Well, and in other Rugby World Cup news, England & South Africa (History beckons for both sides wanting to end the year 2019 on a high with a positive note (And it'll be the biggest match of their rugby players careers so far) if they want to lift the famous William Webb Ellis trophy) have both named their teams for the 2019 Rugby World Cup final (It'll be the 1st time I'll be writing a blog about other rugby nations naming their teams apart from the All Blacks) but here is England's starting lineup 1st:
PLAYING XV
FRONT ROW
1 (Loose head prop): Mako Vunipola (Saracens)
2 (Hooker): Jamie George (Saracens)
3 (Tight head prop): Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins)
SECOND ROW
4 (Lock): Maro Itoje (Saracens)
5 (Lock): Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints)
BACK ROW
6 (Blind side flanker): Tom Curry (Sale Sharks)
7 (Open side flanker): Sam Underhill (Bath)
8 (Number 8): Billy Vunipola (Saracens)
HALVES
9 (Half-back/Scrum-half): Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)
10 (First five-eighth/Fly-half): George Ford (Leicester Tigers)
MIDFIELD
12 (Second five-eighth/Inside centre): Owen Farrell (Captain, Saracens)
13 (Centre/Outside centre): Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers)
OUTSIDE BACKS
11 (Left wing): Jonny May (Leicester Tigers)
14 (Right wing): Anthony Watson (Bath)
& 15 (Fullback): Elliot Daly (Saracens)
And in the reserves are:
16. Luke Cowan-Dickie
17. Joe Marler
18. Dan Cole
19. George Kruis
20. Mark Wilson
21. Ben Spencer
22. Henry Slade
& 23. Jonathan Joseph
Squad members not playing:
Joe Cokanasiga, Piers Francis, Ellis Genge, Joe Launchbury, Lewis Ludlam, Ruaridh McConnochie, Jack Nowell & Jack Singleton.
And here is South Africa's starting lineup for the final:
PLAYING XV
FRONT ROW
1 (Loose head prop): Tendai Mtawarira (Sharks)
2 (Hooker): Bongi Mbonambi (Stormers)
3 (Tight head prop): Frans Malherbe (Stormers)
SECOND ROW
4 (Lock): Eben Etzebeth (Stormers)
5 (Lock): Lood de Jager (Bulls)
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. Malcolm Marx
17. Steven Kitshoff
18. Vincent Koch
19. RG Snyman
20. Franco Mostert
21. Francois Louw
22. Herschel Jantjies
& 23. Francois Steyn
Squad members not playing:
Schalk Brits, Thomas du Toit, Warrick Gelant, Elton Jantjies, S'bu Nkosi, Cobus Reinach, Kwagga Smith & Damian Willemse.
So that is my 330th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 70th of this year.
Thursday, 31 October 2019
All Blacks team naming against Wales (2019 Rugby World Cup 3rd & 4th place playoff)
Well, after England ended our hopes of reaching the final (That was disappointing about our semifinal heartbreak against the best English side ever coached by Eddie Jones signalling an All Black downfall that we just had 6 days ago because it was their day but I'll still keep following the rugby from now on but I always back the All Blacks because I vow loyalty to them), the All Blacks (Who are bidding farewell to players such as captain Kieran Read, Ryan Crotty, Ben Smith, Matt Todd & Sonny Bill Williams as well as our outgoing head coach Steve Hansen) have named their team in our 3rd/4th place playoff match against Wales (Our last meeting between the 2 sides was 2 years ago in which we smoked them 33 points to 18 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff) at Tokyo Stadium in Tokyo 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/Counties Manukau)
SECOND ROW
4 (Lock): Brodie Retallick (Chiefs/Hawke's Bay)
5 (Lock): Scott Barrett (Crusaders/Taranaki)
BACK ROW
6 (Blind side flanker): Shannon Frizell (Highlanders/Tasman)
7 (Open side flanker): Sam Cane (Chiefs/Bay Of Plenty)
8 (Number 8): Kieran Read (Captain, Crusaders/Counties Manukau)
HALVES
9 (Half-back): Aaron Smith (Highlanders/Manawatu)
10 (First five-eighth): Richie Mo'unga (Crusaders/Canterbury)
MIDFIELD
12 (Second five-eighth): Sonny Bill Williams (Blues/Counties Manukau)
13 (Centre): Ryan Crotty (Crusaders/Canterbury)
OUTSIDE BACKS
11 (Left wing): Rieko Ioane (Blues/Auckland)
14 (Right wing): Ben Smith (Highlanders/Otago)
& 15 (Fullback): Beauden Barrett (Blues/Taranaki)
And in the reserves are:
16. Liam Coltman (Who comes into the side to replace Dane Coles with Coles elevated to the starting lineup to replace Codie Taylor)
17. Atu Moli (Who has replaced Ofa Tu'ungafasi to cover at loose head prop)
18. Angus Ta'avao
19. Patrick Tuipulotu
20. Matt Todd (Who returns from a shoulder injury to replace Sam Cane in his last international with Cane elevated to the starting lineup to replace Ardie Savea who is out with a serious knee injury picked up during the All Blacks semifinal defeat against England)
21. Brad Weber (Who also comes into the side to replace TJ Perenara to cover in the halfback position)
22. Anton Lienert-Brown (Who is dropped to the bench to replace Sonny Bill Williams with Williams elevated to the starting lineup in his final ever test)
& 23. Jordie Barrett
Squad members not playing:
George Bridge, Jack Goodhue, TJ Perenara, Sevu Reece, Ardie Savea (Injured), Codie Taylor, Ofa Tu'ungafasi & Sam Whitelock.
And Wales have named their team after their bitterly disappointing semi final against South Africa (It was virtually decided by a match winning scrum penalty in the dying seconds by the Springboks after they were 3 points ahead with a penalty goal by Handre Pollard that that put them in front before the semifinal match had ended, allowing the South Africans to go through to the final against England) when they take to the field against the All Blacks:
FRONT ROW
1 (Loose head prop): Joe Moody (Crusaders/Canterbury)
2 (Hooker): Dane Coles (Hurricanes/Wellington)
3 (Tight head prop): Nepo Laulala (Chiefs/Counties Manukau)
SECOND ROW
4 (Lock): Brodie Retallick (Chiefs/Hawke's Bay)
5 (Lock): Scott Barrett (Crusaders/Taranaki)
BACK ROW
6 (Blind side flanker): Shannon Frizell (Highlanders/Tasman)
7 (Open side flanker): Sam Cane (Chiefs/Bay Of Plenty)
8 (Number 8): Kieran Read (Captain, Crusaders/Counties Manukau)
HALVES
9 (Half-back): Aaron Smith (Highlanders/Manawatu)
10 (First five-eighth): Richie Mo'unga (Crusaders/Canterbury)
MIDFIELD
12 (Second five-eighth): Sonny Bill Williams (Blues/Counties Manukau)
13 (Centre): Ryan Crotty (Crusaders/Canterbury)
OUTSIDE BACKS
11 (Left wing): Rieko Ioane (Blues/Auckland)
14 (Right wing): Ben Smith (Highlanders/Otago)
& 15 (Fullback): Beauden Barrett (Blues/Taranaki)
And in the reserves are:
16. Liam Coltman (Who comes into the side to replace Dane Coles with Coles elevated to the starting lineup to replace Codie Taylor)
17. Atu Moli (Who has replaced Ofa Tu'ungafasi to cover at loose head prop)
18. Angus Ta'avao
19. Patrick Tuipulotu
20. Matt Todd (Who returns from a shoulder injury to replace Sam Cane in his last international with Cane elevated to the starting lineup to replace Ardie Savea who is out with a serious knee injury picked up during the All Blacks semifinal defeat against England)
21. Brad Weber (Who also comes into the side to replace TJ Perenara to cover in the halfback position)
22. Anton Lienert-Brown (Who is dropped to the bench to replace Sonny Bill Williams with Williams elevated to the starting lineup in his final ever test)
& 23. Jordie Barrett
Squad members not playing:
George Bridge, Jack Goodhue, TJ Perenara, Sevu Reece, Ardie Savea (Injured), Codie Taylor, Ofa Tu'ungafasi & Sam Whitelock.
