England are out of the World Under 20 rugby championships in Argentina. This follows their loss this morning to Australia who will play the winner of the New Zealand v South Africa semi final now being played.
Australia won the match 28- 16. Australia dominated in all aspects of the game.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
BLOCKBUSTER TOURS ON THE WAY BACK
New Zealand will host a series of blockbuster tours including three-Test rugby tours by England, France and Ireland between 2012 and 2014 as part of the new global schedule for rugby announced last week.
The new international touring schedule was confirmed by the International Rugby Board during its recent meetings in Europe.
New Zealand Rugby Union CEO Steve Tew said the new schedule is a “major step forward” for the game in the Southern Hemisphere with SANZAR countries now hosting three-Test Series in June of each year.
Ireland will tour New Zealand in 2012 in what will be the first ever three-Test series between the All Blacks and the Irish. France will tour in 2013 in the first three-Test series against New Zealand since 1984 while England will tour in 2014 in what will also be an historic first ever three-test Series against the All Blacks.
“We have been pushing for a return to proper rugby tours and for three-Test series for some time now so to see it now become a reality is fantastic. We are excited by the prospect of a three-Test series each year and I think fans will be as well,” Mr Tew said.
The new schedule also means the NZRU will also be able to explore the possibility of midweek matches for the visiting Northern Hemisphere sides, bringing back a modern version of the tours of old.
“We will start discussions with those countries about midweek matches in due course but we think it will be fantastic for fans if we can get some matches played outside of the main centres,” Mr Tew added.
He said the 2005 British & Irish Lions Tour demonstrated the interest from rugby fans in rugby tours that go beyond Test matches, while there was also a greater opportunity for visiting rugby fans to plan travel around a tour schedule.
While Ireland has never played a three-Test series against the All Blacks, they have played a two-Test series before: in New Zealand in 2006, 2002 and 1992. England has played the All Blacks in a two-Test series on six occasions: in 2008, 2004, 1997, 1984 and 1963. The All Blacks played a three-Test series against France in 1984, 1968 and 1961.
The schedule for the June tours to New Zealand from 2012 to 2019 is:
· 2012 Ireland – 3 Test matches
· 2013 France – 3 Test matches
· 2014 England – 3 Test matches
· 2015 RWC 2015 (England) – no June or November tours.
· 2016 Wales – 3 Test matches
· 2017 British & Irish Lions Tour
· 2018 France – 3 Test matches
· 2019 RWC 2019 (Japan) – no June or November tours.
********
The new international touring schedule was confirmed by the International Rugby Board during its recent meetings in Europe.
New Zealand Rugby Union CEO Steve Tew said the new schedule is a “major step forward” for the game in the Southern Hemisphere with SANZAR countries now hosting three-Test Series in June of each year.
Ireland will tour New Zealand in 2012 in what will be the first ever three-Test series between the All Blacks and the Irish. France will tour in 2013 in the first three-Test series against New Zealand since 1984 while England will tour in 2014 in what will also be an historic first ever three-test Series against the All Blacks.
“We have been pushing for a return to proper rugby tours and for three-Test series for some time now so to see it now become a reality is fantastic. We are excited by the prospect of a three-Test series each year and I think fans will be as well,” Mr Tew said.
The new schedule also means the NZRU will also be able to explore the possibility of midweek matches for the visiting Northern Hemisphere sides, bringing back a modern version of the tours of old.
“We will start discussions with those countries about midweek matches in due course but we think it will be fantastic for fans if we can get some matches played outside of the main centres,” Mr Tew added.
He said the 2005 British & Irish Lions Tour demonstrated the interest from rugby fans in rugby tours that go beyond Test matches, while there was also a greater opportunity for visiting rugby fans to plan travel around a tour schedule.
While Ireland has never played a three-Test series against the All Blacks, they have played a two-Test series before: in New Zealand in 2006, 2002 and 1992. England has played the All Blacks in a two-Test series on six occasions: in 2008, 2004, 1997, 1984 and 1963. The All Blacks played a three-Test series against France in 1984, 1968 and 1961.
The schedule for the June tours to New Zealand from 2012 to 2019 is:
· 2012 Ireland – 3 Test matches
· 2013 France – 3 Test matches
· 2014 England – 3 Test matches
· 2015 RWC 2015 (England) – no June or November tours.
· 2016 Wales – 3 Test matches
· 2017 British & Irish Lions Tour
· 2018 France – 3 Test matches
· 2019 RWC 2019 (Japan) – no June or November tours.
********
Monday, May 17, 2010
SOUTHERN STARS WIN T20 WORLD CUP
A devastating spell of fast bowling by Ellyse Perry helped Australia beat the White Ferns by three runs and lift the Women’s ICC World Twenty20 crown at Kensington Oval in Barbados . Perry took three for 18 and held her nerve to bowl a tense final over that kept the White Ferns to 103 for six in pursuit of Australia ’s 106 for eight.The Australian bowling attack were superb in defence of their modest total, getting wickets at regular intervals and put in a highly polished fielding display that glossed over their mediocre batting effort.
The White Ferns reply got off to a disastrous start which saw them slump to 36 for five after 11 overs with opener Suzie Bates the only top order batsman to make an impression with 18.All-rounders Sophie Devine and Nicola Browne slowly rebuilt the innings and managed to close the gap but Perry broke the partnership when she had Browne caught behind for 20. Devine did her best to get the White Ferns home with a rearguard 38 not out off 35 deliveries that included 21 runs off her last eight balls but it wasn’t enough with the White Ferns falling just short.Earlier, the White Ferns new ball bowlers Sain Ruck and Nicola Browne delivered a fiery opening spell that knocked the top off the Australian batting line up.
Ruck was the first to strike, trapping the dangerous Shelley Nitschke for just three before Browne broke through in the fourth and sixth overs to have the Australians reeling at 20 for three. The loss of early wickets slowed the run-rate with Australia crawling to 38 for three at the end of ten overs. Leah Poulton and Jess Cameron started to repair the innings but were pegged back again when Sophie Devine removed Poulton for 20 and Kate Broadmore castled Cameron for 14.
Their problems were compounded when Sara McGlashan ran-out Alyssa Healy for 10 as Australia headed into the last five overs with just four wickets in hand and only 76 on the board.Lisa Sthalekar belted a quick 18 towards the end before being Devine’s second scalp.The White Ferns finished off the innings with Aimee Watkins taking a stunning one handed catch to remove Rene Farrell for three.The loss ended a nine match winning streak with their last defeat coming against England in the final of last year’s event.
Tags: cricket
The White Ferns reply got off to a disastrous start which saw them slump to 36 for five after 11 overs with opener Suzie Bates the only top order batsman to make an impression with 18.All-rounders Sophie Devine and Nicola Browne slowly rebuilt the innings and managed to close the gap but Perry broke the partnership when she had Browne caught behind for 20. Devine did her best to get the White Ferns home with a rearguard 38 not out off 35 deliveries that included 21 runs off her last eight balls but it wasn’t enough with the White Ferns falling just short.Earlier, the White Ferns new ball bowlers Sain Ruck and Nicola Browne delivered a fiery opening spell that knocked the top off the Australian batting line up.
Ruck was the first to strike, trapping the dangerous Shelley Nitschke for just three before Browne broke through in the fourth and sixth overs to have the Australians reeling at 20 for three. The loss of early wickets slowed the run-rate with Australia crawling to 38 for three at the end of ten overs. Leah Poulton and Jess Cameron started to repair the innings but were pegged back again when Sophie Devine removed Poulton for 20 and Kate Broadmore castled Cameron for 14.
Their problems were compounded when Sara McGlashan ran-out Alyssa Healy for 10 as Australia headed into the last five overs with just four wickets in hand and only 76 on the board.Lisa Sthalekar belted a quick 18 towards the end before being Devine’s second scalp.The White Ferns finished off the innings with Aimee Watkins taking a stunning one handed catch to remove Rene Farrell for three.The loss ended a nine match winning streak with their last defeat coming against England in the final of last year’s event.
Tags: cricket
Thursday, May 13, 2010
SHANE BOND STANDS DOWN FROM ALL CRICKET
BLACKCAPS and Canterbury Wizard’s fast bowler Shane Bond announced his retirement from all cricket today, bringing down the curtain on his career eight years after making his debut.
Arriving home from the ICC World Twenty20 in the West Indies today, Bond said that he would not comprise his own standards that he believed were required to be successful to combat the intensity of International cricket .
``I know the time is right for me to step down. I have given it everything when playing for the BLACKCAPS. I will miss the camaraderie because it has been a privilege to play along such a great bunch of guys who are so committed to do their best for New Zealand .
``I want to thank my wife Tracey, my family, my manager Leanne McGoldrick and all those at New Zealand Cricket, Canterbury , my club Old Boy's Collegians and the Players Association’s Heath Mills for all their help and support over the years.
``Playing with pride for the BLACKCAPS over the years has meant so much to me. I dreamed of playing for New Zealand when I was six. The reality of what has unfolded was more than I could ever hope for and I have been extremely proud to represent New Zealand . I am going to miss a lot of this but I know now is the time to bow out. I am very keen at some stage to put something back into the game in New Zealand .’’
The Canterbury bowler with blistering speed was one of the fastest bowlers in the world during a career littered with injuries.
Bond, for a time, was the number one bowler in the ICC world one day rankings. For a time, he had the best strike rate in tests and one day internationals in NZC history. At his peak, he had the third best strike rate in test cricket history.
Today New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan paid tribute to Bond’s contribution to the game.
``We shall all miss Shane in the international arena. His speed and ability struck fear into batsmen from every team in world cricket. He has been a real match-winner. Shane has had an inspirational presence about him and has been a great role model for younger team mates.
`` Shane will leave a huge gap that will be almost impossible to replace. We are saddened by his decision, but we support him and wish him all the best in his future,’’ Vaughan said.
BLACKCAPS’ captain Daniel Vettori said; “We are lucky to have had a player of his stature donning the Black Cap. “For me personally it is a big loss I think he could still be a really good player for us for some time to come. But I know how much effort he puts in to stay on the park. He knows his body and he knows what he needs to do to prepare for international cricket. Sadly for us he has decided his time has come to an end.
“What ever he chooses to put his hand to, I think he will be successful because he is so determined. I think that if we can hold on to Shane in any capacity in Cricket, if he can help out our future fast bowlers it is only going to be an asset. “He is one of the best fast bowlers we have ever had and we will miss him in the BLACKCAPS.”
The ball that changed Shane Bond's career arrived in a flash with a searing yorker that knocked out Adam Gilchrist's stumps in a VB series match against Australia at Adelaide in 2002. He terrified the Australian batsmen in that game; and in that series. A Kiwi bowling star was born on the world cricketing stage. There's something about the Australians that brought the best out of Bond. In 17 ODIs against them he took 44 wickets at 15.79 runs per wicket, with a BLACKCAPS best of 6 for 23.
Bond gave the BLACKCAPS a rare fast bowling option. He joined the elite band of the fastest bowlers in the world and with his arrival the potency of the BLACKCAPS attack increased. He became the quickest New Zealander to reach 50 test and 50 one-day international wickets.
Despite the many challenges he faced throughout his career, his resolve and desire to fight back was never questioned.
Arriving home from the ICC World Twenty20 in the West Indies today, Bond said that he would not comprise his own standards that he believed were required to be successful to combat the intensity of International cricket .
``I know the time is right for me to step down. I have given it everything when playing for the BLACKCAPS. I will miss the camaraderie because it has been a privilege to play along such a great bunch of guys who are so committed to do their best for New Zealand .
``I want to thank my wife Tracey, my family, my manager Leanne McGoldrick and all those at New Zealand Cricket, Canterbury , my club Old Boy's Collegians and the Players Association’s Heath Mills for all their help and support over the years.
``Playing with pride for the BLACKCAPS over the years has meant so much to me. I dreamed of playing for New Zealand when I was six. The reality of what has unfolded was more than I could ever hope for and I have been extremely proud to represent New Zealand . I am going to miss a lot of this but I know now is the time to bow out. I am very keen at some stage to put something back into the game in New Zealand .’’
The Canterbury bowler with blistering speed was one of the fastest bowlers in the world during a career littered with injuries.
Bond, for a time, was the number one bowler in the ICC world one day rankings. For a time, he had the best strike rate in tests and one day internationals in NZC history. At his peak, he had the third best strike rate in test cricket history.
Today New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan paid tribute to Bond’s contribution to the game.
``We shall all miss Shane in the international arena. His speed and ability struck fear into batsmen from every team in world cricket. He has been a real match-winner. Shane has had an inspirational presence about him and has been a great role model for younger team mates.
`` Shane will leave a huge gap that will be almost impossible to replace. We are saddened by his decision, but we support him and wish him all the best in his future,’’ Vaughan said.
BLACKCAPS’ captain Daniel Vettori said; “We are lucky to have had a player of his stature donning the Black Cap. “For me personally it is a big loss I think he could still be a really good player for us for some time to come. But I know how much effort he puts in to stay on the park. He knows his body and he knows what he needs to do to prepare for international cricket. Sadly for us he has decided his time has come to an end.
“What ever he chooses to put his hand to, I think he will be successful because he is so determined. I think that if we can hold on to Shane in any capacity in Cricket, if he can help out our future fast bowlers it is only going to be an asset. “He is one of the best fast bowlers we have ever had and we will miss him in the BLACKCAPS.”
The ball that changed Shane Bond's career arrived in a flash with a searing yorker that knocked out Adam Gilchrist's stumps in a VB series match against Australia at Adelaide in 2002. He terrified the Australian batsmen in that game; and in that series. A Kiwi bowling star was born on the world cricketing stage. There's something about the Australians that brought the best out of Bond. In 17 ODIs against them he took 44 wickets at 15.79 runs per wicket, with a BLACKCAPS best of 6 for 23.
Bond gave the BLACKCAPS a rare fast bowling option. He joined the elite band of the fastest bowlers in the world and with his arrival the potency of the BLACKCAPS attack increased. He became the quickest New Zealander to reach 50 test and 50 one-day international wickets.
Despite the many challenges he faced throughout his career, his resolve and desire to fight back was never questioned.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
JOCK HOBBS STANDS DOWN
New Zealand Rugby Union and Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd Chairman Jock Hobbs has stood down from both roles effective immediately due to health issues.
NZRU CEO Steve Tew announced today that Jock has been diagnosed with a form of Leukaemia which now requires treatment.
“Jock and his family have asked that we respect their privacy at this difficult time.”
The NZRU Board has met and elected Mike Eagle as Acting Chairman. The situation regarding Jock’s future involvement will be discussed at more length at the next meeting of the NZRU Board scheduled for 27 May.
In accepting the role of Acting Chairman Mike Eagle paid tribute to the tireless commitment and extensive contribution that Jock had made to New Zealand rugby since being elected Chairman in 2002.
RNZ 2011 CEO Martin Snedden said Jock had played a key role both in winning the rights to host the Tournament in 2005 and in helping RNZ 2011 prepare for the event.
“Our thoughts go out to Jock and his family at this difficult time. His passion and energy has contributed tremendously to our efforts to stage a successful Tournament.”
He said Brian Roche the Deputy Chairman of RNZ 2011 would act as Chairman until the next full meeting of the RNZ 2011 Board scheduled for 24 May.
NZRU CEO Steve Tew announced today that Jock has been diagnosed with a form of Leukaemia which now requires treatment.
“Jock and his family have asked that we respect their privacy at this difficult time.”
The NZRU Board has met and elected Mike Eagle as Acting Chairman. The situation regarding Jock’s future involvement will be discussed at more length at the next meeting of the NZRU Board scheduled for 27 May.
In accepting the role of Acting Chairman Mike Eagle paid tribute to the tireless commitment and extensive contribution that Jock had made to New Zealand rugby since being elected Chairman in 2002.
RNZ 2011 CEO Martin Snedden said Jock had played a key role both in winning the rights to host the Tournament in 2005 and in helping RNZ 2011 prepare for the event.
“Our thoughts go out to Jock and his family at this difficult time. His passion and energy has contributed tremendously to our efforts to stage a successful Tournament.”
He said Brian Roche the Deputy Chairman of RNZ 2011 would act as Chairman until the next full meeting of the RNZ 2011 Board scheduled for 24 May.
One of New Zealand Greats to celebrate 100 Games
New Zealand rugby is acknowledging one of New Zealand and Wellington rugby’s favourite sons Rodney So’oialo who will mark his 100th Super Rugby game in front of his home crowd in Wellington tomorrow night.
The experienced and popular loose forward will make his 100th appearance in his 10th season for the Hurricanes against the Reds tomorrow night as they chase a semifinals spot in the Rebel Sport Super 14.
Fans are encouraged to stay behind at the conclusion of the match at Westpac Stadium for a special presentation for So’oialo.
So’oialo, 30, will become only the second to reach his 100th Super Rugby cap for the franchise, behind former Hurricanes and All Blacks Captain Tana Umaga who reached the milestone in 2005.
Coincidentally, So’oialo made his Super Rugby debut against the Reds in 2001, a year before he made his All Blacks debut. He has scored ten tries in his Super Rugby career which also includes 49 matches as Hurricanes captain. So’oialo has been a key figure in the Hurricanes’ campaigns which include a Final in 2006, and semifinals in 2003, 2005, 2008 and 2009.
New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) Chief Executive Steve Tew congratulated So’oialo.
“One hundred matches in this competition is a significant achievement for any player. This is a very special occasion as Rodney becomes the 12th New Zealand centurion joining Tana Umaga, Justin Marshall, Anton Oliver, Caleb Ralph, Greg Somerville, Reuben Thorne, Doug Howlett, Leon MacDonald, Justin Collins, Keven Mealamu and, most recently, Richie McCaw.
“Rodney’s commitment to the game, to New Zealand, and to the Hurricanes is admirable and I congratulate him on this fantastic new mark in his rugby career,” Mr Tew said.
Hurricanes Chief Executive Greg Peters said So’oialo’s strength and loyalty was a great asset to the franchise.
“Rodney shows his strength as a leader every time he pulls on the Hurricanes jersey. He has been an inspiration to his team-mates and a whole generation of young players who look up to him and what he has achieved. We congratulate him on his century and look forward to celebrating with a win tonight,” Mr Peters said.
The experienced and popular loose forward will make his 100th appearance in his 10th season for the Hurricanes against the Reds tomorrow night as they chase a semifinals spot in the Rebel Sport Super 14.
Fans are encouraged to stay behind at the conclusion of the match at Westpac Stadium for a special presentation for So’oialo.
So’oialo, 30, will become only the second to reach his 100th Super Rugby cap for the franchise, behind former Hurricanes and All Blacks Captain Tana Umaga who reached the milestone in 2005.
Coincidentally, So’oialo made his Super Rugby debut against the Reds in 2001, a year before he made his All Blacks debut. He has scored ten tries in his Super Rugby career which also includes 49 matches as Hurricanes captain. So’oialo has been a key figure in the Hurricanes’ campaigns which include a Final in 2006, and semifinals in 2003, 2005, 2008 and 2009.
New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) Chief Executive Steve Tew congratulated So’oialo.
“One hundred matches in this competition is a significant achievement for any player. This is a very special occasion as Rodney becomes the 12th New Zealand centurion joining Tana Umaga, Justin Marshall, Anton Oliver, Caleb Ralph, Greg Somerville, Reuben Thorne, Doug Howlett, Leon MacDonald, Justin Collins, Keven Mealamu and, most recently, Richie McCaw.
“Rodney’s commitment to the game, to New Zealand, and to the Hurricanes is admirable and I congratulate him on this fantastic new mark in his rugby career,” Mr Tew said.
Hurricanes Chief Executive Greg Peters said So’oialo’s strength and loyalty was a great asset to the franchise.
“Rodney shows his strength as a leader every time he pulls on the Hurricanes jersey. He has been an inspiration to his team-mates and a whole generation of young players who look up to him and what he has achieved. We congratulate him on his century and look forward to celebrating with a win tonight,” Mr Peters said.
SOME STATS= REDS v CANNES
The Hurricanes record against the Reds in all Super Rugby matches is P14 W9 L5 D0.
