Pocock re-signs with ARU

Updated December 21, 2012 17:03:59

Wallabies skipper David Pocock has inked a fresh deal with Australian Rugby Union, keeping him in the gold jersey for a further three years.

Star openside flanker Pocock, who will link up with the Canberra-based Brumbies this season following six years with Western Force, re-signed with the ARU through 2015.

Acting ARU chief Matt Carroll said the process was "smooth and straightforward".

"David Pocock has made an enormous contribution to rugby, as a player and an outstanding individual, since his debut," he said in a statement.

"2013 will be a big year for rugby and we are very pleased to be able to have David available for the Wallabies when they take on the combined might of the British and Irish Lions in June.

"There's no doubt he will make a valuable contribution to the Wallabies and Brumbies when they face the Lions during this historic Tour to Australia.

"The Lions Tour is a unique Rugby experience that I'm sure David is looking forward to."

Brumbies coach Jake White said he expects Pocock to thrive in the nation's capital.

"To have a guy like David Pocock want to be involved with the Brumbies is very encouraging," White said.

"The attitude and commitment of Brumbies players both during 2012 and as we prepare for 2013 has been outstanding. I see David thriving in this environment. He will fit in here perfectly.

"At the end of the day, we want to make David a better player."

Pocock has 45 Test caps since making his debut in Hong Kong against New Zealand in 2008.

His Super Rugby career began with the Western Force in 2006 and ended when he announced at the end of the 2012 season that he would move east for the Brumbies' 2013 campaign.

A two-time IRB International Player of the Year nominee and 2010 John Eales Medal winner, Pocock recently returned from a knee injury to join the Wallabies on their Spring Tour of Europe.

Pocock is the third Qantas Wallaby to extend his contract with the ARU in recent months after Will Genia and former schoolmate Quade Cooper both re-signed.

Tags: rugby-union, sport, australia, act, canberra-2600

First posted December 21, 2012 17:02:43

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Johnson named interim Scotland coach

Updated December 21, 2012 08:58:53

Australian Scott Johnson has been appointed Scotland head coach on a temporary basis for the Six Nations and next year's tour of South Africa, Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) announced on Friday morning (AEDT).

Johnson had been working as an assistant coach to Andy Robinson, who resigned last month in the wake of a 21-15 loss to Tonga after three and a half years in charge.

"Scott has a wealth of experience of international rugby, which was instrumental in his appointment earlier this year as our senior assistant coach," said SRU chief executive Mark Dodson.

"He has coached with Australia, Wales and the USA and knows what it is to prepare teams to win on the international battleground.

"Scott knows our players and coaches well and is determined to hit the ground running with a successful Six Nations Championship."

Dodson also confirmed that the SRU will continue to seek a long-term successor to Robinson.

Johnson described the appointment as "an honour" and pledged to do his best to get the most out of the players.

The loss to Tonga on November 25 was Scotland's 10th defeat in its last 13 Tests and saw it slump to 12th in the International Rugby Board (IRB) global ranking.

Johnson, who was once caretaker coach of Wales, was appointed as an assistant coach as part of an overhaul that followed Scotland's dismal performance at this year's Six Nations, in which they lost all five games.

The 50-year-old played a part in the successful tour of Australia, Fiji and Samoa, in June this year before losses to New Zealand, South Africa and Tonga in November.

Scotland opens its Six Nations campaign against England at Twickenham on February 2.

AFP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, scotland

First posted December 21, 2012 08:52:17

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ARU adopts independent model

Updated December 10, 2012 14:23:56

The Australian Rugby Union has adopted a new independent governance model after voting for constitutional change on Monday.

Following in the footsteps of the AFL and NRL, an independent board of directors will be appointed as part of recommendations being implemented from the Arbib Review of the sport.

Over coming months a four-member independent nominations committee will be established to recommended new directors for election.

Existing directors will serve out their terms before moving on, but will have the right to be considered again as independent nominees.

The new system will give voice to Super Rugby franchises and distribute votes more evenly across states, territories and also to the Rugby Union Players Association.

Voting numbers have increased from 14 to 16 and each state and territory has the opportunity to secure an additional vote should they join New South Wales and Queensland in passing 50,000 registered players in their region.

The required 75 per cent of members voted on Monday to adopt a new government model following recommendations from the Strengthening the Governance of Australian Rugby (the Arbib Review), which was released in October.

"Today marks an historic occasion for Australian rugby," ARU president Ron Graham said in a statement.

"We have listened to our members and worked with them to get to where we are today.

"I am proud that the decision has been made to take the game to the next level and officially move to having an independent corporate governance structure."

AAP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, australia

First posted December 10, 2012 14:23:56

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Deans gets ARU backing before crucial year

Updated December 13, 2012 08:15:23

Australian Rugby Union chairman Michael Hawker has made a passionate defence of the Wallabies' season ahead of a make-or-break year for coach Robbie Deans.

Deans may struggle to push on beyond his contract which finishes in 2013 following a season in which the Wallabies dropped from second to third in the world rankings and played a brand of rugby which delivered just 15 tries in 15 games.

Hawker admitted 2013 shaped as a significant year for Deans and the Wallabies, with the three-Test British and Irish Lions' Australian tour the biggest indicator of success in the coming 12 months.

"I think for coaches every year is make or break," Hawker said on Tuesday.

"That's the nature of coaching. I don't think Robbie takes anything for granted.

"For us, I think everyone in the Australian public is pretty keen to win all the games.

"So is Robbie, and he'll do the best he can to do that. In the board's view we've got every chance of defeating the Lions next year.

"... Next year is a huge year. (The Lions tour) always creates a huge wave of anticipation in this country, seeing the best of the northern hemisphere come here.

"We're pretty keen to try and thump them."

The Wallabies' dour playing style has not hampered participation rates across the country, with the ARU announcing on Tuesday a fourth consecutive year of growth - with player numbers totalling 323,115 in 2012.

Hawker said it was unfair to criticise the Wallabies simply on their record of nine wins, five losses and a draw - pointing to the unprecedented number of injuries which rocked the national team this year.

Playmakers Will Genia, Quade Cooper, James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale all missed significant portions of 2012, as did skipper James Horwill and world-class flanker David Pocock.

"From the Australian Rugby Union we're happy with where the Australian team is. We'd like to have less injuries and I think if didn't have as many injuries we'd have been right up the top," Hawker said.

"... You've got to put the Wallabies performance in context with how many injuries we've had.

"We've had 55 people play for the Wallabies this year which is a pretty broad number of players and so we've had an unusual level of injury rate.

"... You look at some of the international teams (and) if you took Carter and Richie McCaw out in New Zealand you have a different proposition."

So severe was the injury crisis Hawker revealed it had prompted an internal investigation, the result of which was a new process to handle injured players.

"We've actually just approved a better player management process between the Australian Rugby Union and the Super Rugby franchises to make sure that a player's welfare is managed right collectively across those two levels of the game," he said.

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted December 11, 2012 21:48:41

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League trumps rugby in charity boxing

Updated December 16, 2012 08:20:37

Plenty of punches landed but there was no serious damage as rugby league came out 3-1 winners in its rivalry with rugby union in a charity boxing event in Auckland.

NRL players Paul Gallen, Greg Bird and Manu Vatuvei all won their bouts over three two-minute rounds at the Fight for Life for prostate cancer awareness on Saturday night.

Former All Black Carlos Spencer got one back for rugby, while Willie Mason and another ex-All Black, Troy Flavell, fought out a draw in the battle of the big boys.

NSW skipper Gallen proved the surprise packet with a unanimous decision against All Blacks hooker Hika Elliot.

At the weigh-in, Gallen had talked down his abilities against an opponent who boasted a 62-0 record in karate.

But the Cronulla forward picked his moment to throw his punches and was able to find his mark with a series of combinations.

Gallen said he had privately backed himself, even if all the talk about Elliot's ability had made him nervous.

"I didn't want to be over-confident, to be honest," he said.

"I heard so much about the bloke and how good a fighter he was, I just wanted to go out there and do what my trainer told me."

Despite his clear-cut victory, he won't be hurrying back into the ring.

"I've got no plans to be a boxer."

Gallen won despite carrying an elbow injury from training a couple of weeks ago and for which he will have surgery on Thursday.

He said the rehabilitation period was only a fortnight, so he would be 100 per cent for the new NRL season.

Vatuvei also got all the judges' votes against London Games rowing gold medallist Eric Murray.

The Warriors winger could not quite tag Murray with a big shot, his opponent managing mostly to keep himself out of range, but he was buzzing after the fight.

"It was an awesome feeling," he said.

"I'm happy I jumped in. Eric and I went in to put on a good show and hopefully everyone enjoyed it."

Bird won an incident-filled contest over Blues back Rene Ranger via a split decision.

Bird was caught flush with a right hand in the second round and dropped to the canvas.

But Ranger was docked two points for throwing the punch after the referee had called for the fighters to break.

"I've copped bigger hits than that on the footy paddock," Bird said.

"I'll be right. The head's pretty solid."

Spencer got a majority verdict over former Kiwi Jarrod McCracken.

The bout developed some feeling, with Spencer unhappy with some of McCracken's tactics, including a couple of punches thrown when Spencer's back was turned.