And Wales have named their team after their bitterly disappointing semi final against South Africa (It was virtually decided by a match winning scrum penalty in the dying seconds by the Springboks after they were 3 points ahead with a penalty goal by Handre Pollard that that put them in front before the semifinal match had ended, allowing the South Africans to go through to the final against England) when they take to the field against the All Blacks:
PLAYING XV
FRONT ROW
1 (Loose head prop): Nicky Smith (Ospreys)
2 (Hooker): Ken Owens (Scarlets)
3 (Tight head prop): Dillon Lewis (Cardiff Blues)
SECOND ROW
4 (Lock): Adam Beard (Ospreys)
5 (Lock): Alun Wyn Jones (Captain, Ospreys)
BACK ROW
6 (Blind side flanker): Justin Tipuric (Ospreys)
7 (Open side flanker): James Davies (Scarlets)
8 (Number 8): Ross Moriarty (Dragons)
HALVES
9 (Half-back/Scrum-half): Tomos Williams (Cardiff Blues)
10 (First five-eighth/Fly-half): Rhys Patchell (Scarlets)
MIDFIELD
12 (Second five-eighth/Inside centre): Owen Watkin (Ospreys)
13 (Centre/Outside centre): Jonathan Davies (Scarlets)
OUTSIDE BACKS
11 (Left wing): Josh Adams (Cardiff Blues)
14 (Right wing): Owen Lane (Cardiff Blues)
& 15 (Fullback): Hallam Amos (Cardiff Blues)
And in the reserves are:
16. Elliot Dee
17. Rhys Carre
18. Wyn Jones
19. Jake Ball
20. Aaron Shingler
21. Gareth Davies
22. Dan Biggar
& 23. Hadleigh Parkes
Squad members not playing:
Aled Davies, Bradley Davies, Ryan Elias, Tomas Francis (Injured), Leigh Halfpenny (Injured), George North (Injured), Aaron Wainwright (Injured) & Liam Williams.
So that is my 329th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 69th of this year.
Sunday, 27 October 2019
2019 Mitre 10 Cup finals review
Well, here is the review of the Championship & Premiership finals of the 2019 Mitre 10 Cup season but 1st it's the review of the 2019 Mitre 10 Cup Championship final:
The Bay of Plenty Steamers are headed to the Premiership in 2020 after out-lasting Hawke’s Bay 12-7 in a grueling Championship final in Rotorua.
The last time the teams met there were 12 tries scored as Bay of Plenty surged to a 51-24 victory. It became clear quickly in Rotorua there would be no repeat of that score line as both teams looked to keep the ball in tight and kick for possession rather than unleash their dangerous backlines.
It was traditional finals footy in front of a bumper crowd at Rotorua International Stadium. The first and only try of the game was not scored until the 57th minute, and even then, it was an intercept by Hawke’s Bay wing Jonah Lowe.
While the Steamers run to the final was built on their expansive back play, the final victory was all about grunt work up front and a tremendous defensive effort across the park.
It didn’t seem to matter a dot to the crowd how the win came for the Steamers. A large crowd stayed to celebrate Bay of Plenty’s first Championship title for long after the final whistle. The win also marked the Steamers first national title since winning the second division in 2000.
Bay of Plenty exerted plenty of pressure on Hawke’s Bay at set piece and ruck time and benefited with four Dan Hollinshead penalties to take a 12-0 lead after 48 minutes.
The game was in the balance in the final five minutes as the Magpies banged on the Steamers line, but there was no way through as Clayton McMillan’s side would not yield.
The win also capped off 100 Mitre 10 Cup games for 38-year-old lock Alex Ainley (92 for Tasman, 8 for Bay of Plenty).
Bay of Plenty will ply their trade in the Premiership in 2020 while Counties Manukau will drop down to take their place in the Championship.
Scorers:
Bay of Plenty: 12 (Dan Hollinshead 4 pen) Hawke’s Bay: 7 (Jonah Lowe try, Tiaan Falcon con). HT: 6-0
And finally, here is the review of the 2019 Mitre 10 Cup Premiership final:
Tasman completed an unbeaten sweep through the Mitre 10 Cup to claim their first national provincial championship premiership title when beating Wellington 31–14 at Trafalgar Park in Nelson on Saturday.
Tasman was the first time since Auckland in 2007 that a team had gone through the campaign unbeaten.
Making the better start Tasman looked to be heading for a comfortable win but a strong defensive Wellington effort allowed them to claw their way back.
In the end it was one of Tasman's most inspirational players second five-eighths Alex Nankiville who finally sealed the win when making a crucial 78th minute break from within his own half before setting up wing Will Jordan for his second try to end the contest.
It was an intense physical contest with some outstanding defensive play with flankers Liam Squire and Jordan Taufua and props Tim Perry and Tyrell Lomax, hooker Andrew Makalio and locks Quinten Strange and Pari Pari Parkinson doing their bit for Tasman while Wellington offered hooker Asafo Aumua, locks Vaea Fifita and James Blackwell and hard-working loose forwards Kirifi du'Plessis and Teariki Ben-Nicholas.
Intense Wellington pressure around the three-quarter mark threatened to derail the home side's hopes. It came after Vince Aso pulled off a midfield intercept and heading for the goalline. However, he was pulled down just short of the line by wing Will Jordan.
It appeared replacement wing Pepesana Patafilo had touched down for a try but a TMO check revealed the ball had gone forward from Aso's arm.
But Wellington refused to yield and it took desperate defence to hold Wellington out and it was replacement prop Wyatt Crockett who twice won turnovers at breakdowns in front of Tasman's posts to save the day.
Tasman got off to a strong start, first five-eighths Mitch Hunt three penalty goals in the first quarter to gain early scoreboard advantage.
But it was old-fashioned, if often forgotten, chasing at restarts that allowed Tasman to heavy Wellington. Nankivell made himself an utter nuisance for Wellington at the restart.
In the 15th minute, he secured the ball from under Wellington noses, and with Squire and Strange took the ball into set-up phases and when released Hunt turned the ball back inside where Jordan came into the line from the blindside at speed to score.
Then at another restart, in the 22nd minute, Nankiville put pressure on again and Aso knocked the ball well forward. Tasman were onto it in a flash, Hunt again took a gap and gave fullback David Havili an easy run in for the try.
Scorers: Tasman 31 (Will Jordan 2, David Havili tries; Mitchell Hunt 2 con, 4 pen) Wellington 14 (Alex Fidow try; Jackson Garden-Bachop 3 pen). HT: 23-14
So that is my 328th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 68th of this year.
The Bay of Plenty Steamers are headed to the Premiership in 2020 after out-lasting Hawke’s Bay 12-7 in a grueling Championship final in Rotorua.
The last time the teams met there were 12 tries scored as Bay of Plenty surged to a 51-24 victory. It became clear quickly in Rotorua there would be no repeat of that score line as both teams looked to keep the ball in tight and kick for possession rather than unleash their dangerous backlines.
It was traditional finals footy in front of a bumper crowd at Rotorua International Stadium. The first and only try of the game was not scored until the 57th minute, and even then, it was an intercept by Hawke’s Bay wing Jonah Lowe.
While the Steamers run to the final was built on their expansive back play, the final victory was all about grunt work up front and a tremendous defensive effort across the park.
It didn’t seem to matter a dot to the crowd how the win came for the Steamers. A large crowd stayed to celebrate Bay of Plenty’s first Championship title for long after the final whistle. The win also marked the Steamers first national title since winning the second division in 2000.
Bay of Plenty exerted plenty of pressure on Hawke’s Bay at set piece and ruck time and benefited with four Dan Hollinshead penalties to take a 12-0 lead after 48 minutes.
The game was in the balance in the final five minutes as the Magpies banged on the Steamers line, but there was no way through as Clayton McMillan’s side would not yield.
The win also capped off 100 Mitre 10 Cup games for 38-year-old lock Alex Ainley (92 for Tasman, 8 for Bay of Plenty).
Bay of Plenty will ply their trade in the Premiership in 2020 while Counties Manukau will drop down to take their place in the Championship.
Scorers:
Bay of Plenty: 12 (Dan Hollinshead 4 pen) Hawke’s Bay: 7 (Jonah Lowe try, Tiaan Falcon con). HT: 6-0
And finally, here is the review of the 2019 Mitre 10 Cup Premiership final:
Tasman completed an unbeaten sweep through the Mitre 10 Cup to claim their first national provincial championship premiership title when beating Wellington 31–14 at Trafalgar Park in Nelson on Saturday.
Tasman was the first time since Auckland in 2007 that a team had gone through the campaign unbeaten.
Making the better start Tasman looked to be heading for a comfortable win but a strong defensive Wellington effort allowed them to claw their way back.
In the end it was one of Tasman's most inspirational players second five-eighths Alex Nankiville who finally sealed the win when making a crucial 78th minute break from within his own half before setting up wing Will Jordan for his second try to end the contest.
It was an intense physical contest with some outstanding defensive play with flankers Liam Squire and Jordan Taufua and props Tim Perry and Tyrell Lomax, hooker Andrew Makalio and locks Quinten Strange and Pari Pari Parkinson doing their bit for Tasman while Wellington offered hooker Asafo Aumua, locks Vaea Fifita and James Blackwell and hard-working loose forwards Kirifi du'Plessis and Teariki Ben-Nicholas.
Intense Wellington pressure around the three-quarter mark threatened to derail the home side's hopes. It came after Vince Aso pulled off a midfield intercept and heading for the goalline. However, he was pulled down just short of the line by wing Will Jordan.
It appeared replacement wing Pepesana Patafilo had touched down for a try but a TMO check revealed the ball had gone forward from Aso's arm.
But Wellington refused to yield and it took desperate defence to hold Wellington out and it was replacement prop Wyatt Crockett who twice won turnovers at breakdowns in front of Tasman's posts to save the day.
Tasman got off to a strong start, first five-eighths Mitch Hunt three penalty goals in the first quarter to gain early scoreboard advantage.
But it was old-fashioned, if often forgotten, chasing at restarts that allowed Tasman to heavy Wellington. Nankivell made himself an utter nuisance for Wellington at the restart.
In the 15th minute, he secured the ball from under Wellington noses, and with Squire and Strange took the ball into set-up phases and when released Hunt turned the ball back inside where Jordan came into the line from the blindside at speed to score.
Then at another restart, in the 22nd minute, Nankiville put pressure on again and Aso knocked the ball well forward. Tasman were onto it in a flash, Hunt again took a gap and gave fullback David Havili an easy run in for the try.
Scorers: Tasman 31 (Will Jordan 2, David Havili tries; Mitchell Hunt 2 con, 4 pen) Wellington 14 (Alex Fidow try; Jackson Garden-Bachop 3 pen). HT: 23-14
So that is my 328th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 68th of this year.
Saturday, 26 October 2019
Bitter Sweet Symphony: English rose triumph over the land of the long white cloud
Well, the All Blacks have just fallen short of reaching the 2019 Rugby World Cup final, losing to the strong & dominant England side (Who had their 1st win against the AB's at a Rugby World Cup as well as becoming the 4th team (They joined the club along with Australia, France & South Africa) to beat New Zealand (Who handed their 1st defeat at a Rugby World Cup since 2007 in the quarterfinal against France) at a Rugby World Cup but their innovative defence that they brought them back won them the game of course meaning that the English are in the final, the match has been won by 12 points including that vital opening try scored by big Samoan born centre Manu Tuilagi & successfully converted by inspirational skipper Owen Farrell who scored 4 penalties then Ardie Savea (Who came off injured during the game) scored the All Blacks a try & converted by Richie Mo'unga but it wasn't enough as England ended New Zealand's reign as the world champions in rugby (A great win for England at International Stadium Yokohama) as well as our hopes of a historic three peat (And so for the 1st time since 2007, a new world champion will be crowned) in the semifinal in Yokohama on All Black captain Kieran Read's 34th birthday but the next one will be in France in 2023 but let's hope all that can change for New Zealand (And we're playing against in the 3rd & 4th place playoff but it's Wales who play South Africa tonight for a place in the final against England) & hard luck mate to our beloved All Blacks here (And what a disappointing way for New Zealand to end a World Cup like this, what a match for our viewers right around the world (And as a die hard New Zealand rugby fan myself, I am now being haunted by that semifinal defeat).
So that is my 327th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 67th of this year.
P.S. And we have just heard that South Africa have beaten Wales in the other semifinal (And the Welsh nearly had it but it was the Springboks who had to bring it home in the end & came out on top with South African first five Handre Pollard securing that match winning penalty goal to book a place in the final against England (Got him! South Africa have won! Straight through to him, caught & bowled (Oh wait, wrong code mate).