The results are as follows:
Year
Venue
Won by
Score
1996
Wellington
Reds
32-25
1997
Brisbane
Hurricanes
47-29
1998
Wellington
Reds
41-33
1999
Brisbane
Reds
11-0
2000
New Plymouth
Hurricanes
43-25
2001
Brisbane
Reds
27-18
2002
Palmerston North
Hurricanes
22-18
2003
Brisbane
Hurricanes
26-23
2004
Wellington
Hurricanes
29-12
2005
Brisbane
Hurricanes
24-10
2006
Wellington
Hurricanes
26-22
2007
Brisbane
Reds
25-16
2008
Wellington
Hurricanes
23-18
2009
Brisbane
Hurricanes
37-28
2. The Hurricanes record in Super Rugby is P180 W93 (51.7%) L83 D4.
3. The Reds record in Super Rugby is P176 W78 (44.3%) L95 D3.
4. The Reds record in away matches is P87 W25 (28.7%) L60 D2.
5. The Reds record in Super Rugby matches in New Zealand is P36 W7 (19.4%) L28 D1.
6. The Hurricanes record in Super Rugby matches at Westpac Stadium is P53 W37 (69.8%) L14 D2.
7. The Hurricanes record in Super Rugby matches against the Reds at Wellington is P5 W3 L2 D0. Both of the Reds wins were at Athletic Park .
8. The Reds record against New Zealand sides in Super Rugby is P74 W27 (36.5%) L46 D1.
9. The Hurricanes record against Australian sides in Super Rugby is P50 W29 (58.0%) L21 D0.
10. The Reds are enjoying their best Super Rugby season since 2002 when their record was identical to this year’s after 11 matches (ie W7 L4 D0).
11. The Reds have appeared in three previous semi-finals. In 1996 against Natal at Brisbane (lost 25-43), in 1999 against the Crusaders at Brisbane (lost 22-28) and in 2001 against the Brumbies at Canberra (lost 6-30).
12. The Reds have never won two matches in a row in New Zealand in the same season. (They have already beaten the Chiefs 27-18 at Hamilton in Week 4).
13. The result of the last 20 Super Rugby matches played by the Reds is W9 L11 D0. The sequence is (in 2009 - W L L L L W L L L and in 2010 - L W L W W W L W W W L).
14. The result of the last 20 Super Rugbymatches played by the Hurricanes is W12 L7 D1. The sequence is (in 2009 - W L W W W W L W L and in 2010 - W W W L L L L D W W W).
15. The Hurricanes have won their last five Super Rugby matches against Australian sides - a record winning sequence.
16. The Hurricanes have scored 149 tries and conceded 146 tries in their 50 previous Super Rugby matches against Australian sides.
17. The Hurricanes have never dropped a goal in a Super Rugby match against the Reds.
18. The Reds are the only Super Rugby side the Hurricanes have failed to score any points against in a match (lost 0-11 at Brisbane in 1999).
19. The Hurricanes record in 2010 is P11 W6 L4 D1. For: 33T 20C 31P 0DG - points 298. Against: 30T 18C 28P 0DG - points 270.
20. The Reds record in 2010 is P11 W7 L4 D0. For: 34T 25C 28P 1DG - 307. Against: 27T 18C 18P 1DG - points 228.
21. The individual record for most tries scored by a Hurricanes player in a match against the Reds is three by Tana Umaga at New Plymouth in 2000.
22. The individual record for most tries scored by a Reds player in a match against the Hurricanes is two by Shane Drahm at Wellington in 1998. No other player has scored twice for the Reds against the Hurricanes.
23. The individual record for most tries scored by a Hurricanes player in all matches against the Reds is eight by Tana Umaga.
24. The individual record for most tries scored by a Reds player in all matches against the Hurricanes is four by John Roe.
25. The most tries scored by the Hurricanes against the Reds in a Super Rugby match is six at Brisbane : in 1997 and New Plymouth in 2000.
26. The most tries scored by the Reds against the Hurricanes in a Super Rugby match is five at Wellington : in 1996 and 1998.
27. The most penalties in a match by the Hurricanes against the Reds is five at Wellington : in 1996 and Palmerston North in 2002.
28. The most penalties in a match by the Reds against the Hurricanes is five at Brisbane : in 1997, 2001 and 2007.
29. The most penalties by the Reds against the Hurricanes in a match at Wellington is two in 1998 and 2008.
30. The individual record for most penalties by a Hurricanes player in a match against the Reds is five by David Holwell at Palmerston North in 2002.
28. The individual record for most penalties by a Reds player in a match against the Hurricanes is five by John Eales at Brisbane in 1997 and Clinton Schifcofske at Brisbane in 2007.
29. The most points scored by an individual in a match for the Hurricanes against the Reds is 22 by Jon Preston at Brisbane in 1997.
30. The most points scored by an individual in a match for the Reds against the Hurricanes is 19 by John Eales at Brisbane in 1997.
31. The most points scored by a Hurricanes player in all matches against the Reds is 50 by David Holwell.
32. The most points scored by a Reds player in all matches against the Hurricanes is 45 by John Eales.
33. Current players who have scored tries for the Hurricanes against the Reds are: Rodney So’oialo (Palmerston North in 2002), Andrew Hore ( Wellington in 2004), Ma’a Nonu ( Brisbane in 2005, Wellington in 2008 and Brisbane (two) in 2009), Cory Jane ( Brisbane in 2007 and 2009), Jeremy Thrush ( Brisbane in 2009) and Piri Weepu ( Brisbane 2009).
34. Current players who have scored tries for the Reds against the Hurricanes are: Ben Lucas (Brisbane 2009), Quaid Cooper (Brisbane 2009) and Brando Va’aulu (Brisbane 2009).
35. The record for most points in a season by a Reds player is 155 (25C and 35P) by John Eales in 1996.
36. The record for most conversions in a season by a Reds player is 25 by John Eales in 1996.
37. Quaid Cooper has scored 152 points so far in 2010 made up of 4T 24C 27P and 1DG. He is just three points short of equalling John Eales’ points record and one short of equalling his record number of conversions in a season.
38. New Zealand born Quaid Cooper has scored 189 points in all Super Rugby matches.
39. Cory Jane made his Super Rugby debut against the Reds at Brisbane in 2007 and scored a try.
40. David Smith was another player who made his Super Rugby debut against the Reds at Brisbane in 2007.
41. Ten players made their debut for the Hurricanes against the Reds at Brisbane in 1999 - the Hurricanes lost 0-11. Three players made their debut in the match at Brisbane in 2001. The Hurricanes lost 18-27. Nine players in all made their debut at Brisbane in 2007. The Hurricanes lost 16-25.
42. Rodney So’oialo will play his 100th Super Rugby match against the Reds. Along with Jerry Collins and Tony Coughlan, So’oialo made his debut for the Hurricanes against the Reds on 24 February 2001 (as a flanker) and it will have taken him 9 years and 75 days to reach the milestone. He is the second Hurricanes player to play 100 matches after Tana Umaga, who reached his century of matches 9 years and 66 days after making his debut. Umaga also played his first and 100th match against the same team (Blues). And his 100th match was played on 6 May 2005 - one day short of five years before So’oialo.
Whereas Umaga missed a total of 11 matches along the way, So’oialo will have missed 25 and in the 10 seasons he has appeared for the Hurricanes. He has not once played in every game of the season. Rodney So’oialo is the 13th New Zealand player to reach 100 Super Rugby matches and the third this year after Carlos Spencer and Richie McCaw.
43. Two team-mates of So’oialo namely Andrew Hore and Ma’a Nonu will play their 96th match (90 for the Hurricanes and six for the Crusaders) and 97th match respectively, against the Reds.
44. Reds player Sean Hardman turned 33 on Thursday, the day before the match.
45. Hurricanes player Michael Paterson turns 25 on Sunday, two days after the match.
The results are as follows:
Year
Venue
Won by
Score
1996
Wellington
Reds
32-25
1997
Brisbane
Hurricanes
47-29
1998
Wellington
Reds
41-33
1999
Brisbane
Reds
11-0
2000
New Plymouth
Hurricanes
43-25
2001
Brisbane
Reds
27-18
2002
Palmerston North
Hurricanes
22-18
2003
Brisbane
Hurricanes
26-23
2004
Wellington
Hurricanes
29-12
2005
Brisbane
Hurricanes
24-10
2006
Wellington
Hurricanes
26-22
2007
Brisbane
Reds
25-16
2008
Wellington
Hurricanes
23-18
2009
Brisbane
Hurricanes
37-28
2. The Hurricanes record in Super Rugby is P180 W93 (51.7%) L83 D4.
3. The Reds record in Super Rugby is P176 W78 (44.3%) L95 D3.
4. The Reds record in away matches is P87 W25 (28.7%) L60 D2.
5. The Reds record in Super Rugby matches in New Zealand is P36 W7 (19.4%) L28 D1.
6. The Hurricanes record in Super Rugby matches at Westpac Stadium is P53 W37 (69.8%) L14 D2.
7. The Hurricanes record in Super Rugby matches against the Reds at Wellington is P5 W3 L2 D0. Both of the Reds wins were at Athletic Park .
8. The Reds record against New Zealand sides in Super Rugby is P74 W27 (36.5%) L46 D1.
9. The Hurricanes record against Australian sides in Super Rugby is P50 W29 (58.0%) L21 D0.
10. The Reds are enjoying their best Super Rugby season since 2002 when their record was identical to this year’s after 11 matches (ie W7 L4 D0).
11. The Reds have appeared in three previous semi-finals. In 1996 against Natal at Brisbane (lost 25-43), in 1999 against the Crusaders at Brisbane (lost 22-28) and in 2001 against the Brumbies at Canberra (lost 6-30).
12. The Reds have never won two matches in a row in New Zealand in the same season. (They have already beaten the Chiefs 27-18 at Hamilton in Week 4).
13. The result of the last 20 Super Rugby matches played by the Reds is W9 L11 D0. The sequence is (in 2009 - W L L L L W L L L and in 2010 - L W L W W W L W W W L).
14. The result of the last 20 Super Rugbymatches played by the Hurricanes is W12 L7 D1. The sequence is (in 2009 - W L W W W W L W L and in 2010 - W W W L L L L D W W W).
15. The Hurricanes have won their last five Super Rugby matches against Australian sides - a record winning sequence.
16. The Hurricanes have scored 149 tries and conceded 146 tries in their 50 previous Super Rugby matches against Australian sides.
17. The Hurricanes have never dropped a goal in a Super Rugby match against the Reds.
18. The Reds are the only Super Rugby side the Hurricanes have failed to score any points against in a match (lost 0-11 at Brisbane in 1999).
19. The Hurricanes record in 2010 is P11 W6 L4 D1. For: 33T 20C 31P 0DG - points 298. Against: 30T 18C 28P 0DG - points 270.
20. The Reds record in 2010 is P11 W7 L4 D0. For: 34T 25C 28P 1DG - 307. Against: 27T 18C 18P 1DG - points 228.
21. The individual record for most tries scored by a Hurricanes player in a match against the Reds is three by Tana Umaga at New Plymouth in 2000.
22. The individual record for most tries scored by a Reds player in a match against the Hurricanes is two by Shane Drahm at Wellington in 1998. No other player has scored twice for the Reds against the Hurricanes.
23. The individual record for most tries scored by a Hurricanes player in all matches against the Reds is eight by Tana Umaga.
24. The individual record for most tries scored by a Reds player in all matches against the Hurricanes is four by John Roe.
25. The most tries scored by the Hurricanes against the Reds in a Super Rugby match is six at Brisbane : in 1997 and New Plymouth in 2000.
26. The most tries scored by the Reds against the Hurricanes in a Super Rugby match is five at Wellington : in 1996 and 1998.
27. The most penalties in a match by the Hurricanes against the Reds is five at Wellington : in 1996 and Palmerston North in 2002.
28. The most penalties in a match by the Reds against the Hurricanes is five at Brisbane : in 1997, 2001 and 2007.
29. The most penalties by the Reds against the Hurricanes in a match at Wellington is two in 1998 and 2008.
30. The individual record for most penalties by a Hurricanes player in a match against the Reds is five by David Holwell at Palmerston North in 2002.
28. The individual record for most penalties by a Reds player in a match against the Hurricanes is five by John Eales at Brisbane in 1997 and Clinton Schifcofske at Brisbane in 2007.
29. The most points scored by an individual in a match for the Hurricanes against the Reds is 22 by Jon Preston at Brisbane in 1997.
30. The most points scored by an individual in a match for the Reds against the Hurricanes is 19 by John Eales at Brisbane in 1997.
31. The most points scored by a Hurricanes player in all matches against the Reds is 50 by David Holwell.
32. The most points scored by a Reds player in all matches against the Hurricanes is 45 by John Eales.
33. Current players who have scored tries for the Hurricanes against the Reds are: Rodney So’oialo (Palmerston North in 2002), Andrew Hore ( Wellington in 2004), Ma’a Nonu ( Brisbane in 2005, Wellington in 2008 and Brisbane (two) in 2009), Cory Jane ( Brisbane in 2007 and 2009), Jeremy Thrush ( Brisbane in 2009) and Piri Weepu ( Brisbane 2009).
34. Current players who have scored tries for the Reds against the Hurricanes are: Ben Lucas (Brisbane 2009), Quaid Cooper (Brisbane 2009) and Brando Va’aulu (Brisbane 2009).
35. The record for most points in a season by a Reds player is 155 (25C and 35P) by John Eales in 1996.
36. The record for most conversions in a season by a Reds player is 25 by John Eales in 1996.
37. Quaid Cooper has scored 152 points so far in 2010 made up of 4T 24C 27P and 1DG. He is just three points short of equalling John Eales’ points record and one short of equalling his record number of conversions in a season.
38. New Zealand born Quaid Cooper has scored 189 points in all Super Rugby matches.
39. Cory Jane made his Super Rugby debut against the Reds at Brisbane in 2007 and scored a try.
40. David Smith was another player who made his Super Rugby debut against the Reds at Brisbane in 2007.
41. Ten players made their debut for the Hurricanes against the Reds at Brisbane in 1999 - the Hurricanes lost 0-11. Three players made their debut in the match at Brisbane in 2001. The Hurricanes lost 18-27. Nine players in all made their debut at Brisbane in 2007. The Hurricanes lost 16-25.
42. Rodney So’oialo will play his 100th Super Rugby match against the Reds. Along with Jerry Collins and Tony Coughlan, So’oialo made his debut for the Hurricanes against the Reds on 24 February 2001 (as a flanker) and it will have taken him 9 years and 75 days to reach the milestone. He is the second Hurricanes player to play 100 matches after Tana Umaga, who reached his century of matches 9 years and 66 days after making his debut. Umaga also played his first and 100th match against the same team (Blues). And his 100th match was played on 6 May 2005 - one day short of five years before So’oialo.
Whereas Umaga missed a total of 11 matches along the way, So’oialo will have missed 25 and in the 10 seasons he has appeared for the Hurricanes. He has not once played in every game of the season. Rodney So’oialo is the 13th New Zealand player to reach 100 Super Rugby matches and the third this year after Carlos Spencer and Richie McCaw.
43. Two team-mates of So’oialo namely Andrew Hore and Ma’a Nonu will play their 96th match (90 for the Hurricanes and six for the Crusaders) and 97th match respectively, against the Reds.
44. Reds player Sean Hardman turned 33 on Thursday, the day before the match.
45. Hurricanes player Michael Paterson turns 25 on Sunday, two days after the match.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
CANES NAME SIDE TO FACE REDS
Victor Vito has suffered a calf injury in training and will miss Friday’s game against the Reds. Michael Paterson moves from lock to six, Jeremy Thrush starts at lock and Nick Crosswell comes on to the bench. The updated team list is as follows:
1. Jacob Ellison
2. Andrew Hore (captain)
3. Neemia Tialata
4. Bryn Evans
5. Jeremy Thrush
6. Michael Paterson
7. Karl Lowe
8. Rodney So’oialo
9. Piri Weepu
10. Aaron Cruden
11. Hosea Gear
12. Ma’a Nonu
13. Conrad Smith
14. Tamati Ellison
15. Cory Jane
Reserves
16. Dane Coles
17. John Schwalger
18. Nick Crosswell
19. Scott Waldrom
20. Tyson Keats
21. Jason Kawau / Willie Ripia
22. David Smith
1. Jacob Ellison
2. Andrew Hore (captain)
3. Neemia Tialata
4. Bryn Evans
5. Jeremy Thrush
6. Michael Paterson
7. Karl Lowe
8. Rodney So’oialo
9. Piri Weepu
10. Aaron Cruden
11. Hosea Gear
12. Ma’a Nonu
13. Conrad Smith
14. Tamati Ellison
15. Cory Jane
Reserves
16. Dane Coles
17. John Schwalger
18. Nick Crosswell
19. Scott Waldrom
20. Tyson Keats
21. Jason Kawau / Willie Ripia
22. David Smith
Monday, May 3, 2010
REDS LOOKING TO HUMPHRIES
QR Reds lock Humphries confident of playing against Hurricanes on Friday
QR Reds lock Van Humphries has declared he ' ll be "100 per cent" ready to take on the Hurricanes in Wellington on Friday (kickoff 5.30pm AEST) after recovering from an ankle injury that forced him to miss two games.
Humphries sustained the injury in the final lineout of the Reds’ 19-12 victory over the Bulls a fortnight ago and missed the subsequent games against the Stormers and Brumbies.
His experience and leadership around the paddock were sorely missed in the Brumbies match, where the Reds also lost starting locks Rob Simmons (fractured cheekbone) and Adam Byrnes (knee ligament) in the opening quarter of the match.
With Simmons and Byrnes joining fellow lock and captain James Horwill on the sideline, Humphries ' return couldn ' t have been better timed.
“It’s coming along well. We’ve had a checklist to tick off over the last couple of days and I’ve passed everything so far,” Humphries said.
“I’ll be 100 percent come Friday.”
Humphries could be packing down alongside late season recruit and former Wallaby Radike Samo if Head Coach Ewen McKenzie elects to include him in the squad to fly out for Wellington tomorrow morning.
“He (Radike) has been training for the past two or three weeks. From what we have done so far, and the way we trained this morning, he was very good,” Humphries said.
“He’s done a lot and he’s a good guy to actually come into the squad at the moment."
Humphries insisted the team had moved on from the disappointment of their 12th straight loss to the Brumbies and were eager to take the field against the Hurricanes.
“It’s sort of a chink to our pride, so
QR Reds lock Van Humphries has declared he ' ll be "100 per cent" ready to take on the Hurricanes in Wellington on Friday (kickoff 5.30pm AEST) after recovering from an ankle injury that forced him to miss two games.
Humphries sustained the injury in the final lineout of the Reds’ 19-12 victory over the Bulls a fortnight ago and missed the subsequent games against the Stormers and Brumbies.
His experience and leadership around the paddock were sorely missed in the Brumbies match, where the Reds also lost starting locks Rob Simmons (fractured cheekbone) and Adam Byrnes (knee ligament) in the opening quarter of the match.
With Simmons and Byrnes joining fellow lock and captain James Horwill on the sideline, Humphries ' return couldn ' t have been better timed.
“It’s coming along well. We’ve had a checklist to tick off over the last couple of days and I’ve passed everything so far,” Humphries said.
“I’ll be 100 percent come Friday.”
Humphries could be packing down alongside late season recruit and former Wallaby Radike Samo if Head Coach Ewen McKenzie elects to include him in the squad to fly out for Wellington tomorrow morning.
“He (Radike) has been training for the past two or three weeks. From what we have done so far, and the way we trained this morning, he was very good,” Humphries said.
“He’s done a lot and he’s a good guy to actually come into the squad at the moment."
Humphries insisted the team had moved on from the disappointment of their 12th straight loss to the Brumbies and were eager to take the field against the Hurricanes.
“It’s sort of a chink to our pride, so
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
REDS FAREWELL BRAID
Queensland Rugby will be disappointed to farewell Daniel Braid at the end of the current Investec Bank Super 14 season but delighted he will have the chance to pursue his ambition of adding to his four caps for the All Blacks.
Braid joined the QR Reds for the 2009 season as Australia ’s first marquee signing, under an ARU proviso that his stay be no longer than two years.
