**
Friday, June 29, 2012
Sydney
**
 |
Berrick Barnes of the Wallabies is tackled during the International Rugby Test match between the Australian Wallabies and Wales at Allianz Stadium on June 23, 2012 in Sydney, Australia.
(June 22, 2012 - Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)
**
Wallabies deny Wales...again
Pat McCabe of the Wallabies is tackled during the International Rugby Test match between the Australian Wallabies and Wales at Allianz Stadium on June 23, 2012 in Sydney, Australia.
(June 22, 2012 - Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)
**
For the second time in as many weeks Australia needed a late penalty to edge past Wales, winning 20-19 in an engrossing clash in Sydney.
Berrick Barnes landed a penalty five minutes from full-time to break Welsh hearts after yet another spirited display from the visitors.
Kurtley Beale of the Wallabies looks to pass during the International Rugby Test match between the Australian Wallabies and Wales at Allianz Stadium on June 23, 2012 in Sydney, Australia.
(June 22, 2012 - Source: Mark Nolan/Getty Images AsiaPac)
**
Man of the match: Try-scorer Ryan Jones and Jonathan Davies had strong games for the Welsh. A mention too for Barnes, who was near faultless from the kicking tee and landed the winning points with a cool swing of the leg. But we'll go for Wallaby skipper David Pocock who was a constant thorn in the side of the Welshman at the breakdown.
Moment of the match: The TMO made big call when he awarded Rob Horne's try. At first glance it looked like the centre lost control in act of going over. It would have ben extremely harsh to deny the try and, in the end, it turned out be a game-changing decision...
****
|
Port Elizabeth
 |
| Danny Care of England dives over for the first try during the third test match between the South Africa Springboks and England at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on June 23, 2012 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. (June 22, 2012 - Source: David Rogers/Getty Images Europe) ** Tied game in Port Elizabeth
England put in a spirited performance to deny the Boks a series whitewash as the two sides played out a 14-14 draw
*
Ryan Kankowski with Juandre Kruger with a big hit on Thomas Waldrom during the third test match between South Africa and England at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on June 23, 2012 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
(June 22, 2012 - Source: Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe)**
Man-of-the-match: Mentions for the work that Gio Aplon, Marcell Coetzee and Tom Johnson got through, but England's Danny Care announced his return to the Test scene with a fine 80-minute effort. He was busy and most definitely got the better of Francois Hougaard.
Moment-of-the-match: It may seem harsh to single out a player but England lost something when Toby Flood was forced off with an injury. Owen Farrell kicked too much and thus cut down the threat the visitors had posed early on, which saw them score eight points.
****
|
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Hamilton
**
 |
Sam Cane of the All Blacks scores his first test try during the International Test Match between New Zealand and Ireland at Waikato Stadium on June 23, 2012 in Hamilton, New Zealand.
(June 22, 2012 - Source: Sandra Mu/Getty Images AsiaPac)
|
**
New Zealand bounced back from last week's close call in style with an impressive 60-0 hammering of Ireland in Hamilton on Saturday.
After the heartbreakingly narrow defeat of last week, Ireland were no match for the effervescent All Blacks, who scored four tries in the first 25 minutes and looked dangerous at every turn. Dominated at the tackle - most unlike the Irish - and shredded out wide, the Irish just could not muster the spirit or precision of last week and were plain annihilated.
*
 |
Fergus McFadden of Ireland is tackled during the International Test Match between New Zealand and Ireland at Waikato Stadium on June 23, 2012 in Hamilton, New Zealand.
(June 22, 2012 - Source: Sandra Mu/Getty Images AsiaPac)
|
**
Man of the match: Aaron Cruden was putting in a good claim for this until he went off after 25 minutes, Sonny Bill Williams dominated the centres, but it was Sam Cane whose domination in the loose created the space for his team-mates outside, and brace of tries gave his side a commanding lead.
Moment of the match: The fourth try. As exciting as it was clinical, it was curtains for Ireland after that.