"A win's a win," he said.

"It was more like a league match than a boxing match."

Mason and Flavell provided plenty of entertainment with a mix of big punches and occasional wrestling, and could not be separated by the judges.

In a six-round women's lightweight professional bout, New Zealander Daniella Smith's aggressiveness paid dividends as she beat Australian Lauryn Eagle by unanimous decision.

AAP

Tags: boxing, rugby-league, rugby-union, new-zealand, australia

First posted December 16, 2012 08:07:28

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Brumbies coach no 'queue jumper'

Updated December 11, 2012 21:15:13

Brumbies coach Jake White says he has no ambitions to either take the Wallabies coaching role from Robbie Deans or leapfrog any queue for the role.

White was last week quoted as saying it would be a "dream job" to coach the Wallabies.

However the Springboks' 2007 World Cup winning coach set the record straight on Tuesday, saying he did not want to oust Deans and making it plain he was not trying to push himself ahead of heir apparent Ewen McKenzie.

"To be fair it was a bit of a difficult (question) to put to me because I coach a franchise in Australia where all players are basically eligible to play for their country," said South African White.

"But I have no ambitions of taking Robbie Deans' job or jumping in front of the queue in front of everybody.

"I have a job to do (with the Brumbies) and if that means that you get earmarked for greater things then that is fantastic."

Entering the final season of his contract, Deans has been under the pump since the Wallabies bowed out of their 2011 World Cup semi-final, with critics including former Test great David Campese lamenting their often dour play and highlighting losses to Scotland, Samoa, Ireland and a French thumping over the past 18 months.

White is entering his second season with the Brumbies, having turned them around to go within a whisker of the finals last season.

The man with runs on the board in Australia is Queensland Reds director of coaching McKenzie, who led the franchise to the Super Rugby title in 2011 and previously took the NSW Waratahs to two finals.

However White said as a fellow coach of an Australian rugby franchise it would be wrong for him not to show interest in coaching the Wallabies.

"If I coach in a country like (Australia) you've got to buy into the fact that you're in this country and you're doing it hammer and tongs. So it would be a great honour," he said.

"Any guy who is in coaching who says he wouldn't want to coach one of the best sides in the world is dreaming.

"So it is obviously something like that I would look at, but at this point in time I'm with the Brumbies and my job is to make sure I produce Wallabies."

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-rugby, canberra-2600, act, australia

First posted December 11, 2012 18:09:40

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Smith joins Brumbies coaching ranks

Updated December 11, 2012 08:09:23

Former NRL coach Brian Smith has joined the coaching staff of Super Rugby club the ACT Brumbies for next season.

Smith coached NRL clubs Parramatta, St George Illawarra, Newcastle and the Roosters.

Smith never won a premiership in more than 20 years as a top grade coach, but his football experience and track record with young players will certainly help an inexperienced Brumbies squad.

He will take on the Brumbies' role vacated by Newcastle Knights veteran Danny Buderus, working alongside Brumbies head coach Jake White.

Brumbies' chief executive Andrew Fagan says Smith will bring a wealth of experience to the club.

"There is particular focus of his work around those defensive systems, but I think because of his experience we'll be using him to look at exchanging ideas in all sorts of areas," Fagan said.

The Brumbies' appointment of Buderus as a part-time coach was over even before it started, with the NRL blocking the rugby franchise's move to sign him as a collision coach.

The league issued a statement seeking "an immediate explanation" from the Knights with regards to the deal after saying no third party agreement had been lodged as the NRL salary cap requires.

Brumbies boss Andrew Fagan said he thought that Buderus had Newcastle's blessing but evidently not the NRL's.

The Knights later said in a statement that the final agreement between Buderus and the Brumbies had not been seen by the club and needed to be submitted to and approved by the NRL.

But Newcastle chief executive Matt Gidley did say the club had encouraged Buderus to seek varied work experience.

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, nrl, rugby-league, sport, canberra-2600, act, australia

First posted December 11, 2012 08:03:06

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All Blacks take out South Africa Sevens

Updated December 10, 2012 10:54:06

New Zealand triumphed over France with a thrilling 47-12 win to clinch the third leg of the IRB Sevens World Series for the fourth consecutive time in South Africa on Sunday.

The All Blacks scored seven tries thanks to a hat-trick from Kurt Baker, the biggest scorer in the tournament, in the final.

France, exhausted from a 25-minute 10-7 semi-final against Argentina, proved no match for the Kiwis, scoring only two tries in the deciding game.

Their first victory in three finals this season extends the All Blacks' lead in the series to 60 points, 14 ahead of second-placed France.

It was a fitting birthday present for New Zealand coach Gordon Tietjens, who turned 57 on Sunday.

"I had a lot of luck with the teams over the last four years, to win here on my birthday, but I just feel for the players. They performed magnificently today," he said.

"We were beaten by a good Samoan team at the last tournament in Dubai, beaten by Fiji in Australia so we had to win this one."

He had empathy for the worn-out French side.

"They're probably harder done by in terms of having to play just about an extra game when they had to go into extra time," he said.

The game is now on to defend their home title in the series' fourth leg in New Zealand in February next year.

"There's always pressure to win your own tournament. You can ask South Africa today," said Tietjens, adding that the side needed to rest first.

"We've got to get through Christmas and hopefully recover injuries. The guys took a few knocks over the last two weeks."

After winning only one game in the pool stages, France fought back to come in second.

Coach Frederic Pommarel was happy with his side's performance, though he conceded a few areas needed work.

"I'm very proud of the players, but I think we didn't develop a very good attacking game. Defensively I have some big fighters," he said.

In their semi-final match New Zealand beat South Africa 12-5, coming from 5-0 behind thanks to a try from Tomasi Cama, who also dealt the death blow to the hosts' dreams of home victory in last year's final.

Losing after coming so close to the final was tough for coach Paul Treu.

"It was very disappointing," he said.

"We had our chances and so did they, with the only difference that New Zealand took the one that mattered."

The Blitzbokke went on to a 35-0 victory over Argentina in the third-place play-off courtesy of a hat-trick from Cheslin Kolbe.

Defending Sevens world champion Wales took the Plate with a convincing 26-14 win over Fiji, the winner of this season's first leg.

Portugal, the only team besides South Africa to win all three of its pool matches, bowed to Fiji in the Plate semi-finals, after it was relegated following a 10-7 defeat to France in the Cup quarter finals.

A young Australian side took the Bowl with four tries to score 26-14 against second-leg winner in Dubai, Samoa.

Two tries from Pedro Martin gave Spain the edge in a 21-14 win over Zimbabwe for the Shield.

AFP

Tags: rugby-7, rugby-union, sport, south-africa

First posted December 10, 2012 10:54:06

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Lions unveil coaching line-up

Updated December 12, 2012 23:35:32

British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland on Wednesday named a trio of assistants - Rob Howley, Andy Farrell and Graham Rowntree - for next year's tour to Australia.

England forwards specialist Rowntree and backs coach Howley of Wales were part of the 2009 Lions coaching team in South Africa. England's ex-rugby league star Farrell will tour with the Lions for the first time.

There is no place, at present, for Wales defence specialist Shaun Edwards.

Howley worked as Wales' interim head coach for their opening autumn Tests against Argentina and Samoa last month, and he will resume that job for this season's Six Nations tournament while Wales chief Gatland concentrates on the Lions.

Howley (1997 and 2001) and Rowntree (2005) both toured with the Lions as players.

"I am delighted with today's appointments and confident that Rob, Graham, Andy and myself can come together quickly to face one of the hardest rugby challenges," Gatland said.

"Lions tours are unique as we have to mould together players from four countries in an incredibly short space of time.

"We have no illusion as to the hard work required but we have spoken of the challenges and truly believe that as a coaching team we can provide the players with the support and environment needed for victory in Australia.

"We will also discuss over the coming weeks the requirement for any further technical assistance."

Lions manager Andy Irvine added: "Today is an exciting day and the next chapter in the 2013 tour story. The selection of the coaching staff is significant, this experienced trio have proven track records and we are delighted to have them on board.

"Importantly I believe we now have in the tour management team, in the areas of coaching, logistics, media, performance analysis and medical, continuity from previous tours, especially 2009.

"This is important as they all understand the challenges that lie ahead and the experience gained in South Africa will be essential as we head to Australia next year."

Also confirmed was the appointment of Dr James Robson as leader of the tour medical team. Robson has been the Scotland team doctor since 2002 and next summer's tour will be his sixth with the Lions.

The Lions 2013 tour begins against the Barbarians in Hong Kong on June 1, with the first of three Tests against Australia taking place in Brisbane on June 22.

The Lions have not won a Test series since they toured South Africa in 1997.

AFP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, united-kingdom

First posted December 12, 2012 23:35:32

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Sonny Bill shrugs off injury talk

Updated October 27, 2012 22:53:58

Sonny Bill Williams has played down fears that he would be forced to cancel his boxing match with Frans Botha in Brisbane next month.

Williams, who is tipped to play for the Sydney Roosters in the 2013 season, was injured playing for the Wild Knights in the Japanese rugby match against the Dynaboars.

The All Black landed awkwardly on his shoulder after tackling former Western Force centre Gene Fairbanks.

