Gerrard hoping to face Brumbies

Updated May 30, 2012 15:48:29

Melbourne Rebels veteran Mark Gerrard is set for a surprise return from injury to face the Brumbies in their Super Rugby match on Friday night.

It was feared Gerrard had fractured his sternum in a massive tackle in their weekend loss away to the Hurricanes but the former Wallabies utility back has put his hand up to play the Australian conference leaders at AAMI Park.

It is a relief for the Rebels with fly half Kurtley Beale (shoulder), centres Lachlan Mitchell (head) and Lloyd Johansson (finger), and flanker Michael Lipman (head) joining their hefty injury list.

"He trained yesterday and he trained well so we're very confident he'll be right to play," Rebels coach Damien Hill said.

"He really is very keen to play and he's got through all the training sessions and he's ready and raring to go."

Hill says Gerrard has taken his game to a new level this season with the arrival of players such as Beale and O'Connor sharing the leadership.

"He's using his skill set better than last year - his kicks for touch and place kicking is one of the best in competition," he said.

When the Rebels hosted the Brumbies early last season the home side was coming off a 43-0 loss to New South Wales, almost as bad as their 66-24 beating by the Hurricanes.

They broke through for their inaugural win 25-24.

Hill says it would be nice to have a similar rebound but believed the Brumbies were vastly different in 2012.

"You can't compare the two, the Brumbies outfit this year is a vastly different outfit to what they were both in personnel and performance," he said.

"They're the top of the Australian conference and rightly so and we know we're in for a tough game."

The Rebels' four Wallabies training squad members - Cadeyrn Neville, Hugh Pyle, Nick Phipps and Cooper Vuna - will rejoin the side for their final training session on Thursday.

"They all seem to have taken it in their stride ... it can be difficult for them to put their minds on a different team and different set of organisational structures but we're confident they'll be fine," Hill said.

Beale, who is hopeful of playing in the Wallabies' final June Test against Wales, is already back at training after shoulder surgery on Monday.

AAP

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted May 30, 2012 15:48:29

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Henry ready to take Pumas to next level

Updated May 31, 2012 12:20:39

World Cup-winning coach Graham Henry insisted he could take Argentina to another level as it prepares to take on the top sides in the southern hemisphere.

Henry has been appointed technical consultant to the Pumas, who will compete for the first time in the Rugby Championships - formerly the Tri Nations - against New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.

"Argentina are faced with a very important challenge but we need this in order to improve because we can't improve by playing the weakest, we need to play the strongest," said the former New Zealand and Wales coach.

Henry's role will be to work closely for seven weeks with head coach Santiago Phelan during preparations for international matches.

"My job with the coaches is to exchange ideas, and help them improve their game," explained Henry, who led the All Blacks for seven years but stepped down after leading them to glory at last year's World Cup on home soil.

"I'm going to work five weeks here, another two in New Zealand and Australia. I would like to help more but I have my family and they are at present by main responsibilty."

The 65-year-old, who was previously known as 'The Great Redeemer' for his work during four years with Wales, explained that his love of the game had been too much for him just to retire.

"Rugby is in my blood. Coaching is like a disease. I like coaching and I like the game. Argentina is a challenge and I enjoy a challenge. I also respect the people here. They are good people, good rugby people, so this is also a privilege for me."

"I think that Argentinian rugby is in good shape, as they did well in the last two World Cups.

"We've begun a process, and I'm impressed with all the information that I've received from the coaches. I hope that my ideas will be useful and allow them to continue to improve.

"This tournament is a big opportunity. We could feel inhibited but we could also give our best."

Praising the Puma "character, personality and fighting spirit", he added: "they defend very well, they only need to score more tries, that's all."

Phelan added: "It's with pride that Graham helps us. The Pumas staff are very keen to show him how we work so that he can give us his vision and apply his concepts."

The Pumas will play their inaugural Rugby Championships match against South Africa, on August 25, at the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas in the western city of Mendoza.

AFP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, argentina

First posted May 31, 2012 12:20:39

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Top Waratahs back coach Foley

Updated May 28, 2012 19:15:14

Senior Waratahs players have backed coach Michael Foley, who says it will be up to others to decide if he holds his job at the helm of the Super Rugby franchise.

New South Wales is out of finals contention with three games to play, having lost five successive matches and slumping to 11th on the ladder.

Injured skipper Rocky Elsom supported Foley but was not surprised at the mounting speculation over his coach's job.

"It's to be expected. You don't get results, you look at the guys in the team and obviously Foles is a part of that," Elsom said on Monday after the team arrived back from South Africa.

"Of course he has the players' support, but you can expect those kinds of comments."

Prop and acting skipper Benn Robinson also stressed Foley enjoyed total backing from his playing group.

"We've got 100 per cent support behind Foles," Robinson said.

Asked if he was completely confident he would continue in his role Foley said: "I wouldn't necessarily say that, I think that's up to other people to decide".

Waratahs officials stressed there would be no emergency board meeting on Tuesday, as had been reported in at least one newspaper.

Questioned whether he thought he had the support of the board, Foley said: "That's something they would have to answer and I'm not going to speculate on that".

However Foley was adamant speculation over his position was neither distracting nor disconcerting.

"The rumours you can get past in the sense that you are more focused on trying to get the result," Foley said.

Foley and Robinson emphasised the Waratahs would not lack motivation in their remaining games despite no longer having the incentive of making the finals.

"I believe the appetite is undiminished for the contest, we're incredibly disappointed with the results, but desperate to go out there and turn that around," Foley said.

Former Wallabies skipper Elsom, who is unsure how long his current shoulder injury will keep him out, was omitted from the Australian train-on squad announced on Sunday.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said he hoped Elsom still saw himself as part of the group if it was something he still felt passionate about.

Asked if he still had the passion to play for Australia Elsom said: "Yes of course".

Wallabies winger Drew Mitchell, who made his comeback from an ankle injury last weekend, could play club rugby during the Super Rugby break as he looks to push for a Test recall later in the year.

"I think certainly the (Rugby) Championship wouldn't be out of the realms of possibility (for my Test comeback)," Mitchell said.

AAP

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

First posted May 28, 2012 19:15:14

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Sharks back in the mix after Stormers win

Updated May 27, 2012 07:04:07

Coastal Sharks played themselves back into contention for Super Rugby southern hemisphere honours when they beat Western Stormers 25-20 at Kings Park.

Their fourth successive win lifted the Sharks into third place on the South African conference log, five points behind the Stormers and three behind the Northern Bulls.

Stormers went into the weekend as overall log leaders after winning 10 of their first 11 matches, but were knocked out of their stride by a combative Sharks team, who dominated the scrums and were stronger at the breakdown.

Sharks were also able to put pressure on the Stormers' lineout, normally one of the Cape side's strengths.

"It was tough, but we came up with a game plan," said Sharks captain and eighth-man Keegan Daniel.

But the Durban side had to withstand a strong second-half challenge as the Stormers fought back from a 19-point deficit with two converted tries by full-back Gio Aplon.

Stormers led 6-3 early in the game after two penalty goals by fly half Peter Grant against one by Sharks full-back Patrick Lambie.

The match changed dramatically in the 18th minute when the Sharks were awarded a penalty in front of the Stormers' posts.

With the Stormers seemingly expecting the home side to take an easy three points with a kick at goal, Sharks scrum-half Charl McLeod took a quick tap and sent out a long pass to French fly-half Frederic Michalak, who twisted over for a try Lambie converted.

A penalty by Lambie was followed by a second Sharks try three minutes from half-time when a powerful scrum set up Daniel to dive over. A conversion by Lambie gave the Sharks a 20-6 lead at the break.

Left wing Lwazi Mvovo squeezed over in the left corner for a third try as the Sharks continued their domination, but a breakaway try by Aplon, who ran 60 metres after picking up a wild pass by Michalak, gave the Stormers hope with 27 minutes left.

Stormers pressed strongly as rain fell in the last 20 minutes with Aplon scoring a second try from a scrum move eight minutes from time.

"We made a lot of mistakes, but the better team won tonight," said Stormers captain and inside centre Jean de Villiers.

Stormers were forced to start with reserve hooker Deon Fourie at flank after Siya Kolisi was ruled out shortly before the match, continuing a string of injuries to their loose forwards.

Sharks: 25 - Tries: F Michalak, K Daniel, L Mvovo. Conversions: P Lambie 2. Pens: Lambie 2

Stormers: 20 - Tries: G Aplon 2. Cons: Peter Grant 2. Pens: Grant 2

Reuters

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

First posted May 27, 2012 07:02:24

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Injured Beale out of Wallabies squad

Updated May 28, 2012 15:58:48

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has confirmed five-eighth Kurtley Beale has been ruled out of Australia's June Tests against Scotland and Wales with a shoulder injury.

Beale underwent surgery on Monday for the injury he sustained in the Rebels' 66-24 trouncing at the hands of the Hurricanes on Saturday.

The Super Rugby club said in a statement that the operation cleaned floating cartilage from Beale's left shoulder joint.

The Rebels expect him to be unavailable for at least the next three to four weeks.

"The fact that he needs an operation is indicative that it is serious and it will rule him out of the June (Test) window," Deans said earlier on Monday.

Beale joins Melbourne team-mate James O'Connor and Brumbies fly half Christian Lealiifano on the sidelines for the Test against Scotland on June 5 and the three-match series against Wales starting on June 9.

