Saturday, June 29, 2013

2nd Test- Etihad Stadium- Melbourne

Australia edge Lions by single point in thriller

Adam Ashley-Cooper of the Wallabies dives to score a try during game two of the International Test Series between the Australian Wallabies and the British & Irish Lions at Etihad Stadium on June 29, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia.

(June 28, 2013 - Source: Scott Barbour/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Jonathan Sexton of the Lions charges upfield during game two of the International Test Series between the Australian Wallabies and the British & Irish Lions at Etihad Stadium on June 29, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia.

(June 28, 2013 - Source: David Rogers/Getty Images AsiaPac)

A magnificent curling conversion from Christian Lealiifano gave Australia a 16-15 win to level the Lions Test series at 1-1.

Adam Ashley-Cooper's 76th minute sucker-punch broke the Lions hearts, with Leigh Halfpenny's injury-time penalty attempt dropping short of the posts.

It means that the Test series will go down to the wire in Sydney next weekend - the final chapter in an enthralling, brutal tour that has left the nerves of both sets of supporters in shreds.

Israel Folau of the Wallabies is tackled during game two of the International Test Series between the Australian Wallabies and the British & Irish Lions at Etihad Stadium on June 29, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia.

(June 28, 2013 - Source: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Kurtley Beale of the Wallabies catches the ball as Jonathan Davies challenges during game two of the International Test Series between the Australian Wallabies and the British & Irish Lions at Etihad Stadium on June 29, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia.

(June 28, 2013 - Source: David Rogers/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Man of the match: Hard to look past the Lions captain. Sam Warburton was initially a doubt to start in the Test series, let alone lead the Lions, but his performance in Melbourne regardless of how the result turned out was always going to go down in history. His loss to injury in the 67th minute was a cruel blow.

Moment of the match: The composure of Christian Leali'ifano to curl in that conversion spoke volumes of the young man. An incredibly assured performance.

Match Report Here:

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Will Genia of the Wallabies passes the ball during game two of the International Test Series between the Australian Wallabies and the British & Irish Lions at Etihad Stadium on June 29, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia.

(June 28, 2013 - Source: David Rogers/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Ben Mowen of the Wallabies stretches for a lineout during game two of the International Test Series between the Australian Wallabies and the British & Irish Lions at Etihad Stadium on June 29, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia.

(June 28, 2013 - Source: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Wallabies down Lions 16-15 in second Test to set up series decider

Dan Lydiate of the Lions takes on Christian Leali'fano during game two of the International Test Series between the Australian Wallabies and the British & Irish Lions at Etihad Stadium on June 29, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia.

(June 28, 2013 - Source: David Rogers/Getty Images AsiaPac)

A BOLD captain's call and a nerveless conversion by a second-game "debutant" saw the Wallabies snatch a thrilling victory over the Lions in Melbourne.

Rookie Wallaby Christian Lealiifano went from out-cold in Brisbane to ice-cold last night when he slotted a 76th minute goal from near the sideline, which lifted the Wallabies to a 16-15 win and kept the Test series alive heading to Sydney.

The kick from Lealiifano, who was knocked out in the opening minute in the first Test, came after the Wallabies clawed their way back in a mistake-riddled performance to score the game's only try through centre Adam Ashley-Cooper with just four minutes left.

Trailing 15-9 and with the Lions sensing their first series triumph since 1997 was in hand, Wallabies skipper James Horwill turned down a kickable penalty with nine minutes left to push for a winning try with a scrum on the red line.

Putting aside a mountain of errors, the Wallabies managed to hold on to the ball long enough for under-siege five-eighth James O'Connor to put Ashley-Cooper through a gap and light up the record 56,771 crowd.

Match Report Here:

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George North of the Lions carries Israel Folau of the Wallabies during game two of the International Test Series between the Australian Wallabies and the British & Irish Lions at Etihad Stadium on June 29, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia.

(June 28, 2013 - Source: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Lions winger George North summed up the physical effort of the tourists when being tackled by his opposite number Israel Folau on the hour mark, hoisting the former rugby league international into the air and running forwards with him on his shoulder in an incredible moment that will go down in Lions folklore.

(June 28, 2013 - Source: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Sam Warburton of the Lions catches the ball from a line out during game two of the International Test Series between the Australian Wallabies and the British & Irish Lions at Etihad Stadium on June 29, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia.

