The QR Reds today announced that four Australian Sevens stars from the QAS Reds Academy have been signed for the Reds senior squad in 2011.
Liam Gill, Ed Quirk, Dominic Shipperley and Kimami Sitauti have been developed through the talent development pathway to the point where they are now ready to step up to the Reds.
Head Coach Ewen McKenzie said all four teenagers had been identified as players the Reds wanted to keep long before they came to prominence on the international stage with eye-catching performances on the iRB World Sevens circuit.
"(Academy Head Coach) Paul Carozza and his team – supported by the Premier clubs – are doing a great job in identifying, nurturing and developing guys through the Academy to the point where they can take the next step with confidence," McKenzie said.
" Queensland is producing some terrific rugby talent and we're working hard at retaining the best to ensure that the medium and long term future of the Reds is secure.
“When you’re in a state that develops rugby talent, you have to make early decisions and be decisive. The guys we are announcing today have all done great things in their rugby careers already and we see very bright futures.”
The youngest of the four, flanker Gill was tour captain of the Australian Schoolboys last year and has already been blooded at senior level, scoring a try off the bench for a Queensland 2nd XV in a pre-season trial match against an Australian Barbarians side.
Fellow backrower Quirk also had a decorated Australian Schools career before stepping up to the senior ranks in 2009 in international Sevens and Queensland Premier Rugby, winning Colt of the Year.
Outside back Dominic Shipperley joined the international Sevens circuit in 2009 and also played for a Queensland XV against Japan last year, showing dazzling speed and footwork to score the winning try late in the match.
Kimami Sitauti is another fast and elusive winger, who played for Souths in the 2009 Premier Grand Final against Brothers before heading overseas with the Australian Schoolboys tour to the UK . New to the international Sevens circuit this year he has proved a sensation with his speed and power.
Gill said it was an easy decision to sign, having grown up in Queensland .
“It makes it even more rewarding knowing that they’re happy to have us here as much as we want to stay,” Gill said.
Quirk said he couldn’t wait to receive an opportunity next season with the Reds enjoying plenty of success on the field.
“There’s a lot of hype with the Reds doing so well this year and that fuels the younger guys to come through and be part of that,” Quirk said.
“It makes us work harder. You really want to work hard to earn a spot.”
Player Profiles
Liam Gill
Liam was named tour captain for the Australian School Boys tour of the UK in 2009. A mobile flanker who causes plenty of trouble at the breakdown for the opposition, the talented teen is a member of the Australian Sevens squad for 2010. Born in Melbourne , Liam lived in the United States for several years before relocating to Brisbane .
Position Flanker
Date Of Birth 8/6/1992
Place of Birth Melbourne
Weight 86kg
Height 1.84m
Junior Club Sunnybank Juniors
School Gregory Terrace
Ed Quirk
Ed represented Queensland and Australia as a Schoolboy and won the Bronze Boot Award for being the best player on the field during a New Zealand v Australia Schoolboys match in 2008. His representative honours include QLD Under 16s (2007); Queensland Schoolboys (2008); Australia A (2008); Australian Schoolboys (2008); QAS Reds Academy (2009-10, Australian Sevens (2009-2010). Ed’s performances with Easts in Premier Rugby in 2009 earned him the award of Colt of the Year.
Position No. 6 - Blindside Flanker
Date Of Birth 28/08/1991
Place of Birth Brisbane
Weight 95kgs
Height 190cm
Club Easts
Junior Club Redlands
School Brisbane State High School
Dominic Shipperley
An accomplished athlete, Dominic made his Australian Sevens debut in early 2009, relying on sheer pace to blitz his opposition and quickly becoming a prolific try scorer on the Sevens circuit. He toured the UK with the Australian Sevens, playing in London and Edinburgh in early 2009, before returning home to resume his studies in engineering and commerce at the University of Queensland . His representative honours also include: Australian Schools (2008); QLD A (2009); U19 City-Country (2009). He scored a dazzling late try for a Queensland XV to secure a 24-17 victory over Japan in a midweek match in 2009, evading two defenders with some fancy footwork and blistering speed along the left touch line to seal the match.
Position Outside Backs - Wing/Outside Centre/Fullback
Date Of Birth 4/1/1991
Place of Birth Redcliffe, Qld
Weight 86kg
Height 1.85m
Club Brothers
School St Josephs Nudgee College
Kimami Sitauti
A fast and elusive winger, Australian-born Kimami pulled on the gold jersey for the first time in 2009 after representing New Zealand in the U17s and Auckland U16s. He was selected in the GPS 1st XV and Queensland Schools in 2009 and was awarded the man of the match in his Australian Schools debut against Tonga . The Nudgee college product played on the wing for Souths in the 2009 Premier Grand Final before heading overseas with the Australian Schools tour of the UK . Snapped up on his return for the Australian Sevens squad, Sitauti scored his first IRB Sevens try when he touched down in Australia ’s opening victory over the unpredictable Papua New Guinean side in Wellington in 2010.