Quade Cooper, who has played just two Super Rugby games this season after returning from serious knee surgery, or Waratah's playmaker Berrick Barnes are likely to be picked in the number 10 jersey.

Captain James Horwill has also been ruled out after scans revealed a hamstring tear damaged during the Reds' 13-12 win over the Brumbies on Saturday.

Deans said the injury was not as serious as he first feared.

"James, we are presuming, is out for the whole of June, but it is not as bad as it first looked. It looked pretty sinister at the time," Deans said.

Deans said he was not ready yet to announce his replacement captain, but flanker David Pocock and scrum-half Will Genia are considered front-runners to take the role against Scotland.

ABC/AAP

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, australia

First posted May 28, 2012 11:54:32

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Recreational and Sports Amenities in Kingston Upon Hull

Cooper named in Wallabies squad

Updated May 27, 2012 18:20:10

Australia coach Robbie Deans has shown faith in Quade Cooper, naming the star Queensland fly half in the Wallabies' train-on squad for three June Tests, just two weeks after his return from knee surgery.

But former skipper Rocky Elsom was a notable absence from the 39-man squad announced on Sunday.

Australian skipper James Horwill was also left out of the squad after suffering a hamstring complaint on Saturday night. It is likely he will play no part in the three Tests against Scotland and Wales.

Reds scrum half Will Genia and Force openside flanker David Pocock are likely frontrunners to take the captaincy against Scotland in Newcastle on June 5, Wales in Brisbane on June 9 and June 16 in Melbourne.

Cooper made an impressive 40-minute return in his first Super Rugby game of the season last weekend in the Reds' win over the Lions at Lang Park before backing up against the Brumbies on Saturday night.

The incumbent Wallabies five-eighth was selected partly due to a dearth of playmakers, with in-form Melbourne utility Kurtley Beale in doubt after injuring his shoulder in the Rebels' crushing 66-24 loss to the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday evening.

Beale underwent scans on Sunday but the timeframe for his return is as-yet unknown.

Fellow Rebel James O'Connor is also injured, having suffered a lacerated liver against the Waratahs earlier this season and needing more time to recover before resuming full contact training.

Fifteen players in the 39-man train-on squad have yet to represent Australia, including Reds inside centre Mike Harris, full-back Luke Morahan and winger Dom Shipperley.

Rebels winger Cooper Vuna and locks Hugh Pyle and Cadeyrn Neviulle were also named in their first Wallabies squad.

Queensland Reds and Western Force members of the squad have assembled in Sydney and will be joined during the week by players from the other franchises.

They will spend Wednesday in Wallabies camp before returning to their respective franchises to prepare for the upcoming Super Rugby round.

Deans said he will assemble the whole squad and announce his side for June 5's opening Test at Newcastle two days before the fixture, once all of his players' Super Rugby commitments were completed.

"We can't finalise a side for that match until all of the games are played, and we are in a position to assess all of the players," he said in a statement.

"Obviously we have preliminary ideas but the selection template is a living document. It can, and probably will change, as a result of events through the final round of Super Rugby before the international break."

He said he was appreciative of the help the Super Rugby franchises gave him in releasing the players.

"The cooperation of the franchises has been considerable and we appreciate that," he said.

"We've obviously sought to have as little disruption to their campaigns as is possible, but the solution provided by utilising the training day off does at least allow us to get the players started - both with organisational logistics and training background - as we will have to hit the ground running once the final group gathers."

Wallabies squad: Ben Alexander, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Kurtley Beale, Quade Coper, Dave Dennis, Kane Douglas, Anthony Faingaa, Saia Faingaa, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, Mike Harris, Scott Higginbotham, Michael Hooper, Rob Horne, Digby Ioane, Sekope Kepu, Salesi Ma'afu, Pat McCabe, Ben McCalman, Jesse Mogg, Stephen Moore, Luke Morahan, Caderyn Neville, Dan Palmer, Wycliff Palu, Nick Phipps, David Pocock, Tatafu Polota Nau, Hugh Pyle, Benn Robinson, Nathan Sharpe, Dom Shipperley, Rob Simmons, James Slipper, Sitaleki Timani, Joseph Tomane, Cooper Vuna, Nic White.

Tags: rugby-union, sport, australia

First posted May 27, 2012 17:29:18

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Waratahs denied in classic

Updated May 27, 2012 06:49:20

The Waratahs victory gave up a 13-point advantage to lose in heartbreaking fashion to the Central Cheetahs 35-34 on Sunday (AEST).

Willie Le Roux's brilliant 57th-minute try, which quickly followed a try by prop WP Nel, came after the Cheetahs attacked from the restart, replacement fly half Sias Ebersohn chipping over the defence and Le Roux gathering and kicking again before reclaiming the ball and dashing over the try-line.

The Waratahs, who led 34-21 in the 48th minute after scoring four tries in the first half, can look back on a disappointing second half and their failure to convert two late chances to claim victory.

Fly half Berrick Barnes was short with an angled 55-metre penalty in the 76th minute and, as regular time came to an end, they had a maul inside the Cheetahs 22 but they could not get the ball out to Barnes for a drop goal after great work by Cheetahs loose forwards Ashley Johnson and Heinrich Brussow.

The Waratahs took advantage of 18 missed tackles in the first half and particularly poor defence around the fringes to rush to the four-try bonus point in 33 minutes.

Flanker Dave Dennis scored the first try in the fourth minute when he pounced on a loose ball behind the try-line and he set up the second for lock Sitaleki Timani.

The Cheetahs drew level at 14-14 with two tries in four minutes, the first coming from a wonderfully-worked move off a lineout finished off by scrumhalf Piet van Zyl.

Le Roux's brilliant attacking running then started and finished a move in the 19th minute with fly half Riaan Smit's second successful conversion tying the scores.

The Waratahs edged ahead again in the 22nd minute when Brendan McKibbin kicked a penalty after the Cheetahs took him out at a ruck, but soon afterwards his pass was intercepted by hooker Adriaan Strauss and the Cheetahs captain ran in a try from halfway.

The Waratahs scored twice late in the first half, winger Drew Mitchell showing great skill to keep a kick in play and centre Rob Horne finishing the move off with a 45-metre run to the tryline and Timani scored his second try after good work by fullback Bernard Foley and number 8 Wycliff Palu.

Nel went low and hard to score for the Free Staters in the 54th minute before Le Roux floored the Waratahs with another moment of brilliance.His moment of inspiration earned the Cheetahs their fifth win of the season, the most they have achieved in a Super Rugby campaign.

Cheetahs 35 - Tries: W le Roux 2, P van Zyl, A Strauss, WP Nel. Cons: R Smit 4, S Ebersohn.

Waratahs 34 - Tries: S Timani 2, D Dennis, R Horne. Conversions: B McKibbin (4). Penalties: McKibbin 2.

Reuters

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-rugby, nsw

First posted May 27, 2012 06:36:27

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Harlequins crowned English champions

Updated May 27, 2012 08:50:08

Harlequins were crowned English club champions for the first time on Saturday when they defeated Leicester 30-23 at Twickenham in the Premiership final.

Skipper Chris Robshaw, who will also lead England into battle in South Africa next month, was inspirational grabbing a try while Tom Williams also scored.

Robshaw was named man of the match in a thrilling contest in sweltering heat while New Zealand-born fly-half Nick Evans kicked 20 points with Tigers' tries coming from Steve Mafi and Anthony Allen

Tigers were hoping to make it yet another title in their eighth successive final and going for their 11th English crown since winning the first one back in 1988.

But it was Quins day to crack open the champagne with the biggest triumph in their 146-year history.

Manu Tuilagi took just seconds to announce his intention to put himself about with a ferocious tackle on Danny Care which saw the England centre throw his rival to the ground in almost spear-tackle style.

Referee Wayne Barnes ruled it was an illegal tackle but not a dangerous one.

He awarded Quins a penalty which Evans kicked while Tuilagi avoided punishment apart from a lecture from Barnes.

Evans struck the outside of a post with his next penalty attempt - a difficult one from near the right-hand touchline after illegal Tigers' hand in a ruck.

But the Quins' fans were on their feet as Conor O'Shea's men turned up more heat on the Tigers defence with the ball finally switched into the grateful hands of Williams.

The wing, who endured the Bloodgate controversy which resulted in the departure of the then Quins boss Dean Richards, raced over in the right-hand corner unchallenged.

Evans hit an upright again with his conversion but the London outfit were 8-0 ahead and looking strong.

Tigers managed to regain their composure and George Ford's boot reduced the gap with a penalty from in front of the posts. It was brief respite as another Evans' kick gave the underdogs an 11-3 advantage.

Ford, 19, relishing the chance to prove himself on England's forthcoming tour to South Africa, missed his second penalty but made an easier third kick as Tigers began to bare their claws with the odd hefty hit from Alesana Tuilagi on Mike Brown.

Leicester then struck with venom, stealing a line-out from inside their own half with prop Dan Cole feeding Steve Mafi, and the big Tongan-born flanker raced 40 metres unchallenged with the Quins defence absent, and touched down for Ford's conversion to put Tigers' noses in front for the first time.

Tigers lost No8 Thomas Waldrom to the sin bin for deliberate foul play at a ruck and Evans' third penalty gave Quins a 14-13 half-time lead.

Evans picked up where he left off with two more penalties inside the opening 10 minutes after the break.

