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Permalink Reply by Ox™ on March 11, 2010 at 11:46pm

Preview: Scotland v England

12th March 2010

Friends turned foes: Andy Robinson knows the inner workings of England better than most

The daggers are well and truly out for Martin Johnson as England face a perilous trip North for the latest edition of the Calcutta Cup.

Take a moment, if you will, and pretend that you've spent the last two years on some remote island, completely isolated from rugby news. Upon your return, you ask a couple of questions about England's performances.

- How did England do in the Six Nations last year?

The reply: They finished second. They lost on the road to the defending champions and then were edged by the eventual Grand Slams winners by a single point at Croke Park. They also hammered France.

- Hmmm, not too bad it seems, if you consider they had a new coach. How about this year?

The reply: Wins against Wales and Italy but a loss to the defending champs thanks to a brilliant try in the last minute.

- Hmmm. So they could still win the competition? Doesn't sound too bad.

When I click my fingers you can wake up.

Click.

Now pick up any English newspaper and have a read. Doesn't sound too good now, does it? Welcome to England rugby.

They're boring. Unimaginative. They kick too much. They don't attack the gain line. Wilko's too slow. Wilko's too old. Johnno's out of his depth...just about every criticism imaginable has been leveled at the England camp over the past year. But is the situation as bad as my colleagues in the press make it out to be?

The answer is yes and no. (Yes, it is quite comfortable on this fence). I won't pretend that the team in white have been exciting, but have they every been?

As long as the results have been there, no one has complained about the style in which they were achieved. The results really haven't been that bad, and if it Tommy Bowe had made his run at Twickers half a second later, we'd all be singing the praises of England's revival.

'But they even struggled against Italy,' I hear the nay-sayers cry. Would that be the Italy side that beat Scotland two weeks ago, drilled Samoa and gave the All Blacks a real run for their money? A bit of perspective please.

OK. I'll stop now. You're right, England are boring and their record at Murrayfield - where they've lost on there last two visits - should have fans of the red rose worried.

Time for some more of that perspective stuff. Scotland haven't won anything this year, but they can definitely beat England on Saturday. Andy Robinson's team really should have finished off Wales and were unlucky to be denied a try by mere inches - twice - in Rome.

The hosts' back three has been in barnstorming form and Dan Parks' boot has been right on the money. The tartan set piece is very solid and Robinson can be expected to provide a his team with route map to find the cracks in each of the English players' game.

Edinburgh and Glasgow's form in the Magners League suggests winning is a not foreign concept North of Hadrian's Wall. If Scotland can reproduce for 80 minutes the kind of performance they put on for 60 minutes in Cardiff, Chris Cusiter's troops have every reason to believe they can send England back home to think again.

The key to the result, however, probably lies with visitors.

If England finally click and back themselves to have a go, the way they did in the first ten minutes against Ireland, they should have too much for the home side.

Players to watch:

For Scotland: The Scotland back row have been the highlight of their campaign so far. Johnnie Beattie, John Barclay and Kelly Brown have formed a great balance of strength, speed and physicality. Their English counterparts are not living up to expectations, and Lewis Moody has paid the price as a result. Scotland's hopes will rely heavily on the three "Bs" winning the battle in the tight-loose.

For England: This time last year, Delon Armitage could do no wrong. The full-back's coming of age in the 2009 Six Nations was a revelation, but after a long injury lay-off, he has been unable to rediscover last year's form and is now under huge pressure to retain his place. With Ben Foden breathing down his neck, Armitage has admitted he knows he must come up with a big performance or face the axe. Scotland will know his confidence is down and will look to put him under pressure. Expect the bombs to rain down...

Head-to-head: Recalled for the first time since November 2008, Nick De Luca has a tough task on his hands in midfield. The Edinburgh centre has never started a Test alongside Graeme Morrison and Test against England is hardly the place to try find your feet. The England duo of Mathew Tait and Riki Flutey hasn't had much time to gel either, but one feels of the two combinations they have greater potential to come up with something special - assuming they are provided with decent attacking ball.

Previous results:

2009: England won 26-12 at Twickenham
2008: Scotland won 15-9 at Murrayfield
2007: England won 42-20 atTwickenham
2006: Scotland won 18-12 at Murrayfield
2005: England won 43-22 at Twickenham
2004: England won 35-13 at Murrayfield
2003: England won 40-9 at Twickenham
2002: England won 29-3 at Murrayfield
2001: England won 43-3 at Twickenham
2000: Scotland won 19-13 at Murrayfield

Prediction: It'll be close. In the last five meetings between these sides, the home team has been victorious. It's tough to argue against history, but we've got a sneaky feeling England will come good. England by a whisker.

The teams:

Scotland: 15 Hugo Southwell, 14 Sean Lamont, 13 Nick De Luca, 12 Graeme Morrison, 11 Max Evans, 10 Dan Parks, 9 Chris Cusiter (c), 8 Johnnie Beattie, 7 John Barclay, 6 Kelly Brown, 5 Al Kellock, 4 Jim Hamilton, 3 Euan Murray, 2 Ross Ford, 1 Allan Jacobsen.
Replacements: 16 Scott Lawson, 17 Geoff Cross, 18 Nathan Hines, 19 Alan MacDonald, 20 Rory Lawson, 21 Phil Godman, 22 Simon Danielli.

England: 15 Delon Armitage, 14 Mark Cueto, 13 Mathew Tait, 12 Riki Flutey, 11 Ugo Monye, 10 Jonny Wilkinson, 9 Danny Care, 8 Nick Easter, 7 Joe Worsley, 6 James Haskell, 5 Steve Borthwick, 4 Louis Deacon, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Dylan Hartley, 1 Tim Payne.
Replacements: 16 Steve Thompson, 17 David Wilson, 18 Courtney Lawes, 19 Lewis Moody, 20 Ben Youngs, 21 Toby Flood, 22 Ben Foden.