Williams was taken to hospital for an MRI, but said afterwards that the injury was not as bad as feared.

"Results back nothing serious, small tear so hopefully still be able to (box)," Williams said on Twitter.

Williams is set to face the toughest test of his part-time professional boxing career when he takes on four-time world title challenger Botha at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on November 24.

Williams has four matches left in the 12-match deal he signed with the Wild Knights in Japan's Top League, which resumes after a five-week break in December.

Tags: rugby-union, boxing, sport, japan

First posted October 27, 2012 22:08:51

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Barnes set for Wallabies return

Updated October 24, 2012 18:23:38

Radar-boot Mike Harris is up for a stern fight to keep his Wallabies full-back jersey ahead of returning stalwart Berrick Barnes.

Barnes is set to be named among an experienced trio, including flanker David Pocock and hooker Stephen Moore, to return from injury in Australia's four-Test tour of Europe.

Coach Robbie Deans will Thursday morning announce a 30-man squad for the end-of-season tour where the Wallabies will kick off proceedings against France on November 10 before playing England, Italy and Wales.

Barnes, a veteran of 45 Tests, has not played since puncturing his lung in the September 30 loss to South Africa in Pretoria but would be expected to slot straight back into Deans' inexperienced backline.

New Zealand product Harris exceeded expectations in his two starts at full-back in the utility back's absence and has been a star with the boot.

The 24-year-old has kicked a combined 12 goals from 13 attempts under huge pressure in the 25-19 win over Argentina in Rosario and 18-18 draw with the All Blacks at a packed Lang Park.

With the Wallabies crossing for just 12 tries from 11 Tests this year and relying more and more on goalkicking, Harris made a strong case for retention ahead of big-stage clashes at Stade de France and Twickenham.

While Barnes has long been a Deans favourite, the coach was also highly impressed by Harris's positional play at full-back considering he had had just one previous start at 15 for Queensland last year.

"Having had minimal games at full-back in my career I feel I'm getting more comfortable there with every chance I get to put the 15 jersey on," Harris said.

"It would be a dream come true to start and kick goals at those stadiums - it doesn't get much bigger than that.

"Berrick is coming back from a severe punctured lung so hopefully he'll be ready to tour with us and that will create a selection dilemma for Robbie."

Deans' biggest dilemma is whether to take blindside flanker Scott Higginbotham following his two-Test ban for kneeing and headbutting All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw.

Higginbotham would miss the two toughest matches on tour against Les Bleus and England, and be a mere passenger until the November 24 clash with Italy in Florence.

World-class finisher Digby Ioane is expected to recover from a knee problem to tour in what would be a major relief considering Australia's wafer-thin wing stocks following the loss of seven Test flyers to injury.

While Pocock was skipper for the first five Tests this year, Nathan Sharpe will keep the captaincy duties as the number seven returns from knee surgery.

With Moore back from a hamstring injury, Deans must choose between Reds team-mates James Hanson and Saia Faingaa for the third hooker spot.

Possible Wallabies squad:

Forwards: Benn Robinson, James Slipper, Sekope Kepu, Ben Alexander, Paddy Ryan, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Stephen Moore, James Hanson, Nathan Sharpe (capt), Sitaleki Timani, Kane Douglas, Rob Simmons, Dave Dennis, David Pocock, Michael Hooper, Liam Gill, Wycliff Palu, Radike Samo or Scott Higginbotham.

Backs: Nick Phipps, Brett Sheehan, Kurtley Beale, Berrick Barnes, Pat McCabe, Anthony Faingaa, Ben Tapuai, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Digby Ioane, Nick Cummins, Drew Mitchell, Mike Harris.

AAP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, australia

First posted October 24, 2012 18:23:38

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Springboks make England pay the penalty

Updated November 25, 2012 09:14:44

South Africa completed an unbeaten tour of Europe with a 16-15 victory over England at Twickenham that did more damage to the hosts' hopes of a top four seeding at next month's World Cup draw.

Springbok flanker Willem Alberts's try, the only one of the match, early in the second half proved the decisive score in a rainswept match.

However, with the hosts trailing 16-12 and only two minutes left, England captain Chris Robshaw, criticised for running kickable penalties during last week's defeat by Australia, told replacement fly half Owen Farrell to go for goal rather than opt for an attacking line-out that could have led to a try.

South Africa's line-out superiority provided Robshaw with justification for his decision.

But with Farrell, who landed the kick to leave his side a point behind, appearing to disagree with Robshaw's call, England wasted valuable time.

And from the re-start South Africa, second in the world standings to England's fifth, did enough to extend their unbeaten streak against England to 11 Tests.

"From that last penalty, I thought we would have a chance to get down the other end and put over a drop-goal," Robshaw told Sky Sports.

"You have to take every game as it comes and they were giving away plenty of penalties and we thought we might get another chance."

England coach Stuart Lancaster defended his captain by saying: "You can understand why anyone makes any decision but games are not won or lost on any one decision, we lost control in the middle third of the game."

South Africa captain Jean de Villiers sympathised with Robshaw.

"Had they caught that ball from the kick-off and held on to it, they could have come into our area and maybe get a penalty again and suddenly you win the game," de Villiers said.

"As a captain you make a decision and you want the backing of your players.

"I can't comment on their (England's) calling structures but, unfortunately for them and fortunately for us, it worked out for us."

England, who drew 14-14 when they last played South Africa, in Port Elizabeth in June, made six changes from the side beaten 20-14 by Australia.

Mike Brown replaced left wing Charlie Sharples and Ben Youngs started at scrum-half in place of Danny Care.

Lock Joe Launchbury was given a first Test start as Wasps team-mate Tom Palmer made way and a rejigged back row saw the return of number 8 Ben Morgan and flanker Tom Wood while fit-again Alex Corbisiero was in at loose-head prop.

South Africa, by contrast, were unchanged from the team that beat Scotland 21-10 last week, with the Springboks having started their tour with a 16-12 win over Ireland.

An attritional first half finished with South Africa 9-6 ahead after Springbok fly half Pat Lambie kicked three penalties from as many attempts while his England counterpart, Toby Flood, landed two from four.

England's changed pack was more competitive in the scrum and loose than against the Wallabies, although the Springboks had the edge in the line-out.

It was no surprise, given the first half, that South Africa kicked a close-range penalty to touch early in the second period and their try came from the ensuing line-out.

After a catch and drive, South Africa lost the ball but Ben Youngs's attempted fly-hack clear rebounded off Springbok wing JP Pietersen.

Wood knocked-on the loose ball and Alberts plunged over the line for a try confirmed by the television match official.

Lambie converted and South Africa were two scores ahead at 16-6.

England threatened when centre Manu Tuilagi counter-attacked from inside his own half and found Chris Ashton in support.

But Ashton's pass to fellow wing Brown was a poor one, with several later knock-ons hampering England's cause.

Farrell, on for the injured Flood, cut the deficit with a 61st minute penalty before the dramatic finale left England thinking of what might have been.

AFP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, england, south-africa

First posted November 25, 2012 09:14:44

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Wallaby Timani banned for one game

Updated November 29, 2012 09:32:00

Wallabies lock Sitaleki Timani has copped a one-week suspension for striking Italian prop Andrea Lo Cicero Vaina and will miss this weekend's Test against Wales in Cardiff.

Timani pleaded guilty to the striking charge with the hearing in Bristol on Wednesday taking less than one hour.

He struck the Italian front rower with a forearm in the 13th minute of last weekend's 22-19 win over Italy in Florence.

Kane Douglas is expected to take Timani's place in the starting XV for Australia's European tour finale.

Meanwhile, Wallabies lock Rob Simmons has had his eight-week suspension for a tip tackle reduced to five weeks.

Simmons was banned for his tackle on French flanker Yannick Nyanga in the Wallabies' 33-6 loss in Paris earlier this month.

AAP/ABC

Tags: sport, rugby-union, australia, united-kingdom, wales

First posted November 28, 2012 22:36:04

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Cooper to come in from the cold

Updated December 07, 2012 09:37:06

Quade Cooper is set to announce a new deal with Australian rugby today, ending the controversial fly half's turbulent four-month wrangle with the ARU.

Cooper, who is believed to have signed a contract similar to the deal he turned down earlier this year, is expected to announce the news at midday (AEDT).

Injury against the All Blacks curtailed a disappointing 2012 season for Cooper, where he struggled to find form after returning from anterior cruciate ligament damage, but he remained in the headlines by labelling the Wallabies a "a toxic environment".

Cooper accepted a $40,000 fine for his actions but relations with the ARU soured when he was offered a low, incentive-based contract for the 2013 season.

The fly half then arranged to take part in a charity boxing contest in February, on the undercard of Sonny Bill Williams' heavyweight clash with former world title challenger Francois Botha, saying he was putting his rugby career "on hold".

The Wallabies playmaker agreed a three-year deal with the Reds in June, but as it was reliant on an accompanying deal with the ARU his future remained uncertain until coming to an agreement with Australian rugby this week.

Queensland rugby president Jim Carmichael believes the key to the deal was Cooper feeling wanted.

"It wasn't just the financial piece but getting the emotional piece right," Carmichael told the Courier Mail.

