Saturday 31 May 2014

New Zealand v England: The All Blacks are a ruthless, resilient rugby machine


The message was the same. They were out on their knees, but that is what it

took to beat South Africa. The Lions were going to have the same attitude.



New Zealand rugby has always been the same. The key is that every player in

the country understands the game so well.



That is why they are so difficult to beat. Sometimes you might have a better

team but they might have a better understanding, and that can be crucial.



It is why they can come back from deficits late in games, why they have won an

astonishing 390 of the 512 Test they have played in their history.



For me this goes back to how much information they share between the coaches.



When you share knowledge, you have got a very powerful coaching base from

which to work.



You have got people working together, coordinating the development of players

through the schools system, to their provincial rugby, right through to the

All Blacks.



There is a big emphasis on skill, and less on tactics, especially in the

teenage years. It is a totally integrated system.



Everyone knows where they stand in it, how the talent is nurtured, the

knowledge passed on and it is very, very competitive.



All Blacks are created by the system and environment, not just when they pull

on the jersey.



I love being there, simply because they are so open.



John Hart, the former national coach, even let me have time with his All

Blacks in 1996 when they were in South Africa when I was preparing for that

Lions tour.



I came back with a 20-page report on what our planning should look like.



Even as a player I remember when the 1978 All Blacks played against the North

of England I got invited on the team coach back to the hotel.



I found players like Graham Mourie and Bruce Robertson so easy to speak to.

They wanted to hammer you once you got over the whitewash, but off the field

they were so open.



There was so much you could take on board. It was the same when talking to

Steve Hansen in 2005 during the Lions tour.



We met for a coffee and just chatted about rugby. He was so willing to talk

about what he was doing and how he was doing it. .



So what of this series now? New Zealand will not be thinking that it will be

easy.



In the past two matches between the teams, England have done very well,

winning in 2012 and only losing narrowly last year.



The set piece was a real strength for them. They only lost control last autumn

because their line-out malfunctioned in the last 15 minutes and New Zealand

got possession they would not otherwise have got.



England have now got more ball carriers than they have ever had. They are well

organised in defence as well as attack. They do not panic.



Wales

beat them last year because they ended up being a bunch of individuals,

trying to win on their own.



In contrast, when they were under pressure against Ireland this year, they did

not crack. They had a collective understanding, and belief.



But if England do not get their set piece and carrying right, New Zealand, as

they proved in November, will find a way.



They will find that metre of space that others might not, and they will play

at a pace that is difficult to match. England can control that pace only if

they control the ball.



New Zealand’s speed off the ball is so impressive. They are in position to

attack and defend far quicker than any other team.



That gives them an edge. Sometimes against England last year, they were three

seconds quicker than England in getting into position.



But what stands out is how good they are at the breakdown. They put a lot of

pressure on the ball carrier and the player arriving. If you are loose, you

will lose the ball.



Their body angles are good and the speed at which they arrive means you have

to be so technically correct.



They are accelerating in that last metre, not decelerating. It means they can

win the ball with sometimes only two players, usually a maximum of only

three.



Then, because they reposition so quickly, they have got a defensive line of 12

players. They do not go shooting out, but they have got numbers.



If you do not make good decisions on the ball and make two or three casual

passes, so that you find yourself in the outside channels having not

committed the defence, you will suddenly find yourself being mugged by three

defenders. T



hat is the difference. It is why the superstar position in New Zealand is No 

7.



They have an awareness of whether to take the player or go straight for the

ball.



If they look as if they might win the ball and turn it over, they might put

five in.



But only if they think they can win it. They rarely send five in and lose it,

to be left with 10 defending.



They will keep challenging. Even when England beat them in 2012, England were

desperately defending their line against a New Zealand team who looked tired

and had not played that well.



You just know that you have to get it right for the whole 80 minutes against

the All Blacks.



England must keep that in mind throughout the next three weeks.



If they do, then the team will have taken a significant step forward.


Article source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/10448240/Rugby-League-World-Cup-2013-Watch-out-theres-a-Kangaroo-about.html


New Zealand v England: The All Blacks are a ruthless, resilient rugby machine

Rugby-Veterans back in S.Africa squad for Wales, Scotland tours




CAPE TOWN May 31 (Reuters) – Veteran forwards Victor Matfield and Schalk Burger are among a number of long-time absentees recalled to the South Africa squad for the June internationals against Wales and Scotland.




Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer named a 36-man selection for the two tests against Wales and single encounter with Scotland that also includes seven uncapped players.



Aside from lock Matfield and loose-forward Burger, who have not played since the 2011 World Cup, there are also recalls for hooker Schalk Brits, centre Juan de Jongh, scrumhalf Francois Hougaard, wing Lwazi Mvovo and utility back Frans Steyn, all having last played test rugby in 2012.



“Last year we saw what it meant to Bakkies (Botha), Fourie (du Preez) and Jaque (Fourie) when they returned and they showed that age should not be any measure when it comes to test rugby – if you have the goods and can perform at world-class level, you deserve to be selected,” Meyer said in a statement released by the South African Rugby Union on Saturday.



“Victor and Schalk have both been out of the game for some time and for different reasons. A year ago, Schalk’s playing future was in doubt, so it’s great to have him back in the Bok fold and I’m looking forward to working with him for the first time.”



The seven uncapped players are centre Damian de Allende, lock Lood de Jager, wing Cornal Hendricks, loose forward Teboho “Oupa” Mohoje, wing S’bura Sithole, prop Marcel van der Merwe and hooker Callie Visagie.



“Damian, Cornal, Oupa, S’bura, Marcel and Callie have all been in great form recently for their various Super Rugby franchises, while Lood was very impressive before his injury and he underlined that with a great attitude and work ethic at the Durban camp,” Meyer said.



“Some of them have been on the national selectors’ radar for a bit longer, while others have been very impressive at our training camp in Durban. They all deserve their selection and now it’s up to them to make the most of it.



Players not considered through injury are regular captain Jean de Villiers, lock Eben Etzebeth, centre Fourie and flyhalf Pat Lambie.



Hooker Adriaan Strauss has been suspended for the matches against Wales on June 14 and 21, but will join the squad for the final week ahead of the game against Scotland on June 28.



Meyer said he would name the interim captain for the side next week ahead of an exhibition game against a World XV in Cape Town on Saturday.



Squad:



Forwards (19): Willem Alberts (Sharks), Bakkies Botha (Toulon), Schalk Brits (Saracens), Schalk Burger (Stormers), Marcell Coetzee (Sharks), Lodewyk de Jager (Cheetahs), Bismarck du Plessis (Sharks), Jannie du Plessis (Sharks), Siya Kolisi (Stormers), Francois Louw (Bath), Victor Matfield (Bulls), Teboho Mohoje (Cheetahs), Tendai Mtawarira (Sharks), Coenie Oosthuizen (Cheetahs), Gurthro Steenkamp (Toulouse), Flip van der Merwe (Bulls), Marcel van der Merwe (Bulls), Duane Vermeulen (Stormers), Callie Visagie (Bulls)



Backs (17): Damian De Allende (Stormers), Juan de Jongh (Stormers), Fourie du Preez (Suntory), JJ Engelbrecht (Bulls), Johan Goosen (Cheetahs), Bryan Habana (Toulon), Cornal Hendricks (Cheetahs), Francois Hougaard (Bulls), Zane Kirchner (Leinster), Willie le Roux (Cheetahs), Lwazi Mvovo (Sharks), Ruan Pienaar (Ulster), JP Pietersen (Sharks), Jan Serfontein (Bulls), S’bura Sithole (Sharks), Frans Steyn (Sharks), Morne Steyn (Stade Francais) (Reporting by Nick Said; editing by Rex Gowar)



Article source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/10448240/Rugby-League-World-Cup-2013-Watch-out-theres-a-Kangaroo-about.html


Rugby-Veterans back in S.Africa squad for Wales, Scotland tours

In-form All Blacks looking to whitewash England in New Zealand

Considering their muddled buildup and the quality of their opponents, it is difficult to pinpoint what would constitute a success for England on their tour of New Zealand. The history books will record a series won or lost but, as Stuart Lancaster’s project continues to evolve before the World Cup, there are less tangible factors to consider. The development of combinations and the sternest test yet of the credentials of a number of green buds may pay dividends in 15 months’ time, even if they do not bloom immediately.