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Permalink Reply by Ox™ on March 12, 2010 at 8:51am

S14 Preview: Round Five, Part Two

12th March 2010

Planet Rugby

Getting desperate: The Sharks


The Cheetahs and Blues have a bye this weekend, while the Bulls and Western Force are back in action as we enter Round Five of the Super 14.

The Sharks were unlucky not to pick up their first win of the season in Sydney, but get another crack at ending their drought against the Brumbies on Saturday. The Sharks haven't won in Canberra since 1998, but they'll take some confidence out of the fact that they beat the Brumbies very easily in Durban last year.

Elsewhere, the Highlanders face the most complete side in the tournament at a ground where the Bulls haven't lost in thirteen matches, and do so without three key players (Jimmy Cowan, Michael Hobbs and Adam Thomson).

You can't underestimate the Hurricanes, but the Stormers will fancy their chances at Newlands - where they are two from three this season - in what has been billed as the match to watch on Super Saturday.

Finally, an all-Australian derby ends off Round Five's proceedings when the Western Force visit the Reds in Brisbane.

Brumbies v Sharks

The Sharks are still in search of that elusive first win in the 2010 Super 14 and will be hoping to upset the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday.

The South Africans have lost eight of their past nine Super Rugby matches, including four on the trot this season, and have won just two matches since beating the Brumbies 35-14 in Durban last year.

Where to then for the Sharks? Denied by a cruel refereeing decision last weekend against the Waratahs, John Smit's men simply have to start taking their chances and stop yellow card infringements that are driving their coach John Plumtree to desperation.

Three tries in four matches and only 65 points for - with only the Western Force (56) and Highlanders (63) having scored less - tell a story that must be as chilling for Springbok coach Peter de Villiers who has a nucleus of his Test side involved with the Sharks.

Two yellow cards in two outings by former England fly-half Andy Goode, poor handling and odd decision-making is the main reason for them struggling. All in all, this does not tell the tale of a happy side.

Add to that the fact that the Durban franchise has won only one of their last eight matches against the Brumbies in Canberra, and their challenge this weekend is clear.

But Brumbies coach Andy Friend said the tourists' recent record did not lessen their threat.

"When you haven't had a win, you're fighting for everything you can to make sure you get one," he said.

"Watching them last week you could see a lot of passion in the way they were playing, there was a lot of ambition and desire in the way they were playing, and intent.

"And we're expecting them to definitely have that against us."

But while boasting a quality backline, with the likes of Wallabies Matt Giteau, Stirling Mortlock and Adam Ashley-Cooper, the Brumbies have also failed to fire on all cylinders so far this year.

They are yet to record a four-try bonus point, or any bonus points for that matter.

The Brumbies looked good at times in the wet against the Lions last week, but they failed to score a fourth try to pick up a bonus point despite having plenty of opportunities.

Prediction: The Sharks must be getting close to breaking their drought this year, but we can't see them snapping their losing streak in the Australian capital. Brumbies to win by three points or less.

The teams:

Brumbies: 15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Pat McCabe, 13 Stirling Mortlock, 12 Christian Lealiifano, 11 Francis Fainifo, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Josh Valentine, 8 Stephen Hoiles, 7 George Smith, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Mark Chisholm, 4 Ben Hand, 3 Salesi Maafu, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Ben Alexander.
Replacements: 16 Huia Edmonds, 17 Guy Shepherdson, 18 Justin Harrison, 19 Mitchell Chapman, 20 Patrick Phibbs, 21 Matt Toomua, 22 Tyrone Smith.

Sharks: 15 Stefan Terblanche, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Adrian Jacobs, 12 Riaan Swanepoel, 11 JP Pietersen, 10 Andy Goode, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Ryan Kankowski, 7 Willem Alberts, 6 Jacques Botes, 5 Johann Muller, 4 Steven Sykes, 3 John Smit (c), 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: 16 Craig Burden, 17 Jannie du Plessis, 18 Alistair Hargreaves, 19 Jean Deysel, 20 Keegan Daniel, 21 Rory Kockott, 22 Waylon Murray.

Date: Saturday, March 13
Venue: Canberra Stadium
Kick-off: 19:40 (08:40 GMT)
Referee: Garratt Williamson (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Paul Marks (Australia), Simon Moore (Australia)
Television match official: Matt Goddard (Australia)

Bulls v Highlanders

The Bulls' weekend off in Round Four will stand them in good stead against the Highlanders at Loftus Versveld on Saturday, where the defending champs are set to continue their unbeaten run.

They've now won thirteen straight in Pretoria, while the New Zealanders are coming off a 33-0 hiding by the Stormers in Cape Town and they've lost their captain Jimmy Cowan to injury.

The Bulls scored three consecutive fifties - including last year's final against the Chiefs - followed by 48 points against the Waratahs, and another could be on their way for this team without any obvious weaknesses.

The hosts have the best forward pack in the tournament, and they have speed to burn out wide. In the line-outs the Highlanders will probably be worse off than last weekend in Cape Town, and the Bulls scrum is going from strength to strength.

The Highlanders have only victory from four outings this year, and they haven't won in Pretoria since 2002. They did, however, beat the Bulls in New Zealand last year, and they did draw in South Africa in 2004.

Still, even though the Kiwis can be competitive on their good days, it's hard to see them matching a rampant Bulls team in front of a big crowd at Loftus Versfeld.

Prediction: The question isn't what team will win, but by how much. The Bulls by... 20 points.

The teams:

Bulls: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Gerhard van den Heever, 13 Stephan Dippenaar, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Francois Hougaard, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Dewald Potgieter, 6 Derick Kuün, 5 Victor Matfield (c), 4 Danie Rossouw, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 Gary Botha, 1 Gurthrö Steenkamp.
Replacements: 16 Bandise Maku, 17 Rossouw de Klerk, 18 Flip van der Merwe, 19 Deon Stegmann, 20 Jacques-Louis Potgieter, 21 Jaco van der Westhuyzen, 22 Pedrie Wannenburg.