Position Wing
Date Of Birth 12/04/1991
Place of Birth Sydney
Weight 90kg
Height 1.83m
Club Souths
Junior Club Ponsonby (NZ)
School Nudgee College
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
Carter out of home game
Crusaders first-five Dan Carter has been ruled out of tomorrow night’s Rebel Sport Super 14 match against
the Cheetahs at AMI Stadium due to a hip joint injury.
Carter picked up the injury, which is expected to be only a short-term problem, early in the week.
He was tested at the Crusaders captain’s run this morning and a decision was made to withdraw him from
the match.
Dan Bowden, who was initially listed on the reserves bench, will move to the first-five position to make his
Crusaders debut.
Wider training group player Tu Umaga-Marshall comes on to the reserves bench. It will be the first time he
has been included in the Crusaders match-day squad.
Halfback Andy Ellis, who missed last week’s match against the Waratahs with concussion and was
bracketed with Willi Heinz on the bench for tomorrow night’s match, has been ruled out.
Crusaders team to play Cheetahs at AMI Stadium, kick-off 7.35pm:
1. Wyatt Crockett
2. Ti’i Paulo
3. Ben Franks
4. Chris Jack
5. Sam Whitelock
6. George Whitelock
7. Richie McCaw (c)
8. Thomas Waldrom
9. Kahn Fotuali’i
10. Dan Bowden
11. Sean Maitland
12. Ryan Crotty
13. Tim Bateman
14. Jared Payne
15. Colin Slade
16. Dan Perrin
17. Owen Franks
18. Brad Thorn
19. Jonathan Poff
20. Willi Heinz
21. Tu Umaga-Marshall
22. Zac Guildford
the Cheetahs at AMI Stadium due to a hip joint injury.
Carter picked up the injury, which is expected to be only a short-term problem, early in the week.
He was tested at the Crusaders captain’s run this morning and a decision was made to withdraw him from
the match.
Dan Bowden, who was initially listed on the reserves bench, will move to the first-five position to make his
Crusaders debut.
Wider training group player Tu Umaga-Marshall comes on to the reserves bench. It will be the first time he
has been included in the Crusaders match-day squad.
Halfback Andy Ellis, who missed last week’s match against the Waratahs with concussion and was
bracketed with Willi Heinz on the bench for tomorrow night’s match, has been ruled out.
Crusaders team to play Cheetahs at AMI Stadium, kick-off 7.35pm:
1. Wyatt Crockett
2. Ti’i Paulo
3. Ben Franks
4. Chris Jack
5. Sam Whitelock
6. George Whitelock
7. Richie McCaw (c)
8. Thomas Waldrom
9. Kahn Fotuali’i
10. Dan Bowden
11. Sean Maitland
12. Ryan Crotty
13. Tim Bateman
14. Jared Payne
15. Colin Slade
16. Dan Perrin
17. Owen Franks
18. Brad Thorn
19. Jonathan Poff
20. Willi Heinz
21. Tu Umaga-Marshall
22. Zac Guildford
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
GOATS AND RUGBY
The Reds began their three match rugby tour of South Africa offering to donate one farm goat for every try scored and a “bonus goat” every time they racked up a bonus point earning four tries or more. The campaign struck a chord with fans who also donated cash to the appeal, while Fox Sports jumped aboard by matching the Reds “goat for goat”. Thirteen tries later (plus two “bonus goats”) and the total passed $2,000, or 54 goats to be donated to Oxfam’s Unwrapped initiative, which provides the animals to traditional goat herding villagers in Mozambique . The fifth placed Reds now take their try scoring skills to Suncorp Stadium this Saturday when they play competition leaders the Bulls in front of a loyal home crowd, delighted to see them back after a month’s absence (kickoff 7.30pm). Who got the goats? The Reds’ outside backs got among the goats with seven tries between wingers Rod Davies (2) and Digby Ioane, outside centre Will Chambers (2) and fullback Peter Hynes (2).