Villain of the match: He reffed well, but for a really poor moment of judgement, refereeRomain Poite gets this for the yellow card he dished out to Rob Kearney. Brian O'Driscoll called it 'ridiculous'. He was right.
***
 |
Sonny Bill Williams of the All Blacks makes a break during the International Test Match between New Zealand and Ireland at Waikato Stadium on June 23, 2012 in Hamilton, New Zealand.
(June 22, 2012 - Source: Hannah Johnston/Getty Images AsiaPac)
|
****
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Monday, June 18, 2012
Johannesburg
**
 |
| Thomas Waldrom of England is tackled by Francois Hougaard during the second test
match between South Africa and England at Ellis Park on June 16, 2012 in
Johannesburg, South Africa.
(
June 15, 2012 - Source: David Rogers/Getty Images Europe)
**
Boks seal series in Johannesburg
|
South Africa became the third nation from the south to prematurely wrap up their series after they edged England 36-27 in Johannesburg on Saturday.
*
Pierre Spies of South Africa takes takes on Toby Flood during the second test
match between South Africa and England at Ellis Park on June 16, 2012 in
Johannesburg, South Africa.
(
June 15, 2012 - Source: David Rogers/Getty Images Europe)
**
Melbourne
**
Wallabies snatch victory over Wales
 |
| Berrick Barnes of the Wallabies breaks passed the defence during the
International Test Match between the Australian Wallabies and Wales at Etihad
Stadium on June 16, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia.
(
June 15, 2012 - Source: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images AsiaPac)
|
**
Australia's replacement pivot Mike Harris killed off Wales' hopes of keeping their Test series alive after slotting a last-gasp penalty kick to steal a 25-23 win in Melbourne.
It was a sad case of close but no cigar for the Welsh who came within seconds of winning Down Under for the first time in 43 years and set up a series decider.
*
Nathan Sharpe of the Wallabies is tackled.
(
June 15, 2012 - Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
AsiaPac)
**
However, Harris - on for Berrick Barnes - was called upon to provide the killer blow for the Wallabies after a maul was ruled to have been dragged down and Australia's New Zealand-born super sub didn't disappoint.
The defeat left a devasted Wales outfit once again reflecting on a golden chance gone begging in a thrilling encounter that saw the lead change hands nine times as the match went down to the wire.
*
Digby Ioane of the Wallabies takes a high ball.
( June 15, 2012 - Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)
( June 15, 2012 - Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)
**
Man of the match: For Wales, Leigh Halfpenny kept his side in the hunt thanks to a flawless kicking display and perhaps would've been awarded this gong had Wales won. However, the official man of the match award went to new dad Berrick Barnes and it's hard to argue against it. Australia's number ten set up the Wallabies' only try of the match and contributed 17 points before being replaced.
*
Moment of the match: We're pretty sure every pub in Wales now have a picture of Mike Harris on the bullseye of their dartboards following the replacement's match-winning kick in extra time.
*
Villain of the match: Mike Harris - we were looking forward to seeing the series head into a decider next weekend! But we won't hold it against you... too much.
***
Berrick Barnes of the Wallabies looks to pass the ball during the International
Test Match between the Australian Wallabies and Wales at Etihad Stadium on June
16, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia.
(
June 15, 2012 - Source: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images AsiaPac)
**
Oh, baby! Wallabies, Barnes will long remember June 16
At midday on Saturday, an emotionally drained Berrick Barnes was holding his newborn premature baby at the Sydney Children's Hospital in Randwick. Test football was the last thing on his mind.
Ten hours later in Melbourne, Barnes was surrounded by well-wishers - so appreciative of his central role in one of Australian rugby's most important recent Test triumphs.
In between, Barnes was involved in several white-knuckle taxi rides, had a ''quick kip'' on the Sydney-Melbourne flight, weaved his way between several trams on Collins Street to get to the team meeting on time, booted through 17 points, set up the best try in the Test, started hobbling ''like a bullrider'' when his leg cramped up, missed a shot that could have lost the Wallabies the game, was announced the man of the match, and then witnessed from the sideline his replacement Mike Harris finish this most exceptional of days off by kicking the winning penalty. No one, not even master Hollywood scriptwriter William Goldman, could have conjured this.