"The ARU has shown great support to bring this to a point where we have the right decision for the game, one of rugby's real talents and Quade's future.

"Where there might not have been trust and understanding a few months ago, there has been positive dialogue and everyone working towards the same thing.

"I know Quade is in a really good place with what he wants to achieve for the Wallabies, as well as Queensland."

Although the Wallabies have had a fairly successful tour of Europe, beating England and Wales - courtesy of a dramatic try from replacement number 10, Kurtley Beale - there is little doubt that the Wallabies would benefit from the presence of Cooper at his best.

Tags: sport, rugby-union, qld, australia

First posted December 07, 2012 09:12:51

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Cooper fined, receives suspended ban

Updated October 31, 2012 22:45:53

A contrite Quade Cooper has apologised for behaviour that fell below Wallabies standards after being fined at least $40,000 and handed a suspended three-match ban on Monday for two breaches of the Australian Rugby Union code of conduct.

The independent three-man conduct tribunal of chairman and barrister Dominic Villa, former Wallaby lock David Giffin and Mark Wooley heard six alleged breaches of conduct by the Reds playmaker following a marathon hearing at ARU headquarters on Wednesday that lasted more than four hours.

The talented 24-year-old five-eighth, who has made 38 Test appearances, was fined $10,000 for his comments on social media on September 22 about an ARU-licensed video game called Rugby Challenge.

Cooper was also fined $50,000 - $20,000 of which is suspended for two years - in relation to his comments on social and mainstream media.

Cooper's criticism of the Wallabies included a reference to a toxic environment and he also cast doubt on his commitment to playing for Australia again.

He was also given a three-match ban - suspended for two years - which could apply to Super Rugby or Test matches, depending on what period of the season any future breach occurred.

Cooper, who arrived at ARU headquarters almost half an hour before the scheduled 1pm (AEDT) start of the hearing, made a short address to the large media pack after the hearing, but didn't take questions.

"It's been a very long day, it was a very fair hearing and I was very happy with the outcome," Cooper said.

"Obviously, the sentence that has been handed to me, full respect for that and I understand that I fell well below par in what it means to be a Wallaby.

"For all the supporters that are out there, my apologies.

"From now on, I'm just looking forward to the future - hopefully having a big year, with not only my state, but the Wallabies.

"And I'm very much looking forward to overcoming my injury and getting back out on the field."

His remarks on Wednesday suggest he fully intends to push for Test selection in the future rather than looking at a possible switch to rugby league.

ARU deputy chief executive officer Matt Carroll said his organisation had noted the tribunal's findings and would consider their next step in contracting Cooper, whose current agreement concludes at the end of this year, though he has already re-signed with Queensland.

"ARU placed contract negotiations with Quade Cooper on hold until the tribunal process had been finalised," Carroll said.

"Given the tribunal has handed down its decision, this matter - as far as we are concerned - has been finalised.

"ARU will now look at how we address the contract situation involving Quade Cooper."

Cooper, who was represented by Angelo Benardos, has had a difficult past 12 months.

He endured a difficult World Cup and his contribution was terminated by an anterior cruciate ligament knee injury early in the bronze-medal match against Wales.

He returned to action in the middle of the Super Rugby season and he played three Tests in the Rugby Championship before succumbing to another knee injury, which ruled him out of the Wallabies spring Tour.

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, australia, qld

First posted October 31, 2012 17:58:17

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Cooper charged over bringing game into disrepute

Updated October 27, 2012 15:58:36

Outspoken Australian fly half Quade Cooper has been charged with bringing the game into disrepute for his critical comments of the Wallabies and coach Robbie Deans.

The disgruntled star made headlines last month when he lashed out at the Wallabies set-up, saying the environment within the Australian team was "destroying" him.

The Queensland Reds playmaker, currently sidelined with a knee injury, reiterated his grievances on Fox Sports' The Rugby Club less than a week after first making his feelings known via social media.

Cooper is due to appear at a code-of-conduct hearing on Wednesday in Sydney.

An Australian Rugby Union spokesman said Saturday the ARU would not be making any official comment at this stage.

In interviews Cooper, 24, had expressed frustration about the defensive style of play favoured by Deans and said that he did not want to be involved with the Wallabies under the current regime.

"I'm just trying here to be the best that I can be and that's why I said I didn't want to be involved in that kind of environment," Cooper said in a televised interview last month.

"For me to continue to improve as a player and as a person you want to be involved in the best possible environment and I feel that environment is sort of destroying me as a person and as a player."

ARU chief John O'Neill said at the time that the ARU was "utterly confused" by Cooper's outburst.

ABC/AFP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

First posted October 27, 2012 13:24:25

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Wallaby veteran Sharpe ready for final bow

Updated December 01, 2012 09:09:00

Wallabies captain Nathan Sharpe has admitted that hiding his emotions was proving tough ahead of Australia's match against Wales on Sunday morning (AEDT) which will mark his retirement after 116 caps and three World Cups.

Ironically for the Wagga Wagga-born Sharpe, his final match comes against a side that also courted his services thanks to the spurious link that he qualified through his grandfather Percy, who was born in Wales during a family holiday.

Then-Wales coach Graham Henry, never shy in his efforts to attract new talent to the Prinicipality, caught whiff of the dual-qualified Sharpe and telephoned the up-and-coming uncapped lock to see where the land lay.

But the 34-year-old said it had never been a "realistic option" to turn his back on Australia.

"You can't look back in life," Sharpe said of Henry's overtures. "In reality it was just something I was looking at at the time and it was never really going to happen."

Sharpe acknowledged that he was trying desperately to keep a lid on his nerves.

"This is it," he said Friday after leading his team through their final training session at the Millennium Stadium.

"It was emotional today. It hit me this morning just as we had our jersey presentation. It's something you can never prepare for fully. I'm not one to get caught in the moment, but it was a hard session to go through today."

Sharpe was a fringe player at last year's World Cup and a controversial omission from Australia's 22-man squad for the semi-final defeat against the All Blacks in Auckland.

But coach Robbie Deans recalled him to win his 100th Test cap against Wales in the third-place play-off, and the veteran was then summoned for the European tour after injuries to preferred boilerhouse combination Dan Vickerman and then-captain James Horwill.

"He's done a great job in that role this year," Deans said of his fourth choice captain after injuries to Horwill, scrum-half Will Genia and flanker David Pocock.

"He's given this young group a great start. He's been a good source of counsel, a good source of composure and has led effectively as well."

Sharpe, who won his first Test cap against France back in 2002, will be lining up against Wales for a record 14th time and a victory would represent the 70th Test win of the lock's career.

His 116 Tests will leave him as the second most capped Australian of all-time, and the sixth most capped player in the history of the game (behind ex-Wallaby George Gregan, Irish duo Brian O'Driscoll and Ronan O'Gara, Englishman Jason Leonard and Fabien Pelous of France).

Sharpe, who has played in three World Cups and rates South Africa's Victor Matfield as his toughest rival, said he had been blessed during his career, writing off moments when he was dropped from the Wallaby squad.

"That's just the way life rolls out and the way the cards fall. Those things happen and you just have to move on from them," Sharpe said.

"Everyone's career goes through those peaks and troughs I suppose. I don't have any issues with anything that's happened. I've been very lucky in my career."

Sharpe ruled out a move in coaching saying he had seen enough of the "pressure head coaches are put under", but adding that he expected to be involved in the game in some capacity in the future.

AFP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, wales, australia

First posted December 01, 2012 09:09:00

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Wallaby Simmons cited for tackle

Updated November 12, 2012 10:36:15

Wallabies second-rower Rob Simmons is in danger of missing Australia's second game of the European tour against England after being cited for a lifting tackle on France's Yannick Nyanga.

The incident occurred in the 65th minute of the Wallabies' 33-6 loss to France on Sunday morning (AEDT) when Simmons hit the French flanker with a late, lifting tackle shortly after replacing captain Nathan Sharpe.

Nyanga spilled a bomb before Simmons picked the Frenchman up and drove him into the turf with the flanker landing heavily on his back.

Luckily for Simmons, neither referee Nigel Owens or his two assistants could pick up the number of the tackler with the referee telling acting captain Stephen Moore his side was very lucky they did not see who made the tackle.

The hearing will be held on either Tuesday or Wednesday.

A Simmons ban could create further problems for coach Robbie Deans with starting second-rower Kane Douglas's place in the team in doubt after his mother had a stroke on a flight over to watch her son play in Europe.

She remains in a stable condition in a London hospital with Simmons bedside with his family who have flown in from Australia.

It could mean second-rower Sitaleki Timani makes his return from injury in the run on side for the clash with England at Twickenham in what is shaping as a tour-defining match for Australia.

AAP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, france, australia

First posted November 12, 2012 10:25:32

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Wallabies hold on to edge Italy

Updated November 25, 2012 08:43:25

A spirited and expansive Italy piled the pressure back on Wallabies coach Robbie Deans even though Australia limped away with a victory against the Azzurri in Florence on Sunday morning (AEDT).

Australia prevailed 22-19 to avoid a first loss to Italy despite being kept scoreless in the second half by the world number 11-ranked side.

