This from the ARU for the Adelaide Sevens Tournament: Samoa has trounced the USA 38-10 in the Cup Final to win the International Rugby Sevens Adelaide on Sunday and record their second-straight tournament victory of the IRB Sevens World Series.

In what was an entertaining day sprinkled with upsets, traditional Sevens heavyweights New Zealand and South Africa were handed shock losses early on day three at Adelaide Oval while the US, Argentina, Australian and Samoa stayed in the heated race for tournament honours.

The US, appearing in their first-ever Cup Final, were defeated six tries to two in the final by the Samoans, whose emphatic victory cuts New Zealand’s lead at the top of the table to just six-championship points.

Samoan coach Steven Betham was delighted with his team’s victory and reserved special praise for the performance of Mikaele Pesamino, who bagged 11 tournament tries.

“We were trying to work our way to the top … there’s no substitute for speed in Sevens,” Betham said.

Showcasing the quality of the competition in the IRB Sevens and its exciting unpredictability, Series leaders, New Zealand and defending champions, South Africa, fought it out in the Plate final with New Zealand grabbing the spoils, 21-14.

Series contenders England and Kenya fought it out for the Bowl Final, with England coming out on top 33-12 while Japan defeated Tonga 22-19 in the Shield Final.

Over 29,000 fans attended the three-day event.

Highlights of the 2010 Adelaide Sevens Tournament: [irb] Read More >>

Wax, in trouble again

Chiefs loose forward and former All-Black player, Sione Lauaki, can still play for the Chiefs in their Super 14 rugby campaign despite admitting an assault charge at Hamilton District Court today.

He has been remanded without conviction and is due to next appear in court on Thursday 6 May.

“As advised earlier, the NZRU and Chiefs has stated that an internal disciplinary process will take place once the court process has been completed.   Sione is available for selection in the Chiefs team while we await the process.”  – Statement from Gary Dawson – Chiefs CEO

The guilty plea related to an incident which occurred in Hamilton on March 5, while Lauaki was serving a two match suspension he received for a spear tackle against the Lions earlier this season in Johannesburg.

Lauaki was not present in the team which lost over the weekend to the Crusaders.

It was Human Rights Day here in South Africa on Sunday, so Monday became a public holiday, which allowed me to exercise my right to be incredibly hung over and not post anything. For that reason, I have included both Friday and Saturday’s games into one post.

Blues VS Brumbies: The Blues ran out at home against a determined Brumbies team for what was to be captain, Kevin Mealamu’s, 100th Super Rugby appearance. The Brumbies drew first blood in the try scoring department, and whilst the Blues came back to win it, as is the tale of their performances this season, their ill-discipline in conceding penalties, allowed the opposition to stay in the game.

My two cents worth:

• Rene Ranger has been a revelation in the midfield for the Blues this season. If he rectifies his habit of losing the ball in the tackle from time to time, he will surely be up for All Black selection very soon.
• Kevin Mealamu didn’t exactly have a fairytale 100th appearance, defensively speaking, missing 4 tackles on the night.
• Rene Ranger gained a total of 78m with ball in hand, the most by any player on the night.
• It was great to see Joe Rokocoko scoring a few tries again.
• Stephen Brett’s defense remains questionable.

Blues VS Brumbies 2010 Highlights: [WRNrugbynews] Read More >>

Friday 19th March 08h35 (GMT+2) Eden Park

Blues Team: 15. Isaia Toeava 14. Joe Rokocoko 13. Rene Ranger 12. Benson Stanley 11. Rudi Wulf 10. Stephen Brett 9. Alby Mathewson 8. Viliami Ma`afu 7. Serge Lilo 6. Jerome Kaino 5. Anthony Boric 4. Kurtis Haiu 3. John Afoa 2. Keven Mealamu (Captain) 1. Tony Woodcock

Replacements: 16. Tom McCartney 17. Charlie Faumuina 18. Filo Paulo 19. Peter Saili 20. Chris Smylie 21. Dan Kirkpatrick 22. Paul Williams

