Well, the All Blacks (Who will try to emulate & replicate the success of the 1987 (Coached by the now late Sir Brian Lochore & led by David Kirk as well as featuring several leading players such as Michael Jones & John Kirwan), 2011 (Coached by Sir Graham Henry & led by Richie McCaw as well as featuring several leading players such as Cory Jane, Jerome Kaino & McCaw) & 2015 (Coached by Steve Hansen & led by Richie McCaw again as well as featuring several leading players such as Dan Carter & Brodie Retallick) tournaments that have been won in the past as well as they are desperate to go for a historic three peat) squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan has been announced today so here it is:
Forwards
Hookers
Dane Coles (Hurricanes/Wellington, 64)
Liam Coltman (Highlanders/Otago, 5)
Codie Taylor (Crusaders/Canterbury, 44)
Props
Nepo Laulala (Chiefs/Counties Manukau, 19)
Atu Moli (Chiefs/Tasman, 2)
Joe Moody (Crusaders/Canterbury, 40)
Angus Ta'avao (Chiefs/Auckland, 7)
Ofa Tu'ungafasi (Blues/Auckland, 29)
Locks
Scott Barrett (Crusaders/Taranaki, 30)
Brodie Retallick (Chiefs/Hawke's Bay, 77)
Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues/Auckland, 24)
Sam Whitelock (Crusaders/Canterbury, 111)
Back rowers
Sam Cane (Chiefs/Bay Of Plenty, 63)
Shannon Frizell (Highlanders/Tasman, 5) *1
Luke Jacobson (Chiefs/Waikato, 1) *1
Kieran Read (Captain, Crusaders/Counties Manukau, 121)
Ardie Savea (Hurricanes/Wellington, 38)
Matt Todd (Crusaders/Canterbury, 20)
Backs
Halfbacks
TJ Perenara (Hurricanes/Wellington, 58)
Aaron Smith (Highlanders/Manawatu, 86)
Brad Weber (Chiefs/Hawke's Bay, 2)
First-fives
Beauden Barrett (Blues/Taranaki, 77)
Richie Mo'unga (Crusaders/Canterbury, 12)
Midfielders
Ryan Crotty (Crusaders/Canterbury, 44)
Jack Goodhue (Crusaders/Northland, 9)
Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs/Waikato, 37)
Sonny Bill Williams (Blues/Counties Manukau, 53)
Outside Backs
Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes/Taranaki, 11)
George Bridge (Crusaders/Canterbury, 4)
Rieko Ioane (Blues/Auckland, 26)
Sevu Reece (Crusaders/Waikato, 2)
Ben Smith (Highlanders/Otago, 79)
*1: On 13 September 2019, Shannon Frizell was named as replacement for Luke Jacobson, who was ruled out of the competition due to delayed onset of concussion.
Coach
Steve Hansen
So that is my 306th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 46th of this year.
Tuesday, 27 August 2019
2019 Mitre 10 Cup season round 3 review (+ International rugby news & 2019 Ashes 3rd test review)
Well, here is the review of the 3rd round of the 2019 Mitre 10 Cup season:
Tasman's 60-point thumping of Manawatu has them two points clear of Auckland in the Mitre 10 Cup Premiership on 14 points.
Waikato is third on 10 with North Harbour and Counties Manukau sharing nine points.
Taranaki, on 14 points, sit one ahead of Hawke's Bay in the Mitre 10 Championship while Bay of Plenty are third, six points clear of nearest rival Otago.
Bay of Plenty first five-eighths Dan Hollinshead heads the individual points scorers with 33 while Riley Hohepa from Counties Manukau and Danie Waite of Taranaki have each scored 30.
Josh McKay, who also leads the metres carried states with 330, heads the try scoring list with four for Canterbury which belies their lack of success. Tasman wing Jamie Spowart joined the list of nine players who have registered three tries. The others are: Sean Wainui (Taranaki), Quinn Tupaea (Waikato), Jona Nareki (Otago), Leicester Fainga'anuku (Tasman), Matt Duffie (North Harbour), Chris Kuridrani (Counties Manukau), Ash Dixon (Hawke's Bay), Jackson Ormond (Taranaki).
Week Three results:
Hawke's Bay 29 Otago 21
Hawke's Bay continued to dominate proceedings in the second division with their win over Otago achieved on the back of a tough forward scrap but also utilising their strengths out wide. Otago got a little too far adrift to be able to pull them back in but showed some classy play of their own to deny Hawke's Bay a try scoring bonus point.
Scorers: Hawke's Bay 29 (Ash Dixon, Tom Parsons, Danny Toala, Brad Weber tries; Lincoln McClutchie 2 con; Toala con, pen) Otago 21 (Jona Nareki, Josh Ioane, Michael Collins tries; Ioane 3 con). HT: 17-7
Wellington 23 Canterbury 22
Scoring the first try of the game with Josh McKay crossing was not enough to achieve a change in fortune for Canterbury. Wellington, a side who have also had their issues getting a win achieving their best finally replied just before halftime when wing Vince Aso picked up a superb ball to go over in the corner. That set the tone for a better third quarter with two tries getting them out to a comfortable lead. Canterbury, as expected stormed back with two late tries but they left it too late and Wellington claimed the one point win.
Scorers: Wellington 23 (Vince Aso, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Alex Fidow tries; Jackson Garden-Bachop con, 2 pen) Canterbury 22 (Josh McKay, Mitchell Dunshea, Harrison Allan tries; Brett Cameron 2 con, pen). HT: 8-10
Tasman 64 Manawatu 3
Tasman ran all over Lansdowne Park in Blenheim in a display that highlighted the allround skills that make the side an early contender for honours. The ball handling, and intuitive passing, especially on the inside pass, made life a misery for the Manawatu defence. It wasn't just the backs who profited, although Jamie Spowart scored a hat-trick of tries, but the forwards who unleashed some impressive continuity play. Flanker Liam Squire was rampant in the loose for Tasman.
Scorers: Tasman 64 (Liam Squire, Hugh Roach, Jordan Taufua, Finlay Christie, Jamie Spowart 3, Jacob Norris, Will Jordan, Ethan Blackadder tries; Mitch Hunt 4 con; Tim O'Malley 3 con) Manawatu 3 (Otere Black pen). HT: 33-3
Auckland 19 Bay of Plenty 13
Two snappy tries to fullback Salesi Rayasi, the first an excellent example of calmness under pressure from a crossfield kick before unleashing a corkscrew turn and a burst of speed, and an intercept to Rieko Ioane proved crucial for Auckland who lost shape and form in the second half as Bay of Plenty dominated possession without being able to make the most of position to truly apply pressure on the home team at Eden Park.
Scorers: Auckland 19 (Salesi Rayasi 2, Rieko Ioane tries; D'Angelo Leuila 2 con) Bay of Plenty 13 (Mitch Karpik try; Dan Hollinshead con, 2 pen). HT: 19-7
Counties Manukau 26 Waikato 31
Letting Waikato get out to a 31-7 lead after three-quarters of the game cost home team Counties Manukau dearly. They came storming home but ended up six points short of claiming a win in a game that produced four tries apiece for the sides. One for Waikato from a lucky bounce off the corner flag and into the in-goal for Declan O'Donnell and two for the Steelers courtesy of their dynamic driving maul.
Scorers: Counties Manukau 26 (Kali Hala, Sam Henwood, Riley Hohepa, Donald Maka tries; Hohepa 3 con) Waikato 31 (Declan O'Donnell, Bailyn Sullivan, Newton Tudreu, Hamilton Burr tries; Fletcher Smith 4 con, pen). HT: 7-21
Taranaki 52 Northland 19
Northland may have scored first but that only fuelled the Taranaki fires and they weren't to be doused over the next 70-odd minutes as they ran in eight tries to show they are determined to regain Championship status as quickly as possible. Northland's cause was helped by two late tries but the running power of the home side in New Plymouth was too strong in the final count.
Scorers: Taranaki 52 (Sean Wainui 2, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Jackson Ormond 2, Tupou Vaa'i, Daniel Waite, Jayson Potroz tries; Waite 6 con) Northland 19 (Ross Wright, Renata Roberts-Tenana, Coree Te Whata-Colley tries; Jack Debreczeni 2 con). HT: 14-7
Southland 12 North Harbour 33
Unable to benefit from their first half possession advantage, and tied 7-7 at the break, North Harbour unleashed some outstanding long range play to stretch Southland with superb support play. Every time a North Harbour player made a break the support was immediate and their second half broke the Southland defensive spirit.
Scorers: Southland 12 (Marty McKenzie, Scott Eade tries; McKenzie con) North Harbour 33 (James Little, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Bryn Hall, Harrison Groundwater, Matt Duffie tries; Matt McGahan 4 con). HT: 7-7
And in international rugby news such as England thumping Ireland in their pre-Rugby World Cup warm-up at Twickenham then it was Scotland who got revenge against France by turning the tables on them at Murrayfield.
So that is my 305th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 45th of this year.
P.S. And I saw both Andy & Kelsey at the pizza party we had on Saturday as well as going to Caroline's on Sunday for brunch & they were both great.
