Listen to Grandstand commentary highlights of Queensland's 18-13 Super Rugby final win over the Crusaders at Lang Park.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14
Friday, July 15, 2011
Super Rugby Final: Highlights
Published:Saturday, July 9, 2011 10:16 AESTExpires:Friday, October 7, 2011 10:16 AEST
Wallabies' Reds are ready: Horwill
Posted July 12, 2011 14:20:00 Queensland captain James Horwill is hopeful most of the Reds' 15-strong contingent in the Wallabies squad will have a chance to show their wares in Sunday's Test against Samoa.
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said in the lead-up to the Super Rugby decider he would look at resting Reds' players, depending on their workload throughout the finals.
The Wallabies' first Tri-Nations encounter comes just six days after the opening Test of the season, further fuelling speculation stars like playmakers Quade Cooper and Will Genia will be wrapped in cotton wool.
The 15 Brisbane-based players joined the Wallabies' camp in Sydney on Tuesday after celebrating their 18-13 win over the Crusaders with a ticker-tape parade on Monday.
Horwill suggests his Reds team-mates will be training this week, all hopeful of playing against Samoa in Sydney.
"Most of the (Reds) guys I've spoken to are pretty keen to play," Horwill said.
"With selections and things, obviously Robbie and the coaching staff have a plan of what they're thinking about, so we'll have a discussion about that over the next little bit.
"But, at the moment, all the guys I've spoken to are keen."
Horwill, who sat out the 2010 international season due to a knee reconstruction, will be doing everything possible to earn a berth this weekend.
"I'd love to play. I'm good to go," he said.
"After missing out last year, I haven't played a Test match in nearly 18 months, so I'd relish any opportunity to get back out there.
"I'm fit and putting my hand up. Obviously, selection will determine that - but I want to play.
"We haven't had a chance to have a chat - but if he (Deans) asks me, I'll definitely give him the answer that I want to play.
"After (my) last year, it's been almost a dream year so far so, hopefully, it can continue."
The Wallabies will name their matchday squad on Wednesday.
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, brisbane-4000De Villiers defends resting Bok stars
Updated July 13, 2011 09:30:50
South Africa coach Peter de Villiers has defended his decision to leave 21 front line players at home for the Tri-Nations away legs, saying they were physically wrecked after the expanded Super Rugby season.
This year's Super Rugby competition included 15 teams and was played over 21 weeks versus last year's 16, while the intensity of more derby games exposed players to extra physical demands.
De Villiers last week pulled 21 leading players, who are likely to form the core of the Springboks' World Cup defence, out of the squad to tour Australia and New Zealand.
They play Tests against the Wallabies in Sydney on July 23 and All Blacks in Wellington on July 30.
"Super glue won't even help those players. It was the sensible decision to rest them. For one moment of greatness, why bugger up a player's future?" De Villiers said on Tuesday.
"CJ van der Linde has a really bad groin and Johann Muller's hamstring is even worse but we will take them overseas.
"So can you imagine how badly injured the players who are staying behind are?"
The coach, who did raise some eyebrows by including hooker and captain John Smit in the touring party, said he was confident the 2007 World Cup winner will be back to his best at this year's edition in New Zealand in September.
"After those two matches overseas, John Smit will be where I want him to be. He hasn't been used properly this year," he said.
"I believe he's gained an extra year for himself after a neck operation last year, a great off-season and great preseason preparation. He is fresh, raring to go and he just needs game time.
"I trust in John Smit, he's a great world star, a fine player and I'm going to give him the opportunity to show that again. Nobody rated him, then he won the World Cup, and now nobody rates him again."
Sharks coach John Plumtree preferred the mobile and physical Bismarck du Plessis over Smit as his team made the Super Rugby play-offs but De Villiers stressed the Springboks have different players and would use their hooker in a different role.
"The attributes that Bismarck du Plessis provides for the Sharks are the same ones that Juan Smith provides for the Springboks. The Sharks don't have a Juan Smith at flank, so you can't compare the decisions John Plumtree makes for them. I know John Smit can take his game to another level," De Villiers said.
He said fly half Morne Steyn had been included in the touring party "because all the other fly halves are injured" but said openside flank Heinrich Brussow, also considered a certainty for the World Cup squad, might not be rushed back into action even though he will travel to Australasia.
"Every time he has been injured, he has come back too early, and we were the same last week in training. He's a valuable player, a fine player you build a team around, so we can't afford to lose him. We won't push him," De Villiers added.
- Reuters
Tags: rugby-union-world-cup, sport, rugby-union, south-africa, australia, new-zealand First posted July 13, 2011 08:05:00Interview: Ewen McKenzie
Published:Saturday, July 9, 2011 9:50 AESTExpires:Friday, October 7, 2011 9:50 AEST
Reds coach Ewen McKenzie told Grandstand's Luke Pentony he is surprised by how early success has come in his stint after steering the once-struggling Queensland franchise to the Super Rugby championship.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14Wallabies players rested for game against Samoa
Last Updated: Thu, 14 Jul 2011 08:55:00 +1000
Several high-profile Australian rugby players will be rested for this weekend's Test against Samoa but captain Rocky Elsom will make his long-awaited return from injury for the season-opener.
ACT Brumbies flanker Elsom will lead the Wallabies out in Sydney for what will be just his second appearance since Australia's tour finale against France last November, after he suffered hamstring and ankle injuries.
Four uncapped players have been named in the team, which sees Queensland Reds stars including James Horwill and Quade Cooper rested ahead of the Tri-Nations opener against South Africa later this month.
The Reds stormed to victory against the Canterbury Crusaders 18-15 in the Super 15 finals last weekend.
Winger Digby Ioane was the only Red named in Sunday's starting XV - his first appearance for the national squad since a season-ending shoulder injury against England last June. Four Queenslanders will open on the bench.
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said the squad had a hectic lead-up to October's Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and now was the last real chance to rest players.
"We assessed all of the Queensland guys when they joined us on Monday night and decided this was the best course for us," said Deans.
"They've had a big workload already this year. Given that our schedule is so congested, with five Test matches in seven weeks, we felt that now was realistically the only opportunity we had to give them a break.
"They'll get their opportunity, they're excited, and I know they will all contribute when we call on them."
Elsom named to face Samoa
Updated July 13, 2011 12:43:45
Wallabies captain Rocky Elsom has been named to make his return to rugby alongside four newcomers in Australia's team to face Samoa in their season-opening Test in Sydney on Sunday.
Elsom has played just one match since the Wallabies' 2010 spring tour finale against France last November due to hamstring and ankle injuries.
But the blindside flanker will lead the Wallabies into battle at the Olympic stadium after coach Robbie Deans on Wednesday announced his first Test line-up of 2011.
Melbourne Rebels half-back Nick Phipps and New South Wales lock Sitaleki Timani have both won selection in the starting XV, while the Queensland Reds pair of hooker James Hanson and flanker Beau Robinson were picked on the bench.
One front row position on the bench is still to be named after prop Benn Robinson injured his knee at training on Tuesday.
Western Force prop Pek Cowan and Waratahs prop Al Baxter were set to join the team at training on Wednesday afternoon.
Other features of the playing roster include a first Test start for Pat McCabe, who has been named at inside centre after finishing the Super Rugby season strongly in that position for the Brumbies.
McCabe has long been viewed as a midfield option by coach Deans and has been given his chance to work in tandem with fellow Brumbies Matt Giteau and Adam Ashley-Cooper on either side of him.
Giteau has been given first shot at securing the five-eighth jersey while Ashley-Cooper returns to outside centre for the first time this year, having been largely employed on the wing at his Super Rugby franchise.
At half-back, Phipps has been handed his maiden Test start after first wearing the Wallabies jersey during the spring tour match against Irish province Munster.
He and returning full-back Mark Gerrard will become the first two players to represent the Rebels in the Australian Test side, with Gerrard to feature in his 24th Test but his first since the Wallabies' win over Japan at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
Dan Vickerman is also back.
The Waratahs second rower, who has 55 Test caps to his name, has been named on the bench and will complete a remarkable comeback to international rugby after having taken three years out to finish his studies in England.
While several stars are being rested, including Reds captain James Horwill and fly half Quade Cooper, Deans says the decision is in no way disrespectful to Samoa, with a strong line-up being fielded.
"Given the high most of those blokes had last weekend, it's my experience that it does take a little while to come down from that," he said in a statement.
"They've refocused quickly on the task at hand representing their country, which is why we've included a good group of those players in the matchday 22.
"They'll get their opportunity."
Wallabies: Mark Gerrard, James O'Connor, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Pat McCabe, Digby Ioane, Matt Giteau, Nick Phipps, Ben McCalman, Matt Hodgson, Rocky Elsom (c), Nathan Sharpe, Sitaleki Timani, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, Sekope Kepu
Reserves: James Hanson, Dan Vickerman, Scott Higginbotham, Beau Robinson, Will Genia, Kurtley Beale (one to be added)
- AAP
Tags: rugby-union-world-cup, rugby-union, sport, australia First posted July 13, 2011 12:13:57'Highest point'
Beau's Red fairytale turns to gold
Posted July 11, 2011 10:42:00 The best redemption story in Australian sport this year just keeps rolling with Queensland Reds flanker Beau Robinson now eying a once inconceivable Wallabies jersey.