Waldron returned to the fray but Quins produced another decisive move resulting in their second try. The ball was switched left and then right with the impressive Care in the thick of things once more.

It fell to Robshaw 10 metres out and the England captain and flanker used his body power to force his way over with Evans converting for a commanding lead.

He added another penalty and Quins, with a 17-point lead with just 14 minutes remaining looked home and hosed.

But Tigers bounced back with Anthony Allen bursting through a gaping Quins defence to give Tigers some hope with a try which Ford converted.

A Ford penalty left Tigers just a converted try away from sending the game into extra time, but Quins hung on for victory.

AFP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, england

First posted May 27, 2012 08:35:37

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White shocked by Mowen snub

Updated May 28, 2012 11:54:32

Brumbies coach Jake White is flabbergasted by Ben Mowen's continued absence from Wallabies squads after his captain was again overlooked by Robbie Deans..

While eight Brumbies players, including five uncapped improvers, rode off the back of the ACT franchise's terrific Super Rugby rise, back rower Mowen was unlucky to be left out of the 39-man training squad.

Mowen was still ignored despite three 2011 World Cup back row selections - Rocky Elsom, Radike Samo and Matt Hodgson - all being omitted by Deans' selection panel.

The 27-year-old lost out with former New South Wales Waratahs team-mates Dave Dennis and Wycliff Palu and Western Force No.8 Ben McCalman preferred ahead of the Brumbies skipper.

The decision is one which former World Cup-winning South Africa coach White can not get his head around considering Mowen's form and leadership value for the Australian conference leaders.

"I must be honest, I'm not just saying it because it's Ben, I just don't understand why he has never been picked," White said.

"The reality is he's versatile, he's a great leader, he's captained a lot of these players at junior level.

"I think he's showed he's got something special, not just the way he's led the team but the way he's played."

A surprise choice as captain by White, Mowen has impressed at both No.8 and blindside flanker for the Brumbies who remain five points ahead of defending champions Queensland despite their 13-12 loss to the Reds on Saturday night.

The unexpected rise of White's team has seen prop Dan Palmer, openside flanker Michael Hooper, half-back Nic White, winger Joe Tomane and full-back Jesse Mogg all selected for their first Test squads.

With World Cup trio Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander and Pat McCabe, the Brumbies tally of eight is three less than both Queensland and New South Wales.

The Reds would have had 13 if not for deflating injuries to captain James Horwill (hamstring) and utility back Ben Lucas (groin).

Horwill will undergo scans on Monday while star back Kurtley Beale will receive results of scans on an ongoing shoulder problem.

Beale exacerbated the injury in the Melbourne Rebels 66-24 loss to the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday and he's in doubt for the opening Tests of the year against Scotland (June 5) and Wales (June 9).

Despite just 120 minutes of rugby in his return from a knee reconstruction, Quade Cooper was included in the squad due to injuries to Beale, James O'Connor, Christian Lealiifano and Lucas.

New South Wales duo Berrick Barnes and Bernard Foley also loom as five-eighth candidates.

The biggest bolter of the squad is Rebels lock Cadeyrn Neville, a 202cm former AIS rower who only started playing fourth grade with Manly in 2009 and made his Super Rugby debut in the past month.

He has played just four Super Rugby games.

AAP

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

First posted May 28, 2012 10:10:51

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Leicester slams talk of coach's Force move

Updated May 30, 2012 20:12:48

English Premiership club Leicester has rubbished reports claiming Australian head coach Matt O'Connor could quit to take charge of Western Force.

O'Connor is believed to be high on the Perth-based franchise's wanted list as it looks for a new coach after sacking Richard Graham in April.

But the Tigers insist O'Connor, who has previously worked with the Brumbies and Australia A, will not be allowed to return to his homeland.

Leicester's director of rugby Richard Cockerill wants O'Connor to extend his stay at Welford Road beyond the end of his current deal next year.

"Matt has not applied for the job and he has no intention of taking it," Cockerill told the Leicester Mercury.

"In fact, I have already started discussing the possibility of him extending his contract and staying here for longer."

O'Connor, who joined Leicester in 2008, has formed a close relationship with Cockerill that has reaped rewards on the pitch.

He was in charge of a Leicester attack that ran in 70 tries in 22 regular-season games as the Tigers reached the Premiership final before losing to Harlequins.

AFP

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, england, united-kingdom, perth-6000, wa, australia

First posted May 30, 2012 20:12:48

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Harris in frame to be Wallabies' 10

Updated May 30, 2012 18:50:45

New Zealand-born Queensland playmaker Mike Harris appears to be well in the mix to wear the Wallabies' number 10 jersey in Tuesday's Test against Scotland in Newcastle.

Harris lined-up at five-eighth during the Wallabies train-on squad's opposed session on Wednesday and is a realistic option to call the shots against Scotland should coach Robbie Deans wish to keep his Reds team-mate Quade Cooper out of the firing line.

New South Wales playmaker Berrick Barnes and another Queenslander, Ben Lucas, are also in the frame but Barnes was just an onlooker at training on Wednesday as he prepares for the Waratahs' match on Saturday night.

Harris only arrived in Australia two years ago when signed by Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie, but qualifies to play for the Wallabies through a paternal grandmother.

The 23-year-old has played mostly inside centre for the Reds this year, but showed in the early rounds of the Super Rugby season that his strong kicking game made him a steady option at number 10.

Cooper has only played two matches this season in his return from a knee injury, and despite being named in the train-on squad, it is thought Deans might not wish to start him against Scotland.

Meanwhile, boom number seven prospect Michael Hooper says he is looking to learn plenty from the world's premier openside flanker David Pocock during Wallabies camp.

The in-form Brumbies forward, who will join the Waratahs next year, says in many respects he has tried to model his game on Pocock and is hopeful of a chance to serve as his understudy during the mid-year Tests.

"It's good to spend some time with him ... he's actually been great, he helps out a lot. The more information I can get out of him the better," Hooper said.

"He's one of the best sevens around so it's a no-brainer there.

"[He's been helping with] roles and plays, and what to do and where."

AAP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, newcastle-2300, nsw, australia

First posted May 30, 2012 18:50:45

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Horwill out of Wallabies squad

Updated May 27, 2012 20:28:37

Captain James Horwill has been left out of Australia's 39-man train-on squad for the June Tests against Scotland and Wales because of a hamstring injury.

The towering lock sustained the injury early in the second half of the Queensland Reds' 13-12 win over the Brumbies in a Super Rugby match in Canberra on Saturday.

Despite the injury, the skipper joined up with the Australia squad and coaching staff in Sydney on Sunday and will undergo a scan on Monday but is expected to miss out on the Tests.

Horwill's absence will force the Wallabies to name a new captain when they face Scotland on June 5 in Newcastle before the first of three Tests against Six Nations champion Wales on successive weekends from June 9.

Scrum half Will Genia and openside flanker David Pocock are the likely candidates to lead the Tri Nations champions in the absence of Horwill.

Fly half Quade Cooper was included in the 39 despite playing only 120 minutes of rugby since a serious knee injury sustained at last year's World Cup.

If there is any silver lining, it is that while Horwill is firmly in doubt for the Wallabies' first Test against Scotland in Newcastle on June 5, he could potentially be back in time to help the Reds continue their strong run home after the three-week international break.

Queensland has won three straight matches, with the victory over the Brumbies a rousing war-cry against those who doubted the defending champions during their early-season woes.

The victory gives them the Rod Macqueen Cup for the first time since it was schemed up in 2005 for beating the Brumbies twice this season. In round seven, they outplayed the ACT franchise for a solid 20-13 victory at Lang Park.

The win has also the added bonus of heaping pressure on Jake White's men, who still lead the Australian conference, but must win on Friday against the Melbourne Rebels or have their buffer cut to just a single point.

They are on 45 points, five ahead of the Reds, who will enjoy another four points for their bye next round.

Queensland's late-season surge has hotted up the race for Australian leader honours but, as an added benefit, could result in two Australian teams making the play-offs - an unlikely concept just a few weeks ago.

"We know we haven't played our best footy in the first part of the comp or the middle of the comp, but we're on the way back," McKenzie said.

"Where we finish, who knows? But we're nipping away."

White was buoyant after the match, which came within a whisker of being a home win for the Brumbies, had it not been for Zack Holmes narrowly missing a 38m penalty kick in the dying seconds.

The Brumbies remain on the road on the other side of the international break, with games scheduled against the Western Force in Perth and NSW Waratahs in Sydney before a final game against the Blues in Canberra.

White was confident about the run home.

"It's not all doom and gloom. We've still got our own destiny in our own hands," he said.

"To hold these guys to within a kick is a massive achievement.

"We've got a belief that we can win this competition, and I think after tonight the belief's even bigger."

Reuters/AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, qld, australia

First posted May 27, 2012 12:15:54

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Australian Sports

Highlanders prevail in Auckland

Updated May 26, 2012 20:18:12

Winger Hosea Gear raised his hand for All Blacks selection with a brace of tries as the visiting Highlanders withstood a late charge by the Blues to win 27-20 at Eden Park on Saturday.

Gear, whose omission from a 35-man squad for the world champion All Blacks raised eyebrows in New Zealand, scored a try in each half to keep the Highlanders' play-off ambitions alive.

Late tries by Tevita Mailau and Tony Woodcock put the Blues within a converted try with two minutes to play, but the Highlanders held on to jump into the top six in the standings and in contention for a post-season wildcard berth.