And even yesterday Barnes was still trying to come to terms with his Academy Award performance for a leading role in the best rugby tear-jerker seen in years.
*
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/oh-baby-wallabies-barnes-will-long-remember-june-16-20120617-20i4x.html#ixzz1y9Z0aUEQ
*
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/oh-baby-wallabies-barnes-will-long-remember-june-16-20120617-20i4x.html#ixzz1y9Z0aUEQ
***
Rob Horne of the Wallabies is tackled during the International Test Match
between the Australian Wallabies and Wales at Etihad Stadium on June 16, 2012 in
Melbourne, Australia.
(
June 15, 2012 - Source: Scott Barbour/Getty Images AsiaPac)
**
***
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Christchurch
 |
| Brian O'Driscoll of Ireland is tackled by Dan Carter of the All Blacks during
the International Test Match between New Zealand and Ireland at AMI Stadium on
June 16, 2012 in Christchurch, New Zealand.
(
June 15, 2012 - Source:All Photos: Phil Walter/Getty Images AsiaPac)
**
All Blacks: To the last drop Irish were a real test
By Gregor Paul
*
New Zealand 22Ireland 19 They reckon the Irish are lucky. They're bloody well not. Has there been a crueller defeat in recent times? The men in green had the All Blacks on a plate - beaten up, shell-shocked, panicking and looking decidedly unlike world champions. At 19-19 and with the All Blacks reduced to 14 men thanks to an act of lunacy by Israel Dagg, this game was Ireland's - and maybe would have been had Jonny Sexton not got underneath a long-range penalty, or if referee Nigel Owens had given a scrum penalty when it looked like the All Blacks had infringed. But Ireland have a legacy of hard luck stories and this was another. They couldn't close out and to the credit of the All Blacks, they held their composure in the last three minutes to let Daniel Carter drop the winning goal at the second attempt.  ** It was a victory the All Blacks scarcely deserved. Having whacked Ireland with a big stick last week, the All Blacks encountered a more dangerous and lively foe last night - one that pushed them hard and derailed any growing sense of superiority. This was proper test match football: rugby with bite, a passionate crowd and two sides surprisingly evenly matched. Ireland were good. They were strong in all the areas where they were weak in the first test and they grew in confidence. Their scrum, an eggshell in Auckland, won penalties in Christchurch and there was some attacking venom left in Brian O'Driscoll.  ** The All Blacks' performance dipped the other way. The control and precision that was the hallmark of opening night was never really there. They couldn't play with the same tempo; couldn't feed off Ireland's mistakes, because they didn't make many; and for long periods couldn't find their rhythm or win the gainline battle. The mistakes added up. The scrum creaked some more and the injuries mounted for the All Blacks. Uncertain faces looked around for leadership and didn't always get it. Ali Williams, there to use his experience, conceded a penalty which would bring the scores level and then mouthed off to bring it forward 10 metres. His presence merely highlighted how much the All Blacks missed Kieran Read. Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder claimed earlier this year that Read was the best player on the planet. After last night, it would be hard to doubt that.  Kieran Read of the All Blacks is tackled by Kevin McLaughlin of Ireland ** Whenever the All Blacks needed a runner to smash it up, Read was on hand. Whenever they needed a big tackle, Read would make it. He didn't return for the second half - suffering a head knock just as he did last week - and there will be a level of concern, not so much about whether he will be fit for next week, but whether he will now be facing an extended stint on the sidelines. The upside, if it can be called that, was that Read's departure enabled the All Blacks to get debutant Sam Cane on earlier than they had planned. The instructions to Cane were simple - get stuck in. He wasn't shy. There was purpose and drive in his ball-carrying and he had a fair idea where the ball was. read the whole thing here, with video: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/article.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=10813521 ***  ** Ireland turned up the heat in freezing conditions to push New Zealand all the way, before eventually succumbing to a 22-19 defeat in Christchurch on Saturday. With the scores level at 19-19 and one minute remaining in the match, All Blacks pivot Dan Carter broke Irish hearts with a last-gasp drop goal to win the game and the series. * It was a valiant effort from the visitors, who led the world champions by one point (9-10) at half-time, but were left playing catch-up following an early try to Aaron Smith two minutes after the break.