Monday, June 20, 2011
Marshall fends off Leiua
Tom Marshall of the Crusaders is tackled by Alapati Leiua of the Hurricanes during the round 18 Super Rugby match between the Crusaders and the Hurricanes on June 18, 2011 in Wellington, New Zealand.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, new-zealandWeekend Half Time
(duration: 54:49; filesize: 24.9)
Presented by Cameron Green and Sacha Mirzabegian
Interview: Phil Waugh
Waratahs skipper Phil Waugh told Grandstand's John Morrison that his side played a clinical performance in New South Wales' 41-7 rout of the Brumbies on Saturday night.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australiaLeague legend Rex Mossop dies
Former Australian rugby league player and sports commentator Rex Mossop has died at age 83.
Tags: people, television, rugby-league, rugby-union, sydney-2000Habana ducks and weaves in Stormers win
Bryan Habana puts on a step during the Super Rugby match between Cheetahs and Stormers from Free State Stadium on June 18, 2011 in Bloemfontein.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, south-africaInterview: Tony Rea
Brumbies coach Tony Rea told Grandstand's Tim Gavel that winger Henry Speights will be withheld from the side for the final round Super Rugby clash against the Waratahs because it is not worth the risk of worsening what is a one-week injury.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australiaInterview: Chris Hickey
Waratahs coach Chris Hickey told Grandstand's Tim Gavel that it is remarkable to see the Super Rugby competitions of the last few years consistently coming down to the final rounds to decide the play-off standings.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australiaBrumbies lose Speight for Tahs clash
The 22-year-old Fijian has struggled with his knee since the Canberra side's home win against Melbourne Rebels last weekend.
"He's had trouble stepping and accelerating on his knee for a week and that was not good enough," Brumbies coach Tony Rea told Grandstand on Saturday.
Rea has promoted Andrew Smith from the bench to replace Speight, while Francis Fainifo moves into the matchday squad for the game at Sydney's Olympic stadium.
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, act, canberra-2600, sydney-2000 First posted June 18, 2011 14:06:00Barnes' health raises concussion debate
Reds triumph over Chiefs
Queensland Reds have beaten the Waikato Chiefs 19-11 in round 18 of Super Rugby in New Zealand.
Tags: rugby-union, qldInterview: Stephen Moore
Brumbies hooker Stephen Moore told Grandstand's John Morrison that it was embarrassing to be beaten 41-7 by the Waratahs in their final game of the Super Rugby season on Saturday night.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australiaMichalak sparks Sharks as Bulls go out
Michalak was selected at fly half ahead of in-form Patrick Lambie, who moved to full-back as the Sharks rung the changes after showing mediocre form in recent weeks.
Michalak's quick passing and unpredictability and Lambie's incursions from the back kept Bulls under pressure and the home team were never in front in what was effectively a knock-out game for the sixth and final play-off place.
For Bulls it could be the end of an era.
Captain Victor Matfield thanked supporters in the 50,000 crowd for what he said had been a "fantastic 10 years" as he and fellow stars Bakkies Botha and Fourie du Preez may have played their last games for the Pretoria franchise.
The loss ended a six-match winning streak by Bulls, who have won three of the last four Super Rugby titles
Not even a laser-wielding Bulls fan could stop the Sharks.
Lambie said he had noticed a laser being shone into his eyes as he lined up place kicks but said the distraction was not to blame for him missing three out of six kicks, which resulted in Michalak taking over the kicking in the final quarter.
Both teams scored two tries, and the Bulls struck back twice within three minutes of the Sharks crossing their line.
Sharks went into a 16-6 lead three minutes before half-time when JP Pietersen came in from the blindside wing and made a searing break which led to a try by Sharks captain Stefan Terblanche.
But the Bulls pulled it back to 16-13 when right wing Gerhard van den Heever went over in the corner after the half-time hooter and fly half Morne Steyn converted.
Bulls threatened to take a familiar ascendancy early in the second half but the Sharks tackled ferociously and made probing attacks when in possession.
They seemed to have wrapped up the points when Lambie came into the line from full-back and the ball was fed to left wing Lwazi Mvovo, who dived over in the corner.
Michalak landed the conversion to put the Sharks 26-16 ahead with six minutes left.
Once again the Bulls came straight back. Francois Hougaard, who had started at scrum half but moved to wing when Du Preez came on, scored and Steyn's conversion reduced the margin to three points.
It set up a tense finish to a bruising match because the Bulls would have reached the play-offs had the match been drawn, so they only needed a penalty or a drop goal to squeeze past their rivals.
But the Sharks held on to earn an away match against the Canterbury Crusaders.
- AFP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, south-africaTahs into play-offs with Brumbies rout
The Waratahs had to do without fly half Daniel Halangahu, hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau and prop Al Baxter for most of the second half, but still proved much too classy for the Brumbies.
The five-try rout equalled New South Wales' biggest Super Rugby win over the Brumbies and guaranteed the Waratahs at least a sixth-place finish and - barring unlikely results in South Africa in the last two games of the final round - a probable sudden-death semi-final against the Crusaders next weekend in Nelson.
Only a surprise win for the Cheetahs over the Stormers in Bloemfontein or a draw between the Bulls and Sharks in Pretoria could prevent a Waratahs showdown with the Crusaders, who beat New South Wales in the title match in both 2005 and 2008.
New South Wales skipper Phil Waugh said the Waratahs would head into the finals brimming with confidence after posting back-to-back bonus-point wins in their must-win last two matches.
"I think we can beat anyone we play next. It's just a matter of watching the results unfold," he said.
"To be under the pressure that we've been under the last two weeks, coming back from Africa and having two big wins like that says a lot for the character of the guys going into next week.
"It's important to take momentum into the finals."
In addition to being bent on sending a host of stars including the retiring Baxter, Melbourne-bound full-back Kurtley Beale and France-bound half-back Luke Burgess out as winners in their final home games, the Waratahs wore black armbands to mark the passing on Friday of New South Wales and Wallabies legend John Brockhoff.
"There was obviously a lot of emotion involved in the game. Obviously guys finishing up, the passing of Brock," Waugh said, fighting back tears.
The Waratahs will be sweating on the fitness and availability of Halangahu (leg), Polota-Nau (knee) and Baxter (concussion) for the do-or-die encounter, as their luckless run with injury continued.
Baxter, a 69-Test veteran, playing his farewell match in Sydney before retiring, received a standing ovation when he trudged off after being knocked out cold in the 58th minute.
He clashed heads with team-mate and man-of-the-match Sitaleki Timani, the second-row wrecking machine, who also took out the Brumbies' Wallaby prop Ben Alexander in the same manner in the eighth minute.
In one positive for the Waratahs - and also Wallabies coach Robbie Deans, who was in the stands on Saturday night - former Test lock Dan Vickerman made a successful return for New South Wales after three years studying at Cambridge University.
Vickerman, playing the final 21 minutes, is certain to come into World Cup consideration, especially now that he will have up to three more games to impress Deans.
The Waratahs entered the game needing to win to confirm their finals participation and came out firing from the opening whistle.
Throwing the ball around and using the full width of the field to probe the Brumbies' defence, the Waratahs were rewarded for their attacking intent with a long-range try to winger Lachie Turner in the third minute.
