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.
Monday, March 15, 2010
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
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