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.
Monday, March 15, 2010
INTERNATIONAL TRACK MEET CHRISTCHURCH
The best 800m field seen in New Zealand since the 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games will assemble in Christchurch this Thursday to race the feature More FM event at the International Track Meet.
The event’s star is undoubtedly Olympic 1500m silver medallist Nick Willis, who has publicly stated his goal in Delhi this year is to not only defend his Commonwealth 1500m crown, but to emulate the legendary Peter Snell and add the 800m crown as well. [Snell won the imperial equivalents, the half-mile and mile, at the Empire Games in Perth in 1962].
Aiming to throw a spanner in the works at Willis’ home track meet will be top Australians Jeff Riseley and Jeremy Roff, who unexpectedly claimed the scalps of Willis and Kenya’s Olympic gold medallist Asbel Kiprop in the 1500m race at the Melbourne Grand Prix 10 days ago. Willis said when he flew into Christchurch today “That was a bit of a shock – I’ll definitely be out for some revenge on Thursday”. With Irish 800-1500 champion David Campbell, 4-times Australian champion Nick Bromley, and Canadian Geoff Harris also in the field, there are six athletes with personal bests of 1min47sec or faster – the strongest field since Auckland 1990, when British middle distance legend Sebastian Coe, in the twilight of his career, finished 6th in 1min47.24s.
Meet Director Craig Motley said “This is a phenomenal field to come together for a meet of this scale, and we are expecting to see some pretty fast times”. Willis and Riseley in particular should be very evenly matched – their personal bests are just 6/100ths of a second different from each other, and both are just over a second outside Peter Snell’s New Zealand record, set when he smashed the world record at Lancaster Park in 1962.
Also competing in the discus event at the meet will be former world champion and twice Commonwealth champion Beatrice Faumuina, against the current world champion Dani Samuels.
Tickets are on sale at QEII Stadium now, and at the gate on the night. Adults are $12, children 12 & under $6, and under-5's are free. Premium allocated Gold Seating is $20. The international section of the programme starts at 6.30pm - go to www.internationaltrackmeet.co.nz for more details.
The event’s star is undoubtedly Olympic 1500m silver medallist Nick Willis, who has publicly stated his goal in Delhi this year is to not only defend his Commonwealth 1500m crown, but to emulate the legendary Peter Snell and add the 800m crown as well. [Snell won the imperial equivalents, the half-mile and mile, at the Empire Games in Perth in 1962].
Aiming to throw a spanner in the works at Willis’ home track meet will be top Australians Jeff Riseley and Jeremy Roff, who unexpectedly claimed the scalps of Willis and Kenya’s Olympic gold medallist Asbel Kiprop in the 1500m race at the Melbourne Grand Prix 10 days ago. Willis said when he flew into Christchurch today “That was a bit of a shock – I’ll definitely be out for some revenge on Thursday”. With Irish 800-1500 champion David Campbell, 4-times Australian champion Nick Bromley, and Canadian Geoff Harris also in the field, there are six athletes with personal bests of 1min47sec or faster – the strongest field since Auckland 1990, when British middle distance legend Sebastian Coe, in the twilight of his career, finished 6th in 1min47.24s.
Meet Director Craig Motley said “This is a phenomenal field to come together for a meet of this scale, and we are expecting to see some pretty fast times”. Willis and Riseley in particular should be very evenly matched – their personal bests are just 6/100ths of a second different from each other, and both are just over a second outside Peter Snell’s New Zealand record, set when he smashed the world record at Lancaster Park in 1962.
Also competing in the discus event at the meet will be former world champion and twice Commonwealth champion Beatrice Faumuina, against the current world champion Dani Samuels.
Tickets are on sale at QEII Stadium now, and at the gate on the night. Adults are $12, children 12 & under $6, and under-5's are free. Premium allocated Gold Seating is $20. The international section of the programme starts at 6.30pm - go to www.internationaltrackmeet.co.nz for more details.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Kids a big winner from QR Reds record-breaking win
The QR Reds’ 50-10 win over the Western Force at Suncorp Stadium not only broke the record for their biggest win of the modern era, it also earned $12,200 for the St. George Foundation and its program of assisting under-privileged kids.
The Foundation was the charity beneficiary of yesterday’s “Juniors Day” match and Reds’ sponsor St. George Bank led the way with a promise to donate an amount based on the number of tries and goals scored by the Reds.
Their seven tries, six conversions and a penalty added up to $12,200 going to the Foundation.
The Reds’ 40 point winning margin was their largest in the Super 12-14 era and - coming on the heels of their 23-18 defeat of the Chiefs last week – was their first back-to-back win since April 2006.
The 20,016 vocal fans that braved the wet weather for the match were rewarded with some enterprising rugby in the opening half, with the Queenslanders scoring five tries to lead 36-3 by halftime.
Flyhalf Quade Cooper continued his remarkable opening to the year and played a major role in giving the Reds a four-try bonus point after just 33 minutes, while inside centre Anthony Faingaa and scrumhalf Will Genia also played strongly on the back of a dominant forward display.
Faingaa, Digby Ioane and Scott Higginbotham each grabbed a pair of tries, but it was the five-pointer finished by wing Luke Morahan that was most impressive. Genia ignited a movement that went through a further five sets of hands – Laurie Weeks, Leroy Houston, Peter Hynes, Faingaa and Ioane – before Morahan dotted down in the corner.
Although rain fell periodically throughout the second half, the Reds still managed to add to their lead with two tries to Higginbotham.
“Before we went out we spoke about wanting to set the tone early and we definitely did that,” Genia said afterwards.
“It’s an outstanding effort for the boys. We spoke about wanting to be consistent, and getting back-to back wins is all about being consistent. When we had our foot on their throats we kept going.”
McKenzie praised the Reds efforts in defence, which missed just six tackles and allowed only one try, and their ability to disrupt the Force’s ball at the lineout.
“Defence is a good indication of attitude and we’ve been talking about that a lot. To be fair I think they (the players) are enjoying the fact that they’re getting some sort of recognition for their efforts there,” McKenzie said.
“We are getting to play off the back of the errors we are forcing too, which is important. We created some great tries in attack and some first phase tries, but we also scored some good tries through our defence.”
