
Soothsayer and Stirrer.
Now...I'm thinking that Larkham is;
a) royally pissed at Matt Giteau for not going back to the Brumbies
b) royally chuffed at Berrick Barnes for not going to the Brumbies
...or vice versa.
Larkham has "installed Test flyhalf favouritism" on Berrick Barnes and has predicted Barnes will play an "emphatic" role in a 10-point Reds victory.
Soothsayer.
For Barnes, the faith of the injured Legend he replaced at last year's World Cup, is an "enormous shot of confidence" ahead of Queensland's Super 14 match against the (NZ- Otago) Highlanders at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, tonight.
Berrick: "Look Steve...I'm a frontrunner!"
Stephen: "Yes Berrick. It's that shot of confidence I gave you. Or was that Tequila?...hmm..."
...and no, "...bound for a Japanese Rugby club..." does not mean he's wrapped up in a Kimono...
********
Larkham said;
Et voila. Stirrer.
Oh...gauntlet runner was already on Larkham's resume. He can now also add gauntlet thrower. clannngggggg
...my ridiculousness aside...Larkham does know what he's talking about. It has always been a major worry that Giteau -as excellent a player as he is- is just not consistent in the #10 position.
By Giteau's own admission, this position scares him a little. As it should. The #10 position requires soothsayer abilities...the ability to see what will happen 5 phases away and to set it up so it does happen. The ability to Visualise. Then make it happen. And seeing there is only oneLarkham flyhalf...the actualisation has to be done by the team.
Giteau can actualise but he can't visualise.
Larkham fans (we call ourselves Larkhamites) will note Barnes' slight resemblance to our hero and although Barnes is not as brilliant as Larkham because no one ever will be, he does have the ability to visualise.
...and damn, I hope Larkham still has it too, off field...Reds to win. Big call. ...but hey...I said it too.
I also said
**********
Info sourced from The Courier Mail
Image courtesy of DayLife.
Inanity courtesy of DuskDevi
Generosity courtesy of you...Thank you for clicking on this link;
AND...he's singing a Split Enz song.
Larkham is seeing Red tonight and splitting up the fight for the #10 position.
Following on from what was promised in the previous post - Super 14 08: Round 1Fixtures
Player to Watch:
...
Berrick Barnes - because Stephen Larkham says so (post to follow).
...
Berrick Barnes - because Stephen Larkham says so (post to follow).
****
Wallaby Legend and all round Hunk of a Man (shortened official title) has added another 2 talents to his resume.
Soothsayer and Stirrer.
Now...I'm thinking that Larkham is;
a) royally pissed at Matt Giteau for not going back to the Brumbies
b) royally chuffed at Berrick Barnes for not going to the Brumbies
...or vice versa.
Larkham has "installed Test flyhalf favouritism" on Berrick Barnes and has predicted Barnes will play an "emphatic" role in a 10-point Reds victory.
Soothsayer.
For Barnes, the faith of the injured Legend he replaced at last year's World Cup, is an "enormous shot of confidence" ahead of Queensland's Super 14 match against the (NZ- Otago) Highlanders at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, tonight.
Larkham bucks the popular view that 51-Test fixture Matt Giteau is a shoo-in to wear the gold No. 10 jumper when Kiwi Robbie Deans takes charge of Australia for the first time.
"Berrick is the frontrunner. He's got the runs on the board from the World Cup," said Larkham, bound for a Japanese club next month.
"Berrick is the frontrunner. He's got the runs on the board from the World Cup," said Larkham, bound for a Japanese club next month.
Berrick: "Look Steve...I'm a frontrunner!"
Stephen: "Yes Berrick. It's that shot of confidence I gave you. Or was that Tequila?...hmm..."
...and no, "...bound for a Japanese Rugby club..." does not mean he's wrapped up in a Kimono...
********
Larkham said;
You've got to pick the flyhalf on form in Super 14 and I expect Berrick to go from strength to strength because he grew enormously with the Wallabies.
...He can run a great player like Gits to the wire for sure. The big thing from a flyhalf is not one big game but consistency, game in, game out.
This is the start of something exciting, a new era.