So it's England to play South Africa in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final (It is a rematch of the 2007 final in which the last time that the Springboks had won the World Cup against the English in a tryless final but their most recent meeting between the 2 teams was last year in which England won the test match at Twickenham despite controversy about that foul play decision made by Australian referee Angus Gardner whether the English captain Owen Farrell had used his arms in the tackle or not on Andre Esterhuizen because the Boks would have won the game should a penalty be awarded for an illegal shoulder charge (It was the year before the decision making framework for high tackles & shoulder charges (No arms tackles) according to World Rugby have been introduced) but will it be Farrell or Springbok captain Siya Kolisi to become the next World Cup winning captain to lift the William Webb Ellis trophy this year? (It was David Kirk from New Zealand in 1987 followed by Nick Farr-Jones (Australia) in 1991, Francois Pienaar (South Africa) in 1995, John Eales (Australia) in 1999, Martin Johnson (England) in 2003, John Smit (South Africa) in 2007 & Richie McCaw (New Zealand) twice in 2011 & 2015) We will find it out in 5 days time but will England win their 2nd World Cup title & their 1st since 2003 (They are looking to complete a Cricket & Rugby World Cup double (Australia was the last to complete a rare double way back in 1999 in which they won both the Cricket & Rugby World Cup in the same year) or will the famous William Webb Ellis trophy return to South Africa after 12 years?) at the International Stadium in Yokohama on Saturday night New Zealand time to decide who will become the new World Champion in rugby but it's the All Blacks against Wales (Both sides deserve to be in the final but it wasn't to be as they lost to both opponents England & South Africa in the semifinal) 1st to decide who'll finish 3rd at Tokyo Stadium in Tokyo on Friday.
So that is my 327th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 67th of this year.
P.S. And we have just heard that South Africa have beaten Wales in the other semifinal (And the Welsh nearly had it but it was the Springboks who had to bring it home in the end & came out on top with South African first five Handre Pollard securing that match winning penalty goal to book a place in the final against England (Got him! South Africa have won! Straight through to him, caught & bowled (Oh wait, wrong code mate).
So it's England to play South Africa in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final (It is a rematch of the 2007 final in which the last time that the Springboks had won the World Cup against the English in a tryless final but their most recent meeting between the 2 teams was last year in which England won the test match at Twickenham despite controversy about that foul play decision made by Australian referee Angus Gardner whether the English captain Owen Farrell had used his arms in the tackle or not on Andre Esterhuizen because the Boks would have won the game should a penalty be awarded for an illegal shoulder charge (It was the year before the decision making framework for high tackles & shoulder charges (No arms tackles) according to World Rugby have been introduced) but will it be Farrell or Springbok captain Siya Kolisi to become the next World Cup winning captain to lift the William Webb Ellis trophy this year? (It was David Kirk from New Zealand in 1987 followed by Nick Farr-Jones (Australia) in 1991, Francois Pienaar (South Africa) in 1995, John Eales (Australia) in 1999, Martin Johnson (England) in 2003, John Smit (South Africa) in 2007 & Richie McCaw (New Zealand) twice in 2011 & 2015) We will find it out in 5 days time but will England win their 2nd World Cup title & their 1st since 2003 (They are looking to complete a Cricket & Rugby World Cup double (Australia was the last to complete a rare double way back in 1999 in which they won both the Cricket & Rugby World Cup in the same year) or will the famous William Webb Ellis trophy return to South Africa after 12 years?) at the International Stadium in Yokohama on Saturday night New Zealand time to decide who will become the new World Champion in rugby but it's the All Blacks against Wales (Both sides deserve to be in the final but it wasn't to be as they lost to both opponents England & South Africa in the semifinal) 1st to decide who'll finish 3rd at Tokyo Stadium in Tokyo on Friday.
Wednesday, 23 October 2019
All Blacks team naming against England (2019 Rugby World Cup semifinal)
Well, it's all or nothing (Or should I say it is now or never) as the semifinals of the 2019 Rugby World Cup tournament are here (The other semifinal game is Wales against South Africa with the winner of that semifinal will face either England or New Zealand in the final at Yokohama on the 2nd of November) but the All Blacks have revealed our team to play against England (Who will try to end New Zealand's hopes of reaching the final & go for the historic three peat (And their last meeting between the 2 sides was last year when the AB's went on to win the test after being 15 - 0 down at Twickenham) at International Stadium 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): Codie Taylor (Crusaders/Canterbury)
3 (Tight head prop): Nepo Laulala (Chiefs/Counties Manukau)
SECOND ROW
4 (Lock): Brodie Retallick (Chiefs/Hawke's Bay)
5 (Lock): Sam Whitelock (Crusaders/Canterbury)
BACK ROW
6 (Blind side flanker): Scott Barrett (Crusaders/Taranaki)
7 (Open side flanker): Ardie Savea (Hurricanes/Wellington)
8 (Number 8): Kieran Read (Captain, Crusaders/Counties Manukau)
HALVES
9 (Half-back): Aaron Smith (Highlanders/Manawatu)
10 (First five-eighth): Richie Mo'unga (Crusaders/Canterbury)
MIDFIELD
12 (Second five-eighth): Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs/Waikato)
13 (Centre): Jack Goodhue (Crusaders/Northland)
OUTSIDE BACKS
11 (Left wing): George Bridge (Crusaders/Canterbury)
14 (Right wing): Sevu Reece (Crusaders/Waikato)
& 15 (Fullback): Beauden Barrett (Blues/Taranaki)
And in the reserves are:
16. Dane Coles
17. Ofa Tu'ungafasi
18. Angus Ta'avao
19. Patrick Tuipulotu (Who replaces Scott Barrett with Barrett elevated to the starting lineup to play at the blindside flanker position)
20. Sam Cane (Who is dropped to the bench, replacing Matt Todd who is ruled out of the semis through a shoulder injury)
21. TJ Perenara
22. Sonny Bill Williams
& 23. Jordie Barrett
Squad members not playing:
Liam Coltman, Ryan Crotty, Shannon Frizell, Rieko Ioane, Atu Moli, Ben Smith, Matt Todd (Injured) & Brad Weber.
And England have named their team as well as their strongest possible lineup when they take to the field against the All Blacks (Well, is this the best England rugby team ever since they won the Rugby World Cup in 2003? We will find out on Saturday):
PLAYING XV
FRONT ROW
1 (Loose head prop): Mako Vunipola (Saracens)
2 (Hooker): Jamie George (Saracens)
3 (Tight head prop): Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins)
SECOND ROW
4 (Lock): Maro Itoje (Saracens)
5 (Lock): Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints)
BACK ROW
6 (Blind side flanker): Tom Curry (Sale Sharks)
7 (Open side flanker): Sam Underhill (Bath)
8 (Number 8): Billy Vunipola (Saracens)
HALVES
9 (Half-back/Scrum-half): Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)
10 (First five-eighth/Fly-half): George Ford (Leicester Tigers)
MIDFIELD
12 (Second five-eighth/Inside centre): Owen Farrell (Captain, Saracens)
13 (Centre/Outside centre): Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers)
OUTSIDE BACKS
11 (Left wing): Jonny May (Leicester Tigers)
14 (Right wing): Anthony Watson (Bath)
& 15 (Fullback): Elliot Daly (Saracens)
And in the reserves are:
16. Luke Cowan-Dickie
17. Joe Marler
18. Dan Cole
19. George Kruis
20. Mark Wilson
21. Willi Heinz
22. Henry Slade
& 23. Jonathan Joseph
Squad members not playing:
Joe Cokanasiga, Piers Francis, Ellis Genge, Joe Launchbury, Lewis Ludlam, Ruaridh McConnochie, Jack Nowell & Jack Singleton.
So that is my 326th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 66th of this year.
FRONT ROW
1 (Loose head prop): Joe Moody (Crusaders/Canterbury)
2 (Hooker): Codie Taylor (Crusaders/Canterbury)
3 (Tight head prop): Nepo Laulala (Chiefs/Counties Manukau)
SECOND ROW
4 (Lock): Brodie Retallick (Chiefs/Hawke's Bay)
5 (Lock): Sam Whitelock (Crusaders/Canterbury)
BACK ROW
6 (Blind side flanker): Scott Barrett (Crusaders/Taranaki)
7 (Open side flanker): Ardie Savea (Hurricanes/Wellington)
8 (Number 8): Kieran Read (Captain, Crusaders/Counties Manukau)
HALVES
9 (Half-back): Aaron Smith (Highlanders/Manawatu)
10 (First five-eighth): Richie Mo'unga (Crusaders/Canterbury)
MIDFIELD
12 (Second five-eighth): Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs/Waikato)
13 (Centre): Jack Goodhue (Crusaders/Northland)
OUTSIDE BACKS
11 (Left wing): George Bridge (Crusaders/Canterbury)
14 (Right wing): Sevu Reece (Crusaders/Waikato)
& 15 (Fullback): Beauden Barrett (Blues/Taranaki)
And in the reserves are:
16. Dane Coles
17. Ofa Tu'ungafasi
18. Angus Ta'avao
19. Patrick Tuipulotu (Who replaces Scott Barrett with Barrett elevated to the starting lineup to play at the blindside flanker position)
20. Sam Cane (Who is dropped to the bench, replacing Matt Todd who is ruled out of the semis through a shoulder injury)
21. TJ Perenara
22. Sonny Bill Williams
& 23. Jordie Barrett
Squad members not playing:
Liam Coltman, Ryan Crotty, Shannon Frizell, Rieko Ioane, Atu Moli, Ben Smith, Matt Todd (Injured) & Brad Weber.
And England have named their team as well as their strongest possible lineup when they take to the field against the All Blacks (Well, is this the best England rugby team ever since they won the Rugby World Cup in 2003? We will find out on Saturday):
PLAYING XV
FRONT ROW
1 (Loose head prop): Mako Vunipola (Saracens)
2 (Hooker): Jamie George (Saracens)
3 (Tight head prop): Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins)
SECOND ROW
4 (Lock): Maro Itoje (Saracens)
5 (Lock): Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints)
BACK ROW
6 (Blind side flanker): Tom Curry (Sale Sharks)
7 (Open side flanker): Sam Underhill (Bath)
8 (Number 8): Billy Vunipola (Saracens)
HALVES
9 (Half-back/Scrum-half): Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)
10 (First five-eighth/Fly-half): George Ford (Leicester Tigers)
MIDFIELD
12 (Second five-eighth/Inside centre): Owen Farrell (Captain, Saracens)
13 (Centre/Outside centre): Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers)
OUTSIDE BACKS
11 (Left wing): Jonny May (Leicester Tigers)
14 (Right wing): Anthony Watson (Bath)
& 15 (Fullback): Elliot Daly (Saracens)
And in the reserves are:
16. Luke Cowan-Dickie
17. Joe Marler
18. Dan Cole
19. George Kruis
20. Mark Wilson
21. Willi Heinz
22. Henry Slade
& 23. Jonathan Joseph
Squad members not playing:
Joe Cokanasiga, Piers Francis, Ellis Genge, Joe Launchbury, Lewis Ludlam, Ruaridh McConnochie, Jack Nowell & Jack Singleton.
So that is my 326th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 66th of this year.
Tuesday, 22 October 2019
2019 Mitre 10 Cup semifinals review
Well, here is the review of the Championship & Premiership semifinals of the 2019 Mitre 10 Cup season:
Tasman will host Wellington in the Mitre 10 Cup Premiership final next weekend while in the Championship Bay of Plenty will play Hawke's Bay to decide which side will be promoted for next season.
Mitre 10 Cup Semifinals
Premiership:
Tasman 18 Auckland 9
It was a tough old go in Blenheim before Tasman could claim the right to a home final next week. Auckland turned up in a far more committed manner than the last time the two sides met, and pushed the home team as hard as they have been pushed all season. There were only penalty goals in it at halftime, Auckland having been the dominant side but just unable to breach the desperate home defence. There were only 10 minutes left when lock Quinten Strange capped off good work by Fetuli Paea and scored the first try. Auckland pulled back a penalty goal but it was Alex Nankivell who broke the deadlock when fed into a hole by fullback David Havili to score three minutes from the end.
Scorers: Tasman 18 (Quinten Strange, Alex Nankivell tries; Mitch Hunt con, 2 pen) Auckland 9 (Harry Plummer 3 pen). HT: 6-3
Wellington 30 Canterbury 19
When Wellington's big men like No 8 Ben Nicholas and lock Vaea Fifita get room to run the ball they provide great set-up and fullback Trent Renata benefited with the first try. Canterbury's kicking game lacked early accuracy and allowed lock James Blackwell to finish off a counter move. Then complementary work between forwards and backs resulted in wing Ben Lam's try. Leading 17-0 at the turn, Wellington had to face a Canterbury surge with three forward-based tries to No 8 Luke Whitelock and driving lineout play that saw hooker Shilo Klein score twice – something that will not have gone unnoticed across Cook Strait by Tasman ahead of next week's final – but the gap was too far to overcome.
Scorers: Wellington 30 (Trent Renata, James Blackwell, Ben Lam tries, Jackson Garden-Bachop 3 con, 2 pen, dropped goal) Canterbury 19 (Luke Whitelock, Shilo Klein 2 tries; Brett Cameron 2 con). HT: 17-0
Championship
Bay of Plenty 64 Manawatu 3
Demonstrating outstanding forward power, Bay of Plenty overpowered Manawatu in their semifinal in Rotorua on Friday. Setting a solid foundation they provided classic front foot ball for Bay of Plenty's backs, of whom none shone more than fullback Emoni Narawa whose speed into the line made the most of ineffective Manawatu tackling. With a home final, Bay of Plenty have a Premiership berth well and truly in their sights.
Scorers: Bay of Plenty 64 (Emoni Narawa 3, Joe Ravouvou, Nathan Vella, Hoani Matenga, Richard Judd, Aidan Ross, Pryor Collier, Jason Robertson tries; Chase Tiatia 5 con; Robertson 2 con) Manawatu 3 (Sam Malcolm pen). HT: 31-3
Hawke's Bay 44 Otago 39
It took until extra time but Hawke's Bay came from 7-21 down to beat Otago and claim the finals berth in a thrilling game in Napier. Otago hit Hawke's Bay hard from the opening with superb running from fullback Michael Collins and wing Jona Nareki creating the first two tries. Hawke's Bay got themselves back in the game to be 14-21 down but then their own superb running, with good play from lively halfback Folau Fakatava helping them claim the lead before Otago came back and levelled the scores at 31-31 required extra time. First five-eighths Josh Ioane landed a 50-metre penalty goal but the key difference was the try to flying wing Mason Emerson which gave the home side a crucial lead.
Scorers: Hawke's Bay 44 (Neria Fomai, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Lincoln McClutchie, Devan Flanders, Mason Emerson tries; Tiaan Falcon 5 con, 3 pen) Otago 39 (Michael Collins 2, Slade McDowall, Aleki Morris-Lome, Mika Mafi tries; Josh Ioane 4 con, 2 pen). HT: 14-24. FT: 31-31
So that is my 325th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 65th of this year.