For the All Blacks it is an entirely different story. When you are the world champions, coming off the professional era’s first unbeaten year – a perfect 14 from 14 in 2013 – and have not lost at home in 30 matches or at Auckland’s Eden Park, venue for the first Test, in almost 20 years, defeats do not rub. For the public, press and players, expectation matches confidence: it is 3-0 or bust.


And with good reason. After a sluggish start to the season, the Kiwi teams have hit their Super Rugby straps and Steve Hansen’s squad is brimming with experienced, in-form players, with depth in almost every department. Richie McCaw, Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu and Ma’a Nonu have nearly 50 more caps between them than England’s 31-man advance party for the first Test.


With Beauden Barrett in simply sumptuous form and Aaron Cruden back from injury, the sabbatical-enforced absence of Dan Carter, who has sat out 19 of 40 Tests in the past three years due to a cocktail of injuries, does not pose the problems it did in 2011.


“Aaron Cruden has proved that he has what it takes at Test level”, says Craig Dowd, who played 60 times for the All Blacks. “He was winning games for the Chiefs until he injured his thumb but in the six weeks he spent out, Barrett has made a huge impression and given the selectors a headache. It’s now important to find out if he’s ready at this level – and he looks it – so I’d expect him to start in Auckland and then, as Cruden’s comeback progresses, he’ll maybe play in the second or third Tests. It’s a headache, but a good problem to have because No10 is a position that you need depth in at the World Cup, as New Zealand discovered last time.”


More pressing, according to Dowd, are the problems at hooker, one of few positions with scant high-class depth. Dane Coles is an impressive incumbent, Mealamu’s ageing body is creaking, while Nathan Harris and Liam Coltman are jostling for debuts.


“Hooker is a problem position as we’ve relied on Andrew Hore and Keven Mealamu for more than a decade and the new guys haven’t really come through. It’s really too early to say whether Coltman or Harris are ready for the top level as they haven’t even been playing Super Rugby for that long. They need to be given time and would have to take their game to a whole new level to thrive for the All Blacks.”


The tourists were the last team to down the All Blacks, and while many in New Zealand take that result with a pinch of salt due to the 24-hour sickness bug suffered by the All Blacks in the week leading up to the game, it was a moment that created a shift in attitude towards the English game. Before crashing his way through their midfield, New Zealand’s last memory of English rugby would have been Manu Tuilagi crashing into Auckland Harbour at the end of their diabolical World Cup of 2011. Thus there is respect for Lancaster’s work on team culture since that low ebb and the positive intent they displayed at Twickenham on that day.


“There’s a huge amount of respect for English rugby here, for the history and especially our forward play,” says Matt Symons, the Chiefs’ English lock, and Dowd is of the same mind. “The brand of rugby is different as England tends to favour a more pack-based game, whereas New Zealand like to throw it around but there’s plenty of respect,” he says. “They’re building a strong side under Lancaster and whatever team ends up being put out it won’t be an easy task. That defeat in 2012 really hurt – the All Blacks didn’t play well, for whatever reason, but England were brilliant and deserved their win.”


For all that respect, the desire to beat England is equally abundant. The former fly-half Andrew Mehrtens used his column this week to explain why he and many other New Zealanders hated losing to their “No1 enemy”. Mehrtens explains that he never hated English players themselves but the “old brigade” of England’s rugby establishment and that rugby isn’t “the people’s sport” had contributed to “a feeling that there had been an element of putting the colonials back in their place”, when England beat the All Blacks 15-9 in 1993.


“England are the team that we just hate losing to,” says Dowd. “That was the case when I was playing and I think it always has been. It’s something deep in the All Blacks psyche.”


Lancaster will not need reminding, but a mighty task lies ahead. The Kiwis are coming for him.


Article source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/10448240/Rugby-League-World-Cup-2013-Watch-out-theres-a-Kangaroo-about.html


In-form All Blacks looking to whitewash England in New Zealand

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Aviva Premiership final: Saracens fuming over TMO decision


Owen Farrell: had a score controversially chalked off



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Saracens chief executive Edward Griffiths has called for a root and branch review of the Television Match Official “shambles” after Owen Farrell’s controversial disallowed try in the Aviva Premiership final.


Northampton claimed their first Premiership title thanks to Alex Waller’s dramatic last-gasp try in extra time, the Saints edging home 24-20.


It might have been a different story, though, had Farrell seen his try just past the hour mark stand.


Referee JP Doyle initially awarded the score before reversing the decision after the apparent interjection of TMO Graham Hughes.


Doyle was heard to ask Alex Goode “are you taking the conversion?” after awarding the try, before then referring the decision on the try.


“Most teams in the Premiership would say the protocol has become a shambles, it’s almost make it up as you go along,” said Griffiths.


“Some referees use the TMO as a kind of video operator, ‘show me that again please’, others take instruction, others take guidance.


“This sounds like sour grapes but it isn’t, because this would be the case had that final try not been given. The TMO process is a shambles.


“It’s something Premiership Rugby will have to look at, but the protocol needs to be clarified exactly what is meant to happen.


“The role of the TMO needs to be clarified: it’s almost different with different referees and TMOs in different games.


“If you bring something into the game it’s got to be decisive.


“I’m not going to say it cost us the title, but the protocol, for the good of the game, needs to be clarified.


“In the old days the referee would have looked at what happened and made an educated decision.


“Would that have been any better or worse than what happened?


“The TMO has got something to add in the sport, but how and when it’s used has got to be clarified.


“It’s not clear what the TMO says, who says it, when the referee’s allowed to ask, when the TMO’s allowed to ask, it just looks like a general hotch-potch.”


Northampton rugby director Jim Mallinder shrugged off the impact of the TMO rulings.


Ifs and buts


“I think in a close game like that you can always pick on one or two ifs and buts decisions, and we could look on one or two things where we didn’t get the bounce of the ball either,” he said.


“Alex Waller’s score at the end was a clear try as soon as the ball went down – never in doubt!”


Captain Tom Wood admitted Northampton were proud to help Dylan Hartley complete his redemption after being sent off in last year’s Premiership final.


Hartley’s red card helped Leicester claim a 31-17 victory last term, and dumped him out of the summer’s British and Irish Lions tour.


Hartley returned from two months out with shoulder trouble to join the fray from the bench on Saturday, and strike last year’s day to forget from his mind completely.


“This time last year we were so disappointed, and nobody took it harder than Dylan,” said Wood on Hartley, who is now fit to fly out to New Zealand with England on Monday.


“He’s been the life and soul of our group and does a lot of work behind the scenes.


“It’s cruel on Ross McMillan who has done a great job in his absence, but when you’ve got quality like Dylan in the squad it does influence everybody.


“It’s good to have him around the team and his leadership coming off the bench, it certainly helped myself out.


“I’m pleased for Dylan he’s managed to experience that after last year, and get that off his back a little bit.”


Saracens rugby director Mark McCall confirmed injury worries to Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola are not thought to jeopardise their England tour to New Zealand.


Farrell suffered cramp with number eight Vunipola picking up an ankle knock, but McCall expects both to join up with England on Monday.


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Article source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/10448240/Rugby-League-World-Cup-2013-Watch-out-theres-a-Kangaroo-about.html


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Jonny Wilkinson bows out in style as Toulon win Top 14 Final

Jonny Wilkinson Toulon Top 14


Jonny Wilkinson: Played starring role


Toulon fly half Jonny Wilkinson drop Top 14 final v Castres


Jonny Wilkinson slots over a drop goal




Toulon gave Jonny Wilkinson the perfect send off by beating Castres 18-10 in the Top 14 Final at the Stade de France.


Wilkinson, in his final match as a professional, was the star of the show as Toulon claimed their first domestic championship title since 1992 and in doing so became the first French team since Toulouse in 1996 to win the Heineken Cup and the Bouclier de Brennus in the same season.


In a rematch of last year’s final, Wilkinson kicked 15 of his team’s points while full-back Delon Armitage added a late long-range penalty to seal a deserved win in a no-frills display.