Flyhalf Quade Cooper also scored a brace of goats while captain Will Genia chipped in with a single. Among the forwards, prop Greg Holmes, hooker Saia Faingaa and backrower Ezra Taylor also contributed a goat each and helped achieve a four try “bonus goat” in two of the games. Quade Cooper 2 triesRod Davies 2 triesWill Chambers 2Peter Hynes 2Greg Holmes 1 Saia Faingaa 1Ezra Taylor 1Digby Ioane 1Will Genia 1(plus two “bonus goats” for four tries or more)
Flyhalf Quade Cooper also scored a brace of goats while captain Will Genia chipped in with a single. Among the forwards, prop Greg Holmes, hooker Saia Faingaa and backrower Ezra Taylor also contributed a goat each and helped achieve a four try “bonus goat” in two of the games. Quade Cooper 2 triesRod Davies 2 triesWill Chambers 2Peter Hynes 2Greg Holmes 1 Saia Faingaa 1Ezra Taylor 1Digby Ioane 1Will Genia 1(plus two “bonus goats” for four tries or more)
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
REDS RUGBY
Experienced QR Reds lock Van Humphries has pinpointed the challenge of countering the lineout mastery of Bulls captain Victor Matfield as crucial to the Reds chances of celebrating their return to Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night (kickoff 7:30pm) with a win.
The Reds lineout functioned reasonably well for most of their recent three game tour of South Africa , where they grabbed 11 competition points and two wins to sit in fifth place on the Investec Bank Super 14 ladder, but they face a daunting challenge in Matfield, the 92 test-cap Springboks lineout general.
“He has been (the best lock) going round for some time. He has seen pretty much everything there’s to see,” Humphries said.
“From what I gather he is very analytical. He studies the opposition lineout and looks for keys. That’s something we are going to try to turn around on him this weekend.
“But we’ve been running pretty well in regard to lineouts so far and we won’t be looking to change too much. We will just concentrate on our own game and try to throw a few things at him he hasn’t seen.
“For myself, it will be a bit of a test this weekend but it’s something I’m looking forward to.”
The Bulls have been the benchmark team this season and Humphries puts that down to their ability to adjust better than most to the new law interpretations at the breakdown, their experienced forward pack, and the ability for flyhalf Morne Steyn to punish any opposition ill-discipline with his goal kicking boot.
“I think they are a different team to the one two years ago. They are a complete side and it’s very hard to shut down what they do,” Humphries said.
“We have to deprive them of the ball because with ball in hand they are a very dominant team. With the rules the way they are with penalties going with the attacking team, they can kick goals from 50 metres out.
“I think we will stick to the plan we have used the past couple of weeks and muscle up through the forwards and let our backs do the rest.”
Flanker Scott Higginbotham also singled out the Bulls’ tight-five as their biggest obstacle.
“We just need to match them up-front, which we didn’t do against the Sharks,” said Higginbotham, referring to the Reds’ inability to match the Sharks’ physicality at the breakdown a fortnight ago in their 30-28 loss.
“They (Bulls) have a giant pack: scrums, lineouts and rucks are going to be tough. They are a lot more gelled than the Lions or Cheetahs.”
After a month long tour in South Africa , Humphries said he hoped fans would turn out in force to support the Reds as they head into the final third of the competition.
“When we are showing glimpses of form recently fans have responded and we really hope they do so this weekend. You don’t get a much better spectacle than playing the Bulls at home in Brisbane ,” Humphries said.
Tickets for the Bulls match are on sale through Ticketek.
Meanwhile, the Reds are looking to recruit the loudest and proudest fans they can muster to get behind the team this Saturday at Suncorp Stadium.
The first 200 fans to sign up for the official QR Reds cheer squad at Ballymore from 4pm today (Wednesday) will receive a free ticket, shirt and bandana for the Bulls game.
The Reds lineout functioned reasonably well for most of their recent three game tour of South Africa , where they grabbed 11 competition points and two wins to sit in fifth place on the Investec Bank Super 14 ladder, but they face a daunting challenge in Matfield, the 92 test-cap Springboks lineout general.
“He has been (the best lock) going round for some time. He has seen pretty much everything there’s to see,” Humphries said.
“From what I gather he is very analytical. He studies the opposition lineout and looks for keys. That’s something we are going to try to turn around on him this weekend.
“But we’ve been running pretty well in regard to lineouts so far and we won’t be looking to change too much. We will just concentrate on our own game and try to throw a few things at him he hasn’t seen.
“For myself, it will be a bit of a test this weekend but it’s something I’m looking forward to.”
The Bulls have been the benchmark team this season and Humphries puts that down to their ability to adjust better than most to the new law interpretations at the breakdown, their experienced forward pack, and the ability for flyhalf Morne Steyn to punish any opposition ill-discipline with his goal kicking boot.
“I think they are a different team to the one two years ago. They are a complete side and it’s very hard to shut down what they do,” Humphries said.