And finally England have won the 3rd test at Headingley in Leeds against Australia with the series now all square after Ben Stokes was the hero, scoring an unbeaten century of 135 not out in the 2nd innings but Jofra Archer has picked up 6 wickets in the 1st innings & it was another one of those memorable moments along with Stokes who scored an unbeaten century to win the test.
Tasman's 60-point thumping of Manawatu has them two points clear of Auckland in the Mitre 10 Cup Premiership on 14 points.
Waikato is third on 10 with North Harbour and Counties Manukau sharing nine points.
Taranaki, on 14 points, sit one ahead of Hawke's Bay in the Mitre 10 Championship while Bay of Plenty are third, six points clear of nearest rival Otago.
Bay of Plenty first five-eighths Dan Hollinshead heads the individual points scorers with 33 while Riley Hohepa from Counties Manukau and Danie Waite of Taranaki have each scored 30.
Josh McKay, who also leads the metres carried states with 330, heads the try scoring list with four for Canterbury which belies their lack of success. Tasman wing Jamie Spowart joined the list of nine players who have registered three tries. The others are: Sean Wainui (Taranaki), Quinn Tupaea (Waikato), Jona Nareki (Otago), Leicester Fainga'anuku (Tasman), Matt Duffie (North Harbour), Chris Kuridrani (Counties Manukau), Ash Dixon (Hawke's Bay), Jackson Ormond (Taranaki).
Week Three results:
Hawke's Bay 29 Otago 21
Hawke's Bay continued to dominate proceedings in the second division with their win over Otago achieved on the back of a tough forward scrap but also utilising their strengths out wide. Otago got a little too far adrift to be able to pull them back in but showed some classy play of their own to deny Hawke's Bay a try scoring bonus point.
Scorers: Hawke's Bay 29 (Ash Dixon, Tom Parsons, Danny Toala, Brad Weber tries; Lincoln McClutchie 2 con; Toala con, pen) Otago 21 (Jona Nareki, Josh Ioane, Michael Collins tries; Ioane 3 con). HT: 17-7
Wellington 23 Canterbury 22
Scoring the first try of the game with Josh McKay crossing was not enough to achieve a change in fortune for Canterbury. Wellington, a side who have also had their issues getting a win achieving their best finally replied just before halftime when wing Vince Aso picked up a superb ball to go over in the corner. That set the tone for a better third quarter with two tries getting them out to a comfortable lead. Canterbury, as expected stormed back with two late tries but they left it too late and Wellington claimed the one point win.
Scorers: Wellington 23 (Vince Aso, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Alex Fidow tries; Jackson Garden-Bachop con, 2 pen) Canterbury 22 (Josh McKay, Mitchell Dunshea, Harrison Allan tries; Brett Cameron 2 con, pen). HT: 8-10
Tasman 64 Manawatu 3
Tasman ran all over Lansdowne Park in Blenheim in a display that highlighted the allround skills that make the side an early contender for honours. The ball handling, and intuitive passing, especially on the inside pass, made life a misery for the Manawatu defence. It wasn't just the backs who profited, although Jamie Spowart scored a hat-trick of tries, but the forwards who unleashed some impressive continuity play. Flanker Liam Squire was rampant in the loose for Tasman.
Scorers: Tasman 64 (Liam Squire, Hugh Roach, Jordan Taufua, Finlay Christie, Jamie Spowart 3, Jacob Norris, Will Jordan, Ethan Blackadder tries; Mitch Hunt 4 con; Tim O'Malley 3 con) Manawatu 3 (Otere Black pen). HT: 33-3
Auckland 19 Bay of Plenty 13
Two snappy tries to fullback Salesi Rayasi, the first an excellent example of calmness under pressure from a crossfield kick before unleashing a corkscrew turn and a burst of speed, and an intercept to Rieko Ioane proved crucial for Auckland who lost shape and form in the second half as Bay of Plenty dominated possession without being able to make the most of position to truly apply pressure on the home team at Eden Park.
Scorers: Auckland 19 (Salesi Rayasi 2, Rieko Ioane tries; D'Angelo Leuila 2 con) Bay of Plenty 13 (Mitch Karpik try; Dan Hollinshead con, 2 pen). HT: 19-7
Counties Manukau 26 Waikato 31
Letting Waikato get out to a 31-7 lead after three-quarters of the game cost home team Counties Manukau dearly. They came storming home but ended up six points short of claiming a win in a game that produced four tries apiece for the sides. One for Waikato from a lucky bounce off the corner flag and into the in-goal for Declan O'Donnell and two for the Steelers courtesy of their dynamic driving maul.
Scorers: Counties Manukau 26 (Kali Hala, Sam Henwood, Riley Hohepa, Donald Maka tries; Hohepa 3 con) Waikato 31 (Declan O'Donnell, Bailyn Sullivan, Newton Tudreu, Hamilton Burr tries; Fletcher Smith 4 con, pen). HT: 7-21
Taranaki 52 Northland 19
Northland may have scored first but that only fuelled the Taranaki fires and they weren't to be doused over the next 70-odd minutes as they ran in eight tries to show they are determined to regain Championship status as quickly as possible. Northland's cause was helped by two late tries but the running power of the home side in New Plymouth was too strong in the final count.
Scorers: Taranaki 52 (Sean Wainui 2, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Jackson Ormond 2, Tupou Vaa'i, Daniel Waite, Jayson Potroz tries; Waite 6 con) Northland 19 (Ross Wright, Renata Roberts-Tenana, Coree Te Whata-Colley tries; Jack Debreczeni 2 con). HT: 14-7
Southland 12 North Harbour 33
Unable to benefit from their first half possession advantage, and tied 7-7 at the break, North Harbour unleashed some outstanding long range play to stretch Southland with superb support play. Every time a North Harbour player made a break the support was immediate and their second half broke the Southland defensive spirit.
Scorers: Southland 12 (Marty McKenzie, Scott Eade tries; McKenzie con) North Harbour 33 (James Little, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Bryn Hall, Harrison Groundwater, Matt Duffie tries; Matt McGahan 4 con). HT: 7-7
And in international rugby news such as England thumping Ireland in their pre-Rugby World Cup warm-up at Twickenham then it was Scotland who got revenge against France by turning the tables on them at Murrayfield.
So that is my 305th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 45th of this year.
P.S. And I saw both Andy & Kelsey at the pizza party we had on Saturday as well as going to Caroline's on Sunday for brunch & they were both great.
And finally England have won the 3rd test at Headingley in Leeds against Australia with the series now all square after Ben Stokes was the hero, scoring an unbeaten century of 135 not out in the 2nd innings but Jofra Archer has picked up 6 wickets in the 1st innings & it was another one of those memorable moments along with Stokes who scored an unbeaten century to win the test.
Monday, 19 August 2019
Bledisloe II review (+ International rugby news, 2019 Mitre 10 Cup season round 2 review & 2019 Ashes 2nd test review)
Well, the All Blacks have buried our demons in Perth as they return to winning ways against the Wallabies by 36 points & managed to keep them scoreless (1st time since 2017 against South Africa in Albany & 1st time against Australia since 2012 in Auckland but WOW! What a turn around as I heard the comment when Pops said) at the garden of Eden in Auckland to retain our beloved Bledisloe for another year & for the 16th year running so here is the match report taken from Newshub:
Kia ora, good evening and welcome to Newshub's live updates of the second Bledisloe Cup test between the All Blacks and Wallabies at the garden of Eden at Eden Park in Auckland.
The All Blacks are in must-win mode following last weekend's shock 47-26 in Bledisloe I in Perth (Who had All Black second rower Scott Barrett red carded by French referee Jerome Garces (The man who belatedly sent off Sonny Bill Williams in a test match against the British & Irish Lions in Wellington in 2017) for a deliberate foul play on Wallaby skipper Michael Hooper & is suspended for that match).
That means a draw or loss will see them lose the prized trans-Tasman trophy which they've held since 2003.
For the Wallabies, a win or draw will see them claim the Bledisloe for the 1st time since 2002.
The All Blacks will be boosted by the stat that they haven't lost at Eden Park since 1994 (Including the heroics by France after that try from the end of the world which resulted in a French victory) and haven't lost to the Wallabies there since 1986.
Lineups
All Blacks: 1-Joe Moody, 2-Dane Coles, 3-Nepo Laulala, 4-Patrick Tuipulotu, 5-Samuel Whitelock, 6-Ardie Savea, 7-Sam Cane, 8-Kieran Read (c), 9-Aaron Smith, 10-Richie Mo'unga, 11-George Bridge, 12-Sonny Bill Williams 13-Anton Lienert-Brown, 14-Sevu Reece, 15-Beauden Barrett
Reserves: 16-Codie Taylor, 17-Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 18-Angus Ta'avao, 19-Jackson Hemopo, 20-Matt Todd, 21-TJ Perenara, 22-Ngani Laumape, 23-Jordie Barrett
Wallabies: 1-Scott Sio, 2-Tolu Latu, 3-Allan Alaalatoa, 4-Izack Rodda, 5-Adam Coleman, 6-Lachlan Salakaia-Loto, 7-Michael Hooper (c), 8-Isi Naisarani, 9-Nic White, 10-Chistian Leali'ifano, 11-Marika Koroibete, 12-Samu Kerevi, 13-James O'Connor, 14-Reece Hodge, 15-Kurtley Beale
Reserves: 16-Folau Fainga'a, 17-James Slipper, 18-Taniela Tupou, 19-Rob Simmons, 20-Liam Wright, 21-Will Genia, 22-Matt Toomua, 23-Adam Ashley-Cooper.