Workhorse Robinson admitted his "fairytale" could not have been scripted any better on being chosen in a 40-man national rugby squad the morning after Queensland's Super Rugby triumph.
It was the icing on the cake for the Waratahs discard who packed his bags and drove himself north from Sydney just to train with the Reds late last year.
In a throwback to the amateur era, he had no contract and made ends meet by pulling beers at a hotel in flood-ravaged Ipswich.
Robinson now stands as the likely back-up No.7 to Wallabies ball scavenger David Pocock and is in the mix to make his Test debut on Sunday against Samoa.
"It's quite humbling, it's been a fairytale comeback really - you couldn't have written a better script," Robinson said.
"My goal simply at the start of the season was to get involved with the Reds and make the No.7 my own. I did that and did the best I can for the Reds and it worked out.
"We won the championship and you can't ask for anything more. To be named in the squad has just capped it off."
The selection was just as sweet for Reds coach Ewen McKenzie who invited Robinson to join his squad on the off-chance he could fill the void left by All Black Daniel Braid.
"It was the last roll of the dice for me I reckon," Robinson said.
"I was pretty close (to giving it away) but I backed myself and I'm glad I did."
McKenzie coached Robinson at the Waratahs, when he was hemmed in behind Phil Waugh, but was cut once McKenzie was shown the door after losing the 2008 final.
Waugh was a notable omission from the Wallabies squad as expected, sounding the death knell on his World Cup hopes.
Robinson was among 15 Reds, including fellow backrowers Radike Samo and Scott Higginbotham who aimed up wonderfully against Richie McCaw and the Crusaders pack.
There were few more applauded squad selections from within the Reds team, as Robinson's rise inspired all of his team-mates on their journey to the 18-13 final victory.
Half-back Will Genia said Robinson deserves all the accolades he gets.
"Ewen made a point of highlighting it earlier on in the season that Beau was someone who was thrown a lifeline and given an opportunity," Genia said.
"He works harder than anyone in the side."
Tags: sport, rugby-union, australia, qldInterview: Saia Faingaa
Published:Saturday, July 9, 2011 10:00 AESTExpires:Friday, October 7, 2011 10:00 AEST
Reds hooker Saia Faingaa told Grandstand's Luke Pentony that Queensland's Super Rugby title is an emotional one for him after he was discarded by the Brumbies.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14Interview: Jono Lance
Published:Saturday, July 9, 2011 9:56 AESTExpires:Friday, October 7, 2011 9:56 AEST
Reds full-back Jono Lance told Grandstand's Luke Petony he was wrapped just to come into the team late in the season and help out on the way to a Super Rugby championship.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14Fiji claims victory at Pacific Nations Cup
Last Updated: Mon, 11 Jul 2011 11:27:00 +1000
Fiji has upset defending champions Samoa in the Pacific Nations Cup being played Suva.
The Flying Fijians pulled off the surprise win in front of a home crowd, scoring five tries in a 36-18 defeat of Samoa.
Fiji's victory opens up the contest for this year's title.
It was the second weekend upset, with Japan defeating the well placed Tongan team
Tonga remains on top of the table, followed by Fiji, then Japan and Samoa.
Super title lifts spectre from Reds
By Raman GorayaUpdated July 10, 2011 14:36:00 Emotional Queensland players made sure to recognise the dark days that have been left behind as the Reds' meteoric rise from Super Rugby's laughing stock to champions reached a euphoric peak on Saturday night.
Spurred on by a raucous home crowd of 52,113 at Lang Park, the Reds buried its demons with a few moments of brilliance in an otherwise tense 18-13 triumph over New Zealand heavyweights the Crusaders.
The Reds earned respect and tasted success as back-to-back champions in the amateur Super 10 competition, but in the professional era they have struggled to ditch the cellar-dwellers tag.
The halcyon days featuring Wallaby legends John Eales and Tim Horan at Ballymore, and after them the entertaining Chris Latham, fell by the wayside and were replaced by disappointing crowds and embarrassing 89-point floggings.
But after finishing in the bottom three from 2004 to 2009, the arrival of coach Ewen McKenzie has acted as the catalyst for the Reds to lift themselves out of the doldrums to the apex of Super Rugby again, somewhere an Australian team has not been for seven years.
Even McKenzie, who took the Waratahs to two finals in 2005 and 2008 but fell short on both occasions against the Crusaders, did not expect such a quick surge to the pinnacle.
"I felt we could be successful, but playing a home final at Suncorp in front of 50,000, we probably thought that might have been a stretch," he told Grandstand moments after the game.
"The organisation deserves some sort of recognition," McKenzie added later.
"It's been a long journey in a short space of time.
"I was reflecting on that (after full-time) but the only way you get recognition is by winning - and we have done that."
Four years ago James Horwill was doing his best not be recognised as he and his red-faced team-mates walked through Brisbane Airport in plain clothes after returning home from a 92-3 thumping at the hands of the Bulls in South Africa.
"That's probably the lowest point we've ever been," the Reds skipper said after lifting the Super Rugby trophy to the delight of masses, who in the same stadium just three days earlier witnessed Queensland claim a sixth straight Origin series and before that the Roar's remarkable A-League grand final win.
"As an organisation now we're arguably at the highest point we've ever been.
"To do that in a short period of time, it's pretty special and to be part of that, it's pretty cool to be honest."
Horwill stood proudly in red as he lifted the Super Rugby trophy to the delight of masses, who in the same stadium just three days earlier witnessed Queensland claim a sixth straight Origin series and before that the Roar's remarkable A-League grand final win.
Reds scrum-half Will Genia, who produced the match-winning try with 12 minutes left, credited his predecessors who endured a rebuilding phase made harder by an exodus of key players.
"We went through a long time, a long few years of getting dusted up a bit and being the laughing stock of the Super Rugby competition," he said.
"And credit must go to everyone who played through those times. This is for them, this is for everyone that has gone before and was there for those dark times."
Not all side steps and flick passes
The minor premier Reds, boasting 13 wins from their last 14 matches played at Lang Park, lost just three games all season on the back of their popular, expansive game directed by talented playmakers Genia and Quade Cooper.
It should not have come as a surprise then when Digby Ioane and Genia sliced through for long range tries to set up the memorable victory.
Genia's determined solo effort in particular is destined to go down in rugby folklore next to another number nine George Gregan and his try-saving tackle on All Black Jeff Wilson.
But the biggest testament to the strength of the Reds' win over the seven-time champions from New Zealand was that both Genia and Cooper had average outings against their lofty standards.
For that is the largely untold story of this determined Reds squad, which has been consistently ripped apart by injuries and occasionally forced to reach well beyond its player pool to field a line-up.
The effort, spirit and execution has come from all directions, not just the side steps, flick passes and audacious kicks.
Beau Robinson, one of this season's stand-outs, was in the rugby wilderness late last year before moving up to Brisbane despite the Reds having no room on their contract list.
His fearless work and tenacity at the break down earned 'The Wild Thing' a spot in the team, a two-year contract, cult hero status, a Super Rugby title and now a spot in the Wallabies squad (along with 14 of his team-mates) to boot.
And all that after dislocating his elbow just a month out from the finals in 2011.
Sharing a similar path is towering back rower Radike Samo, who earned a recall to the Australian squad for the first time in seven years on the back of his transformation from Reds ring-in to regular starter.
Samo won a Super Rugby title with the Brumbies in 2004, also against the Crusaders. His past was not weighed down by the scars of seasons gone and now neither are those his Reds team-mates.
On Sunday, the Queensland schoolboys continued their state's hot streak by defeating NSW in the championship final at Ballymore.
Queensland rugby's future is bright and the past is finally dead and buried.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, qld, brisbane-4000, new-zealand First posted July 10, 2011 13:28:00Reds wary of Crusaders' scrum weapon
Updated July 9, 2011 13:45:00 The Queensland Reds have identified the Crusaders' damaging scrum as a major "point-scoring weapon" they must nullify in Saturday night's Super Rugby final.
Reds skipper James Horwill said it was essential his under-rated pack stood up to the set-piece challenge at a sold-out Lang Park.
The Crusaders forwards destroyed the Stormers in their 29-10 semi-final victory in Cape Town and they have consistently won games through pressuring rivals into conceding scrum penalties.
With peerless five-eighth Dan Carter in signature form with the boot, the Cantabrians regularly earn three points on the back of their scrum dominance.
"They showed that last week against the Stormers," Horwill said.
"They attack the scrum and we're prepared for that.
"It's a points-scoring weapon for them to get penalties and put points on the board."
But Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder does not believe his side will have it all their own way at scrum-time, marvelling how the young Reds front row consistently hold their own.