It was hardly a classic encounter, but there will be no complaints from the faithful back at Stade Felix Mayol, who turned out in their thousands to watch their team make history.


Toulon led 12-10 at the interval thanks to three Wilkinson penalties and a drop goal in reply to Max Evans’ try for Castres.


Wilkinson opened the scoring from the kicking tee after Yannick Caballero was penalised for interfering with Toulon scrum-half Sebastien Tillous Borde when RCT were camped on the Castres line.


But Castres struck straight back with the game’s first try via Scotland wing Evans.


The TMO required a long time to decide whether Rory Kockott had knocked on as he and Delon Armitage battled in the air but to collect Evans’ kick ahead after he had broken clear deep inside his own half.


It was a close call but it controversially went in favour of the defending champions, who took the lead against the run of play.


Once Armitage and Kockott had been pulled apart the Castres scrum-half added the easy conversion.


Wilkinson narrowed the gap to a single point after the Castres scrum coughed up a penalty but Kockott replied when Juan Martn Fernndez Lobbe was pinged for not using the gate.


Trademark drop goal


The Toulon scrum won another penalty which Wilkinson duly knocked over before the former England fly-half put his side back in front with a trademark drop-goal.


Kockott missed two long-range efforts before the break to leave Toulon ahead by two as the teams swapped ends.


Wilkinson extended the lead with a fantastic kick from out wide after Rodrigo Capo Ortega pulled down a maul on 53 minutes before Armitage sent one over from 50 metres in the dying minutes.


Toulon did not miss the opportunity to pay tribute to England legend Wilkinson and played God Save the Queen over the tannoy after the final whistle.


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Article source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/10448240/Rugby-League-World-Cup-2013-Watch-out-theres-a-Kangaroo-about.html


Jonny Wilkinson bows out in style as Toulon win Top 14 Final

147 territories to screen Aviva Premiership Rugby Final



The total of 147, which is up from just over 100 last season, means the Final between Saracens and Northampton Saints will be televised around the globe to a huge audience.



The news – which is another big boost for professional club rugby in England – comes as Premiership Rugby announced a big rise in people watching Aviva Premiership Rugby domestically.



“Aviva Premiership Rugby is stronger than ever, our domestic audiences continue to grow both at games and on TV,” said Dominic Hayes, the Commercial Director of Premiership Rugby.



“Our international footprint has never been stronger – with 147 territories around the world tuning in to see the Aviva Premiership Rugby season finale there can be no doubt about the global appeal of the competition.”



The territories and channels where you can watch the final live are:



Brazil – ESPN

USA and Caribbean – Fox Soccer Plus

Canada – Sportsnet World

France – beIN Sports 2

Netherlands – Sport 1 Select

Malta – Go Sports 2

Czech Republic – Slovak Sport TV1

Slovakia – Slovak Sport TV1

Middle East and North Africa – beIN Sports Arabia 11HD and 14HD

South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa – Supersport 4 and 4HD

Asia – Setanta Sports and Sports Plus

New Zealand – The Rugby Channel Australia – Setanta Sports and Sports Plus



Earlier this month Premiership Rugby confirmed a significant 3% rise in attendances across Aviva Premiership Rugby and a stunning first season with BT Sport which led domestically to:



* An increase in average match TV audiences to 119,000, up 38% on last season

* A weekend average live audience of 358,000, which is 40% up on last year

* 7.88 million viewers watching Aviva Premiership Rugby clubs live on BT Sport this season, compared to 6.14 million for the same period last year.

* An ITV Weekend Audience of 434,000, up 6% on this time last season



Pitch International represents Premiership Rugby’s international television rights in all markets outside of the UK and Ireland as English rugby union embarks on a golden era for the sport. This current deal extends the current relationship with Premiership Rugby, which started in 2004.




Article source: http://www.express.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/437476/Work-to-be-done-for-Wales


147 territories to screen Aviva Premiership Rugby Final

Gloucester Rugby set to clinch the Wales back James Hook signing



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Gloucester are set to announce the hotly-anticipated signing of Wales back James Hook early next week.


The Cherry and Whites met the 75-capped international two weeks ago and terms were agreed last week but the move was delayed as the two parties awaited release papers from Perpignan.


Hook had signed a four-year deal with the Catalan club last September but a release clause was activated after they were relegated from the Top 14.


It is believed he had more than 10 offers on the table. But it is understood the details for a three-year contract at Kingsholm have been ironed out with an official announcement imminent.


He has been signed as a direct replacement for Freddie Burns, who has joined Leicester. Then Gloucester boss Nigel Davies first spoke to his representatives in March but the first real talks took place last week.


Gloucester will now have a wealth of resources at half-back with Hook, fellow Welshman Aled Thomas and Billy Burns the specialist contenders for the number 10 jersey and Greig Laidlaw and Dan Robson contesting at scrum-half. Gloucester still plan to sign a hooker and a scrum-half.



Article source: http://www.express.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/437476/Work-to-be-done-for-Wales


Gloucester Rugby set to clinch the Wales back James Hook signing

Jake Ball, Gordon D"Arcy or Adam Kleeberger...Just who has world rugby"s ...

In Jake Ball and Gordon D’Arcy, Wales and Ireland have two of the most outstanding displays of facial topiary to be found anywhere in the sporting world.


But while their beards might look impressive in isolation, they must really be judged in the context of the great rugby beards of all time.


Click through our gallery to see where you think the pair rank in the face of competition from the likes of Tatufa Polota-Nau, Joe Marler, and the peerless Adam Kleeberger.




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But today, we have a new contender. Rookie Jordan Williams last night played himself into Wales’ 32-man squad to tour South Africa in June.


You tell us, should he make this list?




         





 


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Article source: http://www.express.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/437476/Work-to-be-done-for-Wales


Jake Ball, Gordon D"Arcy or Adam Kleeberger...Just who has world rugby"s ...

Super Rugby: Lions stun Bulls in Jo"burg

marnitz boshoff lions blues


Marnitz Boshoff: late penalty


Warwick Tecklenburg Lions v Bulls SR 2014


Try-scorer: Warwick Tecklenburg




The Bulls’ play-off hopes took a knock when they suffered a 32-21 loss to the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday.


The Lions dominated from the outset but had to stave off a fightback from the visitors in the game’s closing stages. The home side thought they were home and dry when Warwick Tecklenburg scored a try in the 68th minute but the Bulls struck back with two late tries from William Small-Smith and Jaques du Plessis.


However, a late penalty from Marnitz Boshoff secured the win for the Lions and also denied the Bulls an opportunity to secure a bonus-point for losing by less than seven points.


The home side made a superb start and, after taking the ball through several phases from the kick-off, took a 3-0 lead thanks to a drop goal from Marnitz Boshoff in the third minute.


Two minutes later, the Bulls forwards were penalised for illegal scrummaging and Boshoff doubled his side’s lead from the kicking tee. The Bulls had an opportunity to narrow the gap, after Warren Whiteley was penalised for a line-out infringement, but Jacques-Louis Potgieter’s shot at goal was wide of the target.


The Lions kept up the pressure and were 9-0 up by the 10th minute when Boshoff slotted his second penalty and this was the catalyst for the visitors to increase their intensity on attack.


The Bulls were soon camped inside their hosts’ 22 and in the 19th minute they were unlucky not to score a try. Akona Ndungane made the initial break and was stopped on the Lions’ five-metre ine but managed to offload to Jurgen Visser, who spilled the ball as he was crossing the try-line.


Three minutes later the visitors thought they had their first try when Bjorn Basson crossed over, but his effort was disallowed after the television match official ruled that he had put a foot into touch.


The Bulls’ dominance was eventually rewarded when Potgieter landed a penalty in the 31st minute but, despite further forays into their opponents’ 22, they could not get over the try-line.


Another Potgieter penalty, in the 38th minute, was all they had to show for their efforts and the Lions went into the break leading 9-6.


The Bulls got the the first points of the second half via a Potgieter penalty in the 45th minute but the Lions regained the initiative from the restart.


Their captain Warren Whiteley did brilliantly to regain possession from the kick-off and offloaded to Alwyn Hollenbach inside the Bulls’ 22. Hollenbach still had work to do and sold two defenders a dummy before crashing over with a defender on his back.