The Waratahs spread the ball left and full-back Kurtley Beale broke the tackle of Brumbies' winger Henry Speight and then drew the last defender to send Turner on a 40-metre dash to the line.
Beale converted for a 7-0 lead and then added a penalty goal in the 24th minute to give the Waratahs their 10-point buffer at the break.
Another Beale penalty just after the interval extended the lead, before Timani dove over after good recycling to push New South Wales' advantage out to 20-0 after 48 minutes.
Replacement flanker Chris Alock put the result beyond doubt with the hosts' third try on the hour, before reserve winger Sosene Anesi secured the bonus point when he crossed in the 68th minute.
Back rower Dave Dennis made it 41-0 in the 76th minute, before the Brumbies denied their arch-rivals a whitewash when skipper Matt Giteau - who also would have impressed Deans in a well beaten team - put Francis Fainifo over after the siren.
Waratahs: 41 (C Alcock, S Anesi, D Dennis, S Timani, L Turner tries; K Beale 5 conversions, 2 penalties)
Brumbies: 7 (F Fainifo try; M Giteau conversion)
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, act, canberra-2600, nsw, sydney-2000 First posted June 18, 2011 21:47:00Wallaby becomes a Rebel
Western Force and Wallabies player James O'Connor has decided to join the Melbourne Rebels.
Tags: rugby-union, melbourne-3000Stormers secure semis spot
Fly half Peter Grant returned after a lengthy absence to kick 24 points for the winners whose tally was completed by a try each from full-back Gio Aplon, centre Juan de Jongh, replacement Nick Koster and left wing Bryan Habana.
Table toppers Queensland Reds are also straight through to the last-four stage of the southern hemisphere championship and will enjoy home advantage over the weekend of July 1-2 along with the Cape Town franchise.
Reds completed the 16-match schedule with 66 points followed by Stormers (63), Canterbury Crusaders (61), Auckland Blues (60) and New South Wales Waratahs and Coastal Sharks with 57 each.
New Zealand staged both qualifiers next weekend with seven-time title holders Crusaders confronting the Sharks while Blues tackle New South Wales Waratahs.
Defending champions Northern Bulls just missed the play-offs as they sought a fourth title within five years, losing 26-23 at home against Sharks in a winner-takes-all Loftus Versfeld thriller.
"We were in the privileged position of knowing what was needed to secure direct entry to the semis and now we can put our feet up, have a few beers and then start preparing," chuckled Stormers skipper and flank Schalk Burger.
"Cheetahs are a great attacking side and we did well to secure a bonus-point victory over them.
"Having a bye next weekend will allow sore bodies to recover although it does not look too good at the moment for Duane Vermeulen."
Number eight Vermeulen, a strong contender for a Springbok World Cup squad place, was driven off the field injured during the second half before a large crowd at a chilly Free State Stadium in the central city.
Official man-of-the-match Grant joked that he had considered not wearing the number 10 jersey given the number of injuries suffered by Stormers fly halves this season.
"It is great to be back even if my chest was burning a bit toward the end," he said.
"An ankle injury obviously made it difficult for me to practice my place kicking, but I got some work done."
Left wing Rayno Benjamin scored three tries for Cheetahs and number eight Davon Raubenheimer one with fly half Sias Ebersohn providing the rest of the points from four conversions and two penalties.
- AFP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, south-africa First posted June 19, 2011 05:57:00Interview: Chris Hickey
Waratahs coach Chris Hickey told Grandstand's Tim Gavel that it is remarkable to see the Super Rugby competitions of the last few years consistently coming down to the final rounds to decide the play-off standings.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australiaInterview: Danny Cipriani
Rebels fly half Danny Cipriani told Grandstand's Phillip Pope that Melbourne's loss to the Western Force highlighted a few things that the Super Rugby franchise can work on going into its sophomore season in the competition.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australiaGiteau a must for Wallabies: Rea
Giteau was superb in the Brumbies' season-ending 41-7 loss to the NSW Waratahs, but Deans surely would have been hugely impressed with the 91-Test stalwart while casting a discerning eye over his World Cup candidates from the Olympic stadium stands.
It was the 28-year-old's last game for the Brumbies, before taking up an 18-month deal to play with Toulon in France.
Rea said Giteau had been the shining light for the Brumbies in an otherwise hugely disappointing 2011 campaign.
"It's not the result he wanted at the end, but clearly his performance was absolutely outstanding again," Rea said.
"His leadership was great. He bustled his way through a big contest.
"He does it in training - non-stop in training. I wish he'd walk out of the room so I could tell you what I really think about him. I've never seen anyone like him.
"He's buggered every week from trying to lift the group and carry them forward.
"I know Australian rugby has got the impression that he's a grumpy fella and hard to get on with, but I've coached him now for 14 weeks - and he is that, but in all the right ways.
"He tests you, he challenges you, he pushes you and all that, and he's difficult at times because he wants to win and he keeps trying to compete.
"If the public don't like the look of that stuff, then they're reading him wrong because he's representing everything well there."
Asked if he would be in his Wallabies' starting side, Rea said: "First picked, no question.
"Because you need competitors. You're going to need experience, you're going to need toughness, you're going to need that stuff."
Giteau said while it was sad to farewell the Brumbies in such disappointing fashion, he left everything on the park in 2011.
"For me this year, I feel I've got no regrets," he said.
"I gave everything I could for the Brumbies this year and I've personally been reasonably proud with how I've played.
"In terms of my career, I'm not sure where this year stands. But this year was a real test of my character, I think, throughout the year because it's been such a disappointing year as far as the team's concerned.
"So, yeah, it's been a tough one for me, but one I've enjoyed."
Giteau, who spent three years with the Western Force from 2007-09, would not rule out a third stint with the Brumbies.
"If I feel I've got something to offer at the end of my contract, and if I still feel that I can add value to the organisation or even to the Super competition, then I'd love to come back," he said.
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, act, canberra-2600O'Conner to move to Rebels
This week on Offsiders
Higganbotham barges through the Chiefs
The Reds' Scott Higginbotham fends off Aled de Malmanche of the Chiefs during the round 18 Super Rugby match between the Chiefs and the Reds at Waikato Stadium on June 18, 2011
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, new-zealandInterview: David Smith
Force winger David Smith told Grandstand's Phillip Pope that his side wanted to finish its season strongly and managed to do so with a win over the Rebels in Melbourne on Friday night.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australiaCrusaders sew up NZ conference
Centre Robbie Fruean scored the only try and Dan Carter added eight points with his boot to tame a fired-up Hurricanes side, who were playing for pride in a match that looked like an All Blacks selection trial.
The seven-times champions will have to wait until South Africa's Stormers play their final match of the season to find out if they finish second or third in the standings, the difference between a place in the semi-finals or the first round of the play-offs.
Even if the Stormers beat the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein, however, the Crusaders are guaranteed home advantage in their opening play-off match despite not having a suitable home at the moment.
Their first encounter with the Hurricanes should have taken place in week two but the deadly Christchurch earthquake put paid to that and did enough damage to the Crusaders' stadium to put them on the road for the season.
Given such adversity, edging the Blues to the New Zealand title is a major achievement, although Todd Blackadder's men will not want it to end there.