Blackadder said Queensland had been efficient in getting quick and clean ball out to half-back Will Genia and his loose forwards needed to be wary about the ball being used before they detach.
"We have to be careful not to overcommit in the scrum," he said.
While Carter registered seven from seven last week in Cape Town, Cooper kicked just three from seven in an otherwise outstanding personal display in the Reds' 30-13 win over the Blues in Brisbane.
Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie has backed his playmaker to again rise to the challenge, as he has enjoyed a happy knack of producing his most accurate kicking displays when his side needed them most.
"He's kicked some brilliant goals for us," McKenzie said.
"He's won us a lot more games than he's lost - he's well and truly ahead on the ledger."
While the Crusaders have seven titles in the 15 previous Super Rugby seasons, the Reds have yet to win a trophy in the professional era and last made the play-offs in 2001.
Queensland won two Super 10 titles in 1994 and 1995 before the game turned professional.
-AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, qld, brisbane-4000, new-zealand First posted July 9, 2011 13:16:00Interview: Will Genia
Published:Saturday, July 9, 2011 9:41 AESTExpires:Friday, October 7, 2011 9:41 AEST
Reds scrum half Will Genia told Grandstand's Luke Pentony he saw gap and simply took it to race away and score the match-winning try in the Reds' 18-13 Super Rugby final victory over the Crusaders.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14Wallabies lose Robinson for World Cup
Updated July 13, 2011 15:00:22
Australia has suffered a massive World Cup blow after prop Benn Robinson was ruled out for the rest of the year with a knee injury.
The 26-year-old damaged his knee at Wallabies training on Tuesday, with scans on Wednesday revealing he had torn his anterior cruciate ligament.
Robinson will undergo surgery in the coming days, meaning he will miss the upcoming Tri-Nations and the World Cup, kicking off in New Zealand on September 9.
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans concedes the injury was a significant blow to Australia's prospects.
"It's disappointing news for Benn, disappointing news for the rest of the squad and for Australian rugby as a whole," Deans said in a statement.
"No-one likes to see injuries like this.
"The seemingly-innocuous circumstances in which it occurred only adds to the frustration, but injuries have always been a part of the game.
"When the door closes for one player, it opens for another and I'm sure the other front rowers we have will step up to fill the void Benn leaves."
Robinson had been due to feature in his 43rd Test in Sunday's clash with Samoa in Sydney, but his injury may see either Western Force prop Pek Cowan or New South Wales veteran Al Baxter come into the 22-man squad.
The pair trained with the team on Wednesday, with Deans to decide on a replacement in the coming days.
Robinson's injury also opens the door for Queensland loosehead Ben Daley to challenge starting props Benn Alexander and Sekope Kepu for the Wallabies number one jersey in the Tri-Nations.
- AAP
Tags: rugby-union, rugby-union-world-cup, sport, australia First posted July 13, 2011 14:54:40This week on Offsiders
Reds celebrate maiden title win
The Queensland Reds celebrate their Super 15 rugby final win over the Canterbury Crusaders at Lang Park in Brisbane, July 9, 2011.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, qld, brisbane-4000McKenzie for top job?
Contact Sport - Friday 17th June
Tags: rugby-union, sport, soccer-world-cup, winter-sports, australia Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.
Shute Shield Round 14 Highlights
Posted July 11, 2011 15:28:00 Randwick's players were dropping like flies at Coogee Oval and Eastwood capitalised to score a comprehensive 38-14 victory to remain undefeated in 2011.
Randwick 14 (Atonio Halangahu, Tim McGann tries; Toby Browne 2 cons)
HT: Eastwood 19-0. Referee: Steve Walsh.
Southern Districts 25 (Cooper Vuna try; Jordan McGregor 6 pens, con)
HT: West Harbour 21-6. Referee: Nathan Pearce.
Penrith 10 (Solomona Silipa try; Fokolulu Taumalolo con, pen)
HT: Penrith 10-5. Referee: Angus Gardner.
Eastern Suburbs 19 (Andrew Shaw, Matt To'omua, Afusipa Taumoepeau tries; Brendan McKibbin 2 cons)
HT: Sydney University 10-5. Referee: Andrew Lees.
Parramatta 10 (Mika Polota-Nau try; Tom Woods con, pen)
HT: Manly 12-0. Referee: Steve Hardy.
Gordon 21 (Sai Vakarau, Wise Cakau, Ryan Matthews tries; Dave Harvey 3 cons)
HT: Warringah 12-7. Referee: Ben Skeen (NZL). Tags: sport, rugby-union, nsw-club-rugby, australia, nsw, coogee-2034
They will now face second placed Manly next weekend after the Marlins easily accounted for Parramatta.
Sydney Uni claimed the inaugural David Brockhoff Cup against Easts and Norths consolidated their place in the top six against Penrith.
West Harbour put a huge dent in Southern Districts finals aspirations while Warringah moved off the bottom of the ladder with a big win over Gordon.
Randwick v Eastwood at Coogee Oval (ABC TV Game)
Eastwood extended its unbeaten record to 14 matches after recording a 38-14 victory over Randwick at Coogee Oval.
The competition leaders scored three tries in each half to dominate a Randwick team decimated by injuries throughout the course of the game.
Both teams remained scoreless in the first 20 minutes until Mark Frost sliced through for a first phase try, prompting his team mates to find some continuity with Barry Fa'amuasili and Tom Alexander also crossing before the break.
Randwick needed to be first to score in the second half to stay in the game which they did through Nio Halangahu, however they conceded a fourth try just two minutes later which halted their comeback hopes.
The Woodies eventually posting the six tries to two victory over the injury plagued Wicks.
Eastwood 38 (Mark Frost, Barry Fa'amuasili, Tom Alexander, Sione Piukala, John Grant tries; Penalty try; Pierre Hola 4 cons) d
Randwick 14 (Atonio Halangahu, Tim McGann tries; Toby Browne 2 cons)
HT: Eastwood 19-0. Referee: Steve Walsh.
Next week the ABC Shute Shield goes to Woollahra Oval for the first time in 2011 when Eastern Suburbs host Randwick in Round 15.
See all the action live on Saturday July 16th in NSW and the ACT from 3:00pm on ABC1.
Interstate viewers can catch-up on every minute via ABC iView.
You can also find us on Facebook - www.facebook.com/abcshuteshield or follow us on Twitter @abcshuteshield.
Other round 14 results
Southern Districts v West Harbour at Forshaw Rugby Park
West Harbour 31 (Isaiah Pine, Rory Sidey, Liam Windon, Tito Mua tries; Shaun Treweek 4 cons, pen) d
Southern Districts 25 (Cooper Vuna try; Jordan McGregor 6 pens, con)
HT: West Harbour 21-6. Referee: Nathan Pearce.
Northern Suburbs v Penrith at North Sydney Oval
Northern Suburbs 36 (Cam Crawford 2, Scott Sio, Zack Holmes, Samu Wara, Andrew Power tries; Zack Holmes 3 cons) d
Penrith 10 (Solomona Silipa try; Fokolulu Taumalolo con, pen)
HT: Penrith 10-5. Referee: Angus Gardner.
Sydney University v Eastern Suburbs at University Oval No.1
Sydney University 23 (Tim Davidson, Matt Schwager, Greg Jeoudev tries; Bernard Foley 2 pens, con) d
Eastern Suburbs 19 (Andrew Shaw, Matt To'omua, Afusipa Taumoepeau tries; Brendan McKibbin 2 cons)
HT: Sydney University 10-5. Referee: Andrew Lees.
Parramatta v Manly at Merrylands RSL Rugby Park
Manly 38 (Cadeyrn Neville, Tevita Metuisela, Ben Seymour, Lui Siale, Neil Meyer, Harry Bergelin tries; Willie Ripia 4 cons) d
Parramatta 10 (Mika Polota-Nau try; Tom Woods con, pen)
HT: Manly 12-0. Referee: Steve Hardy.
Warringah v Gordon at Pittwater Rugby Park
Warringah 48 (Hamish Angus 3, Dylan Smouha 2, Michael Dalton, Mark Porpiglia, Edward Lewis-Pratt tries; Brock McGarity 4 cons) d
Gordon 21 (Sai Vakarau, Wise Cakau, Ryan Matthews tries; Dave Harvey 3 cons)
HT: Warringah 12-7. Referee: Ben Skeen (NZL). Tags: sport, rugby-union, nsw-club-rugby, australia, nsw, coogee-2034
Genia runs in for winning try
Will Genia of the Reds scores a try during the Super Rugby final between the Queensland Reds and the Crusaders at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia on Saturday, July 9, 2011.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, qld, brisbane-4000Qld Footy Wrap
Published:Tuesday, July 12, 2011 11:29 AESTExpires:Monday, October 10, 2011 11:29 AEST
Grandstand's Alister Nicholson looks back at the weekend that was for the Queensland teams in the NRL, Super Rugby and AFL.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australiaHoeata only new All Blacks cap
Posted July 10, 2011 15:43:00 All Blacks coach Graham Henry signalled his intentions to stick with the tried and trusted for his World Cup squad after he named an expanded 34-man Tri-Nations squad with just one new cap in Highlanders lock Jarrad Hoeata.