Italy trailed 22-6 at half-time and looked outclassed after a 19th minute try to Nick Cummins on the right edge earned the hard-running winger and the Wallabies only the second five-pointer of the European tour.

But they fought back immediately after the break with a try to flanker Robert Barbieri after Wallabies lock Sitaleki Timani spilled a pass deep in Australia's half.

Replacement prop Michele Rizzo kicked the loose ball and Barbieri dived on it to score with five-eighth Luciano Orquera converting to edge closer at 22-13.

Orquera then kicked two penalties over the next 12 minutes to continue Italy's comeback and momentum, possession and territory were with the home side.

But the diminutive playmaker's only missed kick attempt came in the final minute of the match as his 40-metre penalty shot to tie the match up passed the right-hand upright.

Deans was disappointed by his side's poor execution in the second half where their handling let them down badly.

"It's frustrating that we are creating chances but we're not finishing them," the Wallabies coach said.

"It was a very good start by the lads. We didn't quite get the return we were hoping for. It was very stop-start in the second half and Italy brought a lot of pressure to bare. They played well."

Deans denies Australia simply switched off in the second half.

"I don't think that was a big part of it. You can't fault the physical effort of our blokes. Clearly we weren't accurate," he said

Italy, who are eight places below Australia in the world rankings, came into the match having never beaten the Wallabies in 14 attempts going back to 1983.

But they had plenty of chances to snatch the game late at Stadio Artemio Franchi.

Orquera, who scored 14 points, produced a lovely chip kick for captain Sergio Parisse but the No.8 couldn't control the ball to miss a golden opportunity.

"Luciano's chip kick was perfect and the ball was on my hands and in the end I lost it. It's disappointing because it was a nice chance to score," Parisse said.

The hosts did a great job to stay in the contest after number seven Barbieri was given a yellow card about 10 minutes from half-time.

Australia's defence was stoic in the second half but they put themselves under plenty of pressure with poor kicking, handling and option taking.

There were several injuries from the torrid contest with Italian winger Mirco Bergamasco dislocating his knee while Australian half-back Brett Sheehan was forced off the ground in the 31st minute with an ankle injury.

Sheehan's condition will become clearer on Sunday but Deans said the signs were promising that the Western Force number nine had not suffered a serious injury.

Prop Benn Robinson took a knock in the first half and had to be replaced but is said to be fine too.

The Wallabies were reduced to 14 men for the final two minutes after winger Digby Ioane, who replaced Cummins in the 72nd minute, was yellow-carded for taking out a man in the air after catching a Beale chip-kick.

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, italy, australia

First posted November 25, 2012 08:32:43

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France to start Machenaud against Wallabies

Updated November 08, 2012 22:42:29

Young scrum half Maxime Machenaud will start for France against Australia at the Stade de France on Saturday with the more experienced Morgan Parra on the bench.

The 23-year-old Machenaud earned his first and only cap when France crushed Argentina 49-10 in Tuncunma in June.

France also named novice prop Yannick Forestier in one of five changes from the team which played Argentina when Saint-Andre rested several experienced players.

Machenaud will link up with fly half Frederic Michalak, who started by his side in Argentina on his return to the France team after two years' absence.

Scrum half Parra, who has 43 caps, was called into the squad though he is still recovering from a thigh injury.

"The choice was all the easier because Morgan could not train in the past three days," France's manager Philippe Saint-Andre told a news conference.

"But we will not beat Australia with 15 players. We'll need 22 or 23."

France: Brice Dulin; Wesley Fofana, Florian Fritz, Maxime Mermoz, Vincent Clerc; Frederik Michalak, Maxime Machenaud; Louis Picamoles, Fulgence Ouedraogo, Yannick Nyanga; Yoann Maestri, Pascal Pape (capt); Nicolas Mas, Dimitri Szarzewski, Yannick Forestier

Replacements: Benjamin Kayser, Thomas Domingo, Vincent Debaty, Jocelino Suta, Damien Chouly, Morgan Parra, Francois Trinh-Duc, Yoann Huget

Reuters

Tags: rugby-union, sport, france

First posted November 08, 2012 22:42:29

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Sharpe wins second John Eales Medal

Updated November 02, 2012 07:58:29

Veteran lock Nathan Sharpe won the Wallabies' top individual honour for the second time in his glittering career, taking out the 2012 John Eales Medal at a gala event in Sydney on Thursday night.

Sharpe topped off a memorable campaign in which he earned his 100th Test cap in the World Cup bronze medal final against Wales last October and captained Australia for the first time since 2005.

Australia's most-capped forward became just the second player in the history of the medal to win a second time, joining George Smith - the forward whose Test appearances record Sharpe overtook a few weeks ago.

Sharpe, who was also honoured as the Wallabies' choice in 2007, won by a narrow 24 points over star openside flanker David Pocock (235).

Wallabies Rookie of the Year Michael Hooper polled 171 votes to come in third ahead of playmaker Berrick Barnes (160), while scrum half Will Genia (140) rounded out the top five.

"Being presented the medal by John himself means a lot to me," Sharpe told Grandstand shortly after receiving the award.

"He's a guy that I cut my teeth under when I first started playing, so it's tremendous to get it from him in my final year.

"I've learnt a lot from John over the years and will hopefully continue to do so.

"But probably more [importantly] to be recognised as a guy who puts in each week for his team-mates is something special.

"It's a team sport and that's the most important result. But if I'm a guy that people want to play with then that suits me well."

The 34-year-old also won the inaugural Nick Farr-Jones Spirit of Rugby Award and the Australia's Choice gong for the fans' favourite Wallaby.

He will captain the Wallabies on their Spring Tour in Europe later this month.

When asked whether he thought his season would end like this, he replied: "No I didn't.

"It's hard to see a year panning out the way it has, but it's been a challenging year at the same time and funnily enough I enjoy challenges.

"I'm just lucky there's been some good people around me throughout my life and also a bunch of guys that have come in and really dug deep when times have gotten tough.

"It's very easy to be involved with guys like that."

Sharpe played 16 of the 19 Test matches during the voting period and deferred his international retirement twice during the year.

The second time he answered Australian coach Robbie Deans' call to lead the Wallabies in his last Test on home soil in Australia's 18-18 draw with New Zealand two weeks ago, due to the injury-enforced absence of previous skippers James Horwill, Pocock and Genia.

"Everyone keeps giving me a lot of stick about [his comebacks] but there's got to come a time when it is the last time," he laughed.

"This'll be the last one for the last four games [on the Spring Tour] and I look forward to the next challenges that are out there for me.

"There's certainly things I'm looking forward to. Whilst I've got plenty to learn I'm looking forward to the challenge of hopefully becoming successful at something else."

It is the ninth time in the 11-year history of the Medal that a forward has taken out the prize.

Tags: rugby-union, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted November 01, 2012 21:37:32

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Rebels unsure how Tahs would pay Folau

Updated December 03, 2012 19:13:38

Melbourne Rebels coach Damien Hill says he can not fathom how Super Rugby rival New South Wales could fit off-contract code-hopper Israel Folau under the newly introduced salary cap.

Rugby union has emerged as the next stop for 23-year-old Folau after he turned down an offer to return to rugby league in the NRL with Parramatta last week, having quit his multi-million dollar AFL deal with Greater Western Sydney last month.

Labelled a cash-hungry mercenary in some quarters after walking away from protracted talks with Parramatta, Folau took to Twitter late on Sunday.

"Everyone is entitled to their opinions! But I'll speak the truth when it's my time," Folau tweeted.

That time may be as early as Tuesday or Wednesday, with speculation rife the former Kangaroos centre is poised to sign a one-year deal with the Waratahs.

New South Wales has called a press conference for 9:00am (AEDT) Tuesday to make a "major announcement".

Along with the Rebels, New South Wales is the only Australian franchises to have a spot to fill on its 30-man roster for next season.

But the Rebels, who were reportedly extremely close to signing Folau in 2010 before he moved to the AFL, on Monday shut the door on the possibility of recruiting the former Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos centre.

"Israel is a rare talent and would be a great asset for rugby," Hill said.

"But I can't see how any Super Rugby clubs, including the Rebels, could afford him with the late timing and the salary caps that have been enforced."

That leaves the Tahs as the only viable option for the off-contract Folau, who struggled badly in AFL and left Greater Western Sydney admitting "the passion wasn't there."

The ARU has introduced $4.5 million salary cap for each of Australia's five Super Rugby clubs has been introduced for the first time and takes effect from the start of next year in an attempt to rein in player salaries.

Finding a spot for Folau in a Waratahs backline already flush with Wallabies outside backs would create a selection poser for new coach Michael Cheika.

But before he can even grapple with that dilemma, chief executive Jason Allen and Folau's manager Isaac Moses must first wrestle with the financial predicament.

The Waratahs are likely to have a minimal amount left in their kitty for next season to offer Folau, who was paid $1.5 million per season at GWS.

The Eels drew up a deal for Folau reportedly worth $3 million over four years.

Even if a slimmed down deal for next season can be agreed upon, the NRL's soon-to-be increased salary cap of around $5.2 million for 25 players is significantly more than Super Rugby's fiscal limitations.

