Wallaby veteran Sharpe ready for final bow

Updated December 01, 2012 09:09:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AFP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, wales, australia

First posted December 01, 2012 09:09:00

View the original article here

Wallabies ready to attack: Genia

Updated September 07, 2012 18:53:53

Australia captain Will Genia says the Wallabies are determined to break their Rugby Championship shackles and take an "attacking mind-set" into Saturday night's showdown with South Africa in Perth.

Genia admits he was frustrated by his lack of opportunities in the 22-0 loss to New Zealand in Auckland last month, but denies he is better suited to playing against the Springboks, where he can try and exploit some of their big forwards on the edges of the ruck.

The world's premier half-back says the Wallabies camp have addressed at team meetings their precarious position, with coach Robbie Deans under pressure and an almighty task ahead of them to resurrect their hopes in the Championship.

"We want to come into this game with very much an attacking mind-set and attacking focus and we want to play some footy," Genia said at the Wallabies' captain's run at Subiaco Oval.

"We haven't had the opportunity in the last couple of weeks against the All Blacks so we want to create momentum and want to give ourselves a chance to really express ourselves and play some footy because we haven't.

"Obviously you want to change your circumstance and you don't want to go out there and have another disappointing result.

"We need to be a lot harder on ourselves. Be a lot demanding of each other.

"Making the same errors over and over again isn't good enough."

Genia says he is surprised not to be matching up against Francois Hougaard, with the speedy Springboks half-back switched to the wing.

The experienced Ruan Pienaar will instead wear the number nine jersey for the visitors.

"I really rate Hougaard as a half-back. I think he offers them a lot around the breakdown, he's quick and he's got great acceleration off the mark and provides a lot of spark in attack," Genia said.

"But they don't lose anything at all with Ruan, he's obviously a world-class half-back as well.

"With Hougaard on the wing, he's got out and out pace so he gives them that ability on the wing."

AAP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, perth-6000

First posted September 07, 2012 18:41:40

View the original article here

Lions boss Gatland ready for 'hell of a challenge'

Updated September 05, 2012 13:21:53

Warren Gatland said he was ready for a "hell of a challenge" after being appointed head coach of the British and Irish Lions for next year's tour of Australia.

The New Zealander, currently coach of Wales, will be looking to lead the Lions - a combined side made up of players from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland - to their first Test series win in 16 years following their 1997 success in South Africa.

"There is no question it is one hell of a challenge," Gatland, who has led Wales to two Six Nations Grand Slams and the semi-finals of last year's World Cup, told a news conference in London on Tuesday. "Playing in the southern hemisphere is one of rugby's hardest challenges."

Gatland said coaching the Lions was a "massive responsibility".

"It's a responsibility to the players and coaches that have gone before me and to 125 years of Lions history," he explained.

"For a player it is the pinnacle of their career. It is the same for the coaches involved.

"This is the highest honour, to be selected as the Lions coach.

"It is the pinnacle of anyone's coaching career."

Gatland, an assistant to then head coach Ian McGeechan when the Lions lost in South Africa in 2009, also said: "I really enjoyed the experience as one of the assistant coaches in 2009 and since then have harboured ambitions to lead the tour to Australia next year.

"The Lions came close in South Africa and our ambition is to win the series in 2013, and I believe we have the players to do that."

Outstanding record

Tour manager Andy Irvine, the former Scotland and Lions full-back, said of Gatland's appointment: "Warren has an outstanding record as a coach and has been fully embedded in rugby in the UK and Ireland since 1989.

"His achievements include steering Wasps to English and European club success and more recently he has overseen Wales to two Grand Slams and a semi-final at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

"He has an intimate knowledge of the Lions, the challenges they face and the processes that need to be put in place to ensure the squad had every chance of being successful," Irvine added.

Gatland will be the second overseas coach of the Lions following fellow Kiwi Graham Henry, in charge during the 2-1 series defeat in Australia in 2001.

The 2013 tour begins against the Barbarians in Hong Kong on June 1 before they play the first of three Tests against Australia in Brisbane on June 22.

Gatland, 48, who played against the Lions, will coach Wales in their November Tests against New Zealand and Australia but otherwise he will be seconded full-time to his new post.

He is expected to confirm his full Lions coaching team in October.

AFP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, united-kingdom

First posted September 05, 2012 11:27:03

View the original article here

Michalak ready to end on a high

Updated August 03, 2012 17:04:17

Coach John Plumtree is looking for one last inspirational performance from French five-eighth Frederic Michalak when the Sharks do battle with the Chiefs in Saturday's Super Rugby final in Hamilton.

Michalak was pivotal in the Sharks' 26-19 semi-final win over the Stormers in Cape Town last week, his 16 points with the boot including two vital field goals.