Highlanders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Kenny Lynn, 12 Jason Shoemark, 11 Fetu'u Vainikolo, 10 Mat Berquist, 9 Sean Romans, 8 Steven Setephano, 7 Alando Soakai, 6 Tim Boys, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Josh Bekhuis, 3 Chris King, 2 Jason Macdonald, 1 Jamie Mackintosh (c).
Replacements: 16 Jason Rutledge, 17 Bronson Murray, 18 Hayden Triggs, 19 John Hardie, 20 Scott Cowan, 21 Robbie Robinson, 22 James Paterson.

Date: Saturday, March 13
Kick-off: 17:05 (15:05 GMT)
Venue: Loftus Versfeld
Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Pro Legoete (South Africa), Christie du Preez (South Africa)
Television match official: Johann Meuwesen (South Africa)

Stormers v Hurricanes

The Stormers face a daunting task against the Hurricanes at Newlands on Saturday, despite the New Zealand outfit going down 28-12 to the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein last weekend.

The men from the Cape proved yet again that they are genuine contenders this year with a huge win over the Highlanders. If they can win on the road, they will be hard to beat at the business end of the tournament.

The visitors from Wellington were all set to take the lead on the Super 14 table, but ill-discipline - including two yellow cards - cost them dearly as the Cheetahs slotted eight kicks from eight, including a conversion. The Stormers can do the same with Joe Pietersen and Peter Grant who are up there with the best kickers in the game.

The Hurricanes did well to disrupt the Free State scrum at times, and will exploit the fact that the Stormers scrum from time to time looked vulnerable on the loosehead side.

The Hurricanes will certainly also be better in the line-outs where the poor Highlanders side conceded six of their own throws which contributed greatly in their 33-0 thrashing at Newlands last weekend.

With last week producing their only try bonus point from four outings, the Stormers must start increasing their try tally to get on the same keel as their defence, which has been outstanding.

In their four matches, the Stormers have conceded only 38 points - 46 less than the second-best Crusaders - and two tries.

There was a greater preparedness to take the ball wide, and that should be repeated with the better distribution skills if not always best options, from scrum-half Dewaldt Duvenage.

And while the midfield clash of players like Ma'a Nonu and Jaque Fourie will be wonderful to watch, the line breaks will probably be few and far between. The Stormers can, however, prepare themselves for the little stab-kicks the 'Canes will use to break their defence.

Two good packs, two good sets of loose forwards, and two classy backlines could make this the spectacle of the weekend. In a nutshell, this will be a cracker!

Prediction: The Stormers are at home, where they are two from three this season, and they're coming off a very good win over the Highlanders. Stormers to win by five points.

The teams:

Stormers: 15 Joe Pietersen, 14 Sireli Naqelevuki, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Juan de Jongh, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Peter Grant, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Francois Louw, 6 Schalk Burger (c), 5 Andries Bekker, 4 Anton van Zyl, 3 Brok Harris, 2 Tiaan Liebenberg, 1 Wicus Blaauw.
Replacements: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 JC Kritzinger, 18 De Kock Steenkamp, 19 Pieter Louw, 20 Ricky Januarie, 21 Lionel Cronjé, 22 Gio Aplon.

Hurricanes: 15 Cory Jane, 14 Tamati Ellison, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 David Smith, 10 Willie Ripia, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Scott Waldrom, 6 Victor Vito, 5 Michael Paterson, 4 Bryn Evans, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore (c), 1 Jacob Ellison.
Replacements: 16 Dane Coles, 17 John Schwalger, 18 Jeremy Thrush, 19 Karl Lowe, 20 Tyson Keats, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 Alapati Leiua.

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Permalink Reply by Ox™ on March 12, 2010 at 8:56am

Preview: Ireland v Wales

12th March 2010

Planet Rugby

Among the dreary grind that has all too often passed for this year's Six Nations there's been some real high points: most of them tinged with red.

Wales have been this year's great entertainers, running in tries for fun in second halves of matches while graciously allowing opposing teams a good hard 40 minutes of attacking practice for first halves.

It doesn't please everyone: the Welshman in our office has aged a good decade during this campaign, Warren Gatland has apparently taken on the demeanour of a 'menopausal warthog' (more on that in a minute) and those who really care about the Welsh displays - such as the principality's populace - are all a little crestfallen by the careless way the Welsh have been going about their business of late.

But the rest of the watching rugby world are enjoying themselves enormously at Wales' expense in a tournament which still stirs the blood in the anticipation, yet is still failing to warm the cockles of the heart in the delivery.

There's plenty to anticipate about this weekend's match-up between Wales and Ireland in Dublin. For two teams who provided so many of last June's united and fun-spirited B&I Lions touring party, this match has tended to boil up some pretty weighty pre-match banter. This year is no different.

The sporting headline in the Western Mail on Thursday proclaimed: 'Our Warren called a menopausal warthog', in reference to a column in the Irish Independent which did indeed endow Warren Gatland with that epithet, as well as saying that the Irish preferred the company of the English to the 'self-absorbed' Welsh. If nothing else, that alone ought to be all the motivation the Welsh need.

Gatland himself is, apparently, 'to diplomacy what Smith and Wesson is to peace.' Very diplomatically put.

The column also went on to slight Shaun Edwards, the Cardiff crowd... pretty much everything hailing from across the Irish Sea but west of Offa's Dyke. Had Tom Jones sung at the pre-match last year, you can bet there'd be a joke about last year's Irish victory in Cardiff not being unusual or something.

On the subject of ast year, if you remember, it was Gatland's turn for the unprovoked banter. He called the Irish 'easy to dislike', later trying to explain that this was a well-intended compliment and that if all the hacks were going to misconstrue his words so he would follow Declan Kidney's method of 'spouting cliches and nothings.'

On the Lions tour that subject was raised, and he said that he merely didn't want to be a boring coach but that he might have to be. In response to this week's column, he uttered the following: "...we should permit this matter to rest and treat this article with the disdain in which it is offered.

"I genuinely urge true Welsh and Irish rugby fans not to let anything written in the original article to affect the respect and friendship they share for each other.

"It does not deserve to have any impact on what will be a great weekend for supporters from two great rugby nations."

