The Rugby Club brings us their latest installment of the hugely popular “Plays of the week” for 25/08/2010 – as always including some smoking hot footage of the Currie Cup cheerleaders! Nuff said, Boom! [BlogSpotRugby]
I’ll cheers to that…
I surprised myself with last weekend’s Currie Cup predictions, finishing well, and sitting pretty at #12 in my SuperBru pool. Sadly, I didn’t do as well with the Tri Nations selections.
Here are my selections for Round 2 of the 2010 season. Let me know what you think?
Ouch!
The following from the ARU: The selection of four new caps, and the return of the experienced front rowers Stephen Moore and Benn Robinson, highlights the Qantas Wallabies squad that has been unveiled today ahead of this year’s Bundaberg Red Tri Nations Series.
Just 28 of the 30 scheduled names have been released, with the coaching panel of Robbie Deans, Jim Williams and Richard Graham, and selector David Nucifora, opting to play a waiting game on the final two spots before confirming the final playing roster.
“We still have some decisions to make, and would like to see a little bit more club rugby before settling on the final two positions,” Qantas Wallabies head coach Robbie Deans says.
“Given the difficulties that we have experienced this year, in terms of our injury circumstance, we feel that it is prudent to allow ourselves a little bit more time in this instance to cover off any other requirements we feel that we will need.”
Injury has played a part in today’s selection, with prop Ben Alexander (knee) and No 8 Stephen Hoiles (Achilles) both added to the unavailable list from the original squad of 30 for the June Tests due to recent operations.
Hooker Tatafu Polota Nau has also not been considered as he awaits an operation on his ankle later this month that will have him ready to return in time for Australia’s Spring Tour.
Wingers Drew Mitchell and Lachie Turner, halfback Josh Valentine, props Pek Cowan and Laurie Weeks and hooker Huia Edmonds have all also missed out, after featuring in June’s squad for the Bundaberg Red Rugby Series.
In their place comes Queensland Reds forwards, prop James Slipper, loose forward Scott Higginbotham and lock Rob Simmons, inside centre Anthony Faingaa and Western Force loose forward Ben McCalman.
Slipper, last year’s Australian Under-20 Player of the Year, made his debut against England at Perth last month, and featured off the bench in three of the four June Tests after being promoted out of the Australian Barbarians squad when injury removed Alexander.
Faingaa and McCalman both impressed as part of the Barbarians squad during the two-match midweek series against England last month.
Simmons also featured in that series, returning from a month off due to a facial fracture in the second game, while Higginbotham was unavailable for the June squad due to a foot injury that was sustained in Queensland’s final Super 14 outing of the season.
“Anthony and Ben have both been rewarded for their performance against England, in terms of what they brought to those games, and what we feel they can add to our mix,” Deans says.
“They are both uncompromising players who are very direct, and showed playing for the Australian Barbarians that they have the ability to step up to the next level.”
Simmons and Higginbotham are in a similar category, Deans says.
“We included Rob in the original Barbarians squad as much for the experience as anything else, to get him up to date with our methods and familiar with our environment,” Deans says.
“He was coming off an injury break and we felt that background was important for him looking at the bigger picture. Being able to reintroduce him to the game during the second Barbarians outing was an added bonus, but the experience of the two weeks training with us offers him a good foundation for what is coming.”
While Higginbotham wasn’t available for the June series due to injury, Deans says he had always figured in the Wallabies plans, and was in a not dis-similar situation to that which surrounded halfback Will Genia last season.
Genia was injured late in the Reds’ 2009 Super 14 campaign and was unable to be introduced to the Wallabies in June, instead making his debut during the Tri Nations.
“If Scott can work out as well as Will has, we’ll be pretty happy and Australian rugby will be the better for it,” Deans says.
Higginbotham’s rise for Queensland this year has been timely with injury having sidelined both Australian Barbarians captain Hoiles, and the Qantas Wallabies regular No 8 Wycliff Palu, who is not due back until next season.
Genia (hand) and centre/wing Digby Ioane (shoulder) have been included, with both expected to be ready to go at some point during the early stages of the competition as they complete the rehabilitation from their recent injuries.
Just two hookers and two halfbacks have been named at this stage, although Deans says the involvement of 40 players through the June series means that the Wallabies do have players with recent background inside of the group to call on, should any reinforcement be required.