Plumtree says Michalak's effort last Saturday was superb, given he was hit with illness leading into the game.

"What pleased me was the way that Freddie kept the scoreboard ticking over every time the Stormers appeared to be coming back at us," Plumtree said.

"I am not sure he was as good in this game as he was in some of the others he has played for us, but he was troubled by a stomach bug during the week and was vomiting at one stage. So if you consider that, then his contribution was outstanding."

Michalak will be playing his last game for the Sharks on Saturday, and is looking to end his stint on a high.

"We had some setbacks earlier on in the season, but everyone has come back stronger with a lot of purpose and we've taken confidence out of our results, we've worked really hard," he told the Sharks' website.

He says the Sharks will need to capitalise on their chances to have any chance of toppling the Chiefs at home.

"Playing in finals and semi-finals are really big games and you have to put points on the board when you can, so when the opportunity comes, I try to take it."

Promising Sharks centre Paul Jordaan will line up outside Michalak against an in-form Sonny Bill Williams at second five-eighth, replacing regular starter Tim Whitehead who fractured his hand last week.

Springbok wing JP Pietersen starts at centre, while Patrick Lambie gets the nod at full-back ahead of Riaan Viljoen.

Plumtree says the Sharks take a great deal of confidence from the fact they have a near full-strength squad.

"There has been some continuity of selection which has been great. At this time of the competition it's really important," he said.

"But at the same time, we've had some injuries as well, particularly to our midfield so it's fantastic having Pat Lambie and Paul Jordaan coming back into contention."

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, new-zealand

First posted August 03, 2012 17:02:57

View the original article here

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

View the original article here

Returning Cooper ready to rumble

Luke Pentony

Updated May 17, 2012 06:07:05

Quade Cooper says a lack of confidence will not be an issue when he makes his long-awaited return from a knee injury for Queensland against the Lions at Lang Park on Saturday night.

The Reds have had to do without Cooper so far in their Super Rugby title defence, the enigmatic playmaker having torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during Australia's 21-18 win over Wales in the bronze medal play-off at the World Cup last October.

A return to playing duties had been mooted in April, but the Reds extended Cooper's rehabilitation and he has been named to start at fly half against the struggling Lions.

The decision was made after a training session at Ballymore on Tuesday, only a day after Reds coach Ewen McKenzie had said it would take a "miracle" for Cooper to be cleared to play this weekend.

Cooper's attacking flair was a hallmark of the Reds' successful charge towards the Super Rugby crown last year and the 24-year-old says he will be backing his natural instincts against the Lions, instead of worrying about how his knee will hold up.

"If those opportunities arise I know I've done the hard work out on the field and that my body will be able to do those things," he said.

"But in saying that I've got to get out there and it's still only Wednesday so I've got to get there on Saturday, strap the boots on, warm up and get out there with my team-mates and just do the job."

Cooper admits to going through some soul searching while sidelined for such a lengthy period, but he is relishing the opportunity to be playing once again.

"It's been a tough time, obviously a very tough time at that and I'm just so excited to be a part of the team and being named in the side to face the Lions," he said.

"It's going to be a massive challenge but at the same time that's why I play the game for challenges and this is one."

The knee injury capped off a disappointing World Cup campaign for Cooper, who came under heavy criticism for his performances for the Wallabies in New Zealand.

Not only did he come much media scrutiny but he was also a target for the local crowds, who had not taken kindly to some on-field incidents involving Cooper and All Blacks captain Richie McCaw in the 12 months leading up to the World Cup.

Cooper remains unfazed by being a target of critics, outlining that he always plays with a point to prove.

"People are going to have their opinions but [you've got to] get on with life," he said.

Upbeat Reds

The return of Cooper coincides with an upturn in the Reds' fortunes, having suffered four losses during a stretch of five matches after opening the season with three straight wins.

Their remarkable 42-27 triumph over the Chiefs at Lang Park on Sunday, which earned them a bonus point, has McKenzie's troops eight points shy of the Brumbies, who lead the Australian conference on 39 points.

The Reds are only five points behind the Sharks, who are holding down sixth position on the overall standings and the final wildcard berth with five rounds left until the play-offs.

McKenzie says Cooper's ability to organise the Reds' attack will be a boost, although he is mindful of adding to his responsibilities in light of his lack of match fitness.

"We've got to understand he's come off a six-month lay-off, so we won't be loading him up with too many things other than getting out there," he said.

"The communication piece and the organisation piece is the bit we are really looking forward to and we'll concentrate on that, then we will build the repertoire after that.

"The main thing is to get him out there and get him through a period of the game and make sure he comes off in good spirits and we build from there."