...He can run a great player like Gits to the wire for sure. The big thing from a flyhalf is not one big game but consistency, game in, game out.
This is the start of something exciting, a new era.
Et voila. Stirrer.
Oh...gauntlet runner was already on Larkham's resume. He can now also add gauntlet thrower. clannngggggg
...my ridiculousness aside...Larkham does know what he's talking about. It has always been a major worry that Giteau -as excellent a player as he is- is just not consistent in the #10 position.
By Giteau's own admission, this position scares him a little. As it should. The #10 position requires soothsayer abilities...the ability to see what will happen 5 phases away and to set it up so it does happen. The ability to Visualise. Then make it happen. And seeing there is only one
Giteau can actualise but he can't visualise.
Larkham fans (we call ourselves Larkhamites) will note Barnes' slight resemblance to our hero and although Barnes is not as brilliant as Larkham because no one ever will be, he does have the ability to visualise.
...and damn, I hope Larkham still has it too, off field...Reds to win. Big call. ...but hey...I said it too.
I also said
don't quote me
to which I now add "...unless the Reds win."**********
Info sourced from The Courier Mail
Image courtesy of DayLife.
Inanity courtesy of DuskDevi
Generosity courtesy of you...Thank you for clicking on this link;
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Super 14 2008: Round 1 Fixtures
February 15th 2008 04:07
No games. Only Rugby.
Friday February 15:
Crusaders (NZ) v Brumbies
7:35pm local time - Christchurch
LIVE at 5:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
- Hate to say this so I won't...will just say it differently and politely. I'm not sure that the Brumbies will win this match. The loss of Gregan, Larkham and Paul plus Mortlock out injured will be felt. Not just by me. Hopefully the Crusaders eat dodgy pre match hotdogs.
Player to watch:
Stephen Larkham. Well...he may be there for moral support. Okay, okay...
Christian Lealiifano. Who? Yeah I don't know either but he's supposedly the new flyhalf and will be sharing the #10 position with Julian Huxley. He's also supposedly very good.
Also watch Josh Holmes, the new halfback. Although no Gregan, he's got major potential. He's an Eastwood Boy.
Standouts:
Stephen Larkham. why? why??...do I insist on doing this to myself. and you...
Adam Ashley-Cooper - the boy is angry. (RWC lost due to poor play)
Mark Gerrard - the boy is hungry. (RWC lost due to injury)
**********
Qld Reds v Highlanders (NZ)
7:05pm local time - Brisbane
LIVE at 8:00pm AEST Fox Sports 2
- Is it just me or does that Koala look really angry? From a tree to a spoon...it's all wooden. (they finished last in '07). Hopefully the Reds start seeing it seriously and pull their socks up for He Who Never Does, Chris Latham (literally. Latham's socks are always falling down). I'm going with the Reds for this match...but don't quote me.
Player to Watch:
Chris Latham - he'll want to start and finish his last Super 14 season with a bang. Latham is without a doubt one of the world's best fullbacks and can singlehandedly and singlefootedly win for his team.
Berrick Barnes - because Stephen Larkham says so (post to follow).
***************************** *********
Saturday February 16th:
Sharks (SA) v Western Force
7:10pm local time - Durban
LIVE at 4:00am AEST Fox Sports 2
- Hmmm...there is a dark side in the Force and I'm not talking about John Mitchells's true allegiance. (Mitchell is the ex All Blacks coach).
Matt Henjak is in all sorts of trouble (post to follow) but it looks like the Force does not have the depth to do without him. I'm hoping they can pull it together to at least make it to the semis. Force will win this match. Or else Henjak will beat someone else up.
Player to Watch:
Matt Giteau wants the #10 position so bad he will be drinking cartons of Red Bull. His incentive to excel is the Usurper, Berrick Barnes. Plus that multi million dollar pay cheque.
********
Blues (NZ) v Chiefs (NZ)
7:35pm local time - Auckland
LIVE at 5:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
********
NSW Waratahs v Hurricanes (NZ)
7:40pm local time - Sydney
LIVE at 7:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
- Did someone say carpaccio?...because that's what the back line looks like and that's before a match. Team should be renamed Rawatahs. Hurricanes to damage.
