Rugby Tri-Nations Preview - Wallabies vs All Blacks
Welcome back!
On Saturday the Australian Wallabies will take on the New Zealand All Blacks for the first time in 2008 in what is not shaping as a pivotal Tri-Nations Rugby match and also a key leg in the annual Bledisloe Cup. What makes this one of the most anticipated of matches in recent years is the clash between Matt Giteau and Dan Carter at No 10. and the coaches Graham Henry and Robbie Deans.
Many a NZ supporter is annoyed at the loss to New Zealand Rugby of Robbie Deans and the continuation of the contract of Graham Henry. What is New Zealand’s loss is once again Australia’s gain as Robbie Deans seems to have transformed the Wallabies this year into much improved outfit.
The match has many clashes that will decide the encounter, the forward battle will be pivotal and if the Wallabies can deliver like last week then they can win this game as well. Achieving this success in the scrum and lineout two weeks running and against the best team in the world will be very tough. The tight five have to stand up against the All Black tight five. The return of Greg Somerville and tough nut Brad Thorn with Ali Williams will make it hard as they have the experience and dynamic play to kill off the Wallabies hopes.
The breakdown will also play a strong part in the result. George Smith who will captain the Wallabies will naturally play out of his skin and will need Rocky Elsom and co to help win the breakdown. No Richie McCaw means that they All Blacks will need to depend on the back row to deliver the goods. Either way it will be a tight contest.
Which leaves us with the backline battle which will be the deciding factor along with the defence that is employed. The sides look evenly matched with the All Blacks perhaps slightly ahead on paper but it will likely come down to a moment of genius from either side that will decide the game. The Ruck and Maul would dearly love to see the Wallabies defeat New Zealand as this will crack the Tri-Nations right open but it would be hard to go past the All Blacks with Dan Carter’s kicking prowess likely to decide the match. All Blacks by 5.
The Ruck and Maul will be at the game and will bring you a review on Sunday with all the news and some pictures from the game.
Bledisloe Cup Rugby Clash
The New Zealand All Blacks arrived in Australia today in preparation for their clash against the Wallabies in Sydney on Saturday. With less than two days before both teams face off in one of the most anticipated Rugby matches in Australia for years both sides were preparing for a make or break Tri-Nations match.
A loss by New Zealand would make it very difficult for them to win the Tri-Nations and a win to Australia would put them at the top of the ladder and give them a strong mental advantage leading into the return clash. Both sides know the importance of winning at home and the loss that New Zealand had against South Africa in Dunedin could prove costly. The success of New Zealand at home has been the key to their success but with their aura of invincibility being questioned they will need to deliver to re-cement their position in world rugby.
The Ruck and Maul will have a full preview tomorrow of the clash and will be at the game on Saturday to provide you with the latest news and information from what will be an fascinating Tri-Nations encounter.
Wallabies name League converts for All Blacks clash
The Wallabies announced their team today to take on the All Blacks on Saturday in Sydney. With the withdrawal of Stirling Mortlock through concussion fellow Brumbies stalwart Geogre Smith will captain the side.
Stirling Mortlock has been replaced by Ryan Cross at outside centre and Timana Tahu has come onto the bench. Both ex Rugby League players, Cross joining the Western Force in 2007 and Tahu the Waratahs in 2008. Both have had a strong impact this year, despite Tahu suffering a sustained hamstring injury that kept him out for half the season he starred for Australia A in the Pacific Nations Cup. Cross has had a stellar year for the Force and made a match saving tackle on Habana last weekend against the Springboks. Cross who played Rugby at junior levels for Australia looks like he could become a permanent fixture as his positional play, attack and defence are all top class.
The rest of the starting lineup remain the same with Dan Vickerman being added to the bench after getting the all clear from the medical team. His addition to the bench will add some much needed depth and experience to the bench which will be of great benefit late in the game.
The Wallabies team is;
Adam Ashley-Cooper, Peter Hynes, Ryan Cross, Berrick Barnes, Lote Tuqiri, Matt Giteau, Luke Burgess, Wycliff Palu, George Smith, Rocky Elsom, Nathan Sharpe, James Horwill, Al Baxter, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson.
Reserves: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Matt Dunning, Dan Vickerman, Phil Waugh, Sam Cordingley, Timana Tahu, Drew Mitchell.
Richie McCaw ruled out
Richie McCaw has been ruled out by the NZ All Blacks after failing to recover from the ankle injury sustained against the English in June. The loss of McCaw is a body blow to the All Blacks who are primed for a make or break performance against the Wallabies. A loss could spell the end of the All Blacks coach Graham Henry is has mounting pressure from the New Zealand public who are keen to see him sacked following his failure at the World Cup.
NZ All Blacks name McCaw for Wallabies
The New Zealand All Blacks have named their squad to take on the Wallabies on Saturday in Sydney in the first Bledisloe Cup match of 2008.
In what was a major decision by Henry and the selectors they have announced Richie McCaw in the squad. McCaw was not expected to be back in action until mid August after sustaining an ankle injury against the English side in June. Australian coach Robbie Deans only last week commented that McCaw is a quick healer and he was not surprised if McCaw made a surprise return for the Wallabies clash well it looks like he was correct. McCaw has to complete a fitness test but is a likely starter. Daniel Braid will replace McCaw should he be ruled out.