Here come both sides - a wet miserable night here in Auckland.
Moment of silence for Bruce Deans (Brother of current Panasonic Wild Knights coach Robbie Deans) who passed away this week.
7:32 PM: National anthems now - rain still falling.
7:35 PM: Kapa O Pango is the haka for tonight - as the All Blacks prepare for battle. TJ Perenara leading.
1ST MINUTE, KICK OFF: Kick off here at Eden Park! It is game time so game on! The Bledisloe Cup is on the line!
PENALTY: Early penalty for NZ - Interference at the lineout.
2ND MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), SCRUM: A miserable lineout from NZ - but Australia knock the ball on, scrum NZ.
3RD MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY GOAL: Massive scrum earns the All Blacks a penalty and they look to link down the left - called back after a bad pass, All Blacks kick for points. It's good from Mo'unga. All Blacks 3 - 0 Wallabies.
5TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), SCRUM: Forward pass from Australia and they can't seem to get anything going.
6TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Grubber kick goes out from Barrett - Aussie lineout.
8TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Lovely kick from Barrett and it puts Aussie on the back foot - Nic White clears.
9TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY: Penalty against Australia after Reece is high tackled, good work from Reece.
10TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Another really good from the All Blacks, this time from Smith.
The ball falls to Barrett about 40m out and he goes for a drop-kick, struck it well but it's just to the right.
12TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Already the Wallabies have kicked it a lot - looking scared to counter-attack.
13TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY: Moody is pinged for coming in from the side, Aussie get a chance to clear.
14TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY: White is on the ground after a high shot from Whitelock - didn't look too bad - Aussie win the penalty.
15TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Really good attack from Australia and Koroibete goes so close! Reece and ALB with try savers.
16TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY MISS: Australia once again are looking really good with ball in hand - they win a penalty. They kick for the points - off the post.
19TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER): White kicks a grubber out - good defence from ALB.
21ST MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY MISS: Michael Hooper makes a break for the visitors and Aussie win a penalty - Coles offside. Aussie kick for points. It's wide. Bad miss.
24TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER): The All Blacks go really close there - Smith with a great kick and Reece is nearly away - then Mo'unga with a cross field kick but Aussie clear.
25TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), SCRUM: Knock on off Laulala's head - he though Savea was going to catch it, but it's a falcon.
28TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Penalty against the All Blacks at scrum time, Wallabies kick for touch.
29TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS & CONVERSION: Aussie look to attack and a awful pass sees Hodge spilling the ball and Mo'unga does really well to pick it up and he runs away to score the opener. Kick is good. All Blacks 10 - 0 Wallabies.
32ND MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS & CONVERSION: Awesome counter attack from the hosts - Barrett finds Bridge who gasses both defenders and he finds Aaron Smith who scores. Kick is good. All Blacks 17 - 0 Wallabies.
35TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER): Great defence from Tuipulotu and Bridge to set up a turnover and put the Wallabies right under pressure here.
36TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Naisarani makes a break for the Wallabies and puts the All Blacks under pressure but Sam Cane does very well and earns a turnover.
37TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY & YELLOW CARD: Penalty won by the All Blacks, but the ref goes upstairs for something Coles did off the ball, he gets rid of Nic White from the ruck initially it's around the neck and Coles will go to the bin for 10 minutes.
38TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Really good defence from Reece on Koroibete - All Blacks turn the ball over and clear through Smith.
39TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Beale is having a shocker - missing catches and looking terrible under the high ball.
40TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY MISS: Penalty won by the All Blacks and they take the three - kick is wide All Blacks 17 - 0 Wallabies.
HALFTIME: Other then that bad miss from Mo'unga at the end and the yellow card on the receiving end of Coles the All Blacks have been really good. A big 40 in store for us here.
41ST MINUTE, 2ND HALF: Back underway here at Eden Park - 40 minutes left of the Bledisloe Cup series, little bit of rain around - not too bad.
SCRUM: Mistake off the kick - Mo'unga's kick didn't go 10 metres, scrum Aussie.
43RD MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Massive scrum from the All Blacks - Laulala all over his opposite.
44TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Ref halts the game as Allan Alaalatoa is getting treatment after taking a blow to the head attempting to tackle SBW. Coles is back on.
46TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS & CONVERSION: Off the back of the scrum and Savea gives it to Read who makes a good run - he finds SBW who scores. Kick is good. All Blacks 24 - 0 Wallabies.
48TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): To'omua makes a huge break for Aussie and tries to link but he cant, great work from ALB to turn the ball over.
50TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), SCRUM & SUBSTITUTION: Lost forward from the All Blacks - Here comes Genia for Nic White.
53RD MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Wallabies earn a penalty and go for the corner - probably need to score here.
55TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), SCRUM: Knocked on from the Wallabies - All Blacks in the clear.
58TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER), SCRUM: Really slick backline move from the All Blacks but ALB throws it forward.
59TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), SUBSTITUTION: Mo'unga is down in a heap clutching his shoulder and is getting treatment from the medical staff - Concerns for his shoulder. He has gone off - replaced by Jordie Barrett.
63RD MINUTE (4 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Penalty goes against Sam Cane - Too keen for a turnover there - Straight off his feet is the call (Well, Cane was losing his footing so he got penalised for not supporting enough body weight).
64TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Really good attack from Aussie there Cane and Jordie make a big tackle there.
66TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Big turnover from TJ Perenara and they get a penalty.
67TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS & CONVERSION: Jordie Barrett puts through a really good kick - Sevu Reece gets a nice kick on it, the electric winger flies down the wing and scores! Kick is good. All Blacks 31 - 0 Wallabies.
70TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER), SCRUM: Sevu Reece scores an intercept try but the ref calls it back as Sam Whitelock knocks the ball on in the build up.
73RD MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER): Big defence here from the All Blacks as they try to keep the Wallabies to 0.
77TH MINUTE (4 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Massive turnover again from Perenara - Sensational stuff from the number 2 halfback.
79TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS & CONVERSION MISS: Huge turnover from Savea once again - Todd finds ALB who hands the ball of to Bridge who scores. Kick is wide.
80TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): That's it, it's all over! ALB kicks it out to complete a huge win for the All Blacks and keep the Bledisloe Cup in the cabinet in New Zealand.
ALL BLACKS 36 - 0 WALLABIES
So that is my 304th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 44th of this year.
P.S. And in other international rugby news such as the Springboks (Fresh off from winning the Rugby Championship) continuing their dominance against Argentina in Pretoria while Wales have claimed the number 1 world ranking (4th different country after England, New Zealand & South Africa) after beating England in Cardiff then France thrash Scotland in Nice & Italy demolish Russia in San Benedetto del Tronto.
And finally here is the review of the 2nd round of the 2019 Mitre 10 Cup season:
Tasman's stunning 23-8 win over Canterbury in Christchurch on Sunday and Waikato's loss to Bay of Plenty has left Tasman one point in front in the Mitre 10 Premiership.
Auckland, who drew their first round game, are in second place while Counties Manukau have slipped into third as a result of Waikato's loss to Bay of Plenty.
In the Mitre 10 Championship, Bay of Plenty and Taranaki are the only sides with two wins with the Bay one point ahead on bonus points. Third place is held by Hawke's Bay who drew with Wellington.
Northland 10 Auckland 43
The improved Auckland side, who won the title last year, held too many aces for their franchise partners in the Whangarei game to open the second round. Too much speed and continuity, not to forget the sheer power of players like midfielder Tanielu Tele'a, whose try was one to cause defenders nightmares with the strength of his body blast, for the Northland side.
Scorers: Northland 10 (Pisi Leilua try; Jack Debreczeni con, pen) Auckland 43 (Jack Whetton, Caleb Clarke, Jamie Lane, AJ Lam, Tanielu Tele'a, TJ Faiane tries; D'Angelo Leuila 4 con, pen; Daniel Kirkpatrick con). HT: 3-24
North Harbour 25 Counties Manukau 39
Counties Manukau turned on the power, front and back, to beat North Harbour in Albany with wing Chris Kuridrani getting across the line twice, a feat repeated by home wing Matt Duffie. But it was the ability to produce the goods up front at crucial stages that set up Counties Manukau for their first win between the two sides since 2013.