Player to watch:
Lachlan Turner - whooooshhhhhhh. yep. He's that fast. Plus he's an NRJRUC alumni. Those in the know, know what that means.
Kurtley Beale - another pretender. But he's definitely got what it takes and he's only 19. Larkham was Larkham when he was born. What?
***************************** **********
Sunday February 17th:
Stormers (SA) v Bulls (SA)
5:00pm local time - Cape Town
LIVE at 2:00am AEST Fox Sports 2
- You may want to stay up. After all, the Bulls are reigning Champions. Yawn.
Cheetahs (SA) v Lions (SA)
7:05pm local time - Bloemfontein
LIVE at 4:00am AEST Fox Sports 2
- Don't bother setting your alarm clock. Unless you have insomnia. This should cure it.
Thank you for reading and Thank You for clicking on this link;
Please Note:
The Comments Section has been disabled as I am currently unable to respond to any comment/s left. My apologies for the inconvenience but I'm busy polishing my studs.
Of my boots. Studs of my boots. sheesh.
Friday February 15:
Crusaders (NZ) v Brumbies
7:35pm local time - Christchurch
LIVE at 5:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
- Hate to say this so I won't...will just say it differently and politely. I'm not sure that the Brumbies will win this match. The loss of Gregan, Larkham and Paul plus Mortlock out injured will be felt. Not just by me. Hopefully the Crusaders eat dodgy pre match hotdogs.
Player to watch:
Stephen Larkham. Well...he may be there for moral support. Okay, okay...
Christian Lealiifano. Who? Yeah I don't know either but he's supposedly the new flyhalf and will be sharing the #10 position with Julian Huxley. He's also supposedly very good.
Also watch Josh Holmes, the new halfback. Although no Gregan, he's got major potential. He's an Eastwood Boy.
Standouts:
Stephen Larkham. why? why??...do I insist on doing this to myself. and you...
Adam Ashley-Cooper - the boy is angry. (RWC lost due to poor play)
Mark Gerrard - the boy is hungry. (RWC lost due to injury)
**********
Qld Reds v Highlanders (NZ)
7:05pm local time - Brisbane
LIVE at 8:00pm AEST Fox Sports 2
- Is it just me or does that Koala look really angry? From a tree to a spoon...it's all wooden. (they finished last in '07). Hopefully the Reds start seeing it seriously and pull their socks up for He Who Never Does, Chris Latham (literally. Latham's socks are always falling down). I'm going with the Reds for this match...but don't quote me.
Player to Watch:
Chris Latham - he'll want to start and finish his last Super 14 season with a bang. Latham is without a doubt one of the world's best fullbacks and can singlehandedly and singlefootedly win for his team.
Berrick Barnes - because Stephen Larkham says so (post to follow).
***************************** *********
Saturday February 16th:
Sharks (SA) v Western Force
7:10pm local time - Durban
LIVE at 4:00am AEST Fox Sports 2
- Hmmm...there is a dark side in the Force and I'm not talking about John Mitchells's true allegiance. (Mitchell is the ex All Blacks coach).
Matt Henjak is in all sorts of trouble (post to follow) but it looks like the Force does not have the depth to do without him. I'm hoping they can pull it together to at least make it to the semis. Force will win this match. Or else Henjak will beat someone else up.
Player to Watch:
Matt Giteau wants the #10 position so bad he will be drinking cartons of Red Bull. His incentive to excel is the Usurper, Berrick Barnes. Plus that multi million dollar pay cheque.
********
Blues (NZ) v Chiefs (NZ)
7:35pm local time - Auckland
LIVE at 5:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
********
NSW Waratahs v Hurricanes (NZ)
7:40pm local time - Sydney
LIVE at 7:30pm AEST Fox Sports 2
- Did someone say carpaccio?...because that's what the back line looks like and that's before a match. Team should be renamed Rawatahs. Hurricanes to damage.
Player to watch:
Lachlan Turner - whooooshhhhhhh. yep. He's that fast. Plus he's an NRJRUC alumni. Those in the know, know what that means.
