Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Friday, June 22, 2012
Welsh unchanged for Sydney
Wales will field an unchanged starting team to pursue a keenly-sought consolation victory in the third rugby union Test against the Wallabies in Sydney on Saturday.
The only change to the squad named on Thursday was on the bench, where hooker Ken Owens came in for Richard Hibbard.
With the Wallabies having already clinched the series after wins in Brisbane and Melbourne, Six Nations champions Wales still have plenty of pride at stake at Sydney Football Stadium.
The last-gasp 25-23 second Test loss was the sixth straight loss Wales has suffered against the Wallabies and their 10th in a row on Australian soil.
"We know what we have to do to beat Australia, but there is a difference between knowing how to win and achieving that aim," said Wales caretaker coach Rob Howley.
"This Wales team was within around 30 seconds of beating the Wallabies on their home patch for the first time in 43 years (in the second Test in Melbourne).
"The challenge now is to go one better than that and make sure we are ahead on the scoreboard, not just when the hooter goes, but when the game finishes this weekend.
"The players can take some credit for the way they played for the large part of the match on Saturday, but that will be scant consolation if we don't come home with a win in this series.
"We have risen to our highest position (fourth) in the IRB World rankings because of our performances so far this season, which can have positive repercussions for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
"But now we want to stay there and that means coming away with the spoils on Saturday afternoon."
Wales squad:
Leigh Halfpenny, Alex Cuthbert, Jonathan Davies, Ashley Beck, George North, Rhys Priestland, Mike Phillips, Ryan Jones, Sam Warburton (c), Dan Lydiate, Alun Wyn Jones, Bradley Davies, Adam Jones, Matthew Rees, Gethin Jenkins
Reserves: Ken Owens, Paul James, Luke Charteris, Justin Tipuric, Rhys Webb, James Hook, Scott Williams
AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, sydney-2000, nsw, australia First posted June 21, 2012 14:22:05Welsh stick with grand slam group
Six Nations champions Wales made four changes to their Grand Slam-clinching team for Saturday's first rugby Test against the embattled Wallabies at Lang Park.
The Welsh have their best chance in 42 years to win on Australian soil after sending their strongest available team to Brisbane a week ago to enjoy a better preparation for the three-Test series than the home side.
Stand-in coach Rob Howley has been able to select a side close to that which beat France 16-9 in Cardiff in March to claim the Six Nations undefeated.
Hooker Ken Owens replaces Matthew Rees, Bradley Davies and Luke Charteris form a new second-row while the in-form Scott Williams replaces sidelined centre star Jamie Roberts (knee).
While the first-choice Welsh players travelled to Australia as their second-string side beat the Barbarians 30-21 last weekend at Cardiff, the Wallabies fell to an embarrassing 9-6 loss to Scotland in Newcastle on Tuesday night.
"Australia will be disappointed after their defeat to Scotland, but that will make them all the more dangerous for us," said Howley.
"The Wallabies are still the second highest-placed side in the world rankings and we are playing them in their own backyard."
The Welsh have lost their past four Tests to the Wallabies, including the bronze playoff for third place at last October's World Cup in New Zealand and a 24-18 defeat in Cardiff in December.
Wales: Leigh Halfpenny, Alex Cuthbert, Jonathan Davies, Scott Williams, George North, Rhys Priestland, Mike Phillips, Gethin Jenkins, Ken Owens, Adam Jones, Bradley Davies, Luke Charteris, Dan Lydiate, Sam Warburton (capt), Toby Faletau. Res: Matthew Rees, Paul James, Alun Wyn Jones, Ryan Jones, Lloyd Williams, James Hook, Ashley Beck.
AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, australia, qld, brisbane-4000, wales First posted June 07, 2012 16:09:51Welsh warm up with Brumbies win
A dominant Wales secured a first win on tour with a 25-15 victory over the Brumbies at Canberra Stadium on Tuesday.
Wales held off the Brumbies to secure the first win of its 2012 Australian tour with a 25-15 victory at Canberra Stadium on Tuesday.
Wales romped in three tries to none in a blistering opening half before staving off a late comeback by the home side for a comfortable 10-point win.
"I think we'll take a lot out of that game," Brumbies captain Ben Mowen, who did not play as he is a member of the Wallabies squad, told Grandstand.
"I liked the way the guys applied themselves.