Scorers: North Harbour 25 (Mark Telea, Matt Duffie 2, Lotu Inisi tries; Jared Page con, pen) Counties Manukau 39 (Conan O'Donnell, Kali Hala, Chris Kuridrani 2, penalty try tries; Riley Hohepa 3 con, 2 pen). HT: 15-22
Hawke's Bay 27 Wellington 27
Wellington arrived in Napier with the dazzle and scored some outstanding tries, especially those to centre Vince Aso and wing Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, but the prize of the day went to prop Xavier Numia who showed electric pace for one from his position to score. But Hawke's Bay stuck to the more basic approach and showed the value of solid forward play with some of their early tries but then in the run home they opened the after-burners and Danny Toala and Caleb Makene demonstrated the running qualities Hawke's Bay possess to achieve a draw.
Scorers: Hawke's Bay 27 (Brendon O'Connor, Tom Parsons, Danny Toala, Caleb Makene tries; Lincoln McClutchie 2 con, pen) Wellington 27 (Teariki Ben-Nicholas, Vince Aso, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, Xavier Numia tries; Jackson Garden-Bachop 2 con, pen). HT: 12-17
Manawatu 10 Taranaki 13
It was a rare sight in Palmerston North with pools of water covering the ground and the rugby reflected it. The home team scored two good tries with skills making light of the conditions but a penalty try and Daniel Waite's goal-kicking boot was enough for Taranaki to get the win.
Scorers: Manawatu 10 (Ben Werthmuller, Jamie Booth tries) Taranaki 13 (Penalty try; Daniel Waite 2 pen). HT: 10-3
Otago v Southland
Time and the respective fortunes of the old southern rivals Otago and Southland may have changed but the two Championship sides produced a sterling Ranfurly Shield contest in Dunedin. Otago, at times looking like rugby's equivalent of the Harlem Globetrotters, with an outstanding try scored by No.8 Dylan Nel, were too strong. However, Southland with two classic forward tries and a superb reward for following a high kick for Josh Moorby, contributed to a game that suggested Southland may not be much longer without an overdue win.
Scorers: Otago 41 (Jona Nareki 2, Slade McDowall, Dylan Nel, Josh Dickson, Rowan Gouws tries; Vilimoni Koroi 4 con, pen) Southland 22 (Josh Moorby, Charles Alaimalo, Bill Fukofuka tries; Marty McKenzie 2 con, pen). HT: 17-3
Canterbury 8 Tasman 23
Turning on a powerful forward display Tasman shut the home team down in an impressive first quarter with tries to centre Levi Aumua and a dazzling solo try to wing Leicester Fainga'anuku down the left flank beating tackle after tackle all within inches of the sideline. Canterbury's solitary response was a pick-up by Josh McKay at a breakdown on Canterbury's line that saw him run away down field to score his own breakout try.
Scorers: Canterbury 8 (Josh McKay try; Brett Cameron pen) Tasman 23 (Levi Aumua, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizell tries; Mitch Hunt con, 2 pen). HT: 3-18
Bay of Plenty 40 Waikato 14
Bay of Plenty turned it on in front of the Rotorua faithful, not least at a powerful scrum resulting in their first try. But it was the all-around commitment front and back that left Waikato scrambling to stay in touch. Richard Judd organised his backline well from halfback while Joe Ravouvou scored a scorching try. Waikato's centre Quinn Tupaea demonstrated his class with two tries, but it wasn't enough.
Scorers: Bay of Plenty 40 (Richard Judd, Ross Geldenhuys, Joe Ravouvou, Emoni Narawa, Chase Tiatia tries; Dan Hollinshead 3 con, 3 pen) Waikato 14 (Quinn Tupaea 2 tries; Fletcher Smith 2 con). HT: 22-14
And the 2nd Ashes test between England & Australia at Lord's has ended in a draw (It was rained out on day 1) with Australia (Who had Steve Smith getting knocked out off a bouncer by World Cup winning West Indian born English pace bowler Jofra Archer so the South African born player playing for Australia, Marnus Labuschagne, comes into the team as a concussion replacement for Smith) holding on for the draw after England declared after lunch on the last day, requiring 267 to win.
Kia ora, good evening and welcome to Newshub's live updates of the second Bledisloe Cup test between the All Blacks and Wallabies at the garden of Eden at Eden Park in Auckland.
The All Blacks are in must-win mode following last weekend's shock 47-26 in Bledisloe I in Perth (Who had All Black second rower Scott Barrett red carded by French referee Jerome Garces (The man who belatedly sent off Sonny Bill Williams in a test match against the British & Irish Lions in Wellington in 2017) for a deliberate foul play on Wallaby skipper Michael Hooper & is suspended for that match).
That means a draw or loss will see them lose the prized trans-Tasman trophy which they've held since 2003.
For the Wallabies, a win or draw will see them claim the Bledisloe for the 1st time since 2002.
The All Blacks will be boosted by the stat that they haven't lost at Eden Park since 1994 (Including the heroics by France after that try from the end of the world which resulted in a French victory) and haven't lost to the Wallabies there since 1986.
Lineups
All Blacks: 1-Joe Moody, 2-Dane Coles, 3-Nepo Laulala, 4-Patrick Tuipulotu, 5-Samuel Whitelock, 6-Ardie Savea, 7-Sam Cane, 8-Kieran Read (c), 9-Aaron Smith, 10-Richie Mo'unga, 11-George Bridge, 12-Sonny Bill Williams 13-Anton Lienert-Brown, 14-Sevu Reece, 15-Beauden Barrett
Reserves: 16-Codie Taylor, 17-Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 18-Angus Ta'avao, 19-Jackson Hemopo, 20-Matt Todd, 21-TJ Perenara, 22-Ngani Laumape, 23-Jordie Barrett
Wallabies: 1-Scott Sio, 2-Tolu Latu, 3-Allan Alaalatoa, 4-Izack Rodda, 5-Adam Coleman, 6-Lachlan Salakaia-Loto, 7-Michael Hooper (c), 8-Isi Naisarani, 9-Nic White, 10-Chistian Leali'ifano, 11-Marika Koroibete, 12-Samu Kerevi, 13-James O'Connor, 14-Reece Hodge, 15-Kurtley Beale
Reserves: 16-Folau Fainga'a, 17-James Slipper, 18-Taniela Tupou, 19-Rob Simmons, 20-Liam Wright, 21-Will Genia, 22-Matt Toomua, 23-Adam Ashley-Cooper.
Here come both sides - a wet miserable night here in Auckland.
Moment of silence for Bruce Deans (Brother of current Panasonic Wild Knights coach Robbie Deans) who passed away this week.
7:32 PM: National anthems now - rain still falling.
7:35 PM: Kapa O Pango is the haka for tonight - as the All Blacks prepare for battle. TJ Perenara leading.
1ST MINUTE, KICK OFF: Kick off here at Eden Park! It is game time so game on! The Bledisloe Cup is on the line!
PENALTY: Early penalty for NZ - Interference at the lineout.
2ND MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), SCRUM: A miserable lineout from NZ - but Australia knock the ball on, scrum NZ.
3RD MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY GOAL: Massive scrum earns the All Blacks a penalty and they look to link down the left - called back after a bad pass, All Blacks kick for points. It's good from Mo'unga. All Blacks 3 - 0 Wallabies.
5TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), SCRUM: Forward pass from Australia and they can't seem to get anything going.
6TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Grubber kick goes out from Barrett - Aussie lineout.
8TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Lovely kick from Barrett and it puts Aussie on the back foot - Nic White clears.
9TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY: Penalty against Australia after Reece is high tackled, good work from Reece.
10TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Another really good from the All Blacks, this time from Smith.
The ball falls to Barrett about 40m out and he goes for a drop-kick, struck it well but it's just to the right.
12TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Already the Wallabies have kicked it a lot - looking scared to counter-attack.
13TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY: Moody is pinged for coming in from the side, Aussie get a chance to clear.
14TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY: White is on the ground after a high shot from Whitelock - didn't look too bad - Aussie win the penalty.
15TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Really good attack from Australia and Koroibete goes so close! Reece and ALB with try savers.
16TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY MISS: Australia once again are looking really good with ball in hand - they win a penalty. They kick for the points - off the post.
19TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER): White kicks a grubber out - good defence from ALB.
21ST MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY MISS: Michael Hooper makes a break for the visitors and Aussie win a penalty - Coles offside. Aussie kick for points. It's wide. Bad miss.
24TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER): The All Blacks go really close there - Smith with a great kick and Reece is nearly away - then Mo'unga with a cross field kick but Aussie clear.
25TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), SCRUM: Knock on off Laulala's head - he though Savea was going to catch it, but it's a falcon.
28TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Penalty against the All Blacks at scrum time, Wallabies kick for touch.
29TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS & CONVERSION: Aussie look to attack and a awful pass sees Hodge spilling the ball and Mo'unga does really well to pick it up and he runs away to score the opener. Kick is good. All Blacks 10 - 0 Wallabies.
32ND MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS & CONVERSION: Awesome counter attack from the hosts - Barrett finds Bridge who gasses both defenders and he finds Aaron Smith who scores. Kick is good. All Blacks 17 - 0 Wallabies.
35TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER): Great defence from Tuipulotu and Bridge to set up a turnover and put the Wallabies right under pressure here.
36TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Naisarani makes a break for the Wallabies and puts the All Blacks under pressure but Sam Cane does very well and earns a turnover.
37TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY & YELLOW CARD: Penalty won by the All Blacks, but the ref goes upstairs for something Coles did off the ball, he gets rid of Nic White from the ruck initially it's around the neck and Coles will go to the bin for 10 minutes.
38TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Really good defence from Reece on Koroibete - All Blacks turn the ball over and clear through Smith.
39TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Beale is having a shocker - missing catches and looking terrible under the high ball.
40TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY MISS: Penalty won by the All Blacks and they take the three - kick is wide All Blacks 17 - 0 Wallabies.
HALFTIME: Other then that bad miss from Mo'unga at the end and the yellow card on the receiving end of Coles the All Blacks have been really good. A big 40 in store for us here.
41ST MINUTE, 2ND HALF: Back underway here at Eden Park - 40 minutes left of the Bledisloe Cup series, little bit of rain around - not too bad.
SCRUM: Mistake off the kick - Mo'unga's kick didn't go 10 metres, scrum Aussie.
43RD MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Massive scrum from the All Blacks - Laulala all over his opposite.
44TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Ref halts the game as Allan Alaalatoa is getting treatment after taking a blow to the head attempting to tackle SBW. Coles is back on.
46TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS & CONVERSION: Off the back of the scrum and Savea gives it to Read who makes a good run - he finds SBW who scores. Kick is good. All Blacks 24 - 0 Wallabies.
48TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): To'omua makes a huge break for Aussie and tries to link but he cant, great work from ALB to turn the ball over.
50TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), SCRUM & SUBSTITUTION: Lost forward from the All Blacks - Here comes Genia for Nic White.
53RD MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Wallabies earn a penalty and go for the corner - probably need to score here.
55TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), SCRUM: Knocked on from the Wallabies - All Blacks in the clear.
58TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER), SCRUM: Really slick backline move from the All Blacks but ALB throws it forward.
59TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), SUBSTITUTION: Mo'unga is down in a heap clutching his shoulder and is getting treatment from the medical staff - Concerns for his shoulder. He has gone off - replaced by Jordie Barrett.
63RD MINUTE (4 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Penalty goes against Sam Cane - Too keen for a turnover there - Straight off his feet is the call (Well, Cane was losing his footing so he got penalised for not supporting enough body weight).
64TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Really good attack from Aussie there Cane and Jordie make a big tackle there.
66TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Big turnover from TJ Perenara and they get a penalty.
67TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS & CONVERSION: Jordie Barrett puts through a really good kick - Sevu Reece gets a nice kick on it, the electric winger flies down the wing and scores! Kick is good. All Blacks 31 - 0 Wallabies.
70TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER), SCRUM: Sevu Reece scores an intercept try but the ref calls it back as Sam Whitelock knocks the ball on in the build up.
73RD MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER): Big defence here from the All Blacks as they try to keep the Wallabies to 0.
77TH MINUTE (4 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Massive turnover again from Perenara - Sensational stuff from the number 2 halfback.
79TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS & CONVERSION MISS: Huge turnover from Savea once again - Todd finds ALB who hands the ball of to Bridge who scores. Kick is wide.
80TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): That's it, it's all over! ALB kicks it out to complete a huge win for the All Blacks and keep the Bledisloe Cup in the cabinet in New Zealand.
ALL BLACKS 36 - 0 WALLABIES
So that is my 304th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 44th of this year.
P.S. And in other international rugby news such as the Springboks (Fresh off from winning the Rugby Championship) continuing their dominance against Argentina in Pretoria while Wales have claimed the number 1 world ranking (4th different country after England, New Zealand & South Africa) after beating England in Cardiff then France thrash Scotland in Nice & Italy demolish Russia in San Benedetto del Tronto.
And finally here is the review of the 2nd round of the 2019 Mitre 10 Cup season:
Tasman's stunning 23-8 win over Canterbury in Christchurch on Sunday and Waikato's loss to Bay of Plenty has left Tasman one point in front in the Mitre 10 Premiership.
Auckland, who drew their first round game, are in second place while Counties Manukau have slipped into third as a result of Waikato's loss to Bay of Plenty.
In the Mitre 10 Championship, Bay of Plenty and Taranaki are the only sides with two wins with the Bay one point ahead on bonus points. Third place is held by Hawke's Bay who drew with Wellington.
Northland 10 Auckland 43
The improved Auckland side, who won the title last year, held too many aces for their franchise partners in the Whangarei game to open the second round. Too much speed and continuity, not to forget the sheer power of players like midfielder Tanielu Tele'a, whose try was one to cause defenders nightmares with the strength of his body blast, for the Northland side.
Scorers: Northland 10 (Pisi Leilua try; Jack Debreczeni con, pen) Auckland 43 (Jack Whetton, Caleb Clarke, Jamie Lane, AJ Lam, Tanielu Tele'a, TJ Faiane tries; D'Angelo Leuila 4 con, pen; Daniel Kirkpatrick con). HT: 3-24
North Harbour 25 Counties Manukau 39
Counties Manukau turned on the power, front and back, to beat North Harbour in Albany with wing Chris Kuridrani getting across the line twice, a feat repeated by home wing Matt Duffie. But it was the ability to produce the goods up front at crucial stages that set up Counties Manukau for their first win between the two sides since 2013.
Scorers: North Harbour 25 (Mark Telea, Matt Duffie 2, Lotu Inisi tries; Jared Page con, pen) Counties Manukau 39 (Conan O'Donnell, Kali Hala, Chris Kuridrani 2, penalty try tries; Riley Hohepa 3 con, 2 pen). HT: 15-22
Hawke's Bay 27 Wellington 27
Wellington arrived in Napier with the dazzle and scored some outstanding tries, especially those to centre Vince Aso and wing Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, but the prize of the day went to prop Xavier Numia who showed electric pace for one from his position to score. But Hawke's Bay stuck to the more basic approach and showed the value of solid forward play with some of their early tries but then in the run home they opened the after-burners and Danny Toala and Caleb Makene demonstrated the running qualities Hawke's Bay possess to achieve a draw.
Scorers: Hawke's Bay 27 (Brendon O'Connor, Tom Parsons, Danny Toala, Caleb Makene tries; Lincoln McClutchie 2 con, pen) Wellington 27 (Teariki Ben-Nicholas, Vince Aso, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, Xavier Numia tries; Jackson Garden-Bachop 2 con, pen). HT: 12-17
Manawatu 10 Taranaki 13
It was a rare sight in Palmerston North with pools of water covering the ground and the rugby reflected it. The home team scored two good tries with skills making light of the conditions but a penalty try and Daniel Waite's goal-kicking boot was enough for Taranaki to get the win.
Scorers: Manawatu 10 (Ben Werthmuller, Jamie Booth tries) Taranaki 13 (Penalty try; Daniel Waite 2 pen). HT: 10-3
Otago v Southland
Time and the respective fortunes of the old southern rivals Otago and Southland may have changed but the two Championship sides produced a sterling Ranfurly Shield contest in Dunedin. Otago, at times looking like rugby's equivalent of the Harlem Globetrotters, with an outstanding try scored by No.8 Dylan Nel, were too strong. However, Southland with two classic forward tries and a superb reward for following a high kick for Josh Moorby, contributed to a game that suggested Southland may not be much longer without an overdue win.
Scorers: Otago 41 (Jona Nareki 2, Slade McDowall, Dylan Nel, Josh Dickson, Rowan Gouws tries; Vilimoni Koroi 4 con, pen) Southland 22 (Josh Moorby, Charles Alaimalo, Bill Fukofuka tries; Marty McKenzie 2 con, pen). HT: 17-3
Canterbury 8 Tasman 23
Turning on a powerful forward display Tasman shut the home team down in an impressive first quarter with tries to centre Levi Aumua and a dazzling solo try to wing Leicester Fainga'anuku down the left flank beating tackle after tackle all within inches of the sideline. Canterbury's solitary response was a pick-up by Josh McKay at a breakdown on Canterbury's line that saw him run away down field to score his own breakout try.
Scorers: Canterbury 8 (Josh McKay try; Brett Cameron pen) Tasman 23 (Levi Aumua, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizell tries; Mitch Hunt con, 2 pen). HT: 3-18
Bay of Plenty 40 Waikato 14
Bay of Plenty turned it on in front of the Rotorua faithful, not least at a powerful scrum resulting in their first try. But it was the all-around commitment front and back that left Waikato scrambling to stay in touch. Richard Judd organised his backline well from halfback while Joe Ravouvou scored a scorching try. Waikato's centre Quinn Tupaea demonstrated his class with two tries, but it wasn't enough.