McKenzie said he was thrilled the team was playing above the public’s preseason expectations and said he was eager to continue giving fans something to be excited about.
“Our start has been good and no one, except for our group, predicted we would be where we are right now. And we’ve now got a great opportunity to keep going. We’re not fighting for credibility at the end of season; we’ve got a great opportunity to push forward,” he said.
“The important thing today, coming off the Chiefs result (23-18 win), is that we’ve managed to turn some of the public opinion around. It’s important that the fan base re-engages with the team and we re-engage with them.
“So I’m quite pleased we had an emphatic result and have left the fans in good spirits, and with plenty of time to buy tickets next time we’re here.”
The Reds have a bye next weekend before jetting off to South Africa on a three game tour.
The Reds are handily placed just outside the four going into the bye, but McKenzie said the team focus remained solely on their South Africa assignment, where they meet the Cheetahs, Sharks and Lions.
“We’ve never talked about ladder position and we haven’t talked about number of wins, and we won’t be talking about that. We want to be a competitive team week in and week out, and we are in that space.
“We’ve got a difficult tour coming up. We’re going to South Africa with a bunch of young guys having their first trip and we’ve seen plenty of good teams fall over there already. We won’t take anything for granted.
“We just want to make sure we can reproduce. We’ve got two (wins in a row) and now we’ve got to aim for three wins (in a row).”
Queensland withheld an early onslaught before a perfectly weighted kick from Cooper and an enthusiastic chase from Morahan reversed the momentum and gave the Reds their first good attacking chance of the match.
Anthony Faingaa ensured they wouldn’t go away empty handed, breaking a one-on-one tackle to put the Reds up 7-0 after eight minutes. This was followed minutes later with the try to Morahan.
A penalty goal from Force inside centre James O’Connor couldn’t stop the Reds’ momentum and in the 16th minute Ioane put the Reds ahead 19-3. A turnover from Houston led to an almost length of the field movement, with Ioane recovering a deft Cooper chip-kick near halfway, before beating one defender on his way to the line.
Two sublime touches from Cooper - a pinpoint inside ball to Ioane and short ball to Faingaa - gave the Reds two more tries and a 36-3 lead heading into the sheds at halftime.
Flanker Daniel Braid suffered a slight medial ligament strain in the second half but with the bye next week is expected to be fit for South Africa .
QR Reds 50 (Digby Ioane 2, Anthony Faingaa 2, Scott Higginbotham 2, Luke Morahan tries, Quade Cooper 5 cons, pen, Ben Lucas con) def Force 10 (Nick Cummins try, James O’Connor con, pen)
The Foundation was the charity beneficiary of yesterday’s “Juniors Day” match and Reds’ sponsor St. George Bank led the way with a promise to donate an amount based on the number of tries and goals scored by the Reds.
Their seven tries, six conversions and a penalty added up to $12,200 going to the Foundation.
The Reds’ 40 point winning margin was their largest in the Super 12-14 era and - coming on the heels of their 23-18 defeat of the Chiefs last week – was their first back-to-back win since April 2006.
The 20,016 vocal fans that braved the wet weather for the match were rewarded with some enterprising rugby in the opening half, with the Queenslanders scoring five tries to lead 36-3 by halftime.
Flyhalf Quade Cooper continued his remarkable opening to the year and played a major role in giving the Reds a four-try bonus point after just 33 minutes, while inside centre Anthony Faingaa and scrumhalf Will Genia also played strongly on the back of a dominant forward display.
Faingaa, Digby Ioane and Scott Higginbotham each grabbed a pair of tries, but it was the five-pointer finished by wing Luke Morahan that was most impressive. Genia ignited a movement that went through a further five sets of hands – Laurie Weeks, Leroy Houston, Peter Hynes, Faingaa and Ioane – before Morahan dotted down in the corner.
Although rain fell periodically throughout the second half, the Reds still managed to add to their lead with two tries to Higginbotham.
“Before we went out we spoke about wanting to set the tone early and we definitely did that,” Genia said afterwards.
“It’s an outstanding effort for the boys. We spoke about wanting to be consistent, and getting back-to back wins is all about being consistent. When we had our foot on their throats we kept going.”
McKenzie praised the Reds efforts in defence, which missed just six tackles and allowed only one try, and their ability to disrupt the Force’s ball at the lineout.
“Defence is a good indication of attitude and we’ve been talking about that a lot. To be fair I think they (the players) are enjoying the fact that they’re getting some sort of recognition for their efforts there,” McKenzie said.
“We are getting to play off the back of the errors we are forcing too, which is important. We created some great tries in attack and some first phase tries, but we also scored some good tries through our defence.”
McKenzie said he was thrilled the team was playing above the public’s preseason expectations and said he was eager to continue giving fans something to be excited about.
“Our start has been good and no one, except for our group, predicted we would be where we are right now. And we’ve now got a great opportunity to keep going. We’re not fighting for credibility at the end of season; we’ve got a great opportunity to push forward,” he said.
“The important thing today, coming off the Chiefs result (23-18 win), is that we’ve managed to turn some of the public opinion around. It’s important that the fan base re-engages with the team and we re-engage with them.
“So I’m quite pleased we had an emphatic result and have left the fans in good spirits, and with plenty of time to buy tickets next time we’re here.”
The Reds have a bye next weekend before jetting off to South Africa on a three game tour.
The Reds are handily placed just outside the four going into the bye, but McKenzie said the team focus remained solely on their South Africa assignment, where they meet the Cheetahs, Sharks and Lions.
“We’ve never talked about ladder position and we haven’t talked about number of wins, and we won’t be talking about that. We want to be a competitive team week in and week out, and we are in that space.
“We’ve got a difficult tour coming up. We’re going to South Africa with a bunch of young guys having their first trip and we’ve seen plenty of good teams fall over there already. We won’t take anything for granted.
“We just want to make sure we can reproduce. We’ve got two (wins in a row) and now we’ve got to aim for three wins (in a row).”
Queensland withheld an early onslaught before a perfectly weighted kick from Cooper and an enthusiastic chase from Morahan reversed the momentum and gave the Reds their first good attacking chance of the match.