Much of the squad, which will be captained by Richie McCaw, was dominated by players who have formed the nucleus of Henry's side since the 2007 World Cup, with Ali Williams also brought back after two years out with repeated Achilles' tendon injuries.
Fly half Colin Slade was also included in the squad as a back-up to Daniel Carter, despite barely playing at all during the Super Rugby season after he broke his jaw twice.
The 27-year-old Hoeata, who has played for New Zealand Maori, impressed in Super Rugby with his explosive intensity in contact and the tackle, aerial ability and work around the field.
"He has gone down there (to the Highlanders) and been abrasive and been effective in the line-out and at scrum time and that's what you want from your locks," assistant coach Steve Hansen told Sky Sport's Rugby Channel.
"You want them to have a presence around the park."
Hoeata, who can also play blindside flanker, had been named as a specialist lock in the squad, but his versatility to play both positions could allow the All Blacks to take a specialist openside flanker into the World Cup as back-up to McCaw, Hansen said.
Henry was forced to name an extra four players - utility back Ben Smith, regular wingers Sitiveni Sivivatu and Cory Jane and prop Wyatt Crockett as injury cover for Hosea Gear, Israel Dagg, Isaia Toeava and Tony Woodcock.
The All Blacks coach, however, said that all of injured players were expected to play during the Tri-Nations, with the All Blacks playing Fiji on July 22 before they meet the Springboks in Wellington on July 30.
Blues lock Anthony Boric was not considered because of a foot injury and could still force his way back into World Cup contention if he recovers in time.
All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith said despite Slade's lack of playing time, he had been included because he had improved his off-field strategic thinking and contribution to the team's leadership group.
"He has an all around game that we like [but]... at the Highlanders we wanted Colin to be in the leadership group working on strategy and being able to contribute off the field," Smith said.
"He obviously didn't get on the field that often but the feedback we have got from the Highlanders was impressive and we have seen a lot of things we wanted to see from him without actually playing.
"But like everyone else, he has been given the opportunity and he needs to produce on the field and to play well."
All Blacks squad: John Afoa, Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Israel Dagg, Andy Ellis, Corey Flynn, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Hosea Gear, Zac Guildford, Jarrad Hoeata, Andrew Hore, Richard Kahui, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (c), Keven Mealamu, Liam Messam, Mils Muliaina, Ma'a Nonu, Kieran Read, Colin Slade, Conrad Smith, Adam Thomson, Brad Thorn, Isaia Toeava, Piri Weepu, Tony Woodcock, Sam Whitelock, Ali Williams, Sonny Bill Williams.
*Wyatt Crockett, Cory Jane, Sitiveni Sivivatu, and Ben Smith were also named in an expanded squad as injury cover.
-Reuters
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, new-zealandWorld Cup-winner among ARU Statesmen
Updated July 14, 2011 21:47:00
Seven of the most celebrated players in Australian rugby have been announced as the 2011 ARU Classic Wallabies Statesmen.
One player from each decade since World War II was on Thursday chosen to serve as a Statesman in an ambassadorial role for the ARU in what shapes as a huge year for Australian rugby.
Two of the seven Statesmen - 1970s great Geoff Shaw and 1980s star and 1991 World Cup winner Simon Poidevin - are former Test captains.
All seven have played a significant role in the history of the game.
Apart from Shaw and Poidevin, the other Statesmen are 1940s representative Eric Tweedale, 1950s full-back Terry Curley, 1960s stalwart Rob Heming, 1990s great Tim Gavin and Elton Flatley, the 2003 World Cup final goalkicking star.
The ARU Classic Wallabies Statesmen program began in 2008 and a new group of players are announced annually.
The inaugural Statesmen were Sir Nicholas Shehadie, Dr John Solomon, Ken Catchpole, Mark Loane, Andrew Slack, Nick Farr-Jones and John Eales.
In 2009, Arthur Buchanan, John Thornett, Jim Lenehan, John Hipwell, Mark Ella, Tim Horan and Matthew Burke were honoured, while last year David Brockhoff, Peter Johnson, John Brass, Greg Cornelsen, Roger Gould, Jason Little and David Wilson were named as Statesmen.
ARU boss John O'Neill said the Statesmen initiative provided an opportunity for rugby to showcase the game's wonderful alumni of former Wallabies.
"This game has been graced by not only great players but truly inspirational figures and we are recognising their achievements and values through this program," he said.
"We must never forget our past and the wonderful men who have contributed so much.
"We want the rugby culture to remain strong and vibrant and we want our past heroes as well as our current stars to help us carry those traditions forward.
"Our seven Statesmen will assist in that process thanks to their standing in the game and the broader community."
Plans for the Statesmen include pre-Test jersey presentations to Wallabies players, addressing players from club and schoolboys level to the elite tiers of the game, and attending official functions as ARU Classic Wallabies Statesmen.
AAP
Tags: rugby-union-world-cup, rugby-union, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, australia First posted July 14, 2011 21:25:32Live Broadcast: Reds v Crusaders
Posted July 9, 2011 17:51:00
Updated July 9, 2011 17:53:00 Listen to Grandstand's live broadcast of the Super Rugby final between the Reds and Crusaders at Lang Park.
Updated July 9, 2011 17:53:00 Listen to Grandstand's live broadcast of the Super Rugby final between the Reds and Crusaders at Lang Park.
Commentary can be heard by clicking on the link below:
Reds v Crusaders at Lang Park - 7:20pm (AEST)
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14Winning Reds get keys to Brisbane
Posted July 11, 2011 16:23:00 It is not often that Brisbane hands over the keys of the city and a Victorian-born rugby coach is made an honorary Queenslander.
Hot on the heels of the Maroons' sixth straight State of Origin victory came another historic moment for Queensland sport on Saturday when the Reds, the team just about written off in Super Rugby a couple of years ago, won the 2011 final against the Crusaders.
On Monday it was time for Brisbane to celebrate with thousands turning out to cheer as the champion team paraded through the Queen Street Mall.
In some places they were packed four and five deep, with the mall's seats and garden edges becoming vantage points for fans as they cheered and chanted the rallying cry, "We are Red, we are Red".
An appropriately coloured red police car led the parade, but the next car contained the people and the prize most fans wanted to see - captain James Horwill, vice-captain Will Genia and coach Ewen McKenzie and the newly-minted trophy.
Fans were able to get close to their beloved Reds as the rest of the team walked behind up to the stage at the top of the Mall, where they were met by Premier Anna Bligh, Brisbane lord mayor Graham Quirk, Sports Minister Phil Reeves and more cheering fans.
Centre Anthony Faingaa says it was fantastic to see so many people out on a Monday.
"(It) just tops off a great season for us," he said.
"Today is a fantastic day."
"When I first got up here (in late 2008) you couldn't get a Reds shirt and you never saw any Reds shirts out and now there's Reds shirts everywhere, which is just fantastic."
Lock Adam Wallace-Harrison agreed.
"This is sensational. It's just unbelievable, I didn't think anyone would be here," he said.
"I was there way back in 2003 and 2004 and there was not much following then, but it's been good and that crowd on Saturday was absolutely amazing."
On stage Ms Bligh was not afraid to push the Queensland message.
"This morning the maroon flag went up on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and today we celebrate the win of the Queensland Reds, all proving again that 'Nothing beats Queensland'," she said.
For a change there did not appear to be anyone there who was ready to disagree with the premier.
Ms Bligh told the fans the Reds win had boosted interest in rugby union around Queensland and around Australia.
"They are our champions and today we honour them," she told the crowd to more cheers, before leading the crowd in the chant "We are Reds, we are Queenslanders".
And there were plenty of honours to be handed out.
McKenzie, who was born in Victoria, and has also coached New South Wales, was made an honorary Queenslander by the premier.
She also presented the team with Queensland Champion Awards before Mr Quirk handed over the keys to the city.
Mr Quirk told the crowd it was not an honour given away lightly, and Monday's presentation was only the 32nd time in the city's history, around 130 years, that the keys had been handed over.
When the tradition was first established in medieval times recipients were freed from paying tax, but neither the lord mayor nor the premier was willing to go that far.
In fact the premier laughed when the suggestion was put to her.
"Two years ago nobody would have thought this was possible and here they are today, the Super Rugby champions of Australia," she said.
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, qld, brisbane-4000Reds win Super Rugby title
Reborn Radike in 'great nick'
Updated July 11, 2011 16:43:00 Australia assistant coach Jim Williams knows what it takes to make a Rugby World Cup squad in your 30s and has no doubt the reactivated Radike Samo can make an impact at 35.
Samo won his first Super Rugby title with Williams at the Brumbies in 2001 and the Wallabies forwards coach is so impressed by the reborn Red's second-coming that he rates him fitter and better now.
The Fiji-born back rower was the major bolter in Australia's 40-man squad, which assembled in Sydney on Monday, riding off the back of Queensland's 2011 success.