The two sides were deadlocked at 6-6 after a gruelling first half played out in the Wellington rain but the Crusaders came out firing from the break and within three minutes were a converted try ahead.
Winger Zac Guildford continued his fine form by showing a fresh pair of orange heels to the Hurricanes defence, weaving in and out of cover tackles before flipping a high pass to Fruean, who went over in the corner for his sixth try of the season.
Hurricanes fly half Aaron Cruden narrowed the deficit to 13-9 with his third penalty and would have given his side the lead with a try in the 65th minute had it not been for a crunching tackle from Crusaders full-back Tom Marshall.
Scrum half Andy Ellis, whose recent form has done his All Blacks chances no harm, fired a booming drop goal over from 45 metres to complete the scoring three minutes later with the Crusaders weathering some intense pressure to claim the win.
For Hurricanes captain Andrew Hore, the result, if not the performance, was a disappointing end to his long career in Wellington.
"[I'm] pretty proud of the way the boys fronted up against a pretty solid Crusaders side," said the hooker, who was released with fellow All Black Ma'a Nonu two weeks ago.
"It's sad, it's no secret that a few of us didn't want to leave on other people's terms but we have to, [but] we can hold our heads up high when we go on to greener pastures."
Crusaders: (R Fruean try; D Carter conversion, 2 penalties, A Ellis drop goal)
Hurricanes: 9 (A Cruden 3 penalties)
-Reuters
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, new-zealandInterview: Al Baxter
Waratahs prop Al Baxter told Grandstand's John Morrison that he would love to be named in the Wallabies' World Cup campaign but that decision is out of his hand and all he can do is play well at the provincial level.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australiaRebels confirm O'Connor coup
The 20-year-old utility back will link with good friend and Wallabies' team-mate Kurtley Beale, who will leave the New South Wales Waratahs for the Rebels in 2012.
The star backline duo will dramatically strengthen a Rebels line-up which has struggled this season, finishing in last position in its debut campaign.
The Rebels, who rounded off their year with their ninth successive loss - 27-24 to O'Connor's Force at AAMI Park on Friday night - also announced they had lured another Perth player, Mitch Inman, to Melbourne for two years.
They have also signed hard-working hooker Ged Robinson, one of the finds for the club, for a further two years.
O'Connor was expected to remain with the Force, where he had played the past four Super Rugby seasons, but negotiations broke down on Wednesday and he agreed to terms with the Rebels.
He also extended his contract with the Australian Rugby Union.
Ahead of this year's World Cup in New Zealand, Wallabies coach Robbie Deans was thrilled to keep O'Connor in the Australian set-up for at least another two seasons.
Now a regular in the Test side, O'Connor started 2011 having played more Tests for his country (27) than he had played Super Rugby matches for the Western Force (25).
"This is great news. It provides certainty, both for James and for Australian Rugby," Deans said.
"While James has already made a significant impact in his career to date, there is a lot more that can be achieved and he is striving for that.
"We are all going to be working hard to make sure that there is a lot more to come."
O'Connor is the 18th existing Test player to extend his contract with Australian Rugby this year, with the threat of a mass exodus following the World Cup not eventuating.
"I never doubted his commitment to Australian Rugby and the Wallabies - that shows in his everyday work," Deans said.
"But James has been prudent in assessing all of his options, especially at state level, prior to determining what was best for him, and settling on his future path.
"That is one of his qualities. James is very attentive to the detail, both in his match preparation but obviously also in his life.
"He is thorough in his preparation and covers everything. That is a habit that has served him well to date in his career and will quite clearly be of benefit moving forward."
Rebels chief operating officer Steve Boland said the acquisition of O'Connor was another important step for the club.
"James is one of the most promising talents in world rugby and we are delighted that he is joining the Rebels," Boland said.
"James' ambitions are very much in line with ours at the Rebels.
"We don't just want good rugby players, but also individuals who are willing to challenge themselves. Balance in life is an important part of our club."
Boland said today that Robinson's re-signing was as significant as any of the club's recent announcements.
"With a lot of hard work and a steely determination to succeed, Ged has become one of the club's most consistent performers this season."
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, vic, melbourne-3000, wa, perth-6000 First posted June 18, 2011 12:21:00Interview: Matt Giteau
Brumbies skipper Matt Giteau told Grandstand's John Morrison that losing to the Waratahs was not the way he wanted to finish his career at the Brumbies before moving to France but New South Wales was just too clinical at Sydney's Olympic stadium on Saturday night.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australiaBeale slices open the Brumbies
Kurtley Beale of the Waratahs makes a break during the round 18 Super Rugby match between the Waratahs and the Brumbies on June 18, 2011 in Sydney.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, act, canberra-2600, nsw, sydney-2000Interview: Stirling Mortlock, Gareth Delve
Rebels skipper Stirling Mortlock told Grandstand's Phillip Pope that his side's late loss to Western Force in Melbourne was a frustrating way to finish the Super Rugby franchise's inaugural season.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australiaSaturday, June 18, 2011
Reds centres told to grab attention
Much-loved captain Mils Muliaina, respected playmaker Stephen Donald, star finisher Sitiveni Sivivatu and long-time coach Ian Foster are among the seven local stalwarts to be farewelled in a sentimental last-round clash at Waikato Stadium.
But Reds coach Ewen McKenzie only wants to see his table-topping team take centre stage by sealing Super Rugby's top spot and gain the important inside running to a July 9 home decider.
It is Tapuai and Chambers who have the biggest personal assignments in producing their defensive A-games after the Reds' midfield was exposed in last week's 24-21 escape act against Western Force in Perth.
The new combination - filling in for injured pair Anthony Faingaa and Mike Harris - must rise to the challenge against one of the most unpredictable and dangerous teams in the competition.
McKenzie was pleased with Tapuai and Chambers' ball-running games in Perth but they were caught out with slow line speed and reactions in two early tries by opposing centre Rory Sidey.
"We were disappointed about our defence against the Force, it wasn't up to our usual standard ... it's normally an area of strength," McKenzie said.
"These guys have stepped up and it is draining when you haven't played that much before.
"But we weren't happy with it and we want to do better, and we know we need to do better."
The Chiefs boast a highly mobile back row and can be near unstoppable if their halves Brendon Leonard and Donald receive quick ball to feed their dangerous outside men.
Despite the Reds' standing, the Chiefs will start slight favourites at home with injury-hit visitors missing their entire starting backline besides Wallabies duo Will Genia and Quade Cooper.
McKenzie has promoted versatile back rower Jake Schatz at the expense of Radike Samo to help nullify the influence of All Blacks flankers Liam Messam and Tanerau Latimer.
Reactivated winger Caleb Ralph, who started his 135-match Super Rugby career with the Chiefs 14 years ago, will made an unlikely Reds debut from the bench with rookie Dom Shipperley selected to replace Luke Morahan (hamstring).
Shipperley will line up opposite tackle-busting Lelia Masaga, while Rod Davies has overcome a shoulder problem to mark Sivivatu, who scored a hat-trick on the Reds flyer when he made a forgettable 2009 debut.
"The worm turns," McKenzie said.
"He (Davies) is definitely a better player than he was then."
A Chiefs loss would see them finish at the bottom of the New Zealand conference.