Brumbies Team: 15. Adam Ashley-Cooper 14. Pat McCabe,13. Tyrone Smith 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 Ma’afu 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. Andrew Smith

Friday 19th March 19h10 (GMT+2) Loftus Versfeld

Bulls Team: 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. Deon Stegmann 5. Victor Matfield (Captain) 4. Danie Rossouw 3. Werner Kruger 2. Gary Botha 1. Gurthrö Steenkamp

Replacements: 16. Bandise Maku 17. Bees Roux 18. Flip van der Merwe 19. Derick Kuun 20. Jacques-Louis Potgieter 21. Jaco van der Westhuyzen 22. Pedrie Wannenburg

Hurricanes Team: 15. André Taylor 14. Tamati Ellison 13. Conrad Smith 12. Ma’a Nonu 11. Alapati Leiua 10. Willie Ripia 9. Tyson Keats 8. Rodney So`oialo 7. Karl Lowe 6. Victor Vito 5. Michael Paterson 4. Jeremy Thrush 3. Neemiah Tialata 2. Andrew Hore (Captain) 1. John Schwalger

Replacements: 16. Dane Coles 17. Jacob Ellison 18. Bryn Evans 19. Nick Crosswell 20. Piri Weepu 21. Aaron Cruden 22. David Smith

Saturday 20th March 06h30 (GMT+2) Christchurch

Lions Team: 15. Earl Rose 14. Wigan Marvin Pekeur 13. Walter Venter 12. Doppies la Grange 11. Wandile Mjekevu 10. Burton Francis 9. Jano Vermaak 8. Todd Clever 7. Derick Minnie 6. Cobus Grobbelaar (Captain) 5. Franco van der Merwe 4. George Earle 3. Ross Geldenhuys 2. Hannes Franklin 1. JC Janse van Rensburg

Replacements: 16. Charles Emslie 17. Heinke van der Merwe 18. Willem Stoltz 19. Robert Kruger / Jacques Lombaard 20. Jacques Coetzee 21. Carlos Spencer 22. Michael Killian

Crusaders Team: 15. Jared Payne 14. Sean Maitland 13. Adam Whitelock 12. Ryan Crotty 11. Zac Guildford 10. Colin Slade 9. Kahn Fotuali`i 8. Thomas Waldrom 7. Jonathan Poff 6. Richie McCaw (Captain) 5. Isaac Ross 4. Sam Whitelock 3. Owen Franks 2. Ti`i Paulo 1. Ben Franks

Replacements: 16. Corey Flynn 17. Wyatt Crockett 18. Chris Jack 19. George Whitelock 20. Willi Heinz 21. Dan Carter 22. Robert Fruean

Saturday 20th March 08h35 (GMT+2) Dunedin

Highlanders Team: 15. Israel Dagg 14. Ben Smith 13. Kenny Lynn 12. Michael Hobbs 11. James Paterson 10. Robbie Robinson 9. Jimmy Cowan (Captain) 8. Adam Thomson 7. Alando Soakai 6. John Hardie 5. Hayden Triggs 4. Josh Bekhuis 3. Clint Newland 2. Jason Rutledge 1. Jamie MacKintosh

Replacements: 16. Jason MacDonald 17. Chris King 18. Joe Tuineau 19. Tim Boys 20. Sean Romans 21. Jayden Hayward 22. Fetu’u Vainikolo

Sharks Team: 14. Stefan Terblanche 13. Adrian Jacobs 12. Riaan Swanepoel 11. JP Pietersen 10. Andy Goode 9. Ruan Pienaar 8. Ryan Kankowski 7. Jean Deysel 6. Keegan Daniel 5. Johann Muller (Captain) 4. Steven Sykes 3. Jannie du Plessis 2. Bismarck du Plessis 1. Tendai Mtawarira