Anthony Faingaa ensured they wouldn’t go away empty handed, breaking a one-on-one tackle to put the Reds up 7-0 after eight minutes. This was followed minutes later with the try to Morahan.
A penalty goal from Force inside centre James O’Connor couldn’t stop the Reds’ momentum and in the 16th minute Ioane put the Reds ahead 19-3. A turnover from Houston led to an almost length of the field movement, with Ioane recovering a deft Cooper chip-kick near halfway, before beating one defender on his way to the line.
Two sublime touches from Cooper - a pinpoint inside ball to Ioane and short ball to Faingaa - gave the Reds two more tries and a 36-3 lead heading into the sheds at halftime.
Flanker Daniel Braid suffered a slight medial ligament strain in the second half but with the bye next week is expected to be fit for South Africa .
QR Reds 50 (Digby Ioane 2, Anthony Faingaa 2, Scott Higginbotham 2, Luke Morahan tries, Quade Cooper 5 cons, pen, Ben Lucas con) def Force 10 (Nick Cummins try, James O’Connor con, pen)
NEW SPONSOR FOR PROVENCIAL RUGBY
ITM Cup the new prize of national provincial rugby
2010 ITM Cup draw released
New Zealand-owned building suppliers’ co-operative ITM will sponsor the premier national provincial competition this year through to 2012, the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) has announced today.
ITM will be the new title sponsor for the national domestic competition taking over the sponsorship from Air New Zealand which has decided to focus its energy on supporting the All Blacks.
NZRU Chief Executive Steve Tew welcomed ITM as a perfect fit with New Zealand’s provincial rugby competition.
“ITM is a very parochial Kiwi-owned co-operative and they are very proud of their provincial reach across the country. Given the pride and support many communities have for their provincial teams, ITM is well placed to be at the centre of this competition.
“It’s an exciting time for ITM to come on board. We saw a great surge in support for the domestic competition last year, and the challenge this year will be to build on that and we are really forward to working with ITM to achieve just that,” Mr Tew said.
ITM Chief Executive Gordon Buswell said the co-operative membership was delighted with their new involvement in the competition. The ITM Cup was the perfect extension of their existing relationship with provincial rugby through their sponsorship of SKY TV’s coverage of the competition over the last three years.
“Putting our name behind this great tradition of provincial rugby reflects strongly where our heart and minds are which is right in the heart of our regions,” Mr Buswell said.
“The provincial pride of the ITM Cup also reflects the pride of our stores, customers and suppliers across the regions. We are all hugely excited about the competition this year.
“We and our members are thrilled about our association with the ITM Cup this year. Inter-provincial rivalry will take on a whole new meaning for our 90 stores across the country, as we not only anticipate a great competition but also celebrate the best of our provincial talent,” Mr Buswell said.
The NZRU today also released the competition draw for the 2010 ITM Cup, which gets under way with Taranaki v Northland at Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth on Thursday 29 August.
This year is also North Harbour’s 25th anniversary, and the union kicks off their 2010 season by hosting the traditional battle of the bridge match against neighbours, Auckland on Sunday 1 August.
Otago will get the first opportunity to play Southland for the Ranfurly Shield in Week 2 of the ITM Cup. The ITM Cup Final will be played on Friday, 5 November.
Steve Tew said: “We are looking forward to another great season of provincial rugby and providing communities all over New Zealand an opportunity to show their support for their teams.”
2010 ITM Cup draw released
New Zealand-owned building suppliers’ co-operative ITM will sponsor the premier national provincial competition this year through to 2012, the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) has announced today.
ITM will be the new title sponsor for the national domestic competition taking over the sponsorship from Air New Zealand which has decided to focus its energy on supporting the All Blacks.
NZRU Chief Executive Steve Tew welcomed ITM as a perfect fit with New Zealand’s provincial rugby competition.
“ITM is a very parochial Kiwi-owned co-operative and they are very proud of their provincial reach across the country. Given the pride and support many communities have for their provincial teams, ITM is well placed to be at the centre of this competition.
“It’s an exciting time for ITM to come on board. We saw a great surge in support for the domestic competition last year, and the challenge this year will be to build on that and we are really forward to working with ITM to achieve just that,” Mr Tew said.
ITM Chief Executive Gordon Buswell said the co-operative membership was delighted with their new involvement in the competition. The ITM Cup was the perfect extension of their existing relationship with provincial rugby through their sponsorship of SKY TV’s coverage of the competition over the last three years.
“Putting our name behind this great tradition of provincial rugby reflects strongly where our heart and minds are which is right in the heart of our regions,” Mr Buswell said.
“The provincial pride of the ITM Cup also reflects the pride of our stores, customers and suppliers across the regions. We are all hugely excited about the competition this year.
“We and our members are thrilled about our association with the ITM Cup this year. Inter-provincial rivalry will take on a whole new meaning for our 90 stores across the country, as we not only anticipate a great competition but also celebrate the best of our provincial talent,” Mr Buswell said.
The NZRU today also released the competition draw for the 2010 ITM Cup, which gets under way with Taranaki v Northland at Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth on Thursday 29 August.
This year is also North Harbour’s 25th anniversary, and the union kicks off their 2010 season by hosting the traditional battle of the bridge match against neighbours, Auckland on Sunday 1 August.
Otago will get the first opportunity to play Southland for the Ranfurly Shield in Week 2 of the ITM Cup. The ITM Cup Final will be played on Friday, 5 November.
Steve Tew said: “We are looking forward to another great season of provincial rugby and providing communities all over New Zealand an opportunity to show their support for their teams.”
International Athletics in Christchurch.
Former world discus champion Beatrice Faumuina is the latest international superstar to confirm an appearance at the International Track Meet on March 18th at QEII Stadium in Christchurch.