Boshoff converted to give the hosts a 16-9 lead and hosts seemed to grow in confidence as the match progressed. They were dominating the Bulls in the contact situation, which seemed to surprise the visitors.


The Lions spent most of the next 10 minutes inside the Bulls half and were rewarded with another drop goal from Boshoff in the 5th minute and he followed that up with his third penalty three minutes later.


The Bulls were under the cosh and suffered a further setback when Tecklenburg rounded off after Elton Jantjies tore the Bulls defence to shreds from inside his half. Jantjies put Stokkies Hanekom in the clear but after he was hauled in by the cover defence, close to the try-line, he offloaded to the on-rushing Tecklenburg who crashed over.


Boshoff added the conversion and with 10 minutes left, the Bulls fought back, albeit too late. Small-Smith rounded off, in the 70th minute, after Bongi Mbonambi did well with a barnstorming run inside the Lions’ 22 in the build-up.


Three minutes later, Du Plessis then shrugged off several defenders before crossing over for his side’s second try and when Potgieter converted, to make the score 29-21, the Bulls were still confident of at least gaining that bonus-point.


It wasn’t to be, as Boshoff sealed the win for the home side with a 79th minute penalty after the visitors were pinged for a scrummaging infringement.


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Article source: http://www.express.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/437476/Work-to-be-done-for-Wales


Super Rugby: Lions stun Bulls in Jo"burg

Aviva Premiership final: Saracens take on Northampton Saints at Twickenham

GEORGE NORTH NORTHAMPTONS SAINTS AMLIN CHALLENGE CUP FINAL


George North was delighted to get his hands on a first trophy since his arrival at Franklin’s Gardens and he is expecting another tough test


Steve Borthwick Saracens 2014


Steve Borthwick: Fit to sign out for Sarries




Saracens are looking to bounce back from their Heineken Cup heartache when they take on Northampton Saints in Saturday’s Aviva Premiership final at Twickenham.


Mark McCall’s side slipped to a 23-6 defeat to champions Toulon as they went for a first-ever European Cup last weekend.


In contrast, opponents Northampton go into the game on a high, beating Bath 30-16 in last Friday’s Amlin Challenge Cup final.


But Saracens will be boosted by the fact they finished top of the regular table, with Northampton second.


In games between the sides, the Saints won 41-20 in the clash at Franklin’s Gardens back in October, while Saracens narrowly reversed the form with a 28-24 home victory last month.


In their semi-finals earlier this month, Saracens comfortably beat Harlequins 31-17 while Saints came back to beat Leicester Tigers 21-20.


Showpiece final


The showpiece final is Saracens captain Steve Borthwick’s final game as a professional rugby player before taking up a coaching position in Japan next season.


He wants to go out on a high, telling the club’s official website: “There has been a tremendous amount of hard work from lots of people in this organisation throughout this season and the years before to get to this point in time and to get to this final.


“I think that we are going to go out on Saturday and play as hard as we possibly can. I think that the one thing that I’m sure of this group is it won’t be for the want of trying.


“We’re playing against a very good team in Northampton, like we did last Saturday when we played Toulon, so I can’t tell you what the result will be, but we are going to give it our very best shot.”


But Saints wing George North, who scored in the semi-final comeback against Leicester, is hungry for more silverware after beating Bath.


He told SaintsTV: “Winning silverware was one of the main reasons I came to the club. Initially I thought it may take a bit of time to build that ethos but it has been awesome so far this season.


“We’ve really pushed on and to get a cup under our belts already has given us a lot of confidence.


“We know Saracens are a good side though and it’s hard to read too much into their game last weekend. Toulon are one of the best squads in world rugby, at a club or international level, and really turned it on.


“Saracens have been the form side in the Premiership all season so for us, we’ve really got to turn the taps up and go in hard on Saturday.”



Teams


Saracens will be without England prop Mako Vunipola, who has a knee injury, so Richard Barrington deputises.


Skipper Borthwick has overcome a troublesome pectoral muscle to play and is partnered in the second-row by Mouritz Botha.


A rotational switch at scrum-half sees Neil de Kock in for Richard Wigglesworth.


For Northampton, there are two changes from the side which beat Bath.


Scrum-half Kahn Fotuali’I starts instead of Lee Dickson, while prop Salesi Ma’afu returns from suspension and replaces Tom Mercey.


England hooker Dylan Hartley is on the bench after being sidelined for two months due to a shoulder injury.


Saracens: 15 Goode, 14 Ashton, 13 Bosch, 12 Barritt, 11 Strettle; 10 Farrell, 9 de Kock, 1 Barrington, 2 Brits, 3 Stevens, 4 Borthwick (c), 5 Botha, 6 Brown, 7 Burger, 8 Vunipola.
Replacements: 16 George, 17 Gill, 18 Johnston, 19 Hargreaves, 20 Wray, 21 Wigglesworth, 22 Hodgson, 23 Wyles.


Northampton: 15 Foden, 14 K Pisi, 13 G Pisi, 12 Burrell, 11 North, 10 Myler, 9 Fotuali’i, 1 Corbisiero, 2 Haywood, 3 Ma’afu, 4 Manoa, 5 Lawes, 6 Clark, 7 Wood (c), 8 Dickinson.
Replacements: 16 Hartley, 17 Waller, 18 Mercy, 19 Day, 20 Dowson, 21 Dickson, 22 Wilson, 23 Stephenson.

Aviva Premiership final: Northampton Saints beat Saracens in extra time

Billy Vunipola of Saracens


Billy Vunipola on the charge for Saracens


Northampton Saints


Northampton celebrate their first Premiership title




Northampton are champions for the first time after beating Saracens 24-20 in extra time in the Aviva Premiership final.


Saints won a thrilling game with a last minute try by Alex Waller in extra time at Twickenham.


Northampton’s victory came just over a week after they had beaten Bath in the European Challenge Cup final and meant double heartbreak for 2011 champions Saracens, who lost to Toulon in the Heineken Cup final last Saturday.


Charlie Hodgson’s two penalties after the game finished 14-14 following 80 minutes of fierce combat looked to have seen Saracens home, but Saints had one more attack left in them and replacement forward Waller pounced for a score that Stephen Myler converted.


Owen Farrell earlier kicked three penalties and centre Marcelo Bosch scored a try for Saracens, while Northampton claimed touchdowns for full-back Ben Foden and centre George Pisi, with Myler booting both conversions and landing an extra-time penalty.


A cramped-up Farrell went off in the second half, just 48 hours before he flies to New Zealand and joins England’s tour squad.


And he was also at the centre of the game’s most controversial moment after he claimed a seemingly-good try that referee J P Doyle concurred with, before Doyle belatedly required a TMO verdict and the try was ruled out for a forward pass in the build-up.


Saracens kept their nerve during most of a frenzied finale, but they ultimately ran out of time.


The opening flurries were tense and riddled with mistakes and, although Northampton dominated in terms of territory, it was Saracens who went ahead when Farrell landed a 35-metre penalty after 11 minutes.


Northampton needed to shake off Saracens’ suffocating approach and it arrived 10 minutes before the break when wing Ken Pisi broke free from deep inside his own half.


Saracens had sufficient defensive numbers to thwart the danger, but it proved only a temporary reprieve as Saints capitalised in devastating fashion.


Myler sparked an attack 10 metres out and the finish was devastating as Luther Burrell and Pisi combined to send Foden over, with Myler’s conversion putting Northampton 7-6 ahead.


Sustained pressure


Farrell put Saracens back in front through a 45th-minute penalty, but back came Northampton as they exerted another spell of sustained pressure that stretched their opponents on both flanks.


Saints skipper Dylan Hartley appeared off the bench after 55 minutes for his first outing since suffering a shoulder injury two months ago, suggesting he will be ready to join England’s tour party in New Zealand early next week.


And his arrival coincided with Northampton looking to increase the tempo as a tight, tense final approached its final quarter.


Saints possessed a prolific force in North and it was his power and destructive capability that smashed Saracens’ defence out wide and set up a chance for the midlanders to pounce.