Some of the things that we've been developing through out the year paid good dividends but we're probably short in a few areas and I think our mistakes let them in later in that first half."
The win followed Welsh's 27-19 loss in the first Test against the Wallabies in Brisbane last weekend.
Wales coach Rob Howley rested most of his starting players ahead of the next Test in Melbourne on Saturday, with lock Luke Charteris the only one to back up against the Brumbies.
But against an inexperienced Brumbies team - six of whom were earning their first provincial caps - the second-best side the Six Nations champions put forward still managed to dominate.
They had the game in hand after the first half, enjoying a clear majority of possession and territory to repeatedly launch attacks, with Test veteran James Hook, Justin Tiperic and captain Alun Wyn Jones all finding their way over the line.
But Jake White's men continued their never-say-die attitude of the Super Rugby season after the break, slotting three penalties through Zack Holmes to put them within four points with 10 minutes to go.
In front of a home crowd of 7,248, they then twice looked like scoring a try before Wales held firm and then kicked two penalties of its own to put the final margin to 25-15.
Tiperic told Grandstand that it was useful experience for his side to get more game time under southern hemisphere laws, especially around the ruck where Wales struggled at the weekend against Australia.
"It's fast and very tough at the breakdown and out there tonight it was very tough in those areas," he said.
"It was great experience for the boys to be out there and play against a very good Super 15 team.
"We tried targeting [the ruck] back in the northern hemisphere as well and it's a lot different.
"We have to adapt to the referees and the teams, so it's another learning lesson tonight and hopefully we can do it a bit better on Saturday."
An audition of sorts for both squads, debuting Brumbies wingers Cam Crawford and Tom Cox both made some eye-catching runs, while 19-year-old Harry Robinson did the same for Wales in just his second game for the visitors.
"That's an amazing game for those guys to be a part of," Mowen said.
"It's not every day that you get to play an international side in Canberra and I thought our guys stood up and did really well.
"It's going to be some interesting choices for Jake and the coaching staff moving forward."
ABC/AAP
Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, act, australia, canberra-2600, wales, united-kingdom First posted June 12, 2012 21:23:03Welsh change four for second Test
Wales coach Rob Howley has made four changes to his side for the second test against Australia, including the return of former skipper Ryan Jones at number eight in place of the injured Toby Faletau.
Faletau returned home on Wednesday after breaking a bone in his hand, forcing one of three changes to the Wales pack from the eight that played in the 27-19 loss in Brisbane last week.
Alun Wyn Jones - who captained Wales in their midweek tour match against an ACT Brumbies second string side - comes into the second row in place of Luke Charteris, while Matthew Rees is preferred to Ken Owens at hooker.
The one change in the backline comes at the inside centre position left open by the injury to Jamie Roberts with Ashley Beck set to win his second cap in place of Scott Williams, who drops to the bench.
Howley has kept faith with Rhys Priestland at flyhalf despite his much-criticised performance at Lang Park, while James Hook remains on the bench.
"After the first Test Australia are obviously in the ascendancy, but the tour is not over by any means and we have all to play for on Saturday," Howley said in a statement.
"We are bringing three very experienced players into the pack, all three made an impact from the bench during the first Test which has justified their selection in the starting line-up this weekend.
"Having played two matches now on Australian soil we have acclimatised and are ready for another huge challenge this Saturday in Melbourne."
Wales team: 15-Leigh Halfpenny, 14-Alex Cuthbert, 13-Jonathan Davies, 12-Ashley Beck, 11-George North, 10-Rhys Priestland, 9-Mike Phillips; 8-Ryan Jones, 7-Sam Warburton (captain), 6-Dan Lydiate, 5-Alun Wyn Jones, 4-Bradley Davies, 3-Adam Jones, 2-Matthew Rees, 1-Gethin Jenkins.
Replacements: 16-Richard Hibbard, 17-Paul James, 18-Luke Charteris, 19-Justin Tipuric, 20-Rhys Webb, 21-James Hook, 22-Scott Williams.
Reuters
Tags: sport, rugby-union, melbourne-3000, australia, vic First posted June 14, 2012 14:57:11Welsh put Genia in the crosshairs
Wales will target Will Genia in Saturday's rematch with the Wallabies in Melbourne after the tourists admitted the star Australian half-back "completely broke" their defensive system.
Genia was awarded man-of-the-match honours for his role in the Wallabies' 27-19 win at Lang Park on Saturday night, a performance that included a sublime individual try in the second half.