McKenzie has Mike Harris at inside centre and Ben Lucas at full-back to share the playmaking duties, while he has added a back to the reserves bench to give a 4-3 (four forwards, three backs) split.

This gives the Reds the luxury of not having to play Cooper for the full match against the Lions, so as to ease him back into the fray.

"It's unreasonable to think he's going to play 80 minutes, we've got to manage the fatigue piece," McKenzie said.

"When you haven't played for a while fatigue comes in and that's when you can lose some of the control aspects.

"We want to make sure he plays fresh and that we manage that well."

Aside from the inclusion of Cooper, McKenzie has returned hooker Saia Faingaa and prop Greg Holmes to the starting XV with James Hanson and Ben Daley demoted to the bench.

Luke Morahan has also been named as a reserve to make way for Lucas' switch to full-back after starting the past three matches at fly half.

Boom 18-year-old outside back Chris F'Sautia, who was playing for Brisbane State High in the GPS competition last year, has also been named on the bench to make his Super Rugby debut.

Reds squad:

Ben Lucas, Dom Shipperley, Anthony Faingaa, Mike Harris, Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Scott Higginbotham, Liam Gill, Jake Schatz, James Horwill (captain), Rob Simmons, James Slipper, Saia Faingaa, Greg Holmes

Reserves: James Hanson, Ben Daley, Adam Wallace-Harrison, Eddie Quirk, Nick Frisby, Chris F'Sautia, Luke Morahan

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

First posted May 16, 2012 11:47:20

View the original article here

Relaxed Genia ready to fire Reds

Updated May 09, 2012 18:21:15

Reds scrum half Will Genia feels he is back to his best form after "underestimating" the toll that contract negotiations took on him.

Genia performed a sensational backflip 10 days ago when he announced he was re-committing to Queensland until the end of 2015, less than 48 hours after the Reds had announced he had agreed terms with to join Western Force next season.

With star fly half Quade Cooper still sidelined after a knee reconstruction Genia has had to pull the strings for the Reds, who have been battered by injuries to Cooper, Jono Lance and Sam Lane.

The 24-year-old said that on top of taking on the extra playmaking workload, decisions about his rugby future had been more of a burden on the field than he had realised.

"I've probably had to take on a bit more responsibility in a lot of departments, like the kicking and game management," he told reporters at training on Wednesday as the Reds prepare for the crucial final stretch of the season.

"I think having Quade there I did those things anyway but it was a little more natural. Not having him there you've just got to adjust because you don't have that feel with the guys outside you.

"I feel a little bit freer because of that because I just trust that I can take more control.

"Obviously having the contracting stuff out of the way I feel more relaxed and I feel I can concentrate on playing well and enjoying my rugby.

"I think I underestimated how much of a toll that took on me so I feel like I'm in a good place moving forward."

Queensland returns home to host the Chiefs on Sunday after a two-week road trip to New Zealand which netted a win over the Blues and a loss to 2011 runners-up the Crusaders.

The Reds are ninth on the Super Rugby standings, eight points out of a wildcard spot and nine behind Australian conference leaders the Brumbies after 11 rounds.

By this point last season, Queensland had racked up an 8-2 record with home and away losses to the Waratahs the only blots on the copybook.

The title defence has not been so kind to Ewen McKenzie's men, who have battled a seemingly endless injury curse and gone from three straight wins to start the year to be 5-5 with seven rounds to go.

But Genia said the Reds can not afford to dwell on their up-and-down form.

"That's a part of professional sport - you've got to move on quickly because you're playing the very next week," he told reporters at training on Wednesday.

"The thing is we can take a lot of confidence from the result on the weekend - although we lost, there were positive signs in a lot of the things that we did.

"So I guess it re-establishes a lot of self-belief and confidence in what we're doing and moving forward we're going to need a lot of that self-belief ahead of the Chiefs."

While the Crusaders boast one of the best fly halves in the world in Dan Carter and form number 10 Tom Taylor, Genia said the competition-leading Chiefs have a tough playmaker of their own to contend with in Aaron Cruden.

"He's obviously taken a lot of confidence from the World Cup last year and he's playing exceptionally well," he said.

"He's got the luxury of having guys like Sonny Bill [Williams] and [Richard] Kahui ... outside him, which should make any team's job easier.

"That's not to take any credit away from him - I think he's playing exceptionally well but he's definitely a massive threat for us moving into this game, so we've just got to make sure we do our homework on him."

But amid talk that he was a marked man for the Chiefs encounter, Genia warned that the visitors had better pay attention to one of his team-mates.

"From my point of view I think Jake Schatz is the man they need to stop," he said.