The Highlanders may be bundled out of the top six if the Sharks beat the visiting Stormers in Durban later on Saturday but captain Jamie Mackintosh was just pleased to come away with four tries and a bonus-point victory.

"We were just lucky enough to get a try just before and after half-time," he said.

"Credit to the Blues, they showed a lot of heart out there tonight.

"We've got a tough run home but we know ourselves that we're a pretty tough team."

Outside centre Tamati Ellison scored the Highlanders' first try in the 25th minute after running half the field to chase down his own clearing kick to the line.

Gear had their second 10 minutes later, scampering in from 15 metres after a line break down the right by winger Kurt Baker.

The Blues were stunned by a third 21 seconds after the half-time whistle when Ben Smith darted through a glaring hole and bolted 50 metres down the left wing before dishing off to Gear for his second try.

Flanker Adam Thomson scored the visitors' fourth try for the bonus point, intercepting a ludicrous line-out overthrow from James Parsons near the try-line in the 60th minute as the Highlanders leapt out to a 27-6 lead.

The match turned sharply a minute later, however, when Highlanders inside centre Phil Burleigh was sent to the sin bin for failing to roll away from a ruck on the Highlanders' try line.

Ma'a Nonu, who came off the bench, began punching holes in the Highlanders defence and the bulky Mailau snatched a ball out of a ruck to plant the Blues' first try in the 68th minute.

Prop Woodcock raised the local crowd's hopes by barging over near the left corner in the 77th minute, but the Blues' were unable to prevent their 11th loss of a dismal, injury-ravaged season.

Highlanders: 27 (H Gear 2, T Ellison, A Thomson tries; C Noakes 2 cons; Noakes pen)

Blues: 20 (T Mailau, T Woodcock tries; G Anscombe, L Munro cons; Anscombe 2 pens)

Reuters

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

First posted May 26, 2012 19:19:26

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Reds edge out Brumbies in cliffhanger

Updated May 26, 2012 22:37:50

A missed penalty goal attempt from Brumbies fly half Zack Holmes close to full-time saw Queensland hold on for a nailbiting 13-12 win at Canberra Stadium.

Holmes was given the opportunity to slot what would have been a winning score from 38 metres out with less than a minute on the clock, after Reds hooker Saia Faingaa was penalised for an infringement at the breakdown.

But Holmes, in just his second start at fly half, pushed his attempt wide to the left, allowing the Reds to hold on for a tight victory.

The win kept the Reds' play-offs hopes alive, as they cut back the Brumbies' lead at the top of the Australian conference to five points.

But it came at a cost with Reds captain James Horwill leaving the field with a hamstring injury during the second half.

Holmes, who was suffering from leg cramps late in the match, felt it was his responsibility to take the kick for goal.

"You want an opportunity to win the game, and it was there," he told Grandstand.

"I thought I've got to step up, I've got to kick it. Unfortunately I didn't get it and that's just part of the game really."

Reds coach Ewen McKenzie, whose side has now won three straight matches, says he had not put added pressure on the result despite its bearing on the Australian conference standings.

"We're about winning every week," he said.

"We've been trying to do that all year, we haven't done it so well early on, but we're trying to find some rhythm now and we're starting to get it."

In front of a crowd of 16,123, the Reds led 10-6 at half-time after scoring the only try of the match through full-back Luke Morahan.

Only penalties were traded after the break - two to the Brumbies and one to the Reds.

Referee Stephen Walsh arguably enjoyed the most on-field action of the opening half, delivering a whopping 11 penalties in the first 25 minutes.

The Reds landed a critical first blow, scoring the runaway try in just the third minute via Morahan, who was brought in at full-back as last-minute cover for the injured Ben Lucas.

Morahan cleared a gap in the Brumbies line deep in his own half before executing a perfect 40-metre chip-and-chase, with Mike Harris converting to give the Reds an early 7-0 lead.

Two penalties to Holmes, who shone in a key fly half battle against Quade Cooper, then brought the margin back to a point before another penalty to Harris gave the Reds the four-point advantage at the break.

The Brumbies secured a bonus point to have 45 points in total, with the Reds trailing on 40.

The Reds will earn an automatic four points with the bye next weekend, while the Brumbies travel to Melbourne to face the Rebels.

Reds: 13 (L Morahan try; M Harris con, 2 pens)

Brumbies: 12 (Z Holmes 4 pens)

AAP/ABC

Tags: rugby-union, sport, super-rugby, canberra-2600, brisbane-4000

First posted May 26, 2012 21:27:46

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Recreational And Sports Amenities In Newcastle-Upon-Tyne

Rebels brought back down to earth

Updated May 26, 2012 18:23:56

Melbourne Rebels' two-match winning run was ended in emphatic fashion following a 66-24 thumping at the hands of the Hurricanes in Wellington.

And to add injury to insult, Rebels fly half Kurtley Beale was forced from the field with a shoulder complaint.

The Rebels' defence leaked nine tries at the 'Cake Tin' in the New Zealand capital, with hulking Hurricanes winger Julian Savea crossing for a hat-trick, while Andre Taylor and Alapati Leiua posted doubles.

Cooper Vuna scored a brace himself for the Rebels, who added a five-pointer after the full-time siren via veteran hooker Adam Freier.

Hurricanes half-back TJ Perenara stamped his future All Blacks credentials into the national consciousness against the Rebels, the 20-year-old having been widely considered unlucky not to have made Steve Hansen's extended All Blacks training squad.

The lively Perenara appeared to have a point to prove as he sniped around the fringes, set his backline away with crisp passing and bamboozled the Rebels defence with intelligent kicking.

The bonus-point victory kept alive the Hurricanes slim hopes of making the top-six play-offs, as they moved to 40 points and into provisional seventh place in the standings.

The Rebels did not help themselves with terrible ball retention at the breakdown and an inability to adapt their defensive pattern as the home side mixed up their attack.

Hurricanes fly half Beauden Barrett was flawless converting all nine tries and slotting an early penalty for 21 points, which gave him 158 for the season, surpassing the record 152 that John Preston scored in 1997 for the Wellington-based franchise.

The victory was also the most points the Hurricanes had scored in a match, surpassing the 64-32 they achieved against Northern Transvaal in 1997.

Aside from Beale's injury, inside centre Lachlan Mitchell was knocked unconscious in a crunching tackle by replacement Hurricanes hooker Motu Matu'u, which held up play for several minutes in the second half.

Hurricanes: 66 (J Savea 3, A Leiua 2, A Taylor 2, J Lam, C Eaton tries; B Barrett 9 cons, pen)

Rebels: 24 (C Vuna 2, A Freier tries; K Beale con, pen; R Kingi con)

Reuters/ABC

Tags: rugby-union, super-rugby, sport, new-zealand, melbourne-3000

First posted May 26, 2012 17:24:15

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Reds lose Lucas for Brumbies clash

Updated May 25, 2012 17:47:01

Queensland has lost key utility back Ben Lucas to injury on the eve of Saturday night's vital match with the Brumbies at Canberra Stadium.

Lucas sustained a groin injury in the second half of the Reds' 34-20 win over the Lions at Lang Park last weekend and was given until Friday to prove his fitness.

But Lucas was ruled out, meaning Luke Morahan will take his place at full-back and fly half Dallan Murphy earns a recall to the reserves bench.

Reds coach Ewen McKenzie predictably selected Beau Robinson at blindside flanker to work in tandem at the breakdown with fellow openside specialist Liam Gill.

The breakdown has been identified as the crucial battle ground on Saturday night with the Brumbies boasting another of Super Rugby's form openside flankers, Michael Hooper.

Robinson's inclusion as a second 'scavenger' sees Jake Schatz demoted to the Reds' 4-3 (four forwards, three backs) bench.

The Brumbies lead the Australian conference on 44 points, eight ahead of the second-placed Reds.

Reds squad: Luke Morahan, Dom Shipperley, Anthony Faingaa, Mike Harris, Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Scott Higginbotham, Liam Gill, Beau Robinson, James Horwill (captain), Rob Simmons, James Slipper, Saia Faingaa, Greg Holmes

Reserves: James Hanson, Ben Daley, Adam Wallace-Harrison, Jake Schatz, Nick Frisby, Dallan Murphy, Chris F'Sautia

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, canberra-2600, act, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

First posted May 25, 2012 17:47:01

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Mitchell returns for Tahs

Updated May 25, 2012 12:11:00

Drew Mitchell makes his long-awaited return from injury to front for New South Wales in its clash with the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Sunday morning (AEST).

Mitchell has not played since a Wallabies' World Cup pool match against Russia last October, having been troubled by hamstring and ankle injuries.

He will make his season debut on the wing as one of four changes to the Waratahs' starting XV that lost 19-13 to the Stormers in Cape Town last weekend.

Tatafu Polota-Nau, Kane Douglas and Wycliff Palu all return, while an injury to Rocky Elsom sees him drop out of the side with Dave Dennis shifting to blindside flanker.

The Waratahs are looking to break a four-match losing streak, which has effectively ended their play-offs chances.

They sit in fourth place on the Australian conference standings with a 4-8 record from their 12 matches.

The Cheetahs hold the same record and are also in fourth position in the South African conference.