Boring? Possibly. But it does bring us back to the rugby, where Wales appear to play in a manner consistently opposite to Gatland's PR techniques. In the year Gatland does indeed come forth and respond to a particularly juicy anti-Welsh article with no little 'cliche and nothing', the Welsh team is responding to blows of adversity with breathtaking periods of rugby, scintillating tries and long periods of domination. If only they could do it first...

Ireland's Tommy Bowe said in the wake of the win over England that he felt Ireland had their mojo back. Perhaps the writer who called the Welsh 'delusional' should have a look within the Irish camp.

Ireland do not have their mojo back. They were under the cosh for long periods against England and won by being extraordinarily resolute in defence against a physical but limited attack and taking their chances. When pitched against more sophisicated opposition in France a fortnight earlier, Ireland were blown away.

The fact still remains that good as Ireland are, they have a weakness in the scrum and a lack of dynamism up front which lets any team matching them for strength gain the upper hand.

Fortunately for Ireland, Wales do not have that strength, especially not now with so many frontline forwards out. However spirited the Welsh will fight, the Irish have too much firepower. Lest the Welsh should use the first forty minutes of the match to... well, whatever it is they have been doing this year, they may discover just how heavy that firepower can be.

Ones to watch:

For Ireland: Brian O'Driscoll wins his hundredth cap for his country, saying he feels invigorated by last year's Grand Slam. He looks it too - even in this apparent week of mudslinging between the two teams, old 'menopausal warthog' himself found the time to pay a glowing tribute. There's so much about O'Driscoll's play to watch and admire, so sit back and enjoy.

For Wales: Lee Byrne has had a distinctly ordinary season, missing kicks to touch in the corner, spilling high balls and even displaying an inability to count during the Ospreys' Heineken Cup match with Leicester. But he's still one of the best in the business when he turns it on. Woe betide Jonathan Sexton if he messes around with his kicks.

Head to head: The front row is where Ireland's weakness lies. Sometimes anyway. If Wales are awake, they should try and exploit this early.

Recent results:

2000: Wales won 23-19 at Lansdowne Road

2001: Ireland won 36-6 at Millennium Stadium

2002: Ireland won 54-10 at Lansdowne Road

2003: Ireland won 25-24 at Millennium Stadium

2003: Ireland won 35-12 at Lansdowne Road

2004: Ireland won 36-15 at Lansdowne Road

2005: Wales won 32-20 at Millennium Stadium

2006: Ireland won 31-5 at Lansdowne Road

2007: Ireland won 19-9 at Millennium Stadium

2008: Wales won 16-12 at Croke Park

2009: Ireland won 17-15 at Millennium Stadium

Prediction: It's difficult to see Wales possessing the mean streak needed to bully Ireland out of the game. Ireland by eight.

The teams:

Ireland: 15 Geordan Murphy, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Brian O'Driscoll (c), 12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Keith Earls, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Tomas O'Leary, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 David Wallace , 6 Stephen Ferris, 5 Paul O'Connell, 4 Donncha O'Callaghan, 3 John Hayes, 2 Rory Best, 1 Cian Healy.
Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Tony Buckley, 18 Leo Cullen, 19 Shane Jennings, 20 Eoin Reddan, 21 Ronan O'Gara, 22 Robert Kearney.

Wales: 15 Lee Byrne, 14 Leigh Halfpenny, 13 James Hook, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Shane Williams, 10 Stephen Jones, 9 Richie Rees, 8 Gareth Delve, 7 Martyn Williams (c), 6 Jonathan Thomas, 5 Luke Charteris, 4 Bradley Davies, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Matthew Rees, 1 Paul James.
Replacements: 16 Huw Bennett, 17 Rhys Gill, 18 Ian Gough, 19 Sam Warburton, 20 Dwayne Peel, 21 Andrew Bishop, 22 Tom Shanklin

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Permalink Reply by Ox™ on March 12, 2010 at 9:04am

Lions shown no mercy in Sydney

12th March 2010

Planet Rugby

Mitchell: The first of many tries

The Waratahs answered their critics with a brilliant display of running rugby, scoring eleven tries past the toothless Lions to record a comprehensive 73-12 Super 14 win in Sydney on Friday.

Wing Drew Mitchell set the Sydney Football Stadium alight by crossing the whitewash four times - a Waratahs' record - while Lachie Turner and Josh Holmes bagged a brace each to post their third win of the season.

The Waratahs, so often criticised for their conservative playing style had a four-try bonus point before half-time, leading 33-5 at the break, and the romp continued in the second half with the hosts running out big winners.

It was the first time the Waratahs had scored eleven tries in one Super Rugby match as they condemned the Lions to their fifth straight defeat in the tournament. Centre Berrick Barnes converted nine of the Waratahs tries while wing Tonderai Chavhanga and prop JC Janse van Rensburg scored the Lions five-pointers.

The Lions conceded 72 points against the Chiefs in Round Two of the Super 14 and this result makes them the first team to break the 200-point mark of points scored against them for an average of 45.6 points conceded per match.

The visitors have successfully brought other teams - such as the Brumbies - down to their level, but the Waratahs kept their structure and were buoyed by the Lions' mistakes as they looked to counter-attack time after time from deep.

Barnes, opting against three-pointers, also drove the Lions back with some lengthy touch-finders that would more often than not be rewarded with another try to the home side.

Mitchell got the ball rolling with the game's opening try following a quick-tap penalty in the sixth minute, before gifting Chavhanga a five-pointer after he failed to ground a kick in his in-goal area.

The Waratahs responded immediately with lock Dean Mumm intercepting a chip kick from Lions pivot Carlos Spencer and running almost 40 metres for his team's second try.

Mumm, hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau and prop Benn Robinson all featured in the build-up to the third try scored by centre Tom Carter who was denied only a few minutes earlier.

The try-scoring bonus point was chalked up on the half hour mark when wing Turner crossed following a break by number eight Wycliff Palu and a kick from fly-half Daniel Halangahu.