Kurtley Beale - another pretender. But he's definitely got what it takes and he's only 19. Larkham was Larkham when he was born. What?
***************************** **********
Sunday February 17th:
Stormers (SA) v Bulls (SA)
5:00pm local time - Cape Town
LIVE at 2:00am AEST Fox Sports 2
- You may want to stay up. After all, the Bulls are reigning Champions. Yawn.
Cheetahs (SA) v Lions (SA)
7:05pm local time - Bloemfontein
LIVE at 4:00am AEST Fox Sports 2
- Don't bother setting your alarm clock. Unless you have insomnia. This should cure it.
......grrrrrrrrrRugby....
Thank you for reading and Thank You for clicking on this link;
Please Note:
The Comments Section has been disabled as I am currently unable to respond to any comment/s left. My apologies for the inconvenience but I'm busy polishing my studs.
Of my boots. Studs of my boots. sheesh.
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Super 14 2008 starts today!
February 15th 2008 02:23
...and eek...I'm just not match fit...
Why?...sigh...they just don't make 'em Larkham anymore...
(The Investec) Super 14 Rugby competition has;
- 4 teams from Australia
(Brumbies, NSW Waratahs, QLD Reds and the Western Force)
- 5 teams from South Africa
(Bulls, Cheetahs, Lions, Sharks and Stormers)
- 5 teams from New Zealand
(who cares?...)
(just kidding...Blues, Chiefs, Crusaders, Highlanders and Hurricanes)
The competition started in 1996 as the Super 12.
Australia, New Zealand and South Africa formed SANZAR (South African, New Zealand and Australian Rugby) to administer an annual provincial 12 team competition and Tri-Nations Test Series between the three countries.
Impetus for forming a Tri Nations alliance started in Australia and New Zealand, following the establishment of Super League and the huge player salaries on offer.
Worried that Rugby Union players would be tempted to switch codes and that Rugby Union would suffer as a consequence, the unions of the three countries signed a multi million-dollar deal with Rupert Mordoch's News Corporation.
This gave News Corp exclusive television rights to the competition for ten years.
...which forever underscored Rugby as an elitist game but ours is not to reason why...ours is just to ruck and try.
The competition was renamed Super 14 in 2005 for the 2006 and future season, with the addition of 2 teams. Australia and South Africa got an 'extra' team each (the Western Force and the Central Cheetahs). NZ Rugby was worried that there may have been a Pacific Super team, in which case NZ teams would lose all their players.
The emphasis in Super 12 and now Super 14 is on strong, attacking Rugby with bonus points given to any team scoring four tries or more in a game.
Bonus points were also awarded to Stephen Larkham just because he exists. Okay so that was just my scoring system. 10/10.
The Crusaders are the most successful Super 12 team but the All Blacks choked at RWC again and that's the only NZ Rugby statistic that matters.
The ACT Brumbies played in four Super 12 Finals (1997, 2000, 2001 & 2004), winning the title in 2001 and 2004. They were on track to win in 2007 but the Reds didn't keep their side of the bargain and did what they do best. Lose.
(The Reds had to win their match against whomever...sorry, can't remember, I have Rugby Ball-zheimers...for the Brumbies to advance to 4th place and a place in the semis. They finished 5th).
I have no expectations this year.
The NSW Waratahs made their first decider in 2005, but were beaten by the Crusaders. They were on track to win in 2006 -semi finalists- and had their worst ever season in 2007, finishing 13th.
The Qld Reds...yeah...well...a team that consistently provides legendary Wallabies. And that's it.
The Western Force was formed in 2006 and is now a...yep, you guessed it...a force to be reckoned with. They finished 14th in 2006 but rose up to 7th place ranking in 2007.
I'm willing to bet that the Force will be the 2nd Australian team to win a Super 14 Championship.
Sorry 'Tahs but y'all tend to wilt under pressure. Please prove me wrong this year.