After suffering an Achilles tendon injury midway through 2009 he came back with a vengeance this year as one of the form open side flankers in the competition and caught the eye of All Black selectors, leading to a decision to renew ties with his home province, the Blues in Auckland, to press his claims for a recall to the All Black squad.
“Braidy has been fantastic for us as a player and as a leader within the team, and we’ll be sad to see him go,” said Head Coach Ewen McKenzie .
“However we take pride in knowing that not only are we developing Wallabies, we might also get a reputation for re-developing All Blacks….”
Braid joined the QR Reds for the 2009 season as Australia ’s first marquee signing, under an ARU proviso that his stay be no longer than two years.
After suffering an Achilles tendon injury midway through 2009 he came back with a vengeance this year as one of the form open side flankers in the competition and caught the eye of All Black selectors, leading to a decision to renew ties with his home province, the Blues in Auckland, to press his claims for a recall to the All Black squad.
“Braidy has been fantastic for us as a player and as a leader within the team, and we’ll be sad to see him go,” said Head Coach Ewen McKenzie .
“However we take pride in knowing that not only are we developing Wallabies, we might also get a reputation for re-developing All Blacks….”
GITEAU FINED
Brumbies first five-eighth Matt Giteau has tonight been fined $5000 over comments made about referee Steve Walsh following the Super 14 match against NSW Waratahs in Sydney last Saturday night.
Giteau’s comments were referred to SANZAR yesterday by the Australian Rugby Union for determination on whether they constituted a Code of Conduct breach.
Competition officials decided earlier today the matter should be the subject of a disciplinary hearing.
Sydney-based Judicial Officer Terry Willis heard evidence via telephone hook-up this evening, with Giteau in Canberra where the Brumbies are preparing for a game this Saturday night against the Queensland Reds.
Giteau pleaded guilty to a Code of Conduct breach.
Mr Willis, when considering penalty, noted Giteau has played 86 Super Rugby matches and 76 Tests without any previous offences.
Giteau’s comments were referred to SANZAR yesterday by the Australian Rugby Union for determination on whether they constituted a Code of Conduct breach.
Competition officials decided earlier today the matter should be the subject of a disciplinary hearing.
Sydney-based Judicial Officer Terry Willis heard evidence via telephone hook-up this evening, with Giteau in Canberra where the Brumbies are preparing for a game this Saturday night against the Queensland Reds.
Giteau pleaded guilty to a Code of Conduct breach.
Mr Willis, when considering penalty, noted Giteau has played 86 Super Rugby matches and 76 Tests without any previous offences.
CRUSADERS SKIPPER TO PLAY 100th GAME
One of world rugby’s leaders of the game will celebrate a playing milestone this weekend with Crusaders and All Blacks Captain Richie McCaw set to play his 100th Super Rugby match.
McCaw, 29, is scheduled to lead his team on to the field for his milestone game when the Crusaders face the Stormers in Cape Town in week 12 of the Rebel Sport Super 14. He made his Super Rugby debut for the Crusaders in 2001 against the Hurricanes as a fresh-faced 20-year-old and since then has helped drive the Crusaders to Super Rugby championship titles in 2002, 2005, 2006 and 2008.
McCaw, who has scored 22 tries so far in his Crusaders career, will join an exclusive club of 10 other New Zealand Super Rugby centurions: Tana Umaga, Justin Marshall, Anton Oliver, Caleb Ralph, Greg Somerville, Reuben Thorne, Doug Howlett, Leon MacDonald, Justin Collins and Keven Mealamu.
New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) Chief Executive Steve Tew said 100 games in one competition is a huge accomplishment.
“One hundred games in Super Rugby is a great achievement – but this milestone is particularly special because Richie has played all his Super Rugby for the Crusaders. I congratulate him on this fantastic new mark in his rugby career.
“Richie continues to set a fine example as an ambassador for the game both on and off the field, and I wish him well for this weekend’s match,” Mr Tew said.
McCaw, 29, is scheduled to lead his team on to the field for his milestone game when the Crusaders face the Stormers in Cape Town in week 12 of the Rebel Sport Super 14. He made his Super Rugby debut for the Crusaders in 2001 against the Hurricanes as a fresh-faced 20-year-old and since then has helped drive the Crusaders to Super Rugby championship titles in 2002, 2005, 2006 and 2008.
McCaw, who has scored 22 tries so far in his Crusaders career, will join an exclusive club of 10 other New Zealand Super Rugby centurions: Tana Umaga, Justin Marshall, Anton Oliver, Caleb Ralph, Greg Somerville, Reuben Thorne, Doug Howlett, Leon MacDonald, Justin Collins and Keven Mealamu.
New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) Chief Executive Steve Tew said 100 games in one competition is a huge accomplishment.
“One hundred games in Super Rugby is a great achievement – but this milestone is particularly special because Richie has played all his Super Rugby for the Crusaders. I congratulate him on this fantastic new mark in his rugby career.
“Richie continues to set a fine example as an ambassador for the game both on and off the field, and I wish him well for this weekend’s match,” Mr Tew said.
REDS CONFERM BRAID TO HEAD BACK TO NEW ZEALAND
Former All Blacks flanker Daniel Braid is coming home to New Zealand after signing with the New Zealand Rugby Union and Auckland Rugby from 1 July 2010 until the end of 2012.
Braid will play out his second Rebel Sport Super 14 season with the Reds, then return to play for Auckland in the 2010 ITM Cup. He will be available to the Blues for the 2011 and 2012 expanded Super Rugby competitions.
He will be eligible for All Blacks consideration once he has played for Auckland.
NZRU Chief Executive Steve Tew welcomed Braid’s return as a positive sign for New Zealand rugby.
“We’re delighted that Daniel has chosen to come back and commit to New Zealand rugby. He has been an outstanding player both in his previous time in New Zealand and during this time with the Reds and his talent is widely recognised.
“From his development through New Zealand age grade teams, to his appearances for Auckland and the Blues, Daniel has been impressive. At age 21, his form earned him a spot in the All Blacks squad at the end of 2002,” Mr Tew said.
Braid was named winner of the Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Trophy for player of the year at the Steinlager Rugby Awards in 2007 and he has continued to attract attention with his strong form for Queensland in the 2009 and 2010 Super Rugby seasons.
Auckland Rugby and Blues Chief Executive Andy Dalton welcomed Braid’s decision to return.
“Daniel’s return to Auckland Rugby and the Blues is a welcome one. With more than 100 combined caps for both the union and the franchise, Daniel was an experienced senior member of our teams and we are thrilled he is coming home,” Mr Dalton said.
The openside flanker said his desire to try and secure a place in the All Blacks for the Rugby World Cup in 2011 had been a strong motivator in his decision.
“I am very happy to be returning to Auckland and New Zealand during such an exciting time for New Zealand rugby. Having the Rugby World Cup in your home country and the opportunity to potentially push for a place to represent New Zealand is a once in a lifetime opportunity and this was a factor in my decision to return home.
“I have enjoyed my time at the Reds, and am hoping to leave on a high note as part of a team that has improved enormously this season,” he said.
Braid will play out his second Rebel Sport Super 14 season with the Reds, then return to play for Auckland in the 2010 ITM Cup. He will be available to the Blues for the 2011 and 2012 expanded Super Rugby competitions.
He will be eligible for All Blacks consideration once he has played for Auckland.
NZRU Chief Executive Steve Tew welcomed Braid’s return as a positive sign for New Zealand rugby.
“We’re delighted that Daniel has chosen to come back and commit to New Zealand rugby. He has been an outstanding player both in his previous time in New Zealand and during this time with the Reds and his talent is widely recognised.
“From his development through New Zealand age grade teams, to his appearances for Auckland and the Blues, Daniel has been impressive. At age 21, his form earned him a spot in the All Blacks squad at the end of 2002,” Mr Tew said.
Braid was named winner of the Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Trophy for player of the year at the Steinlager Rugby Awards in 2007 and he has continued to attract attention with his strong form for Queensland in the 2009 and 2010 Super Rugby seasons.
Auckland Rugby and Blues Chief Executive Andy Dalton welcomed Braid’s decision to return.
“Daniel’s return to Auckland Rugby and the Blues is a welcome one. With more than 100 combined caps for both the union and the franchise, Daniel was an experienced senior member of our teams and we are thrilled he is coming home,” Mr Dalton said.
The openside flanker said his desire to try and secure a place in the All Blacks for the Rugby World Cup in 2011 had been a strong motivator in his decision.
“I am very happy to be returning to Auckland and New Zealand during such an exciting time for New Zealand rugby. Having the Rugby World Cup in your home country and the opportunity to potentially push for a place to represent New Zealand is a once in a lifetime opportunity and this was a factor in my decision to return home.
“I have enjoyed my time at the Reds, and am hoping to leave on a high note as part of a team that has improved enormously this season,” he said.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
SKY AND SANZAR ANNOUNCE MEDIA RIGHTS
Following the announcement of the new SANZAR broadcasting agreements, the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and SKY Television have today confirmed the extension of the local broadcast arrangements under a new agreement which will run from 2011 to 2015.
The new broadcasting agreement underpins long-term funding support for rugby in New Zealand and will see all major rugby competitions and matches in New Zealand delivered live on SKY Sport and the Rugby Channel.
This includes coverage of the Super Rugby competition, which will be extended and transformed to a 15-team conference-based competition in 2011, the Steinlager Series (June Test matches between the All Blacks and Northern Hemisphere teams), the Investec Tri Nations and the ITM Cup.
The agreement is part of the new SANZAR broadcasting arrangements announced today.
NZRU CEO Steve Tew said the new agreement builds on the long-standing and successful partnership which has seen SKY‟s excellence in rugby broadcasting recognised around the world.
"Professional rugby and SKY Television emerged at about the same time and have effectively grown together over the past 15 or so years.
"In that time, SKY has established itself as one of the premier rugby broadcasters in the world and that has been recognised at the highest level with their production winning awards and their achievement in securing the host broadcasting position for Rugby World Cup 2011.
"During this process, we talked with all of New Zealand‟s broadcasters about their potential involvement in rugby but in the end, SKY were the only platform that could deliver the game at this level to New Zealand and this is underpinned by their „every game live" proposition which gives rugby fans access to every top-level rugby fixture," said Mr Tew.
"We see a lot of opportunity for ourselves and SKY to continue to develop the way the game is presented to New Zealand fans, who are arguably the most discerning and educated in world rugby, so that we can continue to deliver them the world‟s best rugby viewing experience," he said.
"Just as importantly, the funding that SKY provides through this broadcasting rights agreement is vitally important to all of rugby in New Zealand including our commitment to and investment in community rugby, game development, and our ability to retain our top players and coaches in New Zealand."
The new SANZAR broadcasting agreements will see the NZRU‟s total broadcasting revenues increase by 28 per cent per annum over the existing broadcasting arrangements.
SKY Television Chief Executive, John Fellet said that the combination of pay television and free-to-air coverage for a key sport like rugby, delivers extensive games coverage to all New Zealanders.
"Over the last 15 years, SKY‟s partnership with the NZRU has resulted in significantly increased television coverage of international and national rugby across a number of channels, something that a stand alone, free-to-air broadcaster has historically been unable to deliver," he said.
SKY will confirm the free-to-air broadcasting arrangements once they have been determined.
**********
The new broadcasting agreement underpins long-term funding support for rugby in New Zealand and will see all major rugby competitions and matches in New Zealand delivered live on SKY Sport and the Rugby Channel.
This includes coverage of the Super Rugby competition, which will be extended and transformed to a 15-team conference-based competition in 2011, the Steinlager Series (June Test matches between the All Blacks and Northern Hemisphere teams), the Investec Tri Nations and the ITM Cup.
The agreement is part of the new SANZAR broadcasting arrangements announced today.
NZRU CEO Steve Tew said the new agreement builds on the long-standing and successful partnership which has seen SKY‟s excellence in rugby broadcasting recognised around the world.
"Professional rugby and SKY Television emerged at about the same time and have effectively grown together over the past 15 or so years.
"In that time, SKY has established itself as one of the premier rugby broadcasters in the world and that has been recognised at the highest level with their production winning awards and their achievement in securing the host broadcasting position for Rugby World Cup 2011.
"During this process, we talked with all of New Zealand‟s broadcasters about their potential involvement in rugby but in the end, SKY were the only platform that could deliver the game at this level to New Zealand and this is underpinned by their „every game live" proposition which gives rugby fans access to every top-level rugby fixture," said Mr Tew.
"We see a lot of opportunity for ourselves and SKY to continue to develop the way the game is presented to New Zealand fans, who are arguably the most discerning and educated in world rugby, so that we can continue to deliver them the world‟s best rugby viewing experience," he said.
"Just as importantly, the funding that SKY provides through this broadcasting rights agreement is vitally important to all of rugby in New Zealand including our commitment to and investment in community rugby, game development, and our ability to retain our top players and coaches in New Zealand."
The new SANZAR broadcasting agreements will see the NZRU‟s total broadcasting revenues increase by 28 per cent per annum over the existing broadcasting arrangements.
SKY Television Chief Executive, John Fellet said that the combination of pay television and free-to-air coverage for a key sport like rugby, delivers extensive games coverage to all New Zealanders.
"Over the last 15 years, SKY‟s partnership with the NZRU has resulted in significantly increased television coverage of international and national rugby across a number of channels, something that a stand alone, free-to-air broadcaster has historically been unable to deliver," he said.
SKY will confirm the free-to-air broadcasting arrangements once they have been determined.
**********
NZRU FINANCIAL RESULTS
NZRU announces 2009 financial results
The New Zealand Rugby Union has announced its financial results for 2009, posting a record loss of $15.9 million attributed in part to the impact of the global recession on income, and accounting for the investments in hosting Rugby World Cup 2011.
The result was announced at the NZRU Annual General Meeting held in Wellington today.
The loss follows a modest profit of $366,000 in 2008.
NZRU Chief Executive Steve Tew said the result was disappointing for the game.
“Of the loss, $9.5 million is on our operating budget, mainly from a shortfall in income on All Blacks Test matches at home and abroad, reduced interest income and increased expenditure on medical support and players due to a higher than normal number of injuries incurred.
“In relation to RWC 2011, we have accounted for our one-third share of the operating losses incurred by Rugby New Zealand 2011 Limited which have increased as expected as the tournament nears, and some unrealised foreign exchange losses that will be recovered in future periods based on the specific arrangements we have in place.”
Mr Tew said: “While we are fortunate that our financial position is very strong, the game cannot continue to spend more than it earns and this result, on top of some worrying Provincial Union results, sends a very clear message. Consequently, we have made revenue growth and cost management a priority for 2010.
Mr Tew also noted that the NZRU’s accumulated reserves and reserves policy allowed the organisation to respond to the challenges faced in 2009.
“We have often said that our reserves were accumulated to protect rugby in times of difficulty and there is no doubt that the combination of events in 2009 created financial stress for the whole game.
“We are fortunate that we were able to utilise our reserves to continue to invest in core areas of the game like community rugby development and retaining players even as we were forced to make difficult spending choices in other areas.”
The ongoing investment in rugby included core grants to Provincial Unions of $8.3 million and further distributions to Provincial Unions and Franchises of an additional $8.1 million in tagged funding, resulting in a total distribution of $16.4 million.
In addition to the operating result and RWC 2011 treatment, the financial performance was also impacted by exchange rates and reduced interest income on offshore funds which were also attributable, in part, to the ongoing economic downturn.
“We hold a significant amount of reserves in British pounds against the payment we will make to the IRB for Rugby World Cup 2011 and in line with accounting requirements these funds have to be re-valued at the end of each financial year.
“We have specific arrangements in place to hedge the foreign exchange risk on this payment, however frustratingly due to accounting requirements the gain on this arrangement to offset the unrealised foreign exchange losses cannot be recognised until 2011.
“So any fall in the pound has a direct impact on our year-end result as we saw in 2008 and again last year,” Mr Tew said.
NZRU Priorities for 2010
The NZRU also announced today the key priorities for 2010. The priorities are:
1. Implementing the Community Rugby Plan;
2. Ensuring the All Blacks are a winning team;
3. Driving revenue generation, cost management and sustainability throughout the game;
4. Implementing the 2011 RWC legacy programme to cement the benefits of hosting Rugby World Cup;
5. Delivering outstanding competitions for fans, players and commercial partners; and
6. Building stronger relationships with our partners and stakeholders.
The New Zealand Rugby Union has announced its financial results for 2009, posting a record loss of $15.9 million attributed in part to the impact of the global recession on income, and accounting for the investments in hosting Rugby World Cup 2011.
The result was announced at the NZRU Annual General Meeting held in Wellington today.
The loss follows a modest profit of $366,000 in 2008.
NZRU Chief Executive Steve Tew said the result was disappointing for the game.
“Of the loss, $9.5 million is on our operating budget, mainly from a shortfall in income on All Blacks Test matches at home and abroad, reduced interest income and increased expenditure on medical support and players due to a higher than normal number of injuries incurred.
“In relation to RWC 2011, we have accounted for our one-third share of the operating losses incurred by Rugby New Zealand 2011 Limited which have increased as expected as the tournament nears, and some unrealised foreign exchange losses that will be recovered in future periods based on the specific arrangements we have in place.”
Mr Tew said: “While we are fortunate that our financial position is very strong, the game cannot continue to spend more than it earns and this result, on top of some worrying Provincial Union results, sends a very clear message. Consequently, we have made revenue growth and cost management a priority for 2010.
Mr Tew also noted that the NZRU’s accumulated reserves and reserves policy allowed the organisation to respond to the challenges faced in 2009.
“We have often said that our reserves were accumulated to protect rugby in times of difficulty and there is no doubt that the combination of events in 2009 created financial stress for the whole game.
“We are fortunate that we were able to utilise our reserves to continue to invest in core areas of the game like community rugby development and retaining players even as we were forced to make difficult spending choices in other areas.”
The ongoing investment in rugby included core grants to Provincial Unions of $8.3 million and further distributions to Provincial Unions and Franchises of an additional $8.1 million in tagged funding, resulting in a total distribution of $16.4 million.
In addition to the operating result and RWC 2011 treatment, the financial performance was also impacted by exchange rates and reduced interest income on offshore funds which were also attributable, in part, to the ongoing economic downturn.
“We hold a significant amount of reserves in British pounds against the payment we will make to the IRB for Rugby World Cup 2011 and in line with accounting requirements these funds have to be re-valued at the end of each financial year.
“We have specific arrangements in place to hedge the foreign exchange risk on this payment, however frustratingly due to accounting requirements the gain on this arrangement to offset the unrealised foreign exchange losses cannot be recognised until 2011.
“So any fall in the pound has a direct impact on our year-end result as we saw in 2008 and again last year,” Mr Tew said.
NZRU Priorities for 2010
The NZRU also announced today the key priorities for 2010. The priorities are:
1. Implementing the Community Rugby Plan;
2. Ensuring the All Blacks are a winning team;
3. Driving revenue generation, cost management and sustainability throughout the game;
4. Implementing the 2011 RWC legacy programme to cement the benefits of hosting Rugby World Cup;
5. Delivering outstanding competitions for fans, players and commercial partners; and
6. Building stronger relationships with our partners and stakeholders.
NZRU BOARD MEETING
The New Zealand Rugby Union has today released its 2009 Annual Report at its Annual General Meeting in Wellington.
NZRU Chairman Jock Hobbs said the game faced numerous challenges in 2009, not the least of which was a global economic recession and the impact that had on rugby.
The NZRU’s financial result was impacted by the recession and the need to account for its investment in hosting Rugby World Cup 2011.
As a result, the NZRU was forced to make some tough decisions in 2009 many of which were not popular and Mr Hobbs said in making those decisions, the NZRU always did so with due consideration for the impacts that such decisions might have.
"This included the decisions to not have a New Zealand Maori programme or a Men’s B competition in 2009 and the extensive consideration at Provincial Union’s request of the future shape of the domestic competitions, all of which generated debate and criticism."
Creating Certainty
Mr Hobbs said the NZRU worked strenuously during 2009 on a large number of major projects which, collectively, had the potential to establish certainty and sustainability for the game over the next three to five years.