He carved up the Welsh ranks and crossed the line with some deft footwork just after half-time, the conversation his try putting the Wallabies ahead 17-6.
Welsh defence coach Shaun Edwards says Genia was key to the Wallabies' success in Brisbane, noting his side's fringe defence on the ruck let them down.
"We have to improve our ruck defence," he said.
"Will Genia getting the man-of-the-match, particularly the second try he completely broke our system.
"Let's be honest, he's a world-class player and if you do that he's going to punish you."
Wales' ranks took a hit when star full-back Leigh Halfpenny shifted to the wing to cover for George North, who went off with a leg injury before half-time.
Edwards says utility back James Hook, who slotted in at 15 in Halfpenny's spot, performed admirably but the solution was less than ideal for Wales' tryline defence.
"It definitely hurt us not having our regular full-back," he said.
"In saying that James Hook did very well, as he's continued to do from the Six Nations, filling in from that position.
"But Leigh Halfpenny's our number one full-back and we definitely need to work on Will Genia."
Rob Howley, who is guiding the Welsh in the absence of head coach Warren Gatland, agreed that Genia was the game changer.
"I thought he was outstanding in terms of … we need to improve on giving him less time on the ball," said Howley, who is a former Welsh and Lions half-back himself.
"But the way he runs from half-back is pretty exceptional, isn't it?
"He opened holes for himself and other players around him and he's very very comfortable, and that's a huge part of his game."
Pressure was the key word for both sides and both enjoyed sustained assaults on the other's line at different stages of the match.
Wales was ultimately hurt by its turnovers, committing 19 to Australia's 12, but visiting skipper Sam Warburton says his side is not counting itself out of the three-match series.
"It's not the start we wanted, losing the first Test, but we'll get back together Monday and look at the video," he said.
"We certainly believe that we can bounce back next week.
"There's times in the game when you know you're out of it or in it and we definitely know we're capable of having a result.
"It's just a matter of ironing over the creases and minimising turnover ball and we know that we can play better."
Wales will warm up with a tour match against the Brumbies in Canberra on Tuesday night.
Tags: rugby-union, sport, brisbane-4000, australia, qld First posted June 10, 2012 16:20:54Thursday, May 17, 2012
Deans wary of Welsh threat
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said Tuesday he was under no illusion about the danger posed by Wales, admitting the Six Nations champions are fired up and out to prove a point against Australia.
The Welsh, who play the first of three Tests against the Wallabies in Brisbane on June 9, were beaten by Australia in the bronze play-off match at last year's World Cup.
It helped condemn them to just one win in their last 16 games against the Tri Nations teams, which as well as Australia include world champion New Zealand and South Africa.
"After winning the Six Nations so impressively, there's no doubt that Wales see this tour as the chance to take the next step," Deans said.
"They were quite vocal about that at the end of the tournament, saying it was time they beat one of the major southern hemisphere nations.
"It was also clear, when we were in Cardiff last December for the James Bevan Trophy Test, that they believe that goal is within their reach."
Wales caretaker coach Rob Howley on Monday named a 38-man training squad for the Australia tour and is keen to see an improvement on his side's dismal record against the big southern hemisphere teams.
Deans said it was an experienced Welsh squad and would be a big challenge.
"The core of the Welsh squad has been together for a long time, and they are used to being successful," he said.
"You only have to look at the settled nature of the squad they have named - there are very few injuries. The players all want to be on this trip. That, in itself, is a statement of their intent."
The Wallabies enjoyed two narrow wins over Wales last year: the 21-18 victory at the World Cup, and a 24-18 success in the one-off Test for the James Bevan Trophy.
As well as three clashes with Wales next month, in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, the Wallabies also face Scotland in a one-off Test at Newcastle, north of Sydney on June 5.
AFP
Tags: rugby-union, sport, australia, wales, united-kingdom First posted May 15, 2012 17:33:05Friday, April 27, 2012
Welsh rugby star sacked over plane incident
Controversial Welsh rugby centre Gavin Henson was sacked by club side Cardiff Blues on Monday after a drunken incident on the team's weekend flight back from Scotland.
Henson had reportedly been drinking the night before after Cardiff's 31-3 loss to Glasgow in the Celtic League on Friday.
A statement issued by the Welsh regional side said: "Following a management meeting on Monday morning, Cardiff Blues can confirm that Gavin Henson has been dismissed with immediate effect."