It surprised few of his state team-mates, who have applauded Samo's physicality and intensity since Ewen McKenzie plucked him out of semi-retirement in Sydney club rugby last year.
Williams, who was 31 when he was a member of the Wallabies' triumphant 1999 World Cup squad, says he has done more than just turn back the clock.
"He's still in great nick, it's incredible," Williams said.
"I'd say he's even fitter now than he was back when I played with him.
"He's playing just as well I think and with Radike it's always about the intensity."
The towering Samo, who played six Tests in 2004, agrees he is in better shape, and puts his Lazarus-like comeback down to his young Reds team-mates and a decision to abstain from alcohol.
"A lot of people think I'm old but it's only a number and these guys make it easy for me," he said.
Samo's father died in February last year and he has not had a hard drink since.
"The Fijian culture says you have to do it (abstain) for three months and I decided to not to drink and now have given up, which has been good for me this season," he said.
"I've been performing well during training and during the games, so I think that's the difference, that's made it easier for me."
With the Wallabies searching for an enforcer with Wycliff Palu currently sidelined, Samo's form, impact and combination with Reds half-back Will Genia makes him a genuine number eight selection option.
The two are close off the field also, even to the point Queensland team-mates have playfully nicknamed the 172-centimetre Genia 'Rusi', after Samo's nine-year-old son.
"He is pretty much the same height and everyone calls him (Will) Rusi," he said.
"In December he grew a bit of hair and because my son had an afro they started calling him Rusi.
"Will ended up cutting his hair, but the boys still call him Rusi."
One reason. Young Rusi Samo is such a big Genia fan he also shaved his head to continue to look more like his idol than his wild-haired dad.
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, brisbane-4000 First posted July 11, 2011 16:42:00Interview: Beau Robinson
Published:Saturday, July 9, 2011 9:38 AESTExpires:Friday, October 7, 2011 9:38 AEST
Reds flanker Beau Robinson told Grandstand's Luke Pentony his decision to move north was vindicated after his team triumphed over the Crusaders to be crowned Super Rugby champions.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14Thursday, July 14, 2011
Reds retain back row duo
Posted July 12, 2011 15:45:00 Back rowers Beau Robinson and Radike Samo have re-signed with Queensland for another two seasons.
Two of the stars of the Reds' 18-13 Super Rugby final win over the Crusaders on Saturday night, Samo and Robinson will remain in Brisbane until at least the end of 2013.
"We came to an agreement with both players midway through the regular season, but chose to hold off on officially announcing it to avoid the distraction and to ensure we remained focused solely on winning the Super Rugby competition," Reds coach Ewen McKenzie said in a statement.
"That has now been accomplished and, with their selection for the Wallabies, it's an opportune moment to publicise the good news.
"Retaining our talent is a major priority that we invest a lot of time in, so it's pleasing to see both Beau and Radike recognise the systems we have in place and choose to remain with us in the coming years."
Robinson and Samo were instrumental figures in the Reds' record-breaking 2011 season and were duly rewarded with Wallabies selection in the 40-man squad announced for the upcoming Test against Samoa and the Tri-Nations series.
Robinson initially joined the Reds during the off-season without a full-time contract, although his work ethic at training and stand-out play on the field resulted in the 24-year-old earning a place in the contracted squad.
"It's a fairytale story and it means a lot to be part of what we've achieved. It's pretty special," Robinson said.
"We've got a useful squad and have been able to retain a lot of the boys again, so we have some interesting times ahead."
Samo first played for the Reds in late 2010 to cover their mounting injury toll late in the season, when his performances in the final two matches were noticed and rewarded by McKenzie with a contract for this year.
Fijian-born Samo continued his stellar play throughout the course of this season and has been recalled into the Wallabies' squad, seven years after making his Test debut for Australia against Scotland.
"Winning a Super Rugby final is something you never forget and there are some exciting times ahead for the Reds," Samo said.
"It was good to be part of this season and the boys are looking forward to playing together again next year."
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, brisbane-4000Saturday, July 9, 2011
Reds focus on rugby title
Published:Friday, July 8, 2011 7:21 AESTExpires:Thursday, October 6, 2011 7:21 AEST
Queensland is hoping a potential Super Rugby grand final win against the Crusaders will be uplifting for residents affected by the floods.
Tags: earthquake, floods, rugby-union, qld, brisbane-4000Reds upset about underdog status
By Luke PentonyUpdated July 7, 2011 17:37:00 Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie says it is "disappointing" the Reds are not considered favourites in the Super Rugby final against the Crusaders.
The Reds, who will take an unchanged squad of 22 into the final at Lang Park, set the pace throughout the regular season, compiling a 13-3 record from their 16 matches to clinch the minor premiership.
Among their victories was a 17-16 triumph over the Crusaders at Lang Park in late May, while they progressed to the final with a solid 30-13 result against the Blues at home last Saturday night.
However, it is the Crusaders who bookmakers have installed as favourites to claim what would be an eighth Super Rugby title.
This is despite the fact the Christchurch-based franchise had to make the trip to Brisbane from Cape Town, where they beat the Stormers 29-10 in the second semi-final last Sunday morning (AEST).
This was the latest trek in what has been an entire season on the road for the Crusaders, who have been unable to play at their traditional home ground of Lancaster Park as a result of the earthquake that hit Christchurch in February.
It is customary in the lead-up to any season decider that rival coaches will vie for the right for their side to be labelled the underdogs, so as to avoid any added expectation.
But McKenzie has bucked the trend, as he feels the Reds have shown they deserve favouritism based on their performances this season.
"We're not favourites for this game, which I find disappointing," he said.
"We don't want to be the underdog going into a final. People talk about that, people want to grab the underdog status.
"We don't want to be the underdog, we would love to go into the game being the favourite. Bookmakers see it the other way and it's disappointing to us."
The Reds have been considered a 'Cinderella' story in some quarters, due to the fact that only two seasons ago they finished second last on the ladder following what was their seventh straight losing season.
It was after 2009 that McKenzie replaced Phil Mooney as head coach and in his maiden campaign last year he lifted the Reds to fifth position with an 8-5 record.
Talk that the Reds are enjoying a fairytale run ignores the hard work McKenzie put into building a player roster with depth, in addition to how well he has adapted his game plan to nullify the strengths of his opponents.
This was evident throughout the season, most notably when they beat the previously undefeated Stormers 19-6 in Cape Town in April.
McKenzie's desire for the Reds to be favourites has much to do with his troops being afforded the respect they deserve.
"For me it's a search for credibility," he said. "We've come a long way."
'Creative' genius
The journey the Reds have taken under McKenzie is perhaps best mirrored in the playing fortunes of star fly half Quade Cooper, who has enjoyed career-best form under the tutelage of the former Wallabies prop.
Cooper had often displayed flashes of brilliance when Eddie Jones and Mooney were in charge at Ballymore, but he struggled for consistency until last season.
McKenzie has refused to take any credit for Cooper becoming arguably the number one fly half in the world, saying the 23-year-old is best left to his own devices.
"I don't spend anytime telling Quade no," he said.
"We talk abut scenarios and options and decisions - saying no to creative people is not a very profitable way to coach, I figure."
Meanwhile, the Crusaders will take an unchanged line-up into Saturday's final, with half-back Andy Ellis passing a fitness test after sustaining knee and shoulder complaints against the Stormers.
Reserve forward Luke Romano has been cleared to play, despite being quarantined in South Africa with chicken pox.
Reds: Jono Lance, Rod Davies, Anthony Faingaa, Ben Tapuai, Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Radike Samo, Beau Robinson, Scott Higginbotham, James Horwill (c), Rob Simmons, Greg Holmes, Saia Faingaa, Ben Daley
Reserves: James Hanson, Guy Shepherdson, Adam Wallace-Harrison, Jake Schatz, Liam Gill, Ian Prior, Will Chambers
Crusaders: Tom Marshall, Sean Maitland, Robbie Fruean, Sonny Bill Williams, Zac Guildford, Dan Carter, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (c), George Whitelock, Sam Whitelock, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett
Reserves: Quentin MacDonald, Ben Franks, Luke Romano, Matt Todd, Kahn Fotuali'i, Matt Berquist, Ryan Crotty
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, qld, brisbane-4000, new-zealand First posted July 7, 2011 09:43:00The Drum - Friday 8 July
Published:Friday, July 8, 2011 6:05 AESTExpires:Thursday, October 6, 2011 6:05 AEST
Peter Wilkins hosts a discussion with actor and writer Brendan Cowell, Amanda Shalala from the Daily Telegraph, Steve Robilliard from ABC TV Sport and rugby league author Neil Cadigan.
Tags: australian-football-league, cycling, golf, nrl, rugby-union, world-cup, tennis, state-of-origin, australia, france, englandMcKenzie backed as Deans' successor
Updated July 6, 2011 18:31:00 Test great David Campese has called for Ewen McKenzie to replace Robbie Deans as Wallabies coach if Queensland caps its remarkable resurgence with a Super Rugby title.