"I think he's been outstanding for us - he's great on the ball, he works hard, his workrate's exceptional in the tackle contest and he's a good ball carrier."

The Reds have six games left before the finals - the first-placed Chiefs, Lions (14th), Brumbies (third), Rebels (12th), Highlanders (sixth) and Waratahs (11th) - four of which are at Lang Park with the other two being played in Canberra and Melbourne.

Genia said another tilt at the finals is not out of reach.

"Moving forward in the competition we've got to, realistically for a good chance, win the next six which is obviously a tough ask," he said.

"But last year I think we won eight in a row so I think we've got the side to do it.

"But it's just important that we take each game as it comes, because I think that's where we fell into a trap a little bit at the start of the year was that we thought too far ahead."

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

First posted May 09, 2012 18:21:15

View the original article here

Reds rookie Murphy ready for Bulls

Updated March 22, 2012 16:49:38

He's the fourth choice flyhalf but Queensland Reds rookie Dallan Murphy said he has been hanging around the squad long enough to know what's required of him.

The unavailability of injured Reds trio Quade Cooper, Ben Lucas and Mike Harris has given Murphy his first Super Rugby start when the Reds take on the Bulls in Pretoria on Sunday morning.

Murphy, 23, has just one previous Super Rugby appearance, coming off the bench for the Reds against the Chiefs in round 18 last year.

The Brisbane rugby product has been in the Reds wider training squad since 2010, a year after captaining Brothers to the Brisbane premiership.

"Its unfortunate the team has so many injuries but it is a great to get an opportunity,'' Marphy said from Pretoria.

"I'm used to training with these guys so knowing the players like the back of your hand makes the job a lot easier.''

Coach Ewen McKenzie said he considered other options at flyhalf including starting established players out of position.

"Dallan has been in our system for a long time and we have every confidence in his ability to get the job done," McKenzie said.

"We've played around with our options at flyhalf this year but Dallan is a natural number 10 so I'm looking forward to seeing what he can offer.''

Murphy is a confident attacking flyhalf and will be encourage to do what comes naturally.

"Ewen has kept his advice pretty simple," Murphy said.

"He has told me to play my own game and back my ability."

In other changes hooker Saia Faingaa will receive his first starting opportunity of 2012 as part of a revamped front-row which sees Greg Holmes shift to tighthead prop and Ben Daley promoted from the bench to loosehead.

Faingaa has played the past two matches off the bench while recovering from an ankle injury but has been impressed with the progress of the Reds forward pack.

"Last week (against the Sharks) we played one of our best games but we're growing as a team and we're building for bigger games,"

Luke Morahan comes in for suspended winger Digby Ioane on the wing. Ben Tapuai moves from outside to inside centre with Jono Lance handed the number 13 jersey.

Ioane will miss four matches while on suspension. His unavailability and the injuries to the playmakers does not seem to have ruffled coach McKenzie.

"The nature of rugby is that you have to adapt,'' McKenzie said.

"We look forward to seeing what the new generation of player can bring to the side.''

Queensland Reds side to play the Bulls:
Rod Davies, Dom Shipperley, Jono Lance, Ben Tapuai, Luke Morahan, Dallan Murphy, Will Genia, Jake Schatz, Beau Robinson, Scott Higginbotham, James Horwill (capt), Rob Simmons, Greg Holmes, Saia Faingaa, Ben Daley. Interchange: James Hanson, James Slipper, Radike Samo, Van Humphries, Liam Gill, Nick Frisby, Nathan Eyres-Brown.

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

First posted March 22, 2012 16:49:38

View the original article here

Reds ready to be rushed

Luke Pentony

Updated March 02, 2012 02:31:31

Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie says he is unconcerned about Western Force's claims their defence will shut down the Super Rugby champions at Lang Park on Saturday night.

Force defence coach Phil Blake spoke to the media earlier this week about their preparations to nullify the Reds attack, outlining a rush-style strategy based on fast line speed will be employed.

Blake stated that this aggression in defence should give the Force "the result we want".

The Force used similar tactics as a way of unsettling Quade Cooper in their two matches against the Reds last season, although on both occasions Richard Graham's troops walked away without the win.

They led the Reds on the scoreboard late in the second half in Brisbane in the opening round and in Perth's round 17 clash, only to lose 21-20 and 24-21 respectively.

The Reds will be without Cooper (knee) for Saturday night's encounter and instead have Mike Harris running the plays at five-eighth, but with a back three consisting of Luke Morahan, Digby Ioane and Dom Shipperley, the hosts will look to play wide in attack when possible.

While a rush-style defence has often been seen as the blueprint to beating the Reds, McKenzie is unfazed with the talk coming from the west.