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, brisbane-4000, new-zealand First posted June 17, 2011 16:07:00Force in limbo as more ash hits
The Force's scheduled flight to Melbourne on Thursday morning is in danger of being postponed as more volcanic ash makes its way into Australia's airspace.
Force coach Richard Graham said the Perth-based franchise was considering several contingency plans, one of which involved catching a train to Adelaide and then flying to Melbourne from there, or catching a train direct to Melbourne.
"We'll walk," Graham said with a laugh when asked what other options were left.
"No seriously, we're keen to get there, so if we have to get the train overnight and fly from Adelaide, we're exploring everything because we're very keen to get there and play on Friday night.
"At the end of the day, we want to finish the season well and sitting here in Perth isn't going to give us the opportunity to do that."
Graham said the Force were not interested in calling the game a draw and would also consider flying to Melbourne on Friday morning if all flights were cancelled on Thursday.
Star Wallabies flanker David Pocock will captain the Force for the first time in Friday night's clash.
Pocock will take the reins from regular skipper Nathan Sharpe, who is sidelined with an ankle injury.
And with winger Nick Cummins also out with a leg injury and James O'Connor suspended, Alfie Mafi, outside centre Mitch Inman and Matt Hodgson return to the run-on side, with Cameron Shepherd and Willie Ripia named on the bench after their recent injury problems.
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, vic, melbourne-3000, wa, perth-6000Force remains strong without O'Connor
The Western Force is optimistic about the future despite failing to re-sign Wallabies star James O'Connor.
Tags: rugby-union, perth-6000The Drum - Friday 17 June
Steve Cannane hosts a discussion panel program with Inside Football columnist Rhys Muldoon, ABC News 24 reporter Amanda Shalala and SEN Radio presenter Francis Leach.
Tags: sport, australian-football-league, coaching, cricket, rugby-union, sports-organisations, tennis, ice-hockey, unrest-conflict-and-war, state-of-origin, sports-injuries, australiaDesperate Tahs in State of Origin mode
Just like Wednesday night at the same venue, it will be state against state and mate against mate, as the Waratahs look to stitch up a finals berth with victory in the last round encounter.
Nothing less will be good enough for the Waratahs and coach Chris Hickey and centre Tom Carter on Thursday urged all their fans to get behind them.
"If we can get a good crowd behind us and plenty of support, like you saw last night at Origin with the Blues, I think we can get the job done," Hickey said.
"The reality is, if we don't perform on Saturday night, that's the end of our season.
"Saturday night will be a matter of doing whatever needs to be done to get the result we're looking for."
Hickey is a former Brumbies assistant coach and knows his former club will be looking to end their own season in style by ending the Waratahs' tilt.
"I'm sure it will be running around in some people's heads there," he said.
"It may not be their prime motivation and they're coming off the back of two really good wins, so they're bringing a lot of momentum into this game."
Carter, a three-try hero in the 33-7 win over the Highlanders last Saturday night, says there is never any love lost in Waratahs-Brumbies duels.
"They don't like us," he said.
"You only have to speak to Burgo (Waratahs half-back Luke Burgess) and Hangers (fly half Daniel Halangahu), who spent a bit of time down there in Brumbyland for a while.
"We know they're going to be out there to put an end to our season. They're claiming that it's not about that, but it definitely is.
"The reality is that the Brumbies and Waratahs derbies are pretty spiteful and there's a lot of passion there.
"The way we won our last game in Canberra (in the last minutes) as well, I think, will be in the back of their minds.
"It's an all-or-nothing game and we realise that if we don't win this week, then our season is judged by that.
"If you don't make the finals, it's not good enough, so we're under no illusions."
With Berrick Barnes taking the rest of the Super Rugby season off to recover from footballer's migraine, Carter will move to inside centre with Ryan Cross to start outside him after overcoming a knee injury.
Skipper Phil Waugh (hamstring), Benn Robinson (ankle) and Tatafu Polota-Nau (knee) once again sat out training on Thursday, but Hickey expects all three to participate in Friday's captain's run and be ready come kick-off.
Although the Waratahs enter the final round in seventh position, victory would guarantee them a play-off spot due to either the fifth-placed Bulls or sixth-placed Sharks dropping out of contention after their all-South African derby in Durban on Sunday morning (AEST).
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, sydney-2000 First posted June 16, 2011 15:54:00Vaea back for Brumbies
Brumbies coach Tony Rea slotted Vaea straight back into his starting XV for Saturday's final-round match at the Olympic stadium against the seventh-placed Waratahs, who must win to make the finals series.
It follows 22-year-old Vaea's one-match ban for a high shot on Digby Ioane in the Brumbies' upset 22-14 win over ladder leader Queensland in Brisbane, a win which sparked a late-season resurgence after a horror campaign.
Otherwise, Rea largely stayed with the line-up that won 32-17 against Melbourne Rebels at Canberra Stadium last Friday night.
Vaea slots back at number eight with Mitchell Chapman switching to blindside flanker and Henry Vanderglas dropping to the bench.
Half-back Josh Valentine returns from a hamstring injury to a spot on the bench, while lock Sam Carter and half-back Nic White drop out of the matchday squad.
Rea says the return of Vaea adds presence to the Brumbies' back row for their clash at the breakdown against the Waratahs.
"It was good to get Ita's size back into in the back row," Rea said.
The Brumbies have endured their worst Super Rugby season since the competition began in 1996 but there is still plenty to play for with Wallabies' squad berths on the line in a World Cup year.
A win this weekend would be a third consecutive triumph for the Brumbies, the first time since March 2010 the Canberra-based side has achieved such a run.
A victory would also avenge the 29-22 home loss to the Waratahs in March.
Brumbies squad: Christian Lealiifano, Henry Speight, Tyrone Smith, Pat McCabe, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Matt Giteau (c), Patrick Phibbs, Ita Vaea, Julian Salvi, Mitchell Chapman, Peter Kimlin, Ben Hand, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, Jerry Yanuyanutawa
Reserves: Anthony Hegarty, Jono Owen, Henry Vanderglas, Tom Boidin, Josh Valentine, Andrew Smith, Robbie Coleman
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, canberra-2600 First posted June 16, 2011 13:09:00Media Call: Tom Carter
New South Wales centre Tom Carter says the Waratahs are not looking ahead to a possible finals berth in the lead-up to Saturday night's match with the Brumbies at the Olympic stadium.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australiaReds eye finals windfall
The Australian conference winners on Thursday officially began preparations for a July 2 home semi-final which is expected to sell-out Lang Park for the second time this season.
The fruits of a capacity crowd include a significant financial reward of close to $500,000, and the Reds can double that amount by earning hosting rights for the July 9 decider.
To ensure the rebuilding Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) maximise their chances to cash in on the success of their entertaining side, the Reds must seal top spot with a last-round win in Hamilton on Saturday.
That would guarantee a Lang Park final if they win their semi-final.
A loss to the Chiefs, who are farewelling captain Mils Muliaina and long-term coach Ian Foster at Waikato Stadium, opens the door for the Stormers to charge to the minor premiership and also have the inside run for a final in Cape Town.
QRU chief executive Jim Carmichael is confident of again selling out their 52,500-capacity home ground on July 2, repeating the efforts of the May 29 blockbuster against the Crusaders.