McKenzie has taken the long-time cellar-dwelling Reds from second last to a home final in two seasons at Ballymore and Campese adamantly believes he deserves to lead Australia after this year's World Cup.
The Australian Rugby Union is in the process of recontracting New Zealander Deans beyond the tournament but the 101-Test winger said it is time to put an Australian back in charge.
Campese made the call on Wednesday as McKenzie was preparing to name his first unchanged 22-man squad of the year to play the Crusaders in Saturday night's decider at a sold-out Lang Park.
The Reds have only once retained the same starting 15 this season, which coincidentally resulted in their thrilling 17-16 win over the Crusaders on May 29, in a good omen for the final.
Campese said McKenzie is the best man for the national job he turned down in late 2005, when he opted to stay on with the New South Wales Waratahs.
Deans appears set to be re-signed for two more years despite a modest winning record of 55.8 per cent, and Australia's record try-scorer believes the ARU should immediately end negotiations if Queensland upsets the seven-time champions.
"If they win, Ewen McKenzie should become the Wallabies coach," he said.
"I know they want Robbie Deans signed but we don't need him.
"I would rather Australia have an Australian coach than sign Robbie Deans again.
"(McKenzie) has taken the Reds from almost last to first so he's definitely got the players playing well and he deserves to be the national coach."
McKenzie lost out when Deans became the first foreigner appointed to the role, replacing John Connolly after the Wallabies were knocked out in the quarter-finals of the 2007 World Cup.
The former 51-Test prop, who boasts a 70 per cent record with the Reds, had the chance to succeed Eddie Jones as Australian coach after taking the Waratahs to the first of two Super Rugby finals in 2005.
McKenzie lost both deciders against the Crusaders in Christchurch, with the last in 2008 coming after the NSW Rugby Union cut him free at the end of his five-year term.
But he has had far better fortunes toppling the seven-time champions, in charge of the Reds, winning both contests in the past two seasons, including a record 41-20 triumph last year, as well as two other preseason trials.
McKenzie is almost certain to unveil an unchanged 22 on Thursday after winger Luke Morahan failed in his attempts to return from a torn hamstring.
It is likely to see former Melbourne Storm three-quarter Will Chambers retained on the bench to be in line to join Crusaders lock Brad Thorn as the second player to earn the NRL-Super Rugby title double.
Dual international Thorn won three NRL premierships for the Brisbane Broncos (1998, 2000, 2006) before being a part of the Crusaders' 2008 final victory over New South Wales.
Saturday night's final is set to break Australia's 104-year-old provincial attendance record after the remaining 25,000 general sale seats were snapped up on Wednesday morning within 45 minutes.
A capacity Lang Park crowd of 52,000 will eclipse the mark of 49,327 set in 1907 when New South Wales played the All Blacks at the SCG.
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, qld, brisbane-4000 First posted July 6, 2011 17:11:00Reds raring for Super Rugby final
Published:Tuesday, July 5, 2011 7:25 AESTExpires:Monday, October 3, 2011 7:25 AEST
Queensland is trying to stay focused and relaxed ahead of the Super Rugby grand final against the Crusaders.
Tags: rugby-union, super-14, qld, brisbane-4000Super final sells out in 45 minutes
Posted July 6, 2011 11:31:00 Saturday night's Super Rugby final is set to break Australia's 104-year-old provincial attendance record after all general sale seats were snapped up within 45 minutes on Wednesday morning.
It means the Queensland Reds and final opponents the Crusaders will lock horns at a sold-out Lang Park for the second time this year.
The full house sign also went up in round 15 on May 29, when a record Australian Super Rugby crowd of 48,301 celebrated an epic 17-16 victory to the Reds.
That mark will now be eclipsed on Saturday night, along with the national record for a provincial match, set in 1907 when 49,327 turned out to watch New South Wales play the All Blacks at the SCG.
Lang Park's capacity is 52,000, but up to 4,000 stadium members and pre-sold seat holders failed to attend the round 15 encounter.
A sell-out ensures a second capacity crowd in Brisbane this week following Wednesday night's rugby league State of Origin decider between Queensland and New South Wales.
Saturday night's capacity crowd will also provide almost $500,000 in extra revenue for the Queensland Rugby Union, which has seen a major boost in crowds during the Reds' revival.
Brisbane crowds are averaging 31,000 this season, up 30 per cent on last year, and a 60 per cent boost on the 2009 average of 18,646 when the Reds finished second last.
Tickets went on sale to Reds members on Monday and were available until Tuesday afternoon.
The remaining tickets went on sale to the general public at 9:00am (AEST) on Wednesday and were all taken by 9:45am.
The QRU and Ticketek said glitches which saw punters turned away from booking semi-final tickets last week had been fixed to ensure no problems when final tickets went on sale.
-AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, qld, brisbane-4000Contact Sport - Friday 8 July
Published:Friday, July 8, 2011 7:31 AESTExpires:Thursday, October 6, 2011 7:31 AEST
We take a look at the Tour de France, speak to cyclist Richie Porte, preview the Super Rugby final between the Reds and the Crusaders, review game three of the NRL State of Origin series, meet Australia's Paralympians and reveal how Ireland is preparing to take part in the International Rules contest.
Tags: australian-football-league, cycling, netball, rugby-union, football, state-of-origin, paralympics, australiaMercurial Cooper not changing tactics now
Updated July 8, 2011 07:39:00 Quade Cooper insists the pressure-cooker of a Super Rugby final is no time for himself or the freewheeling Queensland Reds to play it safe.
Queensland's excitement machine says he will continue to roll the dice against the Crusaders at Lang Park on Saturday night and coach Ewen McKenzie has again given him a licence to thrill.
Cooper was at his mesmerising best in the 30-13 semi-final triumph over the Blues last Saturday, making a mockery of the belief play-offs require solid and steady play rather than risk and razzle-dazzle.
Queensland's players do know they must be careful to limit their mistakes against the Crusaders, who have made an art out of punishing turnovers with their clinical counter-attack.
But Cooper says the Reds play their best when they treat the field like a backyard and he will not alter his attacking philosophy for the decider.
"I don't try and go away from it or play anything different to suit critics or other people wanting certain things. I just go out and do what I have to do for the team," the 24-Test five-eighth said.
"It's exciting to some but, for us, it's just how we play. No changes will be made. That's how we've played all year.
"Our mindset is always to go out there and express ourselves and enjoy ourselves and come out to win.
"Where better to do it than in front of 50,000 people in a massive backyard?
"So that's what I see it as, and just playing the game I'm used to."
McKenzie denied he held any thoughts of reining his mercurial playmaker in.
"I don't spend any time telling Quade 'no'," he said.
"Saying no to creative people is not a profitable way to coach. I figure you get more out of encouraging."
While the hard-working Reds' forward pack have finally won their plaudits in laying the platform for a top-of-the-table finish, Queensland's hopes largely lie in the creativity and game management of Cooper and Wallabies' partner Will Genia.
Cooper was outplayed by peerless number 10 Daniel Carter in the Reds' epic 17-16 win over the Crusaders five weeks ago but Genia was the man of the match.
Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder stresses his side needs to shut both down to win a cherished eighth title.
"I just have to take my hat off to Genia and Cooper," Blackadder said.
"The Reds have played brilliant rugby this year.
"Quade Cooper is just sublime - he did things in the semi-final that were just unbelievable but he's been doing it every week."
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, qld, brisbane-4000, new-zealand First posted July 8, 2011 06:35:00Interview: Ewen McKenzie
Published:Friday, July 8, 2011 12:22 AESTExpires:Thursday, October 6, 2011 12:22 AEST
Reds coach Ewen McKenzie told Grandstand's Quentin Hull that his players are very confident and not at all shying away from the challenge of beating the all-conquering Crusaders in Saturday's Super Rugby final at Lang Park.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14Brumbies snare Tahs forward Mowen
Posted July 6, 2011 12:02:00 New South Wales back rower Ben Mowen is the Brumbies' latest acquisition as new coach Jake White rebuilds the Super Rugby team after its dismal 13th place season.
The 26-year-old Mowen has signed for the next two years with the Brumbies after three seasons at the Waratahs and said he was excited by the opportunity to play under 2007 World Cup winning coach White.
"I've spoken to Jake a couple of times and that's what sealed it for me, his enthusiasm and his commitment to making sure we are well placed from day one to be competitive," Mowen said.
He joins a squad which is losing Wallabies stars Rocky Elsom, Matt Giteau and Adam Ashley-Cooper but expressed confidence about the future.
"It's exciting to be given the chance to work with a young, up-coming group at the Brumbies," Mowen said.
"The Brumbies faced a few challenges this year, but I'm sure it has made them stronger as a team and I'm looking forward to building on that over the next couple of years."
White has also landed Australian Under 20s and Western Force Academy hooker Siliva Siliva for two years.
Siliva has spent the past week at Wallabies scrum camp getting to know some of his future team-mates like Ben Alexander and Stephen Moore.