“We have to deprive them of the ball because with ball in hand they are a very dominant team. With the rules the way they are with penalties going with the attacking team, they can kick goals from 50 metres out.
“I think we will stick to the plan we have used the past couple of weeks and muscle up through the forwards and let our backs do the rest.”
Flanker Scott Higginbotham also singled out the Bulls’ tight-five as their biggest obstacle.
“We just need to match them up-front, which we didn’t do against the Sharks,” said Higginbotham, referring to the Reds’ inability to match the Sharks’ physicality at the breakdown a fortnight ago in their 30-28 loss.
“They (Bulls) have a giant pack: scrums, lineouts and rucks are going to be tough. They are a lot more gelled than the Lions or Cheetahs.”
After a month long tour in South Africa , Humphries said he hoped fans would turn out in force to support the Reds as they head into the final third of the competition.
“When we are showing glimpses of form recently fans have responded and we really hope they do so this weekend. You don’t get a much better spectacle than playing the Bulls at home in Brisbane ,” Humphries said.
Tickets for the Bulls match are on sale through Ticketek.
Meanwhile, the Reds are looking to recruit the loudest and proudest fans they can muster to get behind the team this Saturday at Suncorp Stadium.
The first 200 fans to sign up for the official QR Reds cheer squad at Ballymore from 4pm today (Wednesday) will receive a free ticket, shirt and bandana for the Bulls game.
Monday, April 12, 2010
CAMP FOR WOMEN'S RUGBY WORLD CUP
Thirty-four players will assemble in Rotorua this week for a week-long training camp in preparation for the IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup in England later this year.
The camp is the first of two Rugby World Cup trials, with the second in the form of a regional competition comprising four teams and 96 players. The competition will be held at Hopuhopu outside Hamilton over Queen’s Birthday weekend.
The 26-player squad for the IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup will be named in late June and the players will then assemble for a training camp in mid-July. The Black Ferns will then come together again in Auckland in August before departing for England.
Black Ferns Coach Brian Evans said that the proposed camps will prepare his players well for the Women’s World Cup.
“The regional tournament will give us a great opportunity to look at a larger group of players prior to selecting our squad for the World Cup and I am confident that we will have a strong team and be well prepared to defend our title come August,” he added.
The following 34 players will assembled in Rotorua
Shakira Baker Wellington
Zoey Berry Otago
Kelly Brazier Otago
Olivia Coady Canterbury
Kendra Cocksedge Canterbury
Barbara Chittock Canterbury
Victoria Grant (nee Blackledge) Auckland
Halie Hurring Canterbury
Victoria Heighway Auckland
Trish Hina Auckland
Carla Hohepa Otago
Linda Itunu Auckland
Emma Jensen Auckland
Crystal Kaua Auckland
Justine Lavea Auckland
Ruth McKay Manawatu
Rebecca Mahoney (nee Hull) Wellington
Diane Maliukaetau Auckland
Beth Mallard Otago
Huriana Manuel Auckland
Amanda Murphy Canterbury
Karina Penetito Auckland
Casey Robertson Canterbury
Vita Robinson Auckland
Claire Rowat Wellington
Melissa Ruscoe Canterbury
Stephanie Te Ohaere-Fox Canterbury
Anika Tiplady Canterbury
Doris Taufateau Auckland
Teresa Te Tamaki Auckland
Kimberly Smith Canterbury
Aimee Sutorius Wellington
Shaan Waru Hawke’s Bay
Renee Wickcliffe Auckland
Unavailable for camp: Aroha Savage (injured) and Fiao’o Faamausili, Amiria Rule (injured), Faanati Aniseko (bereavement leave).
*******
The camp is the first of two Rugby World Cup trials, with the second in the form of a regional competition comprising four teams and 96 players. The competition will be held at Hopuhopu outside Hamilton over Queen’s Birthday weekend.
The 26-player squad for the IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup will be named in late June and the players will then assemble for a training camp in mid-July. The Black Ferns will then come together again in Auckland in August before departing for England.
Black Ferns Coach Brian Evans said that the proposed camps will prepare his players well for the Women’s World Cup.
“The regional tournament will give us a great opportunity to look at a larger group of players prior to selecting our squad for the World Cup and I am confident that we will have a strong team and be well prepared to defend our title come August,” he added.