* But the men in green managed to claw their way back and when All Blacks full-back Israel Dagg was yellow-carded in the 72nd minute, Ireland were presented with a golden opportunity to retake the lead from 49m out. However, Jonathan Sexton's attempt had the direction but not the distance as the ball fell agonisingly short. From there the hosts put themselves into a position to set up Carter for the match-winning drop.  ** Man of the match: For New Zealand, Dan Carter was obviously the man of the moment thanks to his match-winning drop-goal. But it's hard to look past the gallant Irish who silenced their critics with a superb effort that came within fractions of the most famous Irish win in history against the world champions. And it's for that reason why we've opted for a collective award to the entire Ireland team. * Moment of the match: With 40 seconds of the match remaining, it has to be Carter's winning drop goal. * Villain of the match: Israel Dagg's brain implosion that so nearly cost his team defeat. http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,9989_7816544,00.html ***  ** 
(
June 15, 2012 - Source: Martin Hunter/Getty Images AsiaPac)
**** |
**
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Suncorp Stadium
Australia bounce back in Brisbane
*
 |
| Digby Ioane of the Wallabies is tackled during the international test match
between the Australian Wallabies and Wales at Suncorp Stadium on June 9, 2012 in
Brisbane, Australia.
(
June 8, 2012 - Source: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
AsiaPac)
**
Australia bounced back from their shock loss to Scotland with a morale-boosting 27-19 win over Wales at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Saturday.
What a difference four days makes, as the hosts dug deep to prove their doubters wrong and take a 1-0 lead in the series against this year's Six Nations Grand Slam champions.*  Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images AsiaPac ** Wales, who at one stage trailed by fourteen points (20-6), managed to claw their way back into the match and cut the deficit to one (20-19) in an absorbing encounter. * But a try by centre Pat McCabe in the 67th minute proved to be the killer blow as the Welsh slumped to their fifth straight defeat to Australia. The Wallabies' win takes the heat off under-pressure coach Robbie Deans, whose side rebounded impressively from Tuesday's Scottish disaster with an enterprising ball-in-hand game plan at their Brisbane fortress. Wales - desperate to end a 43-year drought Down Under - were forced to play catch-up rugby throughout, and it all started when Berrick Barnes opened the scoring with a straightforward penalty kick in the ninth minute. *  Sam Warburton of Wales is tackled Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac ** Man of the match: Alex Cuthbert was Wales' standout player,, while David Pocock, Scott Higginbotham, Berrick Barnes and Adam Ashley-Cooper all made significant contributions for Australia. But it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out who gets our vote - Will Genia take a bow. Apart from his try, Genia looked every bit the general in the number nine position. * Moment of the match: Genia's try... pure magic. * Villain of the match: No malice to report! http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,9989_7802790,00.html *** |
***
Kings Park Stadium
South Africa v England - First Test
**
 |
| Francois Hougaard of South Africa has his kick charged down by Tom Johnson
during the First Test match between the South Africa Springboks and England at
Kings Park Stadium on June 9, 2012 in Durban, South Africa.
(
June 8, 2012 - Source: David Rogers/Getty Images Europe)
**
First blood to South Africa
South Africa landed the first blow in their three-Test series with England as a strong second-half showing saw them win 22-17 in Durban on Saturday.
Tries from Morne Steyn and Jean de Villiers did the damage after the turnaround as the visitors struggled to repeat their impressive opening.
* It was a deserved win for the Springboks however as they recovered well from a disappointing half that saw the sides go in with six points apiece. 
Marcell Coetzee during the 1st Castle Lager Incoming Tour test match between
South Africa and England from Mr Price Kings Park on June 09, 2012 in Durban,
South Africa.