Tasman will host Wellington in the Mitre 10 Cup Premiership final next weekend while in the Championship Bay of Plenty will play Hawke's Bay to decide which side will be promoted for next season.
Mitre 10 Cup Semifinals
Premiership:
Tasman 18 Auckland 9
It was a tough old go in Blenheim before Tasman could claim the right to a home final next week. Auckland turned up in a far more committed manner than the last time the two sides met, and pushed the home team as hard as they have been pushed all season. There were only penalty goals in it at halftime, Auckland having been the dominant side but just unable to breach the desperate home defence. There were only 10 minutes left when lock Quinten Strange capped off good work by Fetuli Paea and scored the first try. Auckland pulled back a penalty goal but it was Alex Nankivell who broke the deadlock when fed into a hole by fullback David Havili to score three minutes from the end.
Scorers: Tasman 18 (Quinten Strange, Alex Nankivell tries; Mitch Hunt con, 2 pen) Auckland 9 (Harry Plummer 3 pen). HT: 6-3
Wellington 30 Canterbury 19
When Wellington's big men like No 8 Ben Nicholas and lock Vaea Fifita get room to run the ball they provide great set-up and fullback Trent Renata benefited with the first try. Canterbury's kicking game lacked early accuracy and allowed lock James Blackwell to finish off a counter move. Then complementary work between forwards and backs resulted in wing Ben Lam's try. Leading 17-0 at the turn, Wellington had to face a Canterbury surge with three forward-based tries to No 8 Luke Whitelock and driving lineout play that saw hooker Shilo Klein score twice – something that will not have gone unnoticed across Cook Strait by Tasman ahead of next week's final – but the gap was too far to overcome.
Scorers: Wellington 30 (Trent Renata, James Blackwell, Ben Lam tries, Jackson Garden-Bachop 3 con, 2 pen, dropped goal) Canterbury 19 (Luke Whitelock, Shilo Klein 2 tries; Brett Cameron 2 con). HT: 17-0
Championship
Bay of Plenty 64 Manawatu 3
Demonstrating outstanding forward power, Bay of Plenty overpowered Manawatu in their semifinal in Rotorua on Friday. Setting a solid foundation they provided classic front foot ball for Bay of Plenty's backs, of whom none shone more than fullback Emoni Narawa whose speed into the line made the most of ineffective Manawatu tackling. With a home final, Bay of Plenty have a Premiership berth well and truly in their sights.
Scorers: Bay of Plenty 64 (Emoni Narawa 3, Joe Ravouvou, Nathan Vella, Hoani Matenga, Richard Judd, Aidan Ross, Pryor Collier, Jason Robertson tries; Chase Tiatia 5 con; Robertson 2 con) Manawatu 3 (Sam Malcolm pen). HT: 31-3
Hawke's Bay 44 Otago 39
It took until extra time but Hawke's Bay came from 7-21 down to beat Otago and claim the finals berth in a thrilling game in Napier. Otago hit Hawke's Bay hard from the opening with superb running from fullback Michael Collins and wing Jona Nareki creating the first two tries. Hawke's Bay got themselves back in the game to be 14-21 down but then their own superb running, with good play from lively halfback Folau Fakatava helping them claim the lead before Otago came back and levelled the scores at 31-31 required extra time. First five-eighths Josh Ioane landed a 50-metre penalty goal but the key difference was the try to flying wing Mason Emerson which gave the home side a crucial lead.
Scorers: Hawke's Bay 44 (Neria Fomai, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Lincoln McClutchie, Devan Flanders, Mason Emerson tries; Tiaan Falcon 5 con, 3 pen) Otago 39 (Michael Collins 2, Slade McDowall, Aleki Morris-Lome, Mika Mafi tries; Josh Ioane 4 con, 2 pen). HT: 14-24. FT: 31-31
So that is my 325th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 65th of this year.
2019 Rugby World Cup news flash
2019 RUGBY WORLD CUP JAPAN NEWS FLASH!!! News just come in as England march on into the final four, breaking Wallaby hearts in Oita (It was revenge for England since losing to them in 2015) then the All Blacks are in the semifinals, dismantling Ireland in the quarterfinals at Tokyo Stadium in Tokyo so here is the match commentary provided by Newshub:
Kia ora, good evening and welcome to Newshub's live coverage of the Rugby World Cup quarter-final between the All Blacks and Ireland.
All Blacks: 1-Joe Moody, 2-Codie Taylor, 3-Nepo Laulala, 4-Brodie Retallick, 5-Samuel Whitelock, 6-Ardie Savea, 7-Sam Cane, 8-Kieran Read, 9-Aaron Smith, 10-Richie Mo'unga, 11-George Bridge, 12-Anton Lienert-Brown, 13-Jack Goodhue, 14-Sevu Reece, 15-Beauden Barrett
Reserves: 16-Dane Coles, 17-Ofa Tuungafasi, 18-Angus Ta'avao, 19-Scott Barrett, 20-Matt Todd, 21-TJ Perenara, 22-Sonny Bill Williams, 23-Jordie Barrett.
Ireland: 1-Cian Healy, 2-Rory Best, 3-Tadhg Furlong, 4-Iain Henderson. 5-James Ryan, 6-Peter O'Mahony, 7-Josh van der Flier, 8-CJ Stander, 9-Conor Murray, 10-Johnny Sexton, 11-Jacob Stockdale, 12-Robbie Henshaw, 13-Garry Ringrose, 14-Keith Earls, 15-Rob Kearney
Reserves: 16-Niall Scannell, 17-Dave Kilcoyne, 18-Andrew Porter, 19-Tadhg Beirne, 20-Rhys Ruddock, 21-Luke McGrath, 22-Joey Carbery, 23-Jordan Larmour.
11:05PM: Not far away now! 10 minutes until kick off
11:11PM: Anthems are up now, a couple of bangers to get us started this evening.
11:15PM: Haka time! You can hardly hear them! The croud is so loud.
1ST MINUTE: Kick off! We are underway in Tokyo.
SCRUM: Early knock on from the All Blacks, first scrum of the game, here we go.
2ND MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Trick play early from Ireland, Sexton tries a cross field kick, NZ gathers and Goodhue puts a kick in behind. Ireland lineout.
3RD MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Maul called and the All Blacks win a scrum feed.
5TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: The All Blacks have their first attacking attempt, Stockdale is called for the deliberate knock down, All Blacks penalty.
SUBSTITUTION & PENALTY GOAL: Ringrose is off for a blood bin, the All Blacks will kick for goal. It's good. All Blacks 3 - 0 Ireland.
7TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): A conservative start from both sides here, like a boxing fight. Ireland gather their own kick off.
8TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Bridge pounces on a loose ball and kick down field, Ireland get back and will clear through Murray.
9TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY: Ardie Savea is pinged for the infringement at the lineout - Ireland will kick for touch.
10TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), SCRUM: Good defence from Cane, forces a knock on. NZ scrum.
12TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Really good attack from the All Blacks, they almost create on overlap to the left but Kearney clears, All Blacks lineout.
14TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS & CONVERSION: the forwards got to work to put the Irish on the back foot and Aaron Smith pounces and scores the opener. Kick is good. All Blacks 10 - 0 Ireland.
16TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Ireland have the advantage and will win a penalty - they will kick for touch.
18TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Mo'unga does well to keep the ball in play and Barrett clears! Lovely from the two playmakers.
19TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), SCRUM: Dusty work at the lineout from Ireland! They knock it on and the All Blacks win a scrum feed.
20TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS & CONVERSION: Reece and Bridge combine well down the left hand side after a great pass from Goodhue and on the recycle, it's Aaron Smith who scores again! Kick is good - great kick! All Blacks 17 - 0 Ireland.
22ND MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Ringrose is called for a head high tackle/high shot (Dangerous tackle) on Savea, the All Blacks will kick for touch.
23RD MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Stolen at the lineout from Ireland and they clear through Murray.
24TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY: Great work at the breakdown from Peter O'Mahony and he wins a penalty for Ireland - they need to score some points here.
25TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), SCRUM: Knock on at contact from Ireland - big defence from the Kiwis.
26TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY: Penalty called against Healy - the All Blacks will kick for touch.
28TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), SCRUM: Knock on from Savea, a tough call, but he lost it.
30TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Reece makes a mini break but a pass from ALB goes forward and Ireland are able to clear.
31ST MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY: ALB is called for coming in from the side, Ireland are hanging in this one but the All Blacks are knocking on the door for the killer blow.
32ND MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS & CONVERSION MISS: Mo'unga pounces on a loose pass and kicks the ball, Barrett gets to it and kicks it forward and his pace gets him over the line and scores. That could be all she wrote now, the All Blacks are all over it! Kick is wide. All Blacks 22 - 0 Ireland.
35TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER), SCRUM: Murray knocks the ball on and they look rattled, out of their depth at the moment.
37TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Another knock on then Murray tackles Smith around the neck, the All Blacks will kick for touch.
38TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Horrible kick from Mo'unga - it doesn't find touch.
41ST MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Ireland win a penalty and will kick for touch - a last chance here in the 1st half.
43RD MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Another penalty called against the All Blacks and Ireland will kick for touch again.
PENALTY: TMO is called and the penalty have been reversed, Peter O'Mahony is called, All Blacks win the penalty and that will be half time.
HALF TIME: The All Blacks have been a cut above this half, their forwards have been more physical and the back line has been too slick, I don't see much of a way back for Ireland.
41ST MINUTE: Back underway for the 2nd half!
42ND MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Scott Barrett is on for Brodie Retallick, scratch that! He's on for Sam Cane, a wrist injury.
44TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Mistake from Beauden, goes for a droppy from half way, it goes dead.
45TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Moody makes another good run, he's had a superb game.
48TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS & CONVERSION: Clinical from the Kiwis, Read makes a break and pops up a pass to Taylor who scores. Kick is good. All Blacks 29 - 0 Ireland.
52ND MINUTE (4 MINUTES LATER): Ireland are on attack here, Sexton puts up a bomb and the All Blacks clear.
54TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Lovely from Aaron Smith, box kick puts Ireland deep in their own half and they clear through Murray.
56TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Good work at the breakdown from Ireland, they win a penalty at the breakdown.
58TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), SCRUM: Knock on off black is the call and Ireland have the scrum feed.
60TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Incredible work from Beauden Barrett with a kick, the chase and the gather.
61ST MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS & CONVERSION MISS: Saucy little cross field kick to Reece, he beats two before being tackles and the pass goes to Matt Todd who scores! Kick is wide. All Blacks 34 - 0 Ireland.
65TH MINUTE (4 MINUTES LATER): Ireland have the pill now and work it forward.
67TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: A kick in behind falls to Carbery and he knocks the ball on, they come back for the penalty.
69TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), TRY IRELAND & CONVERSION: Finally the men in green have something to cheer about, off the scrum they go to the right and it's Robbie Henshaw who scores. Kick is good. All Blacks 34 - 7 Ireland
73RD MINUTE (4 MINUTES LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS & CONVERSION: Superb from Savea who makes the gap, finds Coles who offloads it to Bridge who scores. Kick is good. All Blacks 41 - 7 Ireland.
76TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER): Ireland have a lineout and are now just 5 metres out.
77TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY TRY IRELAND & YELLOW CARD: Matt Todd sees yellow too, he is called for being offside and diving in front of the post to prevent a try against the post. All Blacks 41 - 14 Ireland
79TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Beauden Barrett has been named man of the match, great game from the fullback.
TRY ALL BLACKS & CONVERSION MISS: Simple execution as they shift right, Beauden finds Jordie and he scores. Kick is wide. All Blacks 46 - 14 Ireland
FULL TIME! Absolute clinic from the men in black, it's see ya later Ireland as the All Blacks march on to the next round.
ALL BLACKS 46 - 14 IRELAND
And Wales have beaten 14 man France (Although the French had Sebastien Vahaamahina sent off for leading into an elbow on a Welsh player to the head then Wales had scored the match winning try in style during the injury time period) in Oita to advance through to the semis along with South Africa who ended Japan's hopes of reaching the semifinal in Tokyo (It was pay back for the Springboks after losing to them in 2015).
And here is the confirmed list for the semifinal matches being played:
England Vs New Zealand (Their most recent meeting at a Rugby World Cup was 20 years ago when the All Blacks ran out as winners as the late Jonah Lomu able to repeat his heroics against England in 1995, scoring just the single try in the game during the pool stages as well as Jeff Wilson who scored the opening try of the match)
And Wales Vs South Africa (The last time both of these sides had met at a Rugby World Cup was during the quarterfinals in 2015 in which the Springboks knocked Wales out of the Rugby World Cup to go through to the semis to face the AB's who had just beaten France)
So that is my 324th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 64th of this year.
Kia ora, good evening and welcome to Newshub's live coverage of the Rugby World Cup quarter-final between the All Blacks and Ireland.
All Blacks: 1-Joe Moody, 2-Codie Taylor, 3-Nepo Laulala, 4-Brodie Retallick, 5-Samuel Whitelock, 6-Ardie Savea, 7-Sam Cane, 8-Kieran Read, 9-Aaron Smith, 10-Richie Mo'unga, 11-George Bridge, 12-Anton Lienert-Brown, 13-Jack Goodhue, 14-Sevu Reece, 15-Beauden Barrett
Reserves: 16-Dane Coles, 17-Ofa Tuungafasi, 18-Angus Ta'avao, 19-Scott Barrett, 20-Matt Todd, 21-TJ Perenara, 22-Sonny Bill Williams, 23-Jordie Barrett.
Ireland: 1-Cian Healy, 2-Rory Best, 3-Tadhg Furlong, 4-Iain Henderson. 5-James Ryan, 6-Peter O'Mahony, 7-Josh van der Flier, 8-CJ Stander, 9-Conor Murray, 10-Johnny Sexton, 11-Jacob Stockdale, 12-Robbie Henshaw, 13-Garry Ringrose, 14-Keith Earls, 15-Rob Kearney
Reserves: 16-Niall Scannell, 17-Dave Kilcoyne, 18-Andrew Porter, 19-Tadhg Beirne, 20-Rhys Ruddock, 21-Luke McGrath, 22-Joey Carbery, 23-Jordan Larmour.