He says the Reds regularly faced such a defensive system last season yet were still able to claim the Super Rugby crown.

"The defence rushes every week, everyone talks about it," McKenzie said.

"It's interesting, every time we play a game they all spend their time talking about how they are going to close us down. No-one talks about how they're going to get out there and express themselves."

McKenzie feels opposition teams may perhaps benefit from talking more about their attacking options against the Reds, rather than their defensive plan.

"It's always in the negative, 'let's close them down'," he said.

"I don't know why teams don't talk more about what they're going to do and how they're actually going to take the game on, so we face that mind-set every week.

"They'll come at us. We train all week on rushing defences, we do it ourselves, we rush too, everyone does it.

"So it's not a surprise tactic, we've just got to be able to deal with it. There is plenty of different ways to do it."

Personnel changes

If Harris comes in for some extra defensive attention, then no doubt new Reds inside centre Jonno Lance will share the playmaker responsibilities.

Lance is one of five positional changes McKenzie made to the Reds starting XV, which beat New South Wales 25-21 in Sydney last Saturday night.

Outside centre Anthony Faingaa has been ruled out with a hamstring complaint, meaning Ben Tapuai will move one out to wear the number 13 jersey with Lance inside.

Blindside flanker Scott Higginbotham (gluteus) was also ruled out with Jake Schatz moving to six and Radike Samo returning to the starting line-up at number eight.

Albert Anae has been named at hooker with James Hanson and Sai Faingaa troubled by ankle injuries, which has seen the pair bracketed on the reserves bench.

McKenzie is not worried about the growing injury list so early in the season, maintaining the Reds have the depth to cover for their sidelined contingent.

"I'm quite comfortable going to our next player," he said.

"We've got a very competitive squad and I think that's what you've got to do. If you've got another player and there's a great opportunity to give them a go, you want to give them a go and see what they've got.

"By doing that you're keeping as many players as close to match fitness as possible as you go along."

McKenzie says having an option such as Lance, who started at full-back for the Reds in last year's Super Rugby final against the Crusaders, to cover in the midfield meant the decision to rest Anthony Faingaa was easy to make.

"We like our depth, so it was a good chance to make an early call and to rehab it (Faingaa's injury) properly," he said.

"So we don't have ongoing problems and allow Jono to have a go."

Lance may have played full-back in his most recent start for the Reds, but he normally plays five-eighth for Brisbane club side University.

The 21-year-old, whose father Dean won two rugby league premierships with Canberra, says he is more suited be closer to the action.

"Obviously playing full-back at the end of last season was really exciting, but I do feel a lot more comfortable in the midfield," he said.

"So I think that is exciting for me to get that opportunity there."

Meanwhile, the Force have made just one change to the starting line-up that went down 19-17 to the Brumbies in Canberra last Friday night with Pat Dellit named at outside centre with Rory Sidey moving to the bench.

Queensland: Luke Morahan, Dom Shipperley, Ben Tapuai, Jono Lance, Digby Ioane, Mike Harris, Will Genia, Radike Samo, Beau Robinson, Jake Schatz, James Horwill (captain), Rob Simmons, James Slipper, Albert Anae, Ben Daley

Reserves: James Hanson, Greg Holmes, Van Humphries, Eddie Quirk, Liam Gill, Ben Lucas, Rod Davies

Western Force: Alfie Mafi, Nick Cummins, Patrick Dellit, Winston Stanley, Napolioni Nalaga, James Stannard, Brett Sheehan, Ben McCalman, David Pocock (Captain), Matt Hodgson, Nathan Sharpe, Toby Lynn, Salesi Ma'afu, Nathan Charles, Pek Cowan

Reserves: Ben Whittaker, Kieran Longbottom, Phoenix Battye, Angus Cottrell, Ben Seymour, Rory Sidey, Sam Wara

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport

First posted March 01, 2012 13:23:16

View the original article here

Higginbotham ready to knock out Rocky

Updated December 01, 2011 11:31:17

Wallabies back rower Scott Higginbotham is relishing the chance to tighten his grip on the number six jumper in Sunday morning's Test against Wales in Cardiff.

With 75-Test veteran Rocky Elsom sidelined following hamstring surgery, Higginbotham is set to make only his fourth Test start this weekend.

Elsom, 28, an inspirational servant of Australian rugby, released his hold on the position of blindside flanker with an ordinary performance in the World Cup semi-final loss to New Zealand.

Such was the manner of his showing that it raised questions about whether the former Wallabies skipper will be able to become Australia's first-choice number six again.

"It is a chance for me to step up," Higginbotham said.

"Everyone plays football to start, I will take my chances."