AAP

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted December 03, 2012 17:31:27

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ARU slams Cooper 'rookie deal' talk

Updated November 21, 2012 22:58:29

The Australian Rugby Union has slammed suggestions Quade Cooper was offered an inferior "rookie contract" to drive him out of the game.

National high performance unit boss David Nucifora, who was a major player in putting together Cooper's contract, said any suggestions the ARU wanted to ditch the controversial Queensland Reds star were way off the mark.

"If the aim was to get Quade to leave then that's what would have been done," Nucifora said.

"The fact that it's been put out there that it was a rookie offer was not accurate.

"He was given a substantial offer and an offer that if he chooses to accept, he will be well rewarded.

"The fact he's been given an offer means we want to keep him."

Nucifora has not heard anything from Cooper or his manager Khoder Nasser.

"We haven't had any contact with them so it's a bit hard to make a comment. We haven't been told officially where things are at from their point of view," he said.

"It's not frustrating, it's just the reality of the way people go about their business at times.

"Until we're contacted and told formally what the situation is, it's pretty hard to have a position on it."

Cooper is considering his future after the ARU reportedly offered him a downgraded, incentive-based contract. If he does not accept an ARU offer the three-year Reds deal he signed in June effectively becomes redundant.

The ARU offer came after a difficult season in which Cooper battled with injury while also being heavily fined for referring to the Wallabies as a "toxic environment".

The 24-year-old is said to be poised to quit Australian rugby to either continue playing overseas, switch to rugby league or possibly even turn to boxing.

Nasser said on Monday Cooper would hold a press conference next week.

Nucifora said there was no deadline from an ARU perspective on when the matter would be resolved.

"You can't force these things, it's up to the other side," he said.

"It's up to them to respond when they want to bring it to a head. We just have to sit back and wait."

AAP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, australia

First posted November 21, 2012 21:16:24

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Barnes slams 'Contiki' claims

Updated November 23, 2012 13:28:58

Wallabies full-back Berrick Barnes has slammed claims the Australian side is enjoying a Contiki Tour in Europe.

The Wallabies came under attack leading into last weekend's 20-14 win over England with a media report suggesting the Australian players were simply swanning around Europe and making a fortune doing it.

The Australians copped a wave of criticism following their humiliating 33-6 loss in the first game of the tour against France in Paris.

Barnes noted that players have one day off a week on the four-Test tour and they are entitled to take in the sights of historic cities like Paris and Florence should they choose.

"You're here mate ... you're not going to tell me you're not going to go out and look at the Duomo or any of the great sights while you're here in Florence," Barnes said.

"You don't want to look back on your footy career and think I was in Florence and all I saw was the hotel. You'd be kicking yourself.

"You've got to get out and experience it but it's no Contiki Tour like people are trying to say. Comments like that hurt because we are working hard.

"Nobody was happy with the France game and we worked hard and turned that around."

Barnes does not see the harm in players getting away from rugby for a while - as he famously did himself during the 2007 World Cup in France when the Wallabies' youngest squad member back-packed solo through Europe.

"Blokes are entitled to go out on their day off and try and get a bit of balance off the field. That can be golf or whatever they want to do and so they should," he said.

"We've got our priorities right and when we train, we train hard."

The Wallabies play Italy in Florence on Sunday (*AEDT) before heading to Cardiff to face Wales a week later in the final Test of the tour.

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, italy

First posted November 23, 2012 13:28:58

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Ioane set for Twickenham Test

Updated November 09, 2012 08:22:54

The Wallabies' most lethal attacking weapon Digby Ioane has been given the all clear to make his return against England on Saturday week after getting through his first full training session of the European tour in Paris.

Ioane, who is returning from a knee injury, produced a strong hitout on Thursday, much to the delight of Wallabies coach Robbie Deans.

"He's good. He trained fully today for the first time with the group ... contact included and he came through it well. He'll be available next week," Deans said in Paris.

Destructive winger Ioane has not played since Australia's 25-19 win over Argentina in Rosario last month.

Ioane's return will be a huge boost for the Wallabies who are also expecting to have champion flanker David Pocock (knee) and winger Drew Mitchell (ankle) available to make their long-awaited returns from injury while second-rower Sitaleki Timani (hamstring) is also in the frame for a Twickenham return.

Deans will be spoilt for choice when he sits down to pick his team for the England clash and it is something he is relishing after enduring a nightmare run with injuries recently which has included stars Will Genia and James O'Connor.

"It's a strange feeling. I haven't had to make these choices for a while ... it's good," he said.

Australia opens its European tour against France on Saturday (Sunday AEDT).

AAP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, france, england, australia

First posted November 09, 2012 08:22:54

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Cooper puts rugby on hold for boxing

Updated November 26, 2012 23:57:10

Controversial Wallabies playmaker Quade Cooper has announced he has put his rugby union career "on hold" while he pursues a stint in boxing.

Cooper, who is unhappy with a downgraded, incentive-based contract offered by the Australian Rugby Union, will feature on the undercard of the Sonny Bill Williams fight at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

The fight is expected to be held on February 8.

Cooper's manager Khoder Nasser said the ARU has given the Queensland fly half no choice but to make a career change.

"I think the ARU has made its point and let that be known," Nasser said.

"The way they value Quade gives Quade no choice."

Cooper said boxing had been a release for him during his time out recovering from knee surgery and this new career direction is an opportunity he would love to take.

"Boxing has been used as a bit of a release, a bit of a way to work on my cardio," Cooper said.

"As it stands now, I'm still contracted until the end of December.

"I don't really have an option to continue with rugby at the moment, so for now I'm just focussing on getting my body right.

"I'm still training with the Reds, I'm still contracted with them. I'm just putting my full focus on getting my body right for the upcoming boxing fight."

With speculation mounting ahead of Monday's announcement that Cooper would be walking away from rugby, the Reds fly half turned up to preseason training with his Queensland team-mates.

Cooper's participation at Reds training at Ballymore looked to be a sign that he would remain playing Super Rugby with Queensland, whose 2013 season kicks off on February 16 against the Brumbies.

Recovering from knee surgery, Cooper underwent physiotherapy before taking part in a weights session at the Ballymore gym.

Despite putting his union career on standby, Cooper says his heart remains with the code and was thankful for the support from his Super Rugby side.

"Rugby's the game I love. I was brought up playing rugby union and rugby league. It's something I hold very close to my heart," he said.

"I've got great support [at the Reds], great mates, I very much value that. Every time there's been something, an issue I've had, they've come to help and work things out right away.

"My desire for rugby will never fade. I very much love it, but it's out of my hands at the moment."

Cooper has a three-year deal with Queensland Rugby, but is yet to sign a deal with the ARU.

The press conference had already been scheduled to announce the rearranged date for fighting Francois Botha in a heavyweight boxing contest.

Cooper has a long-held interest in boxing and has often been seen at bouts in the company of Anthony Mundine, who until recently was represented by Cooper and Williams' manager Khoder Nasser.

Once his ARU contract expires, Cooper could have his pick of opportunities from both rugby codes, with European unions and rugby league clubs both potentially interested.

While Cooper said he will have a lot to reacquaint himself since last playing league as a 17-year-old, Williams backed the fly half to make a splash in the NRL if he chose to do so.

"I've been one of his big supporters even before we joined up as a team," Williams said.

"I've got no doubt that he's got that ability to succeed in the 13-man game.

"I'll probably go as far as to say I'd give him half my pay packet [at the Sydney Roosters] to get him across, because I think that he'd be great not just for the game but great for our club as well."

ABC/AAP

Tags: boxing, rugby-union, sport, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

First posted November 26, 2012 13:23:11

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Pocock expected to miss France Test

Updated October 25, 2012 13:53:48

Australian coach Robbie Deans says champion flanker David Pocock is unlikely to feature in the Wallabies' first Test of the tour against France.

But Deans expects Pocock, who was named in the 30-man touring squad on Thursday, to be ready to make his return from a knee injury a week later against England at Twickenham.

Australia play Tests against France, England, Italy and Wales on the four-Test tour with the first clash at Stade de France in Paris on November 10.

Pocock, who captained the Wallabies before suffering his injury against New Zealand in August, was only given the all-clear to tour by Wallabies' medical staff this week.

"Poey has done very well ... he's still got a bit to do in terms of being available to be selected but he's clearly going to be available and hence he's coming with us," Deans said on Thursday following the announcement of his 30-man tour squad.

Deans said the Test against France would most likely be too soon for Pocock.

"No. Unlikely Paris but likely Twickenham."

The Wallabies coach was pleased to welcome back another stalwart in hooker Stephen Moore who is returning from a hamstring injury, but he too is facing a race against the clock to be fit for France.

"It's good to not only have the likes of Poey but also Stephen Moore ... a little bit of experience coming back and that will be good for the group," Deans said.

"Essentially we've got Stephen coming back from injury but he's got to be cleared for availability for the first game yet."

James Hanson, fresh from his Test debut against the All Blacks, won the third hooker spot ahead of Reds team-mate Saia Fainga'a, who suffered a broken hand last week.

"We had to have absolute certainty around at least two of our hookers," Deans said.

"With Stephen also coming off a period out of the game, we couldn't afford to head away having potential concerns around two of our three hookers."