These major tasks, which involved lengthy, complex, and demanding negotiations, have put the game on a strong and stable footing for the future.
They include:
The NZRU, as part of the SANZAR Joint Venture, agreeing to extend the Super Rugby competition format from 2011 and to extend a conditional invitation to Argentina to join the Investec Tri Nations from 2012 to create a new "Four Nations" Championship.
As a result, the NZRU with SANZAR was able to present new and invigorated competitions in the negotiations with potential broadcast partners ahead of the end of the current agreement which ends in 2010. A heads of agreements were reached in late 2009 and completed agreements across SANZAR have now been signed by all parties. The new broadcasting arrangements deliver increased revenues from 2011 onwards for all three SANZAR countries which generates vital funds for reinvestment in all levels of rugby.
Important decisions were also made regarding the future of domestic provincial competitions. A 14-team competition has been retained for 2010, with reduced costs and with an amended structure for 2011 onwards with the Heartland Championship to remain in its current format.
Agreement on settlement terms was reached between the NZRU and the New Zealand Rugby Players Association (NZRPA) for a new Collective Employment Agreement which gives players and unions certainty around the costs and structures of professional rugby for the next three years and one that is sustainable and recognises fairly the contribution of our professional players.
"While there was some pain in all of these processes, we believe the certainty created by these decisions will provide strength for the game as it looks to capitalise on the opportunities ahead, notably the hosting of Rugby World Cup 2011," said Mr Hobbs.
Highlights
Mr Hobbs also noted the other highlights and key achievements of 2009:
The numbers of registered players increased for the second consecutive year, growing four percent from 2008 to 2009. This was matched with three percent growth in coaching numbers and twenty-three percent growth in the number of registered volunteers;
The New Zealand Under 20 team won the IRB Junior World Championship and the Junior All Blacks won the IRB Pacific Nations Cup and maintained New Zealand’s unbeaten record in that tournament;
The New Zealand Womens Sevens team made the Final of the inaugural IRB Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai, losing to Australia in extra time;
The Black Ferns won two out of three matches on their tour of England and played an historic first Test at Twickenham;
Three New Zealand sides made the semifinals of the Rebel Sport Super 14 and the Chiefs went on to make the Final, for the first time in the team’s history;
New Zealand maintained a strong presence at the IRB Awards, with Aaron Cruden recognised as the Junior Player of the Year and Richie McCaw winning Player of the Year – the All Blacks captain becoming the first player to win the premier award twice.
The All Blacks retained the Bledisloe Cup for the sixth year in a row. The team also recorded victories over France, Italy, Wales and England and made an effort to engage positively with the community, increasing the number of public events in order to meet as many of their supporters as possible;
The All Blacks Capping programme got under way and significant progress has been made in the initiative to cap more than 400 former All Blacks, with six memorable ceremonies held around the country in 2009;
Members of the rugby community continued to give generously to charities in New Zealand and around the world. The All Blacks and NZRU continued to support their charity partners, KidsCan and Plunket, while members of the rugby community were quick to act when tragedy struck, such as the L’Aquila earthquake in Italy and the Tsunami in Samoa.
Acknowledgments
Mr Hobbs paid tribute to all those involved in supporting, delivering or participating in rugby across New Zealand.
"I would like to say thank you to our many thousands of rugby fans. We do not take the important place that rugby in New Zealand holds or the support of our fans for granted.
"As we experienced in 2009, rugby has been through some testing times and a number of challenges and risks remain. But we also have some incredibly exciting opportunities ahead and we – along, I hope, with all those involved in the game – are determined to make the most of those opportunities for the future of our game and for the benefit of all those who will be involved in rugby in the future."
********
NZRU Chairman Jock Hobbs said the game faced numerous challenges in 2009, not the least of which was a global economic recession and the impact that had on rugby.
The NZRU’s financial result was impacted by the recession and the need to account for its investment in hosting Rugby World Cup 2011.
As a result, the NZRU was forced to make some tough decisions in 2009 many of which were not popular and Mr Hobbs said in making those decisions, the NZRU always did so with due consideration for the impacts that such decisions might have.
"This included the decisions to not have a New Zealand Maori programme or a Men’s B competition in 2009 and the extensive consideration at Provincial Union’s request of the future shape of the domestic competitions, all of which generated debate and criticism."
Creating Certainty
Mr Hobbs said the NZRU worked strenuously during 2009 on a large number of major projects which, collectively, had the potential to establish certainty and sustainability for the game over the next three to five years.
These major tasks, which involved lengthy, complex, and demanding negotiations, have put the game on a strong and stable footing for the future.
They include:
The NZRU, as part of the SANZAR Joint Venture, agreeing to extend the Super Rugby competition format from 2011 and to extend a conditional invitation to Argentina to join the Investec Tri Nations from 2012 to create a new "Four Nations" Championship.
As a result, the NZRU with SANZAR was able to present new and invigorated competitions in the negotiations with potential broadcast partners ahead of the end of the current agreement which ends in 2010. A heads of agreements were reached in late 2009 and completed agreements across SANZAR have now been signed by all parties. The new broadcasting arrangements deliver increased revenues from 2011 onwards for all three SANZAR countries which generates vital funds for reinvestment in all levels of rugby.
Important decisions were also made regarding the future of domestic provincial competitions. A 14-team competition has been retained for 2010, with reduced costs and with an amended structure for 2011 onwards with the Heartland Championship to remain in its current format.
Agreement on settlement terms was reached between the NZRU and the New Zealand Rugby Players Association (NZRPA) for a new Collective Employment Agreement which gives players and unions certainty around the costs and structures of professional rugby for the next three years and one that is sustainable and recognises fairly the contribution of our professional players.
"While there was some pain in all of these processes, we believe the certainty created by these decisions will provide strength for the game as it looks to capitalise on the opportunities ahead, notably the hosting of Rugby World Cup 2011," said Mr Hobbs.
Highlights
Mr Hobbs also noted the other highlights and key achievements of 2009:
The numbers of registered players increased for the second consecutive year, growing four percent from 2008 to 2009. This was matched with three percent growth in coaching numbers and twenty-three percent growth in the number of registered volunteers;
The New Zealand Under 20 team won the IRB Junior World Championship and the Junior All Blacks won the IRB Pacific Nations Cup and maintained New Zealand’s unbeaten record in that tournament;
The New Zealand Womens Sevens team made the Final of the inaugural IRB Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai, losing to Australia in extra time;
The Black Ferns won two out of three matches on their tour of England and played an historic first Test at Twickenham;
Three New Zealand sides made the semifinals of the Rebel Sport Super 14 and the Chiefs went on to make the Final, for the first time in the team’s history;
New Zealand maintained a strong presence at the IRB Awards, with Aaron Cruden recognised as the Junior Player of the Year and Richie McCaw winning Player of the Year – the All Blacks captain becoming the first player to win the premier award twice.
The All Blacks retained the Bledisloe Cup for the sixth year in a row. The team also recorded victories over France, Italy, Wales and England and made an effort to engage positively with the community, increasing the number of public events in order to meet as many of their supporters as possible;
The All Blacks Capping programme got under way and significant progress has been made in the initiative to cap more than 400 former All Blacks, with six memorable ceremonies held around the country in 2009;
Members of the rugby community continued to give generously to charities in New Zealand and around the world. The All Blacks and NZRU continued to support their charity partners, KidsCan and Plunket, while members of the rugby community were quick to act when tragedy struck, such as the L’Aquila earthquake in Italy and the Tsunami in Samoa.
Acknowledgments
Mr Hobbs paid tribute to all those involved in supporting, delivering or participating in rugby across New Zealand.
"I would like to say thank you to our many thousands of rugby fans. We do not take the important place that rugby in New Zealand holds or the support of our fans for granted.
"As we experienced in 2009, rugby has been through some testing times and a number of challenges and risks remain. But we also have some incredibly exciting opportunities ahead and we – along, I hope, with all those involved in the game – are determined to make the most of those opportunities for the future of our game and for the benefit of all those who will be involved in rugby in the future."
********
SUPER 14 AND ANZAC DAY
This weekend’s Rebel Sport Super 14 matches in Hamilton and Dunedin will again acknowledge ANZAC Day and the sacrifice of New Zealanders in war-time and current servicemen and women, including match-day activity and special Poppy Collections in both cities.
The Chiefs are offering special group ticket offers for veterans and those currently serving in the armed forces while the Highlanders have chosen the Returned Services Association Welfare Trust as their match-day charity.
New Zealand Rugby Union General Manager of Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen said ANZAC Day is an important part of New Zealand heritage.
“ANZAC Day is such a special day for many New Zealanders and Australians, and it’s very fitting that our Super Rugby matches this weekend pay tribute to the many men and women past and present, who have served in our armed forces,” he said.
The Highlanders are boosting fundraising efforts by donating $5 from every ticket sold through the RSA and service associations to the RSA Welfare Trust.
Tomorrow and Friday, members of the Highlanders squad will be out and about in Dunedin as part of the official Poppy Collection.
There will also be Poppy Collections at Waikato Stadium before Friday night’s Chiefs game against the Cheetahs.
Prematch entertainment at both games will pay special tribute to the ANZACs.
The Chiefs are offering special group ticket offers for veterans and those currently serving in the armed forces while the Highlanders have chosen the Returned Services Association Welfare Trust as their match-day charity.
New Zealand Rugby Union General Manager of Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen said ANZAC Day is an important part of New Zealand heritage.
“ANZAC Day is such a special day for many New Zealanders and Australians, and it’s very fitting that our Super Rugby matches this weekend pay tribute to the many men and women past and present, who have served in our armed forces,” he said.
The Highlanders are boosting fundraising efforts by donating $5 from every ticket sold through the RSA and service associations to the RSA Welfare Trust.
Tomorrow and Friday, members of the Highlanders squad will be out and about in Dunedin as part of the official Poppy Collection.
There will also be Poppy Collections at Waikato Stadium before Friday night’s Chiefs game against the Cheetahs.
Prematch entertainment at both games will pay special tribute to the ANZACs.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
REDS STOMP BULLS
X-rays have cleared QR Reds lock Van Humphries of any bone damage to the ankle he injured in last night’s 19-12 victory over the Bulls but he remains in doubt for next Friday’s match against the Stormers at Suncorp Stadium.
A relieved Head coach Ewen McKenzie said the injury was not as bad as first feared but more will be known tomorrow once Humphries has scans on his ankle when the swelling has gone down.
“It’s not broken, but we’ll have to see how it pulls up tomorrow. Obviously he’s in doubt for Friday but we’ll know more in the next 24 hours,” McKenzie said.
There were no other injuries from the match, which elevated the Reds into the top four for the first time since the early 2000s.
The win came in front of 26,669 vocal fans and puts the Reds in fourth place on the competition ladder with 30 points, behind only the Bulls, Crusaders and Stormers.
The competition leading Bulls came hard at the Reds in the concluding stages and almost pegged back a 19-7 lead the Queenslanders enjoyed late in the game, but the Reds responded when they needed and doggedly defended their line for the final five minutes.
The Reds’ defence put an exclamation mark on the win but the win came from a beautifully constructed gameplan by coach Ewen McKenzie , who instructed his team to retain possession at all costs to limit the Bulls opportunity at set-pieces.
“All credit to the players. We had a very specific gameplan and they went out and made it happen,” McKenzie said.
“We didn’t want to give them the ball and we had to find ways to be creative. It’s hard to play 80 minutes and not give them the ball, but that was our intention. We did pretty well and we didn’t give them the lineouts they wanted to set up their game with.”
Bulls coach Frans Ludeke credited the Reds’ gameplan and their ability to retain possession as the best he had seen in “quite some time”.
“They played a really expansive style, but their retention was spot on. Definitely one of the best continuity performances I have seen in a long time,” Ludeke said.
“To keep the ball that long and to keep it off the opposition is something to see.”
The Reds’ eagerness to play with the ball helped the Bulls get first points with a length of the field movement finished off by flanker Derick Kuun coming after turnover when the Reds were on attack.
That didn’t faze the Queenslanders and their up-tempo game was a major factor in scoring 19 unanswered points and tiring the Bulls’ large forward pack.
The Bulls threw everything at the Reds in the final stages but a turnover by wily veteran Sean Hardman on their goal line spelt the end of a prolonged raid and coincidentally the match.
Starting hooker Saia Faingaa and openside flanker Daniel Braid put in tireless performances, while the Reds’ front-row drew two penalties and a tighthead from their Springboks counterparts at the scrum.
“They (players) showed plenty of character and application over the 80 (minutes). Everyone probably thought we were going to wilt, but we went the distance,” McKenzie said.
Going into the game the match was billed as a great opportunity for flyhalf Quade Cooper and captain Genia to test themselves against Bulls and Springboks’ playmakers Fourie du Preez and Morne Steyn.
After passing the test with flying colours, McKenzie praised his halves combinations for carrying out their gameplan to perfection.
“We knew they would mark Quade’s channel pretty hard, so Will had to take a fair bit of the workload and pump the short side. We just tried to get them confused by working both sides of the ruck,” he said.
Flanker Scott Higginbotham scored the Reds’ first try after running 80 minutes to reclaim a ball sitting on the ground following a turnover and kick by Genia, who said he was amazed by the pace of the 109kg flanker in beating the Bulls ' centres to the ball.
“I thought it was Rodney (Davies). I thought it was him chasing but I looked up and it was Higgers,” Genia quipped.
Their second came from a lineout steal and ended when Davies capitalised on a backline movement that went through four sets of hands – Genia, Chambers, Faingaa and Ioane.
Cooper had a mixed night with the boot, but ended with three penalty goals.
QR Reds 19 (Scott Higginbotham, Rod Davies tries, Quade Cooper 3 pens) def Bulls 12 (Derick Kuun, Pedrie Wannenburg tries, Morne Steyn con)
A relieved Head coach Ewen McKenzie said the injury was not as bad as first feared but more will be known tomorrow once Humphries has scans on his ankle when the swelling has gone down.
“It’s not broken, but we’ll have to see how it pulls up tomorrow. Obviously he’s in doubt for Friday but we’ll know more in the next 24 hours,” McKenzie said.
There were no other injuries from the match, which elevated the Reds into the top four for the first time since the early 2000s.
The win came in front of 26,669 vocal fans and puts the Reds in fourth place on the competition ladder with 30 points, behind only the Bulls, Crusaders and Stormers.
The competition leading Bulls came hard at the Reds in the concluding stages and almost pegged back a 19-7 lead the Queenslanders enjoyed late in the game, but the Reds responded when they needed and doggedly defended their line for the final five minutes.
The Reds’ defence put an exclamation mark on the win but the win came from a beautifully constructed gameplan by coach Ewen McKenzie , who instructed his team to retain possession at all costs to limit the Bulls opportunity at set-pieces.
“All credit to the players. We had a very specific gameplan and they went out and made it happen,” McKenzie said.
“We didn’t want to give them the ball and we had to find ways to be creative. It’s hard to play 80 minutes and not give them the ball, but that was our intention. We did pretty well and we didn’t give them the lineouts they wanted to set up their game with.”
Bulls coach Frans Ludeke credited the Reds’ gameplan and their ability to retain possession as the best he had seen in “quite some time”.
“They played a really expansive style, but their retention was spot on. Definitely one of the best continuity performances I have seen in a long time,” Ludeke said.
“To keep the ball that long and to keep it off the opposition is something to see.”
The Reds’ eagerness to play with the ball helped the Bulls get first points with a length of the field movement finished off by flanker Derick Kuun coming after turnover when the Reds were on attack.
That didn’t faze the Queenslanders and their up-tempo game was a major factor in scoring 19 unanswered points and tiring the Bulls’ large forward pack.
The Bulls threw everything at the Reds in the final stages but a turnover by wily veteran Sean Hardman on their goal line spelt the end of a prolonged raid and coincidentally the match.
Starting hooker Saia Faingaa and openside flanker Daniel Braid put in tireless performances, while the Reds’ front-row drew two penalties and a tighthead from their Springboks counterparts at the scrum.
“They (players) showed plenty of character and application over the 80 (minutes). Everyone probably thought we were going to wilt, but we went the distance,” McKenzie said.
Going into the game the match was billed as a great opportunity for flyhalf Quade Cooper and captain Genia to test themselves against Bulls and Springboks’ playmakers Fourie du Preez and Morne Steyn.
After passing the test with flying colours, McKenzie praised his halves combinations for carrying out their gameplan to perfection.
“We knew they would mark Quade’s channel pretty hard, so Will had to take a fair bit of the workload and pump the short side. We just tried to get them confused by working both sides of the ruck,” he said.
Flanker Scott Higginbotham scored the Reds’ first try after running 80 minutes to reclaim a ball sitting on the ground following a turnover and kick by Genia, who said he was amazed by the pace of the 109kg flanker in beating the Bulls ' centres to the ball.
“I thought it was Rodney (Davies). I thought it was him chasing but I looked up and it was Higgers,” Genia quipped.
Their second came from a lineout steal and ended when Davies capitalised on a backline movement that went through four sets of hands – Genia, Chambers, Faingaa and Ioane.
Cooper had a mixed night with the boot, but ended with three penalty goals.
QR Reds 19 (Scott Higginbotham, Rod Davies tries, Quade Cooper 3 pens) def Bulls 12 (Derick Kuun, Pedrie Wannenburg tries, Morne Steyn con)
View From The Stand
The QR Reds today announced that four Australian Sevens stars from the QAS Reds Academy have been signed for the Reds senior squad in 2011.
Liam Gill, Ed Quirk, Dominic Shipperley and Kimami Sitauti have been developed through the talent development pathway to the point where they are now ready to step up to the Reds.
Head Coach Ewen McKenzie said all four teenagers had been identified as players the Reds wanted to keep long before they came to prominence on the international stage with eye-catching performances on the iRB World Sevens circuit.
"(Academy Head Coach) Paul Carozza and his team – supported by the Premier clubs – are doing a great job in identifying, nurturing and developing guys through the Academy to the point where they can take the next step with confidence," McKenzie said.
" Queensland is producing some terrific rugby talent and we're working hard at retaining the best to ensure that the medium and long term future of the Reds is secure.
“When you’re in a state that develops rugby talent, you have to make early decisions and be decisive. The guys we are announcing today have all done great things in their rugby careers already and we see very bright futures.”
The youngest of the four, flanker Gill was tour captain of the Australian Schoolboys last year and has already been blooded at senior level, scoring a try off the bench for a Queensland 2nd XV in a pre-season trial match against an Australian Barbarians side.
Fellow backrower Quirk also had a decorated Australian Schools career before stepping up to the senior ranks in 2009 in international Sevens and Queensland Premier Rugby, winning Colt of the Year.
Outside back Dominic Shipperley joined the international Sevens circuit in 2009 and also played for a Queensland XV against Japan last year, showing dazzling speed and footwork to score the winning try late in the match.
Kimami Sitauti is another fast and elusive winger, who played for Souths in the 2009 Premier Grand Final against Brothers before heading overseas with the Australian Schoolboys tour to the UK . New to the international Sevens circuit this year he has proved a sensation with his speed and power.
Gill said it was an easy decision to sign, having grown up in Queensland .
“It makes it even more rewarding knowing that they’re happy to have us here as much as we want to stay,” Gill said.
Quirk said he couldn’t wait to receive an opportunity next season with the Reds enjoying plenty of success on the field.
“There’s a lot of hype with the Reds doing so well this year and that fuels the younger guys to come through and be part of that,” Quirk said.
“It makes us work harder. You really want to work hard to earn a spot.”
Player Profiles
Liam Gill
Liam was named tour captain for the Australian School Boys tour of the UK in 2009. A mobile flanker who causes plenty of trouble at the breakdown for the opposition, the talented teen is a member of the Australian Sevens squad for 2010. Born in Melbourne , Liam lived in the United States for several years before relocating to Brisbane .