The following 34 players will assembled in Rotorua
Shakira Baker Wellington
Zoey Berry Otago
Kelly Brazier Otago
Olivia Coady Canterbury
Kendra Cocksedge Canterbury
Barbara Chittock Canterbury
Victoria Grant (nee Blackledge) Auckland
Halie Hurring Canterbury
Victoria Heighway Auckland
Trish Hina Auckland
Carla Hohepa Otago
Linda Itunu Auckland
Emma Jensen Auckland
Crystal Kaua Auckland
Justine Lavea Auckland
Ruth McKay Manawatu
Rebecca Mahoney (nee Hull) Wellington
Diane Maliukaetau Auckland
Beth Mallard Otago
Huriana Manuel Auckland
Amanda Murphy Canterbury
Karina Penetito Auckland
Casey Robertson Canterbury
Vita Robinson Auckland
Claire Rowat Wellington
Melissa Ruscoe Canterbury
Stephanie Te Ohaere-Fox Canterbury
Anika Tiplady Canterbury
Doris Taufateau Auckland
Teresa Te Tamaki Auckland
Kimberly Smith Canterbury
Aimee Sutorius Wellington
Shaan Waru Hawke’s Bay
Renee Wickcliffe Auckland
Unavailable for camp: Aroha Savage (injured) and Fiao’o Faamausili, Amiria Rule (injured), Faanati Aniseko (bereavement leave).
*******
Brumbies record first bp win
The CA Brumbies have celebrated their first bonus point win of the Investec Bank Super 14 season with a runaway 61-15 win over the Cheetahs at Canberra Stadium tonight.
Coming off the bye, the home side showed some early rustiness, unable to capitalise on countless try-scoring opportunities. However, the first half frustration was cast aside in the second term with the ACT running in six touchdowns in the nine-tries-to-two rout.
Prop Ben Alexander recorded his second two-try haul of the season while flanker Rocky Elsom was at his barnstorming best – carrying the ball forward at everyone opportunity, wrestling each Free State breakaway runner to the ground in cover defence and finishing with a try in a man-of-the-match performance.
CA Brumbies Head Coach Andy Friend said while it was a pleasing result, there was room for improvement.
“We wanted to come out tonight and have a solid win and we did that,” he said. “There’s still way too many dropped ball and forced passes but at the end of the day to put 60 points on a side, we’ve obviously done something well.
“There was certainly frustration at half time. The boys just felt we were trying to force things rather than allow them to happen but we tightened things up and in the last 15 minutes we played some pretty good football.”
While the CA Brumbies held a lion’s share of early possession, it was the Cheetahs who recorded first points through the boot of Naas Olivier with a fifth minute penalty goal.
Presented with a golden opportunity to level the scores in the 10th minute, the CA Brumbies turned down a straightforward penalty goal opting instead to push for a try. Stephen Hoiles’ decision paid dividends when after seven phases the CA Brumbies captain burrowed over with TMO George Ayoub confirming the try.
Matt Giteau enjoyed a golden night with the boot with the inside centre converting the first six tries in a flawless goal kicking display.
A yellow card to Barend Pieterse in the 18th minute further handicapped the visitors, with Patrick Phibbs capitalising on the one-man advantage. With the CA Brumbies pressuring the Cheetahs’ line, the scrumhalf’s clearing pass was knocked down by his opposite number, Tewis de Bruyn, only to have Phibbs collect the ball on the bounce to dart through and score.
With three minutes remaining in the half, a simple switch pass from Giteau provided Tyrone Smith a clear path to the tryline to give his side a 21-3 lead at the break.
At 43 minutes the CA Brumbies’ bonus point try started with Giteau’s 40-metre run down the left side of the field and finished with Elsom skirting around the defensive line in the right-hand corner.
The visitors provided some resistance with second half tries to Sarel Pretorius and Adriaan Strauss but the best was yet to come from the home side.
Winger Adam Ashley-Cooper crossed for his first try after 56 minutes when he caught the defence napping with a quick tap on the Cheetahs’ 22-metre line, fending off Pretorius to dive over the line.
Holding a 42-15 lead with eight minutes remaining, the CA Brumbies added three late tries to blow out the winning margin.
Flyhalf Matt Toomua added a slick try at 72 minutes when he sliced through from 30 metres out and was fortunate not to incur any serious injury when he collided with the goal posts in the act of scoring.
Alexander, who crossed for his first at the 50-minute mark, added a second try with a trademark pick-and-drive from the back of a ruck with three minutes left in the game.
The home side provided the 14,111 spectators with a spectacular finish, scoring a final five-pointer from the restart of their previous try. Replacement hooker Huia Edmonds found space through the middle of the field and chipped through from 10 metres inside the Cheetahs’ half with the ball bouncing up perfectly to give winger Alfie Mafi his maiden Investec Bank Super 14 try. Fullback Julian Huxley added his second conversion from three attempts to complete the 46-point landslide.
The CA Brumbies will have a short turnaround in preparation for their match against the Hurricanes at Canberra Stadium on Friday, 16 April.