The 25-year-old former Australian Sevens player has enjoyed quite a year since coming off the bench for his Test debut in Australia's 59-16 win over France in Paris.

He was part of Queensland's Super Rugby title-winning side and started in Australia's 21-18 victory over Wales in the World Cup bronze medal match.

The 195cm, 110kg Higginbotham's combination of speed and athleticism for his size has proved attractive to Wallabies coach Robbie Deans.

The late bloomer was keener on surfing, soccer and basketball before rugby took hold of him at the age of 17.

However it has not all gone to script.

He hurt his back warming up for his Test debut against South Africa last year in Pretoria and his back seized up again after being named to play against the USA at the World Cup.

Higginbotham expected the Welsh to play an up-tempo style of play at the Millennium Stadium in Shane Williams' farewell.

"It seemed alright for some of us Reds players talking after the match it was quick football like we play at the Reds," he said.

He said limiting the influence of Wales skipper and openside flanker Sam Warburton was a key for the Australian back row.

"He is a massive part of their team," he said.

Fiery number eight Ben McCalman (eye irritation) and skipper James Horwill (bench) were expected to return to the Australian starting line-up.

The Wallabies were due to release their team for the final match of the year at 9:00am (8:00pm AEDT) on Thursday.

AAP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, wales, australia

First posted December 01, 2011 08:40:00

View the original article here

Pocock ready to steal McCaw's thunder

Updated October 12, 2011 22:29:33

Australian flanker David Pocock believes the battle against Richie McCaw and the All Black back row to dominate the breakdown could be decisive in this weekend's rugby World Cup semi-final at Eden Park.

The 23-year-old, who has already played New Zealand 11 times in his short Test career, clearly dislikes talking about himself and the role he plays as the team's poacher in the tackle area but accepts he will be targeted on Sunday.

"It is fairly standard these days for openside flankers to cop a bit of heat from the opposition and, I mean, they've got Richie McCaw, too, so it is going to be a really important part of the game," he said.

"Both teams know that and in the past it has been a big part of the winning team... the way they've played, they've dominated the breakdown."

It is hard to argue against the thesis that Zimbabwean-born Pocock is the most influential player in Australia's run to the last four.

Absent through injury when the Irish back row blew away the Wallabies on their way to a stunning pool stage upset, Pocock returned for the final two group victories and then played a major role in the quarter-final win over South Africa.

Against the Springboks last weekend, Pocock made 27 tackles and missed none, and, having spent most of the afternoon bent over at the breakdown with his hands on the ball, was credited with three turnovers.

Now rivalling McCaw as one of the world's best openside flankers, Pocock has learned the downside to success too with accusations of cheating that have dogged the All Blacks captain for many years.

"I think it's fairly standard for most number sevens," Pocock said.

"It's been pretty funny checking Twitter for the South African fans, it's all been in good humour."

Another thing Pocock has perhaps learned from McCaw is that number sevens should always pay their respects to the opposition and, crucially, the referee before the game.

"The All Blacks probably have a different set of threats," he said.

"They use a bit more footwork and you probably have to say that their work at the breakdown, across the board, is probably a bit better and more contested.

"We're going to have to step up at the breakdown again and Craig Joubert's a great ref, so we're expecting him to be good there."

The "respects" rule also extended to questions about whether he was now better than three-times world player of the year McCaw, particularly as the All Black has been carrying a foot injury.

"I don't get involved in that kind of thing, it's such a big game for the team, and that's pretty much all I'm focusing on at the moment," Pocock said.

"At this stage of the tournament, there wouldn't be too many blokes who aren't carrying some sort of injury.

"Come game day, everyone puts that behind them and you don't notice anything."

As for questions about whether good opensides were so effective because they knew the rules better than the match officials, that was clearly one to meet with a very straight bat.

"I've got no idea, I guess, I really don't know," he said.

"I leave that to you guys to discuss."

Reuters

Tags: rugby-union-world-cup, rugby-union, sport, new-zealand, australia

First posted October 12, 2011 19:43:31

View the original article here

Wallabies greenhorns ready to front up

Updated October 15, 2011 17:23:35

Wallabies Pat McCabe and Sekope Kepu could be forgiven for blanching at the prospect of facing the All Blacks in the World Cup semi-finals having just nursed themselves back to health after a bruising encounter with the Springboks last weekend.

But inside centre McCabe and loosehead prop Kepu have only just established themselves in the Test team this season, and it would have taken more than a sore shoulder and rolled ankle respectively to keep them away from the biggest game of their careers.

With all the talk of the youth in the Welsh team which takes on France in the weekend's other semi-final, it has perhaps been forgotten that many of the Wallabies squad are in their early 20s and still relative novices in the Test arena.