"It would be great to see Suncorp full twice, maybe three times, with rugby people in a year," Carmichael said.
"You'd like to think that on a home final you would net yourself between 400 and 500k, that's what you would like to think, and if you multiply that by two then that's great."
Struggling to attract break-even figures of approximately 17,000 two years ago, crowds have averaged almost 30,000 in 2011.
Along with increased sponsorship, Queensland's resurgence has provided a significant financial boost after the state body last year received a $3 million loan from the Australian Rugby Union following several years in the doldrums.
Almost $11 million was lost over three years until 2010, but a profit will be made in 2011 as the rebuilding process still has plenty of hard yards to go.
The QRU will start making part repayments in the coming months but Carmichael stressed all revenue was being reinvested locally in a healthier code.
"Even with the windfall, the money that's earned won't mean all of a sudden it's a great world," Carmichael said.
"To have a final is fantastic, that's a bonus, but what's more important is that we've reinvigorated rugby in Queensland.
"And apart from finals the good news is we've hit every target we've set ourselves this year.
"No matter what happens on the 2nd of July we can be satisfied we've put our best foot forward and it's given us great hope for the future."
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, qld, brisbane-4000 First posted June 16, 2011 17:55:00Macqueen steps down as Rebels coach
Macqueen will move upstairs to become the club's director of coaching until the end of 2013, as well as join the Rebels' board of directors.
Speculation had been rife Macqueen would step away from day-to-day coaching, and it was confirmed by Rebels chairman Harold Mitchell on Thursday.
"The Rebels and Rod Macqueen are synonymous with each other and our sincere hope is that Rod is not only with us for the next few years, but for many more to come," Mitchell said in a statement.
Former Wallabies coach Macqueen has guided the Rebels to three wins in their inaugural Super Rugby season.
They will officially pick up the competition's wooden spoon regardless of the result of their final match of the season against Western Force on Friday night AAMI Park.
Hill had success coaching in Sydney grade rugby before joining the Rebels as Macqueen's offsider.
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, melbourne-3000 First posted June 16, 2011 16:53:00Reds tweak line-up to face Chiefs
Back row utility Jake Schatz earns his first start of the season at number eight, replacing Radike Samo, who drops to the reserves bench.
Young winger Dom Shipperley also moves into the starting line-up from the bench to replace Luke Morahan, who suffered a hamstring tear in the 24-21 win over Western Force in Perth last Saturday night.
New recruit and former All Black Caleb Ralph has been included on a 4-3 (four forwards, three backs) bench, along with uncapped utility back Dallan Murphy.
The Reds need a win over the Chiefs to confirm top position on the overall standings heading into the finals.
Reds squad: Jono Lance, Rod Davies, Will Chambers, Ben Tapuai, Dom Shipperley, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Jake Schatz, Liam Gill, Scott Higginbotham, James Horwill (c), Rob Simmons, James Slipper, Saia Faingaa, Ben Daley
Reserves: James Hanson, Greg Holmes, Adam Wallace-Harrison, Radike Samo, Ian Prior, Dallan Murphy, Caleb Ralph
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, brisbane-4000 First posted June 17, 2011 12:56:00Waratahs ready for finals anywhere
Depending on a series of results in a huge last round of home-and-away fixtures this weekend, the Waratahs could end up having to travel to Cape Town, Pretoria, Durban, Auckland or Nelson for their sudden-death "qualifier".
There is even a small chance the seventh-placed Waratahs could yet host a play-off in Sydney next week if they score a big bonus-point win over the Brumbies.
All coach Chris Hickey cares about, though, is actually reaching the business end of the competition.
The usually mild-mannered mentor on Friday bristled when asked if the Waratahs were ready to deliver Melbourne-bound Wallabies star Kurtley Beale and retiring stalwart Al Baxter fitting farewells in the Waratahs' apparent final home game for the season at Sydney's Olympic stadium.
"Look, we've still got three or four games to play yet, so these blokes aren't leaving," Hickey snapped.
"This will just be perhaps their last game they'll play in Sydney. I'm sure those guys will want to go out on a high note.
"But, from our point of view, we're really preparing for the next three or four games. It's not a send-off for anybody.
"In many ways, I guess our finals campaign starts on Saturday night."
Indeed, the only certainty is that the Waratahs can not possibly clash with Queensland in round one of the play-offs because the front-running Reds are guaranteed a top-two finish and, with that, next weekend off and then a home semi-final.
But New South Wales could even squeeze into the finals if it loses to the Brumbies by less than eight points and there is a one-sided result in the pivotal match in Pretoria on Sunday morning between the fifth-placed Bulls and sixth-placed Sharks.
History has proven it is virtually impossible to win the Super Rugby title after travelling to South Africa and avoiding the Republic during the finals remains the Waratahs' best-case scenario.
As unlikely as it might seem, the dream run for the Waratahs would be playing and beating the Blues in Auckland next week, then upsetting the Reds in Brisbane before taking down the Crusaders in the final in Nelson on July 9.
First and foremost, the Waratahs must conquer the fired-up and in-form Brumbies on Saturday night.
"You don't expect any favours from any of the Australian sides," Hickey said.
"The local derbies have been a real feature of this Super Rugby competition and the competitiveness between the Brumbies and the Waratahs goes back many years.
"So it's a game that we've got to be good enough to get out there and win."
After a highly disappointing campaign, the Brumbies stunned the Reds, then beat the Rebels last start and will be desperate themselves to send France-bound captain Matt Giteau and Waratahs-bound utility Adam Ashley-Cooper off in style.
"It's a huge game," Waratahs captain Phil Waugh said.
"Similar circumstances to last week. If we win, we go through. If we lose, it will be our last game for the year so (there is) a lot on the line.
"They'll have a lot of motivation too. It's their last game of the season as well and they'll be motivated to come to Sydney and upset our plans.
"We've just got to make sure we turn up from kick-off."
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, act, canberra-2600, nsw, sydney-2000 First posted June 17, 2011 16:05:00No tweets please, we're All Blacks
All Blacks coach Graham Henry says a previous policy of advising caution to players will be replaced by a blanket ban during the September 9-October 23 tournament, which New Zealand is hosting.
"We've just asked them to make good decisions about that and, in the All Blacks camp, most of the time, they've made good decisions," he told New Zealand's Sky Sports.
"But, at Rugby World Cup time, zilch."
All Blacks winger Cory Jane, who has more than 14,000 followers on Twitter, tweeted he would respect the ban.
"just wanna play rugby & talk to fans.Thats all i wanna DO.I don't want trouble," he posted after the ban was announced.
Henry gave a "quiet reminder" of their obligations to Jane and prop Neemia Tialata when the pair tweeted that were not in the side for an All Blacks Test against England in 2009.
All Blacks team manager Darren Shand said senior players had called for the ban.
- Reuters
Tags: sport, rugby-union, rugby-world-cup, new-zealandHuxley dropped to Rebels bench
Afusipa Taumoepeau will start in the centres in Friday night's clash at AAMI Park.
Prop Nic Henderson and lock Adam Byrnes will also start for the hosts in what shapes as Rod Macqueen's last match as Rebels coach.
The Melbourne franchise has won three matches in its inaugural season, the most recent of them being against the Force back in early April.