Waratahs squad: Bernard Foley, Tom Kingston, Rob Horne, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Drew Mitchell, Berrick Barnes, Brendan McKibbin, Wycliff Palu, Chris Alcock, Dave Dennis, Kane Douglas, Sitaleki Timani, Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson (captain)

Reserves: John Ulugia, Jeremy Tilse, Richard Stanford, Lopeti Timani, Sarel Pretorius, Daniel Halangahu, Tom Carter

Tags: rugby-union, super-rugby, sport, sydney-2000, south-africa

First posted May 25, 2012 12:08:36

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Judo and the New IJF Rules

Cooper can play way into Wallabies squad

Updated May 25, 2012 19:38:26

Quade Cooper can play his way into the first Wallabies squad of 2012 by standing tall in the Test-like intensity of Saturday night's Super Rugby showdown at Canberra Stadium.

Cooper produced an impressive 40-minute return from his knee reconstruction in Queensland's 34-20 win over the Lions but will face a far sterner test in what is a virtual play-off battle against the Brumbies.

National coach Robbie Deans is due to name his extended squad for next month's Tests against Scotland and Wales on Sunday night and will take particular interest in the mercurial five-eighth's efforts in Canberra.

All three Wallabies selectors - Deans, Tony McGahan and Andrew Blades - plus assistant coach Nick Scrivener will attend Saturday night's clash.

While former Test skipper Rocky Elsom will reportedly be a high-profile omission, officials are adamant the training squad of about 40 has yet to be finalised.

Deans has indicated Kurtley Beale is set to wear the number 10 jersey for the back-to-back Tests on June 5 (Scotland) and June 9 (Wales) following his eye-catching form for the Melbourne Rebels in the past month.

Despite being sidelined for seven months Cooper can grab a place in the squad, and possibly add to his 35 caps in the three-Test series against Wales, by showing he is up to the task in the high-stakes clash against the Brumbies.

A home win will see the Brumbies jump 12 points clear on the Australian conference with four rounds left while the Reds can cut the gap to four, with a four-point bye to follow before the June Test window.

"The more rugby he plays the better," Deans said of Cooper.

"Every fixture between now and when we settle on the Scotland combination (Sunday week) has meaning.

"This fixture this week is fantastic.

"I just hope they don't obliterate each other because there's a very big incentive.

"There's a big incentive within the tournament itself and a big incentive to press for Test selection."

A host of uncapped Reds and Brumbies players can also push themselves further towards Test contention at Canberra Stadium.

Brumbies forwards Dan Palmer, Scott Fardy, Michael Hooper and Ben Mowen are all in the frame for Wallabies debuts while backs Nic White, Joe Tomane and Jesse Mogg have also produced eye-catching Super Rugby form.

Reds backs Mike Harris, Luke Morahan and Dom Shipperley can join team-mates Will Genia and Digby Ioane in the squad with strong displays.

AAP

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, canberra-2600, brisbane-4000, act, qld, australia

First posted May 25, 2012 17:05:04

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Sporting Fans Could Consider a Redecoration For Your Home With Sports Merchandise of Your Favourite

Chiefs come back to bounce Bulls

Updated May 25, 2012 20:13:02

The Chiefs attacked with abandon in the second half to fell the visiting Bulls 28-22 in Hamilton on Friday and reclaim top spot in the Super Rugby standings.

Fired by slick passing from fly half Aaron Cruden and line-breaking inside centre Sonny Bill Williams, the Chiefs overcame a 16-8 half-time deficit to send the Pretoria-based Bulls back to South Africa with a second straight loss on tour.

"We're thrilled that we could kick on in a very tight game," Chiefs skipper Craig Clarke said.

"We knew we were playing some good footy and needed to keep doing what we were doing and we did that ... we didn't want to play a controlled, structured game, that's sort of their style."

Bulls fly half Morne Steyn was typically razor-sharp in front of the posts, finishing with 17 points, but his team's vaunted defence buckled under pressure to concede two tries in the second half.

Cruden's conversion after the Chiefs' third try by replacement flanker Sam Cane put the home side six points up with 10 minutes remaining and desperate drives toward the line by the Bulls ultimately came to nothing.

The Bulls held the early ascendancy after Steyn booted a drop goal over the bar but the visitors dropped the ball to allow Chiefs full back Andrew Horrell to score the first try in the 24th minute.

Cruden deftly steered a high kick into the Bulls' right corner where winger Akona Ndungane spilled the catch and the enterprising Horrell dived on the ball after kicking it over the tryline.

The Chiefs pushed hard for a second, but were repelled time and again by the Bulls on the last line of defence and were sucker-punched a minute before half-time by a Bjorn Basson try.

The jet-heeled Basson received a pass wide on the left wing and shrugged off a tackle from fellow winger Lelia Masaga before streaming over the line.

The teams traded penalties after half-time before Cruden struck in the 58th minute with a quick inside pass that allowed winger Asaeli Tikoirotuma to cross for a try near the posts and level the match at 19-19.

Steyn nosed the visitors back in front with another penalty kick before 20-year-old Cane completed a stunning move that started from the left touchline and ended in the match-winning try.

A quick pass inside from Cruden released Williams in midfield and he burst through the Bulls line and offloaded to the hard-running Cane for a try beneath the posts.

The Chiefs defended grimly over the remaining minutes and sparked raucous cheers from the crowd of 18,000 by winning a turnover ball at the breakdown to cut off a threatening drive after the siren.

Chiefs: 28 (A Horrell, A Tikoirotuma, S Cane tries; A Cruden 2/3 conversions, 3/3 penalty goals

Bulls: 22 (B Basson try; M Steyn 1/1 conversions, 4/4 penalties, 1/2 drop goals)

Reuters

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, new-zealand, south-africa

First posted May 25, 2012 19:38:26

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Soccer - Hisory of a Popular Sport

Brumbies make changes for Reds clash

Updated May 24, 2012 14:19:34

Brumbies coach Jake White has rested in-form number eight Fotu Auelua for Saturday night's crunch match against Queensland at Canberra Stadium.

Auelua suffered a head knock during the Brumbies' 37-25 win over the Hurricanes in Wellington last Friday night and his place in the starting XV has been taken by Peter Kimlin.

Kimlin has been named at blindside flanker with captain Ben Mowen moving back to his preferred number eight role for a match that could go a long way to determining who will win the Australian conference.

The inclusion of Kimlin gives the Brumbies added line-out presence against a Reds XV that will contain at least three primary jumpers in captain James Horwill, Rob Simmons and Scott Higginbotham.

The Reds may also play specialist openside flanker Beau Robinson in the number six jersey, meaning they would be without a secondary line-out target in Jake Schatz.

"Kimo adds a little bit more as far as experience and height at the line-out are concerned, and he's been the number one six flanker," White said in a statement.

"So Benny Mowen moves back to the back of the scrum and we will work from there."

In other changes, Nic White returns to start at half-back in place of Ian Prior as part of the Brumbies' rotation policy.

The Brumbies lead the Australian conference on 44 points, eight ahead of the second-placed Reds.

Brumbies squad: Jesse Mogg, Henry Speight, Andrew Smith, Pat McCabe, Joe Tomane, Zack Holmes, Nic White; Ben Mowen (captain), Michael Hooper, Peter Kimlin, Sam Carter, Scott Fardy, Dan Palmer, Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander

Reserves: Anthony Hegarty, Ruaidhri Murphy, Leon Power, Ita Vaea, Ian Prior, Robbie Coleman, Tevita Kuridrani

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

First posted May 24, 2012 14:19:34

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How Dish Network Airs Setanta Sports?

Reds undaunted by Brumbies challenge

Luke Pentony

Updated May 24, 2012 18:05:37

Queensland young gun Liam Gill says the Reds are expecting a "grand final" atmosphere when they meet the Brumbies in Saturday night's crucial clash at Canberra Stadium.

The result of the match will go a long way to determining who finishes on top of the Australian conference and earns an automatic play-offs berth, with the Brumbies currently leading the standings on 44 points, eight ahead of the Reds.

The Brumbies have surprised many observers with their resurgence under new coach Jake White this season and they have won four of their past five matches since they lost to the Reds 20-13 at Lang Park in round seven.

But they will meet a Reds outfit that has hit a rich vein of form themselves, the defending champions coming off back-to-back bonus point wins over the Chiefs (42-27) and the Lions (34-20).

The Reds also have close to a full complement of players available following a horror injury run and the return of Quade Cooper has been a further boost, as they look to eat away at the Brumbies' lead on the Australian conference standings.

Gill, who has been a stand-out performer for the Reds this season at openside flanker, says he and his team-mates are more than aware of the importance of Saturday night's encounter.

"It's arguably a grand final match and I think we really look forward to a stage like that," he said.

"We're excited about the prospect of going down there and playing."

Gill, 19, has not been the only young openside flanker to turn heads this season, with the Brumbies' number seven Michael Hooper having also impressed.

The 20-year-old Hooper plays hard on the ball at the breakdown in a scavenger role like Gill, who leads the competition for the number of pilfers with 15.

Hooper is second to Gill with 10 pilfers and he has been considered fortunate to be cleared to play the Reds after being cited by SANZAR for a lifting tackle on Hurricanes back rower Victor Vito during the Brumbies' 37-25 win in Wellington last Friday night.

He was issued with an off-field yellow card that allows him to face the Reds and Gill is relishing the chance to face off against his former Australia under 20 team-mate.

"It will be another big test, I do look forward to it," he said.

"It's great that he has got the opportunity to play and I think it will give me a lot of confidence coming off the back of playing against the Braid brothers, and Richie (McCaw) and Matt Todd and hopefully it will go down well, and it will be a good contest."