The returns of Moore and Robinson, who are both likely to play club rugby before Australia’s participation in the Tri Nations begins, adds experience to the squad.
“Having Stephen and Benn back on board is significant, both in terms of the expertise they bring in their respective positions, but also the knowledge and skill they will add to the whole group,” Deans says.
“The Tri Nations is the toughest rugby in the world, and their knowledge of the tournament from past experience will be of benefit to the whole group.”
This year sees the 15th edition of the annual three-nation tournament, which South Africa won last year.
The action begins on Saturday night in Auckland when the All Blacks host the Springboks in the first leg of a double-header on New Zealand soil, with the second match to be played in Wellington on Saturday week.
Australia, which has previously captured the title in 2000 and 2001, opens its campaign in Brisbane on 24 July when the Qantas Wallabies tackle the Springboks at Suncorp Stadium.
The corresponding match at the ground last year saw the Wallabies score a 21-6 victory over the reigning Rugby World Cup and eventual Tri Nations champions.
Australia and South Africa compete for the Mandela Trophy across their three matches in the Tri Nations. South Africa won the Trophy last year after Australia had been successful in 2008.
The Brisbane Test match is the first of three that the Wallabies play on successive weekends, with Australia hosting New Zealand in Melbourne the following Saturday, before the two teams fly to Christchurch for their second clash of the season at AMI Stadium.
The match in Melbourne heralds the start of the annual Bledisloe Cup rivalry, which for a third consecutive year will stretch beyond the Tri-Nations tournament, concluding with a return to Hong Kong on 30 October.
Australia and New Zealand first met in Hong Kong two years ago, with the All Blacks coming from behind at halftime to prevail 19-14.
Last year, the Bledisloe Cup rivalry was introduced to another Asian port when the teams played in Tokyo en-route to Europe for their respective Spring Tours.
The Wallabies must win three of the four Tests against the All Blacks to relieve the New Zealanders of the trophy, which Australia hasn’t held since it was surrendered to an All Black team co-coached by the current Qantas Wallabies mentor in 2003.
The Bledisloe Cup was first contested by Australia and New Zealand in 1931.
The second part of Australia’s Tri Nations programme sees a two-match tour of South Africa, kicking off in Pretoria on 28 August when the Wallabies play the first of two matches at altitude.
Australia has never won a Test at Loftus Versfeld, which is home to the Investec Super 14 champion Bulls, losing on all four previous visits, most recently in 2005.
The focus then switches to Vodacom Park in Bloemfontein where Australia will be bidding for its first win in the city since 1933.
Australia has won just two matches on the high veldt in the Republic, but has yet to record a success at altitude since South Africa returned from sporting isolation in 1992.
Australia’s sole wins on the high veldt came during its maiden appearance at Bloemfontein in 1933 and at Ellis Park in Johannesburg 30 years later.
After consecutive Tests in the Republic, the Wallabies return home for the final Tri Nations match against New Zealand at ANZ Stadium in Sydney.
The Olympic venue has witnessed some tight contests between the two traditional rivals, including last year’s edition when just one point separated the sides, with New Zealand coming from behind at halftime to win 19-18.
Two years ago, Australia won a thrilling spectacle 34-19 at the ground.
This year’s Tri Nations finale will be the 11th match between the Qantas Wallabies and the All Blacks at ANZ Stadium, with Australia holding a six-wins-to-four advantage from the previous matches.
The Qantas Wallabies squad for the Bundaberg Red Tri Nations Series assembles in Sydney on Monday.