Rebels: Mark Gerrard, Richard Kingi, Afusipa Taumoepeau, Stirling Mortlock (c), Cooper Vuna, Danny Cipriani, Nick Phipps, Gareth Delve, Michael Lipman, Jarrod Saffy, Adam Byrnes, Alister Campbell, Greg Somerville, Ged Robinson, Nic Henderson
Reserves: Adam Freier, Laurie Weeks, Kevin O'Neill, Tim Davidson, Lachlan Mitchell, Peter Betham, Julian Huxley
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, melbourne-3000Mackintosh attempts to stop Saili
Peter Saili of the Blues is tackled by Jamie Mackintosh of the Highlanders during the round 18 Super Rugby match between the Blues and the Highlanders at Eden Park on June 17, 2011.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, new-zealandO'Connor quits Western Force
James O'Connor has announced he will be quitting the Western Force at the end of the 2011 Super Rugby season.
Tags: rugby-union, waMedia Call: David Pocock
Western Force openside flanker David Pocock says the playing group is moving forward following the news James O'Connor will be leaving the club at the end of the season.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australiaForce defeat Rebels
The Western Force took a nailbiting 27-24 win against the Melbourne Rebels in the last match of the 2011 Super Rugby season.
Tags: rugby-union, perth-6000Super Rugby palms off flight issues
The cancellation of flights in Australia and New Zealand since last Sunday put the travel arrangements of four teams in doubt - the Crusaders, Highlanders, Reds and Force.
But SANZAR has come up with alternative arrangements.
In New Zealand, the Highlanders, who face the Blues on Friday, will travel on a charter flight to Auckland on Thursday afternoon.
The Crusaders meanwhile will travel to Wellington for Saturday's fixture against the Hurricanes on a private jet on Friday morning.
Due to the limited seats on the flight, members of the Crusaders support staff will travel with the team equipment by ferry from Picton to Wellington.
In Australia, Super Rugby leader Queensland departed for Auckland on Thursday morning en-route to Hamilton for the match against the Chiefs on Saturday.
The Western Force are booked on a flight that is due to leave Perth for Melbourne on Thursday morning.
The Force play the Melbourne Rebels on Friday night.
"We are relieved at this stage to have resolved these issues," SANZAR chief executive officer Greg Peters said.
"Obviously until all teams are where they need to be for this weekend's games, we will continue to monitor the situation".
"This has been the second major disruption to Super Rugby after the Christchurch quake earlier this year and it has again provided us with a big challenge as we were dealing with matters beyond our control.
"Thanks to the efforts of our travel partners and the affected teams we have been able to resolve the matter and look forward to a full program of fixtures this weekend."
-AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, qld, brisbane-4000, wa, perth-6000, new-zealand First posted June 16, 2011 12:05:00Friday, June 17, 2011
Hickey hopeful on Tatafu, Robinson
The injury-ravaged Waratahs must beat the ACT side at the Olympic stadium to secure a playoff berth as they continued to count the cost of their 33-7 victory last Saturday over the Highlanders.
New South Wales lost powerhouse number eight Wycliff Palu for the remainder of the season with a fractured shoulder while hooker Polota-Nau is battling a knee injury and prop Robinson has an ankle problem.
And on Tuesday inside back Berrick Barnes announced that he was taking an indefinite break from the game to deal with head knock-related issues after lasting just 33 minutes against the Highlanders.
"There's a few players who probably won't train until Friday," Hickey said.
"We're still hopeful of Benn Robinson and Tatafu Polota-Nau that they'll be right.
"Lachie Turner (hamstring) is one of those players who may only train on Friday ... very lightly at least on Friday but we're still optimistic."
There was some good news on the injury front for the Waratahs with centre Ryan Cross passing a fitness test.
Cross injured his knee in the loss to the Sharks in South Africa and has missed the Waratahs past two matches.
The Waratahs also have returning Wallaby second-rower Dan Vickerman available for selection.
Vickerman, who last played for New South Wales in 2008, had spent the intervening period studying in England and only returned to Australia on Saturday.
Hickey is expecting a torrid clash with the Brumbies who are aiming for three consecutive wins after beating Queensland and Melbourne.
"This will be a tough game ... they'll have their agenda and we have our agenda, that's what's most important to us. It's about winning this game and getting a spot in the finals series," he said.
One man capable of preventing the Waratahs from playing in the finals is their 2012 signing Adam Ashley-Cooper.
The Wallabies utility said the Brumbies had plenty to play for after a difficult season.
"The fact that it's my last game with the Brumbies is important to me and it's certainly a special game knowing there's a few other guys leaving next year, so it's the last time we'll be able to play again together," Ashley-Cooper said.
"It would be a shame to go out and make the last two wins a waste.
"All of the guys love playing the Waratahs and they beat us last time at Canberra and with it being up there it would be great to get one back.
"I've alluded to the boys during the week that I'm not a Waratah yet, so I'll be going out there to perform as well as I can."
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, sydney-2000 First posted June 14, 2011 18:49:00Barnes taking leave of absence
The New South Wales playmaker announced his decision on Tuesday to take a break on medical advice following last weekend's victory over the Highlanders where he was forced from the field in the first half and later suffered a severe headache.
"It's coming on in a bit of a wave at the moment and I'm having a few more (headaches) than I usually have had in the past, so it's probably time to address it now before it becomes too much of a problem," Barnes said.
"I'll liaise with the medical staff but also find some alternative routes to try and look into this sort of thing.
"The medical staff have been great and have assured me it's nothing that's going to affect me long term - which is positive."
Barnes, 25, who ruled out retirement as an option on Tuesday, said he had an encouraging meeting with Wallabies coach Robbie Deans on Monday.
"I've spoken to Robbie ... I've been liaising with him and the Wallabies doctor as well and they've both been very helpful," Barnes said.
"We only had a brief chat, he (Deans) was more worried about me and my well-being and that's the most important thing."
The former Brisbane Broncos player is hoping to make his return at club level for Sydney University in time to push for selection in the Wallabies World Cup squad, which is announced on July 10.
"That's my avenue I'll be coming back to play my footy in and hopefully give myself the opportunity to be selected for the World Cup," Barnes said.
Deans said in a statement that everybody involved with the Wallabies supported Barnes' decision.
"He is warmly regarded and respected within the group," Deans said.
"It is important that Berrick takes all of the time that he needs to overcome this issue, and that he is ready both physically and mentally, before he even thinks about playing the game again."
"Obviously it is disappointing that he is having to take a break at this time.
"How long Berrick is out for will determine what happens next, as far as his career is concerned, but no-one will be rushing him."
The Waratahs play the Brumbies in their final Super Rugby home and away match at Sydney's Olympic stadium on Saturday night.
Barnes said it would not have been fair on his team-mates for him to continue playing for the Waratahs, who are just one point outside the top-six and a big chance of making the finals.
"To be coming off after 30 minutes or even 60 for that matter is not helping anybody," he said.
"It's been extremely frustrating ... There's no doubt that this is not just physiological it's psychological as well and I've got to get over that.
"I'm not hiding from the fact that I've been a bit a frustrated about things and that's probably causing some of the issues I'm having as well."
-AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, sydney-2000 First posted June 14, 2011 09:52:00Davies returns to Reds
Rod Davies will return for the Queensland Reds against the Western Force after missing six games due to a knee injury.