White last month bolstered the Brumbies' backline stocks with the signing of NRL centre Joseph Tomane to a two-year deal.
-AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, act, canberra-2600, nsw, sydney-2000Shute Shield Round 14 Preview
Posted July 8, 2011 13:03:00 Randwick will look to be the first team to take down Eastwood when they host the front-runners at Coogee Oval on Saturday in the ABC TV Game of the Day.
Referee: Angus Gardner
It is one of two matches between clubs inside the top six, with Sydney University hosting Eastern Suburbs in the inaugural David Brockhoff Cup.
Southern Districts host West Harbour in a must-win clash, Gordon travel to Warringah, Northern Suburbs play Penrith at home while Manly go in as favourites despite playing away from home at Parramatta.
Randwick: 1. Marakai Toa, 2. Atonio Halangahu, 3. Justin Terry; 4. Tim Maxwell, 5. Geoffrey Ingram; 6. Seilala Lam, Tim McGann [c], 8. Henry Vanderglas; 9. Patrick Phibbs, 10. Jai Ayoub; 11. Clinton Sills, 12. Toby Browne, 13. Shaun Foley, 14. Ethan Ford; 15. Atieli Pakalani.
Eastwood: 1. Martin Plokstys, 2. Chris Hill, 3. Barry Fa'amuasili; 4. Tom Alexander, 5. Josh Dunning; 6. Hugh Perrett [c], 7. Chris Alcock, 8. Locky McCaffrey; 9. Nic White, 10. Pierre Hola; 11. Mark Frost, 12. Sione Piukala, 13. Tim Bennetts, 14. John Grant; 15. Ben Batger.
Referee: Steve Walsh
Round 3 Result: Eastwood 23 d Randwick 11 at TG Millner Field
Southern Districts: 1. Tetera Faulkner, 2. Nick Seymour, 3. Duncan Chubb; 4. Andrew Rossiter, 5. Luke Smart; 6. Jono Hayes, 7. Sam Latunipulu, 8. Mick Kauter; 9. Grayson Hart, 10. Jordan McGregor; 11. Nicky Price, 12. Gareth Morton, 13. Ben Schreiber, 14. Denan Kemp; 15. Rohan Saifoloi.
West Harbour: 1.Rodney Blake, 2. Reg de Jager, 3. Vaughan Lomax; 4. Tom Hikila, 5. Steve Cummins; 6. Tom Games, 7. Isaiah Pine [c], 8. Sam Wykes; 9. Jeremy Su'a, 10. Shaun Treweek; 11. Joe Tuvitu, 12. Nua Alone, 13. Rory Sidey, 14. Tito Mua; 15. Liam Windon.
Referee: Nathan Pearce
Round 3 Result: Southern Districts 28 d West Harbour 24 at Concord Oval
Northern Suburbs:1. Scott Sio, 2. Scott Podmore, 3. Dan Murray; 4. Ben Matwijow, 5. Seti Tafua; 6. Mat Lamont, 7. Wil Brame, 8. AJ Gilbert; 9. Steve Evans, 10. Ben Murray; 11. Zack Holmes, 12. Henari Veratau, 13. Samu Wara, 14. Corey Brown; 15. Cam Crawford.
Penrith: 1. Peter Niumata, 2. Elvis Levi, 3. Richard Aho; 4. Kornelio Burgess, 5. Dale Shane; 6. Chris Aho, 7. Winnie Paulo, 8. Viliami Napa'a; 9. Paula Katoa, 10. Tawhiri Walsh; 11. Solomona Silipa, 12. Henry Lilomaiava, 13. Lachlan Porteous, 14. Fokolulu Taumalolo; 15. Atelea Okati.
Referee: Angus Gardner
Round 3 Result: Northern Suburbs 44 d Penrith 22 at Nepean Rugby Park
Sydney University: 1. Aldy King, 2. Ben Roberts, 3. Sam Talakai; 4. Tom Heslop, 5. Sam Carter; 6. David Hickey, 7. Jono Jenkins, 8. Tim Davidson; 9. Matt Schwager [c], 10. Bernard Foley; 11. Jacob Taylor, 12. James McMahon, 13. Mitch Inman, 14. Michael Hodge; 15. Dave Dillon.
Eastern Suburbs: 1. Ofa Fainga'anuku, 2. Heath Tessman, 3. Rob McMickan; 4. Matt McGann, 5. Phil Mathers [c]; 6. Jordan Brown, 7. Andrew Shaw, 8. Pauliasi Taumoepeau; 9. Brendan McKibbin, 10. Matt To'omua; 11. Ratu Ma'afu, 12. Afusipa Taumoepeau, 13. Anton Lavin, 14. Damon Anderson; 15. Eddie Paea.
Referee: Andrew Lees
Round 3 Result: Eastern Suburbs 17 d Sydney University 13 at Woollahra Oval
Parramatta:1.Sione Taula, 2. Trent Hoscher, 3. Mika Polota-Nau; 4. Ryan Aniseko, 5. Josh Kron; 6. Andrew Cox, 7. Nick Boland, 8. Maile Latekefu; 9. Kaleb Rech, 10. Tom Woods; 11. Oleni Ngungutau, 12. Toese Lealemanua, 13. Damien Fakafanua, 14. Iese Leota; 15. Tyler Stevens.
Manly: 1. Dane Maraki, 2. Elvis Taione, 3. Jono Owen; 4. Ed Gower, 5. Cadeyrn Neville; 6. Dylan Sigg, 7. Kotoni Ale, 8. Tevita Metuisela; 9. Chris Cottee, 10. Ben Seymour; 11. Chris Yarrington, 12. Joe Christie, 13. Andrew Smith, 14. Lui Siale; 15. Marshall Milroy.
Referee: Steve Hardy
Round 3 Result: Manly 22 d Parramatta 10 at Manly Oval
Warringah: 1. Pek Cowan, 2. Luke Holmes, 3. Daniel Barnard; 4. Ben Adams [c], 5. Hugh Pyle; 6. Sam Ward, 7. Mark Porpiglia, 8. Jason Peseta; 9. Brett Sheehan, 10. Danny Cipriani; 11. Michael Dalton, 12. Francesco Fronzoni, 13. Dylan Smouha, 14. Dave Feltscheer; 15. Hamish Angus.
Gordon: 1. James Atwill, 2. Tobias Gukibau [c], 3. Travis Church; 4. Bas Murphy, 5. David Tome; 6. Lex Fairley, 7. Mitch Greenway, 8. Ben Paurini; 9. James King, 10. Dave Harvey [c]; 11. Matt McDougall, 12. Tom Hill, 13. Tom Matthews, 14. Barry Mansfield; 15. Dion Berryman.
Referee: Ben Skeen (NZL)
Tags: sport, rugby-union, nsw-club-rugby, australia, nsw, coogee-2034Digby can complete the Reds puzzle
Updated July 8, 2011 15:05:00 Wing sensation Digby Ioane admits it would be tough to leave a family-like Reds outfit for riches overseas in a boost to Queensland's hopes of more Super Rugby success.
While rivals teams have farewelled more than a handful of their starting players this season, Queensland has bucked the trend and is set to keep all its key players beyond the World Cup.
Test flyer Ioane - a key line-breaking weapon in Saturday night's final against the Crusaders at Lang Park - is the last big piece in the puzzle.
The powerful winger has received a $1 million per season offer from a Japanese club but has chosen to wait until the end of the year before deciding his future.
"We'll wait and see after the World Cup," Ioane said.
"At the moment I'm just enjoying my footy, and that's probably one of the main reasons why I'm playing good footy, that I'm not worried about what I'm doing next year.
"So I'll leave it to the last minute."
But the 11-Test back, who returned to Queensland from Western Force in late 2007, says the Reds' success and the players' tight bond was a highly persuasive influence to stay.
"It's a massive turnaround," he said. "I've been at the Reds for four years and have been here at the darkest point when no-one was around.
"To see things change it's the best experience I could have in the world."
Apart from the cloud over Ioane, it is understood only back-up half-back Ian Prior (Brumbies) from the Reds' final squad will not be at Ballymore next season while reserve three-quarter Will Chambers is still in talks.
In contrast, traditional rivals New South Wales has farewelled nine players, including Kurtley Beale and Phil Waugh, and the battling Brumbies have said goodbye to 11.
Even the Crusaders, who have the tightest-knit squad in the competition, will see six players from their 22-man final squad exit, including Brad Thorn and Sonny Bill Williams.
Coach Ewen McKenzie's retention efforts are in stark contrast to 2004-09 when a host of home grown stars defected to interstate teams or left for overseas.
"I said when I came (two years ago) that the two things I wanted to improve here was culture and player retention and recruitment," McKenzie said.
"I think we've done both. We're keeping all the players we want to keep, you don't always.
"These extra games and finals are all going to help to convince [Ioane]."
Hooker Saia Faingaa credited the coach, who is now aiming for prolonged success, for delivering the turnaround both on and off the field.
"We are a big family," he said. "Ewen has brought in a good culture.