Replacements: 16. Craig Burden 17. John Smit 18. Alistair Hargreaves 19. Willem Alberts 20. Jacques Botes 21. Rory Kockott 22. Waylon Murray

Saturday 20th March 13h10 (GMT+2) Perth

Western Force Team: 15. Dane Stafford Haylett-Petty 14. Scott Staniforth 13. Ryan Cross 12. James O`Connor 11. Nick Cummins 10. David Hill 9. Brett Sheehan 8. Richard Stanford 7. Matthew Hodgson 6. Ben McCalman 5. Nathan Sharpe (Captain) 4. Sam Wykes 3. Timothy Fairbrother 2. Ryan Tyrrell 1. Nic Henderson

Replacements: 16. Ben Whittaker 17. Kieran Longbottom 18. Tom Hockings 19. Luke Jones 20. Chris O`Young 21. Sam Harris 22. Mitch Inman

Waratahs Team: 15. Sosene Anesi 14. Lachlan Turner 13. Tom Carter 12. Berrick Barnes 11. Drew Mitchell 10. Daniel Halangahu 9. Luke Burgess 8. Wycliff Palu 7. Phil Waugh (Captain) 6. Dave Dennis 5. Kane Douglas 4. Dean Mumm 3. Al Baxter 2. Tatafu Polota-Nau 1. Benn Robinson

Replacements: 16. Damian Fitzpatrick 17. Sekope Kepu 18. William Caldwell 19. Ben Mowen 20. Joshua Holmes 21. Kurtley Beale 22. Rob Horne

Saturday 20th March 17h05 (GMT+2) Newlands

Stormers Team: 15. Joe Pietersen, 14. Gio Aplon 13. Jaque Fourie 12. Tim Whitehead 11. Bryan Habana 10. Peter Grant 9. Dewaldt Duvenage 8. Duane Vermeulen 7. Francois Louw 6. Schalk Burger (Captain) 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. Willem de Waal 22. Sireli Naqelevuki

Cheetahs Team: 15. Hennie Daniller 14. Lionel Mapoe 13. Robert Ebersohn 12. Meyer Bosman 11. Jongi Nokwe 10. Naas Olivier 9. Sarel Pretorius 8. Frans Viljoen 7. Juan Smith (Captain) 6. Hendro Scholtz 5. Waltie Vermeulen 4. Nico Breedt 3. WP Nel 2. Adriaan Strauss 1. Wian du Preez

Replacements: 16. Ryno Barnes 17. Coenie Oosthuizen 18. Barend Pieterse 19. Kabamba Floors 20. Tewis de Bruyn 21. Corné Uys 22. Danwel Demas

Fourie Du Preez fancies a run in Japan

Arguably the best player in the World, Du Preez (who many consider was robbed of the 2009 IRB Player of the year , which was awarded to All Black, Richie  McCaw), has extended his contract with the Bulls until the conclusion of the Super 15 competition in 2011.

We can also look forward to seeing him take on another Rugby World Cup as he signed his Springbok contract that will keep him in Green and Gold till the end of the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in 2011. After that, well it’s off to the land famous for karaoke, origami and sushi as he is set to join a club side in Japan.

Du Preez, who made his debut for the Vodacom Blue Bulls in 2001 and for the Vodacom Bulls in 2003, wants to end his successful relationship with the Bulls on a high.

What does Du Preez have to say?

“These were the best rugby years of my life and I could never have played for another union. By revealing my plans for the future now, it will give the Bulls sufficient time to plan for the future and possible successors. There is already some excellent players like Francois Hougaard knocking on the door, so it is time to move on,” Du Preez said.

Read More >>

This week we carry on with a segment we began last week, in which we look at Springbok rugby players plying their trade abroad, who may be available for the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. 

Butch James:

Butch James was undoubtably one of the instrumental figures in South Africa’s 2007 IRB Rugby World Cup success.