Scorers: Bay of Plenty 40 (Richard Judd, Ross Geldenhuys, Joe Ravouvou, Emoni Narawa, Chase Tiatia tries; Dan Hollinshead 3 con, 3 pen) Waikato 14 (Quinn Tupaea 2 tries; Fletcher Smith 2 con). HT: 22-14
And the 2nd Ashes test between England & Australia at Lord's has ended in a draw (It was rained out on day 1) with Australia (Who had Steve Smith getting knocked out off a bouncer by World Cup winning West Indian born English pace bowler Jofra Archer so the South African born player playing for Australia, Marnus Labuschagne, comes into the team as a concussion replacement for Smith) holding on for the draw after England declared after lunch on the last day, requiring 267 to win.
Wednesday, 14 August 2019
All Blacks team naming against the Wallabies for Bledisloe II (2019 Bledisloe Cup) + The life & times of the late Jonah Lomu
Well, the All Blacks (Who had a disappointing test in Perth (With Scott Barrett (4th All Black to be red carded after Sonny Bill 'SBW' Williams, the late Sir Colin 'Pine Tree' Meads & the late Cyril Brownlie) sent off for an illegal shoulder charge (That's according to World Rugby's decision making framework on high tackles & shoulder charges that they introduced already) straight to the head on Wallaby captain Michael Hooper & suspended for 3 weeks after fronting up to the judiciary & Jack Goodhue getting injured & is expected to miss Bledisloe II) allowing the Springboks to capitalize & win the Rugby Championship after beating Argentina at Salta) have named their team against the Wallabies in the Bledisloe Cup decider (Let's hope that Australia don't bring home the Bledisloe since they last held the trophy way back in 2003 but don't forget that the Bledisloe Cup is on the line this weekend because it is at stake) at the garden of Eden at Eden Park in Auckland (Keep in mind for the All Blacks, we're back home & playing on home soil, the AB's has never lost at Eden Park since 1994 (France was the last team to beat them), the fans are absolutely trying to cheer them on, for all it's worth...And when they saw that in Australia, they were cheering for the Wallabies...But the Aussies have never beaten New Zealand at Eden Park since 1986 but let's hope its not Chieka time because it'll be Hansen time) so here is the starting lineup in it's entirety:
PLAYING XV
FRONT ROW
1 (Loose head prop): Joe Moody (Crusaders/Canterbury)
2 (Hooker): Dane Coles (Hurricanes/Wellington)
3 (Tight head prop): Nepo Laulala (Crusaders/Canterbury)
SECOND ROW
4 (Lock): Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues/Auckland)
5 (Lock): Sam Whitelock (Crusaders/Canterbury)
BACK ROW
6 (Blind side flanker): Ardie Savea (Hurricanes/Wellington)
7 (Open side flanker): Sam Cane (Chiefs/Bay Of Plenty)
8 (Number 8): Kieran Read (Captain, Crusaders/Counties Manukau)
HALVES
9 (Half-back): Aaron Smith (Highlanders/Manawatu)
10 (First five-eighth): Richie Mo'unga (Crusaders/Canterbury)
MIDFIELD
12 (Second five-eighth): Sonny Bill Williams (Blues/Counties Manukau)
13 (Centre): Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs/Waikato)
OUTSIDE BACKS
11 (Left wing): George Bridge (Crusaders/Canterbury)
14 (Right wing): Sevu Reece (Crusaders/Canterbury)
& 15 (Fullback): Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes/Taranaki)
And in the reserves are:
16. Codie Taylor
17. Ofa Tu'ungafasi (Who returns to replace Atu Moli as reserve loose head prop)
18. Angus Ta'avao
19. Jackson Hemopo (Who returns to replace Patrick Tuipulotu with Tuipulotu elevated to the starting lineup to replace the suspended Scott Barrett)
20. Matt Todd
21. TJ Perenara
22. Ngani Laumape
& 23. Jordie Barrett (Who also returns to replace George Bridge with Bridge elevated to the starting lineup to replace Rieko Ioane due to Ioane's form is dwindling)
So that is my 303rd blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 43rd of this year.
P.S. And I have my decision to record the Jonah Lomu miniseries so I can watch it next year but this mini series is about the life & times of the late great rugby player Jonah Lomu (Yes, the one who was born in Greenlane & lived in Mangere with his parents & went to Favona Primary School then at the famous rugby school of Wesley College (Stephen Donald, Malakai Fekitoa, Charles Piutau & Sekope Kepu were the old boys who went to that secondary school) but his 1st real job was a bank teller at ASB Bank (Well, he has a manager who is from Wales who goes by the name of Phil Kingsley Jones (He has a son who is a rugby coach named Kingsley Jones) before becoming a famous rugby player (Well, he always played on the wing because a position of wing is one of the fastest players in a rugby team) who played for Counties Manukau & Wellington provincial teams as well as the Blues, Chiefs & Hurricanes Super Rugby franchises & famously played for the All Blacks (He played the famous black jersey 63 times & scored 37 tries as well as playing both Rugby World Cup tournaments in 1995 & 1999 but never won one of them) but his life on and off the field had been affected with a kidney disease which haunted him forever until his passing nearly 4 years ago & he was married 3 times (One to a South African named Tanya Rutter which Jonah's parents did not agree then Fiona Taylor & Nadene Quirk until his passing (He has both kids with Nadene named Brayley & Dhyreille) but it was really interesting as I got to read the book about Jonah Lomu like at 2:00am in the morning.
PLAYING XV
FRONT ROW
1 (Loose head prop): Joe Moody (Crusaders/Canterbury)
2 (Hooker): Dane Coles (Hurricanes/Wellington)
3 (Tight head prop): Nepo Laulala (Crusaders/Canterbury)
SECOND ROW
4 (Lock): Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues/Auckland)
5 (Lock): Sam Whitelock (Crusaders/Canterbury)
BACK ROW
6 (Blind side flanker): Ardie Savea (Hurricanes/Wellington)
7 (Open side flanker): Sam Cane (Chiefs/Bay Of Plenty)
8 (Number 8): Kieran Read (Captain, Crusaders/Counties Manukau)
HALVES
9 (Half-back): Aaron Smith (Highlanders/Manawatu)
10 (First five-eighth): Richie Mo'unga (Crusaders/Canterbury)
MIDFIELD
12 (Second five-eighth): Sonny Bill Williams (Blues/Counties Manukau)
13 (Centre): Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs/Waikato)
OUTSIDE BACKS
11 (Left wing): George Bridge (Crusaders/Canterbury)
14 (Right wing): Sevu Reece (Crusaders/Canterbury)
& 15 (Fullback): Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes/Taranaki)
And in the reserves are:
16. Codie Taylor
17. Ofa Tu'ungafasi (Who returns to replace Atu Moli as reserve loose head prop)
18. Angus Ta'avao
19. Jackson Hemopo (Who returns to replace Patrick Tuipulotu with Tuipulotu elevated to the starting lineup to replace the suspended Scott Barrett)
20. Matt Todd
21. TJ Perenara
22. Ngani Laumape
& 23. Jordie Barrett (Who also returns to replace George Bridge with Bridge elevated to the starting lineup to replace Rieko Ioane due to Ioane's form is dwindling)
So that is my 303rd blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 43rd of this year.
P.S. And I have my decision to record the Jonah Lomu miniseries so I can watch it next year but this mini series is about the life & times of the late great rugby player Jonah Lomu (Yes, the one who was born in Greenlane & lived in Mangere with his parents & went to Favona Primary School then at the famous rugby school of Wesley College (Stephen Donald, Malakai Fekitoa, Charles Piutau & Sekope Kepu were the old boys who went to that secondary school) but his 1st real job was a bank teller at ASB Bank (Well, he has a manager who is from Wales who goes by the name of Phil Kingsley Jones (He has a son who is a rugby coach named Kingsley Jones) before becoming a famous rugby player (Well, he always played on the wing because a position of wing is one of the fastest players in a rugby team) who played for Counties Manukau & Wellington provincial teams as well as the Blues, Chiefs & Hurricanes Super Rugby franchises & famously played for the All Blacks (He played the famous black jersey 63 times & scored 37 tries as well as playing both Rugby World Cup tournaments in 1995 & 1999 but never won one of them) but his life on and off the field had been affected with a kidney disease which haunted him forever until his passing nearly 4 years ago & he was married 3 times (One to a South African named Tanya Rutter which Jonah's parents did not agree then Fiona Taylor & Nadene Quirk until his passing (He has both kids with Nadene named Brayley & Dhyreille) but it was really interesting as I got to read the book about Jonah Lomu like at 2:00am in the morning.
