Well, the All Blacks have named their team for the 3rd test against France so here is the starting lineup in it's entirety:
FRONT ROW
1 (Loose head prop): Joe Moody (Canterbury/Crusaders)
2 (Hooker): Codie Taylor (Canterbury/Crusaders)
3 (Tight head prop): Owen Franks (Canterbury/Crusaders)
SECOND ROW
4 (Lock): Sam Whitelock (Captain, Canterbury/Crusaders)
5 (Lock): Scott Barrett (Canterbury/Crusaders)
BACK ROW
6 (Blindside Flanker): Shannon Frizell (Tasman/Highlanders)
7 (Openside Flanker): Ardie Savea (Wellington/Hurricanes)
8 (Number 8): Luke Whitelock (Canterbury/Highlanders)
HALVES
9 (Half-back): Aaron Smith (Manawatu/Highlanders)
10 (First five eighth): Damian McKenzie (Waikato/Chiefs)
MIDFIELD
12 (Second five eighth): Sonny Bill Williams (Counties Manukau/Blues)
13 (Centre): Jack Goodhue (Northland/Crusaders)
OUTSIDE BACKS
11 (Left Wing): Rieko Ioane (Auckland/Blues)
14 (Right Wing): Waisake Naholo (Taranaki/Highlanders)
& 15 (Fullback): Ben Smith (Otago/Highlanders)
And in the reserves are:
16. Liam Coltman (Who replaces Nathan Harris who had to head back home for the birth of his 1st child)
17. Karl Tu'inukuafe
18. Ofa Tu'ungafasi
19. Jackson Hemopo (Who replaces Vaea Fifita as he makes his test debut off the bench)
20. Matt Todd (Who replaces Ardie Savea who is elevated to the starting lineup)
21. TJ Perenara
22. Richie Mo'unga (Who replaces Damian McKenzie who is also elevated to the starting lineup with McKenzie replacing Beauden Barrett who is ruled out of the 3rd test due to concussion picked up in the 2nd test)
& 23. Jordie Barrett (Who is dropped to the bench with Ben Smith back to his preferred position at fullback).
And finally in FIFA World Cup news, Sweden (The ones who knocked Italy out of the FIFA World Cup) began the campaign with an all important victory against Korea Republic with a Andreas Granqvist penalty in Nizhny Novgorod followed by the star studded Belgium (Featuring the likes of Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne & Chelsea's Eden Hazard) who had a winning start against newcomers Panama in Sochi before the English had taken victory against Tunisia with English captain Harry Kane scoring 2 goals including that match winner at the death then Japan become the 1st Asian country to defeat a South American side which is in fact Colombia in Saransk followed by Senegal who opened their campaign just like in 2002 against France with a famous victory against Robert Lewandowski's Poland in Moscow then the hosts Russia advanced through to the round of 16 with a win against Mohamed Salah's Egypt in Saint Petersburg before Portugal knocked out Morocco to go through to the round of 16 with an early goal scored by their Portuguese skipper Cristiano Ronaldo in Moscow then Uruguay (Featuring their key man Luis Suarez of FC Barcelona) clinch their place at the round of 16, winning against Saudi Arabia in Rostov before Spain defeated Iran 1 - 0 in Kazan to book their place in the round of 16 followed by the match between Denmark & Australia ended in a 1 - 1 draw (Christian Eriksen scored 1st then a penalty for the illegal use of the hand by the VAR changed things for Australia as Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak scored it from the penalty spot gave his country an equalizer) before Peru's hopes of reaching the round of 16 ended in a loss against the French who marched on by clinching a place in the round of 16 then Lionel Messi's Argentina were in further trouble, losing 3 - 0 against Luka Modric's Croatia who booked their place in the round of 16.
So that is my 209th blog of the year 2018 (MMXVIII) & my 29th of this year.
Friday, 22 June 2018
Sunday, 17 June 2018
All Blacks Vs France 2nd test review, international rugby news (Part 2) & 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia report
Well, the All Blacks claim another victory by clinching the test series & the Dave Gallaher trophy against the brave French side who performed well in the 2nd half again under controversial circumstances but here's the match commentary taken from Newshub:
Kia ora and welcome to the 2nd test between the All Blacks and France at Westpac Stadium in Wellington.
New Zealand have named an unchanged team from the one that ran riot against tourists in the first test last week.
France on the other hand, have made five changes to their side, with three players returning to 'Les Bleus' after playing in the Top 14 final.
We bring you live streaming written commentary, and all the action.
Commentary will start around 7:20pm.
Lineups
New Zealand
15 Jordie Barrett; 14 Ben Smith, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Rieko Ioane; 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Aaron Smith; 1 Joe Moody, 2 Codie Taylor, 3 Owen Franks, 4 Sam Whitelock, 5 Scott Barrett, 6 Liam Squire, 7 Sam Cane, 8 Luke Whitelock.
Replacements: 16 Nathan Harris, 17 Karl Tui'inukuake, 18 Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 19 Vaea Fifita, 20 Ardie Savea, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Damian McKenzie, 23 Ngani Laumape.
France
15 Ben Fall; 14 Teddy Thomas, 13 Mathieu Bastareaud, 12 Geoffrey Doumayrou, 11 Gael Fickou; 10 Anthony Belleau, 9 Morgan Parra; 1 Dany Priso, 2 Camille Chat, 3 Uini Atonio; 4 Bernard Le Roux, 5 Yoann Maestri; 6 Mathieu Babillot, 7 Kelian Galletier, 8 Kevin Gourdon
Replacements: 16 Pierre Bougarit, 17 Cyril Baille, 18 Cedate Gomes Sa, 19 Paul Gabrillagues, 20 Alexandre Lapandry, 21 Baptiste Serin, 22 Jules Plisson, 23 Maxime Medard
Match officials
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant referees: John Lacey (Ireland), Luke Pearce (England)
Television match official: George Ayoub (Australia)
Previous results:
2018: New Zealand won 52-11 in Auckland
2017: New Zealand won 38-18 in Paris
2016: New Zealand won 24-19 in Paris
2015: New Zealand won 62-13 (World Cup quarter-final) in Cardiff
2013: New Zealand won 26-19 in Paris
7:18pm: So, we're back for round two of this three-match series. Hoping for a close test for the sake of rugby, but wouldn't mind seeing Laumape in full flight again.
7:20pm: You'd expect more of a fight from the French tonight, a more of an 80-minute performance. They've seen what NZ's about and have a few players returning.
2 MINUTES LATER: France forwards combining well down the left wing, offloading in the tackle but they lose it in contact just outside the 22m. Jordie finds acres of space with the kick and France will have the lineout on their own 5m.
2 MINUTES LATER: Chat's throw is a shocker and Luke Whitelock steals it at the back! ABs just a few metres out, drawing the defence offside and win the penalty before calling for the scrum.
2 MINUTES LATER: Smith fires it hard to McKenzie in the pocket and he's just a metre short! The following pass is a shocker, forcing Ben Smith to turn around and clean up, he steps inside the French midfield before running in clear to score the try. News in, Beaudie's failed the HIA.
2 MINUTES LATER: Priso shows his strength, bumping off a couple tacklers, taking France up over halfway. Thomas tries the big step on Squire but is SMASHED before he's penalised for holding on too long. ABs lineout just seven metres or so out.
2 MINUTES LATER: Franks has a crack up the middle before being stopped. ABs keeping it tight but Maestri is penalised for being offside. ABs call for the scrum smack in front of the goal posts.
2 MINUTES LATER: Confusion between Smith and McKenzie sees the replacements first-five knock on. France put the shove on at the scrum and Moody's penalised for standing up under pressure.
2 MINUTES LATER: Babillot breaks a couple of tackles as the French loosies combine well but they're penalised at the breakdown. ABs go quick with the tap only to be pinged for the same thing.
2 MINUTES LATER: ABs guilty of trying to get up too quickly and are penalised for being offside. France opt for the shot at goal. Ball's flat, so ref calls for another. Easy as you like for Parra and they reduce the lead.
2 MINUTES LATER: Thomas does well to get up, win the restart and send Gourdon on a nice little run. Parra clears from the base and Jordie takes it in. McKenzie kicks only for Parra to find touch around halfway.
2 MINUTES LATER: Ioane beats one and he almost goes right through! Franks has a crack but France are on it and turn it over. They try the grubber but Ioane's back there to return it but an ABs player goes flying off his feet and is penalised.
2 MINUTES LATER: Ioane does brilliantly to get the pass away to Taylor on the inside before going out but France turn it over. They immediately knock on and the ABs counter! Ben Smith shows great strength in the tackle to offload to Aaron Smith, he has one to beat, draws him in but his offload to an unmarked Jordie Barrett is well forward.
2 MINUTES LATER: A scuffle breaks out between Cane and le Roux after the ABs loosie hit Parra late after the box kick. France awarded the penalty. ABs win the turnover and McKenzie puts the ball into the corner for a French linout on their own 5m.
2 MINUTES LATER, ALL BLACKS TRY - JORDIE BARRETT: McKenzie steps one before finally being dragged down. There's nobody at the ruck and France turn it over before they clear down field. Ioane gets it out wide, pins the ears back, somehow finds Lienert-Brown with the 'SBW' offload, he races away before drawing in one to send Jordie in under the sticks for the try.
HALFTIME, ALL BLACKS 21 - 6 FRANCE: Well, another match that will no doubt be marred by controversy. Fall undoubtably deserved the card, but the contest has been ruined. France looked as if they were going to only take an eight-point deficit into the break but a late Barrett try means they have it all to do in the 2nd half.
41ST MINUTE: France get the second half underway and Smith clears for Thomas to counter. A bit of hot potato ensues between both teams but NZ are adjudged to have made the first knock on.
2 MINUTES LATER: Belleau puts the bomb up and Jordie Barrett does brilliantly to win it, turn around and break away! He finds Cane on the inside in support but Luke Whitelock is penalised for hititng the ruck at an angle.
2 MINUTES LATER: France put the shove on at the scrum and it's Moody again who's been penalised. Atonio has had the upper-hand all game over his opponent. France win the lineout but Chat knocks on.
2 MINUTES LATER: Crotty doubles around but Bastareaud shows great defence. ABs shift direction to Ioane but there's little space this time for him. McKenzie tries the kick but it goes out on the full for a French linout outside the ABs 22m.
2 MINUTES LATER: Bastareaud has a charge and Savea does well to hang on. They go wide and Thomas beats a couple with the French just 10 or so out. Sam Whitelock is penalised for not rolling away.
2 MINUTES LATER: Galletier wins the lineout and France drive! Chat breaks away before Bastareaud tries the kick through only for another AB to be pinged for not rolling away. They try the lineout and drive but Chat knocks on.
2 MINUTES LATER: France's turn to be penalised at the scrum. The replacements making an immediate impact. Fifita wins the lineout before Crotty makes good ground up the middle. McKenzie tries the grubber but Fickou does well to take it in and find space.
2 MINUTES LATER: ABs put the pressure on at the breakdown and Jordie Barrett kicks for Ioane to chase. Thomas wins the race, steps one before finally being tackled just six metres out from his own try line. Belleau finally clears towards the 22m.
2 MINUTES LATER, ALL BLACKS TRY - JORDIE BARRETT: ABs once again put the pressure on at the scrum but Serin clears up over halfway. Sam Whitelock wins the lineout and the ABs drive. McKenzie puts the foot down and he's away! He links up with Perenara who's tackled just five metres out. McKenzie has another crack, shows the ball before puting Jordie Barrett in for his second try.
3 MINUTES LATER: Perenara tries a cheeky kick over the top for Ben Smith to chase but France pat it bac their way. Doumayrou almost goes through on the inside but is ankle-tapped. French players linking up well but Fifita does well to get up over the ball and win the penalty.
2 MINUTES LATER: Luke Whitelock wins the lineout for Crotty to have a charge up the middle over halfway. France are on him quickly though and it's the captain, Bastareaud who forces the penalty.
2 MINUTES LATER: Bastareaud gets rid of Luke Whitelock before finally being brought down. Gourdon has a crack and Perenara's shown the yellow card! He had no rights to the ball according to the ref.
2 MINUTES LATER: Bastareaud is proving a right handful, bumping off McKenzie! France just five metres out but they knock on! They've had a look at Belleau's tackle on Whitelock upstairs and he's penalised.
2 MINUTES LATER: McKenzie tries the bomb and Ben Smith does brilliantly to get up and get it! They change direction to Ioane, he puts the foot down and is in space down the left! He steps on but his attempted offload is called forward.
2 MINUTES LATER: Medard fends Ben Smith and he's away down the left wing! He puts the grubber through for his support to chase but Ioane wins the race before Crotty clears down field.
2 MINUTES LATER: France force the turnover at the lineout and the replacement hooker, Bougarit breaks clear! He's finally dragged down by Ben Smith, but reaches out and touches down for the try. They're asking the TMO and they rule double movement. Harshly done by there. They can't buy a try.
2 MINUTES LATER: Harris' throw is poor and Bastareaud fends off Crotty and he takes the French inside the NZ 22m. Bougaritis penalised for having two cracks after he was tackled and McKenzie takes the quick tap only for Crotty to knock on out wide.
2 MINUTES LATER: ABs demolish the French scrum but they clear it just in time. But play ends as they knock on NZ's 10m. Tu'ungafasi puts the head down but knocks on for France to counter before Harris is penalised for not releasing.
2 MINUTES LATER: Savea's on his feet, all over the ball at the breakdown and he wins the penalty for the ABs. He's been good since coming on. ABs will have the lineout just inside the French half.
2 MINUTES LATER: France penalised for not releasing and Perenara takes the quick tap and he's in space! He's finally tackled inside the 22m but a poor pass sees the French turn it over before clearing.
2 MINUTES LATER, FRANCE TRY - GOMES SA: Serin offloads off the deck to Gourdon and he's away! He draws in the final defender, gives it to Gomes Sa and he goes over for the try. They've put in a gutsy effort here tonight.
FULL-TIME, ALL BLACKS 26 - 13 FRANCE: Well, not the performance or test anyone of us were expecting. France showed great fight, but New Zealand were poor. They never looked like losing, but were sloppy and just didn't put out the type of footy we've become so used to. Nonetheless, they've wrapped up the series with the win tonight! Thanks for joining us.
And the Crusaders have beaten the French Barbarians in convincing fashion in Christchurch then Ireland kept their test series alive with a 5 point win against Australia in Melbourne but bad news for the Eddie Jones coached England, their hopes of winning the test series is over as the dominant Springboks take the victory in Bloemfontein while Wales win the test series against Argentina in Santa Fe with Ross Moriarty red carded just before the Welsh conceded a try right on fulltime and in the Pacific Nations Cup such as Fiji clinching the title, beating Georgia as well as Tonga win by 10 points against Samoa.
And finally in FIFA World Cup news, Uruguay & Iran open their account in Groups A & B by taking victories against Egypt & Morocco in Ekaterinburg & St Petersburg respectively with both matches ending in 1 - 0 scorelines while Cristiano Ronaldo got a hat-trick of goals for his country Portugal against Spain which ended in a 3 - 3 draw in their Group B encounter in Sochi then France down Australia 2 - 1 with a match winning goal against Paul Pogba (It was an own goal in fact) after both penalties were scored by Antoine Griezmann for France & captain Mile Jedinak for the Socceroos in Group C over in Kazan before Argentina had a 1 - 1 draw (With goals scored by Sergio Aguero for Argentina before Iceland's Alfred Finnbogason came up with an equalizer) against newcomers Iceland (With one of the Icelandic goalkeepers who had to save Lionel Messi's penalty shot) in Group D over in Moscow at Spartak Stadium then Denmark recorded a 1 - 0 victory in Group C against Peru in Saransk before Croatia scored 2 goals against Nigeria in a comfortable win in Group D over in Kalinigrad then Serbia ended up winning against Costa Rica in Group E over in Samara before Mexico stun the world champions Germany 1 - 0 in a Group F encounter with Hirving Lozano being able to capitalize by scoring an all important goal to take the victory at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow followed by Brazil who miss out on a win in Group E against Switzerland as the match ended in a draw in Rostov-On-Don.
So that is my 208th blog of the year 2018 (MMXVIII) & my 28th of this year.
Kia ora and welcome to the 2nd test between the All Blacks and France at Westpac Stadium in Wellington.
New Zealand have named an unchanged team from the one that ran riot against tourists in the first test last week.
France on the other hand, have made five changes to their side, with three players returning to 'Les Bleus' after playing in the Top 14 final.
We bring you live streaming written commentary, and all the action.
Commentary will start around 7:20pm.
Lineups
New Zealand
15 Jordie Barrett; 14 Ben Smith, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Rieko Ioane; 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Aaron Smith; 1 Joe Moody, 2 Codie Taylor, 3 Owen Franks, 4 Sam Whitelock, 5 Scott Barrett, 6 Liam Squire, 7 Sam Cane, 8 Luke Whitelock.
Replacements: 16 Nathan Harris, 17 Karl Tui'inukuake, 18 Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 19 Vaea Fifita, 20 Ardie Savea, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Damian McKenzie, 23 Ngani Laumape.
France
15 Ben Fall; 14 Teddy Thomas, 13 Mathieu Bastareaud, 12 Geoffrey Doumayrou, 11 Gael Fickou; 10 Anthony Belleau, 9 Morgan Parra; 1 Dany Priso, 2 Camille Chat, 3 Uini Atonio; 4 Bernard Le Roux, 5 Yoann Maestri; 6 Mathieu Babillot, 7 Kelian Galletier, 8 Kevin Gourdon
Replacements: 16 Pierre Bougarit, 17 Cyril Baille, 18 Cedate Gomes Sa, 19 Paul Gabrillagues, 20 Alexandre Lapandry, 21 Baptiste Serin, 22 Jules Plisson, 23 Maxime Medard
Match officials
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant referees: John Lacey (Ireland), Luke Pearce (England)
Television match official: George Ayoub (Australia)
Previous results:
2018: New Zealand won 52-11 in Auckland
2017: New Zealand won 38-18 in Paris
2016: New Zealand won 24-19 in Paris
2015: New Zealand won 62-13 (World Cup quarter-final) in Cardiff
2013: New Zealand won 26-19 in Paris
7:18pm: So, we're back for round two of this three-match series. Hoping for a close test for the sake of rugby, but wouldn't mind seeing Laumape in full flight again.
7:20pm: You'd expect more of a fight from the French tonight, a more of an 80-minute performance. They've seen what NZ's about and have a few players returning.
7:25pm: There's a bit of rain about at the Cake Tin, but hoping there's plenty of running rugby. Both sides have pace to burn out wide.
7:28pm: Bastareaud leads out a cold-looking French team. The few 'Les Bleus' fans give them a warm reception.
7:29pm: Here come the All Blacks! The newly-shaven Sam Whitelock makes the walk followed by the rest of his teammates.
7:30pm: Time for the anthems, and then the haka. Just a few minutes away now from kick-off.
7:32pm: Perenara leading the haka as always with Whitelock front and centre. It's the 'Ka Mate'. Let's go!
7:34pm: Moments away now from getting underway. All Blacks to kick-off after winning the earlier toss.
1ST MINUTE: Barrett gets us underway and the ball beats everybody into touch. Luckily it bounced so it'll be a French lineout. ABs get up to steal it but Atonio nails Aaron Smith to force the error before NZ force the turnover from the maul.
2 MINUTES LATER: Barrett tries the cross-kick for Ben Smith straight from the scrum but he's overdone it and it'll be a French lineout just inside NZ territory. France try the bomb and Jordie's taken a hard fall in the contest but a French player knocked on.
2 MINUTES LATER: ABs get it back from the scrum and Barrett goes high with the kick but Fall does well to take it in on the run and put France into the NZ's half.
2 MINUTES LATER: Babillot's put into a huge hole and he's up inside the 22m! He links up with Doumayrou, he dives early for the try line but Beauden Barrett's SOMEHOW dislodged the ball free from his grasp JUST before the try line. What an effort.
2 MINUTES LATER: Belleau makes a break! He's got a defender closing, puts the grubber through for Thomas to chase but Ioane wins the race before NZ clear. France again making things happen early on!
2 MINUTES LATER: France win the lineout and try the maul. ABs defending well before a second shove forces them backwards and the tourists win the penalty. Cane came in from the side. Parra will have a shot. He nails it.
2 MINUTES LATER: France win the lineout and try the maul. ABs defending well before a second shove forces them backwards and the tourists win the penalty. Cane came in from the side. Parra will have a shot. He nails it.
2 MINUTES LATER, RED CARD: Belleau goes high with the kick and Beauden Barrett comes down HARD in the contest. Fall went in on him and and they're going to have a look upstairs. Wow, it's a red card! Is the contest all but over now? Beaudie's come off for McKenzie.
1 MINUTE LATER, ALL BLACKS TRY - MOODY: ABs playing it patiently, taking it up through their forwards up the near the 22m. Aaron Smith sees Moody of all people on the charge, fires a well-timed pass and the prop runs in 20 metres to score the try.
2 MINUTES LATER: France forwards combining well down the left wing, offloading in the tackle but they lose it in contact just outside the 22m. Jordie finds acres of space with the kick and France will have the lineout on their own 5m.
2 MINUTES LATER: Chat's throw is a shocker and Luke Whitelock steals it at the back! ABs just a few metres out, drawing the defence offside and win the penalty before calling for the scrum.
2 MINUTES LATER: Smith fires it hard to McKenzie in the pocket and he's just a metre short! The following pass is a shocker, forcing Ben Smith to turn around and clean up, he steps inside the French midfield before running in clear to score the try. News in, Beaudie's failed the HIA.
2 MINUTES LATER: Priso shows his strength, bumping off a couple tacklers, taking France up over halfway. Thomas tries the big step on Squire but is SMASHED before he's penalised for holding on too long. ABs lineout just seven metres or so out.
2 MINUTES LATER: Franks has a crack up the middle before being stopped. ABs keeping it tight but Maestri is penalised for being offside. ABs call for the scrum smack in front of the goal posts.
2 MINUTES LATER: Confusion between Smith and McKenzie sees the replacements first-five knock on. France put the shove on at the scrum and Moody's penalised for standing up under pressure.
2 MINUTES LATER: Babillot breaks a couple of tackles as the French loosies combine well but they're penalised at the breakdown. ABs go quick with the tap only to be pinged for the same thing.
2 MINUTES LATER: ABs guilty of trying to get up too quickly and are penalised for being offside. France opt for the shot at goal. Ball's flat, so ref calls for another. Easy as you like for Parra and they reduce the lead.
2 MINUTES LATER: Thomas does well to get up, win the restart and send Gourdon on a nice little run. Parra clears from the base and Jordie takes it in. McKenzie kicks only for Parra to find touch around halfway.
2 MINUTES LATER: Ioane beats one and he almost goes right through! Franks has a crack but France are on it and turn it over. They try the grubber but Ioane's back there to return it but an ABs player goes flying off his feet and is penalised.
2 MINUTES LATER: Ioane does brilliantly to get the pass away to Taylor on the inside before going out but France turn it over. They immediately knock on and the ABs counter! Ben Smith shows great strength in the tackle to offload to Aaron Smith, he has one to beat, draws him in but his offload to an unmarked Jordie Barrett is well forward.
2 MINUTES LATER: A scuffle breaks out between Cane and le Roux after the ABs loosie hit Parra late after the box kick. France awarded the penalty. ABs win the turnover and McKenzie puts the ball into the corner for a French linout on their own 5m.
2 MINUTES LATER, ALL BLACKS TRY - JORDIE BARRETT: McKenzie steps one before finally being dragged down. There's nobody at the ruck and France turn it over before they clear down field. Ioane gets it out wide, pins the ears back, somehow finds Lienert-Brown with the 'SBW' offload, he races away before drawing in one to send Jordie in under the sticks for the try.
HALFTIME, ALL BLACKS 21 - 6 FRANCE: Well, another match that will no doubt be marred by controversy. Fall undoubtably deserved the card, but the contest has been ruined. France looked as if they were going to only take an eight-point deficit into the break but a late Barrett try means they have it all to do in the 2nd half.
41ST MINUTE: France get the second half underway and Smith clears for Thomas to counter. A bit of hot potato ensues between both teams but NZ are adjudged to have made the first knock on.
2 MINUTES LATER: Belleau puts the bomb up and Jordie Barrett does brilliantly to win it, turn around and break away! He finds Cane on the inside in support but Luke Whitelock is penalised for hititng the ruck at an angle.
2 MINUTES LATER: France put the shove on at the scrum and it's Moody again who's been penalised. Atonio has had the upper-hand all game over his opponent. France win the lineout but Chat knocks on.
2 MINUTES LATER: Crotty doubles around but Bastareaud shows great defence. ABs shift direction to Ioane but there's little space this time for him. McKenzie tries the kick but it goes out on the full for a French linout outside the ABs 22m.
2 MINUTES LATER: Bastareaud has a charge and Savea does well to hang on. They go wide and Thomas beats a couple with the French just 10 or so out. Sam Whitelock is penalised for not rolling away.
2 MINUTES LATER: Galletier wins the lineout and France drive! Chat breaks away before Bastareaud tries the kick through only for another AB to be pinged for not rolling away. They try the lineout and drive but Chat knocks on.
2 MINUTES LATER: France's turn to be penalised at the scrum. The replacements making an immediate impact. Fifita wins the lineout before Crotty makes good ground up the middle. McKenzie tries the grubber but Fickou does well to take it in and find space.
2 MINUTES LATER: ABs put the pressure on at the breakdown and Jordie Barrett kicks for Ioane to chase. Thomas wins the race, steps one before finally being tackled just six metres out from his own try line. Belleau finally clears towards the 22m.
2 MINUTES LATER, ALL BLACKS TRY - JORDIE BARRETT: ABs once again put the pressure on at the scrum but Serin clears up over halfway. Sam Whitelock wins the lineout and the ABs drive. McKenzie puts the foot down and he's away! He links up with Perenara who's tackled just five metres out. McKenzie has another crack, shows the ball before puting Jordie Barrett in for his second try.
3 MINUTES LATER: Perenara tries a cheeky kick over the top for Ben Smith to chase but France pat it bac their way. Doumayrou almost goes through on the inside but is ankle-tapped. French players linking up well but Fifita does well to get up over the ball and win the penalty.
2 MINUTES LATER: Luke Whitelock wins the lineout for Crotty to have a charge up the middle over halfway. France are on him quickly though and it's the captain, Bastareaud who forces the penalty.
2 MINUTES LATER: Bastareaud gets rid of Luke Whitelock before finally being brought down. Gourdon has a crack and Perenara's shown the yellow card! He had no rights to the ball according to the ref.
2 MINUTES LATER: Bastareaud is proving a right handful, bumping off McKenzie! France just five metres out but they knock on! They've had a look at Belleau's tackle on Whitelock upstairs and he's penalised.
2 MINUTES LATER: McKenzie tries the bomb and Ben Smith does brilliantly to get up and get it! They change direction to Ioane, he puts the foot down and is in space down the left! He steps on but his attempted offload is called forward.
2 MINUTES LATER: Medard fends Ben Smith and he's away down the left wing! He puts the grubber through for his support to chase but Ioane wins the race before Crotty clears down field.
2 MINUTES LATER: France force the turnover at the lineout and the replacement hooker, Bougarit breaks clear! He's finally dragged down by Ben Smith, but reaches out and touches down for the try. They're asking the TMO and they rule double movement. Harshly done by there. They can't buy a try.
2 MINUTES LATER: Harris' throw is poor and Bastareaud fends off Crotty and he takes the French inside the NZ 22m. Bougaritis penalised for having two cracks after he was tackled and McKenzie takes the quick tap only for Crotty to knock on out wide.
2 MINUTES LATER: ABs demolish the French scrum but they clear it just in time. But play ends as they knock on NZ's 10m. Tu'ungafasi puts the head down but knocks on for France to counter before Harris is penalised for not releasing.
2 MINUTES LATER: Savea's on his feet, all over the ball at the breakdown and he wins the penalty for the ABs. He's been good since coming on. ABs will have the lineout just inside the French half.
2 MINUTES LATER: France penalised for not releasing and Perenara takes the quick tap and he's in space! He's finally tackled inside the 22m but a poor pass sees the French turn it over before clearing.
2 MINUTES LATER, FRANCE TRY - GOMES SA: Serin offloads off the deck to Gourdon and he's away! He draws in the final defender, gives it to Gomes Sa and he goes over for the try. They've put in a gutsy effort here tonight.
FULL-TIME, ALL BLACKS 26 - 13 FRANCE: Well, not the performance or test anyone of us were expecting. France showed great fight, but New Zealand were poor. They never looked like losing, but were sloppy and just didn't put out the type of footy we've become so used to. Nonetheless, they've wrapped up the series with the win tonight! Thanks for joining us.
And the Crusaders have beaten the French Barbarians in convincing fashion in Christchurch then Ireland kept their test series alive with a 5 point win against Australia in Melbourne but bad news for the Eddie Jones coached England, their hopes of winning the test series is over as the dominant Springboks take the victory in Bloemfontein while Wales win the test series against Argentina in Santa Fe with Ross Moriarty red carded just before the Welsh conceded a try right on fulltime and in the Pacific Nations Cup such as Fiji clinching the title, beating Georgia as well as Tonga win by 10 points against Samoa.
And finally in FIFA World Cup news, Uruguay & Iran open their account in Groups A & B by taking victories against Egypt & Morocco in Ekaterinburg & St Petersburg respectively with both matches ending in 1 - 0 scorelines while Cristiano Ronaldo got a hat-trick of goals for his country Portugal against Spain which ended in a 3 - 3 draw in their Group B encounter in Sochi then France down Australia 2 - 1 with a match winning goal against Paul Pogba (It was an own goal in fact) after both penalties were scored by Antoine Griezmann for France & captain Mile Jedinak for the Socceroos in Group C over in Kazan before Argentina had a 1 - 1 draw (With goals scored by Sergio Aguero for Argentina before Iceland's Alfred Finnbogason came up with an equalizer) against newcomers Iceland (With one of the Icelandic goalkeepers who had to save Lionel Messi's penalty shot) in Group D over in Moscow at Spartak Stadium then Denmark recorded a 1 - 0 victory in Group C against Peru in Saransk before Croatia scored 2 goals against Nigeria in a comfortable win in Group D over in Kalinigrad then Serbia ended up winning against Costa Rica in Group E over in Samara before Mexico stun the world champions Germany 1 - 0 in a Group F encounter with Hirving Lozano being able to capitalize by scoring an all important goal to take the victory at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow followed by Brazil who miss out on a win in Group E against Switzerland as the match ended in a draw in Rostov-On-Don.
So that is my 208th blog of the year 2018 (MMXVIII) & my 28th of this year.
Thursday, 14 June 2018
All Blacks team naming against France for the 2nd test & Russia Vs Saudi Arabia review
Well, the All Blacks have named their team against France with an unchanged lineup from the 1st test so here is the starting lineup in it's entirety:
FRONT ROW
1 (Loose head prop): Joe Moody (Canterbury/Crusaders)
2 (Hooker): Codie Taylor (Canterbury/Crusaders)
3 (Tight head prop): Owen Franks (Canterbury/Crusaders)
SECOND ROW
4 (Lock): Sam Whitelock (Captain, Canterbury/Crusaders)
5 (Lock): Scott Barrett (Canterbury/Crusaders)
BACK ROW
6 (Blindside Flanker): Liam Squire (Tasman/Highlanders)
7 (Openside Flanker): Sam Cane (Bay Of Plenty/Chiefs)
8 (Number 8): Luke Whitelock (Canterbury/Highlanders)
HALVES
9 (Half-back): Aaron Smith (Manawatu/Highlanders)
10 (First five eighth): Beauden Barrett (Taranaki/Hurricanes)
MIDFIELD
12 (Second five eighth): Ryan Crotty (Canterbury/Crusaders)
13 (Centre): Anton Lienert-Brown (Waikato/Chiefs)
OUTSIDE BACKS
11 (Left Wing): Rieko Ioane (Auckland/Blues)
14 (Right Wing): Ben Smith (Otago/Highlanders)
& 15 (Fullback): Jordie Barrett (Taranaki/Hurricanes)
And in the reserves are:
16. Nathan Harris
17. Karl Tu'inukuafe
18. Ofa Tu'ungafasi
19. Vaea Fifita
20. Ardie Savea
21. TJ Perenara
22. Damian McKenzie
& 23. Ngani Laumape.
And finally hosts Russia began their World Cup campaign by opening their account by thrashing Saudi Arabia 5 goals to nil with Denis Cheryshev who insantly came off the bench replacing the injured midfielder Alan Dzagoev getting a brace by scoring both goals to earn is player of the game honours.
So that is my 207th blog of the year 2018 (MMXVIII) & my 27th of this year.
FRONT ROW
1 (Loose head prop): Joe Moody (Canterbury/Crusaders)
2 (Hooker): Codie Taylor (Canterbury/Crusaders)
3 (Tight head prop): Owen Franks (Canterbury/Crusaders)
SECOND ROW
4 (Lock): Sam Whitelock (Captain, Canterbury/Crusaders)
5 (Lock): Scott Barrett (Canterbury/Crusaders)
BACK ROW
6 (Blindside Flanker): Liam Squire (Tasman/Highlanders)
7 (Openside Flanker): Sam Cane (Bay Of Plenty/Chiefs)
8 (Number 8): Luke Whitelock (Canterbury/Highlanders)
HALVES
9 (Half-back): Aaron Smith (Manawatu/Highlanders)
10 (First five eighth): Beauden Barrett (Taranaki/Hurricanes)
MIDFIELD
12 (Second five eighth): Ryan Crotty (Canterbury/Crusaders)
13 (Centre): Anton Lienert-Brown (Waikato/Chiefs)
OUTSIDE BACKS
11 (Left Wing): Rieko Ioane (Auckland/Blues)
14 (Right Wing): Ben Smith (Otago/Highlanders)
& 15 (Fullback): Jordie Barrett (Taranaki/Hurricanes)
And in the reserves are:
16. Nathan Harris
17. Karl Tu'inukuafe
18. Ofa Tu'ungafasi
19. Vaea Fifita
20. Ardie Savea
21. TJ Perenara
22. Damian McKenzie
& 23. Ngani Laumape.
And finally hosts Russia began their World Cup campaign by opening their account by thrashing Saudi Arabia 5 goals to nil with Denis Cheryshev who insantly came off the bench replacing the injured midfielder Alan Dzagoev getting a brace by scoring both goals to earn is player of the game honours.
So that is my 207th blog of the year 2018 (MMXVIII) & my 27th of this year.
2018 FIFA World Cup preview (+ some history of the past FIFA World Cup tournaments)
Well, the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia is almost upon us tomorrow morning at 3am in the morning so let's have a look at the groups, teams & the star players:
Group A
Russia (Fedor Smolov)
Saudi Arabia (Salman Al Faraj)
Egypt (Mohamed Salah)
Uruguay (Luis Suarez)
Group B
Portugal (Cristiano Ronaldo)
Spain (David de Gea)
Morocco (Mehdi Benatia)
IR Iran (Sardar Azmoun)
Group C
France (Antoine Griezmann)
Australia (Mooy & Ryan)
Peru (Jefferson Farfan)
Denmark (Christian Eriksen)
Group D
Argentina (Lionel Messi)
Iceland (Gylfi Sigurdsson)
Croatia (Luka Modric)
Nigeria (Victor Moses)
Group E
Brazil (Neymar)
Switzerland (Yann Sommer)
Costa Rica (Keylor Navas)
Serbia (Nemanja Matic)
Group F
Germany (Manuel Neuer)
Mexico (Corona, Guardado, Hernandez, Lozano & Vela)
Sweden (Emil Forsberg)
Korea Republic (Son Heung-min)
Group G
Belgium (De Bruyne & Hazard)
Panama (Godoy & Torres)
Tunisia (Wahbi Khazri)
England (Harry Kane)
Group H
Poland (Robert Lewandowski)
Senegal (Koulibaly & Mane)
Colombia (James Rodriguez)
Japan (Shinji Kagawa)
And who is going to win the tournament? We'll see (Well mine would be Germany at this stage because they won the last soccer World Cup).
Well, look, the history of the past FIFA World Cup tournaments began in 1930 when hosts Uruguay won the inaugural tournament followed by Italy who won their 1st 2 titles in 1934 (As hosts) & 1938 pre-World War II.
And after the war, the tournament resumed in 1950 when 1930 champions Uruguay stunned hosts Brazil 2 - 1 to become champions again then in 1954 when West Germany beat Olympic champions in Helsinki 1952, Hungary in the final before in 1958 when Brazil 1st became champions of the world after their win against hosts Sweden in a roller coaster final before the Brazilians successfully complete their successful defence of the FIFA World Cup in 1962 when they defeated Czechoslovakia in the final followed by England (Who were hosts of that tournament) in 1966 in which they beat West Germany in the final with the only hat-trick of the World Cup final scored by legendary English striker Geoff Hurst before Brazil regained the title in which they dominated against Italy in the final way back in 1970, becoming the 1st team to win 3 FIFA World Cups followed by West Germany who went all the way forward to win the competition in 1974 after seeing off the Netherlands in the final then 4 years later in 1978, hosts Argentina won the competition for the 1st time after their victory in the final against the Netherlands before Italy ended a 44 year drought to dismantle West Germany in the final to win their 3rd World Cup in 1982 then a Jorge Burruchaga goal set up by Diego Maradona in the final in 1986 against West Germany gifted Argentina their 2nd World Cup title 8 years after winning their 1st World Cup before Argentina were in the final yet again in 1990, losing to West Germany before Brazil edged Italy out in the final on penalties (Including that penalty shootout miss by Italian player Roberto Baggio gifting the Brazilians a victory on penalties in the World Cup final) to win their 4th FIFA World Cup title in 1994 then in 1998, hosts France had won the tournament, thrashing defending champions Brazil 3 - 0 (Including both headers scored by Zinedine Zidane before Emmanuel Petit finished it off in style with a goal at the death) in the final before Brazil regained the title as well as claiming their 5th title, defeating Germany in the final (Including both goals scored by the Brazilian Ronaldo) way back in 2002 then in 2006, Italy won the title on penalties against France in the final but the match will always be remembered when French skipper Zinedine Zidane got sent off for a headbutt to the chest on Italian defender Marco Materazzi before in 2010 it was Spain's joy as they won their 1st FIFA World Cup title with a match winning goal at extra time scored by Spanish midfielder Andres Iniesta against the 10 man Netherlands in the final & finally in 2014, Germany won the World Cup for the 4th time (They managed to end their 24 year drought by becoming champions of the world) after successfully beating Argentina in the final with a match winning goal at extra time that won them the World Cup scored by German substitute Mario Goetze (Just like Andres Iniesta did against Holland in the final in 2010).
So that is my 206th blog of the year 2018 (MMXVIII) & my 26th of this year.
Group A
Russia (Fedor Smolov)
Saudi Arabia (Salman Al Faraj)
Egypt (Mohamed Salah)
Uruguay (Luis Suarez)
Group B
Portugal (Cristiano Ronaldo)
Spain (David de Gea)
Morocco (Mehdi Benatia)
IR Iran (Sardar Azmoun)
Group C
France (Antoine Griezmann)
Australia (Mooy & Ryan)
Peru (Jefferson Farfan)
Denmark (Christian Eriksen)
Group D
Argentina (Lionel Messi)
Iceland (Gylfi Sigurdsson)
Croatia (Luka Modric)
Nigeria (Victor Moses)
Group E
Brazil (Neymar)
Switzerland (Yann Sommer)
Costa Rica (Keylor Navas)
Serbia (Nemanja Matic)
Group F
Germany (Manuel Neuer)
Mexico (Corona, Guardado, Hernandez, Lozano & Vela)
Sweden (Emil Forsberg)
Korea Republic (Son Heung-min)
Group G
Belgium (De Bruyne & Hazard)
Panama (Godoy & Torres)
Tunisia (Wahbi Khazri)
England (Harry Kane)
Group H
Poland (Robert Lewandowski)
Senegal (Koulibaly & Mane)
Colombia (James Rodriguez)
Japan (Shinji Kagawa)
And who is going to win the tournament? We'll see (Well mine would be Germany at this stage because they won the last soccer World Cup).
Well, look, the history of the past FIFA World Cup tournaments began in 1930 when hosts Uruguay won the inaugural tournament followed by Italy who won their 1st 2 titles in 1934 (As hosts) & 1938 pre-World War II.
And after the war, the tournament resumed in 1950 when 1930 champions Uruguay stunned hosts Brazil 2 - 1 to become champions again then in 1954 when West Germany beat Olympic champions in Helsinki 1952, Hungary in the final before in 1958 when Brazil 1st became champions of the world after their win against hosts Sweden in a roller coaster final before the Brazilians successfully complete their successful defence of the FIFA World Cup in 1962 when they defeated Czechoslovakia in the final followed by England (Who were hosts of that tournament) in 1966 in which they beat West Germany in the final with the only hat-trick of the World Cup final scored by legendary English striker Geoff Hurst before Brazil regained the title in which they dominated against Italy in the final way back in 1970, becoming the 1st team to win 3 FIFA World Cups followed by West Germany who went all the way forward to win the competition in 1974 after seeing off the Netherlands in the final then 4 years later in 1978, hosts Argentina won the competition for the 1st time after their victory in the final against the Netherlands before Italy ended a 44 year drought to dismantle West Germany in the final to win their 3rd World Cup in 1982 then a Jorge Burruchaga goal set up by Diego Maradona in the final in 1986 against West Germany gifted Argentina their 2nd World Cup title 8 years after winning their 1st World Cup before Argentina were in the final yet again in 1990, losing to West Germany before Brazil edged Italy out in the final on penalties (Including that penalty shootout miss by Italian player Roberto Baggio gifting the Brazilians a victory on penalties in the World Cup final) to win their 4th FIFA World Cup title in 1994 then in 1998, hosts France had won the tournament, thrashing defending champions Brazil 3 - 0 (Including both headers scored by Zinedine Zidane before Emmanuel Petit finished it off in style with a goal at the death) in the final before Brazil regained the title as well as claiming their 5th title, defeating Germany in the final (Including both goals scored by the Brazilian Ronaldo) way back in 2002 then in 2006, Italy won the title on penalties against France in the final but the match will always be remembered when French skipper Zinedine Zidane got sent off for a headbutt to the chest on Italian defender Marco Materazzi before in 2010 it was Spain's joy as they won their 1st FIFA World Cup title with a match winning goal at extra time scored by Spanish midfielder Andres Iniesta against the 10 man Netherlands in the final & finally in 2014, Germany won the World Cup for the 4th time (They managed to end their 24 year drought by becoming champions of the world) after successfully beating Argentina in the final with a match winning goal at extra time that won them the World Cup scored by German substitute Mario Goetze (Just like Andres Iniesta did against Holland in the final in 2010).
So that is my 206th blog of the year 2018 (MMXVIII) & my 26th of this year.
Tuesday, 12 June 2018
All Blacks Vs France 1st test review & international rugby news
Well, the All Blacks claim the victory here by thrashing the French under controversial circumstances in the 1st of 3 tests but here's the match commentary taken from Newshub:
Kia ora and welcome to the first test between the All Blacks and France at Eden Park in Auckland.
International rugby is finally upon us and New Zealand will battle 'Les Bleus' in a three-match series.
Steve Hansen has named a formidable side in absence of regular captain, Kieran Read, world's best lock, Brodie Retallick and second-five Sonny Bill Williams.
France on the other hand are without several players due to the Top 14 final, but are led by Toulon powerhouse, Mathieu Bastareaud.
Commentary will start around 7:20pm.
Lineups
New Zealand: 15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Liam Squire, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Sam Whitelock (c), 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody
Replacements: 16 Nathan Harris, 17 Karl Tu’inukuafe, 18 Ofa Tuungafasi, 19 Vaea Fifita, 20 Ardie Savea, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Damian McKenzie, 23 Ngani Laumape
France: 15 Maxime Médard, 14 Teddy Thomas, 13 Mathieu Bastareaud (c), 12 Geoffrey Doumayrou, 11 Remy Grosso, 10 Anthony Belleau, 9 Morgan Parra, 8 Fabien Sanconnie, 7 Kelian Gourdon, 6 Judicaël Cancoriet, 5 Yoann Maestri, 4 Paul Gabrillagues, 3 Uini Atonio, 2 Camille Chat, 1 Dany Priso
Replacements: 16 Adrien Pélissié, 17 Cyril Baille, 18 Rabah Slimani, 19 Bernard Le Roux, 20 Alexandre Lapandry, 21 Baptiste Serin, 22 Jules Plisson, 23 Gael Fickou
Match officials
Referee: Luke Pearce (England)
Assistant referees (AR's/Touch judges): Angus Gardner (Australia), John Lacey (Ireland)
Television match official (TMO): George Ayoub (Australia)
Previous results
2017: New Zealand won 38-18 in Paris
2016: New Zealand won 24-19 in Paris
2015: New Zealand won 62-13 (World Cup quarter-final) in Cardiff
2013: New Zealand won 26-19 in Paris
2013: New Zealand won 24-9 in New Plymouth
7:15pm: It's finally here. We take a break from Super Rugby as the All Blacks play their first test of the year against France. Really excited for this one despite the odds suggesting a thrashing.
7:20pm: Can't wait for Tu’inukuafe to get on paddock for his first test cap. What a story. So many interesting match-ups and story-lines to look out for.
7:25pm: France have the third-best winning record against the All Blacks. Ahead of the likes of England and Ireland. So, anything can happen. There's always a chance.
7:27pm: It's a beautiful day in Auckland today and it's continued on into the night. France now making their way out of the tunnels.
7:29pm: Whitelock leads out the All Blacks to loud cheer from the fans. Just the anthems and haka to come before we get underway.
7:30pm: French anthem first up. Passion not lost on the players and supporters alike.
7:31pm: New Zealand anthem now sung by Moses Mackay. Doesn't quite have the same punch as France.
7:33pm: Time now for the haka! Perenara leading proceedings with Sam Whitelock front and centre. It's the 'Ka Mate'. Good stuff! Moments away from kick-off.
1ST MINUTE: Belleau kicks-off and Barrett takes it down for the All Blacks. Aaron Smith clears from the base of the ruck and France will attack. They try the offload in the tackle but knock on on halfway.
2 MINUTES LATER: Beauden Barrett attacks from deep but decides to kick through and it rolls into touch around the French 22m. The first scrum was very even.
1 MINUTE LATER: France are offside and are penalised. Jordie Barrett will have a shot at goal around halfway. He's got the distance but he pushed it right.
2 MINUTES LATER: There's a bit of space for Ioane down the left wing but he's well looked after. Barrett tries the chip kick but France look after it well and Thomas is in space! He's finally tackled the 40m.
2 MINUTES LATER, FRANCE TRY - GROSSO: All Blacks try to play it quickly after winning the turnover. Ben Smith tries to scoop it to his support player but it's intercepted by Grosso and the left winger races away 30 metres to score the game's opening try.
2 MINUTES LATER: All Blacks get up to win the restart but they knock on at the ruck for a French scrum. There's a real buzz now amongst the French players, cheering the NZ error.
2 MINUTES LATER: Barrett does brilliantly to streal the lineout and there's acres of space for Crotty! He's away with a number of support players but his pass is intercepted before it comes free and ends with Thomas dotting down in side his own goal area for the 22m dropout.
2 MINUTES LATER: Priso is penalised for going off his feet and Beauden Barrett this time will line up a shot at goal, about 40 metres out. His kick is down the middle and the reduce the lead.
2 MINUTES LATER: Lienert-Brown makes a meal of the kick-off and drops it cold as the French have it inside the 22m! They're putting it through the phases but Gabrillagues knocks on.
2 MINUTES LATER: France infringe at the lineout but it's just a free-kick and the ABs call for a scrum. They get it back this time and Lienert-Brown is smashed in the tackle and knocks on. Phew, what a hit by Bastareaud.
2 MINUTES LATER: Aaron Smith does well to tackle Sanconnie straight from the back of the scrum, strips the ball free but he never let go and is penalised. Gets an extra 10 for back chat. Parra will line up a shot at goal just in front of 10m and he nails it.
2 MINUTES LATER, ALL BLACKS TRY - BEAUDEN BARRETT: Scott Barrett does brilliantly to offload to brother, Jordie and he's in space! He passes to Crotty who's tackled just five metres out. Aaron Smith sees Beauden Barrett on the left wing and he connects and the first-five is over for the try. He can't convert his own try.
2 MINUTES LATER: Beauden Barrett tries the up-and-under inside his own 22m and Ben Smith's attempted tap back ends in French hands. They combine well down the left wing but Belleau is bundled into touch.
2 MINUTES LATER: Atonio enters the maul incorrectly and is pinged. Whitelock wins the lineout and Ben Smith has a crack up the middle. Ball's come free at the ruck and the French turn it over.
A French kick through is charged but a lucky bounce for Priso sees the loosie in space! He's held up by Beaudie and Aaron Smith and they force the turnover.
2 MINUTES LATER: Crotty takes it up from the scrum before the All Blacks clear up field for Medard to return it. Parra tries the box kick but it's easy for Beaudie to gather, he puts the bomb up but knocks on. Moody goes high in the tackle and is penalised.
2 MINUTES LATER: A clever lineout sees Grosso almost go through! They're keeping it tight, taking it up through their forwards but Maestri knocks on just six or seven metres out.
2 MINUTES LATER: Luke Whitelock runs it back hard from the scrum before Beauden Barrett's kick is knocked on by Medard who tried to catch it at serious pace.
2 MINUTES LATER: Jordie Barrett gets the ball at pace, puts the grubber through for Ioane but it's wide and he's forced to take it into touch. Good idea, just not enough space. French defended it well. ABs penalised at the lineout.
2 MINUTES LATER: Sam Whitelock is penalised for not releasing the player and Parra will line up a shot at goal from his own half. Tough kick, goes low and hard and it's over! Great nudge from the halfback.
2 MINUTES LATER: Parra tries the bomb from the breakdown and Jordie takes it well. France defence holding up very well, as NZ struggle to make metres. Ioane beats one and he's away down the left wing before a great tackle around the boot laces brings him down! ABs hot on attack!
2 MINUTES LATER: Lienert-Brown looks to be in for the try, but Aaron Smith obstructed a French player. ABs have the penalty however for an earlier offside. ABs will have the lineout just five metres out.
Luke Whitelock wins the lineout and immediately the ABs have the advantage. The ball is lost so we'll come back. Aaron Smith taps and the ABs are just five metres out. They're keeping it tight, taking it up through their forwards and Whitelock's held up to take us into halftime.
HALFTIME, ALL BLACKS 8 - 11 FRANCE: Wow, what a battle we have on our hands. France have defied the odds and hold a halftime lead. New Zealand have yet to stamp their mark on the game and have been playing catch up since the kick-off. Can they stage a second half comeback? Stay tuned to find out.
41ST MINUTE: Barrett gets the second half underway and Medard clears, but only as far as the 22m. Great chance for ABs immediately after the break.
2 MINUTES LATER: All Blacks going direct, taking it up through their forwards. Atonio is offside and is penalised. Beaudie finds touch for a five metre lineout.
1 MINUTE LATER: Sam Whitelock gets up to win the lineout and ABs drive. They're being pushed backwards and France turn it over! Thomas tries getting rid of one but can only knock on. Nevermind, it was Ioane who knocked on first in the tackle.
2 MINUTES LATER: Squire wins the lineout, Barrett tries the chip over the top but France dive on the loose ball to clean up before clearing through Parra from the ruck. ABs will have yet another 22m lineout.
2 MINUTES LATER: Tu’inukuafe is replacing Moody and immediately makes an impact as the ABs demolish the French scrum and awarded the penalty. Beaudie will line up the easy shot at goal and makes no mistake. We're all locked up.
2 MINUTES LATER: Beauden Barrett's kick is a good one and he pumps it long to force the French lineout just inside their own half. He was tracking back but was still able to make really good contact.
2 MINUTES LATER, YELLOW CARD: Gabrillagues catches Crotty with a swinging arm in the tackle and he's shown a straight yellow card. Wow, replays show he never made contact with his neck or head. Woeful decision.
2 MINUTES LATER: Jordie Barrett's in space and runs across field! He's got Ioane on his left, but leaves the pass too late and Medard does brilliantly to intercept and bring the play to an end.
ALL BLACKS TRY - TAYLOR: Beauden Barrett's got a ton of support on his left, shapes to pass to Ioane, doesn't and grubbers through for Taylor and the ball pops up beautifully for the hooker and he's over in the corner for try.
2 MINUTES LATER, ALL BLACKS TRY - B.SMITH: Aaron Smith puts up the bomb and it's come back on the ABs side before Ioane spots space and puts the kick through. Medard returns but the ABs take the quick lineout. Crotty's free down the right wing, finds Taylor on the inside and he pops it to Ben Smith to score the try.
2 MINUTES LATER: So, two tries in five minutes since France were unjustly shown the yellow card. Meanwhile, a French player is tackled high and win the penalty. It's Cane the guilty party. So where's the yellow card? Not this time apparently.
2 MINUTES LATER: Parra lines up the tough shot at goal and it falls just under the cross bar before Beauden Barrett drives it long down field with the clearance kick.
2 MINUTES LATER: Lapandry closes the gap at the lineout and is penalised. Surprised the ref didn't reach for the pocket. ABs will have a lineout inside 22m. Meanwhile, Damian McKenzie has replaced Jordie Barrett.
2 MINUTES LATER, ALL BLACKS TRY - IOANE: ABs are driving well. Ioane switches direction to the left wing, Aaron Smith sees him, fires it and the winger's over for the try. Easy as you like.
2 MINUTES LATER, ALL BLACKS TRY - MCKENZIE: Whitelock rips the ball back for the ABs. Taylor's got it, shows the ball, takes it in contact and offloads to a surging McKenzie and he's away! He steps in and out and dives in the right corner to score the try. They're running away with it now.
2 MINUTES LATER, ALL BLACKS TRY - LAUMAPE: McKenzie gets the ball at pace, puts the foot down and he's away once more! He's up over halfway, fires it to Laumape on the right wing, he beats one before bumping off Medard to go over for the try. What pace from DMac and what strength there from Laumape.
2 MINUTES LATER: Barrett tries the bomb and Ben Smith gets up to pt it back ABs way. Barrett now tries the cross-kick but Thomas does well to clean up and steps three players before being tackled in the 22m. France shift right but knock on with an overlap begging.
2 MINUTES LATER: Laumape causing all sorts of problems, busting through another tackle. McKenzie tries to keep it in field in the tackle but the ball rolls over the sideline.
2 MINUTES LATER: Tu’inukuafe finally does something wrong and is penalised. France have the throw inside the 22m. They win it and Medard takes it up and they're just five out.
2 MINUTES LATER, ALL BLACKS TRY - IOANE: Pélissié sees a man unmarked outside him, but his pass is well anticipated by Ioane and the winger intercepts to run away 90 metres to score the try. Thomas tried hard in the chase and almost caught him, but couldn't.
2 MINUTES LATER: McKenzie's free down the right wing once again, he puts the foot down but his feet dragged over the sideline as he dived for the corner. He's been sensational since coming on.
2 MINUTES LATER, ALL BLACKS TRY - SAVEA: ABs are close to the try line. Savea has a crack, throws one tackler away, beats another, gets up to have a second go and he's over for the try! All Blacks close out a convincing win with a try at the death.
FULL TIME, ALL BLACKS 52 - 11 FRANCE: New Zealand just far too good in the end. It was tight right before the French were given an extremely controversial yellow card, allowing the ABs to run riot in the second half. The All Blacks' bench were sensational. Thanks for joining us.
And the Wallabies have beaten the Irish in convincing fashion in Brisbane while the Springboks dominate England in Johannesburg after being down at one point then Wales won over Argentina in San Juan, preventing a Southern hemisphere sweep while Georgia defeat Tonga in a repeat of the 2015 Rugby World Cup pool game in the Pacific Nations Cup as well as Fiji held on for the win against Samoa who had a tremendous fightback in Suva.
So that is my 205th blog of the year 2018 (MMXVIII) & my 25th of this year.
Kia ora and welcome to the first test between the All Blacks and France at Eden Park in Auckland.
International rugby is finally upon us and New Zealand will battle 'Les Bleus' in a three-match series.
Steve Hansen has named a formidable side in absence of regular captain, Kieran Read, world's best lock, Brodie Retallick and second-five Sonny Bill Williams.
France on the other hand are without several players due to the Top 14 final, but are led by Toulon powerhouse, Mathieu Bastareaud.
Commentary will start around 7:20pm.
Lineups
New Zealand: 15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Liam Squire, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Sam Whitelock (c), 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody
Replacements: 16 Nathan Harris, 17 Karl Tu’inukuafe, 18 Ofa Tuungafasi, 19 Vaea Fifita, 20 Ardie Savea, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Damian McKenzie, 23 Ngani Laumape
France: 15 Maxime Médard, 14 Teddy Thomas, 13 Mathieu Bastareaud (c), 12 Geoffrey Doumayrou, 11 Remy Grosso, 10 Anthony Belleau, 9 Morgan Parra, 8 Fabien Sanconnie, 7 Kelian Gourdon, 6 Judicaël Cancoriet, 5 Yoann Maestri, 4 Paul Gabrillagues, 3 Uini Atonio, 2 Camille Chat, 1 Dany Priso
Replacements: 16 Adrien Pélissié, 17 Cyril Baille, 18 Rabah Slimani, 19 Bernard Le Roux, 20 Alexandre Lapandry, 21 Baptiste Serin, 22 Jules Plisson, 23 Gael Fickou
Match officials
Referee: Luke Pearce (England)
Assistant referees (AR's/Touch judges): Angus Gardner (Australia), John Lacey (Ireland)
Television match official (TMO): George Ayoub (Australia)
Previous results
2017: New Zealand won 38-18 in Paris
2016: New Zealand won 24-19 in Paris
2015: New Zealand won 62-13 (World Cup quarter-final) in Cardiff
2013: New Zealand won 26-19 in Paris
2013: New Zealand won 24-9 in New Plymouth
7:15pm: It's finally here. We take a break from Super Rugby as the All Blacks play their first test of the year against France. Really excited for this one despite the odds suggesting a thrashing.
7:20pm: Can't wait for Tu’inukuafe to get on paddock for his first test cap. What a story. So many interesting match-ups and story-lines to look out for.
7:25pm: France have the third-best winning record against the All Blacks. Ahead of the likes of England and Ireland. So, anything can happen. There's always a chance.
7:27pm: It's a beautiful day in Auckland today and it's continued on into the night. France now making their way out of the tunnels.
7:29pm: Whitelock leads out the All Blacks to loud cheer from the fans. Just the anthems and haka to come before we get underway.
7:30pm: French anthem first up. Passion not lost on the players and supporters alike.
7:31pm: New Zealand anthem now sung by Moses Mackay. Doesn't quite have the same punch as France.
7:33pm: Time now for the haka! Perenara leading proceedings with Sam Whitelock front and centre. It's the 'Ka Mate'. Good stuff! Moments away from kick-off.
1ST MINUTE: Belleau kicks-off and Barrett takes it down for the All Blacks. Aaron Smith clears from the base of the ruck and France will attack. They try the offload in the tackle but knock on on halfway.
2 MINUTES LATER: Beauden Barrett attacks from deep but decides to kick through and it rolls into touch around the French 22m. The first scrum was very even.
1 MINUTE LATER: France are offside and are penalised. Jordie Barrett will have a shot at goal around halfway. He's got the distance but he pushed it right.
2 MINUTES LATER: There's a bit of space for Ioane down the left wing but he's well looked after. Barrett tries the chip kick but France look after it well and Thomas is in space! He's finally tackled the 40m.
2 MINUTES LATER, FRANCE TRY - GROSSO: All Blacks try to play it quickly after winning the turnover. Ben Smith tries to scoop it to his support player but it's intercepted by Grosso and the left winger races away 30 metres to score the game's opening try.
2 MINUTES LATER: All Blacks get up to win the restart but they knock on at the ruck for a French scrum. There's a real buzz now amongst the French players, cheering the NZ error.
2 MINUTES LATER: Barrett does brilliantly to streal the lineout and there's acres of space for Crotty! He's away with a number of support players but his pass is intercepted before it comes free and ends with Thomas dotting down in side his own goal area for the 22m dropout.
2 MINUTES LATER: Priso is penalised for going off his feet and Beauden Barrett this time will line up a shot at goal, about 40 metres out. His kick is down the middle and the reduce the lead.
2 MINUTES LATER: Lienert-Brown makes a meal of the kick-off and drops it cold as the French have it inside the 22m! They're putting it through the phases but Gabrillagues knocks on.
2 MINUTES LATER: France infringe at the lineout but it's just a free-kick and the ABs call for a scrum. They get it back this time and Lienert-Brown is smashed in the tackle and knocks on. Phew, what a hit by Bastareaud.
2 MINUTES LATER: Aaron Smith does well to tackle Sanconnie straight from the back of the scrum, strips the ball free but he never let go and is penalised. Gets an extra 10 for back chat. Parra will line up a shot at goal just in front of 10m and he nails it.
2 MINUTES LATER, ALL BLACKS TRY - BEAUDEN BARRETT: Scott Barrett does brilliantly to offload to brother, Jordie and he's in space! He passes to Crotty who's tackled just five metres out. Aaron Smith sees Beauden Barrett on the left wing and he connects and the first-five is over for the try. He can't convert his own try.
2 MINUTES LATER: Beauden Barrett tries the up-and-under inside his own 22m and Ben Smith's attempted tap back ends in French hands. They combine well down the left wing but Belleau is bundled into touch.
2 MINUTES LATER: Atonio enters the maul incorrectly and is pinged. Whitelock wins the lineout and Ben Smith has a crack up the middle. Ball's come free at the ruck and the French turn it over.
A French kick through is charged but a lucky bounce for Priso sees the loosie in space! He's held up by Beaudie and Aaron Smith and they force the turnover.
2 MINUTES LATER: Crotty takes it up from the scrum before the All Blacks clear up field for Medard to return it. Parra tries the box kick but it's easy for Beaudie to gather, he puts the bomb up but knocks on. Moody goes high in the tackle and is penalised.
2 MINUTES LATER: A clever lineout sees Grosso almost go through! They're keeping it tight, taking it up through their forwards but Maestri knocks on just six or seven metres out.
2 MINUTES LATER: Luke Whitelock runs it back hard from the scrum before Beauden Barrett's kick is knocked on by Medard who tried to catch it at serious pace.
2 MINUTES LATER: Jordie Barrett gets the ball at pace, puts the grubber through for Ioane but it's wide and he's forced to take it into touch. Good idea, just not enough space. French defended it well. ABs penalised at the lineout.
2 MINUTES LATER: Sam Whitelock is penalised for not releasing the player and Parra will line up a shot at goal from his own half. Tough kick, goes low and hard and it's over! Great nudge from the halfback.
2 MINUTES LATER: Parra tries the bomb from the breakdown and Jordie takes it well. France defence holding up very well, as NZ struggle to make metres. Ioane beats one and he's away down the left wing before a great tackle around the boot laces brings him down! ABs hot on attack!
2 MINUTES LATER: Lienert-Brown looks to be in for the try, but Aaron Smith obstructed a French player. ABs have the penalty however for an earlier offside. ABs will have the lineout just five metres out.
Luke Whitelock wins the lineout and immediately the ABs have the advantage. The ball is lost so we'll come back. Aaron Smith taps and the ABs are just five metres out. They're keeping it tight, taking it up through their forwards and Whitelock's held up to take us into halftime.
HALFTIME, ALL BLACKS 8 - 11 FRANCE: Wow, what a battle we have on our hands. France have defied the odds and hold a halftime lead. New Zealand have yet to stamp their mark on the game and have been playing catch up since the kick-off. Can they stage a second half comeback? Stay tuned to find out.
41ST MINUTE: Barrett gets the second half underway and Medard clears, but only as far as the 22m. Great chance for ABs immediately after the break.
2 MINUTES LATER: All Blacks going direct, taking it up through their forwards. Atonio is offside and is penalised. Beaudie finds touch for a five metre lineout.
1 MINUTE LATER: Sam Whitelock gets up to win the lineout and ABs drive. They're being pushed backwards and France turn it over! Thomas tries getting rid of one but can only knock on. Nevermind, it was Ioane who knocked on first in the tackle.
2 MINUTES LATER: Squire wins the lineout, Barrett tries the chip over the top but France dive on the loose ball to clean up before clearing through Parra from the ruck. ABs will have yet another 22m lineout.
2 MINUTES LATER: Tu’inukuafe is replacing Moody and immediately makes an impact as the ABs demolish the French scrum and awarded the penalty. Beaudie will line up the easy shot at goal and makes no mistake. We're all locked up.
2 MINUTES LATER: Beauden Barrett's kick is a good one and he pumps it long to force the French lineout just inside their own half. He was tracking back but was still able to make really good contact.
2 MINUTES LATER, YELLOW CARD: Gabrillagues catches Crotty with a swinging arm in the tackle and he's shown a straight yellow card. Wow, replays show he never made contact with his neck or head. Woeful decision.
2 MINUTES LATER: Jordie Barrett's in space and runs across field! He's got Ioane on his left, but leaves the pass too late and Medard does brilliantly to intercept and bring the play to an end.
ALL BLACKS TRY - TAYLOR: Beauden Barrett's got a ton of support on his left, shapes to pass to Ioane, doesn't and grubbers through for Taylor and the ball pops up beautifully for the hooker and he's over in the corner for try.
2 MINUTES LATER, ALL BLACKS TRY - B.SMITH: Aaron Smith puts up the bomb and it's come back on the ABs side before Ioane spots space and puts the kick through. Medard returns but the ABs take the quick lineout. Crotty's free down the right wing, finds Taylor on the inside and he pops it to Ben Smith to score the try.
2 MINUTES LATER: So, two tries in five minutes since France were unjustly shown the yellow card. Meanwhile, a French player is tackled high and win the penalty. It's Cane the guilty party. So where's the yellow card? Not this time apparently.
2 MINUTES LATER: Parra lines up the tough shot at goal and it falls just under the cross bar before Beauden Barrett drives it long down field with the clearance kick.
2 MINUTES LATER: Lapandry closes the gap at the lineout and is penalised. Surprised the ref didn't reach for the pocket. ABs will have a lineout inside 22m. Meanwhile, Damian McKenzie has replaced Jordie Barrett.
2 MINUTES LATER, ALL BLACKS TRY - IOANE: ABs are driving well. Ioane switches direction to the left wing, Aaron Smith sees him, fires it and the winger's over for the try. Easy as you like.
2 MINUTES LATER, ALL BLACKS TRY - MCKENZIE: Whitelock rips the ball back for the ABs. Taylor's got it, shows the ball, takes it in contact and offloads to a surging McKenzie and he's away! He steps in and out and dives in the right corner to score the try. They're running away with it now.
2 MINUTES LATER, ALL BLACKS TRY - LAUMAPE: McKenzie gets the ball at pace, puts the foot down and he's away once more! He's up over halfway, fires it to Laumape on the right wing, he beats one before bumping off Medard to go over for the try. What pace from DMac and what strength there from Laumape.
2 MINUTES LATER: Barrett tries the bomb and Ben Smith gets up to pt it back ABs way. Barrett now tries the cross-kick but Thomas does well to clean up and steps three players before being tackled in the 22m. France shift right but knock on with an overlap begging.
2 MINUTES LATER: Laumape causing all sorts of problems, busting through another tackle. McKenzie tries to keep it in field in the tackle but the ball rolls over the sideline.
2 MINUTES LATER: Tu’inukuafe finally does something wrong and is penalised. France have the throw inside the 22m. They win it and Medard takes it up and they're just five out.
2 MINUTES LATER, ALL BLACKS TRY - IOANE: Pélissié sees a man unmarked outside him, but his pass is well anticipated by Ioane and the winger intercepts to run away 90 metres to score the try. Thomas tried hard in the chase and almost caught him, but couldn't.
2 MINUTES LATER: McKenzie's free down the right wing once again, he puts the foot down but his feet dragged over the sideline as he dived for the corner. He's been sensational since coming on.
FULL TIME, ALL BLACKS 52 - 11 FRANCE: New Zealand just far too good in the end. It was tight right before the French were given an extremely controversial yellow card, allowing the ABs to run riot in the second half. The All Blacks' bench were sensational. Thanks for joining us.
And the Wallabies have beaten the Irish in convincing fashion in Brisbane while the Springboks dominate England in Johannesburg after being down at one point then Wales won over Argentina in San Juan, preventing a Southern hemisphere sweep while Georgia defeat Tonga in a repeat of the 2015 Rugby World Cup pool game in the Pacific Nations Cup as well as Fiji held on for the win against Samoa who had a tremendous fightback in Suva.
So that is my 205th blog of the year 2018 (MMXVIII) & my 25th of this year.
Wednesday, 6 June 2018
My 27th birthday story & All Blacks team naming against France
Well, I am now officially a 27 years old, because it is certainly my birthday today so we went out at Caroline's last night for a joint birthday dinner between me & my Dad who is now 47 years old but today we went to a Japanese restaurant called Japanese Kitchen Wa (I had cereal & toast breakfast before I took Buck for a morning walk but I had a chat with both Aunty Tania & Rejean on the phone) that I haven't been to for a while & had a bento box there & been to the splash centre for a swim before we went back home so I played a bit of Playstation such as FIFA 18 & Project CARS 2.
And the All Blacks have named their team for the 1st rugby test match of the year against France so here is the starting lineup in it's entirety:
FRONT ROW
1 (Loose head prop): Joe Moody (Canterbury/Crusaders)
2 (Hooker): Codie Taylor (Canterbury/Crusaders)
3 (Tight head prop): Owen Franks (Canterbury/Crusaders)
SECOND ROW
4 (Lock): Sam Whitelock (Captain, Canterbury/Crusaders)
5 (Lock): Scott Barrett (Canterbury/Crusaders)
BACK ROW
6 (Blindside Flanker): Liam Squire (Tasman/Highlanders)
7 (Openside Flanker): Sam Cane (Bay Of Plenty/Chiefs)
8 (Number 8): Luke Whitelock (Canterbury/Highlanders)
HALVES
9 (Half-back): Aaron Smith (Manawatu/Highlanders)
10 (First five eighth): Beauden Barrett (Taranaki/Hurricanes)
MIDFIELD
12 (Second five eighth): Ryan Crotty (Canterbury/Crusaders)
13 (Centre): Anton Lienert-Brown (Waikato/Chiefs)
OUTSIDE BACKS
11 (Left Wing): Rieko Ioane (Auckland/Blues)
14 (Right Wing): Ben Smith (Otago/Highlanders)
& 15 (Fullback): Jordie Barrett (Taranaki/Hurricanes)
And in the reserves are:
16. Nathan Harris
17. Karl Tu'inukuafe
18. Ofa Tu'ungafasi
19. Vaea Fifita
20. Ardie Savea
21. TJ Perenara
22. Damian McKenzie
& 23. Ngani Laumape.
So that is my 204th blog of the year 2018 (MMXVIII) & my 24th of this year.
And the All Blacks have named their team for the 1st rugby test match of the year against France so here is the starting lineup in it's entirety:
FRONT ROW
1 (Loose head prop): Joe Moody (Canterbury/Crusaders)
2 (Hooker): Codie Taylor (Canterbury/Crusaders)
3 (Tight head prop): Owen Franks (Canterbury/Crusaders)
SECOND ROW
4 (Lock): Sam Whitelock (Captain, Canterbury/Crusaders)
5 (Lock): Scott Barrett (Canterbury/Crusaders)
BACK ROW
6 (Blindside Flanker): Liam Squire (Tasman/Highlanders)
7 (Openside Flanker): Sam Cane (Bay Of Plenty/Chiefs)
8 (Number 8): Luke Whitelock (Canterbury/Highlanders)
HALVES
9 (Half-back): Aaron Smith (Manawatu/Highlanders)
10 (First five eighth): Beauden Barrett (Taranaki/Hurricanes)
MIDFIELD
12 (Second five eighth): Ryan Crotty (Canterbury/Crusaders)
13 (Centre): Anton Lienert-Brown (Waikato/Chiefs)
OUTSIDE BACKS
11 (Left Wing): Rieko Ioane (Auckland/Blues)
14 (Right Wing): Ben Smith (Otago/Highlanders)
& 15 (Fullback): Jordie Barrett (Taranaki/Hurricanes)
And in the reserves are:
16. Nathan Harris
17. Karl Tu'inukuafe
18. Ofa Tu'ungafasi
19. Vaea Fifita
20. Ardie Savea
21. TJ Perenara
22. Damian McKenzie
& 23. Ngani Laumape.
So that is my 204th blog of the year 2018 (MMXVIII) & my 24th of this year.
Sunday, 3 June 2018
Super Rugby round 16 & Wales Vs South Africa rugby review (My 1st blog in June)
Well, round 16 of Super Rugby got underway (The last before the international break as the All Blacks are ready to tackle France in a 3 match test series (Same as the Wallabies against Ireland & the Springboks taking on England while Argentina lock horns against Wales in a 2 match test series) as the Hurricanes suffered another loss (Last week it was the Crusaders), this time going down to the Highlanders in Dunedin then the Crusaders who are still on top of the Super Rugby table, beating the Chiefs (Who had to lose world class All Black lock Brodie Retallick at halftime due to a shoulder injury) in Hamilton.
And finally in international rugby news, a test was played at Robert F Kennedy Stadium in Washington DC as Wales (Coached by Warren Gatland & featuring 2 Kiwi born players Hadleigh Parkes & Gareth Anscombe) ran out comfortable winners against the Rassie Erasmus coached Springboks by 2 points (And it's been a couple of weeks have passed since the Barbarians defeated England coached by Aussie Eddie Jones at Twickenham).
So that is my 203rd blog of the year 2018 (MMXVIII) & my 23rd of this year (It's Queen's birthday today don't forget).
P.S. And I would like to say happy birthday to my Dad who is turning 49 tomorrow (And well, my birthday is in 3 days (I would be 27 on Thursday) & Aunty Tania's birthday is in 6 days time (Well, she's hitting the big 50 as you can tell).
And don't forget that the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia (And watch out for star power such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez, Manuel Neuer, David de Gea, Antoine Griezmann, Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen, Feodor Smolov & the rest) is in 11 days time so I will be doing a preview on the 14th of June a day before it starts (Well, I'm still looking forward to it even though the All Whites didn't make it of course because we lost to Peru in the intercontinental playoff in November last year).
And finally in international rugby news, a test was played at Robert F Kennedy Stadium in Washington DC as Wales (Coached by Warren Gatland & featuring 2 Kiwi born players Hadleigh Parkes & Gareth Anscombe) ran out comfortable winners against the Rassie Erasmus coached Springboks by 2 points (And it's been a couple of weeks have passed since the Barbarians defeated England coached by Aussie Eddie Jones at Twickenham).
So that is my 203rd blog of the year 2018 (MMXVIII) & my 23rd of this year (It's Queen's birthday today don't forget).
P.S. And I would like to say happy birthday to my Dad who is turning 49 tomorrow (And well, my birthday is in 3 days (I would be 27 on Thursday) & Aunty Tania's birthday is in 6 days time (Well, she's hitting the big 50 as you can tell).
And don't forget that the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia (And watch out for star power such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez, Manuel Neuer, David de Gea, Antoine Griezmann, Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen, Feodor Smolov & the rest) is in 11 days time so I will be doing a preview on the 14th of June a day before it starts (Well, I'm still looking forward to it even though the All Whites didn't make it of course because we lost to Peru in the intercontinental playoff in November last year).
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