Back row options

The Reds may start with two specialist openside flankers after Beau Robinson was included in a 23-man squad to travel to Canberra.

Reds coach Ewen McKenzie will finalise his matchday line-up of 22 on Friday but he hinted Robinson would be included in his starting XV at blindside flanker.

This would likely mean Jake Schatz would be dropped to the bench, but McKenzie would not regard this as a demotion.

"Whatever we pick will be a difficult selection, but we know that the guys that come off the bench will value add, so it's the performance over 80 (minutes) and you've got to get there," he said.

"It's no good being good for 70 minutes, you've got to get there over 80, so we think we've got a squad that will get the job done."

The Brumbies have not been backward in talking up the importance of Saturday night's match, highlighting the confidence they have built in putting together a 7-4 record from their 11 appearances.

This has not escaped the attention of McKenzie, who is undaunted about taking the Reds to Canberra where they have won just once in Super Rugby since 1996.

"I think we've heard a lot from the Brumbies already this week about where they're at," he said.

"But we'll go into the game very positive about our prospects and our potential about putting a lot of pressure on them.

"They're playing at home in front of their home crowd. It will probably be the biggest crowd they've had in a long time, so for us it's a good stage be at our best."

Should the Reds beat the Brumbies they will secure the Rod Macqueen Cup for the first time since its inception in 2005.

Reds squad:

Forwards - Ben Daley, Saia Faingaa, Liam Gill, Scott Higginbotham, James Hanson, Greg Holmes, James Horwill (captain), Eddie Quirk, Beau Robinson, Jake Schatz, James Slipper, Rob Simmons, Adam Wallace-Harrison

Backs - Quade Cooper, Chris F'Sautia, Anthony Faingaa, Nick Frisby, Will Genia, Mike Harris, Digby Ioane, Ben Lucas, Luke Morahan, Dom Shipperley

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, brisbane-4000

First posted May 24, 2012 12:45:11

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Force's Shepherd to play for Northampton

Updated May 22, 2012 22:01:30

Versatile Western Force utility Cameron Shepherd is to join Northampton as a direct replacement for England wing Chris Ashton who is leaving the Premiership side to join London outfit Saracens.

Shepherd has won nine caps for the Wallabies and can also play at full-back as well as providing another option in the goal-kicking ranks.

The 28-year-old is the leading points scorer for the Force and will move to Northampton at the end of the Super Rugby season.

"Cameron is a very talented player who has shown regularly that he has the ability and temperament to compete at the highest level," Northhampton's director of rugby Jim Mallinder said.

"He has a positive impact for his team's attacking capability but is also solid defensively and under the high ball. His versatility and quality will give us added depth in the back three positions.

Shepherd said: "It's an exciting opportunity for me.

"Jim has got the team playing a great brand of rugby which I believe suits my style of play and to which I think I've got a lot to offer.

"It is definitely going to be a new challenge for me. The Premiership is a tough competition and there are a lot of teams which like to play exciting rugby, especially the Saints.

"You can see that with the quality of player that there is at the club, players like Ben Foden and George Pisi, who are established internationals."

AFP

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, perth-6000, wa, australia

First posted May 22, 2012 22:01:30

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Outing of the Leading!

Lynagh to return to London

Updated May 22, 2012 21:33:20

Australian rugby legend Michael Lynagh said he has been cleared to fly back to his home in London following a shock stroke which severely damaged his eyesight.

The 48-year-old, a former Wallabies captain and World Cup winner regarded as one of the sport's all-time greats, was rushed to hospital with headaches and blurred vision last month while visiting Brisbane.

Tests revealed that he had suffered a rare and often fatal type of stroke caused by a blocked vertebral artery, which caused him to lose 45 per cent of the vision in his left eye.

He announced on Twitter that doctors had given him the green light to return to Britain Tuesday, telling followers "I realise how lucky I have been".

"I have been given the all clear to fly home to London. I am hopeful that this will happen towards the end of next week," Lynagh tweeted.

Lynagh won 72 caps for Australia in the 1980s and 1990s as well as having a distinguished state career for Queensland.

He was part of Australia's Grand Slam-winning team during a tour of Britain and Ireland in 1984, and a key player in the country's 1991 World Cup win.

Lynagh captained Australia from 1993 to 1995 and held the world points scoring record when he retired with 911. He also held the world record for most conversions (140).

AFP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, australia

First posted May 22, 2012 21:33:20

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Hooper avoids suspension for Vito lift

Updated May 22, 2012 15:07:36

Brumbies flanker Michael Hooper is free to face the Reds in Saturday night's Super Rugby clash after avoiding suspension for his lifting tackle on Hurricanes number eight Victor Vito.

The 20-year-old was found guilty and issued an off-field yellow card but SANZAR ruled the offence was at the low end of the scale.

The result came early on Tuesday morning after his hearing on Monday night via video link at the Brumbies Rugby Training Centre.

Hooper received the yellow card for the tackle on Vito in the 48th minute of Friday night's 37-25 win in Wellington.

In a statement released by SANZAR, judicial officer Nick Davidson QC concluded that Hooper made an orthodox tackle around the knees but was propelled back by the ball carrier who drove forward with his right leg raised high.

"Hooper did not change his hold on that leg and his other arm was in contact but ineffectual. From that position, the ball carrier was left without balance on his left foot.

"This was not so much a lifting but holding the right leg in a high position which, with the momentum, saw Vito fall sharply to his left, landing on his elbow then shoulder.

"He was not injured. The referee was emphatic that the penalty was sufficient and reflected a lifting and losing control, rather than a tipping or driving."

An off-field yellow card can be issued where the breach is at the low end and there are mitigating factors.

Hooper has enjoyed a breakout year in 2012 and has developed into one of the competition's most effective open-side flankers.

He has made 26 appearances after debuting in 2010 against the Chiefs.

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-rugby, canberra-2600, act, brisbane-4000, australia

First posted May 22, 2012 09:24:27

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O'Neill defends arduous Wallabies schedule

Updated May 22, 2012 22:50:37

Australian Rugby Union (ARU) boss John O'Neill has pointed to history and the rival rugby code to justify the Wallabies' tough early season schedule.

The Wallabies open their season with a one-off Test against Scotland in Newcastle on June 5 and play the first of three internationals against Wales in Brisbane just four days later.

While the Reds and Force have a bye the weekend prior, some Brumbies and Waratahs face the prospect of three matches in eight or nine days if they participate in both Tests after playing the previous weekend.

O'Neill said the situation was not ideal but it was manageable.

He suggested the selectors would pick a squad of 30 or more to cover playing two games in such close proximity.

While some pundits have suggested playing two Tests so close together could devalue the jersey if an under-strength team was chosen, O'Neill was confident competitive teams would be picked for both games.

"I don't necessarily understand why there'd be undue emphasis on the fact that we're playing Scotland on the Tuesday and Wales on the Saturday," O'Neill told reporters in Sydney on Tuesday.

"There's a State of Origin (rugby league) game tomorrow night, and a full round of NRL on the weekend, where a lot of the State of Origin players will back up.

"The life of a professional footballer is such that a short turnaround is not ideal but it's manageable.

"If you go back into the history pages you would see teams go on tour and play well over 20, 25, 30 games and a lot of players would play midweek and then on a weekend."

O'Neill revealed the midweek Test was a favour to Scotland, which was keen to play the Wallabies before Tests against Fiji and Samoa later in the month.

"It's not a schedule that you would normally plan," O'Neill said.

"It won't be happening in future years. This is is a one-off to accommodate particular circumstances with the timing of Scotland's tour to the Pacific Islands."

O'Neill predicted the ARU was likely to break even this year after reporting a loss last year.

Despite clinching a more favourable distribution of revenues from the next World Cup, O'Neill could not guarantee Australia would not undertake another arduous schedule moving forward.

"As to the future of additional Test matches, you never say never," he said.

"But certainly our financial circumstances, given the additional distribution of funds by the IRB, doesn't make those decisions as necessitous as they were in the past."

AAP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, australia

First posted May 22, 2012 21:09:35

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Heineken's Cup of Woe

Finals come early for Brumbies and Reds

Updated May 21, 2012 07:40:21

The Brumbies will mount a vigorous judicial challenge to have linchpin flanker Michael Hooper available for Saturday night's high-stakes Super Rugby clash with a resurgent Queensland.

The Brumbies have engaged lawyers to help defend Hooper when he fronts a SANZAR hearing on Monday evening, desperately hoping to escape suspension for an alleged dangerous tackle.

It is no surprise the Australian conference leaders will do all they can to get the in-form number seven off the charge as the result will have a huge bearing on a match both sides are treating as a final at Canberra Stadium.

Hooper was sorely missed when he was strangely left on the bench for the Brumbies' 20-13 Good Friday loss to the Reds.

The defending champions outpointed the Brumbies at the breakdown with ball scavengers Liam Gill and Beau Robinson starting together and reaping the rewards.

Teenager Gill has been instrumental in Queensland's surge up the table to cut the Brumbies' (44) conference lead to eight points.

Hooper's potential ban would not only rob the Brumbies of a key man but also rugby fans and Test selectors of an eagerly-anticipated head-to-head battle between Australia's two rising stars.

Last year they were Australian Under-20 team-mates but now they are Super Rugby's leading pilferers and competing to be the next Wallabies open-side flanker behind David Pocock.