Australia: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Kurtley Beale, Richard Brown, Luke Burgess, Mark Chisholm, Quade Cooper, Ben Daley, Rocky Elsom (capt), Anthony Faingaa, Saia Faingaa, Will Genia, Matt Giteau, Scott Higginbotham, Matt Hodgson, Rob Horne, Peter Hynes, Digby Ioane, Ben McCalman, Salesi Ma’afu, Stephen Moore, Dean Mumm, James O’Connor, David Pocock, Benn Robinson, Nathan Sharpe, Rob Simmons, James Slipper
I’m busy moving house at the moment. Tension levels are at an all time high, so you’ll just have to be content with some video highlights from this past weekend. Enjoy
Yet another action packed weekend of international rugby fixtures await us. Get the fridge stocked with beer, fire up the grill and warm up the HD screen. Here are all the teamsheets and broadcast times for your teams:
26June 2010 19h35 [GMT+12]
New Zealand: 15. Mils Muliaina, 14. Cory Jane, 13. Richard Kahui, 12. Benson Stanley, 11. Zac Guildford, 10. Daniel Carter, 9. Jimmy Cowan, 8. Kieran Read, 7. Richie McCaw (capt), 6. Jerome Kaino, 5. Tom Donnelly, 4. Brad Thorn, 3. Neemia Tialata, 2. Keven Mealamu, 1. Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16. Aled de Malmanche, 17. Owen Franks, 18. Sam Whitelock, 19. Adam Thomson, 20. Piri Weepu, 21. Aaron Cruden, 22. Rene Ranger.
Wales: 15. Lee Byrne, 14. Leigh Halfpenny, 13. Jonathan Davies, 12. Jamie Roberts, 11. Tom Prydie, 10. Dan Biggar, 9. Mike Phillips, 8. Ryan Jones (capt), 7. Gavin Thomas, 6. Jonathan Thomas, 5. Alun-Wyn Jones, 4. Bradley Davies, 3. Adam Jones, 2. Matthew Rees, 1. Paul James.
Replacements: 16. Huw Bennett, 17. Craig Mitchell, 18. Deiniol Jones, 19. Rob McCusker, 20. Richard Rees, 21. Stephen Jones, 22. Will Harries.
26 June 2010 20h05 [GMT+10]
Australia: 15. James O’Connor, 14. Drew Mitchell, 13. Rob Horne, 12. Matt Giteau, 11. Adam Ashley-Cooper, 10. Quade Cooper, 9. Luke Burgess, 8. Richard Brown, 7. David Pocock, 6. Rocky Elsom (capt), 5. Mark Chisholm, 4. Dean Mumm, 3. Salesi Ma’afu, 2. Saia Faingaa, 1. Ben Daley.
Replacements: 16. Huia Edmonds, 17. James Slipper, 18. Mitchell Chapman, 19. Matt Hodgson, 20. Josh Valentine, 21. Berrick Barnes, 22. Kurtley Beale.
Ireland: 15. Robert Kearney, 14. Tommy Bowe, 13. Brian O’Driscoll (capt), 12. Paddy Wallace, 11. Andrew Trimble, 10. Jonathan Sexton, 9. Tomas O’Leary, 8. Chris Henry, 7. Shane Jennings, 6. Niall Ronan, 5. Mick O’Driscoll, 4. Donncha O’Callaghan, 3. Tony Buckley, 2. Sean Cronin, 1. Cian Healy
Replacements: 16. Damien Varley, 17. Tom Court, 18. Dan Tuohy, 19. Rhys Ruddock, 20. Eoin Reddan, 21. Ronan O’Gara, 22. Geordan Murphy
26 June 2010 15h00 [GMT+2]
South Africa: 15. Gio Aplon, 14. Jean de Villiers, 13. Jaque Fourie, 12. Juan de Jongh, 11. Bryan Habana, 10. Morné Steyn, 9. Ricky Januarie, 8. Pierre Spies, 7. Francois Louw, 6. Schalk Burger, 5. Andries Bekker, 4. Bakkies Botha, 3. Jannie du Plessis, 2. John Smit (capt), 1. Gurthrö Steenkamp.
Replacements: 16. Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17. BJ Botha, 18. Flip van der Merwe, 19. Dewald Potgieter, 20. Ruan Pienaar, 21. Butch James, 22. Wynand Oliver.
Italy: 15. Luke McLean, 14. Michele Sepe, 13. Gonzalo Canale, 12. Andrea Masi, 11. Mirco Bergamasco, 10. Craig Gower, 9. Simon Picone, 8. Sergio Parisse (capt), 7. Manoa Vosawai, 6. Paul Derbyshire, 5. Marco Bortolami, 4. Carlo Antonio Del Fava, 3. Lorenzo Cittadini, 2. Fabio Ongaro, 1. Salvatore Perugini.
Replacements: 16. Leonardo Ghiraldini, 17. Franco Sbaraglini, 18. Quintin Geldenhuys, 19. Alessandro Zanni, 20. Tito Tebaldi, 21. Riccardo Bocchino, 22. Matteo Pratichetti.