Kepu, who was born in Australia but schooled in New Zealand, had played just three Tests for Australia as a replacement before he became an ever-present this season.

"For many of the boys, this is the biggest game of our careers, and we're really looking forward to it," the 25-year-old said.

"It can't get any bigger than this, we're just soaking up the atmosphere and clearing our minds and getting ready for it."

McCabe had played just once for his country before this year but, like Kepu, has been ever-present when fit as the Wallabies have charged to a first Tri Nations title since 2001 and the last four of the World Cup.

"It's a great challenge," he said of Sunday's match.

"More than anything it's an incredible opportunity to play against them on their home soil in a World Cup.

"It doesn't get a whole lot bigger."

Both players were part of the team that beat the All Blacks in Brisbane to clinch the Tri Nations and both face formidable opposition at Eden Park.

McCabe will be up against Ma'a Nonu, widely considered the world's most effective inside centre, and the 23-year-old is hoping for help from his team-mates to rein in the physical All Black.

"He's a big guy and he's obviously been in incredible form," McCabe said.

"In my mind he's probably the form player in the tournament. Not just me but the whole team has a big role in stopping him."

Kepu will pack down opposite Owen Franks as the Australian front row look to prove it is no longer the Wallabies' Achilles heel.

But the Australian pack still has the nightmare of being blown away by the Irish forwards during its shock pool phase defeat as a reminder of what will happen if it does not front up.

"Ireland was a wake-up call but I think we're progressing since," Kepu said.

"Last week against Springboks, I think we held our weight. But we've definitely got to step up this weekend because the All Blacks are definitely the pack to beat."

Australia managed to beat defending champion South Africa with virtually no possession last week - McCabe reckons he had three carries in the entire match - and Kepu said the pack realised that would have to change on Sunday.

"It'll be up to us in the engine room to provide that platform and the front-foot ball for our backs," Kepu said.

"We've just got to muscle up, and fire up, and turn up this weekend and everything else should look after itself."

Reuters

Tags: rugby-union-world-cup, rugby-union, sport, new-zealand, australia

First posted October 14, 2011 20:10:58

View the original article here

Wallabies' Reds are ready: Horwill

Posted July 12, 2011 14:20:00

Queensland captain James Horwill is hopeful most of the Reds' 15-strong contingent in the Wallabies squad will have a chance to show their wares in Sunday's Test against Samoa.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said in the lead-up to the Super Rugby decider he would look at resting Reds' players, depending on their workload throughout the finals.

The Wallabies' first Tri-Nations encounter comes just six days after the opening Test of the season, further fuelling speculation stars like playmakers Quade Cooper and Will Genia will be wrapped in cotton wool.

The 15 Brisbane-based players joined the Wallabies' camp in Sydney on Tuesday after celebrating their 18-13 win over the Crusaders with a ticker-tape parade on Monday.

Horwill suggests his Reds team-mates will be training this week, all hopeful of playing against Samoa in Sydney.

"Most of the (Reds) guys I've spoken to are pretty keen to play," Horwill said.

"With selections and things, obviously Robbie and the coaching staff have a plan of what they're thinking about, so we'll have a discussion about that over the next little bit.

"But, at the moment, all the guys I've spoken to are keen."

Horwill, who sat out the 2010 international season due to a knee reconstruction, will be doing everything possible to earn a berth this weekend.

"I'd love to play. I'm good to go," he said.

"After missing out last year, I haven't played a Test match in nearly 18 months, so I'd relish any opportunity to get back out there.

"I'm fit and putting my hand up. Obviously, selection will determine that - but I want to play.

"We haven't had a chance to have a chat - but if he (Deans) asks me, I'll definitely give him the answer that I want to play.

"After (my) last year, it's been almost a dream year so far so, hopefully, it can continue."

The Wallabies will name their matchday squad on Wednesday.

- AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, brisbane-4000

View the original article here

Waratahs ready for finals anywhere

Updated June 17, 2011 18:23:00

New South Wales has booked flights to five potential finals destinations across the southern hemisphere, convinced the Brumbies will not end its Super Rugby season on Saturday night.

Depending on a series of results in a huge last round of home-and-away fixtures this weekend, the Waratahs could end up having to travel to Cape Town, Pretoria, Durban, Auckland or Nelson for their sudden-death "qualifier".

There is even a small chance the seventh-placed Waratahs could yet host a play-off in Sydney next week if they score a big bonus-point win over the Brumbies.

All coach Chris Hickey cares about, though, is actually reaching the business end of the competition.

The usually mild-mannered mentor on Friday bristled when asked if the Waratahs were ready to deliver Melbourne-bound Wallabies star Kurtley Beale and retiring stalwart Al Baxter fitting farewells in the Waratahs' apparent final home game for the season at Sydney's Olympic stadium.