Faumuina, the first New Zealander to win a world championships gold medal with her victory in the discus in 1997, is one of the established superstars of New Zealand athletics, and has had an extremely strong season in 2010 so far, with consistently her best performances for several years in winning the Capital Classic in Wellington, the Sylvia Potts Classic in Hastings, and the Cooks Classic in Wanganui, all with throws well beyond the Commonwealth Games qualifying distance of 56m. She has now broken the qualifying standard six times so far this season, with a best performance of 61.11m in Wellington last month. She will be hoping to repeat her 1998 and 2002 Commonwealth Games goCA
Faumuina, the first New Zealander to win a world championships gold medal with her victory in the discus in 1997, is one of the established superstars of New Zealand athletics, and has had an extremely strong season in 2010 so far, with consistently her best performances for several years in winning the Capital Classic in Wellington, the Sylvia Potts Classic in Hastings, and the Cooks Classic in Wanganui, all with throws well beyond the Commonwealth Games qualifying distance of 56m. She has now broken the qualifying standard six times so far this season, with a best performance of 61.11m in Wellington last month. She will be hoping to repeat her 1998 and 2002 Commonwealth Games goCA
Huxley Makes Return To Rugby.
CA Brumbies fullback Julian Huxley has made a triumphant return to rugby with a starring role in the Brumby Runners’ 36-16 win over the Junior Waratahs at Sydney ’s Knox Grammar on Sunday afternoon.
Huxley’s rugby career was postponed two years ago after undergoing surgery to remove a brain tumour, however, the nine-Test Wallaby gained clearance to take his place for the Runners against the previously undefeated NSW side.
The 30-year-old, who played 80 minutes in his return match, was outstanding for the visitors, playing a hand in five of his side’s tries and helping guide the Runners back from a four-point half-time deficit to run out eventual six-tries-to-one victors.
It was a Huxley break and later a chip-and-regather that set up the Runners’ first two tries to Andrew Smith in the first half before throwing the final pass to Alfi Mafi on two occasions to allow the winger to cross for his first two of three tries.
Huxley said he was pleased to again be lacing up the boots.
"I've felt good for the last 18 months which is why I've been trying to come back and play," he said. "But nothing's really in the bank until you come back and play.
"I didn't know what to expect, I thought I might have been a bit rusty but fortunately the gods were smiling on me and I had a trouble-free comeback."
Having received the clearance, Huxley is now eligible to return to play Investec Bank Super 14 rugby.
Flanker Michael Hooper was the pick of the Runners’ forwards through his tenacious defence, hard on-the-ball approach and ability to back up across the field.
MATCH DETAILSBrumby Runners 36 (Alfi Mafi 3; Andrew Smith 2; Anthony Hegarty tries; Matt Toomua 3 conversions) defeated Junior Waratahs 16 (Rory Sidey try; Brendan McKibbin conversion, 3 penalty goals) at Knox Grammar, Sydney.
Half time: Junior Waratahs 16-12
Huxley’s rugby career was postponed two years ago after undergoing surgery to remove a brain tumour, however, the nine-Test Wallaby gained clearance to take his place for the Runners against the previously undefeated NSW side.
The 30-year-old, who played 80 minutes in his return match, was outstanding for the visitors, playing a hand in five of his side’s tries and helping guide the Runners back from a four-point half-time deficit to run out eventual six-tries-to-one victors.
It was a Huxley break and later a chip-and-regather that set up the Runners’ first two tries to Andrew Smith in the first half before throwing the final pass to Alfi Mafi on two occasions to allow the winger to cross for his first two of three tries.
Huxley said he was pleased to again be lacing up the boots.
"I've felt good for the last 18 months which is why I've been trying to come back and play," he said. "But nothing's really in the bank until you come back and play.
"I didn't know what to expect, I thought I might have been a bit rusty but fortunately the gods were smiling on me and I had a trouble-free comeback."
Having received the clearance, Huxley is now eligible to return to play Investec Bank Super 14 rugby.
Flanker Michael Hooper was the pick of the Runners’ forwards through his tenacious defence, hard on-the-ball approach and ability to back up across the field.
MATCH DETAILSBrumby Runners 36 (Alfi Mafi 3; Andrew Smith 2; Anthony Hegarty tries; Matt Toomua 3 conversions) defeated Junior Waratahs 16 (Rory Sidey try; Brendan McKibbin conversion, 3 penalty goals) at Knox Grammar, Sydney.
Half time: Junior Waratahs 16-12
View from the Stand.
Well done to the Australian Men's hockey team on winning the World Cup in India.After three attempts at not winning the title the Kookaburras won the title in defeating Germany.
The Reds win over the Force in the Super 14 has seen them win back to back games for the first time since 2006. Also it is their best start to the super comp since 1996. They now sit sixth on the table, on 15 points. The Brumbies are the best placed Australian side on 16 points, the Waratahs are on 14 points. The top four consist of two South African sides and two Kiwi sides.
The win by the New Zealand cricket side on the weekend has seen the ODI series Finnish at 3-2 to Australia. The two sides now are preparing for the two test series which starts on Friday. The New Zealand test squad is,1. Daniel Vettori2. Brent Arnel3. Martin Guptill4. Peter Ingram5. Brendon McCullum6. Tim McIntosh7. Chris Martin8. Jeetan Patel9. Mathew Sinclair10. Tim Southee11. Ross Taylor12. Daryl Tuffey13. B.J. Watling.
There is one change to the New Zealand Test team that took on Bangladesh in February. Mathew Sinclair comes in for Neil Broom in the thirteen man squad announced today.
Selector, Mark Greatbatch, said Sinclair has been brought into the squad as cover for the top order batsmen; “We felt we needed a cover top-order batter, rather than cover for our middle order, so Neil is a little unlucky in that respect.”Greatbatch confirmed that Daniel Vettori will bat at six; “He has been very successful there over the last half-dozen tests.
It also gives a very good balance to our side. It enables us to play the five bowlers we are looking for, whether that is four seamers and one spinner, or three seamers and two spinners in our squad, we have the ability to be flexible.Greatbatch says success in the test matches will depend on doing the simple things well; “Batting time, getting through sessions, being patient with the ball, being disciplined and doing it day after day.”
The Australian squad is expected to be named tomorrow.
In Christchurch this week we will see top internati0onal athletes compete in the International Track and Field meet. These include Beatrice Fauimania. Many of these athletes will be looking to post Qualifying throws or times as a step to the Commomnwealth Games.
Coming up this week to View from the Stand- CRICKET; 1st test Australia v New Zealand. RUGBY; Super 14 Crusaders v Lions (Saturday) Blues v Brumbies.Bulls v Huricanes. EPL; Man Utd v Liverpool, Everton v Bolton Wanders, Blackburn Rovers v Chelsea. ALEAGUE; Sydney FC V Melbourne. NRL roud two AFL; Lions v West Coast, Bulldogs v Collingwood, Geelong v Essendon.
Tips- Australia, Crusaders, Reds,Brumbies, Man Utd, Blackburn, Everton,Melbourne, Lions, Bulldogs.
Till next time enjoy the View from the Stand.
The Reds win over the Force in the Super 14 has seen them win back to back games for the first time since 2006. Also it is their best start to the super comp since 1996. They now sit sixth on the table, on 15 points. The Brumbies are the best placed Australian side on 16 points, the Waratahs are on 14 points. The top four consist of two South African sides and two Kiwi sides.
The win by the New Zealand cricket side on the weekend has seen the ODI series Finnish at 3-2 to Australia. The two sides now are preparing for the two test series which starts on Friday. The New Zealand test squad is,1. Daniel Vettori2. Brent Arnel3. Martin Guptill4. Peter Ingram5. Brendon McCullum6. Tim McIntosh7. Chris Martin8. Jeetan Patel9. Mathew Sinclair10. Tim Southee11. Ross Taylor12. Daryl Tuffey13. B.J. Watling.
There is one change to the New Zealand Test team that took on Bangladesh in February. Mathew Sinclair comes in for Neil Broom in the thirteen man squad announced today.
Selector, Mark Greatbatch, said Sinclair has been brought into the squad as cover for the top order batsmen; “We felt we needed a cover top-order batter, rather than cover for our middle order, so Neil is a little unlucky in that respect.”Greatbatch confirmed that Daniel Vettori will bat at six; “He has been very successful there over the last half-dozen tests.
It also gives a very good balance to our side. It enables us to play the five bowlers we are looking for, whether that is four seamers and one spinner, or three seamers and two spinners in our squad, we have the ability to be flexible.Greatbatch says success in the test matches will depend on doing the simple things well; “Batting time, getting through sessions, being patient with the ball, being disciplined and doing it day after day.”
The Australian squad is expected to be named tomorrow.
In Christchurch this week we will see top internati0onal athletes compete in the International Track and Field meet. These include Beatrice Fauimania. Many of these athletes will be looking to post Qualifying throws or times as a step to the Commomnwealth Games.
Coming up this week to View from the Stand- CRICKET; 1st test Australia v New Zealand. RUGBY; Super 14 Crusaders v Lions (Saturday) Blues v Brumbies.Bulls v Huricanes. EPL; Man Utd v Liverpool, Everton v Bolton Wanders, Blackburn Rovers v Chelsea. ALEAGUE; Sydney FC V Melbourne. NRL roud two AFL; Lions v West Coast, Bulldogs v Collingwood, Geelong v Essendon.
Tips- Australia, Crusaders, Reds,Brumbies, Man Utd, Blackburn, Everton,Melbourne, Lions, Bulldogs.
Till next time enjoy the View from the Stand.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
New Zealand Sevens squad named.
New Zealand Sevens Coach Gordon Tietjens has named his 12-man squad for the Adelaide leg of the IRB Sevens World Series.
Tietjens has named a largely unchanged squad from the NZI Sevens and Las Vegas tournaments with Bay of Plenty’s Toby Arnold coming in to replace Counties Manukau speedster Sherwin Stowers who is ruled out with an ankle injury. Bay of Plenty’s Solomon King was also unavailable for selection due to injury.
Waikato’s Save Tokula will travel with the team after successfully appealing a six- match ban he received at the Las Vegas tournament. On appeal the ban was reduced to four matches, meaning he will miss only the first two pool play matches in Adelaide as he stood down for two games in Las Vegas already.
Tietjens said preparations for Adelaide were going well.
“We had a great start to the season but the team were disappointed with their performances in the last two tournaments and we know we need to play at a higher level and improve our accuracy to be successful in Adelaide and Hong Kong,” added Tietjens.
New Zealand currently leads the IRB Sevens World Series with two wins from four tournaments.
Following the Adelaide tournament the team will travel to Hong Kong for the sixth leg of the IRB Sevens World Series.
New Zealand Sevens team for Adelaide:
Kurt Baker (Taranaki)
Tomasi Cama (Manawatu)
DJ Forbes (Counties Manukau)
Paul Grant (Otago)
Tim Mikkelson (Waikato)
Zar Lawrence (Bay of Plenty)
Fritz Lee (Counties Manukau)
Lote Raikabula (Manawatu)
Ben Souness (Taranaki)
Toby Arnold (Bay of Plenty)
Nafi Tuitavake (North Harbour)
Save Tokula (Waikato)
The last four rounds of the 2009/2010 IRB World Sevens Series schedule:
19-21 March 2010 – Adelaide, Australia
26-28 March 2010 – Hong Kong
22-23 May 2010 – London, England
29-30 May 2010 – Edinburgh, Scotland
********
Tietjens has named a largely unchanged squad from the NZI Sevens and Las Vegas tournaments with Bay of Plenty’s Toby Arnold coming in to replace Counties Manukau speedster Sherwin Stowers who is ruled out with an ankle injury. Bay of Plenty’s Solomon King was also unavailable for selection due to injury.
Waikato’s Save Tokula will travel with the team after successfully appealing a six- match ban he received at the Las Vegas tournament. On appeal the ban was reduced to four matches, meaning he will miss only the first two pool play matches in Adelaide as he stood down for two games in Las Vegas already.
Tietjens said preparations for Adelaide were going well.
“We had a great start to the season but the team were disappointed with their performances in the last two tournaments and we know we need to play at a higher level and improve our accuracy to be successful in Adelaide and Hong Kong,” added Tietjens.
New Zealand currently leads the IRB Sevens World Series with two wins from four tournaments.
Following the Adelaide tournament the team will travel to Hong Kong for the sixth leg of the IRB Sevens World Series.
New Zealand Sevens team for Adelaide:
Kurt Baker (Taranaki)
Tomasi Cama (Manawatu)
DJ Forbes (Counties Manukau)
Paul Grant (Otago)
Tim Mikkelson (Waikato)
Zar Lawrence (Bay of Plenty)
Fritz Lee (Counties Manukau)
Lote Raikabula (Manawatu)
Ben Souness (Taranaki)
Toby Arnold (Bay of Plenty)
Nafi Tuitavake (North Harbour)
Save Tokula (Waikato)
The last four rounds of the 2009/2010 IRB World Sevens Series schedule:
19-21 March 2010 – Adelaide, Australia
26-28 March 2010 – Hong Kong
22-23 May 2010 – London, England
29-30 May 2010 – Edinburgh, Scotland
********
Wallaby Digby Ioane returns at outside centre and fellow international Peter Hynes to fullback for the QR Reds' round five Investec Bank Super 14 match with the Force at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday afternoon (kickoff 4:30pm), which Head Coach Ewen McKenzie predicts will be one of the Reds' toughest games.
McKenzie has shifted Ioane from the wing back to outside centre - where he flourished in 2009 for the Reds and later for the Wallabies in their end of season Spring Tour - following his recovery from a knee problem that forced him out of last week's 23-18 win over the Chiefs.
Fullback Hynes (dislocated finger) also missed that match but returns for the crucial match against the desperate Force, who have yet to earn a competition point in 2010.
McKenzie said despite the Reds' encouraging form in the opening rounds, he was always looking for ways to improve and the decision to move Ioane to outside centre at the expense of former Wallaby Morgan Turinui was a reflection of that.
"We don't want to pretend we're doing everything right. We've been competitive and we've had a couple of wins, but we've got to keep trying to improve," McKenzie said.
"We have a lot of good players, so it's about trying things and giving guys opportunities. Obviously Digby is the incumbent test outside centre and we think, for this match, it's the right way to start the game."
Hynes' return to fullback means Wallaby tourist Luke Morahan moves back to his more accustomed role on the right wing, with Brando Va'aulu on the left wing.
"There's a lot of detail in their (Morahan and Va'aulu) games that a lot of people wouldn't appreciate. We asked them to do a lot of things last week and they did a pretty good job," McKenzie said.
"We've got to recognise that and give them another opportunity."
In the only other change to the starting lineup, McKenzie has promoted young lock Robert Simmons, who will make his Queensland and Super Rugby run-on debut, to partner Van Humphries in the second row.
McKenzie said he wanted to reward Simmons' efforts when coming on as a replacement by swapping places with incumbent lock Adam Byrnes, who has had a lot of game time in the opening month of the season.
"It's a bit of both. Byrnesy's been doing the hard yards for us since the start and Simmo has been doing a good job off the bench, so we want to give him a chance," he said.
"But Byrnes is still there and across the game we'll be using both of them."
The Reds’ young front-row of loosehead Ben Daley, tighthead Laurie Weeks and hooker Saia Faingaa remains intact, as does their backrow of flankers Scott Higginbotham and Daniel Braid and number eight Leroy Houston.
The Reds’ inside backs remain the same, with interim captain and scrumhalf Will Genia, flyhalf Quade Cooper and inside centre Anthony Faingaa responsible for igniting their attack.
Former Wallabies Turinui, Sean Hardman and Greg Holmes partner Byrnes, Jake Schatz, Ben Lucas and Will Chambers on the bench.
Despite the Force being winless at the bottom of the ladder, McKenzie emphasised his team won't be underestimating the challenge they face.
"We're not underestimating them at all. You can't be fooled by their ladder position; they've had three games and they've been in all of them up until the last 15 minutes. They've been playing desperate and hard rugby the whole year.
"They're not inferior and they are a difficult team to play. This will be one of our toughest games. History tells us they've had good and substantial wins over us, and they obviously beat us in a trial a month and a half ago, so there's no reason we'll be taking them lightly."
This is an important game for the Reds, they must make the most of their home ground advantage. Reds by 7
McKenzie has shifted Ioane from the wing back to outside centre - where he flourished in 2009 for the Reds and later for the Wallabies in their end of season Spring Tour - following his recovery from a knee problem that forced him out of last week's 23-18 win over the Chiefs.
Fullback Hynes (dislocated finger) also missed that match but returns for the crucial match against the desperate Force, who have yet to earn a competition point in 2010.
McKenzie said despite the Reds' encouraging form in the opening rounds, he was always looking for ways to improve and the decision to move Ioane to outside centre at the expense of former Wallaby Morgan Turinui was a reflection of that.
"We don't want to pretend we're doing everything right. We've been competitive and we've had a couple of wins, but we've got to keep trying to improve," McKenzie said.
"We have a lot of good players, so it's about trying things and giving guys opportunities. Obviously Digby is the incumbent test outside centre and we think, for this match, it's the right way to start the game."
Hynes' return to fullback means Wallaby tourist Luke Morahan moves back to his more accustomed role on the right wing, with Brando Va'aulu on the left wing.
"There's a lot of detail in their (Morahan and Va'aulu) games that a lot of people wouldn't appreciate. We asked them to do a lot of things last week and they did a pretty good job," McKenzie said.
"We've got to recognise that and give them another opportunity."
In the only other change to the starting lineup, McKenzie has promoted young lock Robert Simmons, who will make his Queensland and Super Rugby run-on debut, to partner Van Humphries in the second row.
McKenzie said he wanted to reward Simmons' efforts when coming on as a replacement by swapping places with incumbent lock Adam Byrnes, who has had a lot of game time in the opening month of the season.
"It's a bit of both. Byrnesy's been doing the hard yards for us since the start and Simmo has been doing a good job off the bench, so we want to give him a chance," he said.
"But Byrnes is still there and across the game we'll be using both of them."
The Reds’ young front-row of loosehead Ben Daley, tighthead Laurie Weeks and hooker Saia Faingaa remains intact, as does their backrow of flankers Scott Higginbotham and Daniel Braid and number eight Leroy Houston.
The Reds’ inside backs remain the same, with interim captain and scrumhalf Will Genia, flyhalf Quade Cooper and inside centre Anthony Faingaa responsible for igniting their attack.
Former Wallabies Turinui, Sean Hardman and Greg Holmes partner Byrnes, Jake Schatz, Ben Lucas and Will Chambers on the bench.
Despite the Force being winless at the bottom of the ladder, McKenzie emphasised his team won't be underestimating the challenge they face.
"We're not underestimating them at all. You can't be fooled by their ladder position; they've had three games and they've been in all of them up until the last 15 minutes. They've been playing desperate and hard rugby the whole year.
"They're not inferior and they are a difficult team to play. This will be one of our toughest games. History tells us they've had good and substantial wins over us, and they obviously beat us in a trial a month and a half ago, so there's no reason we'll be taking them lightly."
This is an important game for the Reds, they must make the most of their home ground advantage. Reds by 7
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Super 14 major happings
Milestones: Congratulations to Ma’a Nonu for playing in his 200th first class match last weekend.
Closing in: At the start of the Rebel Sport Super 14 season, Dan Carter was 71 points behind Stirling Mortlock. After four
weeks of Super Rugby, he’s narrowed the gap to 39 points: Mortlock is on 1019 and the Crusader is on 980 with Andrew
Mehrtens in between them on 990. Come on DC …
The matter of stats: It’s dead even with six games each for the Stormers and the Hurricanes. The Cape Town side has a
slight advantage on total Super Rugby points for and against: 294 to 278. It’s also pretty close between the Bulls and the
Highlanders, with the Highlanders on seven, the Bulls on six and a draw. However, it’s one-way traffic between the
Crusaders and the Chiefs with the seven-time champions ahead 10 victories to four, scoring on average, 10 points a
game more against their Waikato-based opponents than the Chiefs have managed against them.
Did you know: None of the New Zealand sides playing this weekend have played their opponent in a playoff match?
Sweet nothings: When the Highlanders didn’t score a point against the Stormers, it was the first time in Super Rugby that
a South African side has kept a New Zealand side scoreless - in answer to the three times our teams have done it to
them - and it was only the ninth time ever in Super Rugby that a side has scored no points. By comparison, at least 10
sides in the Heineken Cup have failed to score since 2006-2007.
)
Closing in: At the start of the Rebel Sport Super 14 season, Dan Carter was 71 points behind Stirling Mortlock. After four
weeks of Super Rugby, he’s narrowed the gap to 39 points: Mortlock is on 1019 and the Crusader is on 980 with Andrew
Mehrtens in between them on 990. Come on DC …
The matter of stats: It’s dead even with six games each for the Stormers and the Hurricanes. The Cape Town side has a
slight advantage on total Super Rugby points for and against: 294 to 278. It’s also pretty close between the Bulls and the
Highlanders, with the Highlanders on seven, the Bulls on six and a draw. However, it’s one-way traffic between the
Crusaders and the Chiefs with the seven-time champions ahead 10 victories to four, scoring on average, 10 points a
game more against their Waikato-based opponents than the Chiefs have managed against them.
Did you know: None of the New Zealand sides playing this weekend have played their opponent in a playoff match?
Sweet nothings: When the Highlanders didn’t score a point against the Stormers, it was the first time in Super Rugby that
a South African side has kept a New Zealand side scoreless - in answer to the three times our teams have done it to
them - and it was only the ninth time ever in Super Rugby that a side has scored no points. By comparison, at least 10
sides in the Heineken Cup have failed to score since 2006-2007.
)
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Super 14 tips
Game 28: Chiefs v Crusaders: Crusaders by 6
Game 29: Waratahs v Lions: Waratahs by 5
Game 30: Brumbies v Sharks: Brumbies by 5
Game 31: Bulls v Highlanders: Bulls by 3
Game 32: Stormers v Hurricanes: Stormers by 3
Game 33: Reds v Force: Reds by 4
Game 29: Waratahs v Lions: Waratahs by 5
Game 30: Brumbies v Sharks: Brumbies by 5
Game 31: Bulls v Highlanders: Bulls by 3
Game 32: Stormers v Hurricanes: Stormers by 3
Game 33: Reds v Force: Reds by 4
Waldrom and Franks get green light
Thomas Waldrom and Ben Franks will both be available to take their places on the reserves bench for the Crusaders in the Rebel Sport Super 14 match against the Chiefs on Friday.No8 Waldrom didn’t play in the victory over the Blues last weekend – the first match he has missed for the Crusaders – due to an Achilles tendon strain suffered in the previous week’s win over the Sharks.
Prop Franks was sidelined last week by a knee strain. Both players were initially bracketed but came through training today well.Halfback Kahn Fotuali’i gets his first start of the season, replacing Andy Ellis, who received a head knock against the Blues.The other change is at lock, where Isaac Ross teams up with Brad Thorn, with Sam Whitelock on the reserves bench after starting the previous four matches.
Coach Todd Blackadder is expecting a tough encounter at Rugby Park , Hamilton , against a Chiefs side which will be hurting after losing to the Reds last weekend.“The Chiefs are always tough at home and they obviously have some very exciting ball runners, but we’ll be well prepared and are looking forward to it,” he said.
The Chiefs who won all their three games on the road in South Africa, lost their first home game against the Reds. The will be out to reset their season, in front of a strong home crowd. The match will kick off at 735 on Friday night.
Prop Franks was sidelined last week by a knee strain. Both players were initially bracketed but came through training today well.Halfback Kahn Fotuali’i gets his first start of the season, replacing Andy Ellis, who received a head knock against the Blues.The other change is at lock, where Isaac Ross teams up with Brad Thorn, with Sam Whitelock on the reserves bench after starting the previous four matches.
Coach Todd Blackadder is expecting a tough encounter at Rugby Park , Hamilton , against a Chiefs side which will be hurting after losing to the Reds last weekend.“The Chiefs are always tough at home and they obviously have some very exciting ball runners, but we’ll be well prepared and are looking forward to it,” he said.
The Chiefs who won all their three games on the road in South Africa, lost their first home game against the Reds. The will be out to reset their season, in front of a strong home crowd. The match will kick off at 735 on Friday night.