Sunday, 11 August 2019
Making Australian rugby great again (2019 edition) + 2019 Mitre 10 Cup season round 1 review
Well, the Wallabies have become the 1st team since Ireland last year to beat the All Blacks at Optus Stadium in Perth marred by that red card (Well, I of course label the red card or should I say a sending off as a disqualification, ejection (That's the American terminology of a red card/sending off) or a game misconduct penalty (Ice Hockey term) by All Black lock Scott Barrett (He looks like he'll be at least suspended for a minimum of 4 weeks meaning that he'll miss the crucial Bledisloe Cup decider at Eden Park in Auckland in 6 days time (Well, let's hope that the Bledisloe doesn't return to Australia after 16 long years) along with Jack Goodhue who injured his hamstring but Goodhue is likely to miss both the 2nd Bledisloe Cup test as well as possibly the Rugby World Cup along with Damian McKenzie & possibly Brodie Retallick (He could make the World Cup when he recovers from a broken, dislocated shoulder) for a brutal cheap shot (Well, Scott Barrett let both his team & his family down but...Oh that cost the All Blacks a big deal, it may have cost them the game (The All Blacks were good until Scott Barrett had suffered a brain explosion when he shoulder charged Michael Hooper to the head but French referee Jerome Garces referred it on the big screen but when the TMO announced that the recommendation for the offending player, Garces had no choice but to give Scott Barrett his marching orders as he was the 1st All Black since Sonny Bill Williams to be sent off (And well, I told Pops that the referee always made the right decision because it is not controversial) on Wallaby captain Michael Hooper which proved to be a game changer (I mean, Reece Hodge could be one of the stars for Australia at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan after his heroics in the match (Remember the name!) but in the end, Pops told me that the Aussies had outplayed us (And we were inconsistent (We didn't get it done right because we were down & out after the red card & we were fell (21 points) short of a win) but let's hope we can win both the next Bledisloe Cup test (And don't worry, we have home field advantage when the game is held at the garden of Eden) & the Rugby World Cup (We're hoping for a three peat to happen just like the Crusaders did this year in Super Rugby). But it looks like that the Springboks have claimed The Rugby Championship for the 1st time during The Rugby Championship era after winning it 3 times in 1998, 2004 & 2009 during the Tri Nations era with a win against Argentina in Salta.
So that is my 302nd blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 42nd of this year.
P.S. And here is the review of the opening round of the 2019 Mitre 10 Cup season:
A thumping victory by Tasman over Wellington and a draw between defending champions Auckland and North Harbour got Mitre 10 Cup rugby off to an intriguing start at the weekend.
Adding to the efforts for a first-up loss by perennial winners Canterbury at the hands of Waikato. While that is not unusual for the red and blacks it was the manner in which Waikato hung in and claimed the victory with a second half comeback that told a story in itself.
In the Premiership, Tasman and Waikato have started with bonus point wins and the Auckland draw has put it under pressure not to concede games if it wants to stay in touch with the leaders.
In the Championship, Bay of Plenty, Hawke's Bay and Taranaki have set the early pace sharing bonus point wins.
Southland 17 Northland 27
Desperate to shake-off their losing streak of the last two seasons, Southland had to absorb a lot of pressure from a hard Northland pack who were never happier than when setting up pick-and-goes near the Southland line. The home team did reveal some great running skills for their tries.
Scorers: Southland 17 (Isaac Te Tamaki, Phil Halder, Josh Moorby tries; Marty McKenzie con) Northland 27 (Coree Te Whata-Colley, Jordan Hyland, Temo Mayanavanua tries; Jack Debreczeni 3 con, 2 pen). HT: 10-6
Auckland 28 North Harbour 28
Defending champions Auckland looked set to make an impressive start to their campaign but they reckoned without the doggedness of their rivals from across the bridge. Held scoreless in the second half, Auckland had to settle for a share of the spoils after some great forward play from North Harbour.
Scorers: Auckland 28 (Tanielu Tele'a, Hoskins Sotutu 2, penalty try, tries; Harry Plummer 3 con) North Harbour 28 (Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Karl Tu'inukuafe, Lua Li tries: Jared Page 4 con). HT: 28-14
Tasman 45 Wellington 8
On paper Tasman looked to be one of the teams to beat this year and on grass they demonstrated why in a complete annihilation of Wellington in Blenheim. Thriving in the wet conditions the powerful Tasman pack had too much control and pressured Wellington all the way.
Scorers: Tasman 45 (Liam Squire, Andrew Makalio, David Havili, Tyrel Lomax, Leicester Fainga'anuku 2, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta tries; Mitch Hunt 5 con) Wellington 8 (Alex Fidow try; Jackson Garden-Bachop pen). HT: 26-3
Counties Manukau 29 Taranaki 34
Blow-for-blow Counties Manukau and Taranaki produced another thriller in the round. The Taranaki pack held the sway at the crucial moments and set up the win in which the ability to get low in driving for the line proved a key element for both sides in this nine-try effort.
Scorers: Counties Manukau 29 (Chris Kuridrani, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Conan O'Donnell, Daniel Hyatt tries; Riley Hohepa 2 con, pen; Andrew Kellaway con) Taranaki 34 (Sean Wainui, Waisake Naholo, Lachlan Boshier, Jackson Ormond, penalty try, tries; Daniel Waite 2con, pen) HT: 19-29
Waikato 31 Canterbury 28
Waikato produced a great first-up effort to push Canterbury all the way in a thrilling contest in Hamilton. But Valynce Te Whare-Crosby had the final say in giving Waikato an edge they were able to hold through some tense final moments.
Scorers: Waikato 31 (Josh Iosefa-Scott, Quinn Tupaea, Hamilton Burr, Valynce Te Whare-Crosby tries; Fletcher Smith 4 con, pen) Canterbury 28 (Josh McKay 2, Luke Whitelock, Sam Gilbert tries; Brett Cameron 4 con). HT: 14-21
Bay of Plenty 50 Otago 7
Otago had plenty of possession but Bay of Plenty had all the points. Thirty missed tackles didn't help Otago who conceded eight tries while they were also guilty of giving away twice as many penalties as the home team. With the Ranfurly Shield around the corner they will be looking to an improvement.
Scorers: Bay of Plenty 50 (Abraham Papali'i, Mitch Karpik, Fa'asiu Fuatai 2, Aidan Ross, Joe Webber, Luke Campbell, Jason Robertson tries; Dan Hollinshead 5 con) Otago 7 (Sio Tomkinson try; Vilimoni Koroi con). HT: 26-0
Manawatu 13 Hawke's Bay 31
A try in the first two minutes suggested Manawatu had a potential upset in the making. But controlled forward play from Hawke's Bay saw it apply all the pressure and by game's end it was a victory backed by all the key statistics with a five tries to one margin a fair reflection of the result.
Scorers: Manawatu 13 (Hamish Northcott try; Otere Black con, pen; Sam Malcolm pen) Hawke's Bay 31 (Brendon O'Connor, Ash Dixon 2, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Folau Fakatava tries; Danny Toala 3 con). HT: 10-10
So that is my 302nd blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 42nd of this year.
P.S. And here is the review of the opening round of the 2019 Mitre 10 Cup season:
A thumping victory by Tasman over Wellington and a draw between defending champions Auckland and North Harbour got Mitre 10 Cup rugby off to an intriguing start at the weekend.
Adding to the efforts for a first-up loss by perennial winners Canterbury at the hands of Waikato. While that is not unusual for the red and blacks it was the manner in which Waikato hung in and claimed the victory with a second half comeback that told a story in itself.
In the Premiership, Tasman and Waikato have started with bonus point wins and the Auckland draw has put it under pressure not to concede games if it wants to stay in touch with the leaders.
In the Championship, Bay of Plenty, Hawke's Bay and Taranaki have set the early pace sharing bonus point wins.
Southland 17 Northland 27
Desperate to shake-off their losing streak of the last two seasons, Southland had to absorb a lot of pressure from a hard Northland pack who were never happier than when setting up pick-and-goes near the Southland line. The home team did reveal some great running skills for their tries.
Scorers: Southland 17 (Isaac Te Tamaki, Phil Halder, Josh Moorby tries; Marty McKenzie con) Northland 27 (Coree Te Whata-Colley, Jordan Hyland, Temo Mayanavanua tries; Jack Debreczeni 3 con, 2 pen). HT: 10-6
Auckland 28 North Harbour 28
Defending champions Auckland looked set to make an impressive start to their campaign but they reckoned without the doggedness of their rivals from across the bridge. Held scoreless in the second half, Auckland had to settle for a share of the spoils after some great forward play from North Harbour.
Scorers: Auckland 28 (Tanielu Tele'a, Hoskins Sotutu 2, penalty try, tries; Harry Plummer 3 con) North Harbour 28 (Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Karl Tu'inukuafe, Lua Li tries: Jared Page 4 con). HT: 28-14
Tasman 45 Wellington 8
On paper Tasman looked to be one of the teams to beat this year and on grass they demonstrated why in a complete annihilation of Wellington in Blenheim. Thriving in the wet conditions the powerful Tasman pack had too much control and pressured Wellington all the way.
Scorers: Tasman 45 (Liam Squire, Andrew Makalio, David Havili, Tyrel Lomax, Leicester Fainga'anuku 2, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta tries; Mitch Hunt 5 con) Wellington 8 (Alex Fidow try; Jackson Garden-Bachop pen). HT: 26-3
Counties Manukau 29 Taranaki 34
Blow-for-blow Counties Manukau and Taranaki produced another thriller in the round. The Taranaki pack held the sway at the crucial moments and set up the win in which the ability to get low in driving for the line proved a key element for both sides in this nine-try effort.