And Myler did not require a second invitation, as his superbly-placed kick was gathered by Pisi for Northampton’s second try that Myler again converted.


Saracens looked to have drawn level with 18 minutes remaining when Farrell finished off a move sparked by Goode and Chris Wyles, but referee Doyle disallowed the try after initially appearing to award it as he belatedly referred matters to television match official Graham Hughes.


It was a defining moment, but one that went in Saints’ favour as they closed in on a second piece of silverware in eight days.


But Saracens were not finished and they drew level seven minutes from time after brilliant approach work by hooker Schalk Brits led to a try for Bosch before Hodgson’s conversion attempt hit a post.


And it meant the final going to an added 20 minutes for the first time in the event’s 12-year existence, with Hodgson’s penalty double edging Saracens ahead before Waller provided stunning late drama.


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Article source: http://www.express.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/437476/Work-to-be-done-for-Wales


Aviva Premiership final: Northampton Saints beat Saracens in extra time

Newport Titans and Bridgend Blue Bulls triumph in Welsh Conference rugby ...


CARDIFF SPARTANS 8 NEWPORT TITANS 52


Cardiff Spartans had a baptism of fire in their debut game as an open-age side as the lost 52-8 to Newport Titans and suffering a red card in the process.


After winning a goal-line drop out, Titans look the lead with less than two minutes on the clock, courtesy of a John Lavender try that was converted by Callum Rowland, the first of his eight goals of the afternoon.


Spartans first touch of the game came from a scrum and then promptly conceded a penalty giving possession back to Newport.


They didn’t waste it. Dale Tucker went over for the first of his hat-trick of tries with Rowland’s goal making the score 12-0.


Spartans hit back through a Chad Willson try but it was a only a brief reprieve. The red card occurred when the score was 28-4 and it accelerated from there.


Dwaine Bailey notched a brace of tries, the first a 60 metre run down the wing with Craig Lewis following suit with a similar score.


Mike Roberts and Rhys Hendley were also over the line in the second half as the Titans made the extra man show.


The Spartans did manage another try back via Joseph Davies but the damage was already done.



BRIDGEND BLUE BULLS 66 GWENDRAETH VALLEY RAIDERS 38


Bridgend Blue Bulls are definitely back in the hunt for a league title after securing their second home win in as many weeks.


Newcomers Gwendraeth Valley Raiders were the victims on this occasion, succumbing to a 66-38 defeat despite having former South Wales Scorpions utility Alan Pope in the side as well as players from the South Wales AASE Academy in Maesteg.


Huw Rosser, Gareth Howells, Owain Williams, Dale Wood and Owen Thomas all scored two tries apiece for Bridgend with Thomas’ second being the try of the game.


It was solid carrying from the forwards. Owen carried as the ball was spread wide from Gareth Howells, he shrugged off a tackle and dummied to draw the full-back before grounding after his 35 metre run.


Andy Milne also crossed for Bridgend with Gareth Howells kicking all 11 conversions successfully.


Pope scored two tries for the visitors as did Zak Williams. Williams’ fellow AASE team mate Shane Lee scored once and kicked all of their goals while tries from Daf Daniels and Andrew Rees completed their scoring.


Article source: http://www.express.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/437476/Work-to-be-done-for-Wales


Newport Titans and Bridgend Blue Bulls triumph in Welsh Conference rugby ...

Former Caterham School enjoying international rugby success



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RUGBY: Former Caterham School student Mario Zakakiotis has continued the perfect start to his international career by helping Cyprus to a world record run of wins.


Zakakiotis played for the school’s rugby team between 2011 and 2013, and was also part of Old Caterhamians. Soon after joining Leeds University, Zakakiotis was drafted into the Cyprus international squad, a remarkable achievement for a 19- year-old.


He made his debut for Cyprus in November against Austria, with the Cypriots running out 22-8 winners. He then played in two further Cyprus victories, first against Bulgaria (46-15) and then against Hungary (46-13).


He joins the Cyprus team as they ride a crest of a wave – they currently hold the world record for the most consecutive wins in international rugby, with the win against Hungary being their 23rd on the bounce.


Caterham’s director of sport Rob Clarke said: “I am absolutely delighted for Mario. I remember meeting him for the first time when he came for a sports scholarship assessment for entry into the sixth form. It was clear then that he possessed all of the attributes needed to become an exceptional rugby player and that he had exactly the right attitude to make the most of his potential.


“He worked incredibly hard at his game while at Caterham and was a real force for the first XV. I am sure he has a long and successful international career ahead of him.”



Article source: http://www.espnscrum.com/barbarians/rugby/story/227075.html


Former Caterham School enjoying international rugby success

137 territories to screen Aviva Premiership Rugby Final



The total of 147, which is up from just over 100 last season, means the Final between Saracens and Northampton Saints will be televised around the globe to a huge audience.



The news – which is another big boost for professional club rugby in England – comes as Premiership Rugby announced a big rise in people watching Aviva Premiership Rugby domestically.



“Aviva Premiership Rugby is stronger than ever, our domestic audiences continue to grow both at games and on TV,” said Dominic Hayes, the Commercial Director of Premiership Rugby.



“Our international footprint has never been stronger – with 147 territories around the world tuning in to see the Aviva Premiership Rugby season finale there can be no doubt about the global appeal of the competition.”



The territories and channels where you can watch the final live are:



Brazil – ESPN

USA and Caribbean – Fox Soccer Plus

Canada – Sportsnet World

France – beIN Sports 2

Netherlands – Sport 1 Select

Malta – Go Sports 2

Czech Republic – Slovak Sport TV1

Slovakia – Slovak Sport TV1

Middle East and North Africa – beIN Sports Arabia 11HD and 14HD

South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa – Supersport 4 and 4HD

Asia – Setanta Sports and Sports Plus

New Zealand – The Rugby Channel Australia – Setanta Sports and Sports Plus



Earlier this month Premiership Rugby confirmed a significant 3% rise in attendances across Aviva Premiership Rugby and a stunning first season with BT Sport which led domestically to:



* An increase in average match TV audiences to 119,000, up 38% on last season

* A weekend average live audience of 358,000, which is 40% up on last year

* 7.88 million viewers watching Aviva Premiership Rugby clubs live on BT Sport this season, compared to 6.14 million for the same period last year.

* An ITV Weekend Audience of 434,000, up 6% on this time last season



Pitch International represents Premiership Rugby’s international television rights in all markets outside of the UK and Ireland as English rugby union embarks on a golden era for the sport. This current deal extends the current relationship with Premiership Rugby, which started in 2004.




Article source: http://www.espnscrum.com/barbarians/rugby/story/227075.html


137 territories to screen Aviva Premiership Rugby Final

Welsh Probables ease past Possibles

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The Welsh Probables



The Welsh Probables smashed the Possibles 55-7 in the trial match at the Liberty Stadium on Friday evening.



It was the first time since 2000 that the traditional Welsh trial match took place and it gave Warren Gatland a chance to run the rule over his players ahead of naming the 31-man squad for their two-Test tour of South Africa.



While the pre-match hype clearly caught the imagination of the Welsh public with the game selling out, the match ended up being little more than a procession for the Probables who ended up scoring eight tries with Jonathan Davies in fine form. He finished the match with a hat-trick of tries to his name and the Man of the Match award while Dan Biggar brought up a personal haul of 20 points.



For the Possibles, the performance of Ellis Jenkins at openside would have caught the coaches’ eyes while Biggar outshone James Hook in the battle of the two fly-halves. The game did come at a cost for Possibles tight-head Samson Lee who left the field in the second-half with what looked to be a serious shoulder injury.



The match was played without any of those in the Aviva Premiership due to it falling outside of the IRB’s international window but those on the field did their best to put down a marker ahead of Wales trip to South Africa.



A dominant first-half saw the Probables bag five tries but injuries to Ken Owens and Jamie Roberts may have taken the shine off the performance for their coach Rob Howley and the watching Gatland. The precedent was set for the rest of the game after just two minutes when the Probables’ Jordan Williams barged over into the corner. That was quickly followed by a try for Biggar though his decision moments later to slot a penalty instead of kicking it to touch was greeted with boos from the crowd.