Position Flanker
Date Of Birth 8/6/1992
Place of Birth Melbourne
Weight 86kg
Height 1.84m
Junior Club Sunnybank Juniors
School Gregory Terrace
Ed Quirk
Ed represented Queensland and Australia as a Schoolboy and won the Bronze Boot Award for being the best player on the field during a New Zealand v Australia Schoolboys match in 2008. His representative honours include QLD Under 16s (2007); Queensland Schoolboys (2008); Australia A (2008); Australian Schoolboys (2008); QAS Reds Academy (2009-10, Australian Sevens (2009-2010). Ed’s performances with Easts in Premier Rugby in 2009 earned him the award of Colt of the Year.
Position No. 6 - Blindside Flanker
Date Of Birth 28/08/1991
Place of Birth Brisbane
Weight 95kgs
Height 190cm
Club Easts
Junior Club Redlands
School Brisbane State High School
Dominic Shipperley
An accomplished athlete, Dominic made his Australian Sevens debut in early 2009, relying on sheer pace to blitz his opposition and quickly becoming a prolific try scorer on the Sevens circuit. He toured the UK with the Australian Sevens, playing in London and Edinburgh in early 2009, before returning home to resume his studies in engineering and commerce at the University of Queensland . His representative honours also include: Australian Schools (2008); QLD A (2009); U19 City-Country (2009). He scored a dazzling late try for a Queensland XV to secure a 24-17 victory over Japan in a midweek match in 2009, evading two defenders with some fancy footwork and blistering speed along the left touch line to seal the match.
Position Outside Backs - Wing/Outside Centre/Fullback
Date Of Birth 4/1/1991
Place of Birth Redcliffe, Qld
Weight 86kg
Height 1.85m
Club Brothers
School St Josephs Nudgee College
Kimami Sitauti
A fast and elusive winger, Australian-born Kimami pulled on the gold jersey for the first time in 2009 after representing New Zealand in the U17s and Auckland U16s. He was selected in the GPS 1st XV and Queensland Schools in 2009 and was awarded the man of the match in his Australian Schools debut against Tonga . The Nudgee college product played on the wing for Souths in the 2009 Premier Grand Final before heading overseas with the Australian Schools tour of the UK . Snapped up on his return for the Australian Sevens squad, Sitauti scored his first IRB Sevens try when he touched down in Australia ’s opening victory over the unpredictable Papua New Guinean side in Wellington in 2010.
Position Wing
Date Of Birth 12/04/1991
Place of Birth Sydney
Weight 90kg
Height 1.83m
Club Souths
Junior Club Ponsonby (NZ)
School Nudgee College
Liam Gill, Ed Quirk, Dominic Shipperley and Kimami Sitauti have been developed through the talent development pathway to the point where they are now ready to step up to the Reds.
Head Coach Ewen McKenzie said all four teenagers had been identified as players the Reds wanted to keep long before they came to prominence on the international stage with eye-catching performances on the iRB World Sevens circuit.
"(Academy Head Coach) Paul Carozza and his team – supported by the Premier clubs – are doing a great job in identifying, nurturing and developing guys through the Academy to the point where they can take the next step with confidence," McKenzie said.
" Queensland is producing some terrific rugby talent and we're working hard at retaining the best to ensure that the medium and long term future of the Reds is secure.
“When you’re in a state that develops rugby talent, you have to make early decisions and be decisive. The guys we are announcing today have all done great things in their rugby careers already and we see very bright futures.”
The youngest of the four, flanker Gill was tour captain of the Australian Schoolboys last year and has already been blooded at senior level, scoring a try off the bench for a Queensland 2nd XV in a pre-season trial match against an Australian Barbarians side.
Fellow backrower Quirk also had a decorated Australian Schools career before stepping up to the senior ranks in 2009 in international Sevens and Queensland Premier Rugby, winning Colt of the Year.
Outside back Dominic Shipperley joined the international Sevens circuit in 2009 and also played for a Queensland XV against Japan last year, showing dazzling speed and footwork to score the winning try late in the match.
Kimami Sitauti is another fast and elusive winger, who played for Souths in the 2009 Premier Grand Final against Brothers before heading overseas with the Australian Schoolboys tour to the UK . New to the international Sevens circuit this year he has proved a sensation with his speed and power.
Gill said it was an easy decision to sign, having grown up in Queensland .
“It makes it even more rewarding knowing that they’re happy to have us here as much as we want to stay,” Gill said.
Quirk said he couldn’t wait to receive an opportunity next season with the Reds enjoying plenty of success on the field.
“There’s a lot of hype with the Reds doing so well this year and that fuels the younger guys to come through and be part of that,” Quirk said.
“It makes us work harder. You really want to work hard to earn a spot.”
Player Profiles
Liam Gill
Liam was named tour captain for the Australian School Boys tour of the UK in 2009. A mobile flanker who causes plenty of trouble at the breakdown for the opposition, the talented teen is a member of the Australian Sevens squad for 2010. Born in Melbourne , Liam lived in the United States for several years before relocating to Brisbane .
Position Flanker
Date Of Birth 8/6/1992
Place of Birth Melbourne
Weight 86kg
Height 1.84m
Junior Club Sunnybank Juniors
School Gregory Terrace
Ed Quirk
Ed represented Queensland and Australia as a Schoolboy and won the Bronze Boot Award for being the best player on the field during a New Zealand v Australia Schoolboys match in 2008. His representative honours include QLD Under 16s (2007); Queensland Schoolboys (2008); Australia A (2008); Australian Schoolboys (2008); QAS Reds Academy (2009-10, Australian Sevens (2009-2010). Ed’s performances with Easts in Premier Rugby in 2009 earned him the award of Colt of the Year.
Position No. 6 - Blindside Flanker
Date Of Birth 28/08/1991
Place of Birth Brisbane
Weight 95kgs
Height 190cm
Club Easts
Junior Club Redlands
School Brisbane State High School
Dominic Shipperley
An accomplished athlete, Dominic made his Australian Sevens debut in early 2009, relying on sheer pace to blitz his opposition and quickly becoming a prolific try scorer on the Sevens circuit. He toured the UK with the Australian Sevens, playing in London and Edinburgh in early 2009, before returning home to resume his studies in engineering and commerce at the University of Queensland . His representative honours also include: Australian Schools (2008); QLD A (2009); U19 City-Country (2009). He scored a dazzling late try for a Queensland XV to secure a 24-17 victory over Japan in a midweek match in 2009, evading two defenders with some fancy footwork and blistering speed along the left touch line to seal the match.
Position Outside Backs - Wing/Outside Centre/Fullback
Date Of Birth 4/1/1991
Place of Birth Redcliffe, Qld
Weight 86kg
Height 1.85m
Club Brothers
School St Josephs Nudgee College
Kimami Sitauti
A fast and elusive winger, Australian-born Kimami pulled on the gold jersey for the first time in 2009 after representing New Zealand in the U17s and Auckland U16s. He was selected in the GPS 1st XV and Queensland Schools in 2009 and was awarded the man of the match in his Australian Schools debut against Tonga . The Nudgee college product played on the wing for Souths in the 2009 Premier Grand Final before heading overseas with the Australian Schools tour of the UK . Snapped up on his return for the Australian Sevens squad, Sitauti scored his first IRB Sevens try when he touched down in Australia ’s opening victory over the unpredictable Papua New Guinean side in Wellington in 2010.
Position Wing
Date Of Birth 12/04/1991
Place of Birth Sydney
Weight 90kg
Height 1.83m
Club Souths
Junior Club Ponsonby (NZ)
School Nudgee College
Friday, April 16, 2010
Carter out of home game
Crusaders first-five Dan Carter has been ruled out of tomorrow night’s Rebel Sport Super 14 match against
the Cheetahs at AMI Stadium due to a hip joint injury.
Carter picked up the injury, which is expected to be only a short-term problem, early in the week.
He was tested at the Crusaders captain’s run this morning and a decision was made to withdraw him from
the match.
Dan Bowden, who was initially listed on the reserves bench, will move to the first-five position to make his
Crusaders debut.
Wider training group player Tu Umaga-Marshall comes on to the reserves bench. It will be the first time he
has been included in the Crusaders match-day squad.
Halfback Andy Ellis, who missed last week’s match against the Waratahs with concussion and was
bracketed with Willi Heinz on the bench for tomorrow night’s match, has been ruled out.
Crusaders team to play Cheetahs at AMI Stadium, kick-off 7.35pm:
1. Wyatt Crockett
2. Ti’i Paulo
3. Ben Franks
4. Chris Jack
5. Sam Whitelock
6. George Whitelock
7. Richie McCaw (c)
8. Thomas Waldrom
9. Kahn Fotuali’i
10. Dan Bowden
11. Sean Maitland
12. Ryan Crotty
13. Tim Bateman
14. Jared Payne
15. Colin Slade
16. Dan Perrin
17. Owen Franks
18. Brad Thorn
19. Jonathan Poff
20. Willi Heinz
21. Tu Umaga-Marshall
22. Zac Guildford
the Cheetahs at AMI Stadium due to a hip joint injury.
Carter picked up the injury, which is expected to be only a short-term problem, early in the week.
He was tested at the Crusaders captain’s run this morning and a decision was made to withdraw him from
the match.
Dan Bowden, who was initially listed on the reserves bench, will move to the first-five position to make his
Crusaders debut.
Wider training group player Tu Umaga-Marshall comes on to the reserves bench. It will be the first time he
has been included in the Crusaders match-day squad.
Halfback Andy Ellis, who missed last week’s match against the Waratahs with concussion and was
bracketed with Willi Heinz on the bench for tomorrow night’s match, has been ruled out.
Crusaders team to play Cheetahs at AMI Stadium, kick-off 7.35pm:
1. Wyatt Crockett
2. Ti’i Paulo
3. Ben Franks
4. Chris Jack
5. Sam Whitelock
6. George Whitelock
7. Richie McCaw (c)
8. Thomas Waldrom
9. Kahn Fotuali’i
10. Dan Bowden
11. Sean Maitland
12. Ryan Crotty
13. Tim Bateman
14. Jared Payne
15. Colin Slade
16. Dan Perrin
17. Owen Franks
18. Brad Thorn
19. Jonathan Poff
20. Willi Heinz
21. Tu Umaga-Marshall
22. Zac Guildford
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
GOATS AND RUGBY
The Reds began their three match rugby tour of South Africa offering to donate one farm goat for every try scored and a “bonus goat” every time they racked up a bonus point earning four tries or more. The campaign struck a chord with fans who also donated cash to the appeal, while Fox Sports jumped aboard by matching the Reds “goat for goat”. Thirteen tries later (plus two “bonus goats”) and the total passed $2,000, or 54 goats to be donated to Oxfam’s Unwrapped initiative, which provides the animals to traditional goat herding villagers in Mozambique . The fifth placed Reds now take their try scoring skills to Suncorp Stadium this Saturday when they play competition leaders the Bulls in front of a loyal home crowd, delighted to see them back after a month’s absence (kickoff 7.30pm). Who got the goats? The Reds’ outside backs got among the goats with seven tries between wingers Rod Davies (2) and Digby Ioane, outside centre Will Chambers (2) and fullback Peter Hynes (2).
Flyhalf Quade Cooper also scored a brace of goats while captain Will Genia chipped in with a single. Among the forwards, prop Greg Holmes, hooker Saia Faingaa and backrower Ezra Taylor also contributed a goat each and helped achieve a four try “bonus goat” in two of the games. Quade Cooper 2 triesRod Davies 2 triesWill Chambers 2Peter Hynes 2Greg Holmes 1 Saia Faingaa 1Ezra Taylor 1Digby Ioane 1Will Genia 1(plus two “bonus goats” for four tries or more)
Flyhalf Quade Cooper also scored a brace of goats while captain Will Genia chipped in with a single. Among the forwards, prop Greg Holmes, hooker Saia Faingaa and backrower Ezra Taylor also contributed a goat each and helped achieve a four try “bonus goat” in two of the games. Quade Cooper 2 triesRod Davies 2 triesWill Chambers 2Peter Hynes 2Greg Holmes 1 Saia Faingaa 1Ezra Taylor 1Digby Ioane 1Will Genia 1(plus two “bonus goats” for four tries or more)
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
REDS RUGBY
Experienced QR Reds lock Van Humphries has pinpointed the challenge of countering the lineout mastery of Bulls captain Victor Matfield as crucial to the Reds chances of celebrating their return to Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night (kickoff 7:30pm) with a win.
The Reds lineout functioned reasonably well for most of their recent three game tour of South Africa , where they grabbed 11 competition points and two wins to sit in fifth place on the Investec Bank Super 14 ladder, but they face a daunting challenge in Matfield, the 92 test-cap Springboks lineout general.
“He has been (the best lock) going round for some time. He has seen pretty much everything there’s to see,” Humphries said.
“From what I gather he is very analytical. He studies the opposition lineout and looks for keys. That’s something we are going to try to turn around on him this weekend.
“But we’ve been running pretty well in regard to lineouts so far and we won’t be looking to change too much. We will just concentrate on our own game and try to throw a few things at him he hasn’t seen.
“For myself, it will be a bit of a test this weekend but it’s something I’m looking forward to.”
The Bulls have been the benchmark team this season and Humphries puts that down to their ability to adjust better than most to the new law interpretations at the breakdown, their experienced forward pack, and the ability for flyhalf Morne Steyn to punish any opposition ill-discipline with his goal kicking boot.
“I think they are a different team to the one two years ago. They are a complete side and it’s very hard to shut down what they do,” Humphries said.
“We have to deprive them of the ball because with ball in hand they are a very dominant team. With the rules the way they are with penalties going with the attacking team, they can kick goals from 50 metres out.
“I think we will stick to the plan we have used the past couple of weeks and muscle up through the forwards and let our backs do the rest.”
Flanker Scott Higginbotham also singled out the Bulls’ tight-five as their biggest obstacle.
“We just need to match them up-front, which we didn’t do against the Sharks,” said Higginbotham, referring to the Reds’ inability to match the Sharks’ physicality at the breakdown a fortnight ago in their 30-28 loss.
“They (Bulls) have a giant pack: scrums, lineouts and rucks are going to be tough. They are a lot more gelled than the Lions or Cheetahs.”
After a month long tour in South Africa , Humphries said he hoped fans would turn out in force to support the Reds as they head into the final third of the competition.
“When we are showing glimpses of form recently fans have responded and we really hope they do so this weekend. You don’t get a much better spectacle than playing the Bulls at home in Brisbane ,” Humphries said.
Tickets for the Bulls match are on sale through Ticketek.
Meanwhile, the Reds are looking to recruit the loudest and proudest fans they can muster to get behind the team this Saturday at Suncorp Stadium.
The first 200 fans to sign up for the official QR Reds cheer squad at Ballymore from 4pm today (Wednesday) will receive a free ticket, shirt and bandana for the Bulls game.
The Reds lineout functioned reasonably well for most of their recent three game tour of South Africa , where they grabbed 11 competition points and two wins to sit in fifth place on the Investec Bank Super 14 ladder, but they face a daunting challenge in Matfield, the 92 test-cap Springboks lineout general.
“He has been (the best lock) going round for some time. He has seen pretty much everything there’s to see,” Humphries said.
“From what I gather he is very analytical. He studies the opposition lineout and looks for keys. That’s something we are going to try to turn around on him this weekend.
“But we’ve been running pretty well in regard to lineouts so far and we won’t be looking to change too much. We will just concentrate on our own game and try to throw a few things at him he hasn’t seen.
“For myself, it will be a bit of a test this weekend but it’s something I’m looking forward to.”
The Bulls have been the benchmark team this season and Humphries puts that down to their ability to adjust better than most to the new law interpretations at the breakdown, their experienced forward pack, and the ability for flyhalf Morne Steyn to punish any opposition ill-discipline with his goal kicking boot.
“I think they are a different team to the one two years ago. They are a complete side and it’s very hard to shut down what they do,” Humphries said.
“We have to deprive them of the ball because with ball in hand they are a very dominant team. With the rules the way they are with penalties going with the attacking team, they can kick goals from 50 metres out.
“I think we will stick to the plan we have used the past couple of weeks and muscle up through the forwards and let our backs do the rest.”
Flanker Scott Higginbotham also singled out the Bulls’ tight-five as their biggest obstacle.
“We just need to match them up-front, which we didn’t do against the Sharks,” said Higginbotham, referring to the Reds’ inability to match the Sharks’ physicality at the breakdown a fortnight ago in their 30-28 loss.
“They (Bulls) have a giant pack: scrums, lineouts and rucks are going to be tough. They are a lot more gelled than the Lions or Cheetahs.”
After a month long tour in South Africa , Humphries said he hoped fans would turn out in force to support the Reds as they head into the final third of the competition.
“When we are showing glimpses of form recently fans have responded and we really hope they do so this weekend. You don’t get a much better spectacle than playing the Bulls at home in Brisbane ,” Humphries said.
Tickets for the Bulls match are on sale through Ticketek.
Meanwhile, the Reds are looking to recruit the loudest and proudest fans they can muster to get behind the team this Saturday at Suncorp Stadium.
The first 200 fans to sign up for the official QR Reds cheer squad at Ballymore from 4pm today (Wednesday) will receive a free ticket, shirt and bandana for the Bulls game.
Monday, April 12, 2010
CAMP FOR WOMEN'S RUGBY WORLD CUP
Thirty-four players will assemble in Rotorua this week for a week-long training camp in preparation for the IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup in England later this year.
The camp is the first of two Rugby World Cup trials, with the second in the form of a regional competition comprising four teams and 96 players. The competition will be held at Hopuhopu outside Hamilton over Queen’s Birthday weekend.
The 26-player squad for the IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup will be named in late June and the players will then assemble for a training camp in mid-July. The Black Ferns will then come together again in Auckland in August before departing for England.
Black Ferns Coach Brian Evans said that the proposed camps will prepare his players well for the Women’s World Cup.
“The regional tournament will give us a great opportunity to look at a larger group of players prior to selecting our squad for the World Cup and I am confident that we will have a strong team and be well prepared to defend our title come August,” he added.
The following 34 players will assembled in Rotorua
Shakira Baker Wellington
Zoey Berry Otago
Kelly Brazier Otago
Olivia Coady Canterbury
Kendra Cocksedge Canterbury
Barbara Chittock Canterbury
Victoria Grant (nee Blackledge) Auckland
Halie Hurring Canterbury
Victoria Heighway Auckland
Trish Hina Auckland
Carla Hohepa Otago
Linda Itunu Auckland
Emma Jensen Auckland
Crystal Kaua Auckland
Justine Lavea Auckland
Ruth McKay Manawatu
Rebecca Mahoney (nee Hull) Wellington
Diane Maliukaetau Auckland
Beth Mallard Otago
Huriana Manuel Auckland
Amanda Murphy Canterbury
Karina Penetito Auckland
Casey Robertson Canterbury
Vita Robinson Auckland
Claire Rowat Wellington
Melissa Ruscoe Canterbury
Stephanie Te Ohaere-Fox Canterbury
Anika Tiplady Canterbury
Doris Taufateau Auckland
Teresa Te Tamaki Auckland
Kimberly Smith Canterbury
Aimee Sutorius Wellington
Shaan Waru Hawke’s Bay
Renee Wickcliffe Auckland
Unavailable for camp: Aroha Savage (injured) and Fiao’o Faamausili, Amiria Rule (injured), Faanati Aniseko (bereavement leave).
*******
The camp is the first of two Rugby World Cup trials, with the second in the form of a regional competition comprising four teams and 96 players. The competition will be held at Hopuhopu outside Hamilton over Queen’s Birthday weekend.
The 26-player squad for the IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup will be named in late June and the players will then assemble for a training camp in mid-July. The Black Ferns will then come together again in Auckland in August before departing for England.
Black Ferns Coach Brian Evans said that the proposed camps will prepare his players well for the Women’s World Cup.
“The regional tournament will give us a great opportunity to look at a larger group of players prior to selecting our squad for the World Cup and I am confident that we will have a strong team and be well prepared to defend our title come August,” he added.