Super 12 / 14 Champs;
1996 Blues (NZ)
1997 Blues (NZ)
1998 Crusaders (NZ)
1999 Crusaders (NZ)
2000 Crusaders (NZ)
2001 Brumbies (AUS)
2002 Crusaders (NZ)
2003 Blues (NZ)
2004 Brumbies (AUS)
2005 Crusaders (NZ)
2006 Crusaders (NZ)
2007 Bulls (SA)
Round 1 Fixtures (teams and dates) coming up.
Please take a moment to click this;
Please Note:
The Comments Section has been disabled as I am currently unable to respond to any comment/s left. My apologies for the inconvenience but I'm not an octupus. Thank you for reading.
Why?...sigh...they just don't make 'em Larkham anymore...
(The Investec) Super 14 Rugby competition has;
- 4 teams from Australia
(Brumbies, NSW Waratahs, QLD Reds and the Western Force)
- 5 teams from South Africa
(Bulls, Cheetahs, Lions, Sharks and Stormers)
- 5 teams from New Zealand
(who cares?...)
(just kidding...Blues, Chiefs, Crusaders, Highlanders and Hurricanes)
The competition started in 1996 as the Super 12.
Australia, New Zealand and South Africa formed SANZAR (South African, New Zealand and Australian Rugby) to administer an annual provincial 12 team competition and Tri-Nations Test Series between the three countries.
Impetus for forming a Tri Nations alliance started in Australia and New Zealand, following the establishment of Super League and the huge player salaries on offer.
Worried that Rugby Union players would be tempted to switch codes and that Rugby Union would suffer as a consequence, the unions of the three countries signed a multi million-dollar deal with Rupert Mordoch's News Corporation.
This gave News Corp exclusive television rights to the competition for ten years.
...which forever underscored Rugby as an elitist game but ours is not to reason why...ours is just to ruck and try.
The competition was renamed Super 14 in 2005 for the 2006 and future season, with the addition of 2 teams. Australia and South Africa got an 'extra' team each (the Western Force and the Central Cheetahs). NZ Rugby was worried that there may have been a Pacific Super team, in which case NZ teams would lose all their players.
The emphasis in Super 12 and now Super 14 is on strong, attacking Rugby with bonus points given to any team scoring four tries or more in a game.
Bonus points were also awarded to Stephen Larkham just because he exists. Okay so that was just my scoring system. 10/10.
The Crusaders are the most successful Super 12 team but the All Blacks choked at RWC again and that's the only NZ Rugby statistic that matters.
The ACT Brumbies played in four Super 12 Finals (1997, 2000, 2001 & 2004), winning the title in 2001 and 2004. They were on track to win in 2007 but the Reds didn't keep their side of the bargain and did what they do best. Lose.
(The Reds had to win their match against whomever...sorry, can't remember, I have Rugby Ball-zheimers...for the Brumbies to advance to 4th place and a place in the semis. They finished 5th).
I have no expectations this year.
The NSW Waratahs made their first decider in 2005, but were beaten by the Crusaders. They were on track to win in 2006 -semi finalists- and had their worst ever season in 2007, finishing 13th.
The Qld Reds...yeah...well...a team that consistently provides legendary Wallabies. And that's it.
The Western Force was formed in 2006 and is now a...yep, you guessed it...a force to be reckoned with. They finished 14th in 2006 but rose up to 7th place ranking in 2007.
I'm willing to bet that the Force will be the 2nd Australian team to win a Super 14 Championship.
Sorry 'Tahs but y'all tend to wilt under pressure. Please prove me wrong this year.
Super 12 / 14 Champs;
1996 Blues (NZ)
1997 Blues (NZ)
1998 Crusaders (NZ)
1999 Crusaders (NZ)
2000 Crusaders (NZ)
2001 Brumbies (AUS)
2002 Crusaders (NZ)
2003 Blues (NZ)
2004 Brumbies (AUS)
2005 Crusaders (NZ)
2006 Crusaders (NZ)
2007 Bulls (SA)
Round 1 Fixtures (teams and dates) coming up.
Please take a moment to click this;
Please Note:
The Comments Section has been disabled as I am currently unable to respond to any comment/s left. My apologies for the inconvenience but I'm not an octupus. Thank you for reading.
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