(June 28, 2013 - Source: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Leigh Halfpenny (L) of the Lions looks on after attempting to kick a penalty as James Horwill and Benn Robinson celebrate victory during game two of the International Test Series between the Australian Wallabies and the British & Irish Lions at Etihad Stadium on June 29, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia.

(June 28, 2013 - Source: Scott Barbour/Getty Images AsiaPac)

next test:

Saturday 6th July

British & Irish Lions v Australia

ANZ Stadium, Sydney

****

L'EQUIPE - 1959

by French artist Paul Ordner showing Welsh Red and French Blue colours... all of them published in the 60s by French sports newspaper "L'Equipe" in their rugby annuals...

Rugby Pioneers

****

Saturday, June 22, 2013

1st Test-Suncorp Stadium -Brisbane

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Australia 21 Lions 23

George North of the Lions breaks clear to score the first Lions try during the First Test match between the Australian Wallabies and the British & Irish Lions at Suncorp Stadium on June 22, 2013 in Brisbane, Australia.

(June 21, 2013 - Source: David Rogers/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Man of the match: Jamie Heaslip was solid, as was Jonathan Davies, Brian O'Driscoll and Leigh Halfpenny. But for his ability to change a game, George North gets this gong, seeing off opposition wing and two-try debutant Israel Folau. North's try was something special.

Moment of the match: Unfortunate that it has to be a mistake but Kurtley Beale's slip in the act of kicking his last-minute penalty effort ultimately saw the Lions hold on. Heartbreak for Beale, elation for the Lions who, like twelve years ago, take the first Test in Brisbane.

Match Report Here:

Israel Folau of the Wallabies takes on the defence during the First Test match between the Australian Wallabies and the British & Irish Lions at Suncorp Stadium on June 22, 2013 in Brisbane, Australia.

(June 21, 2013 - Source: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Alex Corbisiero of the Lions carries the ball during the First Test match between the Australian Wallabies and the British & Irish Lions at Suncorp Stadium on June 22, 2013 in Brisbane, Australia.

(June 21, 2013 - Source: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Benn Robinson of the Wallabies runs the ball during the First Test match between the Australian Wallabies and the British & Irish Lions at Suncorp Stadium on June 22, 2013 in Brisbane, Australia.

(June 21, 2013 - Source: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images AsiaPac)

James O'Connor of the Wallabies protects a maul during the First Test match between the Australian Wallabies and the British & Irish Lions at Suncorp Stadium on June 22, 2013 in Brisbane, Australia.

(June 21, 2013 - Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Digby Ioane of the Wallabies takes on the defence during the First Test match between the Australian Wallabies and the British & Irish Lions at Suncorp Stadium on June 22, 2013 in Brisbane, Australia.

(June 21, 2013 - Source: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Adam Ashley-Cooper of the Wallabies attempts to break free from the defence during the First Test match between the Australian Wallabies and the British & Irish Lions at Suncorp Stadium on June 22, 2013 in Brisbane, Australia.

(June 21, 2013 - Source: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Leigh Halfpenny of the Lions is tackled by Digby Ioane during the First Test match between the Australian Wallabies and the British & Irish Lions at Suncorp Stadium on June 22, 2013 in Brisbane, Australia.

(June 21, 2013 - Source: David Rogers/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Will Genia of the Wallabies moves away from Jamie Heaslip during the First Test match between the Australian Wallabies and the British & Irish Lions at Suncorp Stadium on June 22, 2013 in Brisbane, Australia.

(June 21, 2013 - Source: David Rogers/Getty Images AsiaPac)

George North of the Lions is tackled by Israel Folau of the Wallabies to prevent a try during the First Test match between the Australian Wallabies and the British & Irish Lions at Suncorp Stadium on June 22, 2013 in Brisbane, Australia.

(June 21, 2013 - Source: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Next Test:

June 29

Etihad Stadium, Melbourne

***

3rd test - New Plymouth

Daniel Carter of the All Blacks runs into Antonie Claassen of France during the Third Test Match between the New Zealand All Blacks and France at Yarrow Stadium on June 22, 2013 in New Plymouth, New Zealand.

(June 21, 2013 - Source: Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images AsiaPac)

All Blacks complete French clean sweep

The All Blacks completed a 3-0 series victory over France on Saturday with a 24-9 win at Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth.

The result is New Zealand's seventh consecutive win over the French, who were once again held try-less, but the result hung in the balance right up to the dying minutes.