Scorers: Counties Manukau 29 (Chris Kuridrani, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Conan O'Donnell, Daniel Hyatt tries; Riley Hohepa 2 con, pen; Andrew Kellaway con) Taranaki 34 (Sean Wainui, Waisake Naholo, Lachlan Boshier, Jackson Ormond, penalty try, tries; Daniel Waite 2con, pen) HT: 19-29
Waikato 31 Canterbury 28
Waikato produced a great first-up effort to push Canterbury all the way in a thrilling contest in Hamilton. But Valynce Te Whare-Crosby had the final say in giving Waikato an edge they were able to hold through some tense final moments.
Scorers: Waikato 31 (Josh Iosefa-Scott, Quinn Tupaea, Hamilton Burr, Valynce Te Whare-Crosby tries; Fletcher Smith 4 con, pen) Canterbury 28 (Josh McKay 2, Luke Whitelock, Sam Gilbert tries; Brett Cameron 4 con). HT: 14-21
Bay of Plenty 50 Otago 7
Otago had plenty of possession but Bay of Plenty had all the points. Thirty missed tackles didn't help Otago who conceded eight tries while they were also guilty of giving away twice as many penalties as the home team. With the Ranfurly Shield around the corner they will be looking to an improvement.
Scorers: Bay of Plenty 50 (Abraham Papali'i, Mitch Karpik, Fa'asiu Fuatai 2, Aidan Ross, Joe Webber, Luke Campbell, Jason Robertson tries; Dan Hollinshead 5 con) Otago 7 (Sio Tomkinson try; Vilimoni Koroi con). HT: 26-0
Manawatu 13 Hawke's Bay 31
A try in the first two minutes suggested Manawatu had a potential upset in the making. But controlled forward play from Hawke's Bay saw it apply all the pressure and by game's end it was a victory backed by all the key statistics with a five tries to one margin a fair reflection of the result.
Scorers: Manawatu 13 (Hamish Northcott try; Otere Black con, pen; Sam Malcolm pen) Hawke's Bay 31 (Brendon O'Connor, Ash Dixon 2, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Folau Fakatava tries; Danny Toala 3 con). HT: 10-10
Thursday, 8 August 2019
All Blacks team naming against the Wallabies for Bledisloe I (2019 Rugby Championship) + RIP Sir Brian Lochore, PNC round 2 review, Beauden Barrett joins Blues (My 1st blog of August 2019) & 2019 Ashes 1st test review
Well, the All Blacks (Who missed out on a win against the Springboks (Who snatched it right at the death to seal a draw with a kick to come but they need a win against Argentina to win their 1st Rugby Championship (Well, they won the Tri Nations before 3 times (1998, 2004 & 2009) but never won a Rugby Championship but who will go into the Rugby World Cup as winners of the Rugby Championship? We'll see) should the AB's lose against Australia) in Wellington, setting the tone for the opening game of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Yokohama on the 21st of September) have named their team against the Wallabies in the 1st of 2 Bledisloe Cup tests as well as the last round of the Rugby Championship (Well, we need a win against the Aussies to retain our coveted Rugby Championship title should South Africa lose & not get a bonus point against Argentina) at the all new Optus Stadium in Perth so here is the starting lineup in it's entirety:
PLAYING XV
FRONT ROW
1 (Loose head prop): Joe Moody (Crusaders/Canterbury)
2 (Hooker): Dane Coles (Hurricanes/Wellington)
3 (Tight head prop): Owen Franks (Crusaders/Canterbury)
SECOND ROW
4 (Lock): Scott Barrett (Crusaders/Taranaki)
5 (Lock): Sam Whitelock (Crusaders/Canterbury)
BACK ROW
6 (Blind side flanker): Ardie Savea (Hurricanes/Wellington)
7 (Open side flanker): Sam Cane (Chiefs/Bay Of Plenty)
8 (Number 8): Kieran Read (Captain, Crusaders/Counties Manukau)
HALVES
9 (Half-back): Aaron Smith (Highlanders/Manawatu)
10 (First five-eighth): Richie Mo'unga (Crusaders/Canterbury)
MIDFIELD
12 (Second five-eighth): Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs/Waikato)
13 (Centre): Jack Goodhue (Crusaders/Northland)
OUTSIDE BACKS
11 (Left wing): Rieko Ioane (Blues/Auckland)
14 (Right wing): Ben Smith (Highlanders/Otago)
& 15 (Fullback): Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes/Taranaki)
And in the reserves are:
16. Codie Taylor (Who replaces Dane Coles with Coles elevated to the starting lineup)
17. Atu Moli (Who returns to replace Ofa Tu'ungafasi as reserve loose head prop)
18. Angus Ta'avao
19. Patrick Tuipulotu (Who is back & raring to go to replace Vaea Fifita)
20. Matt Todd (Who is dropped to the bench replacing Dalton Papali'i)
21. TJ Perenara (Who is dropped to the bench with Aaron Smith returning to start at halfback)
22. Ngani Laumape (Who also replaces Anton Lienert-Brown with Lienert-Brown elevated to the starting lineup)
& 23. George Bridge
And it has been 6 days since one of our All Black rugby legends, Sir Brian 'BJ' Lochore has passed away aged 79 so all thoughts, prayers & condolences to him, RIP (Rest in piece/Rest in pieces/Requiscat en pace/Rest in paradise).
While in the Pacific Nations Cup, Fiji, 2019 RWC hosts Japan, & the USA get their wins against Canada, Tonga & Samoa respectively.
And finally, it has been a month since the struggling Blues franchise have all but confirmed that they signed star All Black & twice World Rugby player of the year, Beauden Barrett on a 4 year deal which takes him right throughout the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France (Well that was a bit of a shock, just like the Hurricanes have signed the late Jonah Lomu from the Chiefs in late 1999 & would gone on to appear for the Canes 29 times from 2000 to the 2003 Super 12 season).
So that is my 301st blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 41st of this year.
P.S. And Australia has drawn 1st blood in the 2019 Ashes series against England at Edgbaston in Birmingham after Steve Smith scored a century in both the 1st & 2nd (Along with Matthew Wade) innings then both Aussie bowlers Nathan Lyon & Pat Cummins shared all the 10 wickets aside in the 2nd innings.
PLAYING XV
FRONT ROW
1 (Loose head prop): Joe Moody (Crusaders/Canterbury)
2 (Hooker): Dane Coles (Hurricanes/Wellington)
3 (Tight head prop): Owen Franks (Crusaders/Canterbury)
SECOND ROW
4 (Lock): Scott Barrett (Crusaders/Taranaki)
5 (Lock): Sam Whitelock (Crusaders/Canterbury)
BACK ROW
6 (Blind side flanker): Ardie Savea (Hurricanes/Wellington)
7 (Open side flanker): Sam Cane (Chiefs/Bay Of Plenty)
8 (Number 8): Kieran Read (Captain, Crusaders/Counties Manukau)
HALVES
9 (Half-back): Aaron Smith (Highlanders/Manawatu)
10 (First five-eighth): Richie Mo'unga (Crusaders/Canterbury)
MIDFIELD
12 (Second five-eighth): Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs/Waikato)
13 (Centre): Jack Goodhue (Crusaders/Northland)
OUTSIDE BACKS
11 (Left wing): Rieko Ioane (Blues/Auckland)
14 (Right wing): Ben Smith (Highlanders/Otago)
& 15 (Fullback): Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes/Taranaki)
And in the reserves are:
16. Codie Taylor (Who replaces Dane Coles with Coles elevated to the starting lineup)
17. Atu Moli (Who returns to replace Ofa Tu'ungafasi as reserve loose head prop)
18. Angus Ta'avao
19. Patrick Tuipulotu (Who is back & raring to go to replace Vaea Fifita)
20. Matt Todd (Who is dropped to the bench replacing Dalton Papali'i)
21. TJ Perenara (Who is dropped to the bench with Aaron Smith returning to start at halfback)
22. Ngani Laumape (Who also replaces Anton Lienert-Brown with Lienert-Brown elevated to the starting lineup)
& 23. George Bridge
And it has been 6 days since one of our All Black rugby legends, Sir Brian 'BJ' Lochore has passed away aged 79 so all thoughts, prayers & condolences to him, RIP (Rest in piece/Rest in pieces/Requiscat en pace/Rest in paradise).
While in the Pacific Nations Cup, Fiji, 2019 RWC hosts Japan, & the USA get their wins against Canada, Tonga & Samoa respectively.
And finally, it has been a month since the struggling Blues franchise have all but confirmed that they signed star All Black & twice World Rugby player of the year, Beauden Barrett on a 4 year deal which takes him right throughout the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France (Well that was a bit of a shock, just like the Hurricanes have signed the late Jonah Lomu from the Chiefs in late 1999 & would gone on to appear for the Canes 29 times from 2000 to the 2003 Super 12 season).
So that is my 301st blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 41st of this year.
P.S. And Australia has drawn 1st blood in the 2019 Ashes series against England at Edgbaston in Birmingham after Steve Smith scored a century in both the 1st & 2nd (Along with Matthew Wade) innings then both Aussie bowlers Nathan Lyon & Pat Cummins shared all the 10 wickets aside in the 2nd innings.
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