But they soon had reason to cheer when Davies bagged a quick-fire personal double to make it 29-0 after 25 minutes. The Probables had ascendancy in every area of the game and it was little surprise when Liam Williams added their fifth before half-time.



The 34-0 lead saw a host of players taken off at half-time but it was a similar story in the second-half with Scott Baldwin going over after 44 minutes and Davies completing his hat-trick soon after. The pace of the game soon slowed to a crawl as the substitutions and various injury breaks ruined any momentum but it was the Possibles who struck next when scrum-half Gareth Davies went over after 61 minutes.



In the closing stages it was the Possibles who found another gear with Bristol-bound Matthew Morgan, who came on for Dan Fish, making a fantastic impact and causing the Probables difficulty and they nearly had a second try for their efforts but Jenkins’ late score was ruled out for obstruction. Instead it was the Probables who had the final say with Williams grabbing his second to round off a comfortable win.



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Article source: http://www.espnscrum.com/barbarians/rugby/story/227075.html


Welsh Probables ease past Possibles

Jimmy Cowan relishing Barbarians clash with England XV

Jimmy Cowan (in cherry and white) in action against Harlequins


Jimmy Cowan (in cherry and white) in action against Harlequins


New Zealand scrum-half Jimmy Cowan is relishing the chance to beat England at Twickenham on Sunday.


Cowan lines-up for an experienced Barbarians team against what is effectively a third-string England XV full of youthful talent.


The 32-year-old has won 51 caps for the All Blacks but he will be playing in the famous black and white stripes on Sunday alongside players from nine nations.


“The Barbarians is a unique experience for me, because it’s something I’ve been longing to do,” he said.


“There are nine different nationalities, I’ve played with some of these boys in the past; it’s great to be back alongside them again.


“There’s so much tradition and heritage, and it’s up to us to uphold that, go out and put on a real show and wear the jersey with pride this weekend.


“Of course everyone wants to beat England at Twickenham!


“It’s great to have another chance to take on England at Twickenham, the home of rugby, and they have been pretty good of late.


“The first string might be out in New Zealand but there’s some good boys there who want to climb that ladder and push for higher honours. So it should be an interesting challenge.”


Cowan has just finished a two-year spell with Gloucester and he could come up against his Cherry and Whites team-mate Dan Robson – also a scrum-half – who is named on the England bench.


“It’s testament to what Dan has done in the last two years in the Gloucester jersey that he has moved onto England’s radar,” said Cowan.


“To see him within the England set-up now is fantastic: hopefully he can get on the field on Sunday and kick on from where he left off with Gloucester.


“He’s been quality and if he gets a chance hopefully he can make a big impact too.


“That’s a given that I’ll keep the young boy honest if he comes into the mix and I go against him!


Article source: http://www.espnscrum.com/barbarians/rugby/story/227075.html


Jimmy Cowan relishing Barbarians clash with England XV

Super Rugby preview: Round 16




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Friday, May 23



Crusaders v Force, AMI Stadium, Christchurch



19:35 local, 07:35 GMT, 17:35 EST, 17:05 CST, 15:35 WST



Head to Head: Played 8; Crusaders 4, Force 2, Draw 2



In Christchurch: Played 3; Crusaders 2, Force 1



Last Played: Round 9, 2013 -Force 16-14 Crusaders, nib Stadium, Perth



Preview: The Crusaders snuck into top spot in the New Zealand conference after a tight finish last week, and they will be determined to cement that position. They started strongly against the Highlanders last week, but then took their foot off the gas and allowed their opponents a chance to steal the match. The Crusaders were destructive with the ball, holding most of the possession and crashing over for four tries, before their loss of concentration almost cost them dearly. The Crusaders surprisingly have only two wins at home this season, after they were undone by the Sharks only two weeks ago, but the return of their captain, Kieran Read, has buoyed them to take on the confident Force side.



The Force head to New Zealand brimming with confidence after their history-making eighth win of the season, and they are ready to take on the New Zealand conference leaders. The Force dominated possession against the Lions last week (67%), but they struggled to execute many of their plays; they cannot afford similar profligacy this week as they are most unlike to claim a similar possession advantage against the Crusaders. Known for their tight defence, the Force will need to hold firm on their line and take advantage of loose play as has become their wont. And after last week’s disastrous clearing-kick attempt, don’t expect Nick Cummins to be given the duty again.



Greg Growden’s verdict: Kieran Read is back for the Crusaders and that should be enough to stall the Force. The Force are brilliant in defending on their own line, and relying on opposition mistakes to get home. So, too, are the Crusaders – and they have far more talent.



Tips: Greg Growden: Crusaders by 15 Brittany Mitchell: Crusaders by 7 Brett McKay: Crusaders by 10.



Reds v Highlanders, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane



19:40 local, 09:40 GMT, 19:40 EST, 19:10 CST, 17:40 WST



Head to Head: Played 18; Reds 9, Highlanders 9



In Brisbane: Played 9; Reds 7, Highlanders 2



Last Played: Round 7, 2013 -Highlanders 33-34 Reds, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin



Preview: The Reds should be refreshed in mind and body after sitting out last week’s round through a bye, and they need to be if they are to move up the from the bottom of the ladder. Facing the wooden spoon, the Reds will take to the field searching for their fourth win of the season to celebrate Will Genia’s 100th cap – and they are sure to find some strength in the return through the bench of Liam Gill. With the backline struggling to find any form or momentum, however, the loss of Quade Cooper could prove too much for the wayward side.



The Highlanders fell agonisingly short last weekend, when they were undone by a slow start to each half. They bounced back but ill-discipline put them on the backfoot and ultimately cost them the match. They head to Brisbane eager at least to maintain sixth place on the standings heading into the June break, and they will be aiming for a try-scoring blitz with the attacking talent of Malaki Fekitoa continuing to shine.



Greg Growden’s verdict: The Highlanders are among the most entertaining teams to watch, and they will be outright favourites. But this is the type of game where the old Reds’ mentality should at last return. Everything is against them, and the Reds are renowned for using the “us versus the world” philosophy to great effect.



Tips: Greg Growden: Reds by 2 Brittany Mitchell: Highlanders by 5 Brett McKay:Highlanders by 10.



Saturday, May 24



Chiefs v Waratahs, Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth



16:35 local, 04:35 GMT, 14:35 EST, 14:05 CST, 12:35 WST



Head to Head: Played 18; Chiefs 7, Waratahs 11



In New Plymouth: No previous meetings at this venue



In Waikato: Played 9; Chiefs 5, Waratahs 4



Last Played: Round 10, 2013 -Waratahs 25-20 Chiefs, Allianz Stadium, Sydney



Preview: The Chiefs were embarrassed last week, when they were outplayed and overrun by the Hurricanes in a six-tries-to-one shellacking. They hit the scoreboard early, but struggled thereafter to turn possession into points and they were blanked in the second half while they struggled to hold back the rampaging Hurricanes backline. That loss saw them slip out of the top six for the first time this season, and they the Chiefs will need to fight hard to regain a berth in the play-offs. But will the confident Waratahs be too much at their new home stadium in New Plymouth?



The Waratahs dominated the Rebels in Melbourne last week, and they were rewarded with top spot in the Australian conference and second place on the Super Rugby standings. Hammering the Rebels in possession (74%), territory (79%) and points in their six-tries-to-one win, the Waratahs were dominant in every facet of the game. They have otherwise struggled on the road, and they must improve their goal-kicking in order to secure their first win in New Zealand since 2010.



Greg Growden’s verdict: The Chiefs are suddenly looking wonky, while the Waratahs are bounding with confidence. Michael Cheika’s torture treatment of the players before the start of the season is working because they are at last fit. They are primed for the Chiefs.



Tips: Greg Growden:Waratahs by 3 Brittany Mitchell: Waratahs by 3 Brett McKay: Waratahs by 3.