The following 34 players will assembled in Rotorua
Shakira Baker Wellington
Zoey Berry Otago
Kelly Brazier Otago
Olivia Coady Canterbury
Kendra Cocksedge Canterbury
Barbara Chittock Canterbury
Victoria Grant (nee Blackledge) Auckland
Halie Hurring Canterbury
Victoria Heighway Auckland
Trish Hina Auckland
Carla Hohepa Otago
Linda Itunu Auckland
Emma Jensen Auckland
Crystal Kaua Auckland
Justine Lavea Auckland
Ruth McKay Manawatu
Rebecca Mahoney (nee Hull) Wellington
Diane Maliukaetau Auckland
Beth Mallard Otago
Huriana Manuel Auckland
Amanda Murphy Canterbury
Karina Penetito Auckland
Casey Robertson Canterbury
Vita Robinson Auckland
Claire Rowat Wellington
Melissa Ruscoe Canterbury
Stephanie Te Ohaere-Fox Canterbury
Anika Tiplady Canterbury
Doris Taufateau Auckland
Teresa Te Tamaki Auckland
Kimberly Smith Canterbury
Aimee Sutorius Wellington
Shaan Waru Hawke’s Bay
Renee Wickcliffe Auckland
Unavailable for camp: Aroha Savage (injured) and Fiao’o Faamausili, Amiria Rule (injured), Faanati Aniseko (bereavement leave).
*******
Brumbies record first bp win
The CA Brumbies have celebrated their first bonus point win of the Investec Bank Super 14 season with a runaway 61-15 win over the Cheetahs at Canberra Stadium tonight.
Coming off the bye, the home side showed some early rustiness, unable to capitalise on countless try-scoring opportunities. However, the first half frustration was cast aside in the second term with the ACT running in six touchdowns in the nine-tries-to-two rout.
Prop Ben Alexander recorded his second two-try haul of the season while flanker Rocky Elsom was at his barnstorming best – carrying the ball forward at everyone opportunity, wrestling each Free State breakaway runner to the ground in cover defence and finishing with a try in a man-of-the-match performance.
CA Brumbies Head Coach Andy Friend said while it was a pleasing result, there was room for improvement.
“We wanted to come out tonight and have a solid win and we did that,” he said. “There’s still way too many dropped ball and forced passes but at the end of the day to put 60 points on a side, we’ve obviously done something well.
“There was certainly frustration at half time. The boys just felt we were trying to force things rather than allow them to happen but we tightened things up and in the last 15 minutes we played some pretty good football.”
While the CA Brumbies held a lion’s share of early possession, it was the Cheetahs who recorded first points through the boot of Naas Olivier with a fifth minute penalty goal.
Presented with a golden opportunity to level the scores in the 10th minute, the CA Brumbies turned down a straightforward penalty goal opting instead to push for a try. Stephen Hoiles’ decision paid dividends when after seven phases the CA Brumbies captain burrowed over with TMO George Ayoub confirming the try.
Matt Giteau enjoyed a golden night with the boot with the inside centre converting the first six tries in a flawless goal kicking display.
A yellow card to Barend Pieterse in the 18th minute further handicapped the visitors, with Patrick Phibbs capitalising on the one-man advantage. With the CA Brumbies pressuring the Cheetahs’ line, the scrumhalf’s clearing pass was knocked down by his opposite number, Tewis de Bruyn, only to have Phibbs collect the ball on the bounce to dart through and score.
With three minutes remaining in the half, a simple switch pass from Giteau provided Tyrone Smith a clear path to the tryline to give his side a 21-3 lead at the break.
At 43 minutes the CA Brumbies’ bonus point try started with Giteau’s 40-metre run down the left side of the field and finished with Elsom skirting around the defensive line in the right-hand corner.
The visitors provided some resistance with second half tries to Sarel Pretorius and Adriaan Strauss but the best was yet to come from the home side.
Winger Adam Ashley-Cooper crossed for his first try after 56 minutes when he caught the defence napping with a quick tap on the Cheetahs’ 22-metre line, fending off Pretorius to dive over the line.
Holding a 42-15 lead with eight minutes remaining, the CA Brumbies added three late tries to blow out the winning margin.
Flyhalf Matt Toomua added a slick try at 72 minutes when he sliced through from 30 metres out and was fortunate not to incur any serious injury when he collided with the goal posts in the act of scoring.
Alexander, who crossed for his first at the 50-minute mark, added a second try with a trademark pick-and-drive from the back of a ruck with three minutes left in the game.
The home side provided the 14,111 spectators with a spectacular finish, scoring a final five-pointer from the restart of their previous try. Replacement hooker Huia Edmonds found space through the middle of the field and chipped through from 10 metres inside the Cheetahs’ half with the ball bouncing up perfectly to give winger Alfie Mafi his maiden Investec Bank Super 14 try. Fullback Julian Huxley added his second conversion from three attempts to complete the 46-point landslide.
The CA Brumbies will have a short turnaround in preparation for their match against the Hurricanes at Canberra Stadium on Friday, 16 April.
MATCH DETAILS
Brumbies 61 (Ben Alexander 2; Stephen Hoiles, Patrick Phibbs, Tyrone Smith, Rocky Elsom, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Matt Toomua, Alfie Mafi tries; Matt Giteau 6/6 conversions, Julian Huxley 2/3 conversions) defeated Cheetahs 15 (Sarel Pretorius, Adriaan Strauss tries; Naas Olivier 0/1 conversions, 1/1 penalty goals, Riaan Vijoen 1/1 conversion) at Canberra Stadium, Canberra .
Half time: Brumbies 21-3
Referee: Bryce Lawrence (NZ)
Crowd: 14,111
Brumbies
1. Ben Alexander
2. Stephen Moore
3. Salesi Ma’afu
4. Mitchell Chapman
5. Ben Hand
6. Rocky Elsom
7. Michael Hooper
8. Stephen Hoiles (c)
9. Patrick Phibbs
10. Matt Toomua
11. Adam Ashley-Cooper
12. Matt Giteau
13. Tyrone Smith
14. Pat McCabe
15. Julian Huxley
Reserves
16. Huia Edmonds
17. Guy Shepherdson
18. Mark Chisholm
19. Colby Faingaa
20. James Stannard
21. Ed Stubbs
22. Alfie Mafi
Replacements
18. Mark Chisholm for 4. Mitchell Chapman (14th minute)
16. Huia Edmonds for 2. Stephen Moore (50th minute)
20. James Stannard for 9. Patrick Phibbs (blood – 50th minute)
19. Colby Faingaa for 7. Michael Hooper (55th minute)
17. Guy Shepherdson for 3. Salesi Ma’afu (56th minute)
21. Ed Stubbs for 12. Matt Giteau (61st minute)
22. Alfie Mafi for 11. Adam Ashley-Cooper (62nd minute)
9. Patrick Phibbs for 20. James Stannard (blood return – 64th minute)
20. James Stannard for 10. Matt Toomua (72nd minute)
Cheetahs
1. Coenie Oosthuizen
2. Adriaan Strauss (c)
3. WP Nel
4. Izak van der Westhuizen
5. Waltie Vermeulen
6. Hendro Scholtz
7. Barend Pieterse
8. Kabamba Floors
9. Tewis de Bruyn
10. Naas Olivier
11. Jongi Nokwe
12. Meyer Bosman
13. Corne Uys
14. Wilmaure Louw
15. Hennie Daniller
Reserves
16. Ryno Barnes
17. Wian du Preez
18. Nico Breedt
19. Davon Raubenheimer
20. Sarel Pretorius
21. Robert Ebersohn
22. Riaan Viljoen
Replacements
Yellow Cards
7. Barend Pieterse (18th minute)
8. Kabamba Floors (77th minute)
NEXT GAME:
Investec Bank Super 14: Week 10
Brumbies v Hurricanes
Canberra Stadium, Canberra
Friday, 16 April 2010
‘
Coming off the bye, the home side showed some early rustiness, unable to capitalise on countless try-scoring opportunities. However, the first half frustration was cast aside in the second term with the ACT running in six touchdowns in the nine-tries-to-two rout.
Prop Ben Alexander recorded his second two-try haul of the season while flanker Rocky Elsom was at his barnstorming best – carrying the ball forward at everyone opportunity, wrestling each Free State breakaway runner to the ground in cover defence and finishing with a try in a man-of-the-match performance.
CA Brumbies Head Coach Andy Friend said while it was a pleasing result, there was room for improvement.
“We wanted to come out tonight and have a solid win and we did that,” he said. “There’s still way too many dropped ball and forced passes but at the end of the day to put 60 points on a side, we’ve obviously done something well.
“There was certainly frustration at half time. The boys just felt we were trying to force things rather than allow them to happen but we tightened things up and in the last 15 minutes we played some pretty good football.”
While the CA Brumbies held a lion’s share of early possession, it was the Cheetahs who recorded first points through the boot of Naas Olivier with a fifth minute penalty goal.
Presented with a golden opportunity to level the scores in the 10th minute, the CA Brumbies turned down a straightforward penalty goal opting instead to push for a try. Stephen Hoiles’ decision paid dividends when after seven phases the CA Brumbies captain burrowed over with TMO George Ayoub confirming the try.
Matt Giteau enjoyed a golden night with the boot with the inside centre converting the first six tries in a flawless goal kicking display.
A yellow card to Barend Pieterse in the 18th minute further handicapped the visitors, with Patrick Phibbs capitalising on the one-man advantage. With the CA Brumbies pressuring the Cheetahs’ line, the scrumhalf’s clearing pass was knocked down by his opposite number, Tewis de Bruyn, only to have Phibbs collect the ball on the bounce to dart through and score.
With three minutes remaining in the half, a simple switch pass from Giteau provided Tyrone Smith a clear path to the tryline to give his side a 21-3 lead at the break.
At 43 minutes the CA Brumbies’ bonus point try started with Giteau’s 40-metre run down the left side of the field and finished with Elsom skirting around the defensive line in the right-hand corner.
The visitors provided some resistance with second half tries to Sarel Pretorius and Adriaan Strauss but the best was yet to come from the home side.
Winger Adam Ashley-Cooper crossed for his first try after 56 minutes when he caught the defence napping with a quick tap on the Cheetahs’ 22-metre line, fending off Pretorius to dive over the line.
Holding a 42-15 lead with eight minutes remaining, the CA Brumbies added three late tries to blow out the winning margin.
Flyhalf Matt Toomua added a slick try at 72 minutes when he sliced through from 30 metres out and was fortunate not to incur any serious injury when he collided with the goal posts in the act of scoring.
Alexander, who crossed for his first at the 50-minute mark, added a second try with a trademark pick-and-drive from the back of a ruck with three minutes left in the game.
The home side provided the 14,111 spectators with a spectacular finish, scoring a final five-pointer from the restart of their previous try. Replacement hooker Huia Edmonds found space through the middle of the field and chipped through from 10 metres inside the Cheetahs’ half with the ball bouncing up perfectly to give winger Alfie Mafi his maiden Investec Bank Super 14 try. Fullback Julian Huxley added his second conversion from three attempts to complete the 46-point landslide.
The CA Brumbies will have a short turnaround in preparation for their match against the Hurricanes at Canberra Stadium on Friday, 16 April.
MATCH DETAILS
Brumbies 61 (Ben Alexander 2; Stephen Hoiles, Patrick Phibbs, Tyrone Smith, Rocky Elsom, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Matt Toomua, Alfie Mafi tries; Matt Giteau 6/6 conversions, Julian Huxley 2/3 conversions) defeated Cheetahs 15 (Sarel Pretorius, Adriaan Strauss tries; Naas Olivier 0/1 conversions, 1/1 penalty goals, Riaan Vijoen 1/1 conversion) at Canberra Stadium, Canberra .
Half time: Brumbies 21-3
Referee: Bryce Lawrence (NZ)
Crowd: 14,111
Brumbies
1. Ben Alexander
2. Stephen Moore
3. Salesi Ma’afu
4. Mitchell Chapman
5. Ben Hand
6. Rocky Elsom
7. Michael Hooper
8. Stephen Hoiles (c)
9. Patrick Phibbs
10. Matt Toomua
11. Adam Ashley-Cooper
12. Matt Giteau
13. Tyrone Smith
14. Pat McCabe
15. Julian Huxley
Reserves
16. Huia Edmonds
17. Guy Shepherdson
18. Mark Chisholm
19. Colby Faingaa
20. James Stannard
21. Ed Stubbs
22. Alfie Mafi
Replacements
18. Mark Chisholm for 4. Mitchell Chapman (14th minute)
16. Huia Edmonds for 2. Stephen Moore (50th minute)
20. James Stannard for 9. Patrick Phibbs (blood – 50th minute)
19. Colby Faingaa for 7. Michael Hooper (55th minute)
17. Guy Shepherdson for 3. Salesi Ma’afu (56th minute)
21. Ed Stubbs for 12. Matt Giteau (61st minute)
22. Alfie Mafi for 11. Adam Ashley-Cooper (62nd minute)
9. Patrick Phibbs for 20. James Stannard (blood return – 64th minute)
20. James Stannard for 10. Matt Toomua (72nd minute)
Cheetahs
1. Coenie Oosthuizen
2. Adriaan Strauss (c)
3. WP Nel
4. Izak van der Westhuizen
5. Waltie Vermeulen
6. Hendro Scholtz
7. Barend Pieterse
8. Kabamba Floors
9. Tewis de Bruyn
10. Naas Olivier
11. Jongi Nokwe
12. Meyer Bosman
13. Corne Uys
14. Wilmaure Louw
15. Hennie Daniller
Reserves
16. Ryno Barnes
17. Wian du Preez
18. Nico Breedt
19. Davon Raubenheimer
20. Sarel Pretorius
21. Robert Ebersohn
22. Riaan Viljoen
Replacements
Yellow Cards
7. Barend Pieterse (18th minute)
8. Kabamba Floors (77th minute)
NEXT GAME:
Investec Bank Super 14: Week 10
Brumbies v Hurricanes
Canberra Stadium, Canberra
Friday, 16 April 2010
‘
NEW SIGNING FOR BRUMBIES
The CA Brumbies have continued to bolster their back row ranks with Colby Faingaa signing with the CA Brumbies on a one-year rookie contract.
Faingaa, 18, made his Investec Bank Super 14 debut this season against the Chiefs, starting that match and the following one against the Cheetahs off the bench.
The younger brother of former CA Brumbies and current Reds twins, Saia and Anthony, represented the Australian Schools side in 2008, and was a consistent performer for the CA Brumbies on last year’s French Tour as well as playing a key role for the Tuggeranong Vikings in their 2009 Tooheys New John I Dent Cup premiership. He joined the Brumbies Academy in 2008 having been a long-term member of the Australian Rugby Union’s National Talent Squad.
The former St Edmund’s College student says signing with the CA Brumbies is the realisation of a lifelong rugby goal.
“It’s really nice to be able to stay at home at the Brumbies,” he said. “There was some interest from elsewhere but I really only wanted to stay at the Brumbies. The Brumbies program is known as the best in the world and I feel like everything’s starting to come together so I wanted to stay to keep developing my game.
“I’m really looking forward to completing this season well, getting a good pre-season under my belt and put myself in a position to push for selection week in, week out next year.
“It’s been great playing Super 14 rugby this year; it’s been something I’ve wanted to do since I was young and now that I’m there, I want to do everything I can to stay at this level.”
Head Coach Andy Friend says Faingaa represents the new generation of CA Brumbies.
“We’re very fortunate to have three quality young openside flankers in Julian Salvi, Michael Hooper and now Colby Faingaa in the squad next season,” he said.
“Colby’s been impressive in his two matches for us this year, which follows on from a very strong showing with the Brumby Runners. His Super 14 debut was fast-tracked by the injury to George Smith but it hasn’t fazed him in the slightest and he’s given us a noticeable impact off the bench.
“He’s a strong player with a very high work rate and he packs a lot of power into his defence. He comes from an impressive footballing family and he’s shown that he’s certainly capable of growing into an outstanding player at this level.”
Colby Faingaa
Position: Flanker
Physical: 1.83m, 95kg
Age: 31.03.1991, Queanbeyan
Investec Bank Super 14 Caps: 2
Investec Bank Super 14 Points: 0
Investec Bank Super 14 Debut: 2010 v Chiefs, Canberra
Faingaa, 18, made his Investec Bank Super 14 debut this season against the Chiefs, starting that match and the following one against the Cheetahs off the bench.
The younger brother of former CA Brumbies and current Reds twins, Saia and Anthony, represented the Australian Schools side in 2008, and was a consistent performer for the CA Brumbies on last year’s French Tour as well as playing a key role for the Tuggeranong Vikings in their 2009 Tooheys New John I Dent Cup premiership. He joined the Brumbies Academy in 2008 having been a long-term member of the Australian Rugby Union’s National Talent Squad.
The former St Edmund’s College student says signing with the CA Brumbies is the realisation of a lifelong rugby goal.
“It’s really nice to be able to stay at home at the Brumbies,” he said. “There was some interest from elsewhere but I really only wanted to stay at the Brumbies. The Brumbies program is known as the best in the world and I feel like everything’s starting to come together so I wanted to stay to keep developing my game.
“I’m really looking forward to completing this season well, getting a good pre-season under my belt and put myself in a position to push for selection week in, week out next year.
“It’s been great playing Super 14 rugby this year; it’s been something I’ve wanted to do since I was young and now that I’m there, I want to do everything I can to stay at this level.”
Head Coach Andy Friend says Faingaa represents the new generation of CA Brumbies.
“We’re very fortunate to have three quality young openside flankers in Julian Salvi, Michael Hooper and now Colby Faingaa in the squad next season,” he said.
“Colby’s been impressive in his two matches for us this year, which follows on from a very strong showing with the Brumby Runners. His Super 14 debut was fast-tracked by the injury to George Smith but it hasn’t fazed him in the slightest and he’s given us a noticeable impact off the bench.
“He’s a strong player with a very high work rate and he packs a lot of power into his defence. He comes from an impressive footballing family and he’s shown that he’s certainly capable of growing into an outstanding player at this level.”
Colby Faingaa
Position: Flanker
Physical: 1.83m, 95kg
Age: 31.03.1991, Queanbeyan
Investec Bank Super 14 Caps: 2
Investec Bank Super 14 Points: 0
Investec Bank Super 14 Debut: 2010 v Chiefs, Canberra
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
All Blacks end of year England Test date confirmed
The All Blacks will play England at Twickenham on Saturday 6 November, the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and England’s Rugby Football Union (RFU) have confirmed today.
The Hillary Shield Test at Twickenham had been scheduled to take place on Saturday December 4 but NZRU Chief Executive Steve Tew said the RFU had agreed to change the date.
“We indicated to the RFU that, if possible, we would have preferred to play the match earlier in November to allow our players the chance to get home earlier. The RFU agreed to the change, so that’s great news,” Mr Tew said.
The announcement of the date for the England Test also confirms that the All Blacks will again attempt the Grand Slam for the ninth time in their history, with Test matches already scheduled against Scotland (Edinburgh, 13 November), Ireland (Dublin, 20 November) and Wales (Cardiff, 27 November).
The All Blacks first won the Grand Slam in 1978 and repeated the feat in 2005 and 2008.
Mr Tew said he also wanted to acknowledge the efforts made by the RFU and Premier Rugby, the umbrella body for England’s Premiership clubs, in making the date change.
“Now the date for the England Test has been finalised we can look forward to what is going to be another exciting Grand Slam challenge for the All Blacks,” he said.
Mr Tew said the date change also gave the NZRU and the Australian Rugby Union the opportunity to look at the possibility of playing a Bledisloe Cup match in Asia on October 30 when both teams are heading to the UK. The venue and other details will be confirmed in due course.
**********
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
DANIEL BOWDEN TO LEAVE CRUSADERS.
Crusaders first five-eighth Daniel Bowden is to join London Irish after this year's Super 14 rugby competition.
Selected by the Crusaders on the draft to be Dan Carter's understudy this season, Bowden has signed a two-year contract with London Irish, the English premiership club said today.
The 23-year-old Aucklander made his Super 14 debut for the Highlanders in 2008.
A New Zealand age group representative, Bowden said he expected he would need to change his playing style in Britain when he joined fellow New Zealanders Clarke Dermody and Seilala Mapusua at London Irish.
"Playing in the premiership and Heineken Cup will be a new challenge and I expect that I will have some adjustments to make to my playing style," he told the club's website.
"I've watched Irish play over recent seasons and I feel it is a team and style of rugby that I'm looking forward to being a part of."