New Zeland led 8-6 at the end of an entertaining first-half thanks to a try from wing Ben Smith, but there was very little to choose between the sides.

Owen Franks is tackled by Bernard Le Roux of France during the Third Test Match between the New Zealand All Blacks and France at Yarrow Stadium on June 22, 2013 in New Plymouth, New Zealand.

(June 21, 2013 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Indeed, the fired-up Bleus put in a much-improved display in all areas on last week's disaster - especially at the set piece and in their kicking out of hand - and regularly breached the All Blacks' defensive line.

But the hosts would strike at crucial times with Smith's try coming just before the break before Beauden Barrett scored in the last minute to give the scoreline a flattering appearance.

Ma'a Nonu of the All Blacks charges forward during the Third Test Match between the New Zealand All Blacks and France at Yarrow Stadium on June 22, 2013 in New Plymouth, New Zealand.

(June 21, 2013 - Source: Hannah Johnston/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Man of the Match A mention for rookie French pivot Remi Talès, who gave France a new attacking dimension but the standout performnace came from Luke Romano who carried like a machine and tackled tirelessly.

Moment of the match: No doubt about this one, Ben Smith's try turned the tide in New Zealand's favour.

Match Report Here:

Rene Ranger of the All Blacks makes a run during the Third Test Match between the New Zealand All Blacks and France at Yarrow Stadium on June 22, 2013 in New Plymouth, New Zealand.

(June 21, 2013 - Source: Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images AsiaPac)

All Blacks: ABs end series content

Contentment rather than elation flooded the All Black camp last night. Their ability to emerge triumphant against what they felt was the best French performance of the series was being cherished.

That was the point All Black coach Steve Hansen was at pains to stress - France had come to play, had kicked superbly and competed everywhere they needed to.

Ideally the All Blacks would have finished on a high by delivering an emphatic, dominating performance that left no doubt about their world ranking. That wasn't possible given the efforts of the French, but just because the game never flowed or the All Blacks never cut loose, wasn't necessarily enough to convince Hansen he and his players shouldn't be proud of what they managed.

"We probably didn't get them [improvements on Christchurch] in the way we would have liked to get them with a big flash scoreboard saying that we have won the game and we have won it easily," he said.

"What we got was a genuine contest and it was a battle of wills and we saw ourselves get through that. The pleasing part of our game was the last 20 minutes where we started to come forward and dominate with our defence and get some territory.

"The poorest part of our game was ball maintenance and we will have to improve that."

Read the whole article here from NZ Herald.

Sam Whitelock of the All Blacks is tackled by Thierry Dusautoir of France during the Third Test Match between the New Zealand All Blacks and France at Yarrow Stadium on June 22, 2013 in New Plymouth, New Zealand.

(June 21, 2013 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images AsiaPac)

The All Blacks perform the haka during the Third Test Match between the New Zealand All Blacks and France at Yarrow Stadium on June 22, 2013 in New Plymouth, New Zealand.

(June 21, 2013 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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Thursday, June 20, 2013

100 years of epic Rugby

ALL BLACKS v FRANCE: 100 YEARS OF EPIC RUGBY (2013) from Red McLeod on Vimeo.

Monday, June 17, 2013

Dave Gallaher Trophy

Dave Gallaher Trophy

Ben Smith of the All Blacks is tackled in the back by Wesley Fofana of France during the International Test match between the New Zealand All Blacks and France at AMI Stadium on June 15, 2013 in Christchurch, New Zealand.

(June 14, 2013 - Source: Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images AsiaPac)

New Zealand sealed a Test series victory over France with a dominant 30-0 win at AMI Stadium in Christchurch on Saturday.

The two sides will meet again next weekend in New Plymouth with France unable to overtake New Zealand's unassailable 2-0 lead, which came after a comfortable victory over their fellow 2011 Rugby World Cup finalists.

match report here:

Ma'a Nonu of the All Blacks makes a break during the International Test match between the New Zealand All Blacks and France at AMI Stadium on June 15, 2013 in Christchurch, New Zealand.

(June 14, 2013 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Kieran Read of the All Blacks holds up the trophy's following the International Test match between the New Zealand All Blacks and France at AMI Stadium on June 15, 2013 in Christchurch, New Zealand.