Blues v Hurricanes, Eden Park, Auckland



19:35 local, 07:35 GMT, 17:35 EST, 17:05 CST, 15:35 WST



Head to Head: Played 22; Blues 13, Hurricanes 8, Drawn 1



In Auckland: Played 11; Blues 7, Hurricanes 4



Last Played: Round 10, 2013 -Hurricanes 39-20 Blues, Westpac Stadium, Wellington



Preview: The Hurricanes purely outclassed the Chiefs last week, running in six tries as they moved into fifth place on the table. They let the Chiefs in early but dominated the game thereafter, building momentum and converting their minimal possession into points. As the Hurricanes’ backline continues to their rhythm, they are proving they are a hard side to slow. Eden Park is always a troubling task for the Hurricanes, but the Blues suffered their first home defeat of the season – by the ladder-leading Sharks – last week.



The Blues couldn’t resist the Sharks last week, when the confident South African side took any chance to score points while the Blues struggled to turn possession into points. The Blues came out firing in the second half, and hit back early, but they couldn’t turn their dominant possession (82%) into a lead. The Blues were previously unbeaten at home this season, and they will be primed to for this tight derby.



Greg Growden’s verdict: The Hurricanes often turn into a feeble breeze when they head to Auckland. Old rivalries can distract, and the Blues will use home-ground advantage to great effect.



Tips: Greg Growden: Blues by 6 Brittany Mitchell: Hurricanes by 5 Brett McKay:Hurricanes by 7.



Brumbies v Rebels, GIO Stadium, Canberra



19:40 local, 09:40 GMT, 19:40 EST, 19:10 CST, 17:40 WST



Head to Head: Played 7; Brumbies 5, Rebels 2



In Canberra: Played 3; Brumbies 3, Rebels 0



Last Played: Round 7, 2014 -Rebels 32-24 Brumbies, AAMI Park, Melbourne



Preview: The Brumbies return home from a horror South African tour, which saw them lose their two clashes and slip from top of the Australian conference and second on the all-round ladder to third in Australia and seventh on the table. The Brumbies struggled against the Bulls last week, with poor defence and a lack of penetration in attack, particularly in the first half, but they were undone primarily by silly errors and poor execution. They have dominated in Canberra so far this season, however, so will be aiming to head into the June break with a win that moves them up the ladder.



The Rebels fought hard but were simply outclassed by the Waratahs in their six-tries-to-one loss last week. They struggled to gain possession (26%) and territory (21%), and hence were on the defence throughout; no wonder they were unable to contain the rampaging Waratahs side. They stuck close early in the first half, punishing the Waratahs for ill-discipline, but were unable to cross the whitewash until the 59th minute. They will remember keenly their win over the Brumbies in Melbourne earlier this season, and they will hope to test their hosts with a strong scrum, but they may struggle to contain the Brumbies’ backline.



Greg Growden’s verdict: The Brumbies discovered during a scatty road tour of South Africa both their limitations and that some of their forwards aren’t as good as they think they are. As well, their obsession with kicking everything out of their own quarter doesn’t always work. Plan B is required. It’s likely to appear against the energetic but floundering Rebels.



Tips: Greg Growden: Brumbies by 12 Brittany Mitchell: Brumbies by 10 Brett McKay: Brumbies by 10.



Lions v Bulls, Ellis Park, Johannesburg



17:05 local, 15:05 GMT, 01:05 EST +1d, 00:35 CST +1d, 23:05 WST



Head to Head: Played 20; Lions 5, Bulls 14, Drawn 1



In Johannesburg: Played 8, Lions 2, Bulls 6



Last Played: Round 3, 2014 – Bulls 25-17 Lions, Pretoria



Preview: The Lions have returned home from a poor Australasian tour that saw them lose five matches on the trot, struggling to find momentum and unable to play a full 80 minutes. They produced arguably their best performance on tour against Western Force in Perth last week, but they were unable to resist their hosts with only 33% possession. They will be glad to have returned home, but facing the charging Bulls could be too much and result in a sixth straight loss.



The Bulls have turned their season around with three consecutive wins to stand only a few points shy of the top six. They dominated the Brumbies last week, claiming momentum early with an effort praised by their coach as a “clinical performance, especially in attack”. The short trip down the road to Johannesburg will do little to faze the side, even with Victor Matfield finally rested.



Greg Growden’s verdict: No wonder the South African media is pushing for the grand old man of Springboks football – Victor Matfield – to lead them in Tests this season. He is again firing, and giving the Bulls a late season surge. It should continue in Johannesburg, even without Matfield.



Tips: Greg Growden: Bulls by 10 Brittany Mitchell: Bulls by 15 Brett McKay: Bulls by 14.



Sharks v Stormers, Kings Park, Durban



19:10 local, 17:10 GMT, 03:10 EST +1d, 02:40 CST +1d, 01:10 WST +1d



Head to Head: Played 21; Sharks 11, Stormers 10



In Durban: Played 10; Sharks 6, Stormers 4



Last Played: Round 9, 2013 -Stormers 22-15 Sharks, Newlands, Cape Town



Preview: The Sharks returned home with two wins in New Zealand and one in Australia. The only South African team to win across the Indian Ocean, the Sharks proved that they have the ability to win at any venue with only 14-men on the park. With little possession against the Blues last week, the Sharks made sure to turn any ball into points, and were quick to put pressure on in the first half, but several lapses in concentration cost them. They will look to continue their winning ways as they head into the June break.



The Stormers blanked the Cheetahs last week in recording the season’s first shutout, completely outplaying their opponents with a strong counter attack and dominating defence. The Stormers will be hoping to enter the June break with a win, after their previous woes and injuries, but the highflying Sharks side will be a tough ask.



Greg Growden’s verdict: The Stormers have been the flops of the South African conference, and the Sharks now look major finals threats. At home, this should be a breeze.



Tips: Greg Growden: Sharks by 15 Brittany Mitchell: Sharks by 12 Brett McKay: Sharks by 10.


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Super Rugby preview: Round 16

Premiership final: Saracens v Northampton Saints

Northampton Saints have named captain Dylan Hartley among their replacements for Saturday’s Premiership final against Saracens at Twickenham.


But the hooker’s England team-mate Mako Vunipola is missing for Sarries having had surgery on a dislocated patella.


Saints are aiming for their first-ever Premiership title, after


losing to rivals Leicester in last year’s final.


“We’ve learned some serious lessons over the last few years,” Northampton’s stand-in skipper Tom Wood said.




Steve Borthwick


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Friendships ‘matter most’ to Borthwick




“We’ve always had the determination but our direction has improved.


“Saracens have always got a plan. They’re incredibly organised. We’ve found in the past that if you can disrupt that you stand a chance.


“But if you carry into their strengths and overplay in your half you’re in for a long day.”


Sarries, who were


beaten by Toulon in the Heineken Cup


final last week, bring in Richard Barrington in place of Vunipola at loose-head prop, while scrum-half Neil de Kock rotates with Richard Wigglesworth to start the game at number nine.



Retiring lock Steve Borthwick


will lead the side out for the last time, for a record 265th Premiership appearance.


“Everybody reacts to things in their own individual way,” Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall said of their loss to Toulon.


“The objective is that by Saturday we have a powerful collective response.


Routes to the final




Having finished the regular season top of the table with 19 wins from 22 matches,
Saracens


overcame Harlequins at Allianz Park to book their place in the final.


Northampton Saints


finished second in the league, 11 points adrift of Sarries, and beat Leicester in the semi-finals to reach Twickenham.



“Our group is very good at moving on and responding to setbacks.


“We have had a magnificent season. We had a disappointment last Saturday, albeit I was proud of the performances.


“You don’t want to pigeonhole Northampton as they are a much more rounded team.


“Their set-piece remains very strong, they have added to their attacking game and have some pretty good athletes in their back line.


“Before Saturday we had huge momentum. We are not too damaged by what happened.”


Northampton, who


beat Tigers at the semi-final stage


a fortnight ago, also make a change at scrum-half, with Kahn Fotuali’i preferred ahead of England international Lee Dickson.


Salesi Ma’afu returns to the front row after serving a one-week ban for landing a punch on Leicester hooker Tom Youngs in that 21-20 victory.


Hartley, meanwhile, is back on the bench having not featured for the first team since


injuring his shoulder at the end of March.




Jim Mallinder


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Mallinder urges Saints to stay calm




The 28-year-old was sent off in last season’s Premiership final for


swearing at referee Wayne Barnes


and calling him a “cheat”.