Berrick Barnes (lung) and Digby Ioane (knee) are both available after missing the final Bledisloe Test, as are Sekope Kepu (ankle) and Sitaleki Timani (back/hamstring) who sustained injuries in the draw against New Zealand in Brisbane.

Flanker Scott Higginbotham has been placed on standby after copping a two-match suspension, with Deans not willing to carry an unavailable loose forward with number eight Wycliff Palu only recently returning from injury.

"We've taken the same approach as we have around the hookers," Deans said.

"To have included Scott within the 30 would have created an additional challenge in terms of selection for the opening two matches which would have compromised the group. Scott was aware once he was suspended that this was a possibility."

Waratahs prop Paddy Ryan is the only uncapped player selected on the tour.

The squad features an 18-forward, 12-back split, with five props selected to cater for the new arrangements which require two props to be included on an eight-man Test reserves bench.

The Wallabies are still ranked second in the world but will face three of the four sides ranked immediately below them on the trip.

Backs:

Nick Phipps, Brett Sheehan, Kurtley Beale, Berrick Barnes, Pat McCabe, Anthony Fainga'a, Ben Tapuai, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Digby Ioane, Nick Cummins, Drew Mitchell, Mike Harris.

Forwards:

Benn Robinson, James Slipper, Sekope Kepu, Ben Alexander, Paddy Ryan, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Stephen Moore, James Hanson, Nathan Sharpe (capt), Sitaleki Timani, Kane Douglas, Rob Simmons, Dave Dennis, David Pocock, Michael Hooper, Liam Gill, Wycliff Palu, Radike Samo.

ABC/AAP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, australia

First posted October 25, 2012 09:59:17

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All Blacks lose Carter for Wales clash

Updated November 24, 2012 10:50:58

New Zealand fly half Dan Carter will miss Saturday's Test against Wales at the Millennium Stadium and has been replaced by Aaron Cruden after failing to recover from a leg injury.

"Gutted not to be playing with these boys in this stadium tomorrow," Carter said on his official Twitter account.

Carter, the leading points-scorer in Test rugby, pulled up in training on Thursday and looked to be in discomfort.

Cruden, 23, has won 18 caps.

He was called into the All Blacks squad during last year's World Cup as replacement for the injured Carter, who damaged his groin during training.

Cruden went on to start the semi-final victory over Australia, and then started the final against France before he was forced off just before half-time with a knee problem.

"It is disappointing for Dan, but the next guy will come in and we will try to give him some good ball to operate with," captain Richie McCaw told the All Blacks website.

"Aaron has played a few Tests, some pretty big games.

"Dan is hard to replace, but we've got to get on and have belief in the next guys," he added.

Carter, 30, produced a virtuoso display to lead the All Blacks to a 51-22 demolition of Scotland in their opening European tour match before being rested for last week's 42-10 victory over Italy.

New Zealand has not lost to Wales since 1953 and is unbeaten for 19 Tests going back to last year's loss to Australia in Brisbane.

Reuters

Tags: rugby-union, sport, wales, new-zealand

First posted November 24, 2012 10:50:58

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No split loyalties for Hooper against England

Updated November 14, 2012 17:49:49

Australia's Michael Hooper has insisted he won't have any concerns about split loyalties when Australia play England at Twickenham on Saturday.

Hooper is set to continue at open-side flanker in the ongoing absence of back-row star David Pocock, who has been ruled out of the Cook Cup Test match with a calf injury.

And if he does take the field at Twickenham it will be the first time the 21-year-old loose forward, who has already won 10 caps since making his debut in June, will have played against England, the country where his father was born.

His dad David Hooper was a second-rower with Blackheath, in south-east London, before leaving Britain for Australia aged 24 to play for the Manly club in Sydney.

"My dad cheers for the Wallabies, I don't think he'd be allowed in the house if he didn't," Hooper junior said.

"He will be at Twickenham. My grandparents will be there and my dad's brother is still English so I'm not sure what flag they'll be waving on Saturday, hopefully Australian.

"My dad's bigger than me, so I got the wrong genes there. He loves rugby and enjoys watching Australia play."

And as for his father's role in his own rugby career, Hooper said, "He is probably my biggest critic and gives great advice.

"He'll always give me an honest account of how I played and what I should work on.

"There's a good mutual agreement in place -- he won't hold back on how I played which is a good thing to have."

"He tries to get to most games and is bit of a sucker for it."

Australia had hoped to have Pocock, one of the world's leading back-row forwards and a renowned breakdown specialist, back in action at Twickenham after being sidelined from recent Wallaby Tests with knee ligament damage, including last weekend's 33-6 thrashing by France in Paris.

But that plan was ruined by a calf strain and now Hooper, a player in a similar mould, is looking forward to the next chapter of an "awesome" year.

"This year I just wanted to get a starting spot for (Super 15 club) the Brumbies, so it's funny how things turn out. It's been awesome for me," he said.

"You want to play as much as possible and become a consistent starter. I've had the opportunity to do that.

"David will be back soon and that's a good problem for the team to have.

"He's a great player and that pushes all of the open-sides in the squad to improve."

Australia may have gone nearly three hours' playing time without a try, an astonishing statistic given the Wallaby tradition of running rugby, but Hooper is confident they'll have no problems raising their level against England.

"We're going to really bring it and are excited about this game. It should be a great game," Hooper said.

"It's all about this weekend and making history. It's a great rivalry between England and Australia and Twickenham is a great stadium.

"Their tails will be up after getting so many points on the board against Fiji (England beat the Pacific Islanders 54-12 at Twickenham last Saturday).

"There were 80,000 yelling at us in Paris last weekend and it was a great atmosphere. This weekend will be no different, so it was good to get that new experience out of the way."

AFP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, england, united-kingdom, australia

First posted November 14, 2012 17:24:39

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Folau can change union, says former All Black

Updated December 06, 2012 16:52:16

Sonny Bill Williams' indefensible offload changed rugby union and Israel Folau's vertical leap has the potential to do the same, according to new New South Wales Waratahs assistant coach Daryl Gibson.

Former All Black Gibson, who helped mould the Crusaders' potent backline when Williams made his Super Rugby debut, watched Folau train for the first time with NSW on Thursday.

It was a low-key hit-out, with Folau laying a couple of slick passes and making a handful of line breaks during drills, but Gibson was already thinking big about the impact a bulked-up Folau can have on the 15-man game.

"Sonny brought to union some skills he had from league and he's changed our game," Gibson said.

"Israel, particularly with his aerial ability, could potentially do the same.

"It's not a skill we're particularly adept at. He spent two years catching and kicking (in the AFL) and we'd be foolish not to utilise that skill."

Gibson, part of the Crusaders' foundation squad in 1996 and involved in union ever since, said he'd never seen anything like Folau's ability to leap and snaffle the high ball.

"And what I haven't seen in union a lot is the ability to catch the ball above your head, and that's a skill he's going to bring to our game," Gibson said.

"Absolutely (it could change the game) and what it will change is teams' ability to defend us.

"If the backfield is worried about his aerial game, then it obviously opens up opportunities elsewhere on the field.

"We're going to have to exploit that."

Folau spoke of his desire to take on the All Blacks on Tuesday, and Gibson revealed the 23-year-old's switch to union had already created waves in his rugby-mad homeland.

"I got a number of texts from people back in New Zealand who were excited to see him go," Gibson said.

"A few (Super Rugby) coaches and obviously players (sent messages). It's neat that they're aware we've signed someone of his calibre."

Folau, who coach Michael Cheika says will play in the back three, will initially be shielded from contact work while he learns the intricacies of the ruck.

The code-hopper's other major challenge will be to re-design his physique after shedding seven kilograms to prepare for the endurance required in AFL.

But Cheika said Folau will do a lot of running without the ball for the 'Tahs and his body transformation won't be overly severe.

"Maybe somewhere in the middle (of his playing weights in AFL and NRL). I can't be sure, there's no exact science to this," Cheika said.

"I don't know if it's about upper chest or lower body. Most players know the weight they feel comfortable at. You got to go with your gut feel.

"It (Folau's preparation for Super Rugby) is not really about that. It's about footy."

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-rugby, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted December 06, 2012 16:52:16

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Barnes tips battle to regain Test spot

Updated November 01, 2012 14:29:01

Wallabies stalwart Berrick Barnes believes he might have to battle his way back into the team off the bench on the coming European tour.

Utility back Barnes started a personal-best 11 straight Tests before a punctured lung suffered against South Africa in late September put him out of Australia's last two games.

Unfortunately for 46-Test veteran Barnes, Australia produced two of its better performances of a patchy season in those matches.

The Wallabies won 25-19 against Argentina in Rosario and drew 18-18 with world champions New Zealand in Brisbane, ending the All Blacks' 16-match winning streak.

In both Tests, coach Robbie Deans opted for Kurtley Beale at five-eighth, Pat McCabe at inside centre and Mike Harris at full-back - in the three positions Barnes can fill.

"You've got to earn your spots back ... that's the way Robbie has always been. You get injured, you've got to work your way back into it again," Barnes said on Thursday.

"I'm under no illusions as to what probably I have to do to get back into it.

"In the three positions I play, you've got three guys playing well.