Mitchell, who beat three defenders in another sensational run, added the fifth try following a line-out from a penalty kick into touch by Barnes. The Lions were intent on running, but clearly lacked confidence, as Spencer and Earl Rose hacked away possession aimlessly.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Palu opening proceedings after he took a cross-field kick from Barnes on the bounce. Mitchell scored the next two five-pointers - one from a 60-metre run - before replacement prop JP Janse van Rensburg crossed for the Lions.

The hosts piled on three tries in the last ten minutes, two to replacement scrum-half Holmes and one to Turner to end off a fine day at the office.

Man of the match: The Waratahs' rampage was set up by strong forward work by skipper Phil Waugh, making a record 119th appearance, and fellow flanker Dave Dennis along with locks Dean Mumm and Kane Douglas. Barnes played his best match yet in the blue jersey, but it was Drew Mitchell that terrorised the Lions all night by frequently slicing through their defence and also pulled off some strong tackles. Oh, did we mention he scored four tries?

The scorers:

For Waratahs:
Tries: Mitchell 4, Mumm, Turner 2 , Palu, Carter, Holmes 2
Cons: Barnes 9

The Lions:
Tries: Chavhanga, Janse van Rensburg
Cons: Rose

Waratahs: 15 Sosene Anesi, 14 Lachie Turner, 13 Tom Carter, 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Daniel Halangahu, 9 Luke Burgess; 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Phil Waugh (c), 6 Dave Dennis, 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements: 16 Damien Fitzpatrick, 17 Sekope Kepu, 18 Will Caldwell, 19 Ben Mowen, 20 Josh Holmes, 21 Kurtley Beale, 22 Rob Horne.

Lions: 15 Earl Rose, 14 Tonderai Chavhanga, 13 Walter Venter, 12 Doppies la Grange, 11 Wandile Mjekevu, 10 Carlos Spencer, 9 JP Joubert, 8 Todd Clever, 7 Derick Minnie, 6 Cobus Grobbelaar (c), 5 Willem Stoltz, 4 Franco van der Merwe, 3 Kevin Buys, 2 Hannes Franklin, 1 Heinke van der Merwe.
Replacements: 16 Charles Emslie, 17 JC Janse van Rensburg, 18 Jacques Lombaard, 19 Robert Kruger, 20 Jano Vermaak, 21 Burton Francis, 22 Wigan Pekeur.

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Permalink Reply by Ox™ on March 12, 2010 at 9:09am

Samoa to host ANZ Pacific Nations Cup 2010
(IRB.COM) Thursday 11 March 2010

Junior Poluleuluigaga in action against Tonga on match day three at the ANZ Pacific Nations Cup 2009


The International Rugby Board has announced that Samoa will host the 2010 ANZ Pacific Nations Cup. The awarding of the key international tournament to the Samoa Rugby Union represents a further boost to the continued development and promotion of Rugby both in the country and across the whole of the Pacific Islands.

Fiji, Tonga and hosts Samoa will be joined by Japan for the strategically important IRB-funded tournament which will provide vital preparation for each of the participating Unions as they build towards Rugby World Cup 2011.

The two-week festival of Rugby kicks off on June 12 with a mouth-watering encounter between Fiji and Japan in Lautoka. Last year the two teams delivered a compelling spectacle in the final round of matches with Fiji edging the match 40-39 at the death. Samoa and Tonga play their opening match the same day in Apia, and two rounds later a new name will be etched onto the coveted Trophy.
With all but one of the matches again being played in one country, the 2010 tournament offers a platform for the delivery of key legacy initiatives, including refereeing and coaching workshops and junior rugby clinics and competitions, all geared towards the strategic goal of increasing competitiveness throughout the Pacific Islands.

"The hosting of the ANZ Pacific Nations Cup matches in Samoa is a very exciting development for a tournament that is well-established as a major event on the Rugby calendar," said IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset.

"Samoa has a rich and proud Rugby heritage and I am sure that the Samoa Rugby Union will embrace the opportunity to showcase their country and the Union with the first major international fifteen-a-side tournament to be hosted in the country."

"The Game continues to achieve growth around the world through the IRB's £48 million Strategic Investment Programme, and this tournament is a key element, providing the Participating Unions with an expanded competition calendar and a dedicated player development pathway aimed at increasing competitiveness at Test level, and ultimately at Rugby World Cup," added Lapasset.

Samoa Rugby Union Chairman Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, said: "The Samoa Rugby Union is honoured and delighted to be this year's hosts for the IRB Pacific Nations Cup. Being undoubtedly the Pacific Islands' [not Island's as many islands ] Premier tournament, Samoa will certainly be looking forward to a tremendous festival of entertaining Rugby."

Samoa Rugby Union Chief Executive Officer Su'a Peter Schuster, said: "Hosting the ANZ Pacific Nations Cup 2010 will be a special moment for the Samoa Rugby Union and the people of Samoa as it will be the first major Rugby tournament played in the [ teh ] country since last year's tsunami disaster. We are looking forward to welcoming Fiji, Japan and Tonga to Samoa, for a competition that will be a source of excitement and joy for everyone in the country."

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Permalink Reply by Ox™ on March 12, 2010 at 4:09pm

Top 14 race hots up

12th March 2010

Mugged: Toulon's defence holds off Castres' Thomas Sanchou

Defeats for the top two have thrown the race for Top 14 semi-final spots wide open on Friday, with five teams now jostling for the top spot.

Castres and Clermont both tumbled away from home, 19-6 to Toulon and 22-13 to Bayonne respectively, while chasers Toulouse and Perpignan won 34-3 and 19-14 at home to Montpellier and Biarritz respectively.

Stade Français' season lurched from bad to worse with a 26-14 defeat at Brive, while Bourgoin lifted themselves further away from relegation with a 17-7 win at Albi.