Despite SANZAR's intentions in stamping out lifting tackles, Brumbies skipper Ben Mowen was confident Hooper would be exonerated for his accidental effort on Hurricanes back-rower Victor Vito in Friday night's 37-25 win in Wellington.

Hooper was only penalised by referee Mark Lawrence, but cited post-match, and then on review the tackle was referred to a hearing before New Zealand judicial officer Nick Davidson QC.

While it was not deliberate, a lack of intent did not help Reds winger Digby Ioane to escape a four-match ban for a similar tip-tackle in March.

"A lot of the time it's more due to what the attacking player does, twisting and turning in the tackle," Mowen said.

"It would be great for the fans to see that competition (between Hooper and Gill). For a long time it was Pocock and then no one but now we have these two guys on the rise."

Colby Faingaa looms as Hooper's potential replacement for his first match back from an ankle injury in front of what's set to be Canberra's biggest crowd for several years.

"We've already taken the view that it's a final," Mowen said.

"While you don't want to focus too much on other sides, the reality is we can almost end their hopes of the finals or make it really hard for them.

"There's a lot at stake in respect to the conference but as much as that we want to have momentum going into the June break."

With Quade Cooper making a sparkling first-half comeback from knee surgery, Queensland (36) scored a 34-20 win over the last-placed Lions to be eighth on the table and five points out of the top six.

The Waratahs' finals hopes were extinguished in Cape Town by a 19-13 loss to the pace-setting Stormers (49), while the Melbourne Rebels leapfrogged New South Wales with a 32-31 win over the Western Force.

The Chiefs (49) lead the Kiwi conference following a bye but the Crusaders (42) snapped back into form with a 59-12 drubbing of the Blues.

AAP

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

First posted May 21, 2012 07:40:21

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O'Connor ruled out of June Tests

Updated May 21, 2012 19:34:20

Wallabies star James O'Connor must wait four weeks before returning to contact training, ruling him out of Australia's mid-year Tests against Scotland and Wales.

O'Connor underwent scans on his lacerated liver on Monday, hopeful of being cleared to make an early return to Super Rugby and in time to be considered for Wallabies selection.

The Melbourne Rebels say O'Connor's scans revealed that the laceration is healing well, but he will not be able to return to full contact training for another month, at which point he will have another scan to determine when he is able to return to the field.

O'Connor suffered the painful injury against New South Wales on April 21, and although he was in significant doubt for the Tests from that point on, the 21-year-old had not given up hope.

However, a disappointed O'Connor tweeted the bad news on Monday afternoon after receiving the result of the scan.

"Disappointing result-Liver healing very nicely jst going to run out of time...if only I had a couple more weeks up my sleeve," he tweeted.

Australia takes on Scotland on June 5, before facing Wales in a three Test series finishing on June 23.

With O'Connor now officially out of the frame, Kurtley Beale shapes as the favourite to play five-eighth for Australia.

But incumbent Quade Cooper could also be a surprise inclusion in the squad after making his Queensland return on the weekend.

AAP

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted May 21, 2012 19:34:20

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Lucas set to recover for Brumbies clash

Updated May 21, 2012 14:57:00

The Queensland Reds are confident utility back Ben Lucas will shrug off a groin problem to play in Saturday night's crucial Super Rugby clash against the Brumbies.

Lucas was injured in the Reds' 34-20 victory over the last-placed Lions on the weekend just after he moved into five-eighth in the second half.

Renowned as a versatile attacker and a reliable tackler, Lucas started at full-back against the Lions but defended in the front line instead of returning playmaker Quade Cooper.

The 24-year-old was assessed by Reds' medics on Monday morning and was set to be restricted to light duties at training for the start of the week.

But coach Ewen McKenzie expected Lucas to be available for Saturday night's pivotal match at Canberra Stadium.

The Brumbies hold an eight-point lead over the Reds at the top of the Australian conference and a home victory would all but sew up a finals birth with four rounds left.

"I'm pretty confident," McKenzie said of Lucas' playing chances.

"We might have a few blokes on light (training) duties today but I think, by the end of the week, we will have the right blokes available."

The Brumbies have their own worries with a bigger cloud hovering over influential flanker Michael Hooper who fronts a SANZAR judicial hearing at 5pm (AEST) Monday.

Hooper was cited for a lifting tackle in the 37-25 win over the Hurricanes and is in danger of missing the Reds clash, and possibility more, through suspension.

The Brumbies paid the price for not starting Hooper in their 20-13 Good Friday loss to Queensland when the Reds played ball scavengers Liam Gill and Beau Robinson in tandem.

Robinson was rested from the Lions match to ensure he will be 100 per cent to make an impact at the breakdown with Gill again in Canberra.

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-rugby, qld, act

First posted May 21, 2012 14:57:00

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Tindall's Severe Injury Serves As Reminder To Club Players

Know What You Are and What You Are About - Time-Management to Achieve Success

Beale's boot sinks Force late

Updated May 20, 2012 19:34:05

Kurtley Beale kicked the game-winning penalty from the sideline as Melbourne Rebels beat Western Force 32-31 in their Super Rugby clash in Perth on Sunday.

Beale's latest controlled performance at number 10 continued to give Australia coach Robbie Deans a selection headache.

Beale, who has principally played at full-back for the Wallabies, slotted into the pivotal role at fly half after Danny Cipriani was released from his contract last month.

The Rebels backline responded, operating with more direction and purpose since the 23-year-old Beale took the number 10 jersey with his deft passing, linebreaking ability and tactical kicking keeping them going forward.

With Queensland's Quade Cooper only returning on Saturday from a serious knee injury and Rebels utility James O'Connor recovering from a lacerated liver, Beale's form is putting pressure on Deans to pick him in the position for their Tests against Scotland and Wales next month.

On Sunday, Beale again proved to be the fulcrum of the Rebels' attack as they scored four tries in the first half, two to lock Cadeyrn Neville, and continued their momentum from their 28-19 upset win over the Canterbury Crusaders last week.

The win has lifted the Rebels one competition point above the Waratahs into third place in the Australian Super Rugby conference.

The Force, who had lost their previous five games, also played their part in providing a spectacle of high-tempo running rugby in extremely warm conditions, with first half tries to Fijian winger Napolioni Nalaga and number eight Ben McCalman.

The visitors went in at half-time with a 26-15 lead that was reduced shortly after the break when Force replacement winger Alfie Maafi jinked his way through some porous defence.

Force scrum half Brett Sheehan then slotted a penalty from about halfway to bring the score to 26-25, though Beale extended the gap again with his first penalty as the standard of the match degenerated through poor handling and decision making.

Force fly half Ben Seymour then added two further penalties to give the Force a 31-29 lead with six minutes remaining before Beale struck his second penalty with three minutes left to seal the win.

"It was a really good performance in that first half," Rebels captain Gareth Delve said in a pitchside interview.

"We looked really good in attack but in the second half we really disappointed. They came back at us and it was pretty tense in the end."

Melbourne Rebels: 32 (C Neville 2, G Delve, C Vuna tries; K Beale 3/4 conversions, 2/2 penalty goals)

Western Force: 31 (N Nalaga, B McCalman, A Mafi tries; B Seymour 1/1 conversions, 2/2 penalty goals, D Harvey 1/2 conversions, 1/2 penalty goals, B Sheehan 1/1 penalty goals)

Reuters

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, perth-6000, wa, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted May 20, 2012 18:28:22

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Sharks down Cheetahs to stay in touch

Updated May 20, 2012 09:49:43

Fly half Freddie Michalak posted 19 points as the Sharks beat the Cheetahs 34-20 in an all-South African clash at the Free State Stadium.

The Sharks enjoyed a slight edge in a bruising encounter, with their direct running taking them over the advantage line, allowing their backs space to run in four tries and notch a vital bonus point.

The Sharks laid down an early marker after keeping the ball from the kick-off for 12 phases and two minutes and 25 seconds, loosehead prop Tendai Mtawarira and hooker Bismarck du Plessis carrying the ball strongly and providing outside centre JP Pietersen with the space to dot down.

Michalak converted to give the Sharks an early 7-0 lead, but their ill-discipline at the ruck and the running of Cheetahs forwards Philip van der Walt, Adriaan Strauss and George Earle led to two penalties for fly half Riaan Smit.

The Cheetahs backs also have plenty of flair with ball in hand and outside centre Robert Ebersohn's marvellous break from the restart led to hooker Strauss muscling his way over for a 32nd-minute try.

Michalak struck back after the Cheetahs defence allowed Riaan Viljoen's booming kick to bounce inside their 22. The 29--year-old got a hand to the ball, regathered and scored only his second Super Rugby try.

Wing Paul Jordaan obstructed the Cheetahs chase at the restart and conceded a penalty, which Smit kicked to level the scores at 14-14.

With the half-time hooter having just gone, the Sharks ran a penalty and wing Lwazi Mvovo crossed over. Michalak converted, before stretching the Sharks' lead to 24-14 with a penalty six minutes into the second half.

Replacement fly half Sias Ebersohn kicked a penalty for the Cheetahs in the 53rd minute, as the Sharks, with Du Plessis in the sin-bin after a second shoulder charge, had their hands in the ruck.

The Cheetahs went into the final quarter 20-24 down after Mtawarira infringed in the scrum and Sias Ebersohn kicked his second penalty.