(June 14, 2013 - Source: Joseph Johnson/Getty Images AsiaPac)

The Dave Gallaher Trophy is a rugby union trophy, contested between France and New Zealand and named after Dave Gallaher, the famous 1905–06 All Black captain who was killed in Belgium during World War I.

Tony Woodcock of the All Blacks is wrapped up during the International Test match between the New Zealand All Blacks and France at AMI Stadium on June 15, 2013 in Christchurch, New Zealand.

(June 14, 2013 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Aaron Smith of the All Blacks passing the ball during the International Test match between the New Zealand All Blacks and France at AMI Stadium on June 15, 2013 in Christchurch, New Zealand.

(June 14, 2013 - Source: Joseph Johnson/Getty Images AsiaPac)

New Zealand cruise past France to win series

Tries to wingers Julian Savea and Ben Smith and replacement Beauden Barrett helped New Zealand to a 30-0 victory over France in the second Test on Saturday and sealed the three-match series with a game to spare.

Fly-half Aaron Cruden slotted 15 points with the boot as the All Blacks took nearly every scoring opportunity they had and played an intelligent game built around kicking behind the French line and keeping them pinned in their territory.

New Zealand won the first match 23-13 at Eden Park in Auckland last week and the final test is in New Plymouth next week.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Andy Capp 1961

1961

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Saturday, June 8, 2013

2013 Steinlager Series

All Blacks overcome tough France

Israel Dagg of the All Blacks makes a break during the first test match between the New Zealand All Blacks and France at Eden Park on June 8, 2013 in Auckland, New Zealand.

(June 7, 2013 - Source: Hannah Johnston/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Once again New Zealand were made to work very hard to get the better of France at Eden Park, winning 23-13 in an entertaining clash on Saturday.

In the first game between these sides since the 2011 Rugby World Cup Final at the same venue, the All Blacks outscored their visitors two tries to one but were pushed all the way by a French side showing a marked improvement on their woeful Six Nations campaign.

Luke Romano of the All Blacks is tackled by Sebastien Vahaamahina of France during the first test match between the New Zealand All Blacks and France at Eden Park on June 8, 2013 in Auckland, New Zealand.

(June 7, 2013 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Both sides wasted several golden opportunities to score, most notably France number eight Louis Picamoles who dropped the ball with the line open following a devastating break from Florian Fritz.

The second match of the series is in Christchurch on June 15 with the final game in New Plymouth a week later.

Kieran Read of the All Blacks makes a break during the first test match between the New Zealand All Blacks and France at Eden Park on June 8, 2013 in Auckland, New Zealand.

(June 7, 2013 - Source: Hannah Johnston/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Man of the match: A tough call to make. Louis Picamoles, Florian Fritz and Adrien Plante all did well for France while Ma'a Nonu made a welcome return to form in the black 12 jersey. But we'll go for Ben Smith, who not only created New Zealand's first try, but was rock solid at the back as the French looked to get the ball behind the Kiwi pack.

Moment of the match: The difference between the sides proved to be Sam Cane's try on the stroke of half time after Nonu beat Dusautoir.

Game recap @ Planet Rugby

Ma'a Nonu of the All Blacks is tackled by Louis Picamoles of France during the first test match between the New Zealand All Blacks and France at Eden Park on June 8, 2013 in Auckland, New Zealand.

(June 7, 2013 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Ben Smith of the All Blacks breaks the tackle of Thierry Dusautoir of France during the first test match between the New Zealand All Blacks and France at Eden Park on June 8, 2013 in Auckland, New Zealand.

(June 7, 2013 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Vincent Debaty of France (R) fends off Aaron Cruden of the All Blacks during the first test match between the New Zealand All Blacks and France at Eden Park on June 8, 2013 in Auckland, New Zealand.

(June 7, 2013 - Source: Sandra Mu/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Sebastien Vahaamahina of France charges into Sam Cane of New Zealand during the first test match between the New Zealand All Blacks and France at Eden Park on June 8, 2013 in Auckland, New Zealand.

(June 7, 2013 - Source: Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images AsiaPac)

The All Blacks will be grateful they ground out a victory. They were bent out of shape and fractured for much of the test while France will rue another missed chance to get one over the famous rivals.

Rene Ranger of New Zealand runs on despite the tackle from Thierry Dusautoir of France during the first test match between the New Zealand All Blacks and France at Eden Park on June 8, 2013 in Auckland, New Zealand.

(June 7, 2013 - Source: Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images AsiaPac)