Tags: rugby-union, qldThursday, June 16, 2011
Shute Shield Round 10 Highlights
Updated June 6, 2011 15:37:00 ABC TV's match of the week saw the Marlins hold out a late charge from Sydney University to post a 25-19 victory at Manly Oval.
In a thoroughly entertaining game, the Marlins scored four tries to University's two, earning them a bonus point.
Chris Yarrington opened the scoring for Manly in just the fifth minute, however two penalties to Dan Kelly swung the lead back to the Students.
Manly's next try came after Uni lost a rare scrum on their own feed, allowing for monster centre Peter Gilmore to crash over.
Ben Seymour missed the close conversion, and a third penalty to Kelly on the stroke of half-time reduced Manly's lead to just one point at the break.
Two minutes into the second half Lui Siale sent Yarrington in for his second of try of the day, before Seymour converted from in front to give the home side a 17-9 lead.
Manly favourite Chris Cottee arrived mid-match straight off a plane after the Force's Super Rugby match in Dunedin and made an impact almost immediately, scoring the bonus point try for the Marlins.
With 15 minutes left on the clock, Uni's James McMahon scored the students first try of the match, but a successful penalty kick to Seymour kept Manly's lead to eleven.
The Students found their rhythm in the last ten minutes and were within a converted try when Trent Dyer crossed off the back of a rolling maul.
Uni continued to apply the pressure throughout repeated phases and as the clock ticked well past 80 minutes referee James Leckie went to the TMO for a match-deciding play.
Replays showed Uni had grounded the ball short before being held up over the line, which handed the Marlins their seventh win of the season.
Manly 25 (Chris Yarrington 2, Peter Gilmore, Chris Cottee tries; Ben Seymour con, pen)
Sydney University 19 (James McMahon, Trent Dyer tries; Dan Kelly 3 pens)
HT: Manly 10-9. Referee: James Leckie.
Next week all the Shute Shield teams have a bye so the ABC will bring you a rugby special from Coogee Oval, when Sydney takes on Country.
See all the action at the normal time, live on Saturday June 11 in NSW and the ACT from 3:00pm on ABC1.
Interstate viewers can still catch-up on every minute on ABC iView.
You can also find us on Facebook - www.facebook.com/abcshuteshield or follow us on Twitter @abcshuteshield.
Other round 10 results
Eastern Suburbs 37 (Talalelei Gray 2, Sam Zlatevski, Pauliasi Taumoepeau, Ratu Ma?afu tries; Matt To?omua 3 cons, 2 pens)
West Harbour 19 (Rodney Blake, Tom Hikila, Shaun Treweek tries; Shaun Treweek 2 cons)
HT: Eastern Suburbs 19-7. Referee: Richard Goswell.
Eastwood 40 (John Grant 2, Jared Barry, Barry Fa?amuasili tries; Pierre Hola 3 cons, 3 pens, Mick Snowden con, pen)
Penrith 24 (Kornelio Burgess 2, Atelea Okati, Viliami Napa?a tries; Atelea Okati 2 cons)
HT: Eastwood 27-7. Referee: Steve Hardy.
Northern Suburbs 43 (Ben Matwijow, Mat Lamont, Zack Holmes, Henari Veratau, Samu Wara, Corey Brown tries; Zack Holmes 5 cons, pen)
Parramatta 14 (Damien Fakafanua, Mohd Roche tries; Tom Woods 2 cons)
HT: Northern Suburbs 19-0. Referee: Angus Gardner.
Randwick 42 (Steve Noriega, Al McFarland, David Parsons, Clinton Sills, Shaun Foley tries; Toby Browne 4 cons, 3 pens)
Gordon 18 (Jonno Broome, Matt McDougall tries; Dave Harvey 2 pens, con)
HT: Gordon 23-6. Referee: Nathan Pearce.
Southern Districts 21 (Sam Latunipulu, Jale Vatubua, Gareth Morton tries; Dewet Roos 3 cons)
Warringah 14 (Josh Holmes, Michael Dalton tries; Tristan Stanley 2 cons)
Referee: James Scholtens.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, nsw-club-rugby, australia, nsw, manly-2095Media Call: Ewen McKenzie
Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie says the Reds are not in "crisis" mode despite a mounting injury list just weeks out from the Super Rugby play-offs.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australiaInterview: Pat McCabe
Brumbies full-back Pat McCabe told Grandstand's Nick Smith that he struggled with neck and shoulder pain during his side's win over the Melbourne Rebels at Canberra Stadium on Friday night.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australiaWaugh coy about his future
The veteran flanker will make his eagerly-awaited Super Rugby comeback from a hamstring injury against the Highlanders in what will be the 31-year's 125th appearance in the sky blue jumper.
After a stop-start season battling injury after injury, Waugh is starting to field the inevitable questions about his playing future.
"I suppose the time will come where my future does need to be decided," Waugh said.
"But at the moment I'm just excited about getting back out on the field, getting some good game time and playing well.
"To be honest, I haven't thought too far down the road.
"It's been about getting back out there on the field and getting out there and performing and leading the guys well."
Waugh last year spurned big-money offers to finish his career offshore to recommit to the Waratahs, and coach Chris Hickey will not be rushing the 79-Test warrior into any further decisions.
"Those discussions are ongoing at this stage," Hickey said.
"Phil's always said he's going to assess his future as the season goes on, see what his body's telling him and he's earned the right to take his time in making that decision through what he's contributed to the club."
Hickey is happy enough, for now, just to have his experienced skipper back to help the Waratahs' finals push.
"It's not just his performances in the number seven that you value. That leadership in tight games like these count for a lot," Hickey said.
"Having strong leadership out on the field, making good decisions can be an important element in winning."
Waugh is only likely to play the first half against the Highlanders.
"These type of hamstring injuries can be vulnerable when fatigue sets in," Hickey said.
"We have to be careful."
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, sydney-2000 First posted June 10, 2011 15:39:00Force still waiting on O'Connor
Western Force chief executive Vern Reid says the Perth-based franchise will not rest easy until James O'Connor has put pen to paper on a new contract.
O'Connor is seemingly certain to stay at the Force next season, with his management already telling Australia's remaining Super Rugby franchises that he will not be coming their way.
However, the 20-year-old cannot sign on with the Force until his Australian Rugby Union (ARU) contract is sorted.
Reid says although the Force are confident of keeping O'Connor, the club will be in a state of limbo until the deal is finalised.
"All I can really say to you today is we are hopeful that we can conclude an arrangement with James. It's not concluded yet and my understanding is neither is his ARU contract," he said.
"So we are in a state of limbo and the situation for the Western Force and James O'Connor going forward still has some distance to go.
"I'm pleased where we are, but equally if there are issues that are yet to be resolved, then the market would be open and the game would be back on."
Reid says the Force hope they can settle on a deal in the next few days, but admits it is not done yet "by any stretch".