Blues chief executive Richard Holland said team management had acted swiftly after discussing the incident.
"Gavin admitted himself that his behaviour was totally unacceptable and the immediate termination of his contract sends out a clear message that behaviour like that will not be tolerated at the Blues,'' Holland said.
"We have a duty to our supporters and sponsors to protect the good name of Cardiff Blues and those associated with our brand.
"Gavin Henson is obviously a talented rugby player and it's unfortunate that his career at the Blues has ended this way.
"However, we would like to thank him for his service and wish him the best of luck with his future career."
The 30-year-old Henson was initially suspended by his club side for the incident.
Henson issued a statement of regret on Sunday, saying: "I would like to publicly apologise for drinking on that flight, which is inappropriate behaviour".
But the apology was not enough to save his career at Cardiff and the one-time golden boy of Welsh rugby now faces an uncertain future.
AFP
Tags: rugby-union, sport, united-kingdom, wales First posted April 03, 2012 10:25:46Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Welsh send Ireland packing
Wales advanced to the semi-final of the Rugby World Cup with a gripping 22-10 victory over Ireland in Wellington on Saturday thanks to a steely defence and superiority at the breakdown.
It is the first time the Welsh, for whom captain Sam Warburton excelled in the loose and centre Jamie Roberts stood out as a midfield battering ram, have made the last four since the inaugural World Cup in 1987.
The result continues Ireland's history of having never advanced beyond the quarter-final stage, which it has reached on no fewer than four occasions.
Wales scored three tries through Shane Williams, Mike Phillips and Jonathan Davies, Rhys Priestland hitting two conversions and Leigh Halfpenny bagging a long-range penalty.
Keith Earls scored Ireland's sole try, Ronan O'Gara claiming a penalty and conversion as Wales dominated the breakdown and nullified the Irish attack with an aggressive rush defence.
Wales, knocked out of the last World Cup in France four years ago at the group stage, got off to a flying start when veteran wing Williams showed all his predatory skill to score his 56th try in his 84th match for his country.
Charges from Roberts and Dan Lydiate set the Welsh up, a quick ball down the right wing enabling Halfpenny to suck Earls out of position and Williams to nip in at the corner, Priestland nailing the conversion.
With the wind swirling around the stadium, O'Gara spurned two chances to go for goal as Ireland pressed for a response, but nothing came as a desperate Welsh defence held firm.
Williams, at 34 the veteran of the young Welsh backline, then managed to produce a great try-saving tackle on Sean O'Brien as the flanker crossed the line, and another on Connor Murray from the ensuing scrum.
When Rob Kearney was hauled down just short of the line, the ball was turned over but an infringement at the ruck handed O'Gara a kickable penalty.
Halfpenny hit straight back with a 49-metre penalty as Warburton and Toby Faletau won the battle of the vaunted back-rows and O'Gara struggled to find his range out of hand.
Earls handed Ireland the best possible start to the second period, the wing sliding in for a try despite Phillips' covering tackle.
O'Gara hit the tricky touchline conversion to draw the scores level at 10-10.
But Phillips restored Wales's lead with a clever dart down the blindside from a ruck 15 metres out.
The scrum half fended off Gordon D'Arcy and launched himself spectacularly for the line, dotting down one-handed as Tommy Bowe came in with the tackle.
Priestland's conversion drifted wide and the fly half, whose form has seen him keep Stephen Jones and James Hook out of the team, then saw a 58th-minute penalty come back off the upright.
Ireland was then caught napping out wide and a quick ball from Phillips found Priestland, who offloaded to Davies, the centre splitting Cian Healy and Earls and riding Eoin Reddan's weak tackle for a fine individual try.
Priestland hit the conversion to make it 22-10 with 15 minutes to play, the Welsh showing fine fitness levels and resolve in the loose to keep the Irish at bay.
They now face France, which held on to defeat England 19-12 in the second quarter-final at Eden Park on Saturday night.
Wales: 22 (S Williams, M Phillips, J Davies tries; R Priestland 2/3 conversions, L Halfpenny penalty goal)
Ireland: 10 (K Earls try; R O'Gara conversion, penalty goal)
AFP
Tags: rugby-union-world-cup, rugby-union, sport, new-zealand, ireland, wales, united-kingdom First posted October 08, 2011 17:51:41