"We've had to build our culture from scratch, now we've created our own identity."
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, qld First posted July 8, 2011 14:54:00Ioane wary of try celebration karma
Posted July 6, 2011 17:41:00 Queensland Reds cult hero Digby Ioane loves to dance but he has promised to keep any try celebrations on ice in Saturday night's Super Rugby final.
The potential for bad karma has ensured there will be no repeat of his "Turtle" or any breakdancing if the Wallabies winger crosses the line against the Crusaders at Lang Park.
However, there are plans for something special on full-time.
"I will just do a full-set dance if we win," Ioane said.
"I just want to win.
"I'll save it up for after the match. I don't want to be dancing after a try and they come back. That could be karma."
Tackle-busting Ioane's popularity has gone through the roof since he produced the Turtle, in honour of half-back Will Genia, to cap an 80-metre five-pointer two months ago against the Bulls.
"It was just the moment at the time," he said.
"The crowd atmosphere was amazing and I felt the energy so I had to do something special."
Breakdancers said the spinning move more resembled the Scorpion but Ioane gets requests to unleash the Turtle wherever he goes around the state.
The winger's efforts also inspired Quade Cooper to produce a running backflip the following match after a solo 50-metre try against the Waratahs.
But Ioane said there is no arrogance within the young Reds squad, with players just enjoying the chance to express themselves in setting up and scoring tries.
He said several seasons in the Super Rugby cellar, entrenched in the bottom three from 2004-09 until Ewen McKenzie took over, had ensured feet had been kept on the ground.
"The thing about the Reds, everyone is treated the same and there's no rock stars and everyone is humble," the Wellington-born flyer said.
"You don't want to be arrogant.
"In the last four years, I've seen players go but, to be in this final, this means a lot to everyone.
"If we do come away with the win, then people will want to come and play for the Reds, just like the Crusaders.
"If you play for the Crusaders, you feel like a big dog because you are playing with all those rock stars like Dan Carter."
While he does not see them as rock stars, the Reds have definitely become YouTube stars with a host of tributes lighting up the internet.
Ioane is a big fan of the hip-hop and rap clips but, as a devout Catholic, has one complaint.
"I like them but there's too much swearing," he laughed.
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, qld, brisbane-4000Friday, July 8, 2011
Media Call: Ewen McKenzie
Published:Thursday, July 7, 2011 1:53 AESTExpires:Wednesday, October 5, 2011 1:53 AEST
Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie says it is "disappointing" the Reds are not considered favourites in the Super Rugby final against the Crusaders.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australiaReds' line-up unchanged for final
Published:Thursday, July 7, 2011 7:25 AESTExpires:Wednesday, October 5, 2011 7:25 AEST
There will be no changes to Queensland's line-up for the Super Rugby final against the Crusaders in Brisbane.
Tags: super-14, qld, brisbane-4000, new-zealandInterview: Saia Faingaa
Published:Thursday, July 7, 2011 4:40 AESTExpires:Wednesday, October 5, 2011 4:40 AEST
Reds hooker Saia Faingaa told Grandstand's Quentin Hull that making it to the Super Rugby final against the Crusaders is something a player dreams of and it's a great honour to be able to play with his best friend and brother taking the field alongside him.
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australiaNot just another final for Thorn
Posted July 7, 2011 16:14:00 Brad Thorn will play his last match for the Crusaders on Saturday night and he believes it will the most important of his extraordinary 17-year career.
Not because it is his Super Rugby swansong or a final triumph over the Queensland Reds could deliver his team an eighth title in 16 seasons.
It is because he is representing a region which has been suffering for six months, and there a responsibility to boost local morale in the wake of February's Christchurch earthquake.
Thorn is as tough as they come. In 17 seasons at the top level of both rugby codes, the former Brisbane Bronco and current All Black has never been sidelined by a serious injury.
But reliving the plight of his current home town, as well as the suffering seen in his original home during Queensland's floods, rubbed his raw emotions on Thursday.
The 36-year-old forward fought back tears as he spoke about the huge sense of pride the Crusaders feel about delivering a cherished title for the people of Canterbury.
Thorn was staying in Brisbane when the Queensland floods hit in January and was back in Christchurch a month later when the devastating quake struck.
He summed it up as "special the two teams representing those areas are playing" at a packed-out Lang Park.
"For me, this game is pretty darn important," the dual international said.
"It's been a big few months back there and I feel a responsibility, and there's more to this game.
"I've got to win a Super Rugby final before, it's cool. It's hard for me to get across what I'm saying but this is something for the people back there, and maybe the Reds feel the same way for Queensland people as well."
But Thorn is wary the seven-time champions can not afford to allow the emotion and motivation of the situation to creep in against the Reds.
"You have to let that go to concentrate on your job," he said.
"If you concentrate too much on that stuff, it can be quite heavy on you and affect your performance.
"You've got to be careful not to let it drown you."
He said the adversity and 100,000-plus kilometres of travel, brought about by the lack of a home ground, had brought the Crusaders players and coaches together closer.
They do not need to talk about the hardship.
"We've been living it," the 50-Test lock said.
"The aftershocks - it's psychological warfare from mother nature."
But they have not complained once as they have travelled to almost all major centres around New Zealand, plus Brisbane (twice), Perth, South Africa (twice) and London this season while their families stayed at home.
The stress is set to see star centre Sonny Bill Williams move to play with the Chiefs next season to be closer to his mother.
"The feedback we're getting is the people are getting a real boost out of our performances," Thorn said.
"I think the people back home are enjoying it and are really proud of us and we're proud of them.
"I just feel so proud of the people back there, just like the Queenslanders who came out to help (during the floods). That was so cool to see.
"That's a massive positive that's come out of tough times."
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, qld, brisbane-4000, new-zealandThursday, July 7, 2011
Crusaders set up Reds showdown
Updated July 3, 2011 07:10:00 Fly half Dan Carter has scored 19 points to help the Crusaders beat the Stormers 29-10 in their Super Rugby semi-final at Newlands.
Carter's two conversions and five penalties helped the Crusaders book a place in the final to set up a mouthwatering clash with the Queensland Reds in Brisbane next Saturday.
The Crusaders, chasing their eighth Super Rugby title, were full value for the win after scoring two tries against one for last year's beaten finalists.
Queensland earlier beat Auckland Blues 30-13 at Lang Park thanks to a hat-trick of tries from winger Rod Davies.
The Crusaders scored the first two tries through wing Sean Maitland and outside centre Robbie Fruean, while Springbok wing Bryan Habana crossed for the hosts late in the first half.
Carter proved to be the difference between the teams and the 29-year-old missed just two attempts at goal as the Crusaders made light of the 11,000 km they had to travel at the beginning of the week to contest the semi-final.
The Crusaders achievement in reaching the final was all the more remarkable because they did not play a single home match during the season after February's earthquake in Canterbury rendered their stadium unplayable.
"We made the decision to stand up for the people at home and now we have given ourselves a chance by making the final," Crusaders skipper Richie McCaw said.
"I'm really proud of the guys who haven't used travel as an excuse the whole season," he added.
The Crusaders had been the last team to win a play-off outside their home country when they triumphed in the 2000 final against the Brumbies in Canberra.
Error-ridden performance
The hosts opened the scoring in front of a crowd of just over 48,000 after seven minutes with a penalty by fly half Peter Grant but the Crusaders took advantage of an error-ridden Stormers' performance to roar into a 23-3 lead after 35 minutes.
Carter levelled the scores with his first penalty before Maitland intercepted a loose pass from Stormers eighth man Nick Koster and galloped 50 metres to score the opening try.
Carter then nailed two long-range penalties and the Crusaders asserted their dominance when inside centre Sonny Bill Williams slipped through a half-gap before off-loading to centre partner Fruean who dotted down alongside the posts for a converted try.
The Stormers, despite winning the territorial battle, were struggling to assert themselves in the face of some superbly aggressive defence from the visiting forwards which constantly stopped their attacks behind the advantage line.
"The whole tight five set the tone in defence and they didn't give the Stormers front foot ball," said McCaw.
However, Habana finally gave the home fans something to cheer about when he dived over from close-range after taking a quick tap-penalty five metres from the visitors' tryline.
Grant succeeded with the conversion as the Stormers, who have never won a Super Rugby title, went to the break trailing 23-10.
The home side were far more competitive in the second half as they battled to break down the Crusaders defence.
Their best chance came in the 54th minute when only a desperate tackle from wing Zac Guilford prevented centre Jaque Fourie from scoring in the corner.
"We were outclassed by a better team in all facets of the game," Stormers stand-in captain Jean de Villiers said.
"You have to take your opportunities in games like this and we didn't capitalise on some early chances. The intercept try turned the game in their favour and they just got stronger and stronger."
Carter got the only points of the second half - two penalties - as the Stormers, desperate to chase down their opponents, turned down kickable penalties to kick for territory.
-Reuters
Primary Location; South Africa
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, new-zealand, south-africa First posted July 3, 2011 06:42:00
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