26 June 2010 15h45 [GMT -3]
Argentina: 15. Martín Rodríguez, 14. Lucas González Amorosino, 13. Gonzalo Tiesi, 12. Santiago Fernández, 11. Rafael Carballo, 10. Felipe Contepomi (capt), 9. Nicolás Vergallo, 8. Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe, 7. Alejandro Campos, 6. Genaro Fessia, 5. Patricio Albacete, 4. Manuel Carizza, 3. Martín Scelzo, 2. Mario Ledesma, 1. Rodrigo Roncero.
Replacements: 16. Agustín Creevy, 17. Marcos Ayerza, 18. Juan Figallo, 19. Mariano Galarza, 20. Juan Manuel Leguizamón, 21. Agustín Figuerola, 22. Horacio Agulla.
France: 15. Jerome Porical, 14. Vincent Clerc, 13. Florian Fritz, 12. Lionel Mazars, 11. Julien Malzieu, 10. Francois Trinh-Duc, 9. Morgan Parra, 8. Julien Bonnaire, 7. Louis Picamoles, 6. Thierry Dusautoir (capt), 5. Lionel Nallet, 4. Pascal Pape, 3. Nicolas Mas, 2. Dimitri Szarzewski, 1. Fabian Barcella.
Replacements: 16. Guillem Guirado, 17. Jean-Baptiste Poux, 18. Julien Pierre, 19. Gregory Lamboley, 20. Dimitri Yachvili, 21. Maxime Mermoz, 22. Clement Poitrenaud.
With the New Zealand Maori celebrating the centenary of rugby this year, and playing against international rivals, Ireland and England, as well as a once off game against the New Zealand Barbarians, I’ve been featuring video clips of the Maori Haka, of which I’m A big fan.
Things just keep getting better, as this week, the New Zealand Maori performed their Haka, which is named Timatanga, against an England side that looked as if the were shitting themselves. For those of you who missed it, here is the clip:
Jeez, Hosea leads a mean Haka!
The following from the NZRU: There are potentially 107 cancelled tickets to this Saturday’s All Blacks v Wales Steinlager Test Match in Hamilton that may have been on-sold to unsuspecting rugby fans.
Any people who did not purchase their rugby tickets through official ticketing outlets are urged to check their tickets to ensure they are not from the cancelled batch.
The tickets have been voided by the Waikato Rugby Union after they were accidentally delivered to a wrong address. The WRU had been unable to recover the tickets to date, and subsequently lodged a complaint with the police who are now investigating the matter.
The WRU felt it was important to be proactive in alerting the rugby public about this matter to ensure unsuspecting rugby fans would not be disappointed on Saturday night.
The misplaced tickets have been cancelled and the original order re-delivered.
Front Row Area ( Uncovered Wel Networks Stand) entry through gates 1 or 2
Brian Perry Stand (Uncovered) entry through gates 3 or 4
These details are posted on www.mooloo.co.nz
If you have these tickets please call Ticketek on 0800-466-665 (option 3). Ticketek staff will then verify whether or not you have a cancelled ticket in your possession.
If it is a cancelled ticket you will be encouraged to place a complaint at your local police station, explaining how you purchased the ticket; as well as be offered the opportunity to buy a seat to the game. (The WRU has held back some seating for people who may be affected by these cancelled tickets to purchase).
The cancelled tickets will not allow people entry into this match as all tickets are scanned on entry.
On game day, if a scanned ticket shows up as cancelled, Ticketek staff at the gates will the assist the person/people affected by directing them to ticket booths to purchase valid tickets, if available.
There are currently around 1500 seats available in the end of ground stand for Saturday’s match. Adult tickets in this area are $50 and $60, with children’s tickets $20 (14 years and under).
The public are encouraged to get in quick to buy the final seats. The ticket booth Gate One at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton is open from 9am to 5pm this week, and tickets are available via mooloo and the usual ticket outlets.
This is one of the funnier rugby ads I’ve seen doing the rounds on the Internet. And how fitting for it to be aired during the 2010 Soccer World Cup, where a few players have put on Oscar worthy performances thus far. “I’d like to thank the Academy…”
Smit back where he belongs...?