The backline offered the only other major change with Conrad Smith benched at outside centre for emerging talent Richard Kahui taking his place. Kahui has impressed in his earlier opportunities and will be taking on Stirling Mortlock’s replacement which could be Adam Ashley Cooper in a move from the fullback position.
The All Blacks team is;
Mils Muliaina, Anthony Tuitavake, Richard Kahui, Ma’a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Daniel Carter, Andy Ellis, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw, Rodney So’oialo, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Greg Somerville, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock.
Reserves: Keven Mealamu, John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Sione Lauaki, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Conrad Smith.
Rugby Quick Bites
Chris Masoe has signed with the French team Castres after being out of favour with current All Blacks coach Graham Henry. Masoe was a mainstay of Henry’s side last year but was not selected in the initial train on squad for the All Blacks and has sought to play out his career in France. Masoe played 20 tests for the All Blacks.
Former All Black Todd Blackadder and Mark Hammett have been named as the replacement coaches for Robbie Deans at the Canterbury Crusaders in 2009. Both will be expected to continue the fine tradition established by Robbie Deans at the the Crusaders.
Schalk Burger has been ruled fit for the upcoming test against Argentina on 9th August. It was feared that he may have been unavailable after being replaced through injury in the test against the Wallabies.
Stirling Mortlock has been ruled out the Wallabies team to take on the All Blacks on Saturday. George Smith was captain the Wallabies in his absence. In what is a major blow to Australia’s hopes of winning the match Mortlock was ruled out after still suffering the effects of the concussion he received after a late hit against the Springboks.
Rugby Tri-Nations - Wallabies roll South Africa 16-9
The Australian Wallabies have triumphed over South Africa in a thrilling match that is a massive endorsement for the new ELVs at international level. After two sensationally close matches between South Africa and New Zealand we were treated to another classic in Perth where the match was always tighy and either side could have won the game.
The South African’s came firing, dominating the first 20 minutes. The Springboks were dynamic around the field and had the Wallabies on the back foot scrambling, if it was not for the excellent defence early on the Wallabies could have been down a couple of tries. Francois Steyn was first to score points with a penalty from 40 metres out with a pinpoint kick. The next 20 minutes saw a reversal of possession as the Wallabies started to dominate possession and maintain some control of the ruck with the backrow of Elsom, Smith and Palu taking control. The dynamic Schalk Burger, Juan Smith and Robert Pires were outpointed as the Wallabies scrambled and started to use the width of the field and dominate the ruck. This period of possession finally took a toll as some superb phase play let to a great try out wide to Tuqiri with 4 minutes o the break. The kick was not missed from the sideline and the Wallabies led 5-3 at the break.
The second half had the Wallabies coming out on fire as them dominated possession and with a solid scrum they were able to leverage this advantage to continually stay on the front foot. This was the first time in years where the Wallaby front row and forwards gave the backline a chance to show their skill with a great team effort with the backrow, locks Sharpe and Horwill and front row of Robinson, Baxter and Moore all playing out of their skin.
The Wallabies scored their second try of the match after some strong phase play once again and some quick ball off the back of the lineout where Smith took the ball off a long throw and delivered a short pass to Hynes who bolted straight and hard. It was then quick ball that exposed the Springboks as the overlap gave the Wallabies a try to Mortlock who straightened up out wide and scored over the top of three Boks players. Once again the conversion from the sideline was missed and the score was 10-3.
Mortlock left the field not long after in the 49th minute after a late hit from Bakkies Botha and the ensuing play led to a penalty and a 13-3 lead after the Giteau conversion. The Boks knuckled down and struck back again soon bringing the score back with a penalty, 13-6 gave the Boks some hope and they surged forward. In the 66th minute the Boks exposed the Wallabies out wide and if it was not for a fantastic tackle from replacement Cross Habana would have scored, as it was he dropped the ball over the line and the Wallabies continued to hold them out. Only three minutes later a penalty led to Matfield choosing for a penalty kick and the Boks were edging closer 13-9.
With 10 minutes remaining the South African’s gave it their all as they had a renewed zest and determination to win but the match was sealed with the drop goal of Berrick Barnes with less than 2 minutes remaining, it was an inspired effort and the Wallabies triumphed against the World Champions. George Smith played one of his finest matches in his 87th match and was man of the match in the ruck and maul’s opinion. His pilfering at the breakdown at key times, hard running and tackling was inspirational and his captaincy when Mortlock went off sealed the victory. It is fitting that Smith should also become the most capped Wallaby forward and has a place firmly locked away in the best Wallaby side of all time.
The rest of the team were also dynamic. The backline fired with Giteau and Barnes controlling the team, Ashley-Cooper was stable and dynamic at times at fullback, the wingers Tuqiri and Hynes both had great games and the forwards were excellent. The performance of Robinson and Baxter were noteworthy as they looked like seasoned veterans as they sustained everything the Boks delivered and then gave even more back. Sharpe was inspirational along with Horwill who controlled the Australian lineout like never before against the Springbok legend Matfield. All round it was a deserved victory and not one player failed to deliver the goods on the night.