Results:

Friday, March 12

Toulon 19-6 Castres
Bayonne 22-13 Clermont
Toulouse 34-3 Montpellier
Albi 7-17 Bourgoin
Brive 26-14 Stade Français
Perpignan 19-14 Biarritz

Saturday, March 13

Montauban v Racing Metro

Standings:

1 Castres 67
2 Perpignan 66
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3 Clermont 65
4 Toulouse 65
5 Toulon 63
6 Racing Metro 55
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7 Brive 51
8 Stade Français 49
9 Biarritz 48
10 Bourgoin 44
11 Bayonne 43
12 Montpellier 42
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13 Montauban 37
14 Albi 19

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RC Toulon 19-6 Castres Olympique

As is often the case in France, the match was pretty much decided by a first half in which the home side, unbeaten at the fortress Felix Mayol this season, put in a display of searing intensity.

Mafi Kefu's try bolstered three penalties from Felipe Contepomi, while a single solitary penalty from the boot of Cameron McIntyre was all Castres could muster - even that was with the final kick of the half.

Castres have spent much of this season blowing away better teams with their own intensity so it was about time someone took them on at their own game.

But it was the Contepomi-Sonny Bill Williams combination that created the difference. It worked for the first try and it did for the second as well, with flanker Olivier Missoup looping round to finish off. That made it 19-3, and a McIntyre penalty was again all Castres could find in response.

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Aviron Bayonnais 22-13 Clermont Auvergne

A chance for Clermont to go top was badly missed here as Bayonne further hauled themselves away from relegation.

Centre Sam Gerber crossed for a Bayonne try in the second minute as the home side roared out of the blocks and Cedric Garcia added to it with two drop goals and the conversion, while Seremaia Bai at least got Clermont on the board in an opening quarter-hour dominated by the hosts.

Bai pulled a penalty back just before the break, but that was it for the scoring until the hour mark, when Garcia made it 16-6 with his first penalty.

Ten minutes before time though Clermont struck back with a try for Anthony Floch and conversion by Brock James.

But Garcia extended the lead with his second penalty and his third, in the final minute and as a result of the disciplinary nightmare that is Jamie Cudmore - he had been yellow-carded in the first half - denied Clermont even a bonus point.

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Stade Toulousain 34-3 Montpellier HRC

Five tries to nil for Toulouse, who look to be hitting form at the right time of the season.

All five came in the first half, one which even understated - when it comes to compliments anyway - coach Guy Noves called an 'exceptional' half of rugby.

Yann David, Virgil Lacombe, Jean Bouilhou, Cedric Heymans and Vincent Clerc all touched down in the same 20-minute spell, with David Skrela adding three conversions to his earlier penalty for a 34-0 half-time lead.

Montpellier, shell-shocked, at least spared themselves the ignominy of a nilling with a penalty from Cesar Sempere early in the second half, but that was pretty much it as far as the game went, with Toulouse in cruise mode.

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SCA Albi 7-17 CS Bourgoin-Jallieu

A penalty try right on half-time gave Bourgoin the necessary momentum to survive a gruelling test of resolve in Albi, whose goose is now surely cooked as far as the top flight goes.

Alberto di Bernado's conversion, added to that of John Senio's earlier try, gave Bourgoin a 14-0 half-time lead, too much for Albi to pull back.

Pierre-Gilles Lakafia's try gave Albi some hope but when lock Thomas Vervoort was yellow-carded for a late tackle about two minutes after coming on as a replacement, hope evaporated.

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CA Brive-Corrèze 26-14 Stade Français

It's a defeat which probably means the Parisians will not make the play-offs this season, but on this performance you'd never think they were even worthy of such on paper.

They trailed 19-6 at the break, with Fabrice Estebanez in deadly form with the boot and also finding time and space to set Nicolas Jeanjean up for a superb try.

Lionel Beauxis' third penalty made it 19-9 early in the second half but heavy Brive pressure resulted in first, a yellow card for Rodrigo Roncero and then, a minute later, a penalty try which killed the game off.

Hooker Laurent Sempere got a late try for the visitors but it was no consolation for a season surely now lost and for a likely lack of even a Heineken Cup spot to show for it.

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USA Perpignan 19-14 Biarritz Olympique

The tries came early but the tension built and built in the Stade Aimé-Giral. Jean-Philippe Grandclaude's opening score was quickly cancelled out by one from Iain Balshaw - the latter try a gem of a score from one side of the field to the other - but Nicolas Laharrague's conversion separated the two sides after 15 minutes.

That was the trademark of a Biarritz first forty minutes where they managed everything but a score, a factor which would haunt them at the end.

Laharrague and Valentin Courrent exchanged penalties before the break and after it, sharing six in all as Perpignan just kept their noses in front despite playing for ten minutes without scrum-half Nicolas Durand, who interfered with ruck ball just as Taku Ngwenya was ready to steam home.

Perpignan held firm though and made sure of victory when Laharrague landed his fourth of the night six minutes from time - sinking a heavy nail into the coffin of Biarritz's play-off hopes.

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Permalink Reply by Mike on March 13, 2010 at 1:44am

Umaga set for NZ return

2010-03-13 09:55


Auckland - All Blacks legend Tana Umaga will play for Counties-Manukau in the 2010 New Zealand Cup.

According to the Waikato Times, the former Test centre has signed for the battling franchise and is expected to confirm the two-year deal early next week.

Umaga coached and played at Toulon in France, and is now expected to play and assist Counties-Manukau coach Milton Haig.

He will be available for the Chiefs in the 2011 Super 15, but at 36, there will be serious doubts over his ability to still perform at that level.

Counties-Manukau were last year so strapped for cash they had to take extreme measures to pinch pennies including taking the water coolers out of their offices, but now have the money to attract Umaga, a rugby legend, albeit an aging one.

It is understood, new business development manager Phil Kingsley Jones - Jonah Lomu's former manager - has attracted big money to the franchise and helped sign Umaga.

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Permalink Reply by Mike on March 13, 2010 at 1:47am

Sharks crash in Canberra

2010-03-13 12:26

Garrin Lambley

Cape Town - The Sharks' Super 14 woes in 2010 continued when they were beaten by the Brumbies in a fiercely contested clash in Canberra on Saturday.

The Brumbies won 24-22 after the Sharks led 16-13 at half-time.