The Springbok selectors have named their team to face Italy in the last of two test matches, to be played this weekend, 26 June 2010, in East London.
John Smit has recovered from his hamstring injury and will lead the Springboks on Saturday in the second Test against Italy, at the Buffalo City Stadium in East London.
Smit’s inclusion at hooker is one of seven changes to the starting team, five new players and two positional switches, that beat Italy by 29-13 in Witbank last weekend. There are a further six changes on the bench.
Speaking at a press conference in East London today Smit said he was excited to be back at the helm.
“It is important for us to refocus for Saturday’s Test. It is quite strange to be watching from afar one week and then be back in the thick of things the next. We have a good team and have to make sure that what we do in training translates on the field on match day. We had a good session on Monday and an even better on today and we have to carry that attitude into the game on Saturday,” Smit said.
With Victor Matfield getting a break this week, Andries Bekker is back at lock for his first Test of 2010, while Schalk Burger is also fit again and takes over at flank in the place of Dewald Potgieter.
The only players that started the first Test against Italy and are selected in the same positions, are Bryan Habana (left wing), Morné Steyn (flyhalf), Ricky Januarie (scrumhalf), Pierre Spies (No.8), Francois Louw (flank), Bakkies Botha (lock), Jannie du Plessis (tighthead prop) and Gurthrö Steenkamp (loosehead prop).
Gio Aplon moves from right wing to fullback and Jean de Villiers from centre to wing, while Bekker, Burger, Jaque Fourie, Juan de Jongh and Smit will all get their first start against Italy this season.
BJ Botha, Danie Rossouw and Wynand Olivier have been included on the bench after not featuring in Witbank.
Matfield, Zane Kirchner, Bandise Maku, CJ van der Linde, Alistair Hargreaves, Ryan Kankowski and Bjorn Basson drop out of the 22.
Asked if the Boks’ mental approach for a lower ranked team was any different, Smit replied: “It is important that we prepare the same every week regardless of who we play. We concentrate on what we do well and on how we want to play. We have to fix some of the problem areas from last week but generally we want to make sure we are good in all departments.”
Smit expressed appreciation for the support of the East London community after hundreds of people turned out to watch the open training session at Grens High School on Tuesday.
“The buzz was massive at today’s session. It shows how much people appreciate the fact that Test rugby has come to their city and it is important that we make time to meet people and sign autographs.”
Springboks: 15. Gio Aplon (3), 14. Jean de Villiers (57), 13. Jaque Fourie (56), 12. Juan de Jongh (3), 11. Bryan Habana (59), 10. Morné Steyn (14), 9. Ricky Januarie (43), 8. Pierre Spies (30), 7. Francois Louw (3), 6. Schalk Burger (56) 5. Andries Bekker (21) 4. Bakkies Botha (66) 3. Jannie du Plessis (15) 2. John Smit (95) 1. Gurthrö Steenkamp (24)
Reserves: 16. Chiliboy Ralepelle (11), 17. BJ Botha (21), 18. Danie Rossouw (48), 19. Dewald Potgieter (4), 20. Ruan Pienaar (39), 21. Butch James (36), 22. Wynand Oliver (28)
The following from the NZRU: The Welsh rugby team will throw the doors open on their training session at Hamilton Boys High School, Hamilton, tomorrow (Wednesday 22 June) inviting schoolchildren and any rugby fans from around the city to watch them for its duration.
Wales head coach Warren Gatland, who is back in the place of his birth, is preparing his side for their second Test against New Zealand – to be played at Waikato Stadium on Saturday – but is keen for local fans to get the chance to greet his team ahead of match day.
Gatland, who is a former pupil of the Hamilton Boys High School, is encouraging Hamiltonians to come and see Wales as they are put through their paces for around an hour from 10.30am on the school pitches.
Fans will be able to familiarise themselves with a Wales side set to return to the area for two pool matches in the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
“We like to make a positive impact on host cities wherever we travel,” said Wales team manager Alan Phillips.
“We can’t always control absolutely what happens on the pitch, but we can control how we are off it and inviting fans to come and see us train is just part of our intention to win over some hearts and minds ahead of our return in the world cup.
“Everyone is welcome, fans just need to turn up at Hamilton Boys School at 10.30am and they won’t be able to miss us.”