"Even if there's an opportunity to get back on the bench, I'd take it - that's for sure.

"I've always probably thought my best position was 12 but, in saying that, Pat McCabe is playing some of his best rugby and he's one of the leaders in the group, so I'm not expecting to get back in there ...

"I play 10 and 15 as well, so that gives me obviously a leg up for bench spots, but we'll just see what happens."

Recent captain David Pocock said it would come down to the team coaches and medical staff if he was ready to play the first match of the four-Test tour against France in Paris on November 11 (AEDT).

The champion openside flanker missed Australia's past six Tests after undergoing knee surgery.

"I feel pretty good, I've progressed through all the running and rehab stuff and I've done a fair bit of contact," Pocock said.

He lavished praise on his replacement Michael Hooper and felt they could start together in the team, probably as the two flankers.

"I'd love to play alongside him. It comes down to what the coaches want and what they think will work best," Pocock said.

He said it had been frustrating not playing, but good to see the development of younger forwards like Hooper and locks Sitaleki Timani and Kane Douglas.

"I think it's really important that we're continuing to improve from the Rugby Championship and guys who have got a taste of it really start to kick on," Pocock said.

"We've got to make the most of this opportunity. Four games against some of the best teams in the world is really important in our development."

Pocock captained Australia earlier in the season, but said he was not worried at having to play under veteran Nathan Sharpe on the tour.

AAP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, australia

First posted November 01, 2012 14:29:01

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Pocock in doubt for England Test

Updated November 13, 2012 07:00:41

David Pocock sat out Wallabies' training in London on Monday and remains in doubt for this weekend's clash with England after having scans on a calf muscle.

Pocock attended training on Monday afternoon but was only a spectator along with full-back Mike Harris, who has a minor leg injury.

Brumbies' recruit Pocock was expected to make his long-awaited return from injury at Twickenham on Sunday morning (AEDT) but this latest setback has the number seven in serious doubt.

Robbie Deans's side has never needed Pocock more after the Wallabies were trounced 33-6 in their European tour opener against France.

Pocock has not played since suffering a knee injury in the opening Bledisloe Cup game against the All Blacks in August.

It is unlikely the Wallabies would take any risks with Pocock, who was resigned to stretching while the squad trained on a rainy London day.

With Harris staying under cover, Berrick Barnes ran at full-back as the backline worked on some set moves.

Barnes, who made his return off the bench against France, is expected to start against England.

The tour has the potential to turn into a nightmare for the Wallabies as they head to Twickenham to face a confident England side who are chasing a third straight Cook Cup win over Australia.

New coach Stuart Lancaster's side ran in seven tries as they destroyed Fiji 54-12 and Wallabies hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau knows they will be gunning for the Australians.

Polota-Nau says stopping England's offloads will be one of the keys to winning the game.

"The French did very well in that aspect last week and we need to stop it from happening at Twickenham. I'm sure it's something they'll be looking to exploit, so the pressure is on us to be better in the contact area," Polota-Nau said.

"Obviously we didn't start the tour well but now we just want to make sure we finish off well, starting with England.

"It's going to be a big challenge for us, particularly in the forwards, their scrums and lineouts are the keys to how they get their attacking platforms.

"We need to dominate them in the scrum and really pressure them in defence to give ourselves a chance."

AAP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, england, australia

First posted November 13, 2012 07:00:41

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Habana voted South Africa's top player

Updated November 02, 2012 09:17:44

Springbok wing Bryan Habana has named the South African rugby player of the year, becoming only the second man to win the award more than twice.

The 29-year-old, hampered by an injured knee, limped onto the stage with the help of crutches to accept the award for the third time after having also been voted number one by the rugby media in 2005 and 2007.

His striking form helped his team, the Cape Town-based Western Province, win the Currie Cup last Saturday, while his seven tries for the national side in 2012 bring his national record tally to 47.

Habana's hat-trick against Australia in Pretoria in September brought the home team a 31-8 victory in the Rugby Championship.

He also was recognised for Try of the Year after bursting past the All Blacks defence to score in Dunedin, also in September.

"It's a very humbling experience," he said, accepting the award after doubt had previously been cast on his performances.

"I never really doubted myself but when these questions come about you just have to work harder," he added.

"Hopefully I'll leave the jersey in a better place than I received it."

Habana's three player of the year awards are second only to former Springbok fly-half Naas Botha. Now a television analyst with the Johannesburg-based SuperSport channel, Botha won the award four times.

Habana, whose first names were inspired by former Manchester United footballers Bryan Robson and Gary Bailey, received the accolade at the awards ceremony in a Cape Town International Airport hangar, five days after helping his side claim the Currie Cup title for the first time in 11 years.

Western Province's Eben Etzebeth, Sharks fly-half Patrick Lambie and teammates JP Pietersen and skipper Keegan Daniel were the other finalists.

The Sharks won the Team of the Year title after reaching both Currie Cup and Super 15 finals, with awards also for captain and loose forward Daniel (Super 15 Player of the Year), Pietersen (Players' Player of the Year) and coach John Plumtree.

New Springbok lock Etzebeth won the poll for Young Player of the Year after the 21-year-old's sterling performance in Tests against New Zealand, Australia, England and Argentina barely 18 months after playing in university leagues.

South African award winners:

Player of the Year: Bryan Habana (Western Province)

Players' Player of the Year: JP Pietersen (Sharks)

Super 15 Player of the Year: Keegan Daniel (Sharks)

Currie Cup Player of the Year: Deon Fourie (Western Province)

Young Player of the Year: Eben Etzebeth

Coach of the Year: John Plumtree (Sharks)

Team of the Year: Sharks

AFP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, south-africa

First posted November 02, 2012 09:17:44

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Wallabies, All Blacks fight out gritty draw

Updated October 21, 2012 00:55:52

An injury ravaged Wallabies went toe-to-toe with heavyweights New Zealand and emerged with an honourable 18-18 draw in Brisbane which brought an end to the All Blacks' 16-match winning run.

New Zealand fly half Dan Carter missed a drop goal with the last kick of the match as the world champions, who had been chasing a record-equalling 17th straight victory, fell short in an extraordinary end to the final Bledisloe Cup Test.

Australia, which earned its points from five Mike Harris penalties and a long-range effort from Kurtley Beale, also had a chance to win the match after the 80 minutes were up only to be penalised as it attempted to chip away at the New Zealand defence just inside the 22.

Wallabies skipper Nathan Sharpe, who was given a rousing send-off by the capacity ground at Lang Park in his final Test at home, said he was very proud of his side despite the disappointment.

"We had the game there right at the end - 22 out and it's just a shame that penalty went against us," Sharpe told Grandstand.

"We were certainly playing for the result there.

"Credit to the All Blacks, they are a very good team and came back and nearly stole it at the other end."

Sharpe said there would be no blame placed at the decision of Australia's playmakers not to attempt a match-winning field goal.

"Us forwards were just work away, and we were certainly making some yards there," he said.

"The boys just needed to make the call and we back them. Whatever they make, it's the right call.

"There will be no looking back and saying whether or not we should have made one call or another."

The All Blacks had opened the proceedings with the "throat-cutting" version of the haka in honour of hooker Keven Mealamu's 100th Test cap but the Wallabies soon made it clear they were not going to play to the visitors' script.

Full-back Harris gave them the lead after just two minutes when the All Blacks were penalised for not rolling away from the tackle area.

Carter made no mistake with his first two penalty attempts to give New Zealand the lead but nine more points from the boot of Harris gave the home side an unlikely advantage.

All the offences were in the tackle area and referee Craig Joubert warned Richie McCaw after the third that he would sin-bin the next offender.

The South African was true to his word and prop Tony Woodcock was shown the yellow card a minute before the break with the home side 12-6 behind.

Woodcock had just returned when Beale boomed a penalty over from inside his own half to extend the lead to 15-6 but Carter, who had missed his two previous attempts, narrowed the deficit with two penalties in the next six minutes.

One of the penalties saw Wallabies flanker Michael Hooper sin-binned for tackling Aaron Smith off the ball and it looked like the All Blacks might impose themselves on the contest.

Carter duly levelled and then put them ahead with his sixth penalty 10 minutes from time but the Wallabies hit back with Harris's fifth four minutes later to set up the dramatic climax and just the sixth draw in Tests between the nations.

"That's probably been the ugliest game of rugby I've been involved in but at the end of the day it's an 18-all draw and obviously they (Australia) are pretty happy about it," New Zealand coach Steve Hansen said.

"We're really disappointed. There were too many avoidable penalties, too many avoidable mistakes, some of those mistakes came from good play from Australia but others didn't."

Wallabies' coach Robbie Deans said Australia was frustrated not to have won.

"The players will be pretty frustrated because it was a game we could have won, so we're not happy with the outcome, but I imagine the All Blacks aren't either," Deans said.

"Our defence was great and we have done a lot of work around the contact and we got a lot of pay from that tonight."

Australia: 18 (M Harris 5/5 pens, K Beale 1/2 pens)

New Zealand: 18 (D Carter 6/8 pens)

ABC/Reuters

Tags: rugby-union, sport, brisbane-4000, qld, australia, new-zealand

First posted October 20, 2012 22:57:15

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