When you thinks of Sharks rugby, Butch has to be one of the 1st players that pops to mind. He is a Durban boy through and through. Schooled at Maritzburg College in KwaZulu-Natal, Butch began his professional rugby career with the Sharks when he was selected for the Natal Sharks Currie Cup squad in 2000. He went on to play in the (then) Super 12 for the Sharks in 2001, and has represented the Sharks in two Super Rugby finals.

During his early career, Butch was frequently penalised for his aggressive, often high, swinging arm style of tackling, but has since calmed down and kept within the laws of the game. That being said, he has in no way let up on his bone crunching hits, most notably coming to mind, his massive hit on Stirling Mortlock during the 2006 Tri Nations tournament.

Butch made his international debut against France in 2001, where the Springboks lost 32 – 23. He went on to become the most capped Springbok #10 ever, playing 32 test at fly half. He also made appearences at #12 for the Springboks and has played 35 tests in total.

Butch was perhaps one of the players who made the most notable improvements after working with Eddie Jones before the 2007 IRB Rugby World Cup in France.

This is what Butch James has been up to: [glentheed]

But is he needed?

For: Butch played a massive roll in South Africa’s 2007 World Cup success, his defense is second to none and he sparks the backline, creating good go forward ball for the outside backs. Butch’s smart kicking out of hand is also a great asset to any team.  The Springbok’s lack of cover for Morne Steyn and the out of form Ruan Pienaar also work in Butch’s favour.

Against: Butch isn’t exactly a spring chicken anymore, and his knees might not have another world cup in them. The accuracy of his place kicking, whilst good, is nowhere near Morne Steyn’s. He has been out of the mix for quite some time and might not ajust well to the current systems.

What are your views? Would you pick Butch James to be in your 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup squad?

"...his arm slid upwards on impact"

The Hurricanes must be quite relieved, (what with Cory Jane being knocked out) at the fact that Nonu has been cleared of yet another dangerous play charge and is free to play in their next Super 14 game against the Bulls at Loftus.

Hurricanes centre Ma’a Nonu was on Monday found not guilty of a reckless tackle during the Super 14 match against the Stormers at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday 13 March 2010.

Nonu was cited under Law 10.4 (e) – tackling a player above the line of the shoulders – for a tackle on Stormers flyhalf Peter Grant in the 71^st minute of the game. The Stormers won the match 37-13.

SANZAR Judicial Officer Rob Stelzner considered evidence from the player, referee Steve Walsh, video recordings and heard submissions from Nonu’s representative.

Mr Stelzner deemed that Nonu’s tackle did not breach Law 10.4 (e) and adjudged that in an attempt to make the tackle, his arm slid upwards on impact with Grant’s ball-carrying arm. He ruled that there was no impact above the line of the shoulders.

In the circumstances he ruled that a penalty was sufficient punishment and as a result, the Hurricanes centre will be available for selection for his side’s next Super 14 match against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Friday.

Saturday’s games: 

I think I just f*#@ed another one up…

Brumbies VS Sharks: The Brumbies hosted the Sharks at Canberra Stadium on Saturday, for the 3rd match of round 5 of Super 14 2010. The Sharks drew 1st blood through a long range penalty kick by Andy Goode, after the Brumbies were penalised for playing the ball from an offside position.From there on out, it seemed to be a game of scoreboard ping-pong, as each team had numerous chances to hold the lead. But sadly for the game of rugby, for the second consecutive week, the Sharks suffered a terrible decision at the hands of the blatant incompetence that is Paul Marks. The incident in question came with only minutes left on the clock, when the Sharks put a grubber kick through, only to be picked up by a Brumbies player who had a foot in touch. Marks ruled that it would be a Brumbies lineout. 