Australia 16
Tries: Tuqiri, Mortlock
Goals: Matt Giteau penalty, Berrick Barnes drop goal
South Africa 9
Goals: Francois Steyn 2 penalties, Butch James penalty
Rugby Super 14 finals expand in 2009
It has been reported today that at the SANZAR meeting it was discussed to increase the final series from 4 teams to 6 teams from as early as 2009. This would increase the potential revenue for the game and also procvide a greater chance for a team to come from lower down and claim the trophy.
The four team final series has been critisied for many years and no change was made to the final series formula when the competition expanded from Super 12 to Super 14. The decision needs to be agreed to by the member nations of South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. Should it be ratified we could see the changes in as early as 2009.
The Super 14 is likely to undergo further major changes in the next few years as the competition could potentially expand to include a home and away series which will virtually double the length of the season and also the consideration of additional teams joining the competition potentially from Japan, Argentina or the Pacific Islands should the economics stack up for SANZAR.
Can the Wallabies Win?
Well can the Wallabies win? That is the question on every Wallaby fans tongue with the first Tri-Nations match in Australia only two days away.
The Robbie Deans era has not started with the bang many fans had hoped but it has still won it’s first three tests against Ireland and France. The first test in this new era will be the Springboks. THe Springboks are on a high with a recent come from behind win against New Zealand in Dunedin, the famous house of pain. The 30 match winning streak at home was broken without their captain John Smit and the All Blacks were shocked at the loss on home soil.
The Springboks are arguably a far better team that that which won the World Cup last year in France. They now play an open style of play with new coach De Villiers inspiring a new brand of play unveiling the depth of the South African’s with stylish and open attacking play. This is combined with the dynamic athletism of the forwards and the mobility of a massive forward pack. The Springboks could unveil an era of unprecedented success on the world stage but first the team that stands in front of the them is the wily Wallabies.
The Wallabies are far from the dynamic team that won the World Cup under Rod McQueen in 1999 but after almost 10 years the depth is returning to the Wallaby team. Can they produce the goods against the Springboks who are on a high with the recent win over New Zealand? Well it will depend on the forwards being able to contain the dynamic Boks team.
The Wallaby forwards have been monstered in recent years and while we have seen patches of superiority in their early matches they were far from dominant against the under strength French. The backline is as good as any in the world but has a few players who are still quite inexperienced by international standards but brimming with talent.
I would love to see the Wallabies win but with the Boks having had two tough matches in a row I suspect they will be too match hardened for the Australian’s in Sydney. I think when both sides compete again in South Africa we will see Australia pose a far greater challenge to the Boks. For me the Boks have too much firepower and speed in the backs while the forward pack will monster the Wallabies around the park. I am not convinced Al Baxter is the man for the front row and would like to see Ben Alexander be thrown to the wolves as I think he is the future of the Australian scrum.
The Wallabies also need to show more aggression at the breakdown, Smith will be in everything but I don’t think he alone can keep the Wallabies in the contest but he will give us as good a chance as possible in his record breaking test.
The Ruck and Maul Prediction: Springboks by 10.
South Africa unleash Steyn
The Springboks have made 4 changes to the team that beat New Zealand at Carisbrook Stadium last week in Dunedin. Conrad Jantjes who was benched after the first test returns at fullback as Percy Montgomery has been unluckily left out of the 22 to play in Perth. Jantjes had been in excellent form earlier and deserves a place in the team, Montgomery was expected to make it onto the bench but will have to be content for the time being with 98 tests, a Springbok record.
Steyn has returned to the centres in the place of the injured Jacobs who suffered an injury last weekend against the All Blacks. Steyn will form a damaging centre combination with De Villiers who between them could tear apart the Wallabies defence unless they are on the top of their game. Pierre Spies who comes into the starting lineup for Joe Van Niekerk who placed strongly in the previous two matches against the All Blacks slips back to the bench. Schalk Brits as expected comes into the starting team after the suspension of Bismarck du Plessis. Adrian Strauss takes his position on the bench as the reserve hooker.
The heavily weighted bench of 5 forwards and 2 backs points to where the Springboks believe the game will be decided and we can expect the Springboks to dominate the scrum and turn the screws at the breakdown. The Springboks side looks dynamic and offers tremendous speed around the ground and dynamic forward play, it will be a big test for the Wallabies to hold them in check for the whole 80 minutes. I am happy to see Ryan Kankowski in the team as he was the form No 8 in the Super 14 for the Sharks and could have a strong impact late in the game.
The South African side is;
Conrad Jantjes, JP Pietersen, Francois Steyn, Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana, Butch James, Ricky Januarie, Pierre Spies, Juan Smith, Schalk Burger, Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, CJ van der Linde, Schalk Brits, Gurthro Steenkamp.
Reserves: Adriaan Strauss, Tendai Mtawarira, Brian Mujati, Andries Bekker, Ryan Kankowski, Ruan Pienaar, Peter Grant