MATCH DETAILS
Brumbies 61 (Ben Alexander 2; Stephen Hoiles, Patrick Phibbs, Tyrone Smith, Rocky Elsom, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Matt Toomua, Alfie Mafi tries; Matt Giteau 6/6 conversions, Julian Huxley 2/3 conversions) defeated Cheetahs 15 (Sarel Pretorius, Adriaan Strauss tries; Naas Olivier 0/1 conversions, 1/1 penalty goals, Riaan Vijoen 1/1 conversion) at Canberra Stadium, Canberra .
Half time: Brumbies 21-3
Referee: Bryce Lawrence (NZ)
Crowd: 14,111
Brumbies
1. Ben Alexander
2. Stephen Moore
3. Salesi Ma’afu
4. Mitchell Chapman
5. Ben Hand
6. Rocky Elsom
7. Michael Hooper
8. Stephen Hoiles (c)
9. Patrick Phibbs
10. Matt Toomua
11. Adam Ashley-Cooper
12. Matt Giteau
13. Tyrone Smith
14. Pat McCabe
15. Julian Huxley
Reserves
16. Huia Edmonds
17. Guy Shepherdson
18. Mark Chisholm
19. Colby Faingaa
20. James Stannard
21. Ed Stubbs
22. Alfie Mafi
Replacements
18. Mark Chisholm for 4. Mitchell Chapman (14th minute)
16. Huia Edmonds for 2. Stephen Moore (50th minute)
20. James Stannard for 9. Patrick Phibbs (blood – 50th minute)
19. Colby Faingaa for 7. Michael Hooper (55th minute)
17. Guy Shepherdson for 3. Salesi Ma’afu (56th minute)
21. Ed Stubbs for 12. Matt Giteau (61st minute)
22. Alfie Mafi for 11. Adam Ashley-Cooper (62nd minute)
9. Patrick Phibbs for 20. James Stannard (blood return – 64th minute)
20. James Stannard for 10. Matt Toomua (72nd minute)
Cheetahs
1. Coenie Oosthuizen
2. Adriaan Strauss (c)
3. WP Nel
4. Izak van der Westhuizen
5. Waltie Vermeulen
6. Hendro Scholtz
7. Barend Pieterse
8. Kabamba Floors
9. Tewis de Bruyn
10. Naas Olivier
11. Jongi Nokwe
12. Meyer Bosman
13. Corne Uys
14. Wilmaure Louw
15. Hennie Daniller
Reserves
16. Ryno Barnes
17. Wian du Preez
18. Nico Breedt
19. Davon Raubenheimer
20. Sarel Pretorius
21. Robert Ebersohn
22. Riaan Viljoen
Replacements
Yellow Cards
7. Barend Pieterse (18th minute)
8. Kabamba Floors (77th minute)
NEXT GAME:
Investec Bank Super 14: Week 10
Brumbies v Hurricanes
Canberra Stadium, Canberra
Friday, 16 April 2010
‘
Coming off the bye, the home side showed some early rustiness, unable to capitalise on countless try-scoring opportunities. However, the first half frustration was cast aside in the second term with the ACT running in six touchdowns in the nine-tries-to-two rout.
Prop Ben Alexander recorded his second two-try haul of the season while flanker Rocky Elsom was at his barnstorming best – carrying the ball forward at everyone opportunity, wrestling each Free State breakaway runner to the ground in cover defence and finishing with a try in a man-of-the-match performance.
CA Brumbies Head Coach Andy Friend said while it was a pleasing result, there was room for improvement.
“We wanted to come out tonight and have a solid win and we did that,” he said. “There’s still way too many dropped ball and forced passes but at the end of the day to put 60 points on a side, we’ve obviously done something well.
“There was certainly frustration at half time. The boys just felt we were trying to force things rather than allow them to happen but we tightened things up and in the last 15 minutes we played some pretty good football.”
While the CA Brumbies held a lion’s share of early possession, it was the Cheetahs who recorded first points through the boot of Naas Olivier with a fifth minute penalty goal.
Presented with a golden opportunity to level the scores in the 10th minute, the CA Brumbies turned down a straightforward penalty goal opting instead to push for a try. Stephen Hoiles’ decision paid dividends when after seven phases the CA Brumbies captain burrowed over with TMO George Ayoub confirming the try.
Matt Giteau enjoyed a golden night with the boot with the inside centre converting the first six tries in a flawless goal kicking display.