- AAP
Tags: super-14, perth-6000 First posted June 09, 2011 12:35:00Media Call: Caleb Ralph
Former All Black Caleb Ralph says he is "pretty excited" about the prospect of playing for Queensland against the Chiefs at Waikato Stadium on Saturday.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australiaMedia Call: Rod Davies
Queensland winger Rod Davies says he has full confidence in his fitness ahead of his return from a knee injury against Western Force in Perth on Saturday night.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australiaMedia Call: Ewen McKenzie
Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie says the Reds are not in "crisis" mode despite a mounting injury list just weeks out from the Super Rugby play-offs.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australiaBulls keep title hopes alive
The defending champions climbed into the top-six play-off positions after dominating most of the game, although they had to withstand a ferocious late assault by the Stormers, who scored a 79th-minute try and forced the visitors to defend for three minutes after the final hooter before their attack broke down near the Bulls line.
Stormers stayed in second place on the log and will earn a home semi-final if they beat the Central Cheetahs in their final league match in Bloemfontein next weekend.
Bulls have a challenging final game against Sharks in Pretoria, with the teams on the same number of points in fifth and sixth place.
"Everything is still in our own hands," said Bulls captain and lock Victor Matfield. "The Sharks are going to be very tough but we've still got a chance."
Bulls led 6-3 at half-time, with two penalty goals by fly half Morne Steyn against one by fellow pivot Kurt Coleman, but could have been further ahead after dominating possession and forcing the home team into errors.
The Pretoria side successfully disrupted Stormers' line-out, normally one of the home team's strengths, and the Cape outfit were unable to secure the ball from their first three throw-ins.
Bulls also looked stronger in the scrums and with Stormers seldom able to gain clean ball, they made numerous handling errors.
Inexperienced Coleman was replaced by Dewaldt Duvenage soon after missing a straightforward penalty early in the second half and Duvenage almost immediately put the Stormers level before a Steyn penalty gave the Bulls the lead again.
Another botched Stormers line-out in the 65th minute enabled Bulls scrum half Francois Hougaard to collect a throw which went over the forwards and he sprinted 35 metres to score near the posts.
Duvenage and Steyn swapped more penalties before Stormers lock Andries Bekker scored a minute from the end to secure a bonus point for his team.
Stormers captain and flank Schalk Burger twice turned down kickable penalties, which would also have earned the bonus point, before Bekker went over.
"We were going for the win," explained Burger.
"In the last 10 minutes we probably played how we should have played for the whole 80."
- AFP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, south-africa First posted June 12, 2011 06:27:00Interview: Chris Hickey
Waratahs coach Chris Hickey told Grandstand that his team's commitment in defence was outstanding in a 33-7 win over the Highlanders at the SFS.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14O'Connor set to stay in Perth
In-demand playmaker O'Connor, whose contract winds up at the end of the Super Rugby season, has been linked with all five Australian super rugby franchises.
But both Brumbies chief executive Andrew Fagan and Reds coach Ewen McKenzie have admitted talks with O'Connor amounted to nothing.
Fagan said although O'Connor is yet to confirm his decision, his manager informed the Brumbies yesterday of his intention to stay in Perth.
"That was his intention and I think he's still got some work to do with the ARU to finalise all of that, but he'll be staying in Perth," Fagan said.
"He thanked us for our offer and reaffirmed we were a genuine consideration, but this time we've missed out."
McKenzie admitted he had been resigned for some time to the notion Queensland would miss out on O'Connor's signature.
"We've been contacted and he won't be at the Reds," McKenzie said.
"Where he is going to be I don't know."
McKenzie said the delay meant O'Connor was unlikely to leave Perth.
"I've always said it is difficult to get people to leave and move around," he said.
"The longer it goes on, the less likely it is. I have always been, I guess, suspicious he wasn't coming our way for some time because it's been dragging on.
"I've been thinking more laterally for some time."
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, act, canberra-2600, wa, perth-6000 First posted June 8, 2011 12:29:00Sharks come back to earn draw with Lions
The Durban-based Sharks trailed 30-9 after 48 minutes before precocious Springbok Lambie spearheaded a remarkable comeback as he scored a try and set up wing Lwazi Mvovo's touchdown that snatched a share of the points at the death.
Several waves of Sharks pressure had eaten up the metres and sucked in the defence when Lambie burst through to score in the 54th minute.
His opposite number, World Cup winner Butch James, then sat out 10 minutes for a dangerous high tackle and the Sharks resurgence gained more momentum.
The visitors made the extra man count in the 69th minute when wing JP Pietersen outflanked the defence to score, Lambie curling an excellent conversion over from close to the touchline to make the score 30-23.
With just three minutes remaining, Lambie then showed exceptional composure under pressure as he threaded a grubber through the Lions backline, wing Deon van Rensburg slipping as he tried to turn around, meaning opposite number Mvovo would be free to speed on to the ball and score.
Lambie then kicked a superb conversion, from five metres in from touch, to level the scores.
The Lions had produced fine rugby in the opening 50 minutes as they scored three well-taken tries.
The home side were more clinical in a scrappy first half, scrum half Jano Vermaak showing great pace to round the defence and score in the right-hand corner, while flank Cobus Grobbelaar scored twice.
James had produced an impressive display, succeeding with all six (three penalties and three conversions) of his kicks at goal, and running the backline in an efficient manner, before his yellow card played a crucial role in the Sharks' stunning comeback.
- Reuters
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, south-africaReds' Gill facing Pocock test
The long flight to Perth this weekend does not faze Gill despite only just recovering from last week's Brisbane-Milan-Brisbane journey.
Gill, 18, spent the equivalent of four days in the air after arriving in Italy for the world under-20 titles, only to jump back on a plane to answer an injury-ravaged Reds' SOS.
"It was more my body (affected) but my head is fine," Gill said of the travel.
"I didn't get settled into Italian time so coming back was fine.
"A big trip takes it out of you but I am back in Australia and ready to go."
More travel does not worry him - but what is waiting for him in Perth would justify an anxiety attack.
Gill is set to make his starting Reds debut lining up against Wallabies breakdown master David Pocock.
He would be forgiven for thinking another long international flight was not such a bad idea.
However, Gill could not wait to take on the 30-Test veteran.
He took confidence from the fact Pocock made his Super Rugby debut at 18 in 2006 and never looked back.
"To be thrown into the deep end and learn the hard way, I would love that," Gill said.
"To see someone who has done it at this age gives me confidence and self-belief that if I get the opportunity I will be ready for it."
Gill - who turns 19 on Wednesday - said the opponent did not worry him, as long as he got game time after clocking only 52 minutes in five Reds appearances off the bench.
Reds captain James Horwill said the Reds would feed off Gill's youthful exuberance as they look to rebound from last round's shock loss to the Brumbies.
"He brings an enthusiasm. At training you hear him running around screaming like any teenager would," Horwill said.
"He's not the biggest bloke but he likes getting stuck in."
Meanwhile, Horwill did not believe the Force should take any confidence from their first-round clash in February.
Queensland got a major scare before holding on 21-20.
"They caught us a little unawares early on but that was four months ago - a lot has changed," Horwill said.
The Reds must rebound from last round and win their two remaining regular season matches to ensure they do not lose top seeding in the play-offs.
"It was very disappointing walking off the field knowing we hadn't put in a performance that was up to our standards," Horwill said of last round.
"(But) we are still in the driver's seat - it (the team's finals fate) is up to us."
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, qld, brisbane-4000, wa, perth-6000 First posted June 7, 2011 12:43:00