11:05PM: Not far away now! 10 minutes until kick off
11:11PM: Anthems are up now, a couple of bangers to get us started this evening.
11:15PM: Haka time! You can hardly hear them! The croud is so loud.
1ST MINUTE: Kick off! We are underway in Tokyo.
SCRUM: Early knock on from the All Blacks, first scrum of the game, here we go.
2ND MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Trick play early from Ireland, Sexton tries a cross field kick, NZ gathers and Goodhue puts a kick in behind. Ireland lineout.
3RD MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Maul called and the All Blacks win a scrum feed.
5TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: The All Blacks have their first attacking attempt, Stockdale is called for the deliberate knock down, All Blacks penalty.
SUBSTITUTION & PENALTY GOAL: Ringrose is off for a blood bin, the All Blacks will kick for goal. It's good. All Blacks 3 - 0 Ireland.
7TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): A conservative start from both sides here, like a boxing fight. Ireland gather their own kick off.
8TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Bridge pounces on a loose ball and kick down field, Ireland get back and will clear through Murray.
9TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY: Ardie Savea is pinged for the infringement at the lineout - Ireland will kick for touch.
10TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), SCRUM: Good defence from Cane, forces a knock on. NZ scrum.
12TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Really good attack from the All Blacks, they almost create on overlap to the left but Kearney clears, All Blacks lineout.
14TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS & CONVERSION: the forwards got to work to put the Irish on the back foot and Aaron Smith pounces and scores the opener. Kick is good. All Blacks 10 - 0 Ireland.
16TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Ireland have the advantage and will win a penalty - they will kick for touch.
18TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Mo'unga does well to keep the ball in play and Barrett clears! Lovely from the two playmakers.
19TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), SCRUM: Dusty work at the lineout from Ireland! They knock it on and the All Blacks win a scrum feed.
20TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS & CONVERSION: Reece and Bridge combine well down the left hand side after a great pass from Goodhue and on the recycle, it's Aaron Smith who scores again! Kick is good - great kick! All Blacks 17 - 0 Ireland.
22ND MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Ringrose is called for a head high tackle/high shot (Dangerous tackle) on Savea, the All Blacks will kick for touch.
23RD MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Stolen at the lineout from Ireland and they clear through Murray.
24TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY: Great work at the breakdown from Peter O'Mahony and he wins a penalty for Ireland - they need to score some points here.
25TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), SCRUM: Knock on at contact from Ireland - big defence from the Kiwis.
26TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY: Penalty called against Healy - the All Blacks will kick for touch.
28TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), SCRUM: Knock on from Savea, a tough call, but he lost it.
30TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Reece makes a mini break but a pass from ALB goes forward and Ireland are able to clear.
31ST MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY: ALB is called for coming in from the side, Ireland are hanging in this one but the All Blacks are knocking on the door for the killer blow.
32ND MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS & CONVERSION MISS: Mo'unga pounces on a loose pass and kicks the ball, Barrett gets to it and kicks it forward and his pace gets him over the line and scores. That could be all she wrote now, the All Blacks are all over it! Kick is wide. All Blacks 22 - 0 Ireland.
35TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER), SCRUM: Murray knocks the ball on and they look rattled, out of their depth at the moment.
37TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Another knock on then Murray tackles Smith around the neck, the All Blacks will kick for touch.
38TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Horrible kick from Mo'unga - it doesn't find touch.
41ST MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Ireland win a penalty and will kick for touch - a last chance here in the 1st half.
43RD MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Another penalty called against the All Blacks and Ireland will kick for touch again.
PENALTY: TMO is called and the penalty have been reversed, Peter O'Mahony is called, All Blacks win the penalty and that will be half time.
HALF TIME: The All Blacks have been a cut above this half, their forwards have been more physical and the back line has been too slick, I don't see much of a way back for Ireland.
41ST MINUTE: Back underway for the 2nd half!
42ND MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Scott Barrett is on for Brodie Retallick, scratch that! He's on for Sam Cane, a wrist injury.
44TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Mistake from Beauden, goes for a droppy from half way, it goes dead.
45TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Moody makes another good run, he's had a superb game.
48TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS & CONVERSION: Clinical from the Kiwis, Read makes a break and pops up a pass to Taylor who scores. Kick is good. All Blacks 29 - 0 Ireland.
52ND MINUTE (4 MINUTES LATER): Ireland are on attack here, Sexton puts up a bomb and the All Blacks clear.
54TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Lovely from Aaron Smith, box kick puts Ireland deep in their own half and they clear through Murray.
56TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Good work at the breakdown from Ireland, they win a penalty at the breakdown.
58TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), SCRUM: Knock on off black is the call and Ireland have the scrum feed.
60TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Incredible work from Beauden Barrett with a kick, the chase and the gather.
61ST MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS & CONVERSION MISS: Saucy little cross field kick to Reece, he beats two before being tackles and the pass goes to Matt Todd who scores! Kick is wide. All Blacks 34 - 0 Ireland.
65TH MINUTE (4 MINUTES LATER): Ireland have the pill now and work it forward.
67TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: A kick in behind falls to Carbery and he knocks the ball on, they come back for the penalty.
69TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), TRY IRELAND & CONVERSION: Finally the men in green have something to cheer about, off the scrum they go to the right and it's Robbie Henshaw who scores. Kick is good. All Blacks 34 - 7 Ireland
73RD MINUTE (4 MINUTES LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS & CONVERSION: Superb from Savea who makes the gap, finds Coles who offloads it to Bridge who scores. Kick is good. All Blacks 41 - 7 Ireland.
76TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER): Ireland have a lineout and are now just 5 metres out.
77TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY TRY IRELAND & YELLOW CARD: Matt Todd sees yellow too, he is called for being offside and diving in front of the post to prevent a try against the post. All Blacks 41 - 14 Ireland
79TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Beauden Barrett has been named man of the match, great game from the fullback.
TRY ALL BLACKS & CONVERSION MISS: Simple execution as they shift right, Beauden finds Jordie and he scores. Kick is wide. All Blacks 46 - 14 Ireland
FULL TIME! Absolute clinic from the men in black, it's see ya later Ireland as the All Blacks march on to the next round.
ALL BLACKS 46 - 14 IRELAND
And Wales have beaten 14 man France (Although the French had Sebastien Vahaamahina sent off for leading into an elbow on a Welsh player to the head then Wales had scored the match winning try in style during the injury time period) in Oita to advance through to the semis along with South Africa who ended Japan's hopes of reaching the semifinal in Tokyo (It was pay back for the Springboks after losing to them in 2015).
And here is the confirmed list for the semifinal matches being played:
England Vs New Zealand (Their most recent meeting at a Rugby World Cup was 20 years ago when the All Blacks ran out as winners as the late Jonah Lomu able to repeat his heroics against England in 1995, scoring just the single try in the game during the pool stages as well as Jeff Wilson who scored the opening try of the match)
And Wales Vs South Africa (The last time both of these sides had met at a Rugby World Cup was during the quarterfinals in 2015 in which the Springboks knocked Wales out of the Rugby World Cup to go through to the semis to face the AB's who had just beaten France)
So that is my 324th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 64th of this year.
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