A yellow card to Barend Pieterse in the 18th minute further handicapped the visitors, with Patrick Phibbs capitalising on the one-man advantage. With the CA Brumbies pressuring the Cheetahs’ line, the scrumhalf’s clearing pass was knocked down by his opposite number, Tewis de Bruyn, only to have Phibbs collect the ball on the bounce to dart through and score.
With three minutes remaining in the half, a simple switch pass from Giteau provided Tyrone Smith a clear path to the tryline to give his side a 21-3 lead at the break.
At 43 minutes the CA Brumbies’ bonus point try started with Giteau’s 40-metre run down the left side of the field and finished with Elsom skirting around the defensive line in the right-hand corner.
The visitors provided some resistance with second half tries to Sarel Pretorius and Adriaan Strauss but the best was yet to come from the home side.
Winger Adam Ashley-Cooper crossed for his first try after 56 minutes when he caught the defence napping with a quick tap on the Cheetahs’ 22-metre line, fending off Pretorius to dive over the line.
Holding a 42-15 lead with eight minutes remaining, the CA Brumbies added three late tries to blow out the winning margin.
Flyhalf Matt Toomua added a slick try at 72 minutes when he sliced through from 30 metres out and was fortunate not to incur any serious injury when he collided with the goal posts in the act of scoring.
Alexander, who crossed for his first at the 50-minute mark, added a second try with a trademark pick-and-drive from the back of a ruck with three minutes left in the game.
The home side provided the 14,111 spectators with a spectacular finish, scoring a final five-pointer from the restart of their previous try. Replacement hooker Huia Edmonds found space through the middle of the field and chipped through from 10 metres inside the Cheetahs’ half with the ball bouncing up perfectly to give winger Alfie Mafi his maiden Investec Bank Super 14 try. Fullback Julian Huxley added his second conversion from three attempts to complete the 46-point landslide.
The CA Brumbies will have a short turnaround in preparation for their match against the Hurricanes at Canberra Stadium on Friday, 16 April.
MATCH DETAILS
Brumbies 61 (Ben Alexander 2; Stephen Hoiles, Patrick Phibbs, Tyrone Smith, Rocky Elsom, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Matt Toomua, Alfie Mafi tries; Matt Giteau 6/6 conversions, Julian Huxley 2/3 conversions) defeated Cheetahs 15 (Sarel Pretorius, Adriaan Strauss tries; Naas Olivier 0/1 conversions, 1/1 penalty goals, Riaan Vijoen 1/1 conversion) at Canberra Stadium, Canberra .
Half time: Brumbies 21-3
Referee: Bryce Lawrence (NZ)
Crowd: 14,111
Brumbies
1. Ben Alexander
2. Stephen Moore
3. Salesi Ma’afu
4. Mitchell Chapman
5. Ben Hand
6. Rocky Elsom
7. Michael Hooper
8. Stephen Hoiles (c)
9. Patrick Phibbs
10. Matt Toomua
11. Adam Ashley-Cooper
12. Matt Giteau
13. Tyrone Smith
14. Pat McCabe
15. Julian Huxley
Reserves
16. Huia Edmonds
17. Guy Shepherdson
18. Mark Chisholm
19. Colby Faingaa
20. James Stannard
21. Ed Stubbs
22. Alfie Mafi
Replacements
18. Mark Chisholm for 4. Mitchell Chapman (14th minute)
16. Huia Edmonds for 2. Stephen Moore (50th minute)
20. James Stannard for 9. Patrick Phibbs (blood – 50th minute)
19. Colby Faingaa for 7. Michael Hooper (55th minute)
17. Guy Shepherdson for 3. Salesi Ma’afu (56th minute)
21. Ed Stubbs for 12. Matt Giteau (61st minute)
22. Alfie Mafi for 11. Adam Ashley-Cooper (62nd minute)
9. Patrick Phibbs for 20. James Stannard (blood return – 64th minute)
20. James Stannard for 10. Matt Toomua (72nd minute)
Cheetahs
1. Coenie Oosthuizen
2. Adriaan Strauss (c)
3. WP Nel
4. Izak van der Westhuizen
5. Waltie Vermeulen
6. Hendro Scholtz
7. Barend Pieterse
8. Kabamba Floors
9. Tewis de Bruyn
10. Naas Olivier
11. Jongi Nokwe
12. Meyer Bosman
13. Corne Uys
14. Wilmaure Louw
15. Hennie Daniller
Reserves
16. Ryno Barnes
17. Wian du Preez
18. Nico Breedt
19. Davon Raubenheimer
20. Sarel Pretorius
21. Robert Ebersohn
22. Riaan Viljoen
Replacements
Yellow Cards
7. Barend Pieterse (18th minute)
8. Kabamba Floors (77th minute)
NEXT GAME:
Investec Bank Super 14: Week 10
Brumbies v Hurricanes
Canberra Stadium, Canberra
Friday, 16 April 2010
‘
NEW SIGNING FOR BRUMBIES
The CA Brumbies have continued to bolster their back row ranks with Colby Faingaa signing with the CA Brumbies on a one-year rookie contract.