London Irish head coach Toby Booth rated Bowden highly.
"We are confident that he will have an instant impact at the club, his positional versatility is attractive and being a renowned goalkicker is an additional bonus."
Selected by the Crusaders on the draft to be Dan Carter's understudy this season, Bowden has signed a two-year contract with London Irish, the English premiership club said today.
The 23-year-old Aucklander made his Super 14 debut for the Highlanders in 2008.
A New Zealand age group representative, Bowden said he expected he would need to change his playing style in Britain when he joined fellow New Zealanders Clarke Dermody and Seilala Mapusua at London Irish.
"Playing in the premiership and Heineken Cup will be a new challenge and I expect that I will have some adjustments to make to my playing style," he told the club's website.
"I've watched Irish play over recent seasons and I feel it is a team and style of rugby that I'm looking forward to being a part of."
London Irish head coach Toby Booth rated Bowden highly.
"We are confident that he will have an instant impact at the club, his positional versatility is attractive and being a renowned goalkicker is an additional bonus."
CHANGES MADE FOR CRUSADERS SIDE
Crusaders head coach Todd Blackadder has made several changes to his team to face the Hurricanes at
Westpac Stadium in Wellington on Friday night.
Wyatt Crockett comes in at loosehead prop for Ben Franks, Sam Whitelock replaces Isaac Ross at lock,
George Whitelock starts in the number seven jersey instead of Jonathan Poff, Kieran Read is at No8
instead of Thomas Waldrom, Andy Ellis replaces Kahn Fotuali’I at halfback and Dan Carter starts at firstfive.
Colin Slade, the starting first-five against the Lions two weeks ago, moves to fullback ahead of Jared
Payne. Robbie Fruean starts at centre ahead of Adam Whitelock.
Blackadder said: “There were some tough decisions to be made but we believe we have selected a very
strong team to play the Hurricanes in what will be a torrid match.”
Dan Perrin, who played five matches for the Crusaders last season, comes on to the bench as cover for
hooker in the absence of the injured Corey Flynn.
It is the first time in 2010 that Perrin has been named in the Crusaders match day squad.
It will also be the first time that former Hurricanes Zac Guildford and Robbie Fruean have played against
their old franchise.
Blackadder added: “The Hurricanes will be desperate for a win over us. They beat us at home last year and
we are preparing for a very tough battle.”
Carter is on the brink of 1000 points for the Crusaders – he is currently on 996 points and stands second on
the all time Super rugby list behind current Brumbies player Stirling Mortlock.
Flynn is the only player ruled out with injury.
Westpac Stadium in Wellington on Friday night.
Wyatt Crockett comes in at loosehead prop for Ben Franks, Sam Whitelock replaces Isaac Ross at lock,
George Whitelock starts in the number seven jersey instead of Jonathan Poff, Kieran Read is at No8
instead of Thomas Waldrom, Andy Ellis replaces Kahn Fotuali’I at halfback and Dan Carter starts at firstfive.
Colin Slade, the starting first-five against the Lions two weeks ago, moves to fullback ahead of Jared
Payne. Robbie Fruean starts at centre ahead of Adam Whitelock.
Blackadder said: “There were some tough decisions to be made but we believe we have selected a very
strong team to play the Hurricanes in what will be a torrid match.”
Dan Perrin, who played five matches for the Crusaders last season, comes on to the bench as cover for
hooker in the absence of the injured Corey Flynn.
It is the first time in 2010 that Perrin has been named in the Crusaders match day squad.
It will also be the first time that former Hurricanes Zac Guildford and Robbie Fruean have played against
their old franchise.
Blackadder added: “The Hurricanes will be desperate for a win over us. They beat us at home last year and
we are preparing for a very tough battle.”
Carter is on the brink of 1000 points for the Crusaders – he is currently on 996 points and stands second on
the all time Super rugby list behind current Brumbies player Stirling Mortlock.
Flynn is the only player ruled out with injury.
New Zealand Cricket Squad for the T20 World Cup
BLACKCAPS SquadICC Twenty20 World CupWest Indies – April May 2010The following players have been selected to contest ICC Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies in April-May.ICC T20 World Cup squad:1) Daniel Vettori2) Shane Bond 3) Ian Butler4) Martin Guptill 5) Gareth Hopkins 6) Brendon McCullum7) Nathan McCullum8) Kyle Mills9) Rob Nicol10) Jacob Oram11) Aaron Redmond12) Jesse Ryder13) Tim Southee14) Scott Styris15) Ross Taylor.
The squad includes one new cap in Rob Nicol from Canterbury.“We are excited about the side and believe that they will go well in the tournament,” said selectors’ spokesman, Mark Greatbatch. “We have a mix of players who are competitive on the world stage in the Twenty20 format. Obviously we will need to be consistent with our performances and build momentum through pool-play.
“We think we have some very dynamic batters, who can be lethal in this form of the game. Our bowlers are also very effective Twenty20 performers,” he said.“All the players have a programme for the next 18 days prior to leaving for our training camp in Brisbane on the 18th April. The training programme requires the players to undergo rigourous fitness and skill sessions. A number of our players, Mills, Oram, Redmond and Butler are coming back from injury, so the training schedule will put all of our players through their paces to ensure that they are fully fit before we depart.
“Ian Butler and Aaron Redmond will also play several matches in the National Club Championship in Auckland during 6-11 April. Other squad members, Hopkins and Styris, will also play in these matches to give them some game time.“Rob Nicol comes in to the side on the back of some very good domestic form, particularly in the shorter form of the game. Daryl Tuffey and Neil Broom were not considered because of injury.”
The ICC T20 World Cup runs from 27 April until 16 May. New Zealand are based in Georgetown, Guyana during pool matches and play Ireland, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. The BLACKCAPS then travel to Barbados where they play either South Africa or Afghanistan then either Pakistan or Australia. The team then moves to Saint Lucia where they play either England or Ireland, before the competition moves to the semi-final stage on May 13.
The squad includes one new cap in Rob Nicol from Canterbury.“We are excited about the side and believe that they will go well in the tournament,” said selectors’ spokesman, Mark Greatbatch. “We have a mix of players who are competitive on the world stage in the Twenty20 format. Obviously we will need to be consistent with our performances and build momentum through pool-play.
“We think we have some very dynamic batters, who can be lethal in this form of the game. Our bowlers are also very effective Twenty20 performers,” he said.“All the players have a programme for the next 18 days prior to leaving for our training camp in Brisbane on the 18th April. The training programme requires the players to undergo rigourous fitness and skill sessions. A number of our players, Mills, Oram, Redmond and Butler are coming back from injury, so the training schedule will put all of our players through their paces to ensure that they are fully fit before we depart.
“Ian Butler and Aaron Redmond will also play several matches in the National Club Championship in Auckland during 6-11 April. Other squad members, Hopkins and Styris, will also play in these matches to give them some game time.“Rob Nicol comes in to the side on the back of some very good domestic form, particularly in the shorter form of the game. Daryl Tuffey and Neil Broom were not considered because of injury.”
The ICC T20 World Cup runs from 27 April until 16 May. New Zealand are based in Georgetown, Guyana during pool matches and play Ireland, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. The BLACKCAPS then travel to Barbados where they play either South Africa or Afghanistan then either Pakistan or Australia. The team then moves to Saint Lucia where they play either England or Ireland, before the competition moves to the semi-final stage on May 13.
THE HURRICANES SIDE TO PLAY CRUSADERS
The Hurricanes team to play the Crusaders in round eight of the 2010 Rebel Sport Super 14 at Westpac Stadium on Friday 2 April, kick-off 7.35pm, is as follows:
1. John Schwalger
2. Andrew Hore (captain)
3. Neemia Tialata
4. Jeremy Thrush
5. Michael Paterson
6. Victor Vito
7. Karl Lowe
8. Rodney So’oialo
9. Piri Weepu
10. Willie Ripia
11. Hosea Gear
12. Ma’a Nonu
13. Conrad Smith
14. Tamati Ellison
15. Cory Jane
Reserves
16. Dane Coles
17. Anthony Perenise
18. Bryn Evans
19. Scott Waldrom
20. Tyson Keats
21. Aaron Cruden
22. Jason Kawau
1. John Schwalger
2. Andrew Hore (captain)
3. Neemia Tialata
4. Jeremy Thrush
5. Michael Paterson
6. Victor Vito
7. Karl Lowe
8. Rodney So’oialo
9. Piri Weepu
10. Willie Ripia
11. Hosea Gear
12. Ma’a Nonu
13. Conrad Smith
14. Tamati Ellison
15. Cory Jane
Reserves
16. Dane Coles
17. Anthony Perenise
18. Bryn Evans
19. Scott Waldrom
20. Tyson Keats
21. Aaron Cruden
22. Jason Kawau
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Huxley return headlines CA Brumbies changes
CA Brumbies fullback Julian Huxley is set to make a remarkable return to the Investec Bank Super 14 at Canberra Stadium against the Chiefs on Friday night.
Huxley’s career was put on hold in 2008 after routine scans following a head knock detected a brain tumour. Having received clearance to resume playing three weeks ago, Huxley has strung together two commanding performances for the Brumby Runners and has now been selected on the bench for the CA Brumbies to tackle the sixth-placed Waikato side.
The 30-year-old’s return is one of three new faces in this week’s CA Brumbies’ squad.
Eighteen-year-old Michael Hooper will make his Investec Bank Super 14 debut as part of the starting XV at openside flanker. The former Australia A Schoolboys back-rower replaces George Smith, who will miss his first match for the CA Brumbies since their Week 11 encounter against the Chiefs in 2005.
Fellow 18-year-old back-rower Colby Faingaa is also in line to make his Investec Bank Super 14 debut off the bench. Faingaa is another current Brumbies Academy member and younger brother of former CA Brumbies twins and current Reds frontliners, Anthony and Saia.
Prop Guy Shepherdson will start alongside Faingaa on the reserves list, replacing Jerry Yanuyanutawa.
The CA Brumbies’ starting line-up has undertaken several changes following a bruising 39-34 loss to the Blues in Auckland last Friday. Lock/back-rower Mitchell Chapman earns his second start of the season packing down next to Ben Hand in the second row. Mark Chisholm will start off the bench.
The backline has also been reshuffled after Christian Leallifano was ruled out with a ruptured posterior cruciate ligament. In Lealiifano’s absence, Matt Toomua comes into the starting XV at flyhalf while Matt Giteau shifts to inside centre. Veteran midfielder Stirling Mortlock returns from his one-week lay-off due to shoulder/neck soreness to resume his role at outside centre.
The CA Brumbies need 19 points to reach 5,000 points in their Super Rugby history.
CA Brumbies Head Coach Andy Friend says Huxley’s return is one part of a big night for CA Brumbies supporters at Canberra Stadium.
“This is a great occasion for Julian, his family and friends and the Brumbies and rugby community,” he said.
“For those out at Canberra Stadium on Friday night, they’ll witness a great spectacle in more ways than one. You’ll get to see Hux’s return after a courageous fight back while the Chiefs are one of the most attacking sides in the competition. They will attack you from anywhere on the park. We got a taste of what to expect against the Blues last weekend and we need to lift that intensity again and realise that if we turn off for five or 10 minutes we will get punished.
“Our work with the ball has improved with each match and while our defensive systems have been strong all year, they were tested last week and we came up short. We’ll obviously be looking to improve that area on Friday and look for it to culminate in a good win in front of our home crowd.”
CA Brumbies v Chiefs
Canberra Stadium, Canberra
Friday, 26 March, 2010
Kick-off: 7.40pm
Ben Alexander
Stephen Moore
Salesi Ma’afu
Ben Hand
Mitchell Chapman
Rocky Elsom
Michael Hooper
Stephen Hoiles (c)
Josh Valentine
Matt Toomua
Francis Fainifo
Matt Giteau
Stirling Mortlock
Pat McCabe
Adam Ashley-Cooper
Reserves
Huia Edmonds
Guy Shepherdson
Mark Chisholm
Colby Faingaa
Patrick Phibbs
Tyrone Smith
Julian Huxley
Huxley’s career was put on hold in 2008 after routine scans following a head knock detected a brain tumour. Having received clearance to resume playing three weeks ago, Huxley has strung together two commanding performances for the Brumby Runners and has now been selected on the bench for the CA Brumbies to tackle the sixth-placed Waikato side.
The 30-year-old’s return is one of three new faces in this week’s CA Brumbies’ squad.
Eighteen-year-old Michael Hooper will make his Investec Bank Super 14 debut as part of the starting XV at openside flanker. The former Australia A Schoolboys back-rower replaces George Smith, who will miss his first match for the CA Brumbies since their Week 11 encounter against the Chiefs in 2005.
Fellow 18-year-old back-rower Colby Faingaa is also in line to make his Investec Bank Super 14 debut off the bench. Faingaa is another current Brumbies Academy member and younger brother of former CA Brumbies twins and current Reds frontliners, Anthony and Saia.
Prop Guy Shepherdson will start alongside Faingaa on the reserves list, replacing Jerry Yanuyanutawa.
The CA Brumbies’ starting line-up has undertaken several changes following a bruising 39-34 loss to the Blues in Auckland last Friday. Lock/back-rower Mitchell Chapman earns his second start of the season packing down next to Ben Hand in the second row. Mark Chisholm will start off the bench.
The backline has also been reshuffled after Christian Leallifano was ruled out with a ruptured posterior cruciate ligament. In Lealiifano’s absence, Matt Toomua comes into the starting XV at flyhalf while Matt Giteau shifts to inside centre. Veteran midfielder Stirling Mortlock returns from his one-week lay-off due to shoulder/neck soreness to resume his role at outside centre.
The CA Brumbies need 19 points to reach 5,000 points in their Super Rugby history.
CA Brumbies Head Coach Andy Friend says Huxley’s return is one part of a big night for CA Brumbies supporters at Canberra Stadium.
“This is a great occasion for Julian, his family and friends and the Brumbies and rugby community,” he said.
“For those out at Canberra Stadium on Friday night, they’ll witness a great spectacle in more ways than one. You’ll get to see Hux’s return after a courageous fight back while the Chiefs are one of the most attacking sides in the competition. They will attack you from anywhere on the park. We got a taste of what to expect against the Blues last weekend and we need to lift that intensity again and realise that if we turn off for five or 10 minutes we will get punished.
“Our work with the ball has improved with each match and while our defensive systems have been strong all year, they were tested last week and we came up short. We’ll obviously be looking to improve that area on Friday and look for it to culminate in a good win in front of our home crowd.”
CA Brumbies v Chiefs
Canberra Stadium, Canberra
Friday, 26 March, 2010
Kick-off: 7.40pm
Ben Alexander
Stephen Moore
Salesi Ma’afu
Ben Hand
Mitchell Chapman
Rocky Elsom
Michael Hooper
Stephen Hoiles (c)
Josh Valentine
Matt Toomua
Francis Fainifo
Matt Giteau
Stirling Mortlock
Pat McCabe
Adam Ashley-Cooper
Reserves
Huia Edmonds
Guy Shepherdson
Mark Chisholm
Colby Faingaa
Patrick Phibbs
Tyrone Smith
Julian Huxley
Monday, March 22, 2010
White Ferns squad named for Women’s ICC World Twenty20
The selectors today announced a 14-player squad for the ICC World Twenty20 in the West Indies starting in May 2010.
Aimee Watkins (Captain) - Central Hinds
Amy Satterthwaite (Vice captain) - Canterbury Magicians
Suzie Bates - Otago Sparks
Erin Bermingham - Canterbury Magicians
Kate Broadmore - Central Hinds
Nicola Browne - Northern Spirit
Sophie Devine - Wellington Blaze
Natalie Dodd - Northern Spirit
Lucy Doolan - Wellington Blaze
Maria Fahey - Canterbury Magicians
Sara McGlashan - Central Hinds
Liz Perry - Wellington Blaze
Rachel Priest - Central Hinds
Sian Ruck - Wellington Blaze
The core of the squad is from the White Ferns team that performed so well in the five Twenty20 wins over the Australia in the recent Rose Bowl series, with final selections made after the North/South series that was played last weekend at Lincoln .
All rounder Lucy Doolan returns after successful rehabilitation from knee surgery.
White Ferns coach Gary Stead said, “We have an exciting blend of youth and experience in this squad with plenty of versatility to cover the different options that are required in the variable West Indian conditions.”
“With the exception of Wellington Blaze middle order batsmen Liz Perry, who was in excellent from during the North/South series, each member of the team has international experience.
“There are a number of power hitters in the team and that could be a key on the small Warner Park ground,” he added.
Only one specialist wicketkeeper, Rachel Priest, has been included in the squad with cover provided by Maria Fahey and Lucy Doolan.
The White Ferns are in Group B alongside India , Sri Lanka and Pakistan with their first match against India on the May 6. All women’s Twenty20 matches are based in St Kitts.
Preparations for the ICC World Twenty20 include a training camp at Lincoln on 10-11 April.
The Canterbury Tactix got there ANZ season off to a winning start last night in front of a small crowd at the Westpac Entertainment centre. The 54-48 was well received by captain Maree Bowden and her young side. Their 19 year old shooter Ellen Halpenneywas putting the ball through hoop well, she is a calm and relaxed shooter who will go well as the season goes on. The fact that she was playing a Silver Fern only showed her potential.
The third quarter was the Tactix best. This new squad does not want to make up the numbers.
They played a short sharp game and there shooting was spot on. They went to sleep a little in the last quarter it was good to see that they play could come through a hard quarter.Maree Boweden said " We want to make this place as one people fear." Coach Helen Mahon-Stroud said "We turned over a little to much ball the third quarter showed how we could play"
The Tactix got that important winning feeling from the get go. They now need to take this forward into the season.
Australia took out the first test at The Basin Reserve by 10 wickets. They have form and injury worries going into the next test. Phil Hughes was the second hero of the second innings for the Aussies with 86 from 75 balls. Micheal Clark was man of the match.
The Australian side dominated from the start of the days play. The bowlers have came through this test tired after long days in this test. Ryan Harris bowled well on his debut with six wickets. Doug Bollinger was the other stand out bowler for Australia. Australia will now look to Hamilton to clean sweep their third test series for the summer before a break till the T20 world cup.
Man of the match Clark said he still has a lot of improvement in in all facets of the game. In spite of him making a hundred and averaging over 50. He will be chasing a hat trick of tons in Hamilton.
Coming up to View from the Stand-; EPL; Man United v Bolton Wanders, Chelsea v Villa, Birmingham v Arsenal, Liverpool v Sunderland. NETBALL- Tactix v Fever, Steel v Magic. MOTOR RACEING - Australian GP, GOLF - Arnold Palmer Invitational. League-Tigers v Parra, Dragons v Cowboys, Broncos v Warriors. AFL- Lions v West Coast, Bulldogs v Collingwood, Saints v Swans, Geelong v Essadon.
Tips, Man United, Villa, Arsenal, Sunderland, Tactix, Steel, Mark Webber, Parra, Cowboys, Warriors, Lions, Bulldogs, Saints, Geelong.
Till next time enjoy the View From the Stand.
Aimee Watkins (Captain) - Central Hinds
Amy Satterthwaite (Vice captain) - Canterbury Magicians
Suzie Bates - Otago Sparks
Erin Bermingham - Canterbury Magicians
Kate Broadmore - Central Hinds
Nicola Browne - Northern Spirit
Sophie Devine - Wellington Blaze
Natalie Dodd - Northern Spirit
Lucy Doolan - Wellington Blaze
Maria Fahey - Canterbury Magicians
Sara McGlashan - Central Hinds
Liz Perry - Wellington Blaze
Rachel Priest - Central Hinds
Sian Ruck - Wellington Blaze
The core of the squad is from the White Ferns team that performed so well in the five Twenty20 wins over the Australia in the recent Rose Bowl series, with final selections made after the North/South series that was played last weekend at Lincoln .
All rounder Lucy Doolan returns after successful rehabilitation from knee surgery.
White Ferns coach Gary Stead said, “We have an exciting blend of youth and experience in this squad with plenty of versatility to cover the different options that are required in the variable West Indian conditions.”
“With the exception of Wellington Blaze middle order batsmen Liz Perry, who was in excellent from during the North/South series, each member of the team has international experience.