The Brumbies scored two tries - both by prop Ben Alexander. Flyhalf Matt Giteau kicked four penalties and a conversion.

The Sharks replied with a try by scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar. Flyhalf Andy Goode kicked five penalties and a conversion.

The Brumbies picked up four points for their victory, while the Sharks left with a point for losing by seven or fewer.

In next weekend's Round 6 action, the Brumbies travel to Auckland to face the Blues while the Sharks will look to break their losing streak against the Highlanders in Dunedin.

Teams:

Brumbies:
15. Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14. Pat McCabe, 13. Stirling Mortlock, 12. Christian Lealiifano, 11. Francis Fainifo, 10. Matt Giteau, 9. Josh Valentine, 8. Stephen Hoiles (captain), 7. George Smith, 6. Rocky Elsom, 5. Mark Chisholm, 4. Ben Hand, 3. Salesi Maafu, 2. Stephen Moore, 1. Ben Alexander

Substitutes: 16. Huia Edmonds, 17. Guy Shepherdson, 18. Justin Harrison, 19. Mitchell Chapman, 20. Patrick Phibbs, 21. Matt Toomua, 22. Tyrone Smith

Sharks:
15. Stefan Terblanche, 14. Odwa Ndungane, 13. Adrian Jacobs, 12. Riaan Swanepoel, 11. JP Pietersen, 10. Andy Goode, 9. Ruan Pienaar, 8. Ryan Kankowski, 7. Willem Alberts, 6. Jacques Botes, 5. Johann Muller, 4. Steven Sykes, 3. John Smit (captain), 2. Bismarck du Plessis, 1. Beast Mtawarira

Substitutes: 16. Craig Burden, 17. Jannie du Plessis, 18. Alistair Hargreaves, 19. Jean Deysel, 20. Keegan Daniel , 21. Rory Kockott, 22. Waylon Murray

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Permalink Reply by Ox™ on March 14, 2010 at 6:19am

Stormers blow away Hurricanes

Planet Rugby

13th March 2010

On his way: Duane Vermeulen

The Stormers leaped into second place on the Super 14 standings following their 37-13 win over the Hurricanes in Cape Town on Saturday.

The performance at Newlands was by far the Stormers' best to date, and a massive result considering they've beaten two traditional giants, the Waratahs and Hurricanes, by a comfortable margin.

They'll be favourites to take the Cheetahs next week, and with that result they'll head on their Australasian tour with a record of five victories from six matches.

Their attack still isn't perfect - ball was spilled in contact and the line-out wobbled on a few occasions, and if synergy is their goal they'll need to eliminate those errors.

What is a big plus is the Stormers' defence is still king, as they've only conceded four tries in five games. If they can keep the current line-up together, they're going to be extremely tough to beat.

Sireli Naqelevuki, Joe Pietersen, Duane Vermeulen, Brok Harris and Jaques Fourie were all on the scoresheet for the home side, ensuring a bonus point.

It took the Newlands outfit to within a point of the Bulls, who have a game in hand, and one clear of the Crusaders.

Pietersen put them ahead almost straight from the kick-off - the visitors penalised for offside allowing the full-back a shot at goal which he gladly took.

There was no long wait for the first try either.

It came courtesy of Fourie's angled run in midfield, which did enough to hold off Conrad Smith and allowed Pietersen space to send Naqelevuki over.

The Hurricanes slowly began to claw their way back into the game, but Willie Ripia wasted a first penalty attempt before adding the second - Bryan Habana and Francois Louw the guilty culprits for Allister Coetzee's side.

Then came a key moment of the game for the New Zealanders - they lost Cory Jane after a nasty clash of heads with Naqelevuki.

The latter, though, suffered no injury and then turned provider when he drew four defenders and cleverly threw a pass to Pietersen for the second try - the Stormers full-back again missing the conversion.

Vermeulen then grabbed the third after the half-time hooter had sounded.

It followed a line-out on the halfway line, an excellent maul forward and a break from Schalk Burger with the ball swung wide to Habana and then coming inside for the number eight to extend the lead.

Pietersen's conversion made it 20-3 at the break and left the visitors looking short of ideas.

Tamati Ellison should have easily scored for his side shortly after the restart, but knocked on metres out to hand the hosts a reprieve.

At the other end Habana and Harris were both held up short as the Stormers tried to relieve some of the pressure.

And Harris, denied minutes earlier by the television referee, got his reward thanks to hard work via Peter Grant's initial charge-down and dash for the line.

Pietersen celebrated the bonus point by knocking over the conversion.

Plenty of changes followed for the Stormers - the visitors capitalising on that with a steal at the scrum after some miscommunication that enabled David Smith to score.

But it came too late as a penalty from Pietersen followed by Fourie's late try opened up the deficit even further.

Tyson Keats slipped through close to the end when he caught the home defence napping, but it proved only a consolation - the visitors losing for the second time in five games.

The scorers:

For Stormers:
Tries: Naqelevuki, Pieterson, Vermeulen, Harris, Fourie
Cons: Pieterson 2
Pens: Pieterson 2

For Hurricanes:
Tries: D Smith, Keats
Pen: Ripia

Stormers: 15 Joe Pietersen, 14 Sireli Naqelevuki, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Juan de Jongh, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Peter Grant, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Francois Louw, 6 Schalk Burger (c), 5 Andries Bekker, 4 Anton van Zyl, 3 Brok Harris, 2 Tiaan Liebenberg, 1 Wicus Blaauw.
Replacements: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 JC Kritzinger, 18 De Kock Steenkamp, 19 Pieter Louw, 20 Ricky Januarie, 21 Lionel Cronjé, 22 Gio Aplon.

Hurricanes: 15 Cory Jane, 14 Tamati Ellison, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 David Smith, 10 Willie Ripia, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Scott Waldrom, 6 Victor Vito, 5 Michael Paterson, 4 Bryn Evans, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore (c), 1 Jacob Ellison.
Replacements: 16 Dane Coles, 17 John Schwalger, 18 Jeremy Thrush, 19 Karl Lowe, 20 Tyson Keats, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 Alapati Leiua.