My two cents worth:

• The rule of a player being able to catch a ball with one foot in touch, in order for the ball to be deemed as taken out by the ball kicker’s team, only applies when the ball is caught directly out of the air, without touching the ground, and must be caught cleanly, without fumbling. It’s really quite simple, and most junior school referees would get that right. How an IRB certified referee can’t get the call right baffles me! Which leads me to my next point…
• Surely when someone is demoted for not being up to the necessary standard required, they should be demoted completely, not just relegated to the sideline, where they can have a negative effect on the game too. It is called “Assistant Referee” after all. This might have something to do with the fact that they can assist the referee with calls. Which brings me to point number three…
• Paul Marks is hopelessly incompetent! If any other professional had to make the same kind of blunders within their chosen profession, (a doctor incompetently screwing up an operation, for instance) they would be held liable and sued! What people need to realise is that Rugby is very much a business, and a team’s performance can have significant financial implications. That’s two games now where Paul Mark’s incompetence has been significant! I say send him a bill for loss of revenue!
• I’ve included longer highlights for this game, broken into both halves, so you can see the incident in question.

Brumbies VS Sharks 2010 Highlights [tonytai2017]

1st Half: Read More >>

Below is a picture of what Cory Jane looked like shortly after being knocked out cold by Sireli Naqelevuki, during the Hurricanes 37 – 13 loss to the Stormers on Saturday night… Ouch!

Jane has been ruled out of this weekends clash against the Bulls at Loftus, and the Hurricanes will be sure to miss the #15 stalwart. We here at BSR wish him a speedy recovery.

Dazed and confused...

Part 1 – Friday’s games:

Chiefs VS Crusaders: Match 1 of round 5 of the 2010 Super 14 kicked of with a derby between the two current powerhouses of New Zealand rugby, The Chiefs VS the Crusaders.

In a game that, on paper, promised to be one of the most exciting so far in this years competition, many felt that the Chiefs, playing in Hamilton, would use their home ground advantage and come off with the win after last weeks defeat to the Reds, but it was not to be so.

The Chiefs drew 1st blood through a penalty after the bulk of the Crusaders team were caught advancing in front of the kicker. The Crusaders pretty much had the game in their hands from there on out though. The Chiefs were never far behind, but ultimately, it was the way in which the Crusaders managed to keep the ball, and take it through 73 more phases than the Chiefs, that won the game.

My two cents worth:

• Congratulations to Dan Carter who overtook Andrew Mertens on the All time Super Rugby points list. He now sits in second position, just behind Stirling Mortlock.
• Kieran Read had a cracker with ball in hand, gaining a total of 96 metres.
• The Crusaders are making strong statements for the playoff rounds, but one has to feel that they build their ame around Dan Carter and Richie McCaw too much. What will they do if those two players suffer season ending  injuries?
• Both teams hookers were outstanding at the ruck, forcing 3 turnovers a piece.

Chiefs VS Crusaders 2010 Highlights: [WRNrugbynews]

Scorecard:

Waratahs VS Lions: It seems as if playing against the Lions in this year’s competition is the equivalent to playing against a blind school, so to speak, and any team still to face them has to be licking their lips at the guaranteed bonus point win on offer.

One has to wonder what is going on with a once mighty franchise within South African rugby, as they have been reduced from the Lions to the toothless pussy cats.

The Waratahs scored early in the first half with Mitchell crossing after a quick tap in only the sixth minute. However, he went from hero to villain minutes later when he lost control of the ball in his own in-goal allowing Lions speedster Tonderai Chavhanga to dive on the loose ball. He redeemed himself thereafter, crossing over for 3 more tries on the night. All in all, there were 11 tries scored against the hapless Lions, as it looked like they were more interested in playing touch rugby than contact.

My two cents worth:

• Something is clearly wrong in the Lions camp, and it’s fast becoming disgraceful. Some one needs to do something to salvage that sinking ship,and fast.
• Three Waratahs players, namely, Drew Mitchell, Wyclif Palu and Lachlin Turner, each gained over 100 metres with ball in hand. A stat I can’t say I have ever seen in the past.
• The Waratahs were good on the night, flinging the ball around like a circ de soleil trapeze act, but it was the Lions who were just so much worse, helping to make the home team look like superstars.

Waratahs VS Lions 2010 Highlights: [WRNrugbynews]

Scorecard: