Well, after our good win against the Springboks in our Rugby World Cup opener, the All Blacks have named our team to play against Canada (Well, their most recent meeting between the 2 sides was in 2011 in Wellington at Wellington Regional Stadium during the Rugby World Cup in which we pummeled them 79 to 15 after Dan Carter injured his groin at training (He was due to captain the side but hooker Andrew Hore was given the captaincy of course after Carter got injured), ruling him out for the remainder of the tournament) in our 2nd Pool B match at Oita Stadium in Oita so here is the starting lineup in it's entirety:
PLAYING XV
FRONT ROW
1 (Loose head prop): Atu Moli (Chiefs/Tasman)
2 (Hooker): Liam Coltman (Highlanders/Otago)
3 (Tight head prop): Angus Ta'avao (Chiefs/Auckland)
SECOND ROW
4 (Lock): Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues/Auckland)
5 (Lock): Scott Barrett (Crusaders/Canterbury)
BACK ROW
6 (Blind side flanker): Shannon Frizell (Highlanders/Tasman)
7 (Open side flanker): Matt Todd (Crusaders/Canterbury)
8 (Number 8): Kieran Read (Captain, Crusaders/Canterbury)
HALVES
9 (Half-back): TJ Perenara (Hurricanes/Wellington)
10 (First five-eighth): Richie Mo'unga (Crusaders/Canterbury)
MIDFIELD
12 (Second five-eighth): Sonny Bill Williams (Blues/Counties Manukau)
13 (Centre): Jack Goodhue (Crusaders/Northland)
OUTSIDE BACKS
11 (Left wing): Rieko Ioane (Blues/Auckland)
14 (Right wing): Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes/Taranaki)
& 15 (Fullback): Beauden Barrett (Blues/Taranaki)
And in the reserves are:
16. Codie Taylor
17. Ofa Tu'ungafasi
18. Nepo Laulala (Who is dropped to the bench with Angus Ta'avao promoted to the starting lineup)
19. Sam Whitelock (Who is dropped to the bench to replace Patrick Tuipulotu with Tuipulotu elevated to the starting lineup to play at the number 4 lock position)
20. Ardie Savea (Who is also dropped to the bench with Shannon Frizell promoted to the starting lineup)
21. Brad Weber (Who replaces TJ Perenara with Perenara elevated to the starting lineup to replace Aaron Smith who is rested)
22. Ryan Crotty (Who is dropped to the bench, replacing Sonny Bill Williams with Williams elevated to the starting lineup)
& 23. Ben Smith
Squad members not playing:
George Bridge, Sam Cane, Dane Coles, Anton Lienert-Brown, Joe Moody, Sevu Reece, Brodie Retallick & Aaron Smith.
So that is my 316th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 56th of this year.
Sunday, 29 September 2019
2019 Mitre 10 Cup round 8 review
Well, here is the review of the 8th round of the 2019 Mitre 10 Cup season:
Tasman's 40-0 thumping of Auckland has left the defending champions facing the demand of beating Southland and Taranaki in remaining weeks of the Mitre 10 Cup Premiership if they are to reach the playoffs.
Tasman are seven points clear of Wellington who have 31 points, while Canterbury are in third on 25 points while North Harbour are on 21. Two points clear of Auckland, North Harbour face a much tougher finish having to play Wellington and Canterbury.
In the Championship, Bay of Plenty's win over Hawke's Bay has closed up the margin between the two who are now separated by three points. Six points back are Otago while another seven points in arrears are Taranaki.
Mitre 10 Cup – Week 8
Taranaki 19 Southland 0
Dogged Southland first half defence suggested they were going to cause all manner of trouble for Taranaki in New Plymouth during a scoreless first half, but six minutes into the second the breakthrough came for the home side with wing Waisake Naholo and fullback – Potroz racing down the right sideline before sending ball infield via Sean Wainui who saw Teihorangi Walden in for the try. A superb angle run by first five-eighths Stephen Perofeta off the back of a long lineout throw opened up the chance for wing Jackson Ormond and then Naholo got home for the third to end the game southern effort.
Scorers: Taranaki 19 (Teihorangi Walden, Jackson Ormond, Waisake Naholo tries; Stephen Perofeta 2 con) Southland 0. HT: 0-0
Tasman 40 Auckland 0
Appropriately the Tasman Makos sniffed Auckland blood in the water at Trafalgar Park in Nelson on Friday and they fed on a defending champion Auckland side who were left to ponder whether they will even make the playoffs in this year's competition. Tasman took Auckland on up front and won, and when the backs had their moments they outclassed their rivals with wing Leicester Fainga'anuku demonstrating why he has created so much interest in lower levels of the game while fullback David Havili's run to set up Fainga'anuku's first try was superb. It is going to take a resilient and innovative side to knock Tasman off their stride.
Scorers: Tasman 40 (Andrew Makalio, Ethan Blackadder, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Finlay Christie, Sione Havili Talitui, Hugh Roach tries; Mitch Hunt 5 con) Auckland 0. HT: 19-0
Bay of Plenty 51 Hawke's Bay 24
This result kept the Mitre 10 Championship well and truly alive as Bay of Plenty inflicted the first defeat on Hawke's Bay and moved within three points on the competition ladder. Unleashing a devastating first half assault in which they got out to a 31-0 lead, Bay of Plenty only needed to keep their heads to claim the win. Hawke's Bay did post 24 points, including four tries to salvage a bonus point from the loss, but the honours and confidence should they meet in the playoffs were all with Bay of Plenty. Chase Tiatia cashing in for three tries and Joe Ravouvou for two.
Scorers: Bay of Plenty 51 (Chase Tiatia 3, Joe Ravouvou 2, Kaleb Trask, Mitch Karpik, Tevita Mafileo tries: Trask 4 con, pen) Hawke's Bay 24 (Danny Toala, Geoffrey Cridge, Ollie Sapsford, Marino Mikaele Tu'u tries; Lincoln McClutchie 2 con). HT: 31-0
Wellington 57 Northland 36
Good as Northland looked when opening the scoring with a driving maul try, and then a startling midfield run by replacement Aorangi Stokes, they weren't able to match the dazzle that Wellington turned on via centre Vince Aso, wing Wes Goosen and skipper and flanker Du'Plessis Kirifi, who scored twice as a result of being in perfect supporting position. And in the second half replacement wing Pepesana Patafilo showed his class in crossing twice, the second from a move started in Wellington's 22m area.
Scorers: Wellington 57 (Vince Aso, Du'Plessis Kirifi 2, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Wes Goosen, Josh Furno, Pepesana Patafilo 2 tries; Jackson Garden-Bachop 7 con, pen) Northland 36 (Aorangi Stokes 2, Paddy-Joe Atkins, Jonty Rae, Jack Debreczeni tries; Debreczeni 4 con, pen). HT: 22-15
Canterbury 38 Counties Manukau 5
Crusaders halfback Mitchell Drummond had a big night out for Canterbury in their win over Counties Manukau in Christchurch. It was his goalline tackle that set up the maul in which the ball was transferred to loosie Brodie McAlister to score the first try and then Drummond scored twice on the back of grinding forward play to give Canterbury their 19-0 halftime lead. And his double round move early in the second half produced a try for win Dallas McLeod on the end of Drummond's long pass. Counties had a tough night as a result with their only try coming in the 78th minute.
Scorers: Canterbury 38 (Mitchell Drummond 2, Sam Gilbert 2, Brodie McAlister, Dallas McLeod tries; Brett Cameron 4 con) Counties Manukau 5 (Chris Kuridrani try ). HT: 19-0
Otago 45 Waikato 35
Otago lived to fight another day when seeing off a potentially strong challenge from Waikato for the Ranfurly Shield, but a disorganised first quarter did not help the challengers' cause and Otago made the most to put 20 points on the board. Waikato, typically, did come back with more direct play to get within six points at the turn. But the magical work of Vilimoni Koroi and Jona Nareki took the Shield holders out to a lead they were not prepared to relinquish. Waikato got a bonus point and could still prove to be of nuisance value in the playoffs hunt while Otago now face old rival Canterbury in their final Shield challenge of the year.
Scorers: Otago 45 (Slade McDowell, Vilimoni Koroi 2, Jona Nareki, Aleki Morris, Henry Purdy tries; Josh Ioane 3 con, 3 pen) Waikato 35 (Simon Parker, Samisone Taukei'aho 2, Mitchell Jacobson tries; Penalty try; Fletcher Smith 4 con). HT: 20-14.
Manawatu 16 North Harbour 29
Well judged running lines in spring-like conditions resulted in several of the tries posted in Palmerston North as North Harbour secured a win that lifted them into the top four of the Premiership. Centre Adam Boult started the try scoring with his line for Manawatu but it was the set up for North Harbour centre Asaeli Tikoirotuma that set the northerners on their winning way. Fullback Matt Duffie and wing Mark Telea followed up as well while the outside track proved rewards for prop Sione Mafileo and replacement back Fine Inisi.
Scorers: Manawatu 16 (Adam Boult, Otere Black tries; Black 2 pen) North Harbour 29 (Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Sione Mafileo, Matt Duffie, Mark Telea, Fine Inisi tries; Matt McGahan 2 con). HT: 11-12
So that is my 315th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 55th of this year.
Tasman's 40-0 thumping of Auckland has left the defending champions facing the demand of beating Southland and Taranaki in remaining weeks of the Mitre 10 Cup Premiership if they are to reach the playoffs.
Tasman are seven points clear of Wellington who have 31 points, while Canterbury are in third on 25 points while North Harbour are on 21. Two points clear of Auckland, North Harbour face a much tougher finish having to play Wellington and Canterbury.
In the Championship, Bay of Plenty's win over Hawke's Bay has closed up the margin between the two who are now separated by three points. Six points back are Otago while another seven points in arrears are Taranaki.
Mitre 10 Cup – Week 8
Taranaki 19 Southland 0
Dogged Southland first half defence suggested they were going to cause all manner of trouble for Taranaki in New Plymouth during a scoreless first half, but six minutes into the second the breakthrough came for the home side with wing Waisake Naholo and fullback – Potroz racing down the right sideline before sending ball infield via Sean Wainui who saw Teihorangi Walden in for the try. A superb angle run by first five-eighths Stephen Perofeta off the back of a long lineout throw opened up the chance for wing Jackson Ormond and then Naholo got home for the third to end the game southern effort.
Scorers: Taranaki 19 (Teihorangi Walden, Jackson Ormond, Waisake Naholo tries; Stephen Perofeta 2 con) Southland 0. HT: 0-0
Tasman 40 Auckland 0
Appropriately the Tasman Makos sniffed Auckland blood in the water at Trafalgar Park in Nelson on Friday and they fed on a defending champion Auckland side who were left to ponder whether they will even make the playoffs in this year's competition. Tasman took Auckland on up front and won, and when the backs had their moments they outclassed their rivals with wing Leicester Fainga'anuku demonstrating why he has created so much interest in lower levels of the game while fullback David Havili's run to set up Fainga'anuku's first try was superb. It is going to take a resilient and innovative side to knock Tasman off their stride.
Scorers: Tasman 40 (Andrew Makalio, Ethan Blackadder, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Finlay Christie, Sione Havili Talitui, Hugh Roach tries; Mitch Hunt 5 con) Auckland 0. HT: 19-0
Bay of Plenty 51 Hawke's Bay 24
This result kept the Mitre 10 Championship well and truly alive as Bay of Plenty inflicted the first defeat on Hawke's Bay and moved within three points on the competition ladder. Unleashing a devastating first half assault in which they got out to a 31-0 lead, Bay of Plenty only needed to keep their heads to claim the win. Hawke's Bay did post 24 points, including four tries to salvage a bonus point from the loss, but the honours and confidence should they meet in the playoffs were all with Bay of Plenty. Chase Tiatia cashing in for three tries and Joe Ravouvou for two.
Scorers: Bay of Plenty 51 (Chase Tiatia 3, Joe Ravouvou 2, Kaleb Trask, Mitch Karpik, Tevita Mafileo tries: Trask 4 con, pen) Hawke's Bay 24 (Danny Toala, Geoffrey Cridge, Ollie Sapsford, Marino Mikaele Tu'u tries; Lincoln McClutchie 2 con). HT: 31-0
Wellington 57 Northland 36
Good as Northland looked when opening the scoring with a driving maul try, and then a startling midfield run by replacement Aorangi Stokes, they weren't able to match the dazzle that Wellington turned on via centre Vince Aso, wing Wes Goosen and skipper and flanker Du'Plessis Kirifi, who scored twice as a result of being in perfect supporting position. And in the second half replacement wing Pepesana Patafilo showed his class in crossing twice, the second from a move started in Wellington's 22m area.
Scorers: Wellington 57 (Vince Aso, Du'Plessis Kirifi 2, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Wes Goosen, Josh Furno, Pepesana Patafilo 2 tries; Jackson Garden-Bachop 7 con, pen) Northland 36 (Aorangi Stokes 2, Paddy-Joe Atkins, Jonty Rae, Jack Debreczeni tries; Debreczeni 4 con, pen). HT: 22-15
Canterbury 38 Counties Manukau 5
Crusaders halfback Mitchell Drummond had a big night out for Canterbury in their win over Counties Manukau in Christchurch. It was his goalline tackle that set up the maul in which the ball was transferred to loosie Brodie McAlister to score the first try and then Drummond scored twice on the back of grinding forward play to give Canterbury their 19-0 halftime lead. And his double round move early in the second half produced a try for win Dallas McLeod on the end of Drummond's long pass. Counties had a tough night as a result with their only try coming in the 78th minute.
Scorers: Canterbury 38 (Mitchell Drummond 2, Sam Gilbert 2, Brodie McAlister, Dallas McLeod tries; Brett Cameron 4 con) Counties Manukau 5 (Chris Kuridrani try ). HT: 19-0
Otago 45 Waikato 35
Otago lived to fight another day when seeing off a potentially strong challenge from Waikato for the Ranfurly Shield, but a disorganised first quarter did not help the challengers' cause and Otago made the most to put 20 points on the board. Waikato, typically, did come back with more direct play to get within six points at the turn. But the magical work of Vilimoni Koroi and Jona Nareki took the Shield holders out to a lead they were not prepared to relinquish. Waikato got a bonus point and could still prove to be of nuisance value in the playoffs hunt while Otago now face old rival Canterbury in their final Shield challenge of the year.
Scorers: Otago 45 (Slade McDowell, Vilimoni Koroi 2, Jona Nareki, Aleki Morris, Henry Purdy tries; Josh Ioane 3 con, 3 pen) Waikato 35 (Simon Parker, Samisone Taukei'aho 2, Mitchell Jacobson tries; Penalty try; Fletcher Smith 4 con). HT: 20-14.
Manawatu 16 North Harbour 29
Well judged running lines in spring-like conditions resulted in several of the tries posted in Palmerston North as North Harbour secured a win that lifted them into the top four of the Premiership. Centre Adam Boult started the try scoring with his line for Manawatu but it was the set up for North Harbour centre Asaeli Tikoirotuma that set the northerners on their winning way. Fullback Matt Duffie and wing Mark Telea followed up as well while the outside track proved rewards for prop Sione Mafileo and replacement back Fine Inisi.
Scorers: Manawatu 16 (Adam Boult, Otere Black tries; Black 2 pen) North Harbour 29 (Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Sione Mafileo, Matt Duffie, Mark Telea, Fine Inisi tries; Matt McGahan 2 con). HT: 11-12
So that is my 315th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 55th of this year.
Monday, 23 September 2019
2019 Mitre 10 Cup round 7 review
Well, after the Rugby World Cup vibe in Japan that I did on my blog, here is the review of the 7th round of the 2019 Mitre 10 Cup season:
Waikato gave Mitre 10 Premiership leaders Tasman plenty to think about before the southerners came home strongly to take the win in Hamilton on Saturday.
It was an impressive display of control as they played their way back into the contest.
Wellington dished out a hefty loss for defending champions Auckland on Sunday afternoon.
In the Mitre 10 Championship, Otago were boosted by a crossover win against North Harbour, something their southern neighbours Southland also managed when ending their win drought with a win over Counties Manukau in Invercargill.
Results from Week Seven were:
Canterbury 29 Manawatu 32
Manawatu have provided some boilovers against Canterbury down through the years and they pulled off another one this week. It is not terminal for Canterbury's playoffs hopes and has given Manawatu every chances of pushing for a playoffs place in the Championship. They are fourth, two points ahead of Taranaki. Flanker Johnny Galloway may never score an easier try than the opener in Christchurch while teammate Andre Taylor kicked a penalty goal from his own half to give Manawatu great reward for scrum power. Taylor backed that up with a superb turnover run of 80m while second five-eighths Ngani Laumape had great reward for following up when a cruel bounce gave him a try. The win was the perfect way to celebrate Nick Crosswell's 100th match for the side.
Scorers: Canterbury 29 (Dallas McLeod, Luke Romano, Sebastian Siataga, Josh McKay, Brett Camerson tries; Cameron 2 con) Manawatu 32 (Johnny Galloway, Andre Taylor, Ngani Laumape, Brayden Iose tries; Otere Black 3 con, pen; Andre Taylor pen). HT: 25-5
Hawke's Bay 35 Taranaki 17
Hawke's Bay's strong run continues, unbeaten to date with only one draw denying it a clean slate with Bay of Plenty its closest rival and still seven points adrift. It's not such good news for Taranaki who are outside the top four and facing a battle to make the playoffs. Mix Hawke's Bay halfback Folau Fokatava and left wing Mason Emerson and you have a powerful brew as Taranaki found out. Fokatava's speed on the break was outstanding while Emerson's sharpness mades him a constant danger. Second five-eighths Danny Toala also made the most of Fokatava's passing judgment to cross twice. Taranaki didn't help themselves by having two men in the sin-bin at one stage.
Scorers: Hawke's Bay 35 (Mason Emerson 2, Danny Toala 2 tries; penalty try; Lincoln McClutchie 4 con) Taranaki 17 (Jayson Potroz, Heiden Bedwell-Curtis tries; Potroz con; Stephen Perofeta con, pen). HT: 21-7
Waikato 26 Tasman 35
Life doesn't come much easier for wings like Waikato's Bailyn Sullivan when he was given almost half the field to run in two tries by his insides and to help his side to a 23-15 lead at halftime in Hamilton. But Tasman aren't setting the pace in the Premiership without reason. They fought back superbly scoring two fine tries, the first an example of support play by flanker Ethan Blackadder, and the second revealing an old head in the right place at the right time as prop Wyatt Crockett thundered across after taking a short pass to score what proved the matchwinner for his side. David Havili also had a chance to reveal the quality of his goal-kicking boot with one from nearly 50 metres. The match also marked Dwayne Sweeney's 100th match for Waikato.
Scorers: Waikato 26 (Bailyn Sullivan 2, Declan O'Donnell tries; Dwayne Sweeney con; Fletcher Smith 3 pen ) Tasman 35 (Hugh Roach, David Havili, Ethan Blackadder, Wyatt Crockett tries; Tim O'Malley con, pen; David Havili 2 con, 2 pen). HT: 23-15
Southland 42 Counties Manukau 14
It was going to happen one day and it was Counties Manukau who were on the receiving end of Southland's first win since 2016. As so often happens when a run of disappointing results comes to an end it happens with a bang and a five tries to two win for the Southerners left Counties Manukau facing the prospect of relegation unless they can string together some good form in the next few weeks. The tries were spread around for the home side but first five-eighths Marty McKenzie added extra value by contributing 17 points with the boot to provide something to smile about at last for Southlanders.
Scorers: Southland 42 (Rory van Vugt, Logan Crowley, Greg Pleasants-Tate, Isaac Te Tamaki, Lewis Ormond tries; Marty McKenzie 4 con, 3 pen) Counties Manukau 14 (Nikolai Foliaki, Malene Ilaua tries; Riley Hohepa con, Orbyn Leger con).
North Harbour 15 Otago 21
Otago pulled in some key competition points when heading to Albany to take four points from North Harbour on Saturday. While their 14-7 halftime lead may have been against the run of play with tries to flanker James Lentjes and an intercept for Sio Tomkinson, North Harbour struggled to put their plays together and the opening try, a scorcher from wing Matt Duffie took most of the first half to come. In the second half Aleki Morris ran in another key try for Otago while first five-eighths Josh Ioane demonstrated just how much his game has grown since recent exposure to international play.
Scorers: North Harbour 15 (Matt Duffie, Bryn Hall tries; Matt McGahan con, pen) Otago 21 (James Lentjes, Sio Tomkinson, Aleki Morris Lome tries; Josh Ioane 3 con). HT: 7-14
Auckland 15 Wellington 34
Defending champions Auckland are looking nothing like the unit which proved so impressive last year and are sitting in fourth place in the Premiership. They should still be a playoffs chance but wouldn't need to give North Harbour or Waikato a sniff, both of them sitting three points back. Wellington could relish the sight of fullback Billy Proctor running freely, taking gaps with ease and causing all manner of trouble in scoring two tries. They also had Ben Lam charging around with the ball in hand, as Wellington made much better use of their set-piece plays while Auckland were unable to construct the necessary cohesion in the same department.
Scorers: Auckland 15 (Leni Apisai, Jonathan Ruru tries; Harry Plummer con, pen) Wellington 34 (Peter Umaga-Jensen, Billy Proctor 2, Mateaki Kafatolu tries; Jackson Garden-Bachop 4 con, 2 pen). HT: 15-14
Northland 22 Bay of Plenty 46
Bay of Plenty's run of form has continued and they left Northland sitting at the bottom of the Championship after Southland's win. However, in dishing out a comprehensive loss to Northland they suffered the loss of wing Fa'asiu Fuatai, ordered off for a shoulder to the head of Northland's Renata Roberts-Tenana when 20 minutes of the game remained. However, Northland were too far off the pace to be able to cash in and Bay of Plenty remained well in control.
Scorers: Northland 22 (Renata Roberts-Tenana, Sam Nock, Harrison Levien tries; Jack Debreczeni pen; Tom Smith con) Bay of Plenty 46 (Hugh Blake, Matt Garland 2, Fa'asiu Fuatai, Cole Forbes, Chase Tiatia, Emoni Narawa tries; Kaleb Trask 4 con, pen). HT: 10-22
So that is my 314th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 54th of this year.
Waikato gave Mitre 10 Premiership leaders Tasman plenty to think about before the southerners came home strongly to take the win in Hamilton on Saturday.
It was an impressive display of control as they played their way back into the contest.
Wellington dished out a hefty loss for defending champions Auckland on Sunday afternoon.
In the Mitre 10 Championship, Otago were boosted by a crossover win against North Harbour, something their southern neighbours Southland also managed when ending their win drought with a win over Counties Manukau in Invercargill.
Results from Week Seven were:
Canterbury 29 Manawatu 32
Manawatu have provided some boilovers against Canterbury down through the years and they pulled off another one this week. It is not terminal for Canterbury's playoffs hopes and has given Manawatu every chances of pushing for a playoffs place in the Championship. They are fourth, two points ahead of Taranaki. Flanker Johnny Galloway may never score an easier try than the opener in Christchurch while teammate Andre Taylor kicked a penalty goal from his own half to give Manawatu great reward for scrum power. Taylor backed that up with a superb turnover run of 80m while second five-eighths Ngani Laumape had great reward for following up when a cruel bounce gave him a try. The win was the perfect way to celebrate Nick Crosswell's 100th match for the side.
Scorers: Canterbury 29 (Dallas McLeod, Luke Romano, Sebastian Siataga, Josh McKay, Brett Camerson tries; Cameron 2 con) Manawatu 32 (Johnny Galloway, Andre Taylor, Ngani Laumape, Brayden Iose tries; Otere Black 3 con, pen; Andre Taylor pen). HT: 25-5
Hawke's Bay 35 Taranaki 17
Hawke's Bay's strong run continues, unbeaten to date with only one draw denying it a clean slate with Bay of Plenty its closest rival and still seven points adrift. It's not such good news for Taranaki who are outside the top four and facing a battle to make the playoffs. Mix Hawke's Bay halfback Folau Fokatava and left wing Mason Emerson and you have a powerful brew as Taranaki found out. Fokatava's speed on the break was outstanding while Emerson's sharpness mades him a constant danger. Second five-eighths Danny Toala also made the most of Fokatava's passing judgment to cross twice. Taranaki didn't help themselves by having two men in the sin-bin at one stage.
Scorers: Hawke's Bay 35 (Mason Emerson 2, Danny Toala 2 tries; penalty try; Lincoln McClutchie 4 con) Taranaki 17 (Jayson Potroz, Heiden Bedwell-Curtis tries; Potroz con; Stephen Perofeta con, pen). HT: 21-7
Waikato 26 Tasman 35
Life doesn't come much easier for wings like Waikato's Bailyn Sullivan when he was given almost half the field to run in two tries by his insides and to help his side to a 23-15 lead at halftime in Hamilton. But Tasman aren't setting the pace in the Premiership without reason. They fought back superbly scoring two fine tries, the first an example of support play by flanker Ethan Blackadder, and the second revealing an old head in the right place at the right time as prop Wyatt Crockett thundered across after taking a short pass to score what proved the matchwinner for his side. David Havili also had a chance to reveal the quality of his goal-kicking boot with one from nearly 50 metres. The match also marked Dwayne Sweeney's 100th match for Waikato.
Scorers: Waikato 26 (Bailyn Sullivan 2, Declan O'Donnell tries; Dwayne Sweeney con; Fletcher Smith 3 pen ) Tasman 35 (Hugh Roach, David Havili, Ethan Blackadder, Wyatt Crockett tries; Tim O'Malley con, pen; David Havili 2 con, 2 pen). HT: 23-15
Southland 42 Counties Manukau 14
It was going to happen one day and it was Counties Manukau who were on the receiving end of Southland's first win since 2016. As so often happens when a run of disappointing results comes to an end it happens with a bang and a five tries to two win for the Southerners left Counties Manukau facing the prospect of relegation unless they can string together some good form in the next few weeks. The tries were spread around for the home side but first five-eighths Marty McKenzie added extra value by contributing 17 points with the boot to provide something to smile about at last for Southlanders.
Scorers: Southland 42 (Rory van Vugt, Logan Crowley, Greg Pleasants-Tate, Isaac Te Tamaki, Lewis Ormond tries; Marty McKenzie 4 con, 3 pen) Counties Manukau 14 (Nikolai Foliaki, Malene Ilaua tries; Riley Hohepa con, Orbyn Leger con).
North Harbour 15 Otago 21
Otago pulled in some key competition points when heading to Albany to take four points from North Harbour on Saturday. While their 14-7 halftime lead may have been against the run of play with tries to flanker James Lentjes and an intercept for Sio Tomkinson, North Harbour struggled to put their plays together and the opening try, a scorcher from wing Matt Duffie took most of the first half to come. In the second half Aleki Morris ran in another key try for Otago while first five-eighths Josh Ioane demonstrated just how much his game has grown since recent exposure to international play.
Scorers: North Harbour 15 (Matt Duffie, Bryn Hall tries; Matt McGahan con, pen) Otago 21 (James Lentjes, Sio Tomkinson, Aleki Morris Lome tries; Josh Ioane 3 con). HT: 7-14
Auckland 15 Wellington 34
Defending champions Auckland are looking nothing like the unit which proved so impressive last year and are sitting in fourth place in the Premiership. They should still be a playoffs chance but wouldn't need to give North Harbour or Waikato a sniff, both of them sitting three points back. Wellington could relish the sight of fullback Billy Proctor running freely, taking gaps with ease and causing all manner of trouble in scoring two tries. They also had Ben Lam charging around with the ball in hand, as Wellington made much better use of their set-piece plays while Auckland were unable to construct the necessary cohesion in the same department.
Scorers: Auckland 15 (Leni Apisai, Jonathan Ruru tries; Harry Plummer con, pen) Wellington 34 (Peter Umaga-Jensen, Billy Proctor 2, Mateaki Kafatolu tries; Jackson Garden-Bachop 4 con, 2 pen). HT: 15-14
Northland 22 Bay of Plenty 46
Bay of Plenty's run of form has continued and they left Northland sitting at the bottom of the Championship after Southland's win. However, in dishing out a comprehensive loss to Northland they suffered the loss of wing Fa'asiu Fuatai, ordered off for a shoulder to the head of Northland's Renata Roberts-Tenana when 20 minutes of the game remained. However, Northland were too far off the pace to be able to cash in and Bay of Plenty remained well in control.
Scorers: Northland 22 (Renata Roberts-Tenana, Sam Nock, Harrison Levien tries; Jack Debreczeni pen; Tom Smith con) Bay of Plenty 46 (Hugh Blake, Matt Garland 2, Fa'asiu Fuatai, Cole Forbes, Chase Tiatia, Emoni Narawa tries; Kaleb Trask 4 con, pen). HT: 10-22
So that is my 314th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 54th of this year.
2019 Rugby World Cup Japan report
Well, Rugby World Cup fever returns after 4 long years as the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan is now officially underway as hosts Japan got off to a great start in Pool A to begin their campaign with a win against Russia (Who hasn't been competing at a Rugby World Cup since 2011) at Tokyo Stadium in Tokyo then a day later in Pool D, Fiji were on the verge of winning against Australia but the Aussies came back strong at Sapporo Dome in Sapporo in the end (Although Australia had suspended Reece Hodge for 3 games for a high tackle on Fijian Peceli Yato (Who had to come off the field for what looks like to be an HIA) which went unnoticed (He didn't get yellow or red carded by the referee but got cited) then in Pool C (AKA the pool of death/the pool of intrigue) France finally beat Argentina after 20 long years (They beat them in a quarterfinal before the Argentinians managed to beat the French twice in 2007) at a Rugby World Cup with a match winning drop goal by Camille Lopez at Tokyo Stadium in Tokyo (Well, Argentina tried to win the game with a penalty goal attempt but it went wide & there was French back rower Louis Picamoles who intercepted the ball in an offside position (Although the referee didn't play advantage to Argentina when Picamoles was offside) then in Pool B the All Blacks got off to a perfect start at Rugby World Cup 2019, continuing their dominance against the Springboks at International Stadium Yokohama in Yokohama to stay unbeaten in pool play so here is the match commentary provided by Newshub:
Kia ora, good evening and welcome to Newshub's coverage of the Rugby World Cup match between the All Blacks and South Africa from International Stadium Yokohama.
9:37 PM: Both sides are about to enter the stadium to what should be a massive cheer.
9:40 PM: Anthems now, New Zealand first.
9:43 PM: Both anthems are over, it's time for the Haka!
9:45 PM: Kapa o Pango is over and now we are moments away.
1ST MINUTE: Kick off here in Japan, game time, Barrett gets the match underway.
PENALTY GOAL: Early penalty goes against the All Blacks, Kitshoff earns the penalty for South Africa, Pollard points to the posts. It's good. All Blacks 0 - 3 South Africa
3RD MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Reece runs hard in his first of the night, tackled well by de Klerk - NZ earn a penalty at the ruck.
4TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Kolbe takes a great take with ALB chasing the high ball, he clears.
5TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), SCRUM: Knock on at lineout time from Reece.
6TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): First scrum of the match and South Africa put in a little chip kick which Barrett gathers then runs out.
8TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Big defence from the All Blacks before South Africa find some space in behind.
9TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), SCRUM: Knock on from South Africa and the All Blacks have their first scrum feed.
10TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY: Charge down from Smith's kick then Scott Barrett does really well to earn New Zealand a penalty.
12TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): The All Blacks look a little flustered here, South Africa slowing the ball down and hitting tackles hard.
14TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): The All Blacks are going backwards with ball in hand and now have to clear it.
17TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER): The South African big men are getting whatever they want on defence and now with ball in hand.
18TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY MISS: Penalty won by South Africa, they go for the points again, this one is off the post! Back in the hands of South Africa.
21ST MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: The All Blacks get a break and it's Mo'unga who is carrying the ball but NZ wins a penalty becuase of a slow play the ball from South Africa, ref going upstairs now.
22ND MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY: WOW! The ref can't see anything wrong and only calls it a penalty, Read says "that's pretty gutless" given they were only five metres out. Mo'unga nails the penalty. All Blacks 3 - 3 South Africa
24TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), TRY NEW ZEALAND & CONVERSION: Another break from the All Blacks and they score! Sevu Reece makes the initial break and he finds Smith on the inside who gives it to Savea, George Bridge ends the move that involved loads of backs. Kick is good. All Blacks 10 - 3 South Africa.
26TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Mo'unga kicks to Reece once again, they are looking for that loads.
27TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), TRY NEW ZEALAND & CONVERSION: Anton Lienert-Brown shows his worth, wow, he makes the break and finds Scott Barrett who cruises in for a try. Kick is good. All Blacks 17-3 South Africa.
30TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER): Mo'unga is taken into touch and finally there is a break, pretty big turnaround from the Kiwis.
34TH MINUTE (4 MINUTES LATER): Pollard looks to the sky and Bridge comes up with the ball.
36TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY MISS: Penalty won by New Zealand, on the sideline and they will kick for the points. It's wide.
39TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER), SCRUM: Knock on called against Sam Cane, South Africa will have a scrum.
40TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), HALF TIME: Knock on from South Africa and that will be half time.
The dual playmakers seem to be making the difference, South Africa are struggling with Beauden Barrett's speed and Richie Mo'unga's deft kicking game. A really good final 25 minutes from the All Blacks.
41ST MINUTE: Back underway here in the opening match of the World Cup campaign for the All Blacks.
The All Blacks are 109/109 when leading by 14 or more at half time.
SUBSTITUTION: Patrick Tuipulotu is on for Sam Cane.
Codie Taylor is on for Dane Coles.
Beauden Barrett cops a boot to the face and is staying on with a bleeding nose.
44TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Laulala wins a penalty at scrum time and Mo'unga kicks for touch.
46TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Messy from the All Blacks and the ball is kicked out from de Klerk.
47TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Magical from South Africa, Kolbe makes a break down the wing and nearly turns Mo'unga inside out but he makes a great tackle, try saver for sure.
48TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), TRY SOUTH AFRICA & CONVERSION: a mistake at the breakdown from New Zealand and Pieter-Steph du Toit picks up the ball and runs through the ruck to score. Kick is good. All Blacks 17-10 South Africa.
SUBSTITUTION: Crotty comes off for Sonny Bill Williams.
52ND MINUTE (4 MINUTES LATER): South Africa have worked the ball upfield and are 10 metres out, Savea wins the turnover.
54TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), SCRUM: Knock on called against South Africa and now we can take a breath.
SUBSTITUTION: Joe Moody is off, replaced by Ofa Tu'ungafasi
56TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Penalty won against South Africa, de Klerk was in an offside position.
57TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY: Penalty won against the throw, South Africa clear for touch.
59TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), DROP GOAL: In classic South African style, Pollard is found in the pocket and he nails a drop goal. All Blacks 17 - 13 South Africa
61ST MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), SUBSTITUTION: Aaron Smith is off, TJ Perenara replaces him.
65TH MINUTE (4 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY GOAL: Penalty won by the All Blacks and they will kick for the points here. It's good. All Blacks 20-13 South Africa.
SUBSTITUTION: Mo'unga is off for Ben Smith who will go to fullback and Beauden Barrett to first five.
68TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Big penalty won by the All Blacks - Barrett will clear.
70TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Really good work from the All Blacks as they tackle Pollard into touch.
71ST MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY GOAL: All Blacks win a penalty just 40 metres out and the All Blacks will look to make it a 10-point game - It's good, All Blacks 23 - 13 South Africa
73RD MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Sloppy from South Africa and Pollard knocks the ball on, All Blacks scrum feed.
76TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER): Kolbe makes another really good break but can't link with anybody and the All Blacks turn the ball over.
78TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): The All Blacks are simply winding down the clock here as the look to attack late in this game.
79TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), SCRUM: Knock on called against New Zealand as we enter the final 60 seconds.
80TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): The gong goes but South Africa have one last chance.
81ST MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), SCRUM: A knock on from South Africa ends it!
What a game, finals atmosphere and could be a sign of what is to come in early November.
FULL TIME: All Blacks 23 - 13 South Africa
New Zealand 23 (George Bridge, Scott Barrett tries; Richie Mo'unga 2 penalties and 2 conversions, Beauden Barrett 1 penalty)
South Africa 13 (Pieter-Steph du Toit try; Handre Pollard 1 penalty, 1 conversion and one drop goal)
And 3 of the 6 Nations sides of Italy (Who is in Pool B), Ireland (Pool A) & England (Pool C) have begun their campaign in style with wins over Namibia, Scotland (Who had tasted the Irish curse after losing to them meaning that they have to face the AB's in the quarterfinal but their last pool game is against Japan which is a must win) & Tonga (Who were on the receiving end against England after losses against Fiji at Eden Park in the Pasifika Challenge & New Zealand at FMG Stadium Waikato in a pre-Rugby World Cup test) respectively then Wales got off to a wonderful start with a remarkable victory against Georgia last night in Toyota.
So that is my 313th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 53rd of this year.
Kia ora, good evening and welcome to Newshub's coverage of the Rugby World Cup match between the All Blacks and South Africa from International Stadium Yokohama.
9:37 PM: Both sides are about to enter the stadium to what should be a massive cheer.
9:40 PM: Anthems now, New Zealand first.
9:43 PM: Both anthems are over, it's time for the Haka!
9:45 PM: Kapa o Pango is over and now we are moments away.
1ST MINUTE: Kick off here in Japan, game time, Barrett gets the match underway.
PENALTY GOAL: Early penalty goes against the All Blacks, Kitshoff earns the penalty for South Africa, Pollard points to the posts. It's good. All Blacks 0 - 3 South Africa
3RD MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Reece runs hard in his first of the night, tackled well by de Klerk - NZ earn a penalty at the ruck.
4TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Kolbe takes a great take with ALB chasing the high ball, he clears.
5TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), SCRUM: Knock on at lineout time from Reece.
6TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): First scrum of the match and South Africa put in a little chip kick which Barrett gathers then runs out.
8TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Big defence from the All Blacks before South Africa find some space in behind.
9TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), SCRUM: Knock on from South Africa and the All Blacks have their first scrum feed.
10TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY: Charge down from Smith's kick then Scott Barrett does really well to earn New Zealand a penalty.
12TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): The All Blacks look a little flustered here, South Africa slowing the ball down and hitting tackles hard.
14TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): The All Blacks are going backwards with ball in hand and now have to clear it.
17TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER): The South African big men are getting whatever they want on defence and now with ball in hand.
18TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY MISS: Penalty won by South Africa, they go for the points again, this one is off the post! Back in the hands of South Africa.
21ST MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: The All Blacks get a break and it's Mo'unga who is carrying the ball but NZ wins a penalty becuase of a slow play the ball from South Africa, ref going upstairs now.
22ND MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY: WOW! The ref can't see anything wrong and only calls it a penalty, Read says "that's pretty gutless" given they were only five metres out. Mo'unga nails the penalty. All Blacks 3 - 3 South Africa
24TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), TRY NEW ZEALAND & CONVERSION: Another break from the All Blacks and they score! Sevu Reece makes the initial break and he finds Smith on the inside who gives it to Savea, George Bridge ends the move that involved loads of backs. Kick is good. All Blacks 10 - 3 South Africa.
26TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Mo'unga kicks to Reece once again, they are looking for that loads.
27TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), TRY NEW ZEALAND & CONVERSION: Anton Lienert-Brown shows his worth, wow, he makes the break and finds Scott Barrett who cruises in for a try. Kick is good. All Blacks 17-3 South Africa.
30TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER): Mo'unga is taken into touch and finally there is a break, pretty big turnaround from the Kiwis.
34TH MINUTE (4 MINUTES LATER): Pollard looks to the sky and Bridge comes up with the ball.
36TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY MISS: Penalty won by New Zealand, on the sideline and they will kick for the points. It's wide.
39TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER), SCRUM: Knock on called against Sam Cane, South Africa will have a scrum.
40TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), HALF TIME: Knock on from South Africa and that will be half time.
The dual playmakers seem to be making the difference, South Africa are struggling with Beauden Barrett's speed and Richie Mo'unga's deft kicking game. A really good final 25 minutes from the All Blacks.
41ST MINUTE: Back underway here in the opening match of the World Cup campaign for the All Blacks.
The All Blacks are 109/109 when leading by 14 or more at half time.
SUBSTITUTION: Patrick Tuipulotu is on for Sam Cane.
Codie Taylor is on for Dane Coles.
Beauden Barrett cops a boot to the face and is staying on with a bleeding nose.
44TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Laulala wins a penalty at scrum time and Mo'unga kicks for touch.
46TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Messy from the All Blacks and the ball is kicked out from de Klerk.
47TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Magical from South Africa, Kolbe makes a break down the wing and nearly turns Mo'unga inside out but he makes a great tackle, try saver for sure.
48TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), TRY SOUTH AFRICA & CONVERSION: a mistake at the breakdown from New Zealand and Pieter-Steph du Toit picks up the ball and runs through the ruck to score. Kick is good. All Blacks 17-10 South Africa.
SUBSTITUTION: Crotty comes off for Sonny Bill Williams.
52ND MINUTE (4 MINUTES LATER): South Africa have worked the ball upfield and are 10 metres out, Savea wins the turnover.
54TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), SCRUM: Knock on called against South Africa and now we can take a breath.
SUBSTITUTION: Joe Moody is off, replaced by Ofa Tu'ungafasi
56TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Penalty won against South Africa, de Klerk was in an offside position.
57TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY: Penalty won against the throw, South Africa clear for touch.
59TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), DROP GOAL: In classic South African style, Pollard is found in the pocket and he nails a drop goal. All Blacks 17 - 13 South Africa
61ST MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), SUBSTITUTION: Aaron Smith is off, TJ Perenara replaces him.
65TH MINUTE (4 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY GOAL: Penalty won by the All Blacks and they will kick for the points here. It's good. All Blacks 20-13 South Africa.
SUBSTITUTION: Mo'unga is off for Ben Smith who will go to fullback and Beauden Barrett to first five.
68TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Big penalty won by the All Blacks - Barrett will clear.
70TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Really good work from the All Blacks as they tackle Pollard into touch.
71ST MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY GOAL: All Blacks win a penalty just 40 metres out and the All Blacks will look to make it a 10-point game - It's good, All Blacks 23 - 13 South Africa
73RD MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Sloppy from South Africa and Pollard knocks the ball on, All Blacks scrum feed.
76TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER): Kolbe makes another really good break but can't link with anybody and the All Blacks turn the ball over.
78TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): The All Blacks are simply winding down the clock here as the look to attack late in this game.
79TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), SCRUM: Knock on called against New Zealand as we enter the final 60 seconds.
80TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): The gong goes but South Africa have one last chance.
81ST MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), SCRUM: A knock on from South Africa ends it!
What a game, finals atmosphere and could be a sign of what is to come in early November.
FULL TIME: All Blacks 23 - 13 South Africa
New Zealand 23 (George Bridge, Scott Barrett tries; Richie Mo'unga 2 penalties and 2 conversions, Beauden Barrett 1 penalty)
South Africa 13 (Pieter-Steph du Toit try; Handre Pollard 1 penalty, 1 conversion and one drop goal)
And 3 of the 6 Nations sides of Italy (Who is in Pool B), Ireland (Pool A) & England (Pool C) have begun their campaign in style with wins over Namibia, Scotland (Who had tasted the Irish curse after losing to them meaning that they have to face the AB's in the quarterfinal but their last pool game is against Japan which is a must win) & Tonga (Who were on the receiving end against England after losses against Fiji at Eden Park in the Pasifika Challenge & New Zealand at FMG Stadium Waikato in a pre-Rugby World Cup test) respectively then Wales got off to a wonderful start with a remarkable victory against Georgia last night in Toyota.
So that is my 313th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 53rd of this year.
Thursday, 19 September 2019
All Blacks team naming against the Springboks (2019 Rugby World Cup)
Well, the All Blacks have revealed our team in our Rugby World Cup opener against the Springboks (Well, their most recent meeting between the 2 sides was in Wellington in July during the Rugby Championship where the test match had ended in a draw) at Yokohama International Stadium in Yokohama 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 (Chiefs/Tasman)
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/Canterbury)
HALVES
9 (Half-back): Aaron Smith (Highlanders/Manawatu)
10 (First five-eighth): Richie Mo'unga (Crusaders/Canterbury)
MIDFIELD
12 (Second five-eighth): Ryan Crotty (Crusaders/Canterbury)
13 (Centre): Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs/Waikato)
OUTSIDE BACKS
11 (Left wing): George Bridge (Crusaders/Canterbury)
14 (Right wing): Sevu Reece (Crusaders/Waikato)
& 15 (Fullback): Beauden Barrett (Blues/Taranaki)
And in the reserves are:
16. Codie Taylor (Who comes into the side with Dane Coles returning to the starting lineup to replace Taylor)
17. Ofa Tu'ungafasi
18. Angus Ta'avao
19. Patrick Tuipulotu (Who is dropped to the bench to replace Scott Barrett with Barrett elevated to the starting lineup to play at the number 4 lock position)
20. Shannon Frizell (Who replaces Luke Jacobson who is ruled out of the tournament due to delayed onset of concussion)
21. TJ Perenara (Who is dropped to the bench with Aaron Smith elevated to the starting lineup)
22. Sonny Bill Williams (Who has replaced Josh Ioane who is gone back to Otago to play in the Mitre 10 Cup)
& 23. Ben Smith (Who has also replaced Jordie Barrett to cover the utility back position)
Squad members not playing:
Jordie Barrett, Liam Coltman, Jack Goodhue, Rieko Ioane, Atu Moli, Brodie Retallick, Matt Todd & Brad Weber.
And South Africa have named their unchanged team which they took on Japan in a pre-Rugby World Cup test as well as their strongest possible lineup when they take to the field against the All Blacks:
PLAYING XV
FRONT ROW
1 (Loose head prop): Steven Kitshoff (Stormers)
2 (Hooker): Malcolm Marx (Lions)
3 (Tight head prop): Frans Malherbe (Stormers)
SECOND ROW
4 (Lock): Eben Etzebeth (Stormers)
5 (Lock): Franco Mostert (Gloucester)
BACK ROW
7 (Blind side flanker): Pieter-Steph du Toit (Stormers)
6 (Open side flanker): Siya Kolisi (Captain, Stormers)
8 (Number 8): Duane Vermeulen (Bulls)
HALVES
9 (Half-back/Scrum-half): Faf de Klerk (Sale Sharks)
10 (First five-eighth/Fly-half): Handre Pollard (Bulls)
MIDFIELD
12 (Second five-eighth/Inside centre): Damian de Allende (Stormers)
13 (Centre/Outside centre): Lukhanyo Am (Sharks)
OUTSIDE BACKS
11 (Left wing): Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks)
14 (Right wing): Cheslin Kolbe (Toulouse)
& 15 (Fullback): Willie le Roux (Toyota Verblitz)
And in the reserves are:
16. Bongi Mbonambi
17. Tendai Mtawarira
18. Trevor Nyakane
19. RG Snyman
20. Francois Louw
21. Herschel Jantjies
22. Francois Steyn
& 23. Jesse Kriel
Squad members not playing:
Schalk Brits, Lood de Jager, Warrick Gelant, Elton Jantjies, Vincent Koch, S'bu Nkosi, Cobus Reinach & Kwagga Smith.
So that is my 312th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 52nd of this year.
PLAYING XV
FRONT ROW
1 (Loose head prop): Joe Moody (Crusaders/Canterbury)
2 (Hooker): Dane Coles (Hurricanes/Wellington)
3 (Tight head prop): Nepo Laulala (Chiefs/Tasman)
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/Canterbury)
HALVES
9 (Half-back): Aaron Smith (Highlanders/Manawatu)
10 (First five-eighth): Richie Mo'unga (Crusaders/Canterbury)
MIDFIELD
12 (Second five-eighth): Ryan Crotty (Crusaders/Canterbury)
13 (Centre): Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs/Waikato)
OUTSIDE BACKS
11 (Left wing): George Bridge (Crusaders/Canterbury)
14 (Right wing): Sevu Reece (Crusaders/Waikato)
& 15 (Fullback): Beauden Barrett (Blues/Taranaki)
And in the reserves are:
16. Codie Taylor (Who comes into the side with Dane Coles returning to the starting lineup to replace Taylor)
17. Ofa Tu'ungafasi
18. Angus Ta'avao
19. Patrick Tuipulotu (Who is dropped to the bench to replace Scott Barrett with Barrett elevated to the starting lineup to play at the number 4 lock position)
20. Shannon Frizell (Who replaces Luke Jacobson who is ruled out of the tournament due to delayed onset of concussion)
21. TJ Perenara (Who is dropped to the bench with Aaron Smith elevated to the starting lineup)
22. Sonny Bill Williams (Who has replaced Josh Ioane who is gone back to Otago to play in the Mitre 10 Cup)
& 23. Ben Smith (Who has also replaced Jordie Barrett to cover the utility back position)
Squad members not playing:
Jordie Barrett, Liam Coltman, Jack Goodhue, Rieko Ioane, Atu Moli, Brodie Retallick, Matt Todd & Brad Weber.
And South Africa have named their unchanged team which they took on Japan in a pre-Rugby World Cup test as well as their strongest possible lineup when they take to the field against the All Blacks:
PLAYING XV
FRONT ROW
1 (Loose head prop): Steven Kitshoff (Stormers)
2 (Hooker): Malcolm Marx (Lions)
3 (Tight head prop): Frans Malherbe (Stormers)
SECOND ROW
4 (Lock): Eben Etzebeth (Stormers)
5 (Lock): Franco Mostert (Gloucester)
BACK ROW
7 (Blind side flanker): Pieter-Steph du Toit (Stormers)
6 (Open side flanker): Siya Kolisi (Captain, Stormers)
8 (Number 8): Duane Vermeulen (Bulls)
HALVES
9 (Half-back/Scrum-half): Faf de Klerk (Sale Sharks)
10 (First five-eighth/Fly-half): Handre Pollard (Bulls)
MIDFIELD
12 (Second five-eighth/Inside centre): Damian de Allende (Stormers)
13 (Centre/Outside centre): Lukhanyo Am (Sharks)
OUTSIDE BACKS
11 (Left wing): Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks)
14 (Right wing): Cheslin Kolbe (Toulouse)
& 15 (Fullback): Willie le Roux (Toyota Verblitz)
And in the reserves are:
16. Bongi Mbonambi
17. Tendai Mtawarira
18. Trevor Nyakane
19. RG Snyman
20. Francois Louw
21. Herschel Jantjies
22. Francois Steyn
& 23. Jesse Kriel
Squad members not playing:
Schalk Brits, Lood de Jager, Warrick Gelant, Elton Jantjies, Vincent Koch, S'bu Nkosi, Cobus Reinach & Kwagga Smith.
So that is my 312th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 52nd of this year.
Tuesday, 17 September 2019
Breaking Dawn 2: The 2019 Rugby World Cup preview
Well, the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan is almost upon us tomorrow night at quarter to 11 so let's have a look at the pools, teams & the key men (Well this is the sequel to the highly successful blog that I did in 2015 called Breaking Dawn: The 2015 Rugby World Cup preview (And yes, the eyes of the rugby world will be in Japan as the country plays host to the Rugby World Cup):
Pool A:
Ireland (Jonathan Sexton)
Japan (Michael Leitch)
Russia (Vasily Artemyev)
Samoa (Chris Vui)
Scotland (Stuart Hogg)
Pool B:
Canada (Tyler Ardron)
Italy (Sergio Parisse)
Namibia (Eugene Jantjies)
New Zealand (Beauden Barrett)
South Africa (Malcolm Marx)
Pool C:
Argentina (Pablo Matera)
England (Maro Itoje)
France (Guilhem Guirado)
Tonga (Telusa Veainu)
United States (Joe Taufete'e)
Pool D:
Australia (David Pocock)
Fiji (Leone Nakarawa)
Georgia (Beka Gorgadze)
Uruguay (Agustin Ormaechea)
Wales (Alun Wyn Jones)
And who is going to win the tournament? We'll see (Well mine would be New Zealand at this stage because they won the last Rugby World Cup).
And here is some of the moments revisited as part of previous blogs that I did involving the Rugby World Cup but 1st it is Breaking Dawn: the 2015 Rugby World Cup preview:
And yes the game was indeed invented by William Webb Ellis the great who invented the game by picking up and ran the ball with it because it was against the rules in football/soccer so a new sport was created way back then.
The 1st World Cup was held back in 1987 with the All Blacks dominated the tournament in which they beat Italy (Including that all time great try from John Kirwan as well as Michael Jones scoring the 1st genuine try of the World Cup because the very 1st try of the World Cup was a penalty try), Fiji and Argentina in the pool games before taking on Scotland in the quarterfinals in which they won and Wales in the semifinals (Huw Richards got sent off for throwing that punch before Wayne 'Buck' Shelford threw a punch on Richards which went unpunished) before clashing with traditional rivals France (Who beat Australia with a desperate last minute try scored by Serge Blanco) in the final moments before New Zealand beat France 29 - 9 (With some great tries being scored by captain David Kirk as well as Kirwan) to win the very 1st ever Rugby World Cup title with Kirk lifting the World Cup title as seen on national television.
And then in 1991 (The year that I was born), the All Blacks world cup curse had begun, losing to eventual champions Australia in the semifinal who beat hosts England in the final...then in 1995, disaster struck as New Zealand (Which featured rugby's 1st global superstar, Jonah Lomu) failed to regain the crown (With several players fell victim to food poisoning with the exception of captain Sean Fitzpatrick and the Brooke brothers of Robin & Zinzan), losing to debutants and hosts South Africa in the final in which united the host country as well as their leader Nelson Mandela, but in 1999, the All Blacks took on rivals and eventual runners up France (Who lost to the eventual champions Australia) in the semifinal but nek minute, they were torn sky blast apart from the French who enjoyed an insane amount of rugby during the 2nd half and then in 2003, something went wrong for the All Blacks during the semifinals as Stirling Mortlock's intercept try for the Wallabies ended New Zealand's hopes of reaching the World Cup final, which was won by England and in 2007 during the quarterfinals, France terminated the All Blacks dream of winning the World Cup just like as it was repeating the heroics way back in '99 through a blatant forward pass not seen by English referee Wayne Barnes (Although South Africa won the tourney beating England in the final).
And so on in 2011, the All Blacks opened with a win over the kingdom of Tonga (Who hijacked us at the start) at Eden Park in Auckland (41 - 10) followed by Japan at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton 83 - 7 (The night before the mighty green throng of Ireland turned the tables on Australia, causing an upset), then France in Auckland (37 - 17) with captain Richie McCaw becoming the 1st All Black to reach 100 test caps followed by beating Canada at Wellington Regional Stadium in Wellington 79 - 15 (The day after Tonga providing another upset victory over France as well as Dan Carter, who was ruled out of the tournament altogether with a groin injury), then it is quarter final time as we scraped Argentina 33 - 10 in Auckland (Although Colin Slade suffered an injury similar to Dan Carter's), then finally beating against our traditional Trans Tasman rivals Australia (Who defeated South Africa in the quarter final which was better off forgotten) in the semifinal 20 - 6 (It was the night after the French flair titans (Who gave England the chop in the quarterfinal) defeated the Welsh (Who had beaten the mighty green throng in the quarters) in the other semifinal in which Sam Warburton got sent off for that famous spear tackle) before we once again took on France in the final, just as it was back in 1987, with the weight of the nation above our shoulders (Although Stephen 'Beaver' Donald was called up in the last minute whilst he was white baiting, YA GOT THAT!! WHITEBAITING), we have won us the CUP!!! HAIL TO THE KING BABY!!! I'VE GOT BALLS OF STEEL!!! And yeah, not only that we have ended our Rugby World Cup curse after 24 years of agony and pain, as if, not ONLY we beat France 8 - 7, we have managed to lift the World Cup trophy, not only because it is the greatest moment of my life.
And finally this blog that I did in 2016 is about the 2015 tournament revisited which is My 50th Blog: The best of 2012 - 2016 (Greatest Hits + Another longest blog ever made)
And so we fast forward to last year such as Breaking Dawn: the 2015 Rugby World Cup preview but this one is about the preview of the 2015 Rugby World Cup (Won by the All Blacks who had a great but excellent campaign compared to the 1987 & 2011 ones by beating Argentina (Who advanced through to the quarterfinal after finishing runner up in Pool C with victories after losing to New Zealand against Georgia, Tonga & Namibia by beating Ireland (Who topped Pool D with wins against Canada in the opener, Romania, Italy & France (Who took on the AB's in the quarterfinal after losing to Ireland to finish runner up in Pool D after victories against Italy in the opener, Romania & Canada & lost) before losing both to the Wallabies (Who topped the pool of death in Pool A with wins against Fiji in the opener, Uruguay, hosts England (Who got knocked out of their own home turf) & Wales (Who took on South Africa in the quarterfinals after finishing the pool of death in Pool A with victories against Uruguay, hosts England (Who won the World Cup back in 2003) & Fiji before losing to Australia & lost) to advance through to the quarterfinal to take on Scotland (Who beat both Japan & Samoa & losing to the Springboks to finish runner up in Pool B) in which they won (In which the game should've & could've gone to the Scottish under controversial circumstances, they were livid) before beating Argentina in the semifinal & facing the All Blacks in the final in which they missed out by losing to them) in the semifinal & South Africa (Who famously lost to Japan in the opener in one of the greatest upsets & famous wins in the history of the World Cup before topping Pool B with victories against Samoa, Scotland & the United States before advancing through to the quarterfinal by beating Wales before losing to New Zealand in the semifinal & winning against Argentina to claim 3rd place) to determine who will claim 3rd place) in the opener then wins against Namibia, Georgia & Tonga by topping Pool C to advance through to the quarterfinal to take on France in which they won before beating the Boks (Winners in 1995 & 2007) in the semifinal & facing Australia (World Champions in 1991 & 99) in the final in which they won in a convincing fashion because they became the 1st team to go back to back, the 1st to win 3 titles & the 1st time that the All Blacks have won the Rugby World Cup on foreign soil because they have never achieved that before because they finally deserved it by earning our right) held in England (With some matches being played in Wales) which is called Breaking Dawn: the 2015 Rugby World Cup preview.
So that is my 311th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 51st of this year.
Pool A:
Ireland (Jonathan Sexton)
Japan (Michael Leitch)
Russia (Vasily Artemyev)
Samoa (Chris Vui)
Scotland (Stuart Hogg)
Pool B:
Canada (Tyler Ardron)
Italy (Sergio Parisse)
Namibia (Eugene Jantjies)
New Zealand (Beauden Barrett)
South Africa (Malcolm Marx)
Pool C:
Argentina (Pablo Matera)
England (Maro Itoje)
France (Guilhem Guirado)
Tonga (Telusa Veainu)
United States (Joe Taufete'e)
Pool D:
Australia (David Pocock)
Fiji (Leone Nakarawa)
Georgia (Beka Gorgadze)
Uruguay (Agustin Ormaechea)
Wales (Alun Wyn Jones)
And who is going to win the tournament? We'll see (Well mine would be New Zealand at this stage because they won the last Rugby World Cup).
And here is some of the moments revisited as part of previous blogs that I did involving the Rugby World Cup but 1st it is Breaking Dawn: the 2015 Rugby World Cup preview:
And yes the game was indeed invented by William Webb Ellis the great who invented the game by picking up and ran the ball with it because it was against the rules in football/soccer so a new sport was created way back then.
The 1st World Cup was held back in 1987 with the All Blacks dominated the tournament in which they beat Italy (Including that all time great try from John Kirwan as well as Michael Jones scoring the 1st genuine try of the World Cup because the very 1st try of the World Cup was a penalty try), Fiji and Argentina in the pool games before taking on Scotland in the quarterfinals in which they won and Wales in the semifinals (Huw Richards got sent off for throwing that punch before Wayne 'Buck' Shelford threw a punch on Richards which went unpunished) before clashing with traditional rivals France (Who beat Australia with a desperate last minute try scored by Serge Blanco) in the final moments before New Zealand beat France 29 - 9 (With some great tries being scored by captain David Kirk as well as Kirwan) to win the very 1st ever Rugby World Cup title with Kirk lifting the World Cup title as seen on national television.
And then in 1991 (The year that I was born), the All Blacks world cup curse had begun, losing to eventual champions Australia in the semifinal who beat hosts England in the final...then in 1995, disaster struck as New Zealand (Which featured rugby's 1st global superstar, Jonah Lomu) failed to regain the crown (With several players fell victim to food poisoning with the exception of captain Sean Fitzpatrick and the Brooke brothers of Robin & Zinzan), losing to debutants and hosts South Africa in the final in which united the host country as well as their leader Nelson Mandela, but in 1999, the All Blacks took on rivals and eventual runners up France (Who lost to the eventual champions Australia) in the semifinal but nek minute, they were torn sky blast apart from the French who enjoyed an insane amount of rugby during the 2nd half and then in 2003, something went wrong for the All Blacks during the semifinals as Stirling Mortlock's intercept try for the Wallabies ended New Zealand's hopes of reaching the World Cup final, which was won by England and in 2007 during the quarterfinals, France terminated the All Blacks dream of winning the World Cup just like as it was repeating the heroics way back in '99 through a blatant forward pass not seen by English referee Wayne Barnes (Although South Africa won the tourney beating England in the final).
And so on in 2011, the All Blacks opened with a win over the kingdom of Tonga (Who hijacked us at the start) at Eden Park in Auckland (41 - 10) followed by Japan at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton 83 - 7 (The night before the mighty green throng of Ireland turned the tables on Australia, causing an upset), then France in Auckland (37 - 17) with captain Richie McCaw becoming the 1st All Black to reach 100 test caps followed by beating Canada at Wellington Regional Stadium in Wellington 79 - 15 (The day after Tonga providing another upset victory over France as well as Dan Carter, who was ruled out of the tournament altogether with a groin injury), then it is quarter final time as we scraped Argentina 33 - 10 in Auckland (Although Colin Slade suffered an injury similar to Dan Carter's), then finally beating against our traditional Trans Tasman rivals Australia (Who defeated South Africa in the quarter final which was better off forgotten) in the semifinal 20 - 6 (It was the night after the French flair titans (Who gave England the chop in the quarterfinal) defeated the Welsh (Who had beaten the mighty green throng in the quarters) in the other semifinal in which Sam Warburton got sent off for that famous spear tackle) before we once again took on France in the final, just as it was back in 1987, with the weight of the nation above our shoulders (Although Stephen 'Beaver' Donald was called up in the last minute whilst he was white baiting, YA GOT THAT!! WHITEBAITING), we have won us the CUP!!! HAIL TO THE KING BABY!!! I'VE GOT BALLS OF STEEL!!! And yeah, not only that we have ended our Rugby World Cup curse after 24 years of agony and pain, as if, not ONLY we beat France 8 - 7, we have managed to lift the World Cup trophy, not only because it is the greatest moment of my life.
And finally this blog that I did in 2016 is about the 2015 tournament revisited which is My 50th Blog: The best of 2012 - 2016 (Greatest Hits + Another longest blog ever made)
And so we fast forward to last year such as Breaking Dawn: the 2015 Rugby World Cup preview but this one is about the preview of the 2015 Rugby World Cup (Won by the All Blacks who had a great but excellent campaign compared to the 1987 & 2011 ones by beating Argentina (Who advanced through to the quarterfinal after finishing runner up in Pool C with victories after losing to New Zealand against Georgia, Tonga & Namibia by beating Ireland (Who topped Pool D with wins against Canada in the opener, Romania, Italy & France (Who took on the AB's in the quarterfinal after losing to Ireland to finish runner up in Pool D after victories against Italy in the opener, Romania & Canada & lost) before losing both to the Wallabies (Who topped the pool of death in Pool A with wins against Fiji in the opener, Uruguay, hosts England (Who got knocked out of their own home turf) & Wales (Who took on South Africa in the quarterfinals after finishing the pool of death in Pool A with victories against Uruguay, hosts England (Who won the World Cup back in 2003) & Fiji before losing to Australia & lost) to advance through to the quarterfinal to take on Scotland (Who beat both Japan & Samoa & losing to the Springboks to finish runner up in Pool B) in which they won (In which the game should've & could've gone to the Scottish under controversial circumstances, they were livid) before beating Argentina in the semifinal & facing the All Blacks in the final in which they missed out by losing to them) in the semifinal & South Africa (Who famously lost to Japan in the opener in one of the greatest upsets & famous wins in the history of the World Cup before topping Pool B with victories against Samoa, Scotland & the United States before advancing through to the quarterfinal by beating Wales before losing to New Zealand in the semifinal & winning against Argentina to claim 3rd place) to determine who will claim 3rd place) in the opener then wins against Namibia, Georgia & Tonga by topping Pool C to advance through to the quarterfinal to take on France in which they won before beating the Boks (Winners in 1995 & 2007) in the semifinal & facing Australia (World Champions in 1991 & 99) in the final in which they won in a convincing fashion because they became the 1st team to go back to back, the 1st to win 3 titles & the 1st time that the All Blacks have won the Rugby World Cup on foreign soil because they have never achieved that before because they finally deserved it by earning our right) held in England (With some matches being played in Wales) which is called Breaking Dawn: the 2015 Rugby World Cup preview.
So that is my 311th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 51st of this year.
2019 Mitre 10 Cup round 6 review (+ 2019 Ashes 5th test review)
Well, here is the review of the 6th round of the 2019 Mitre 10 Cup season:
Mitre 10 Premiership leaders Tasman kept their winning record alive but only after a late penalty try went their way before beating North Harbour 21-17 on Sunday.
Tasman are now seven points clear in the championship with Wellington in second on 21 points and Auckland third on 19.
The improving Canterbury side slipped into the top four after their big win over Northland and Waikato's loss to Hawke's Bay.
It was Hawke's Bay first win over Waikato since 2008 and left Hawke's Bay similarly seven points clear in the Mitre 10 Championship from the Bay of Plenty side that beat Taranaki in New Plymouth on Saturday.
Waikato 24 Hawke's Bay 27
First five-eighths Lincoln McClutchie set the trend for Hawke's Bay when scoring a sensational solo try two minutes into the game at FMG Stadium in Hamilton. Waikato got on the board after an attempted intercept was missed and the ball moved to the left flank where Solomon Alaimalo ran in the try. Then two tries to Quinn Tupaea took Waikato out to a 19-10 lead. But with 30 minutes left Hawke's Bay mounted their comeback through the forwards and halfback Folau Fakatava, Pouri Rakete-Stones and Mason Emerson capped the effort with tries before Simon Parker ensured a fascinating final eight minutes as Waikato got within three.
Scorers: Waikato 24 (Solomon Alaimalo, Quinn Tupaea 2, Simon Parker tries; Rivez Raihana 2 con) Hawke's Bay 27 (Lincoln McClutchie, Folau Fakatava, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Mason Emerson tries; McClutchie 2 con, pen). HT: 19-10
Northland 12 Canterbury 42
Canterbury and Northland exchanged tries in the first six minutes of their game in Whangarei but it was the southerners who kicked on, employing their forward power, although it was another 24 minutes before they scored their second to Brodie McAlister. Josh McKay made use of a lucky bounce to race away for his seventh try of the season. Wing Fergus Burke was able to capitalise on first five-eighths Brett Cameron's well-placed cross kick before lock Cullen Grace capped off a much improved Canterbury effort.
Scorers: Northland 12 (Sean Sweetman, Jack Debreczeni tries; Debreczeni con) Canterbury 42 (Sam Gilbert, Brodie McAlister, Josh McKay, Whetu Douglas, Fergus Burke, Cullen Grace tries; Brett Cameron 3 con, 2 pen). HT: 7-22
Taranaki 17 Bay of Plenty 31
Halfback Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi and first five-eighths Stephen Perofeta combined with good running to give fullback Jason Potroz the opening try in New Plymouth but halfback Richard Judd and wing Chase Tiatia produced their own magic with an inside pass from Judd opening a huge hole for Tiatia to race through unopposed. That started a trend as good combination work saw wing Emoni Narawa and first five-eighths Dan Hollinshead in for tries before Fa'asiu Fuatai made the most of a Perofeta pass to complete a game-killing intercept try. Tei Walden got Taranaki within striking distance but it was replacement wing Joe Ravouvou who sealed the win when taking a cross-kick with ease to score.
Scorers: Taranaki 17 (Jason Potroz, Teihorangi Walden tries; Daniel Waite 2 con, pen) Bay of Plenty 31 (Chase Tiatia, Emoni Narawa, Dan Hollinshead, Fa'asiu Fuatai, Joe Ravouvou tries; Hollinshead 2 con; Jason Robertson con). HT: 10-17
Southland 26 Manawatu 31
Southland had every reason to think they were headed for the winner's circle when out to a 26-7 lead at halftime against Manawatu. They had played some of their best rugby of the season in the first half as hooker Greg Pleasants-Tate, wing Lewis Ormond, halfback Logan Crowley and midfield Ray Nu'u all scored. But they didn't reckon on the Manawatu wrecking ball Ngani Laumape who had an outstanding game, taking every opportunity and creating a nightmare for the Southland defence. He scored two tries before replacement loose forward Rhys Henderson crossed for the winner, on the back of fine control shown by first five-eighths Otere Black, a typically busy display by halfback Jamie Booth and No.8 Brayden Iose, who score a fine first half try.
Southland 26 (Greg Pleasants-Tate, Lewis Ormond, Logan Crowley, Ray Nu'u tries; Marty McKenzie 3 con) Manawatu 31 (Brayden Iose, Ngani Laumape 2, Rhys Henderson tries; Otere Black 4 con, pen). HT: 26-7
Counties Manukau 13 Auckland 28
Auckland rebounded from last week's loss to Canterbury to record a convincing bonus point win over Counties Manukau.
Scorers: Counties Manukau 13 (Joe Royal, Nabou tries; Orbyn Leger pen) Auckland 28 (Blake Gibson, Caleb Clarke, Harry Plummer, Salesi Rayasi tries; Plummer 2 con; Daniel Kirkpatrick 2 con). HT: 7-3
Wellington 54 Otago 24
Scoring the first of their eight tries within the first minute, the first of three for wing Wes Goosen, Wellington shut Otago out of the game early, racing to a 35-5 lead at half time. Prop Alex Fidow touched down twice while Peter Umaga-Jensen, halfback Kemara Hauiti-Parapara and wing Ben Lam added to the total. Wing Henry Purdy scored Otago's only try of the first half with replacements Michael Collins and Mikaele Mafi joining centre Aleki Morris with second half consolation tries.
Scorers: Wellington 54 (Wes Goosen 3, Alex Fidow 2, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, Ben Lam tries; Trent Renata 7 con) Otago 24 (Henry Purdy, Michael Collins, Aleki Morris, Mikaele Mafi tries; Josh Ioane 2 con). HT: 35-5
Tasman 21 North Harbour 17
Indiscipline hit both sides as they each secured a penalty try in this close contest. North Harbour scored first through hooker James Parsons while halfback Finlay Christie replied soon after for Tasman. A Matt McGahan penalty goal and their penalty try gave North Harbour the halftime lead of 17-7 but the home team kept in touch with a try to Sione Havili Talitui midway through the second half, but it was only the awarding of a 76th minute penalty try to Tasman that allowed them to keep their winning record alive.
Scorers: Tasman 21 (Finlay Christie, Sione Havili Talitui tries; Penalty try; Tim O'Malley 2 con) North Harbour 17 (James Parsons try; Penalty try; Matt McGahan con, pen). HT: 7-10
And in cricket news such as Australia for the 1st time since 2001, win the Ashes on English soil against England after the 5th & final test match at The Oval in London had been drawn (Well, the next Ashes series heads down under in Australia in 2021-22 as Australia will defend the Ashes).
So that is my 310th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 50th of this year.
Mitre 10 Premiership leaders Tasman kept their winning record alive but only after a late penalty try went their way before beating North Harbour 21-17 on Sunday.
Tasman are now seven points clear in the championship with Wellington in second on 21 points and Auckland third on 19.
The improving Canterbury side slipped into the top four after their big win over Northland and Waikato's loss to Hawke's Bay.
It was Hawke's Bay first win over Waikato since 2008 and left Hawke's Bay similarly seven points clear in the Mitre 10 Championship from the Bay of Plenty side that beat Taranaki in New Plymouth on Saturday.
Waikato 24 Hawke's Bay 27
First five-eighths Lincoln McClutchie set the trend for Hawke's Bay when scoring a sensational solo try two minutes into the game at FMG Stadium in Hamilton. Waikato got on the board after an attempted intercept was missed and the ball moved to the left flank where Solomon Alaimalo ran in the try. Then two tries to Quinn Tupaea took Waikato out to a 19-10 lead. But with 30 minutes left Hawke's Bay mounted their comeback through the forwards and halfback Folau Fakatava, Pouri Rakete-Stones and Mason Emerson capped the effort with tries before Simon Parker ensured a fascinating final eight minutes as Waikato got within three.
Scorers: Waikato 24 (Solomon Alaimalo, Quinn Tupaea 2, Simon Parker tries; Rivez Raihana 2 con) Hawke's Bay 27 (Lincoln McClutchie, Folau Fakatava, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Mason Emerson tries; McClutchie 2 con, pen). HT: 19-10
Northland 12 Canterbury 42
Canterbury and Northland exchanged tries in the first six minutes of their game in Whangarei but it was the southerners who kicked on, employing their forward power, although it was another 24 minutes before they scored their second to Brodie McAlister. Josh McKay made use of a lucky bounce to race away for his seventh try of the season. Wing Fergus Burke was able to capitalise on first five-eighths Brett Cameron's well-placed cross kick before lock Cullen Grace capped off a much improved Canterbury effort.
Scorers: Northland 12 (Sean Sweetman, Jack Debreczeni tries; Debreczeni con) Canterbury 42 (Sam Gilbert, Brodie McAlister, Josh McKay, Whetu Douglas, Fergus Burke, Cullen Grace tries; Brett Cameron 3 con, 2 pen). HT: 7-22
Taranaki 17 Bay of Plenty 31
Halfback Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi and first five-eighths Stephen Perofeta combined with good running to give fullback Jason Potroz the opening try in New Plymouth but halfback Richard Judd and wing Chase Tiatia produced their own magic with an inside pass from Judd opening a huge hole for Tiatia to race through unopposed. That started a trend as good combination work saw wing Emoni Narawa and first five-eighths Dan Hollinshead in for tries before Fa'asiu Fuatai made the most of a Perofeta pass to complete a game-killing intercept try. Tei Walden got Taranaki within striking distance but it was replacement wing Joe Ravouvou who sealed the win when taking a cross-kick with ease to score.
Scorers: Taranaki 17 (Jason Potroz, Teihorangi Walden tries; Daniel Waite 2 con, pen) Bay of Plenty 31 (Chase Tiatia, Emoni Narawa, Dan Hollinshead, Fa'asiu Fuatai, Joe Ravouvou tries; Hollinshead 2 con; Jason Robertson con). HT: 10-17
Southland 26 Manawatu 31
Southland had every reason to think they were headed for the winner's circle when out to a 26-7 lead at halftime against Manawatu. They had played some of their best rugby of the season in the first half as hooker Greg Pleasants-Tate, wing Lewis Ormond, halfback Logan Crowley and midfield Ray Nu'u all scored. But they didn't reckon on the Manawatu wrecking ball Ngani Laumape who had an outstanding game, taking every opportunity and creating a nightmare for the Southland defence. He scored two tries before replacement loose forward Rhys Henderson crossed for the winner, on the back of fine control shown by first five-eighths Otere Black, a typically busy display by halfback Jamie Booth and No.8 Brayden Iose, who score a fine first half try.
Southland 26 (Greg Pleasants-Tate, Lewis Ormond, Logan Crowley, Ray Nu'u tries; Marty McKenzie 3 con) Manawatu 31 (Brayden Iose, Ngani Laumape 2, Rhys Henderson tries; Otere Black 4 con, pen). HT: 26-7
Counties Manukau 13 Auckland 28
Auckland rebounded from last week's loss to Canterbury to record a convincing bonus point win over Counties Manukau.
Scorers: Counties Manukau 13 (Joe Royal, Nabou tries; Orbyn Leger pen) Auckland 28 (Blake Gibson, Caleb Clarke, Harry Plummer, Salesi Rayasi tries; Plummer 2 con; Daniel Kirkpatrick 2 con). HT: 7-3
Wellington 54 Otago 24
Scoring the first of their eight tries within the first minute, the first of three for wing Wes Goosen, Wellington shut Otago out of the game early, racing to a 35-5 lead at half time. Prop Alex Fidow touched down twice while Peter Umaga-Jensen, halfback Kemara Hauiti-Parapara and wing Ben Lam added to the total. Wing Henry Purdy scored Otago's only try of the first half with replacements Michael Collins and Mikaele Mafi joining centre Aleki Morris with second half consolation tries.
Scorers: Wellington 54 (Wes Goosen 3, Alex Fidow 2, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, Ben Lam tries; Trent Renata 7 con) Otago 24 (Henry Purdy, Michael Collins, Aleki Morris, Mikaele Mafi tries; Josh Ioane 2 con). HT: 35-5
Tasman 21 North Harbour 17
Indiscipline hit both sides as they each secured a penalty try in this close contest. North Harbour scored first through hooker James Parsons while halfback Finlay Christie replied soon after for Tasman. A Matt McGahan penalty goal and their penalty try gave North Harbour the halftime lead of 17-7 but the home team kept in touch with a try to Sione Havili Talitui midway through the second half, but it was only the awarding of a 76th minute penalty try to Tasman that allowed them to keep their winning record alive.
Scorers: Tasman 21 (Finlay Christie, Sione Havili Talitui tries; Penalty try; Tim O'Malley 2 con) North Harbour 17 (James Parsons try; Penalty try; Matt McGahan con, pen). HT: 7-10
And in cricket news such as Australia for the 1st time since 2001, win the Ashes on English soil against England after the 5th & final test match at The Oval in London had been drawn (Well, the next Ashes series heads down under in Australia in 2021-22 as Australia will defend the Ashes).
So that is my 310th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 50th of this year.
Wednesday, 11 September 2019
All Blacks Vs Tonga review (+ International rugby news, 2019 Mitre 10 Cup round 5 review, 2019 Ashes 4th test review & 2019 US tennis open review)
Well, it is only 8 days until the start of the 2019 Rugby World Cup but 5 days ago the All Blacks demolished Tonga by 92 points to 7 in our final test before the Rugby World Cup at FMG Stadium Waikato in the city of the future, Hamilton so here is the full match commentary provided by Newshub:
Kia ora, good afternoon and welcome to Newshub's coverage of the All Blacks test against Tonga from FMG Stadium in Hamilton.
The match is both teams' final game before the Rugby World Cup, which starts on September 20.
This will be the sixth meeting between the two nations, with New Zealand winning all past meetings. The All Blacks beat Tonga 47-9 in their previous meeting.
Lineups:
All Blacks: 1-Joe Moody, 2-Codie Taylor, 3-Nepo Laulala, 4-Patrick Tuipulotu, 5-Sam Whitelock, 6-Ardie Savea, 7-Matt Todd, 8-Kieran Read, 9-TJ Perenara, 10-Beauden Barrett, 11-George Bridge, 12-Ryan Crotty, 13-Anton Lienert-Brown, 14-Sevu Reece, 15-Ben Smith
Reserves: 16-Liam Coltman, 17-Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 18-Angus Ta'avao, 19-Scott Barrett, 20-Luke Jacobson, 21-Aaron Smith, 22-Josh Ioane, 23-Jordie Barrett
Tonga: 1-Siegfried Fisi'ihoi, 2-Siua Maile, 3-Siua Halanukonuka, 4-Sam Lousi, 5-Leva Fifita, 6-Sione Kalamafoni, 7-Fotu Lokotui, 8-Ma'ama Vaipulu, 9-Sonatane Takulua, 10-Kurt Morath, 11-Viliami Lolohea, 12-Siale Piutau, 13-Malietoa Hingano, 14-Cooper Vuna, 15-David Halaifonua
Reserves: 16-Sione Anga'aelangi, 17-Vunipola Fifita, 18-Ma'afu Fia, 19-Dan Faleafa, 20-Zane Kapeli, 21- Leon Fukofuka, 22-James Faiva, 23-Atieli Pakalani
Referee: Angus Gardner
2:13PM: Greetings all - stunning day in the 'Tron'. Groundsman Karl Johnson has done a great job with the surface given the awful weather the North Island has seen this last week.
2:17PM: Brodie Retallick talking to Sky Sports' Kirstie Stanway says he is hoping to be fit for the final World Cup pool game.
2:23PM: Players and officials almost set to go - will be heading out shortly. Afternoon test rugby - how good?
2:25PM: A bit of cloud coming over the ground now.....track is in good nic though. A bit of wind about and the All Blacks will run with it first.
2:28PM: National anthem time.
2:32PM: Great renditions of the respective anthems. Haka / war dance time. First up will be the Tongan Sipi Tau.
2:33PM: The Haka lead by TJ Perenara.
KICK OFF: All right - here we go says Angus Gardner and it'll be Kurt Morath to get us underway.
1ST MINUTE, SCRUM: Barrett with an early high kick is dropped by Morath on halfway. Early scrum for the ABs.
3RD MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Set piece play opens up the Tongan defence. George Bridge put through a hole by Barrett - he finds Smith but the Tongan cover is good. Breakdown penalty for Tonga and they clear.
5TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): All Blacks have a scrum on halfway. Set play opens them up again as Reece rounds round from the back and finds ALB - George Bridge is away again - he kicks ahead but fullback Halaifonua does well. 22 restart.
7TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Midfield scrum for the AB's 30m out.
8TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS (SEVU REECE) & CONVERSION: AB's go to the left and ALB finds Bridge in space...he goes close but is stopped 5m short. Perenara shifts right and a wobbly Barrett pass finds Savea who shifts to Reece...goose-step and he beats the defender to score his second try for the All Blacks. Barrett converts. NZ 7 - 0.
11TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: All Blacks creating space for themselves. Qucik hands by the back and a slick pass fro Lienert-Brown sends Bridge away again but he's wrapped up by the cover. Tonga were offside and the ABs have a lineout 5m out.
13TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Turnover and Tonga clears.
14TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Tonga go an the attack after some loose play from Barrett and Lienert-Brown. 20m out.
16TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS (BEN SMITH) & CONVERSION: Second try assist for Ardie Savea. He wins a turnover on his own 30...rips the ball off Lolohea, shifts to Smith who is away down the left wing and will score untouched. Showed some gas there Smith racing a good 60m to dot down. Barrett converts. NZ 14 - 0.
19TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS (CODIE TAYLOR) & CONVERSION: Barrett front and centre again sends Bridge away - great run from the Crusaders winger but he's dragged down 20m out.....Perenara shifts right and Read's long pass is touched by Piutau - falls into the hands of Taylor who beats one defender to score. NZ 21 - 0.
24TH MINUTE (5 MINUTES LATER), SCRUM: Tonga with a period of possession but they can't make an impact and Morath kicks - All Blacks run it back but eventually Perenara loses the ball forward in contact. Scrum on their own 30m for Tonga.
26TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): All Blacks have a lineout on the Tongan 22.
27TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS (GEORGE BRIDGE) & CONVERSION MISS: Quality! Barrett's quick hands has ALB through a midfield hole - cover drags him down...quick ball from Peranara...a superb pass to Barrett..he shifts to Smith who finds Bridge and he dives over one handed to score in the corner. Barrett can't convert. NZ 26 - 0.
32ND MINUTE (5 MINUTES LATER): Tonga go close - Kalamafoni makes a break up the middle...he chips ahead but it's too long and Barrett dots down for the 22.
33RD MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS (KIERAN READ) & CONVERSION: Forwards show the backs how to do it. Perenara shifts quickly to the right - Laulala's quick hands find Patrick Tuipulotu...he gets an offload away in contact to Ardie Savea who is sprinting away down the right wing.,.draw and pass finds Read who scores under the posts. Barrett converts. NZ 33 - 0.
35TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS (TJ PERENARA) & CONVERSION: One way traffic. Qucik hands in the backline leads to a Sevu Reece break...Tongan defence swarms but he passes inside to TJ who scores from 20m out. NZ 40 - 0.
38TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS (BEN SMITH) & CONVERSION: Tonga turn the ball over on halfway...the ABs shift through a Codie Taylor pass - he finds Ben Smith who beats two defenders and races away to score. NZ 47 - 0.
39TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS (RYAN CROTTY) & CONVERSION: ABs from inside their own 22....Barrett to Read to Smith to Savea who is away down the right hand side...draw and pass to Reece who offloads to Crotty who runs away to score under the posts. NZ 54 - 0.
HALFTIME: All Blacks completely dominant in a rampaging first 40mins. Eight tries to zero. Ardie Savea, TJ Perenara, George Bridge and Beauden Barrett have been excellent while Ben Smith looks at home in the 15 jersey. Back in 10 minutes.
2ND HALF, SUBSTITUTION: Josh Ioane is on for Barrett. His test debut and he will kick off.
41ST MINUTE, TRY ALL BLACKS (GEORGE BRIDGE) & CONVERSION MISS: Seven seconds! Ioane with a very high kick - Bridge leaps and pulls it in, beats one defender and dives in the left corner to score. George Bridge is a superstar. Ioane with a great effort from the sideline but it's just short. NZ 59 - 0.
44TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: ABs through 13 phases before Tonga concede a penalty. TJ Perenara went close...Ioane kicks for the line and it'll be a 5m lineout.
45TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS (MATT TODD) & CONVERSION MISS: Lineout drive and Todd scores. Too easy. Ioane can't add the extras. NZ 64 - 0.
47TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS (ARDIE SAVEA), CONVERSION & SUBSTITUTION: Wow! Try of the season. Ioane a chip cross kick inside his 22 finds Reece on the run...inside pass to Savea and he burns the defence to score under the dot. Awesome rugby that. Ioane has his first points. NZ 71 - 0. Sam Whitelock off and Scott Barrett is on.
52ND MINUTE (5 MINUTES LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS (GEORGE BRIDGE) & CONVERSION: Three tries for the left winger! Turnover ball - TJ shifts quickly to the left, ALB with brilliant hands finds Ioane who quickly gets a ball away to Bridge in space - he beats three defenders with an outside-inside step and scores.. Ioane converts. NZ 78-0.
54TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), SUBSTITUTION: ABs clear the bench...only Aaron Smith remaining.
57TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS (GEORGE BRIDGE) & CONVERSION: Four tries for the Crusaders winger. Turnover ball for the ABs.....ALB sees the space on the left, Ioane on the run kicks ahead and Bridge collects the ball on the bounce to race away and score. Ioane converts from a wide angle. NZ 85 - 0.
60TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY & YELLOW CARD: Sam Lousi given a yellow card for a no arms tackle.
61ST MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Jordie Barrett and Sevu Reece combine down the right hand side but Barrett is bundled out over the touchline on halfway.
64TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER): All Blacks break away again down the right hand side. Ardie Savea this time...he draws the fullback but his pass to Reece is woeful and the ball floats out.
65TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS (RYAN CROTTY) & CONVERSION: Simple...too simple. Ioane shovels a pass to Crotty who beats three players to race away and score. Ioane converts. NZ 92-0.
66TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): All Blacks will play the final 14 mins with 14 men. Ryan Crotty departs - he's not injured but maybe the brains trust are keen to see them play with a man short just in case.
70TH MINUTE (4 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Tonga have a midfield penalty. They have a lineout 10m out.
72ND MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Savea wins a turnover - how good has he been today. Ioane clears - Tongan lineout on the ABs 22.
73RD MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Jordie Barrett might be in trouble here - he collides with Sevu Reece and in turn takes out a Tongan player contesting a high ball. Referee is okay with it given he tripped over his own player - calls it unfortunate. No foul play.
75TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Tonga have a lineout 5m out.
77TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), TRY TONGA (SIALE PIUTAU): All Blacks defended well although they gave a way a couple of penalties...but eventually there is a crack in the D line as Reece comes out of the line for an intercept..misses and Piutau scores under the bar. NZ 92-7.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Ardie Savea just shades George Bridge and his four tries.
Final whistle blows and that's it. The ABs were ruthless for the first 65 minutes, then took the foot off the pedal when they decided to play with 14 men. 14 tries to one.
ALL BLACKS 92 - 7 TONGA
And in international rugby news such as Scotland getting a good win against Georgia then England (Who had their flight to Japan delayed due to a typhoon) trash Italy by 37 points at St James Park in Newcastle upon Tyne as well as Australia who defeat Samoa at the brand new stadium in Parramatta which is Bankwest Stadium & of course, Ireland continuing their dominance against Wales (Well, those Welsh fans didn't travel to Ireland to see them play but they are saving their money for Japan) at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin meaning that Ireland will go into the 2019 Rugby World Cup as the number 1 ranked country in the world.
And here is the review of the 5th round of the 2019 Mitre 10 Cup season:
Tasman strengthened their position of the Mitre 10 Cup Premiership five weeks into the competition but it was a thrilling Ranfurly Shield game which saw Otago retain the trophy 35-27 that proved the game of the weekend.
Tasman have 24 points in the Championship but Wellington on 16 and Auckland, North Harbour and Waikato are all on 14 points.
Hawke's Bay are unbeaten in the Championship with 23 points, seven clear of Bay of Plenty with Otago third on 15 and Taranaki on 14.
The individual try scoring has three players, Canterbury's Josh McKay, Hawke's Bay's Ash Dixon and Otago's Jona Nareki on six tries each while Waikato's Fletcher Smith heads in the individual points scoring with 52 points with Bay of Plenty's Dan Hollinshead and Taranaki's Daniel Waite on 50 points each.
Results were:
Manawatu v Northland
It was difficult to believe that Manawatu had been winless before this effort notable for sweeping backline movements which were executed with telling speed and efficiency from deep in their own territory. Wing Andre Taylor got two of them, the second being the result of a chip in-goal but the rest, including those scored by flanker Johnny Galloway and halfback Jamie Booth, were outstanding efforts. Northland were not to be outdone and halfback Sam Nock might never have a better chance for a blindside break than he had to open his side's scoring while fullback Scott Gregory's pace ensured a loser's bonus point.
Scorers: Manawatu 31 (Andre Taylor 2, Johnny Galloway, Jamie Booth tries; Otere Black 4 con pen) Northland 25 (Sam Nock, Ross Wright, Scott Gregory tries; Jack Debreczeni 2con, 2 pen). HT: 24-10
Hawke's Bay v Southland
Desperate to secure a win Southland had no sympathy from a determined Hawke's Bay combination in Napier. It was typical of the Southerners lack of luck that an attacking move of their own resulted in a goalline turnover which saw Hawke's Bay score at the other end. The home side also picked up three tries courtesy of their driving lineout maul, two of them to hooker Ash Dixon, while they were quick to put their backs into space, first five-eighths Lincoln McClutchie and midfielder Danny Toala being especially effective. Wing Isaac Te Tamaki scored twice for Southland.
Scorers: Hawke's Bay 41 (Gareth Evans, Ash Dixon 2, Danny Toala, Brendon O'Connor, Lincoln McClutchie, Jason Long tries; Danny Toala 2con, McClutchie con) Southland 23 (Isaac Te Tamaki 2, Josh Moorby tries; Marty McKenzie con, 2 pen). HT: 17-6
Counties Manukau v Tasman
Continuing to play their compelling style of rugby, Tasman had too much speed and support for Counties Manukau in Pukekohe. Fullback Will Jordan's pace saw him score the first two tries. Wing Leicester Faing'anuku was followed by hookers Levi Aumua and Hugh Roach in an effort that kept the home team scoreless. It is the ability of backs and forwards to use the ball, run hard and handle superbly that has the Tasman side proving so hard to stop.
Scorers: Counties Manukau 0 Tasman 36 (Will Jordan 2, Leicester Faing'anuku, Levi Aumua, Hugh Roach tries; Mitchell Hunt 3 con, pen; Tim O'Malley con). HT: 0-24
North Harbour v Waikato
When Waikato got out to a 28-12 lead at Albany over there was every reason North Harbour were done and dusted with 30 minutes remaining. That was especially considering the tries scored by wing Bailyn Sullivan,hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho, centre Quinn Tupaea and first five-eighths Fletcher Smith. But North Harbour stormed home after two earlier stunning tries to wing Mark Telea. First it was loose forward urphy Taramai, then hooker Luteru Tolai and miefield James Little who made the most of a superb break by flanker Dillon Hunt before a fulltime cracker scored by first five-eighths Matt McGahan which levelled the scores. Then McGahan sealed the game with a conversion from wide out.
Scorers: North Harbour 38 (Mark Telea 2, Murphy Taramai, Luteru Tolai, James Little, Matt McGahan tries; McGahan 4 con) Waikato 36 (Bailyn Sullivan, Samisoni Taukei'aho 2, Quinn Tupaea, Fletcher Smith tries; Smith 4 con, pen). HT: 12-21
Bay of Plenty v Wellington
Discipline proved crucial for Wellington who had only one try to their credit, a lovely catch of a lobbed kick in his direction to second five-eighths Peter Umaga-Jensen, by the cool-header first five-eighths Jackson Garden-Bachop. With three penalty goals, Garden-Bachop punished the home team who had looked likely with halfback Richard Judd burrowing across for his try while a couple of tackle breaking runs, first by centre Joe Webber and then by try scorer wing Emoni Narawa gave Bay every chance. But a missed conversion attempt and a dropped goal attempt charged down denied Bay of Plenty.
Scorers: Bay of Plenty 15 (Richard Judd, Emoni Narawa tries; Dan Hollinshead con, pen) Wellington 16 (Peter Umaga-Jensen try; Jackson Garden-Bachop con, 3 pen). HT: 10-9
Auckland v Canterbury
Canterbury were desperate to end their poor start to the competition at Eden Park and they struck first when halfback Billy Harmon scored the first of his two tries and while Auckland replied, midfielder Dallas McLeod got over just before halftime to really turn the pressure on the home team and defending champions. Harmon scored his second 10 minutes into the second half and while flanker Blake Gibson and fullback Salesi Rayasi scored for Auckland, Canterbury sealed the deal 13 minutes from time when halfback Ereatara Enari scored.
Scorers: Auckland 22 (Akira Ioane, Blake Gibson, Salesi Rayasi tries; Harry Plummer 2 con, pen) Canterbury 32 (Billy Harmon 2, Dallas McLeod, Ereatara Enari tries; Brett Cameron 2 con, 2 pen; Fergus Burke con). HT: 10-20
Otago v Taranaki
Not many gave Otago a chance of retaining the Ranfurly Shield but tries either side of halftime to wing Jona Nareki and first five-eighths Vilimoni Koroi gave the home side a key advantage, especially after former darling of Forsyth Barr Stadium, wing Waisake Naholo had looked to cut loose for Taranaki. Two breaks created two chances, only the second one taken by lock Mitchell Brown after halfback Tahuriorangi Te Toiroa dropped the ball on the goaline. Taranaki stayed in the hunt but Nareki again, and the goal-kicking boot of Koroi over-rode the late tries for first five-eighths Stephen Perofeta and second five-eighths Tei Walden.
Scorers: Otago 35 (Aleki Morris, Jona Nareki 2, Vilimoni Koroi; Koroi 3 con, 3 pen) Taranaki 27 (Mitchell Brown, Stephen Perofeta, Teihorangi Walden tries; Daniel Waite 3 con, 2pen). HT: 17-13
And in cricket news such as a Steve Smith double century in the 1st innings has helped Australia clinch & defend the Ashes against England in the 4th test at Old Trafford.
And finally in tennis news such as young 19 year old Canadian Bianca Andreescu winning the 2019 US Open women's singles final against American Serena Williams a day before Spaniard Rafael Nadal winning the 2019 US Open men's singles final to add to his 2019 French Open title against Russian Danil Medvedev.
So that is my 308th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 48th of this year.
P.S. And Carole's son Andy came here on Sunday to go to Rutland Arms for dinner along with Kelsey & her parents John & Rhonda before we came to Carole's to have dessert (Both Andy, Kelsey, John & Rhonda left the day after) then on Tuesday night, Carole took me to the airport to pick up both Kathryn & Ken because I was there on behalf of Pops moments before they took them to 15A Kells Avenue for a stir fry dinner then a day later, Kathryn & Ken went to look both houses as well as having a big lunch at Caroline's several hours before both Kathryn & Ken left to head back home.
Kia ora, good afternoon and welcome to Newshub's coverage of the All Blacks test against Tonga from FMG Stadium in Hamilton.
The match is both teams' final game before the Rugby World Cup, which starts on September 20.
This will be the sixth meeting between the two nations, with New Zealand winning all past meetings. The All Blacks beat Tonga 47-9 in their previous meeting.
Lineups:
All Blacks: 1-Joe Moody, 2-Codie Taylor, 3-Nepo Laulala, 4-Patrick Tuipulotu, 5-Sam Whitelock, 6-Ardie Savea, 7-Matt Todd, 8-Kieran Read, 9-TJ Perenara, 10-Beauden Barrett, 11-George Bridge, 12-Ryan Crotty, 13-Anton Lienert-Brown, 14-Sevu Reece, 15-Ben Smith
Reserves: 16-Liam Coltman, 17-Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 18-Angus Ta'avao, 19-Scott Barrett, 20-Luke Jacobson, 21-Aaron Smith, 22-Josh Ioane, 23-Jordie Barrett
Tonga: 1-Siegfried Fisi'ihoi, 2-Siua Maile, 3-Siua Halanukonuka, 4-Sam Lousi, 5-Leva Fifita, 6-Sione Kalamafoni, 7-Fotu Lokotui, 8-Ma'ama Vaipulu, 9-Sonatane Takulua, 10-Kurt Morath, 11-Viliami Lolohea, 12-Siale Piutau, 13-Malietoa Hingano, 14-Cooper Vuna, 15-David Halaifonua
Reserves: 16-Sione Anga'aelangi, 17-Vunipola Fifita, 18-Ma'afu Fia, 19-Dan Faleafa, 20-Zane Kapeli, 21- Leon Fukofuka, 22-James Faiva, 23-Atieli Pakalani
Referee: Angus Gardner
2:13PM: Greetings all - stunning day in the 'Tron'. Groundsman Karl Johnson has done a great job with the surface given the awful weather the North Island has seen this last week.
2:17PM: Brodie Retallick talking to Sky Sports' Kirstie Stanway says he is hoping to be fit for the final World Cup pool game.
2:23PM: Players and officials almost set to go - will be heading out shortly. Afternoon test rugby - how good?
2:25PM: A bit of cloud coming over the ground now.....track is in good nic though. A bit of wind about and the All Blacks will run with it first.
2:28PM: National anthem time.
2:32PM: Great renditions of the respective anthems. Haka / war dance time. First up will be the Tongan Sipi Tau.
2:33PM: The Haka lead by TJ Perenara.
KICK OFF: All right - here we go says Angus Gardner and it'll be Kurt Morath to get us underway.
1ST MINUTE, SCRUM: Barrett with an early high kick is dropped by Morath on halfway. Early scrum for the ABs.
3RD MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Set piece play opens up the Tongan defence. George Bridge put through a hole by Barrett - he finds Smith but the Tongan cover is good. Breakdown penalty for Tonga and they clear.
5TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): All Blacks have a scrum on halfway. Set play opens them up again as Reece rounds round from the back and finds ALB - George Bridge is away again - he kicks ahead but fullback Halaifonua does well. 22 restart.
7TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Midfield scrum for the AB's 30m out.
8TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS (SEVU REECE) & CONVERSION: AB's go to the left and ALB finds Bridge in space...he goes close but is stopped 5m short. Perenara shifts right and a wobbly Barrett pass finds Savea who shifts to Reece...goose-step and he beats the defender to score his second try for the All Blacks. Barrett converts. NZ 7 - 0.
11TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: All Blacks creating space for themselves. Qucik hands by the back and a slick pass fro Lienert-Brown sends Bridge away again but he's wrapped up by the cover. Tonga were offside and the ABs have a lineout 5m out.
13TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Turnover and Tonga clears.
14TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Tonga go an the attack after some loose play from Barrett and Lienert-Brown. 20m out.
16TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS (BEN SMITH) & CONVERSION: Second try assist for Ardie Savea. He wins a turnover on his own 30...rips the ball off Lolohea, shifts to Smith who is away down the left wing and will score untouched. Showed some gas there Smith racing a good 60m to dot down. Barrett converts. NZ 14 - 0.
19TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS (CODIE TAYLOR) & CONVERSION: Barrett front and centre again sends Bridge away - great run from the Crusaders winger but he's dragged down 20m out.....Perenara shifts right and Read's long pass is touched by Piutau - falls into the hands of Taylor who beats one defender to score. NZ 21 - 0.
24TH MINUTE (5 MINUTES LATER), SCRUM: Tonga with a period of possession but they can't make an impact and Morath kicks - All Blacks run it back but eventually Perenara loses the ball forward in contact. Scrum on their own 30m for Tonga.
26TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): All Blacks have a lineout on the Tongan 22.
27TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS (GEORGE BRIDGE) & CONVERSION MISS: Quality! Barrett's quick hands has ALB through a midfield hole - cover drags him down...quick ball from Peranara...a superb pass to Barrett..he shifts to Smith who finds Bridge and he dives over one handed to score in the corner. Barrett can't convert. NZ 26 - 0.
32ND MINUTE (5 MINUTES LATER): Tonga go close - Kalamafoni makes a break up the middle...he chips ahead but it's too long and Barrett dots down for the 22.
33RD MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS (KIERAN READ) & CONVERSION: Forwards show the backs how to do it. Perenara shifts quickly to the right - Laulala's quick hands find Patrick Tuipulotu...he gets an offload away in contact to Ardie Savea who is sprinting away down the right wing.,.draw and pass finds Read who scores under the posts. Barrett converts. NZ 33 - 0.
35TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS (TJ PERENARA) & CONVERSION: One way traffic. Qucik hands in the backline leads to a Sevu Reece break...Tongan defence swarms but he passes inside to TJ who scores from 20m out. NZ 40 - 0.
38TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS (BEN SMITH) & CONVERSION: Tonga turn the ball over on halfway...the ABs shift through a Codie Taylor pass - he finds Ben Smith who beats two defenders and races away to score. NZ 47 - 0.
39TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS (RYAN CROTTY) & CONVERSION: ABs from inside their own 22....Barrett to Read to Smith to Savea who is away down the right hand side...draw and pass to Reece who offloads to Crotty who runs away to score under the posts. NZ 54 - 0.
HALFTIME: All Blacks completely dominant in a rampaging first 40mins. Eight tries to zero. Ardie Savea, TJ Perenara, George Bridge and Beauden Barrett have been excellent while Ben Smith looks at home in the 15 jersey. Back in 10 minutes.
2ND HALF, SUBSTITUTION: Josh Ioane is on for Barrett. His test debut and he will kick off.
41ST MINUTE, TRY ALL BLACKS (GEORGE BRIDGE) & CONVERSION MISS: Seven seconds! Ioane with a very high kick - Bridge leaps and pulls it in, beats one defender and dives in the left corner to score. George Bridge is a superstar. Ioane with a great effort from the sideline but it's just short. NZ 59 - 0.
44TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: ABs through 13 phases before Tonga concede a penalty. TJ Perenara went close...Ioane kicks for the line and it'll be a 5m lineout.
45TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS (MATT TODD) & CONVERSION MISS: Lineout drive and Todd scores. Too easy. Ioane can't add the extras. NZ 64 - 0.
47TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS (ARDIE SAVEA), CONVERSION & SUBSTITUTION: Wow! Try of the season. Ioane a chip cross kick inside his 22 finds Reece on the run...inside pass to Savea and he burns the defence to score under the dot. Awesome rugby that. Ioane has his first points. NZ 71 - 0. Sam Whitelock off and Scott Barrett is on.
52ND MINUTE (5 MINUTES LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS (GEORGE BRIDGE) & CONVERSION: Three tries for the left winger! Turnover ball - TJ shifts quickly to the left, ALB with brilliant hands finds Ioane who quickly gets a ball away to Bridge in space - he beats three defenders with an outside-inside step and scores.. Ioane converts. NZ 78-0.
54TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), SUBSTITUTION: ABs clear the bench...only Aaron Smith remaining.
57TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS (GEORGE BRIDGE) & CONVERSION: Four tries for the Crusaders winger. Turnover ball for the ABs.....ALB sees the space on the left, Ioane on the run kicks ahead and Bridge collects the ball on the bounce to race away and score. Ioane converts from a wide angle. NZ 85 - 0.
60TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY & YELLOW CARD: Sam Lousi given a yellow card for a no arms tackle.
61ST MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Jordie Barrett and Sevu Reece combine down the right hand side but Barrett is bundled out over the touchline on halfway.
64TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER): All Blacks break away again down the right hand side. Ardie Savea this time...he draws the fullback but his pass to Reece is woeful and the ball floats out.
65TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS (RYAN CROTTY) & CONVERSION: Simple...too simple. Ioane shovels a pass to Crotty who beats three players to race away and score. Ioane converts. NZ 92-0.
66TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): All Blacks will play the final 14 mins with 14 men. Ryan Crotty departs - he's not injured but maybe the brains trust are keen to see them play with a man short just in case.
70TH MINUTE (4 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Tonga have a midfield penalty. They have a lineout 10m out.
72ND MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Savea wins a turnover - how good has he been today. Ioane clears - Tongan lineout on the ABs 22.
73RD MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Jordie Barrett might be in trouble here - he collides with Sevu Reece and in turn takes out a Tongan player contesting a high ball. Referee is okay with it given he tripped over his own player - calls it unfortunate. No foul play.
75TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Tonga have a lineout 5m out.
77TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), TRY TONGA (SIALE PIUTAU): All Blacks defended well although they gave a way a couple of penalties...but eventually there is a crack in the D line as Reece comes out of the line for an intercept..misses and Piutau scores under the bar. NZ 92-7.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Ardie Savea just shades George Bridge and his four tries.
Final whistle blows and that's it. The ABs were ruthless for the first 65 minutes, then took the foot off the pedal when they decided to play with 14 men. 14 tries to one.
ALL BLACKS 92 - 7 TONGA
And in international rugby news such as Scotland getting a good win against Georgia then England (Who had their flight to Japan delayed due to a typhoon) trash Italy by 37 points at St James Park in Newcastle upon Tyne as well as Australia who defeat Samoa at the brand new stadium in Parramatta which is Bankwest Stadium & of course, Ireland continuing their dominance against Wales (Well, those Welsh fans didn't travel to Ireland to see them play but they are saving their money for Japan) at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin meaning that Ireland will go into the 2019 Rugby World Cup as the number 1 ranked country in the world.
And here is the review of the 5th round of the 2019 Mitre 10 Cup season:
Tasman strengthened their position of the Mitre 10 Cup Premiership five weeks into the competition but it was a thrilling Ranfurly Shield game which saw Otago retain the trophy 35-27 that proved the game of the weekend.
Tasman have 24 points in the Championship but Wellington on 16 and Auckland, North Harbour and Waikato are all on 14 points.
Hawke's Bay are unbeaten in the Championship with 23 points, seven clear of Bay of Plenty with Otago third on 15 and Taranaki on 14.
The individual try scoring has three players, Canterbury's Josh McKay, Hawke's Bay's Ash Dixon and Otago's Jona Nareki on six tries each while Waikato's Fletcher Smith heads in the individual points scoring with 52 points with Bay of Plenty's Dan Hollinshead and Taranaki's Daniel Waite on 50 points each.
Results were:
Manawatu v Northland
It was difficult to believe that Manawatu had been winless before this effort notable for sweeping backline movements which were executed with telling speed and efficiency from deep in their own territory. Wing Andre Taylor got two of them, the second being the result of a chip in-goal but the rest, including those scored by flanker Johnny Galloway and halfback Jamie Booth, were outstanding efforts. Northland were not to be outdone and halfback Sam Nock might never have a better chance for a blindside break than he had to open his side's scoring while fullback Scott Gregory's pace ensured a loser's bonus point.
Scorers: Manawatu 31 (Andre Taylor 2, Johnny Galloway, Jamie Booth tries; Otere Black 4 con pen) Northland 25 (Sam Nock, Ross Wright, Scott Gregory tries; Jack Debreczeni 2con, 2 pen). HT: 24-10
Hawke's Bay v Southland
Desperate to secure a win Southland had no sympathy from a determined Hawke's Bay combination in Napier. It was typical of the Southerners lack of luck that an attacking move of their own resulted in a goalline turnover which saw Hawke's Bay score at the other end. The home side also picked up three tries courtesy of their driving lineout maul, two of them to hooker Ash Dixon, while they were quick to put their backs into space, first five-eighths Lincoln McClutchie and midfielder Danny Toala being especially effective. Wing Isaac Te Tamaki scored twice for Southland.
Scorers: Hawke's Bay 41 (Gareth Evans, Ash Dixon 2, Danny Toala, Brendon O'Connor, Lincoln McClutchie, Jason Long tries; Danny Toala 2con, McClutchie con) Southland 23 (Isaac Te Tamaki 2, Josh Moorby tries; Marty McKenzie con, 2 pen). HT: 17-6
Counties Manukau v Tasman
Continuing to play their compelling style of rugby, Tasman had too much speed and support for Counties Manukau in Pukekohe. Fullback Will Jordan's pace saw him score the first two tries. Wing Leicester Faing'anuku was followed by hookers Levi Aumua and Hugh Roach in an effort that kept the home team scoreless. It is the ability of backs and forwards to use the ball, run hard and handle superbly that has the Tasman side proving so hard to stop.
Scorers: Counties Manukau 0 Tasman 36 (Will Jordan 2, Leicester Faing'anuku, Levi Aumua, Hugh Roach tries; Mitchell Hunt 3 con, pen; Tim O'Malley con). HT: 0-24
North Harbour v Waikato
When Waikato got out to a 28-12 lead at Albany over there was every reason North Harbour were done and dusted with 30 minutes remaining. That was especially considering the tries scored by wing Bailyn Sullivan,hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho, centre Quinn Tupaea and first five-eighths Fletcher Smith. But North Harbour stormed home after two earlier stunning tries to wing Mark Telea. First it was loose forward urphy Taramai, then hooker Luteru Tolai and miefield James Little who made the most of a superb break by flanker Dillon Hunt before a fulltime cracker scored by first five-eighths Matt McGahan which levelled the scores. Then McGahan sealed the game with a conversion from wide out.
Scorers: North Harbour 38 (Mark Telea 2, Murphy Taramai, Luteru Tolai, James Little, Matt McGahan tries; McGahan 4 con) Waikato 36 (Bailyn Sullivan, Samisoni Taukei'aho 2, Quinn Tupaea, Fletcher Smith tries; Smith 4 con, pen). HT: 12-21
Bay of Plenty v Wellington
Discipline proved crucial for Wellington who had only one try to their credit, a lovely catch of a lobbed kick in his direction to second five-eighths Peter Umaga-Jensen, by the cool-header first five-eighths Jackson Garden-Bachop. With three penalty goals, Garden-Bachop punished the home team who had looked likely with halfback Richard Judd burrowing across for his try while a couple of tackle breaking runs, first by centre Joe Webber and then by try scorer wing Emoni Narawa gave Bay every chance. But a missed conversion attempt and a dropped goal attempt charged down denied Bay of Plenty.
Scorers: Bay of Plenty 15 (Richard Judd, Emoni Narawa tries; Dan Hollinshead con, pen) Wellington 16 (Peter Umaga-Jensen try; Jackson Garden-Bachop con, 3 pen). HT: 10-9
Auckland v Canterbury
Canterbury were desperate to end their poor start to the competition at Eden Park and they struck first when halfback Billy Harmon scored the first of his two tries and while Auckland replied, midfielder Dallas McLeod got over just before halftime to really turn the pressure on the home team and defending champions. Harmon scored his second 10 minutes into the second half and while flanker Blake Gibson and fullback Salesi Rayasi scored for Auckland, Canterbury sealed the deal 13 minutes from time when halfback Ereatara Enari scored.
Scorers: Auckland 22 (Akira Ioane, Blake Gibson, Salesi Rayasi tries; Harry Plummer 2 con, pen) Canterbury 32 (Billy Harmon 2, Dallas McLeod, Ereatara Enari tries; Brett Cameron 2 con, 2 pen; Fergus Burke con). HT: 10-20
Otago v Taranaki
Not many gave Otago a chance of retaining the Ranfurly Shield but tries either side of halftime to wing Jona Nareki and first five-eighths Vilimoni Koroi gave the home side a key advantage, especially after former darling of Forsyth Barr Stadium, wing Waisake Naholo had looked to cut loose for Taranaki. Two breaks created two chances, only the second one taken by lock Mitchell Brown after halfback Tahuriorangi Te Toiroa dropped the ball on the goaline. Taranaki stayed in the hunt but Nareki again, and the goal-kicking boot of Koroi over-rode the late tries for first five-eighths Stephen Perofeta and second five-eighths Tei Walden.
Scorers: Otago 35 (Aleki Morris, Jona Nareki 2, Vilimoni Koroi; Koroi 3 con, 3 pen) Taranaki 27 (Mitchell Brown, Stephen Perofeta, Teihorangi Walden tries; Daniel Waite 3 con, 2pen). HT: 17-13
And in cricket news such as a Steve Smith double century in the 1st innings has helped Australia clinch & defend the Ashes against England in the 4th test at Old Trafford.
And finally in tennis news such as young 19 year old Canadian Bianca Andreescu winning the 2019 US Open women's singles final against American Serena Williams a day before Spaniard Rafael Nadal winning the 2019 US Open men's singles final to add to his 2019 French Open title against Russian Danil Medvedev.
So that is my 308th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 48th of this year.
P.S. And Carole's son Andy came here on Sunday to go to Rutland Arms for dinner along with Kelsey & her parents John & Rhonda before we came to Carole's to have dessert (Both Andy, Kelsey, John & Rhonda left the day after) then on Tuesday night, Carole took me to the airport to pick up both Kathryn & Ken because I was there on behalf of Pops moments before they took them to 15A Kells Avenue for a stir fry dinner then a day later, Kathryn & Ken went to look both houses as well as having a big lunch at Caroline's several hours before both Kathryn & Ken left to head back home.
Thursday, 5 September 2019
All Blacks team naming against Tonga
Well, the All Blacks have all but confirmed their team to play against Tonga at Hamilton in our last test before the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan so here is the starting lineup in it's entirety:
PLAYING XV
FRONT ROW
1 (Loose head prop): Joe Moody (Crusaders/Canterbury)
2 (Hooker): Codie Taylor (Crusaders/Canterbury)
3 (Tight head prop): Nepo Laulala (Chiefs/Tasman)
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): Matt Todd (Crusaders/Canterbury)
8 (Number 8): Kieran Read (Captain, Crusaders/Canterbury)
HALVES
9 (Half-back): TJ Perenara (Hurricanes/Wellington)
10 (First five-eighth): Beauden Barrett (Blues/Taranaki)
MIDFIELD
12 (Second five-eighth): Ryan Crotty (Crusaders/Canterbury)
13 (Centre): Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs/Waikato)
OUTSIDE BACKS
11 (Left wing): George Bridge (Crusaders/Canterbury)
14 (Right wing): Sevu Reece (Crusaders/Waikato)
& 15 (Fullback): Ben Smith (Highlanders/Otago)
And in the reserves are:
16. Liam Coltman (Who comes into the side with Codie Taylor elevated to the starting lineup to replace Dane Coles)
17. Ofa Tu'ungafasi
18. Angus Ta'avao
19. Scott Barrett (Who returns from a 3 week ban to replace Jackson Hemopo who missed out on selection for the All Blacks 2019 Rugby World Cup squad)
20. Luke Jacobson (Who replaces Matt Todd with Todd elevated to the starting lineup to replace Sam Cane)
21. Aaron Smith (Who is dropped to the bench with TJ Perenara elevated to the starting lineup)
22. Josh Ioane (Who has replaced Ngani Laumape (Who didn't make the cut for the All Blacks 2019 Rugby World Cup squad) to make his debut off the bench (He was an unused substitute when the AB's played Argentina in Buenos Aires)
& 23. Jordie Barrett
So that is my 308th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 48th of this year.
PLAYING XV
FRONT ROW
1 (Loose head prop): Joe Moody (Crusaders/Canterbury)
2 (Hooker): Codie Taylor (Crusaders/Canterbury)
3 (Tight head prop): Nepo Laulala (Chiefs/Tasman)
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): Matt Todd (Crusaders/Canterbury)
8 (Number 8): Kieran Read (Captain, Crusaders/Canterbury)
HALVES
9 (Half-back): TJ Perenara (Hurricanes/Wellington)
10 (First five-eighth): Beauden Barrett (Blues/Taranaki)
MIDFIELD
12 (Second five-eighth): Ryan Crotty (Crusaders/Canterbury)
13 (Centre): Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs/Waikato)
OUTSIDE BACKS
11 (Left wing): George Bridge (Crusaders/Canterbury)
14 (Right wing): Sevu Reece (Crusaders/Waikato)
& 15 (Fullback): Ben Smith (Highlanders/Otago)
And in the reserves are:
16. Liam Coltman (Who comes into the side with Codie Taylor elevated to the starting lineup to replace Dane Coles)
17. Ofa Tu'ungafasi
18. Angus Ta'avao
19. Scott Barrett (Who returns from a 3 week ban to replace Jackson Hemopo who missed out on selection for the All Blacks 2019 Rugby World Cup squad)
20. Luke Jacobson (Who replaces Matt Todd with Todd elevated to the starting lineup to replace Sam Cane)
21. Aaron Smith (Who is dropped to the bench with TJ Perenara elevated to the starting lineup)
22. Josh Ioane (Who has replaced Ngani Laumape (Who didn't make the cut for the All Blacks 2019 Rugby World Cup squad) to make his debut off the bench (He was an unused substitute when the AB's played Argentina in Buenos Aires)
& 23. Jordie Barrett
So that is my 308th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 48th of this year.
Tuesday, 3 September 2019
2019 Mitre 10 Cup season round 4 review (+ International rugby news)
Well, here is the review of the 4th round of the 2019 Mitre 10 Cup season:
Tasman established a buffer for themselves at the head of the Mitre 10 Premiership ladder when remaining the only team not to have drawn or lost this season by beating Taranaki 28-18 on Sunday.
Auckland, who have had two draws, including a 20-20 draw on Saturday with Waikato, are second four points behind Tasman but two points clear of Waikato and Wellington who have 12 points.
In the Mitre 10 Championship, Bay of Plenty, after their 27-19 win over North Harbour in Albany, moved one point clear of Taranaki on 15 points, with Hawke's Bay on 13 points in third place.
Wellington 29 Counties Manukau 22
Counties Manukau had every reason to expect they might be able to pull off a surprise at Westpac Stadium but Wellington's fighting spirit and Counties Manukau's inability to shut the home team down saw Wellington skipper Du'Plessis Kirifi finish off a long-range move in injury time for the winning try. Two yellow cards also didn't help the visitors as Counties Manukau mistakes allowed Wellington back in the game to tie the scores at 22-22. Wes Goosen for Wellington and Kali Hala and Orbyn Leger for the visitors scored fine tries.
Scorers: Wellington 29 (Wes Goosen, James Blackwell, Billy Proctor, Du'Plessis Kirifi tries; Jackson Garden Bachop 3 con, pen) Counties Manukau 22 (Sikelo Nabou, Kali Hala, Orbyn Leger, Malgene Ilaua tries; Riley Hohepa con). HT: 7-12
Otago 37 Manawatu 20
Fireworks from hat-trick tryscorer wing Vilimoni Koroi and another for Jona Nareki set up Otago in their Ranfurly Shield defence against a game Manawatu side who had a strong first half only to fade in the second. Koroi was outstanding, unleashing his Sevens skills in an outstanding display while also showing the presence of mind to show a sleight of hand to set up the final try for Sio Tomkinson. Manawatu halfback Jamie Booth had enough time to show his running skills to score.
Scorers: Otago 37 (Vilimoni Koroi 3, Jona Nareki, Sio Tomkinson tries; Josh Ioane 3 con, 2 pen) Manawatu 20 (Jamie Booth, Adam Boult tries; Otere Black 2 con, 2 pen). HT: 22-17
Canterbury 80 Southland 0
A lineout conceded on Canterbury's line in the 10th minute proved a harbinger of mayhem to come for Southland. Canterbury ran the ball from their own line, a big run was made by wing Patrick Osborne and at the other end of the field supporting flanker Tom Christie ran in the try. It was one-way traffic thereafter with Ryan Crotty showing his readiness for higher rugby by scoring two tries. Fullback Josh McKay twice unleashed his speed to score tries that took him to six for the competition, two ahead of his nearest rivals.
Scorers: Canterbury 80 (Tom Christie, Mitchell Drummond 2, Luke Romano, Ryan Crotty 2, Fergus Burke, Josh McKay 2, Mitchell Dunshea, Dallas McLeod, Luke Whitelock tries; Burke 4 con, Brett Cameron 6 con). HT: 33-0
Northland 28 Hawke's Bay 43
Northland made the better start but three tries in the last 15 minutes of the first half saw Hawke's Bay enjoy a halftime advantage. Hooker Ash Dixon's try-scoring continued apace, notching his fourth of the campaign but it was outside back Neria Fomai who hit Northland hardest, scoring a hat-trick of tries while Caleb Makene backed him with two more. Northland showed their own attacking ability in crossing three times.
Scorers: Northland 28 (Temo Mayanavanua, Jack Straker, Jaycob Matiu tries; Jack Debreczeni 2 con, 3 pen) Hawke's Bay 43 (Ash Dixon, Neria Fomai 3, Caleb Makene 2, Folau Fakatava tries; Danny Toala 4 con). HT: 15-22
Waikato 20 Auckland 20
A typical Waikato welcome was laid out for Auckland in Hamilton with prop Oliver Norris and wing Declan O'Donnell crossing within 12 minutes of the start. But as so often happens, maintaining that early momentum proved a little harder. It took Auckland 37 minutes to get going but wing Caleb Clarke made the most of a kick-pass to score wide out. Waikato got out to a 20-10 lead but Auckland used their forward power for hooker Leni Apisai to score while a late penalty goal to five-eighths Daniel Kirkpatrick drew Auckland level for their second draw of the competition.
Scorers: Waikato 20 (Oliver Norris, Declan O'Donnell tries; Fletcher Smith 2 con, 2 pen) Auckland 20 (Caleb Clarke, Leni Apisai tries; D'Angelo Leuila con, pen; Daniel Kirkpatrick con, pen). HT: 14-10
North Harbour 19 Bay of Plenty 27
Bay of Plenty's impressive run continued as it moved to the head of the Mitre 10 Championship ladder, one point ahead of Taranaki when taking four points off Premiership side North Harbour in Albany. Bay of Plenty first five-eighths Dan Hollinshead's goal-kicking boot marked the difference as the sides scored three tries each. He converted all three Bay tries and added two penalty goals for good measure.
Scorers: North Harbour 19 (Lotu Inisi, Shaun Stevenson, James Little tries; Matt McGahan 2 con) Bay of Plenty 27 (Mitch Karpik, Joe Webber, Alex Ainley tries; Dan Hollinshead 3 con, 2 pen). HT: 14-21
Taranaki 18 Tasman 28
Tasman established an early lead at Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth, and while Taranaki looked to narrow the game in the second half they ran out of time and lost the chance to push for a loser's bonus point when penalised at a scrum just out from the Tasman line on the fulltime hooter. Tasman's pack proved equal to everything Taranaki threw at them up front. Wing Tima Fainga'anuku scored twice to demonstrate his class for Tasman.
Scorers: Taranaki 18 (Lachlan Boshier, Waisake Naholo tries; Daniel Waite con, 2 pen) Tasman 28 (Tima Fainga'anuku 2, Andrew Makalio, Finlay Christie tries; Mitch Hunt con, 2 pen). HT: 6-18
And in international rugby news such as France continuing their dominance against Italy by thrashing them at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis then the All Blacks are back on top of the World Rugby rankings after Ireland cruised to victory against Wales (Who had to lose top spot after being ranked number 1 in the world for a fortnight after taking top spot by beating England) at Millennium Stadium (Which was opened 20 years ago to replace the old Cardiff Arms Park in time for the 1999 Rugby World Cup) in Cardiff then the Pasifika Challenge took place at Eden Park in Auckland with Samoa taking honours with a hat-trick of tries by Ahsee Tuala & a double on debut for Crusaders prop, Michael Alaalatoa (Who is following in the footsteps of his famous father Vili Alaalatoa during the 1991 tournament for Samoa) before Fiji (Featuring players such as former league player Semi 'Semi Trailer' Radradra & gold medal winning sevens player Josua 'The Bus' Tuisova) ran away with a win against Tonga.
So that is my 307th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 47th of this year.
P.S. And Pops took me to The Grand for lunch (I had a cheeseburger there for a big lunch) just before we went to see Whanganui play but they couldn't got it done right against the defending Heartland champions Thames Valley but it was on Monday that I only watched the 1st half of the 2011 Rugby World Cup final between France & hosts New Zealand on Spark Sport (I was watching it to see how it works on Pops new TV) then yesterday it was Australia against New Zealand in the 2011 World Cup semifinal (I only watched the 1st half of the game) & New Zealand vs Argentina today in the 2011 World Cup quarterfinal (I also saw the 1st half of the match).
Tasman established a buffer for themselves at the head of the Mitre 10 Premiership ladder when remaining the only team not to have drawn or lost this season by beating Taranaki 28-18 on Sunday.
Auckland, who have had two draws, including a 20-20 draw on Saturday with Waikato, are second four points behind Tasman but two points clear of Waikato and Wellington who have 12 points.
In the Mitre 10 Championship, Bay of Plenty, after their 27-19 win over North Harbour in Albany, moved one point clear of Taranaki on 15 points, with Hawke's Bay on 13 points in third place.
Wellington 29 Counties Manukau 22
Counties Manukau had every reason to expect they might be able to pull off a surprise at Westpac Stadium but Wellington's fighting spirit and Counties Manukau's inability to shut the home team down saw Wellington skipper Du'Plessis Kirifi finish off a long-range move in injury time for the winning try. Two yellow cards also didn't help the visitors as Counties Manukau mistakes allowed Wellington back in the game to tie the scores at 22-22. Wes Goosen for Wellington and Kali Hala and Orbyn Leger for the visitors scored fine tries.
Scorers: Wellington 29 (Wes Goosen, James Blackwell, Billy Proctor, Du'Plessis Kirifi tries; Jackson Garden Bachop 3 con, pen) Counties Manukau 22 (Sikelo Nabou, Kali Hala, Orbyn Leger, Malgene Ilaua tries; Riley Hohepa con). HT: 7-12
Otago 37 Manawatu 20
Fireworks from hat-trick tryscorer wing Vilimoni Koroi and another for Jona Nareki set up Otago in their Ranfurly Shield defence against a game Manawatu side who had a strong first half only to fade in the second. Koroi was outstanding, unleashing his Sevens skills in an outstanding display while also showing the presence of mind to show a sleight of hand to set up the final try for Sio Tomkinson. Manawatu halfback Jamie Booth had enough time to show his running skills to score.
Scorers: Otago 37 (Vilimoni Koroi 3, Jona Nareki, Sio Tomkinson tries; Josh Ioane 3 con, 2 pen) Manawatu 20 (Jamie Booth, Adam Boult tries; Otere Black 2 con, 2 pen). HT: 22-17
Canterbury 80 Southland 0
A lineout conceded on Canterbury's line in the 10th minute proved a harbinger of mayhem to come for Southland. Canterbury ran the ball from their own line, a big run was made by wing Patrick Osborne and at the other end of the field supporting flanker Tom Christie ran in the try. It was one-way traffic thereafter with Ryan Crotty showing his readiness for higher rugby by scoring two tries. Fullback Josh McKay twice unleashed his speed to score tries that took him to six for the competition, two ahead of his nearest rivals.
Scorers: Canterbury 80 (Tom Christie, Mitchell Drummond 2, Luke Romano, Ryan Crotty 2, Fergus Burke, Josh McKay 2, Mitchell Dunshea, Dallas McLeod, Luke Whitelock tries; Burke 4 con, Brett Cameron 6 con). HT: 33-0
Northland 28 Hawke's Bay 43
Northland made the better start but three tries in the last 15 minutes of the first half saw Hawke's Bay enjoy a halftime advantage. Hooker Ash Dixon's try-scoring continued apace, notching his fourth of the campaign but it was outside back Neria Fomai who hit Northland hardest, scoring a hat-trick of tries while Caleb Makene backed him with two more. Northland showed their own attacking ability in crossing three times.
Scorers: Northland 28 (Temo Mayanavanua, Jack Straker, Jaycob Matiu tries; Jack Debreczeni 2 con, 3 pen) Hawke's Bay 43 (Ash Dixon, Neria Fomai 3, Caleb Makene 2, Folau Fakatava tries; Danny Toala 4 con). HT: 15-22
Waikato 20 Auckland 20
A typical Waikato welcome was laid out for Auckland in Hamilton with prop Oliver Norris and wing Declan O'Donnell crossing within 12 minutes of the start. But as so often happens, maintaining that early momentum proved a little harder. It took Auckland 37 minutes to get going but wing Caleb Clarke made the most of a kick-pass to score wide out. Waikato got out to a 20-10 lead but Auckland used their forward power for hooker Leni Apisai to score while a late penalty goal to five-eighths Daniel Kirkpatrick drew Auckland level for their second draw of the competition.
Scorers: Waikato 20 (Oliver Norris, Declan O'Donnell tries; Fletcher Smith 2 con, 2 pen) Auckland 20 (Caleb Clarke, Leni Apisai tries; D'Angelo Leuila con, pen; Daniel Kirkpatrick con, pen). HT: 14-10
North Harbour 19 Bay of Plenty 27
Bay of Plenty's impressive run continued as it moved to the head of the Mitre 10 Championship ladder, one point ahead of Taranaki when taking four points off Premiership side North Harbour in Albany. Bay of Plenty first five-eighths Dan Hollinshead's goal-kicking boot marked the difference as the sides scored three tries each. He converted all three Bay tries and added two penalty goals for good measure.
Scorers: North Harbour 19 (Lotu Inisi, Shaun Stevenson, James Little tries; Matt McGahan 2 con) Bay of Plenty 27 (Mitch Karpik, Joe Webber, Alex Ainley tries; Dan Hollinshead 3 con, 2 pen). HT: 14-21
Taranaki 18 Tasman 28
Tasman established an early lead at Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth, and while Taranaki looked to narrow the game in the second half they ran out of time and lost the chance to push for a loser's bonus point when penalised at a scrum just out from the Tasman line on the fulltime hooter. Tasman's pack proved equal to everything Taranaki threw at them up front. Wing Tima Fainga'anuku scored twice to demonstrate his class for Tasman.
Scorers: Taranaki 18 (Lachlan Boshier, Waisake Naholo tries; Daniel Waite con, 2 pen) Tasman 28 (Tima Fainga'anuku 2, Andrew Makalio, Finlay Christie tries; Mitch Hunt con, 2 pen). HT: 6-18
And in international rugby news such as France continuing their dominance against Italy by thrashing them at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis then the All Blacks are back on top of the World Rugby rankings after Ireland cruised to victory against Wales (Who had to lose top spot after being ranked number 1 in the world for a fortnight after taking top spot by beating England) at Millennium Stadium (Which was opened 20 years ago to replace the old Cardiff Arms Park in time for the 1999 Rugby World Cup) in Cardiff then the Pasifika Challenge took place at Eden Park in Auckland with Samoa taking honours with a hat-trick of tries by Ahsee Tuala & a double on debut for Crusaders prop, Michael Alaalatoa (Who is following in the footsteps of his famous father Vili Alaalatoa during the 1991 tournament for Samoa) before Fiji (Featuring players such as former league player Semi 'Semi Trailer' Radradra & gold medal winning sevens player Josua 'The Bus' Tuisova) ran away with a win against Tonga.
So that is my 307th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 47th of this year.
P.S. And Pops took me to The Grand for lunch (I had a cheeseburger there for a big lunch) just before we went to see Whanganui play but they couldn't got it done right against the defending Heartland champions Thames Valley but it was on Monday that I only watched the 1st half of the 2011 Rugby World Cup final between France & hosts New Zealand on Spark Sport (I was watching it to see how it works on Pops new TV) then yesterday it was Australia against New Zealand in the 2011 World Cup semifinal (I only watched the 1st half of the game) & New Zealand vs Argentina today in the 2011 World Cup quarterfinal (I also saw the 1st half of the match).
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