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Permalink Reply by Ox™ on March 14, 2010 at 6:22am

Sinbad treble sinks Cardiff Blues

14th March 2010

Planet Rugby

Star man: James Simpson-Daniel

Gloucester booked their place in the LV= Cup final on Sunday thanks to an impressive 29-18 away victory over Cardiff Blues.
More to follow...

The scorers:

For Cardiff Blues:
Tries: Laulala, Sweeney
Con: Blair
Pen: Blair 2

For Gloucester:
Tries: Burns, Simpson-Daniel 3
Con: Robinson 3
Pen: Robinson

Cardiff Blues:15 Ben Blair, 14 Tom James, 13 Casey Laulala, 12 Dafydd Hewitt, 11 Chris Czekaj, 10 Ceri Sweeney, 9 Gareth Cooper, 8 Xavier Rush, 7 Ben White, 6 Andy Powell, 5 Paul Tito (Capt), 4 Scott Morgan, 3 Scott Andrews, 2 T Rhys Thomas, 1 Faao Filise.
Replacements:16 Huw Dowden 17 Ian George 18 Nathan Trevett 19 Andries Petorius 20 Maama Molitika 21 Darren Allinson 22 Sam Norton-Knight.

Gloucester: 15 Freddie Burns, 14 James Simpson-Daniel, 13 Mike Tindall (c), 12 Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, 11 Lesley Vainikolo, 10 Nicky Robinson, 9 Dave Lewis, 8 Jake Boer, 7 Akapusi Qera, 6 Peter Buxton, 5 Alex Brown, 4 Will James, 3 Paul Doran-Jones, 2 Olivier Azam, 1 Nick Wood.
Replacements: 16 Darren Dawidiuk, 17 Rupert Harden/Alasdair Dickinson, 18 Pierre Capdevielle, 19 Adam Eustace, 20 Andrew Hazell, 21 Jordi Pasqualin, 22 Tim Molenaar, 23 Tom Voyce.

Man of the Match: Akapusi Qera

Referee: George Clancy

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Permalink Reply by Ox™ on March 15, 2010 at 1:22am

Johnno's wake-up call

15th March 2010

Planet Rugby

Ben Foden: Eye-catching

Martin Johnson has warned England they must improve or they will be on the receiving end of a hiding against France in Paris next Saturday.

The England manager delivered his blunt message after watching his side toil to a 15-15 bore draw with Scotland in a Calcutta Cup clash which epitomised just how poor both teams are.

England fly-half Toby Flood, who had earlier replaced the injured Jonny Wilkinson, missed two late chances to win the game but Johnson conceded his side would not have deserved the victory.

A fortnight ago, England blew a lead against Ireland with five minutes remaining and Johnson warned his men will have to handle the pressure against France.

"We need to take that next step. As a team we have to find a way to win," said Johnson.

"Ireland was a game we could have won. Against Scotland we did some good things and we did some silly things. It is a sign we haven't got the belief to nail those games.

"Next week will be a step up. We have to stay with France because they try to blow you off the park in the first 20 minutes."

England were given an injection of urgency when Johnson sent on the replacements against Scotland and it seems certain that changes will be made for the Paris trip.

Ben Foden replaced the struggling Delon Armitage at full-back and produced another eye-catching performance while Lewis Moody, Steve Thompson and Courtney Lawes all came on to make an impact up front.

Johnson's hand may also be forced in some positions. Ugo Monye was cleared of any major neck damage after being stretchered off but his condition is still being monitored.

Jonny Wilkinson insisted he had not suffered concussion after taking a heavy blow to the head but Johnson will again come under pressure to make a change at fly-half.

England's back division is still mis-firing and they cannot exploit Mark Cueto's excellent individual form or utilise the devastating pace of Monye and Mathew Tait.

Flood said: "This is a big week for us. It is paramount we turn the corner and get a result.

"After two wins, a tight loss and a draw it is not all doom and gloom but it is frustrating.

"The way France have been playing makes them strong contenders to win the Grand Slam but we have an opportunity to make amends next weekend. A lot of frustrated guys are looking forward to that."

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Permalink Reply by Ox™ on March 16, 2010 at 1:46pm

Pacific Rugby Cup revamped

Planet Rugby

Fiji Warriors: Ready to defend their crown


The IRB has announced the new format for the Pacific Rugby Cup, contested between two sides each from Tonga, Fiji and Samoa.

Fiji will host rounds two to five of the tournament and the final, with round one seeing each nation host its own local derby

The opening round of the tournament will see 2006 champions Savai'i Samoa taking on 2007 winners Upolu Samoa in Apia, reigning champions Fiji Warriors against Fiji Barbarians in Sigatoka and Tau'uta Reds taking on 2008 winners Tautahi Gold in the Tongan capital Nuku'alofa.

"The new tournament format was developed in consultation with each of the Member Unions following the review of the first four years of this hugely successful competition," said Tournament Director and IRB Regional General Manager for Oceania Will Glenwright.

"The condensed tournament format provides the same High Performance outcomes, whilst replicating the format of other tournaments, such as Rugby World Cup and the IRB Junior World Championship, for which the PRC is used to prepare players."

Fiji Rugby Union Chief Executive Officer Keni Dakuidreketi added: "We are delighted to be hosting the IRB Pacific Rugby Cup 2010. We learnt a lot as an organisation from the successful hosting of the ANZ Pacific Nations Cup last year and we're looking forward to applying those lessons - and building on them - to deliver an outstanding tournament for the next generation of Rugby stars from Fiji, Samoa and Tonga."

The tournament, which provides an opportunity for the best locally-based players from Fiji, Samoa and Tonga to hone their skills in a cross-border format, has proven a hugely successful High Performance component, bridging the gap between local competitions and Test Rugby.

In 2009, 30 players from Fiji, Samoa and Tonga graduated from the Pacific Rugby Cup to gain selection in the respective Test teams for the ANZ Pacific Nations Cup.

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