“There are a number of power hitters in the team and that could be a key on the small Warner Park ground,” he added.
Only one specialist wicketkeeper, Rachel Priest, has been included in the squad with cover provided by Maria Fahey and Lucy Doolan.
The White Ferns are in Group B alongside India , Sri Lanka and Pakistan with their first match against India on the May 6. All women’s Twenty20 matches are based in St Kitts.
Preparations for the ICC World Twenty20 include a training camp at Lincoln on 10-11 April.
The Canterbury Tactix got there ANZ season off to a winning start last night in front of a small crowd at the Westpac Entertainment centre. The 54-48 was well received by captain Maree Bowden and her young side. Their 19 year old shooter Ellen Halpenneywas putting the ball through hoop well, she is a calm and relaxed shooter who will go well as the season goes on. The fact that she was playing a Silver Fern only showed her potential.
The third quarter was the Tactix best. This new squad does not want to make up the numbers.
They played a short sharp game and there shooting was spot on. They went to sleep a little in the last quarter it was good to see that they play could come through a hard quarter.Maree Boweden said " We want to make this place as one people fear." Coach Helen Mahon-Stroud said "We turned over a little to much ball the third quarter showed how we could play"
The Tactix got that important winning feeling from the get go. They now need to take this forward into the season.
Australia took out the first test at The Basin Reserve by 10 wickets. They have form and injury worries going into the next test. Phil Hughes was the second hero of the second innings for the Aussies with 86 from 75 balls. Micheal Clark was man of the match.
The Australian side dominated from the start of the days play. The bowlers have came through this test tired after long days in this test. Ryan Harris bowled well on his debut with six wickets. Doug Bollinger was the other stand out bowler for Australia. Australia will now look to Hamilton to clean sweep their third test series for the summer before a break till the T20 world cup.
Man of the match Clark said he still has a lot of improvement in in all facets of the game. In spite of him making a hundred and averaging over 50. He will be chasing a hat trick of tons in Hamilton.
Coming up to View from the Stand-; EPL; Man United v Bolton Wanders, Chelsea v Villa, Birmingham v Arsenal, Liverpool v Sunderland. NETBALL- Tactix v Fever, Steel v Magic. MOTOR RACEING - Australian GP, GOLF - Arnold Palmer Invitational. League-Tigers v Parra, Dragons v Cowboys, Broncos v Warriors. AFL- Lions v West Coast, Bulldogs v Collingwood, Saints v Swans, Geelong v Essadon.
Tips, Man United, Villa, Arsenal, Sunderland, Tactix, Steel, Mark Webber, Parra, Cowboys, Warriors, Lions, Bulldogs, Saints, Geelong.
Till next time enjoy the View From the Stand.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
REDS LOOK TO THE FUTURE
QR Reds Head Coach Ewen McKenzie has moved to reassure fans that the Reds' future is in safe hands, by confirming that 22 players have committed to the team for 2011, with more to come.
McKenzie said with rumours flying around the number of players coming off contract at the end of the year and whether some or all are in danger of being poached, he decided to put fans' minds at rest by giving a progress count on signings for 2011 - even though he'd prefer to concentrate on 2010.
“The only reason I’ve revealed the 22 number is for the benefit of our fan base. All they do is read about the 23 off-contract, so we thought we would put a number out there that might give them some comfort,” McKenzie said.
The declaration flows on from this week's announcement that the Reds have secured in-form duo Saia and Anthony Faingaa for a further two years and comes just a day before the Reds fly to South Africa for three games.
“People literally see the Faingaas sign and they say ‘that’s 23 minus two’, but we have done a lot better than that,” McKenzie said.
“I’ve said from the day I arrived here that recruitment was a focus and in that group of 22, rest assured we are looking after Queensland ’s interests. It has not been a shopping overseas exercise.
“I’ve been working at it with (QRU Head of Strategy) Daniel Herbert, who has done a great job as well, to secure the heart of the team for the long haul. We’re quite confident we are a fair way down the track.
“We’ve had players putting their hands up since the start of January. There haven’t been 22 guys signed last week because we’ve won a couple of games. These guys have been putting their hands up for some time.”
While the Faingaa brothers recommitted, McKenzie said he wouldn’t announce or further speculate on names as the Reds’ focus remained on the here and now, rather than 2011, when the Investec Bank Super Rugby competition will expand to 15 teams and include the Melbourne Rebels.
“We want to live in the moment, which is 2010,” McKenzie said.
“It’s not a useful discussion for us as a group to be talking about and creating anxiety in the playing group about who is coming and going. It will trickle out over time but we aren’t interested in spending a lot of time on it.
“There are still opportunities for players and guys in our squad and we don’t want to fill the roster too early.”
McKenzie said with rumours flying around the number of players coming off contract at the end of the year and whether some or all are in danger of being poached, he decided to put fans' minds at rest by giving a progress count on signings for 2011 - even though he'd prefer to concentrate on 2010.
“The only reason I’ve revealed the 22 number is for the benefit of our fan base. All they do is read about the 23 off-contract, so we thought we would put a number out there that might give them some comfort,” McKenzie said.
The declaration flows on from this week's announcement that the Reds have secured in-form duo Saia and Anthony Faingaa for a further two years and comes just a day before the Reds fly to South Africa for three games.
“People literally see the Faingaas sign and they say ‘that’s 23 minus two’, but we have done a lot better than that,” McKenzie said.
“I’ve said from the day I arrived here that recruitment was a focus and in that group of 22, rest assured we are looking after Queensland ’s interests. It has not been a shopping overseas exercise.
“I’ve been working at it with (QRU Head of Strategy) Daniel Herbert, who has done a great job as well, to secure the heart of the team for the long haul. We’re quite confident we are a fair way down the track.
“We’ve had players putting their hands up since the start of January. There haven’t been 22 guys signed last week because we’ve won a couple of games. These guys have been putting their hands up for some time.”
While the Faingaa brothers recommitted, McKenzie said he wouldn’t announce or further speculate on names as the Reds’ focus remained on the here and now, rather than 2011, when the Investec Bank Super Rugby competition will expand to 15 teams and include the Melbourne Rebels.
“We want to live in the moment, which is 2010,” McKenzie said.
“It’s not a useful discussion for us as a group to be talking about and creating anxiety in the playing group about who is coming and going. It will trickle out over time but we aren’t interested in spending a lot of time on it.
“There are still opportunities for players and guys in our squad and we don’t want to fill the roster too early.”
Reds tour to South Africa.
QR Reds coach Ewen McKenzie will use the three match tour of South Africa to improve the depth of the side in certain positions.
McKenzie said that while the Reds had overcome their horrid injury toll earlier this season, it would be folly to think improvements couldn’t be made.
“We haven’t won every game, so we’re not kidding ourselves that we are killing it,” McKenzie said.
“We’re not resting on our laurels and we’re not sitting here going we’ve got it all sorted. We’ve got to keep working within the squad and see if we have any untapped potential in the group that can make us better.”
The strategy meant the experienced Morgan Turinui was an unlucky omission in the Reds’ 26-man touring party, with McKenzie eager to develop new recruit Will Chambers in the number 13 jersey behind Wallaby outside centre Digby Ioane.
Another beneficiary of the innovation McKenzie is bringing to team selection is QAS Reds Academy inside centre Ben Tapuai, who is yet to receive an opportunity in 2010 after making his Queensland and Super Rugby debut against the Crusaders last season.
McKenzie said Tapuai was the perfect example of a player who needs an opportunity should there be an injury to inside centre Anthony Faingaa, who re-signed with the Reds this week.
“We’re only an injury away in some positions from being exposed, so we’ve got to make sure we work on the depth,” he said.
“As much as Anthony has been doing a great job at 12, we haven’t really given anyone else a go in that position, and we can’t just assume he is going to play every minute of every game.
“I think young Ben Tapuai is a great prospect and we want to see how he goes.”
Tapuai joins tighthead prop Jack Kennedy as the only players in the squad to have not received game time this season, although both have Super Rugby experience.
Wing Rod Davies is recovering well from a broken cheekbone and has been named in the touring squad, along with formerly injured playmaker Tim Walsh (hand).
Backrower Ezra Taylor joins Tapuai, Kennedy, Davies and Walsh as the only members of the squad to not appear in the Reds 50-10 victory over the Force last Sunday.
The Reds will play three games in South Africa against the Cheetahs, Sharks and Lions before returning to Brisbane for a blockbuster clash with current Investec Bank Super 14 leaders, the Bulls.
McKenzie said that while the Reds had overcome their horrid injury toll earlier this season, it would be folly to think improvements couldn’t be made.
“We haven’t won every game, so we’re not kidding ourselves that we are killing it,” McKenzie said.
“We’re not resting on our laurels and we’re not sitting here going we’ve got it all sorted. We’ve got to keep working within the squad and see if we have any untapped potential in the group that can make us better.”
The strategy meant the experienced Morgan Turinui was an unlucky omission in the Reds’ 26-man touring party, with McKenzie eager to develop new recruit Will Chambers in the number 13 jersey behind Wallaby outside centre Digby Ioane.
Another beneficiary of the innovation McKenzie is bringing to team selection is QAS Reds Academy inside centre Ben Tapuai, who is yet to receive an opportunity in 2010 after making his Queensland and Super Rugby debut against the Crusaders last season.
McKenzie said Tapuai was the perfect example of a player who needs an opportunity should there be an injury to inside centre Anthony Faingaa, who re-signed with the Reds this week.
“We’re only an injury away in some positions from being exposed, so we’ve got to make sure we work on the depth,” he said.
“As much as Anthony has been doing a great job at 12, we haven’t really given anyone else a go in that position, and we can’t just assume he is going to play every minute of every game.
“I think young Ben Tapuai is a great prospect and we want to see how he goes.”
Tapuai joins tighthead prop Jack Kennedy as the only players in the squad to have not received game time this season, although both have Super Rugby experience.
Wing Rod Davies is recovering well from a broken cheekbone and has been named in the touring squad, along with formerly injured playmaker Tim Walsh (hand).
Backrower Ezra Taylor joins Tapuai, Kennedy, Davies and Walsh as the only members of the squad to not appear in the Reds 50-10 victory over the Force last Sunday.
The Reds will play three games in South Africa against the Cheetahs, Sharks and Lions before returning to Brisbane for a blockbuster clash with current Investec Bank Super 14 leaders, the Bulls.
Milestones in Rugby-Hurricanes
week’s milestones are as follows:
The Hurricanes record against the Bulls in all Super Rugby matches is P14 W8 L6 D0.
The results are as follows:
Year Venue Won by Score
1996 Pretoria Northern Transvaal 38-20
1997 New Plymouth Hurricanes 64-32
1998 Pretoria Hurricanes 37-19
1999 Palmerston North Hurricanes 37-18
2000 Pretoria Bulls 47-33
2001 Wellington Hurricanes 26-20
2002 Pretoria Hurricanes 37-18
2003 Napier Bulls 46-34
2004 Pretoria Bulls 40-19
2005 Wellington Bulls 21-12
2006 Pretoria Hurricanes 26-23
2007 Wellington Hurricanes 17-9
2008 Pretoria Hurricanes 50-22
2009 Wellington Bulls 19-14
The Bulls were known as Northern Transvaal in 1996 and 1997.
The Hurricanes record at Pretoria in Super Rugby matches is P7 W4 L3 D0.
The Hurricanes have won their last two matches in Pretoria .
Between them the Hurricanes (27) and the Bulls (22) have scored 49 tries in the Super Rugby matches at Pretoria between the two teams.
The Bulls record in all Super Rugby matches is P173 W76 (43.9%) L90 D7.
The Hurricanes record in all Super Rugby matches is P174 W90 (51.7%) L81 D3.
The Bulls record in home matches is P87 W52 (59.8%) L32 D3.
The Hurricanes record in away matches is P90 W37 L52 (57.8%) D1.
The Hurricanes' record in South Africa is P32 W15 L17 D0.
The Bulls have won their last 10 consecutive matches – their best winning sequence ever. (They won the last six matches of 2009 and their first four this year).
The Bulls have won their first five matches of the year only once before. That was in 2009 when their fifth opponent was the Hurricanes.
The results of the Bulls last 20 Super Rugby matches are W17 (85.0%) L3. By comparison the Hurricanes record is W12 (60.0%) L8.
At the completion of Round 5 in this year's competition, the Bulls had scored the most tries (24) and aggregated the most points (199).
The Bulls lowest score in their last five matches is 48 points. The results of those games are as follows: beat the Chiefs 61-17 (2009 Final), beat the Cheetahs 51-34 (Rd 1 in 2010), beat the Brumbies 50-32 (Rd 2), beat the Waratahs 48-38 (Rd 3) and beat the Highlanders 50-35 (Rd 4).
The Bulls are the only side the Hurricanes have twice scored 50 or more points against – in 1997 and 2008.
The last team to beat the Bulls at home in Pretoria was the Hurricanes on 12 April 2008. The Bulls have played a further 14 games in Pretoria since then.
The Hurricanes have played three matches on their South African tour on two previous occasions. In 2006 and 2008 they won two matches and lost the other one both times. They have yet to lose all three matches.
The Hurricanes have not lost any three matches in a row since losing a sequence of four on the trot in mid-2007.
At the completion of Round 5 in this year's competition, the Bulls remain the only side not to have lost a match.
The Hurricanes have conceded three penalty tries to the Bulls – in New Plymouth 1997, Pretoria 2000 and Napier 2003.
The Hurricanes record for most tries against a South African side in South Africa is seven – against the Bulls at Pretoria in 2008.
The Hurricanes highest score against any side in Super Rugby is 64 points – against Northern Transvaal (now known as the Bulls) at New Plymouth in 1997.
The individual record for most tries by a Hurricanes player in a match against the Bulls is three by Tana Umaga at New Plymouth in 1997.
The individual record for most penalties kicked in a match for the Hurricanes against the Bulls is five by David Holwell at Palmerston North in 1999.
The most points by an individual in a match for the Hurricanes against the Bulls is 22 by Jon Preston at New Plymouth in 1997.
The individual record for most tries by a Bulls player in a match against the Hurricanes is two by Theo van Rensburg at Pretoria in 1996, Hannes Venter at Pretoria in 2000 and Frikkie Welsh at Pretoria in 2004.
The most points scored by a Bulls player in a match against the Hurricanes is 26 by Louis Koen at Napier in 2003.
The most penalties kicked in a Super Rugby match by a Bulls player against the Hurricanes is five by Jannie de Beer at Pretoria in 2000 and Louis Koen at Napier in 2003.
David Smith has scored tries in each of the last four matches in succession. The only previous Hurricanes players to have achieved this are: Jason O'Halloran (1997), Tana Umaga (1997), Christian Cullen (1997/1998) Cullen scored tries in each of the last two matches in 1997 and the first two matches of 1998, Cullen again in 2001 and Lome Fa'atau (2006). If Smith scores against the Bulls he will become the first Hurricanes player to score tries in five consecutive Super Rugby matches.
Piri Weepu made his Super Rugby debut against the Bulls at Pretoria in 2004 and Scott Waldrom's first Super Rugby match was against the Bulls at Wellington in 2005.
Piri Weepu has scored 194 points in all Super Rugby matches and is poised to become the sixth Hurricanes player to reach the 200-point milestone.
The Hurricanes record against the Bulls in all Super Rugby matches is P14 W8 L6 D0.
The results are as follows:
Year Venue Won by Score
1996 Pretoria Northern Transvaal 38-20
1997 New Plymouth Hurricanes 64-32
1998 Pretoria Hurricanes 37-19
1999 Palmerston North Hurricanes 37-18
2000 Pretoria Bulls 47-33
2001 Wellington Hurricanes 26-20
2002 Pretoria Hurricanes 37-18
2003 Napier Bulls 46-34
2004 Pretoria Bulls 40-19
2005 Wellington Bulls 21-12
2006 Pretoria Hurricanes 26-23
2007 Wellington Hurricanes 17-9
2008 Pretoria Hurricanes 50-22
2009 Wellington Bulls 19-14
The Bulls were known as Northern Transvaal in 1996 and 1997.
The Hurricanes record at Pretoria in Super Rugby matches is P7 W4 L3 D0.
The Hurricanes have won their last two matches in Pretoria .
Between them the Hurricanes (27) and the Bulls (22) have scored 49 tries in the Super Rugby matches at Pretoria between the two teams.
The Bulls record in all Super Rugby matches is P173 W76 (43.9%) L90 D7.
The Hurricanes record in all Super Rugby matches is P174 W90 (51.7%) L81 D3.
The Bulls record in home matches is P87 W52 (59.8%) L32 D3.
The Hurricanes record in away matches is P90 W37 L52 (57.8%) D1.
The Hurricanes' record in South Africa is P32 W15 L17 D0.
The Bulls have won their last 10 consecutive matches – their best winning sequence ever. (They won the last six matches of 2009 and their first four this year).
The Bulls have won their first five matches of the year only once before. That was in 2009 when their fifth opponent was the Hurricanes.
The results of the Bulls last 20 Super Rugby matches are W17 (85.0%) L3. By comparison the Hurricanes record is W12 (60.0%) L8.
At the completion of Round 5 in this year's competition, the Bulls had scored the most tries (24) and aggregated the most points (199).
The Bulls lowest score in their last five matches is 48 points. The results of those games are as follows: beat the Chiefs 61-17 (2009 Final), beat the Cheetahs 51-34 (Rd 1 in 2010), beat the Brumbies 50-32 (Rd 2), beat the Waratahs 48-38 (Rd 3) and beat the Highlanders 50-35 (Rd 4).
The Bulls are the only side the Hurricanes have twice scored 50 or more points against – in 1997 and 2008.
The last team to beat the Bulls at home in Pretoria was the Hurricanes on 12 April 2008. The Bulls have played a further 14 games in Pretoria since then.
The Hurricanes have played three matches on their South African tour on two previous occasions. In 2006 and 2008 they won two matches and lost the other one both times. They have yet to lose all three matches.
The Hurricanes have not lost any three matches in a row since losing a sequence of four on the trot in mid-2007.
At the completion of Round 5 in this year's competition, the Bulls remain the only side not to have lost a match.
The Hurricanes have conceded three penalty tries to the Bulls – in New Plymouth 1997, Pretoria 2000 and Napier 2003.
The Hurricanes record for most tries against a South African side in South Africa is seven – against the Bulls at Pretoria in 2008.
The Hurricanes highest score against any side in Super Rugby is 64 points – against Northern Transvaal (now known as the Bulls) at New Plymouth in 1997.
The individual record for most tries by a Hurricanes player in a match against the Bulls is three by Tana Umaga at New Plymouth in 1997.
The individual record for most penalties kicked in a match for the Hurricanes against the Bulls is five by David Holwell at Palmerston North in 1999.
The most points by an individual in a match for the Hurricanes against the Bulls is 22 by Jon Preston at New Plymouth in 1997.
The individual record for most tries by a Bulls player in a match against the Hurricanes is two by Theo van Rensburg at Pretoria in 1996, Hannes Venter at Pretoria in 2000 and Frikkie Welsh at Pretoria in 2004.
The most points scored by a Bulls player in a match against the Hurricanes is 26 by Louis Koen at Napier in 2003.
The most penalties kicked in a Super Rugby match by a Bulls player against the Hurricanes is five by Jannie de Beer at Pretoria in 2000 and Louis Koen at Napier in 2003.
David Smith has scored tries in each of the last four matches in succession. The only previous Hurricanes players to have achieved this are: Jason O'Halloran (1997), Tana Umaga (1997), Christian Cullen (1997/1998) Cullen scored tries in each of the last two matches in 1997 and the first two matches of 1998, Cullen again in 2001 and Lome Fa'atau (2006). If Smith scores against the Bulls he will become the first Hurricanes player to score tries in five consecutive Super Rugby matches.
Piri Weepu made his Super Rugby debut against the Bulls at Pretoria in 2004 and Scott Waldrom's first Super Rugby match was against the Bulls at Wellington in 2005.
Piri Weepu has scored 194 points in all Super Rugby matches and is poised to become the sixth Hurricanes player to reach the 200-point milestone.
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