"Look, we've still got three or four games to play yet, so these blokes aren't leaving," Hickey snapped.

"This will just be perhaps their last game they'll play in Sydney. I'm sure those guys will want to go out on a high note.

"But, from our point of view, we're really preparing for the next three or four games. It's not a send-off for anybody.

"In many ways, I guess our finals campaign starts on Saturday night."

Indeed, the only certainty is that the Waratahs can not possibly clash with Queensland in round one of the play-offs because the front-running Reds are guaranteed a top-two finish and, with that, next weekend off and then a home semi-final.

But New South Wales could even squeeze into the finals if it loses to the Brumbies by less than eight points and there is a one-sided result in the pivotal match in Pretoria on Sunday morning between the fifth-placed Bulls and sixth-placed Sharks.

History has proven it is virtually impossible to win the Super Rugby title after travelling to South Africa and avoiding the Republic during the finals remains the Waratahs' best-case scenario.

As unlikely as it might seem, the dream run for the Waratahs would be playing and beating the Blues in Auckland next week, then upsetting the Reds in Brisbane before taking down the Crusaders in the final in Nelson on July 9.

First and foremost, the Waratahs must conquer the fired-up and in-form Brumbies on Saturday night.

"You don't expect any favours from any of the Australian sides," Hickey said.

"The local derbies have been a real feature of this Super Rugby competition and the competitiveness between the Brumbies and the Waratahs goes back many years.

"So it's a game that we've got to be good enough to get out there and win."

After a highly disappointing campaign, the Brumbies stunned the Reds, then beat the Rebels last start and will be desperate themselves to send France-bound captain Matt Giteau and Waratahs-bound utility Adam Ashley-Cooper off in style.

"It's a huge game," Waratahs captain Phil Waugh said.

"Similar circumstances to last week. If we win, we go through. If we lose, it will be our last game for the year so (there is) a lot on the line.

"They'll have a lot of motivation too. It's their last game of the season as well and they'll be motivated to come to Sydney and upset our plans.

"We've just got to make sure we turn up from kick-off."

- AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, act, canberra-2600, nsw, sydney-2000

First posted June 17, 2011 16:05:00

View the original article here

Reds pack ready for Crusaders test

Updated May 23, 2011 19:45:00

Queensland captain James Horwill believes his forwards can emerge from the shadows of their backline by overcoming the Crusaders' pack on Sunday.

The Reds forwards have largely been unsung heroes for Super Rugby's front runners this season but can make a name for themselves by laying the platform for a 12th straight win at Lang Park.

Wallabies lock Horwill justifiably rates the Crusaders' forwards, led by All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, the benchmark pack in the competition.

He feels a Reds win over the seven-time champions and competition favourites will surely build their up-front reputation.

"The Crusaders have proven that they are the standard bearers," said Horwill, who has not minded halves Quade Cooper and Will Genia receiving most plaudits.

"It's always a big test.

"They've been the stand-out pack as an eight probably all year and we've got to make sure across the board, not only in the set piece, we get it right so we can give the backs clean ball.

"We have to make sure we outwork them."

On top of the world's best number 10s Dan Carter guiding the Cantabrians around the park and Sonny Bill Williams bashing and bewildering defenders at inside centre, the injury-hit Crusaders are still littered with game-breaking All Blacks.

McCaw, Kieran Read, Brad Thorn and the front row Franks brothers are the nucleus of a pack, which plays at the highest quality in all conditions and also boasts the best scrum in the competition.

The Crusaders scrum destroyed the highly-fancied Sharks all-Springboks front row in Twickenham on March 28 and also put the screws on the Chiefs to turn last Saturday's Napier clash in their favour.

It is an area of concern for Queensland after their colours were lowered by the Blues 10 days ago and veteran scrum coach Alec Evans used the Reds' bye week to whip his pack back into shape.

"Around the field we've been doing good things but we have to tighten up the little things in the scrum and that will go a long way to helping," Horwill said.

Williams must pass a fitness test on his injured knee but is expected to return for a blockbuster clash, which is set to break the Australian Super Rugby crowd record of 42,237 - set at Lang Park in 2004.

Two more All Blacks - lock Sam Whitelock (ankle) and half-back Andy Ellis (hand) - are also in the mix for comebacks to further boost the fourth-placed Crusaders.

Even if they do not make it, the Reds are braced for their toughest match of the season.

"I don't think there's ever a good time to play the Crusaders," Horwill said.

"I'm pretty sure they'll come out firing and they'll be at their best on the weekend."

- AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, brisbane-4000

First posted May 23, 2011 19:29:00

View the original article here