The Sharks dominated the closing stages, with Michalak increasing the lead to 27-20 with a penalty. The bonus point try came in the 73rd minute when Pietersen stole the ball on the right wing, Mvovo jinked his way deep into the Cheetahs 22 and replacement centre Meyer Bosman dived over.

Michalak added the conversion as the Sharks kept themselves inside the top six and the play-off places.

Cheetahs: 20 (A Strauss try; R Smit 3; Sias Ebersohn 2 pens)

Sharks: 34 (JP Pietersen, F Michalak, L Mvovo, M Bosman tries; Michalak 4 cons; Michalak 2 pens)

Reuters

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

First posted May 20, 2012 07:13:56

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Thorn completes unique treble

Updated May 20, 2012 15:03:43

Brad Thorn has always been a "big dreamer" but even he was struggling to grasp the enormity of his sporting career following Leinster's European Cup triumph.

The big man added the latest honour to his remarkable resume in Leinster's 42-14 thrashing of Irish rivals Ulster in front of almost 82,000 spectators at Twickenham.

The 37-year-old became the first player to win a World Cup, Super Rugby title and a European Cup.

He also became the oldest player to win the European Cup - but then again, he has been the first to do a lot of things.

"It was a real privilege to be part of that," Thorn said.

"To be a European champion as well as winning the (2011) World Cup is incredible.

"I would have just been happy with all my NRL stuff and do some cool stuff over there.

"But I have always been a big dreamer.

"Years ago I never dreamed that what happened in my NRL career would happen.

"Now I just don't believe it again in union. To do and win all I have is amazing."

Thorn was only signed up on a short-term contract by Leinster in March because of an injury crisis.

Like most of his career, he came out a winner as Leinster collected the cup for a third time in four seasons.

Not that the former Brisbane Broncos and Crusaders star was ready to start discussing his retirement plans.

"Most of all I love the camaraderie," he said.

"As a six-year-old I used to get nervous before a game playing with my mates. Now, as a 37-year-old I still get nervous before a game with my mates. It's so special.

"It's not so much about what's going to happen next. It's just about enjoying today and only the Lord knows what will happen in the future. We shall see how it works out.

"Physically I have always been lucky. I feel pretty good. Mentally, that is the last thing I am thinking about!"

He has the chance to add another title next weekend.

Leinster will meet Ospreys in the final of the PRO12 competition in Dublin on Sunday.

"So I have to keep a little bit of an edge," Thorn said.

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, ireland

First posted May 20, 2012 15:03:43

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Reds need a Super finish: Mitchell

Updated May 20, 2012 18:11:14

Queensland might have valuable momentum and Quade Cooper back, but former All Blacks coach John Mitchell believes the Reds will only defend their Super Rugby title if they can achieve a highly unlikely top-two finish.

The surging Reds have posted two bonus-points victories in succession following Saturday night's 34-20 disposal of Mitchell's last-placed Lions but will need four more in a row to complete a miraculous rise from 11th a fortnight ago to second.

With Cooper pulling the strings following an impressive first-half return at Lang Park, Mitchell did not rule it out but warned the next hurdle would be the toughest - meeting the ultra-fit Brumbies in Canberra.

"The Reds are starting to play good footy again and they're starting to get in motion again," he said.

"Once Quade finds his feet and gets back into the physicality of the game he'll be even more a threat going to the line.

"(But) it will be pretty difficult down there in Canberra."

A loss to the Brumbies, who sit eight points clear, would all but hand the ACT franchise the Australian conference title and a top-three finish, guaranteeing a home final to start the six-team play-offs.

However Mitchell felt a conference triumph would count for little for either Queensland or the Brumbies if New Zealand and South Africa's best sides finish with more points.

The third-placed team hosts the sixth side in a home elimination but victory then sets up an overseas semi-final.

"You won't win this competition unless you are C1 or C2 in this competition; C3 will struggle - you can't go across the Indian (Ocean) twice to win this competition," the ex-Western Force and NZ coach said.

Cooper's confident 40-minute display against the Lions - highlighted by a line break which laid the platform for the game's first try - was a massive boost for Queensland's finals prospects, as well as his chances of playing in next month's Tests against Scotland and Wales.

After seven months out of the game following a knee reconstruction, the Wallabies five-eighth showed few signs of rust and will be primed for the high-stakes Canberra clash.

"Running out in front of a big home crowd was a lot of fun, and it was a big pat on the back for the big road I've come from," Cooper said.

"When you've got a good team, a good morale and a good game plan it's always easy to go out there and do your part and that's all I had to do.

"If I continue to progress and continue to keep stepping up a level each week then I'll definitely be putting my hand up for (Test) selection but in the same regard it's totally out of my control."

AAP

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

First posted May 20, 2012 18:11:14

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Huddersfield Giants

Stormers leave Tahs floundering in finals race

Updated May 20, 2012 16:15:06

The Waratahs' Super Rugby finals hopes took a huge blow after going down 19-13 to competition contenders the Stormers at Newlands on Sunday morning (AEST).

The win put the South African side back on top of the Super Rugby table, but New South Wales' fourth straight loss leaves it a massive 13 points off sixth spot and a wildcard berth in the play-offs.

For the second week in a row, the Cape Town side were outplayed in the second half and had to hang on to win and claim top spot ahead of the Chiefs.

Stormers led 16-3 at half-time, but their Australian opponents dominated a scrappy second half in wet, slippery conditions.

It was the 10th win in 11 matches for the Stormers, but they have yet to earn a bonus point for scoring four tries in a match.

They looked capable of breaking the bonus-point drought when they scored two tries within 16 minutes in the first half and hammered at the Waratahs line seeking a third before the break.

But they seldom looked like adding to the try count in the second half.

"We're the first to admit we haven't played our best rugby but I thought we improved this week," said Stormers centre and captain Jean de Villiers.

He added that the side's next two matches - away to South African rivals the Sharks and Bulls -- will give a strong indication of their prospects for the rest of the season.

Waratahs loose forward and captain Rocky Elsom said he was disappointed with his team's first-half performance.

"Our strategy was spot on, but our execution let us down," he said.

Fly half Berrick Barnes kept the Stormers under pressure with his tactical kicking, but Elsom said poor defence allowed the Stormers to score their tries.

The Waratahs started well and took the lead through a penalty by Brendan McKibbin, but the Stormers produced a good backline move from a line-out in the opposition 22, with full-back Joe Pietersen taking the final pass to score in the left corner after 17 minutes.

Pietersen landed a penalty goal before another attack from a line-out, after the Stormers opted to kick for touch instead of goal when awarded a penalty, resulted in a try from hooker Tiaan Liebenberg.

A close-range penalty by fly half Peter Grant gave the Stormers a 16-3 half-time lead, but the Waratahs reduced the deficit to three points with a converted try by centre Rob Horne and a penalty by McKibbin in the first seven minutes of the second half.

Another Grant penalty gave Stormers some breathing space and neither side could score in the last half hour.

The home team's stuttering second-half performance came a week after fellow South Africans the Cheetahs came back from a 16-0 deficit to score 14 unanswered points against the Cape team.

Stormers: 19 (J Pietersen, T Liebenberg tries; Pietersen, P Grant 2 pens)

Waratahs: 13 (R Horne try; B McKibbin conv; McKibbin 2 pens)

ABC/AFP

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

First posted May 20, 2012 05:47:34

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RBS Six Nations - Touring Europe With Culture and Exciting Sport

Highlanders kick home against the Bulls

Updated May 19, 2012 18:13:58

Lock Jarrad Hoeata scored a late try as the Highlanders upset the Bulls 16-11 at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday and kept alive their hopes of a play-off spot.

The Highlanders had lost their two previous games and were in danger of losing touch with the New Zealand conference leaders the Chiefs (45) and second-placed Crusaders (37) but moved to 39 points with the win.

The Bulls had been at the top of the table on 46 points and could now be over-hauled by the Stormers (45) in the South African conference when they face New South Wales.

"Pretty big game for us, we'd lost two on the trot and the way the competition is we're still in the hunt," Highlanders captain Jamie Mackintosh said.

"It was a pretty physical game and fast."

The Bulls had taken a 6-3 lead into the half-time break, Morne Steyn kicking two penalties while Mike Delany replying with one for the home side.

The match was played between the 22-metre areas, with the South Africans content to use Steyn's tactical kicking to get them down field.

Delany levelled the score early in the second half with his second penalty as the Highlanders put immense pressure on the Bulls defensive line.

Prop Dean Greyling was subsequently sinbinned in the 56th minute after referee Ian Smith had warned them for constant infringing.

Hoeata, who had one try disallowed by the television match official, crossed from the ensuing attacking scrum as the home side patiently built phases and committed defenders before the 2011 All Blacks lock smashed over.

Delany added the conversion and then a penalty shortly afterwards to give the Highlanders a 10-point lead with little over 10 minutes remaining.

The Bulls, however, finally got some field position and used their massive forwards to punch over the advantage line before replacement hooker Willie Wepener crashed over to bring his side to 16-11.

They were not able to grab victory, however, as the desperate Highlanders defence held them out and turned the ball over as the hooter sounded.

"I think we made too many mistakes and the Highlanders capitalised on that," Bulls captain Pierre Spies said.

Highlanders: 16 (J Hoeata try; M Delany 1/1 con, 3/4 pens)

Bulls: 11 (W Wepener try; M Steyn 2/4 pens)

Reuters

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

First posted May 19, 2012 17:35:44

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