Crusaders Super 14 side to play Chiefs this Friday night
1. Wyatt Crockett 12. Ryan Crotty
2. Ti’i Paulo 13. Robbie Fruean
3. Owen Franks 14. Sean Maitland
4. Brad Thorn 15. Jared Payne
5. Isaac Ross 16. Corey Flynn
6. Richie McCaw (Capt) 17. Ben Franks/ Peter Borlase
7. George Whitelock 18. Sam Whitelock
8. Kieran Read 19. Thomas Waldrom/ Jonathan Poff
9. Kahn Fotuali’i 20. Willi Heinz
10. Daniel Carter 21. Adam Whitelock
11. Zac Guildford 22. Colin Slade
2. Ti’i Paulo 13. Robbie Fruean
3. Owen Franks 14. Sean Maitland
4. Brad Thorn 15. Jared Payne
5. Isaac Ross 16. Corey Flynn
6. Richie McCaw (Capt) 17. Ben Franks/ Peter Borlase
7. George Whitelock 18. Sam Whitelock
8. Kieran Read 19. Thomas Waldrom/ Jonathan Poff
9. Kahn Fotuali’i 20. Willi Heinz
10. Daniel Carter 21. Adam Whitelock
11. Zac Guildford 22. Colin Slade
Monday, March 8, 2010
New Zealand cricket update.
BLACKCAPS physiotherapist, Kate Stalker, said Ross Taylor will undergo a fitness test today before a decision is made on his availability for today’s 3rd ODI in Hamilton.
Daryl Tuffey has been ruled out with a calf strain. James Franklin will also be sidelined due to a hamstring strain. Stalker says both injuries are moderate and are the players are still rehabilitating.
BLACKCAPS bowling coach, Shane Jurgensen, said that Michael Mason will play today.
Batting coach, Mark Greatbatch, said that should Ross Taylor not be fit Canterbury’s Shanan Stewart will make his debut appearance for the BLACKCAPS.
The third ODI gets under way here in New Zealand today.
The series is tied at 1-1.
The Chappell-Haddle trophy is on the line for both sides.
Daryl Tuffey has been ruled out with a calf strain. James Franklin will also be sidelined due to a hamstring strain. Stalker says both injuries are moderate and are the players are still rehabilitating.
BLACKCAPS bowling coach, Shane Jurgensen, said that Michael Mason will play today.
Batting coach, Mark Greatbatch, said that should Ross Taylor not be fit Canterbury’s Shanan Stewart will make his debut appearance for the BLACKCAPS.
The third ODI gets under way here in New Zealand today.
The series is tied at 1-1.
The Chappell-Haddle trophy is on the line for both sides.
Placemakers Burkes Pass to Albury Pub.
The annual Placemakers Burkes Pass to Albury pub mountain bike adventure is over for another year. This year marked the 24th year the ride has been held. This ride is held in the majestic Mac Kenzie country in South Canterbury.
With 700 riders taking part in fine warm conditions the day went off without a hitch. Special Events Aoraki Ltd Communications Manager Ken Dunning said “ The day was challenging for some and a good hard training ride for those who had big events coming up”
Mr Dunning said “The most pleasing aspect of the day was the numbers of families taking part, 100 children took mum, dad or both along for the ride.”
Riders came from as far as Christchurch, Dunedin, Central Otago as well as a large number of locals. Ages ranged from 7 to 80.The most common occupation was farming, 50% were doing the ride for the first time. All those who did it for the first time will be back for the 25 ride in 2011. Several have done ten or more rides.
Race organize Chris Thomas said “A big thank-you to all those marshals and volunteers who made the day easier for theparticapents.” The Marshals came from the Albury home and school with Julieann Sutherland taking the lead in organizing them.
The day was rounded out with live music from Big Picnic, a BBQ by the Albury school, and prize giving. There was even a playground trailer provided by Rotary.
Mr Thomas would also like thank all the landowners for letting the riders pass through their land. “Without their great support it would not be even able to get off the ground.”
He also said a huge than-you to all those who provided sponsorship for the event.
Next year marks the 25 anniversary of this iconic South Canterbury event. Mr Dunning said Now is the time to start planning your ride. “Why not come down and make a weekend of it by staying at the historic Albury Pub.” Mr Dunning said.
Results:
OPEN MEN Brent Miller 1 1:19:26 Christchurch, NEW ZEALAND
Craig Atwill 2 1:21:44 Timaru, NEW ZEALAND
Mark Richards 3 1:21:46 TIMARU, NEW ZEALAND
OPEN LADIES
Lucie Urbancova 1 1:37:43 Geraldine, NEW ZEALAND
Nicola Howes 2 1:38:37 Timaru, NEW ZEALAND
Sarah Moore 3 1:40:43
-ENDS-
ken@specialevents.co.nz
With 700 riders taking part in fine warm conditions the day went off without a hitch. Special Events Aoraki Ltd Communications Manager Ken Dunning said “ The day was challenging for some and a good hard training ride for those who had big events coming up”
Mr Dunning said “The most pleasing aspect of the day was the numbers of families taking part, 100 children took mum, dad or both along for the ride.”
Riders came from as far as Christchurch, Dunedin, Central Otago as well as a large number of locals. Ages ranged from 7 to 80.The most common occupation was farming, 50% were doing the ride for the first time. All those who did it for the first time will be back for the 25 ride in 2011. Several have done ten or more rides.
Race organize Chris Thomas said “A big thank-you to all those marshals and volunteers who made the day easier for theparticapents.” The Marshals came from the Albury home and school with Julieann Sutherland taking the lead in organizing them.
The day was rounded out with live music from Big Picnic, a BBQ by the Albury school, and prize giving. There was even a playground trailer provided by Rotary.
Mr Thomas would also like thank all the landowners for letting the riders pass through their land. “Without their great support it would not be even able to get off the ground.”
He also said a huge than-you to all those who provided sponsorship for the event.
Next year marks the 25 anniversary of this iconic South Canterbury event. Mr Dunning said Now is the time to start planning your ride. “Why not come down and make a weekend of it by staying at the historic Albury Pub.” Mr Dunning said.
Results:
OPEN MEN Brent Miller 1 1:19:26 Christchurch, NEW ZEALAND
Craig Atwill 2 1:21:44 Timaru, NEW ZEALAND
Mark Richards 3 1:21:46 TIMARU, NEW ZEALAND
OPEN LADIES
Lucie Urbancova 1 1:37:43 Geraldine, NEW ZEALAND
Nicola Howes 2 1:38:37 Timaru, NEW ZEALAND
Sarah Moore 3 1:40:43
-ENDS-
ken@specialevents.co.nz
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