(
June 8, 2012 - Source: Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe)
**
England began in a cool fashion and looked comfortable in possession, taking all the correct options in the opening ten minutes. Ben Youngs was assured at the base while Dan Cole was hungry and Tom Johnson got through a great deal of carrying work as the Boks played second fiddle.
* The visitors were rewarded for their efforts too as South Africa debutant Eben Etzebeth failed to roll away after a Cole carry. Consequently, Owen Farrell was able to send over the first points of the series from 40 metres out in the seventh minute. * But that sparked the Boks into life and it was their battering ram, Willem Alberts, who was creating the go-forward, resulting in Morne Steyn drawing his side level with fourteen minutes gone. * There was definitely a chess match feel to the action.
*
Ben Youngs of England runs with the ball during the First Test match between the
South Africa Springboks and England at Kings Park Stadium on June 9, 2012 in
Durban, South Africa.
(
June 8, 2012 - Source: David Rogers/Getty Images Europe)
**
Man-of-the-match: Alongside hooker Bismarck du Plessis, flanker Willem Alberts carried like a warrior for South Africa. A mention for England debutant Tom Johnson for his first-half.
* Moment-of-the-match: The try from Jean de Villiers was a sucker punch to England on the hour mark and put the Boks two scores up at 16-6. From that point on England were playing catch-up and in a second-half where they rarely threatened, the result was arguably settled. * Villain-of-the-match: Barring a bit of push and shove between Owen Farrell and Frans Steyn after the latter had kicked the ball at England's fly-half, it wasn't too feisty at all.
***
South Africa 22 England 17: match report
A tough tour suddenly got a whole lot tougher. This was the game England had to win because South Africa were undercooked and because England had to build on the momentum and confidence gained from the Six Nations. But it did not go to plan. Not remotely.
Ben Morgan of England charges upfield
(
June 8, 2012 - Source: David Rogers/Getty Images Europe)
**
The stark conclusions from what was a very ordinary Test match were that England still lack an attack that is capable of unlocking defences, even one as pedestrian as South Africa’s, and that they lack forwards who can mix it with the Bok pack.
It was reasonably close in the end thanks to a smartly taken try by Ben Foden but in the third quarter, when South Africa finally got their big men smashing forward, England were beaten in the collisions, beaten for territory, beaten for possession.
The result means that the Boks have won eight straight games against English opposition. With two Tests to come, there is every chance of that number reaching a damaging double figures.
It does not help England’s cause that South Africa took an age to find themselves in their first Test under Heyneke Meyer.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/england/9321690/South-Africa-22-England-17-match-report.html *** 
Tom Johnson of England runs with the ball during the First Test match between
the South Africa Springboks and England at Kings Park Stadium on June 9, 2012 in
Durban, South Africa.
(
June 8, 2012 - Source: David Rogers/Getty Images Europe)
**
South
Africa meet England in the second Test match in Johannesburg next Saturday.
***
|
EDEN PARK
**
New Zealand 42
Ireland 10
*
All Blacks v Ireland try scoring highlights from first Test in 2012
**
All Blacks stout - Irish missed
By Gregor Paul
The scoreline was emphatic, the performance not quite so certain but the overall picture crystal-clear - the All Blacks have put the World Cup behind them and are on their way to conquering new summits.
If Ireland were ever a chance they didn't let on. They never got stuck into their assigned role of brave loser - a brief resistance in the opening 20 minutes was all they put down before they were swallowed whole.
There was a resigned quality to their work - almost as if they accepted barely a quarter of the way in that the All Blacks weren't really in a mood to be nervous, overwhelmed hosts. Generosity wasn't on show from the All Blacks: they left few areas for Ireland to exploit.
The lineout, so often a source of woe, was French-train efficient. The scrum battle belonged to the All Blacks, even if they didn't get the dominance they thought they might until later in the piece, and the collisions weren't particularly frantic, with both sides protecting their possession well enough.
The big gulf was in the ability to exploit mistakes. Ireland, used to the more pedestrian world of Northern Hemisphere rugby, got a sharp reminder that down here dropped ball can be a serious crime.