Faingaa, 18, made his Investec Bank Super 14 debut this season against the Chiefs, starting that match and the following one against the Cheetahs off the bench.
The younger brother of former CA Brumbies and current Reds twins, Saia and Anthony, represented the Australian Schools side in 2008, and was a consistent performer for the CA Brumbies on last year’s French Tour as well as playing a key role for the Tuggeranong Vikings in their 2009 Tooheys New John I Dent Cup premiership. He joined the Brumbies Academy in 2008 having been a long-term member of the Australian Rugby Union’s National Talent Squad.
The former St Edmund’s College student says signing with the CA Brumbies is the realisation of a lifelong rugby goal.
“It’s really nice to be able to stay at home at the Brumbies,” he said. “There was some interest from elsewhere but I really only wanted to stay at the Brumbies. The Brumbies program is known as the best in the world and I feel like everything’s starting to come together so I wanted to stay to keep developing my game.
“I’m really looking forward to completing this season well, getting a good pre-season under my belt and put myself in a position to push for selection week in, week out next year.
“It’s been great playing Super 14 rugby this year; it’s been something I’ve wanted to do since I was young and now that I’m there, I want to do everything I can to stay at this level.”
Head Coach Andy Friend says Faingaa represents the new generation of CA Brumbies.
“We’re very fortunate to have three quality young openside flankers in Julian Salvi, Michael Hooper and now Colby Faingaa in the squad next season,” he said.
“Colby’s been impressive in his two matches for us this year, which follows on from a very strong showing with the Brumby Runners. His Super 14 debut was fast-tracked by the injury to George Smith but it hasn’t fazed him in the slightest and he’s given us a noticeable impact off the bench.
“He’s a strong player with a very high work rate and he packs a lot of power into his defence. He comes from an impressive footballing family and he’s shown that he’s certainly capable of growing into an outstanding player at this level.”
Colby Faingaa
Position: Flanker
Physical: 1.83m, 95kg
Age: 31.03.1991, Queanbeyan
Investec Bank Super 14 Caps: 2
Investec Bank Super 14 Points: 0
Investec Bank Super 14 Debut: 2010 v Chiefs, Canberra
Faingaa, 18, made his Investec Bank Super 14 debut this season against the Chiefs, starting that match and the following one against the Cheetahs off the bench.
The younger brother of former CA Brumbies and current Reds twins, Saia and Anthony, represented the Australian Schools side in 2008, and was a consistent performer for the CA Brumbies on last year’s French Tour as well as playing a key role for the Tuggeranong Vikings in their 2009 Tooheys New John I Dent Cup premiership. He joined the Brumbies Academy in 2008 having been a long-term member of the Australian Rugby Union’s National Talent Squad.
The former St Edmund’s College student says signing with the CA Brumbies is the realisation of a lifelong rugby goal.
“It’s really nice to be able to stay at home at the Brumbies,” he said. “There was some interest from elsewhere but I really only wanted to stay at the Brumbies. The Brumbies program is known as the best in the world and I feel like everything’s starting to come together so I wanted to stay to keep developing my game.
“I’m really looking forward to completing this season well, getting a good pre-season under my belt and put myself in a position to push for selection week in, week out next year.
“It’s been great playing Super 14 rugby this year; it’s been something I’ve wanted to do since I was young and now that I’m there, I want to do everything I can to stay at this level.”
Head Coach Andy Friend says Faingaa represents the new generation of CA Brumbies.
“We’re very fortunate to have three quality young openside flankers in Julian Salvi, Michael Hooper and now Colby Faingaa in the squad next season,” he said.
“Colby’s been impressive in his two matches for us this year, which follows on from a very strong showing with the Brumby Runners. His Super 14 debut was fast-tracked by the injury to George Smith but it hasn’t fazed him in the slightest and he’s given us a noticeable impact off the bench.
“He’s a strong player with a very high work rate and he packs a lot of power into his defence. He comes from an impressive footballing family and he’s shown that he’s certainly capable of growing into an outstanding player at this level.”
Colby Faingaa
Position: Flanker
Physical: 1.83m, 95kg
Age: 31.03.1991, Queanbeyan
Investec Bank Super 14 Caps: 2
Investec Bank Super 14 Points: 0
Investec Bank Super 14 Debut: 2010 v Chiefs, Canberra
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