Less than 24 hours before Saracens suffered defeat at the Millennium Stadium, Northampton ended their four-year wait for a trophy – and a run of four losses in finals – by winning the Amlin Challenge Cup.


“I think to some extent it is a weight lifted off your shoulders,” Wood told BBC Radio Northampton.


“We were beaten Heineken Cup finalists and in the Premiership semi-finals (in 2011) and you think you have the world at your feet.


“Losing that Heineken Cup final, suddenly the doubts start creeping in and you’re staring down the barrel of going home with nothing. I don’t feel like the pressure is on so much.


“Having a trophy in the cabinet gives us that bit of momentum. It can work against you, because you don’t want any complacency. But I think we can write that off with the team we’ve got.”


Saracens:


Goode; Ashton, Bosch, Barritt, Strettle; Farrell, De Kock; Barrington, Brits, Stevens; Borthwick (capt), Botha; Brown, Burger, B. Vunipola.


Replacements:


George, Gill, Johnston, Haregreaves, Wray, Wigglesworth, Hodgson, Wyles.


Northampton Saints:


Foden; K. Pisi, G. Pisi, Burrell, North; Myler, Fotuali’i; Corbisiero, Haywood, Ma’afu; Manoa, Lawes; Clark, Wood (capt), Dickinson.


Replacements:


Hartley, Waller, Mercey, Day, Dowson, Dickson, Wilson, Stephenson.


There will be live text commentary of Saturday’s Premiership final on the BBC Sport website, starting at 13:45 BST with a review of the domestic season.



Premiership final: Saracens v Northampton Saints

Scottish Rugby confirm former women"s SFA head Sheila Begbie

Sheila Begbie will take over as head of women


Sheila Begbie will take over as head of women’s rugby in Scotland


Sheila Begbie has switched from head of women’s football in Scotland to head of women’s rugby in Scotland.


The MBE ends a 16-year stint at the Scottish Football Association to take up the role.


Scottish Rugby said in a statement: “Scottish Rugby is delighted to announce the appointment of Sheila Begbie MBE to the newly-created position of head of women’s rugby.”


Begbie said: “I think what I’ll bring from football is a blueprint of success because we’ve had lots of successes in the women’s game.”


She will report to director of rugby Scott Johnson, who said: “It’s a wonderful appointment. Sheila has had a great career in Scottish women’s soccer and this shows our intent to make women’s rugby a priority and how important this aspect of the game is to our organisation.”


SFA chief executive Stewart Regan rued the departure, adding: “Sheila will be a loss to the Scottish FA. Her drive, commitment, expertise and connections across sport and politics have helped the women’s game take huge leaps forward at all levels.”


The SFA are rumoured to be looking at former Scotland player Shelley Kerr, who will stand down as Arsenal Ladies manager following Sunday’s Women’s FA Cup final.




Scottish Rugby confirm former women"s SFA head Sheila Begbie

Warriors flying the flag for Scottish rugby

Speaking before he boarded a charter flight to Ireland yesterday afternoon, Kellock said that he and his fellow players would not be distracted by the emotional backdrop as Brian O’Driscoll, Ireland’s greatest player, takes part in his final game.



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“This has to be about Glasgow Warriors,” said Kellock. “It has to be about what we have done and what this could do for this club, rugby in this city and this country. There are enough motivating factors without focusing on any others.”


With the Warriors playing in their first major final since rugby turned professional 19 years ago, Townsend echoed Kellock’s sentiments. “I think it would be a huge boost for Scottish rugby,” he said.


Glasgow reached the final with a battling 16-15 victory over Munster at Scotstoun a fortnight ago, and Kellock said that the whole side could draw inspiration and strength from that performance. “Against Munster we had to go to some really dark places,” he said. “Some incredible effort was needed. I feel we are a stronger team because of that. We have learned the lessons and we know how to win games.”


Kellock, who has captained Glasgow for eight seasons, also revealed that he had never known the city to be so excited about rugby as it has been in recent weeks. “This has been my life, my family’s life,” he said. “This would be enormous not just for me, but enormous for the 23 guys who get the opportunity to play, for the guys who are sitting in the stand, everybody involved in the club and everybody who works for the club and for rugby in Glasgow and Scotland.


“Fathers who I played with are now taking their sons over. The interest and the level that we are at is something I have never experienced, and that is before a ball has been kicked. So if we can bring that trophy home it would take it to a level we have not seen before.”



Warriors flying the flag for Scottish rugby

Rugby ace Marlie Packer misses out on England FIRA/AER Sevens Grand Prix ...



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MARLIE Packer has missed out on a place in England’s squad for next week’s Sevens Grand Prix as their head coach keeps one eye on the XVs World Cup.


Head coach Simon Middleton has mixed up his squad for the first leg of the FIRA/AER competition in Moscow, Russia, including three uncapped players.


Richmond’s Joanne Watmore is one of the more high-profile recalls, included in the travelling party have been omitted from the Elite Playing Squad last September and most recently playing for England at the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens.


Middleton said: “As the XVs Rugby World Cup nears, we are using this tournament as an opportunity to give some of our younger, up and coming players some invaluable experience in top level rugby.



“At the same time, this is also a chance for some of our players who have appeared on the Sevens World Series the chance to step up and take on a more senior role.


“It is also encouraging to welcome Joanne back to the squad and we look forward to seeing how she fairs after a year out from international rugby.”


England, who finished fourth in the Sevens World Series behind New Zealand, Australia and Canada, will play Ireland, Portugal and Belgium in the pool stages on Saturday, June 7 before hoping to tackle the knock out rounds on Sunday.


Middleton added: “Obviously we are going into this tournament looking to do as well as we can. It would be great to win it but the most important thing is that we can use this series as a development tool for our sevens squad. These could be players who are integral to our World Series challenge next season.”




Rugby ace Marlie Packer misses out on England FIRA/AER Sevens Grand Prix ...

Rugby league: Derby City man off on tour to Russia with Midlands Lionhearts



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DERBY City rugby league player Jon Doughty is off to Russia next week to represent the Midlands Lionhearts.


Doughty has been selected for the tour as part of a 19-man regional squad.


The players fly out on Wednesday and take on a Moscow select side in the Red Arrow Stadium on Friday.


Two days later, on Sunday, they are due to face a Russia select side in Moscow’s Vereya Stadium.


Doughty, who has just turned 46 and is “the eldest on the tour by around 10 years-plus”, sees the call-up as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.


“I’ve been playing rugby for more than 30 years and rugby league for only two but this is the high point,” he said.


“Russia have been playing the game since 1991 and it’s well known they can produce big, skilful players.


“A fair few have been taken on by clubs in this country to aid their development and although none have yet made the grade, we don’t underestimate them.


“They are ranked seventh in Europe and 15th in the world.


“They are now into their 2014 international programme, having recently beaten Ukraine 24–18.”


The Lionhearts are coached by Patrick Wilson (Northampton Demons) and Dean Thompson (Coventry Dragons).


“We had a terrific warm-up match recently against Premier champions Telford Raiders and we had our last training session in Coventry last week,” said Doughty.


“We mix really well as a team and push each other hard in training, so there is no lack of confidence.


“Ten teams from the Midlands are represented and it’s interesting that some players come from teams higher and lower in the Midlands Leagues than Derby.


“We are all now looking forward to the matches and putting on a good show for the Midlands.”


Doughty is feeling confident about his own form going into the trip, having stepped up to the Midlands Premier League with Derby this term.


“I’ve been selected in my usual position at hooker,” he said. “In the modern game, it’s the hooker who sets the pace and direction of the side after each tackle, so I have to be at the top of my game.


“With us moving up to the Premier League this year, I feel my game and game awareness has improved a lot as we have faced some very well disciplined sides, where a good start is essential and any mistakes are quickly punished.”


DERBY went down 36-20 at home to Birmingham Bulldogs in their latest Premier League match.


Jack Pearce (2), Lewis Thompson and Will Smith got the hosts’ tries.


Derby’s Merit side were edged out 22-18 by Buxton in their most recent outing.


Doughty bagged a couple of tries, with Owen Gregory and Adam Walker also touching down.




Rugby league: Derby City man off on tour to Russia with Midlands Lionhearts