Anything loose and the All Blacks pounced - they were razor-sharp at shifting the ball into space from broken play. Innate rugby skills came to the fore and that alertness, willingness to go hard when half an opportunity presents is the kernel that will grow throughout the season.
***
Zac Guildford of the All Blacks is tackled by Jonathan Sexton of Ireland during
the International Test Match between the New Zealand All Blacks and Ireland at
Eden Park on June 9, 2012 in Auckland, New Zealand.
(
June 8, 2012 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images AsiaPac)
**
Kieran Read of the All Blacks makes a break
**
Easy does it for All Blacks
All Blacks wing Julian Savea scored a hat-trick on debut to help the world champions to a comprehensive 42-10 win over Ireland at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday.
The talented speedster crossed twice in the first half and again after the break to cap a memorable night in his first Test outing for New Zealand, as the home side opened their 2012 account with a bang.
*
The win also saw the All Blacks extend their winning run at Eden Park to 28 Tests, dating back to 1994.
A general view of Eden Park during the International Test Match between the New
Zealand All Blacks and Ireland at Eden Park on June 9, 2012 in Auckland, New
Zealand.
*
The win also saw the All Blacks extend their winning run at Eden Park to 28 Tests, dating back to 1994.
(
June 8, 2012 - Source: Sandra Mu/Getty Images AsiaPac)
**
The visitors were outscored five tries to one, and based on this quality performance from the hosts, it looks like Ireland will have to wait a little longer for that elusive victory over the men in black.
Whilst the scoreline resembles one-way traffic, it took a while for New Zealand to click into a gear as the Irish threatened to give the home side a run for their money early on - Rob Kearney in particular impressing with ball in hand.
Richie McCaw charges forward
(
June 8, 2012 - Source: Hannah Johnston/Getty Images
AsiaPac)
**
Israel Dagg of the All Blacks loses the ball
Hannah Johnston/Getty Images AsiaPac
**
Man of the match: For Ireland, Sean O'Brien and Rory Best were the pick of the forwards while Rob Kearney was a pillar of strength at the back. New Zealand number eight Kieran Read proved why he's rated the best in his position, while Carter was his influential self at 10 - finishing with a match haul of 17 points. Scrum-half Aaron Smith produced an outstanding debut with his rapid service keeping the backline moving, but wing Julian Savea gets our vote. A constant threat out wide, the 21-year-old made history by becoming the first All Black to get a hat-trick against Ireland in only his first Test appearance.
*
Moment of the match: Even though there were six tries scored in all, we've opted for Savea's bone-crunching hit on Kearney that proved New Zealand's hat-trick hero is no slouch on defence either.
***
Sonny Bill Williams of the All Blacks offloads during the International Test
Match
(
June 8, 2012 - Source: Hannah Johnston/Getty Images
AsiaPac)
**
The action moves on to Christchurch next week with the men in green determined to put this loss behind them and level the series, ahead of the third and final encounter in Hamilton.
(
June 8, 2012 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images AsiaPac)
***
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Scotland 9 - Australia 6
Scotland shocks Wallabies in sodden Newcastle Test match
**
 |
| Australia v Scotland at Hunter Stadium, Newcastle. Tought conditions for a game of rugby. Picture: Mark Evans Source: The Australian ** Scotland retained the Hopetoun Cup on Tuesday after recording a last-minute 9-6 triumph over Australia in terrible weather at Hunter Stadium. An 80th minute Greig Laidlaw penalty sparked mass celebrations from the touring side, who made it back-to-back wins over the Wallabies. Man-of-the-match: It was going to be Scotland openside Ross Rennie for 24 tackles made and zero being missed, but that was before the 80th minute. Well done Greig Laidlaw. |
**
Daniel Palmer of the Wallabies runs the ball during the International Test match
between the Australian Wallabies and Scotland at Hunter Stadium on June 5, 2012
in Newcastle, Australia.
(
June 4, 2012 - Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
AsiaPac)
***
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)