Showing posts with label autumn tour 12. Show all posts
Showing posts with label autumn tour 12. Show all posts

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Heartbreak at Millennium Stadium

**
 Kurtley Beale of Australia scores a last minute try to win the match under pressure from Alex Cuthbert of Wales during the International match between Wales and Australia at Millennium Stadium on December 1, 2012 in Cardiff, Wales.
(November 30, 2012 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)
**

Beale breaks Welsh hearts

A last-minute try from Kurtley Beale denied Wales victory over old foes Australia as the Gold run continued with a 14-12 result on Saturday.
The loss meant that Wales, the current Grand Slam champions and World Cup semi-finalists, fell out of the top-eight seeds for RWC 2015, the draw for which takes place on Monday.
The game had looked to be going Wales' way at 12-9 with a minute to play, but replacement flanker Dave Dennis found a metre of space out wide with the Welsh defence flagging and fed Beale, who outpaced Alex Cuthbert to the corner.
It was a ninth victory in 15 Tests of a marathon season for Australia and meant they leapfrogged South Africa into second in the IRB rankings.
*
 Liam Williams of Wales is tackled by Ben Tapuai of Australia during the International match between Wales and Australia at Millennium Stadium on December 1, 2012 in Cardiff, Wales.
(November 30, 2012 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)
**
Man of the match: We go for Leigh Halfpenny after another impressive performance at the back for his country. He was yet again faultless covering the ground in attack and defence while his kicking from hand and tee means that he edges out Wallaby flank David Pocock.
Moment of the match: Of course, that last-gasp try from Kurtley Beale.
***
 Nathan Sharpe of Australia is tackled by Matthew Rees of Wales during the International match between Wales and Australia at Millennium Stadium on December 1, 2012 in Cardiff, Wales.
(November 30, 2012 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)
**

 Wycliff Palu of Australia dives to save a certain try from Toby Faletau of Wales during the International match between Wales and Australia at Millennium Stadium on December 1, 2012 in Cardiff, Wales.
(November 30, 2012 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)
**

Switching Berrick Barnes the winning move

  • BRET HARRIS 
  • From:The Australian
  • WHILE Kurtley Beale scored the Wallabies' match-winning try against Wales in Cardiff in the last minute, the turning point in the game yesterday arrived midway through the second half.
    Reserve fullback Mike Harris replaced inside centre Ben Tapuai in the 58th minute -- the key tactical substitution in the game.
    Wales' consistent fullback Leigh Halfpenny put the Welsh in front 12-9 with his fourth penalty goal in the 60th minute and for the next 10 minutes it looked as Australia was playing for a match-equalising penalty goal.
    But with 10 minutes remaining the Wallabies changed tactics and chased a match-winning try.
    Having Berrick Barnes at inside centre enabled them to play with more width as they shifted the ball to the edges to beat the Welsh rush defence on the outside.
    With Beale just about out on his feet, Barnes then effectively took over as first receiver for the last five minutes.
    *
    •  Wallabies forward Scott Higginbotham charges through the tackle of Toby Faletau during the International match between Australia and Wales at Millennium Stadium on December 1, 2012 in Cardiff, Wales.
    (November 30, 2012 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe)
    **
    A long cut-out pass from Barnes to Harris initiated the attacking movement that led to Beale's try.
    The Wallabies played their best attacking rugby of the European tour in the last 10 minutes of the Welsh Test and a lot of critics would question why they did not play that way all the time.
    The reality is there was no way this tired team could play an up-tempo, expansive style of game for 80 minutes, but they managed to do it at the end when necessary.
    Those who saw the Wallabies train last week realised they were just about out of juice.
    *
    Wales led 12-9 with 10 minutes left when Wallabies captain Nathan Sharpe, who played superbly in his last Test by dominating the lineout and carrying the ball strongly, decided to chase a match-winning try.
    That's when the substitution of Harris for Tapuai benefited the Wallabies as it allowed Barnes to come into the front line and run the attack instead of Beale, who was just about spent.
    With Barnes playing the ball-distributor role, Beale had the freedom to roam out wide and that's how he was in a position to score the match-winning try.
    ***
     Alex Cuthbert of Wales is tackled by Berrick Barnes and Ben Tapuai of Australia during the International match between Wales and Australia at Millennium Stadium on December 1, 2012 in Cardiff, Wales.
    (November 30, 2012 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)
    **

     Kurtley Beale of Australia is tackled by Aaron Shingler Lou Reed and Sam Warburton of Wales during the International match between Wales and Australia at Millennium Stadium on December 1, 2012 in Cardiff, Wales.
    (November 30, 2012 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)
    **

     The Australian Team look on as Nathan Sharpe takes the final kick of the game during the International match between Wales and Australia at Millennium Stadium on December 1, 2012 in Cardiff, Wales.
    (November 30, 2012 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)
    **

    Emotional ending for Sharpe

    It certainly wasn't the way Nathan Sharpe envisaged ending his rugby career but a missed conversion was the last act for this retiring Wallaby.
    For the past 16 years, the strapping lock has earned a living by smashing into rucks, leaping in line-outs and pushing in the middle of scrums.
    Lining up kicks from the touchline has never been on his to-do list. But there he was in the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, 30 metres out and attempting a conversion with his last competitive touch of rugby ball.
    His kick failed to reach the posts - one of the few times Sharpe has come up short as a Wallaby.
    "Of course I'm going to miss it - it's what I've done since I can remember," an emotional Sharpe said as he assessed his long, distinguished career after the 14-12 victory over Wales.
    "I am going to have to find some walls to run into every weekend, just to get my head around things, ease my way out of it."
    "The thing I'll probably miss most is being in the team environment, having a collective goal in a pressure-cooker situation each weekend," he said, close to tears.
    Sharpe's debut for Australia came in a match against France in 2002 and he turned out for 115 more tests, making him the Wallabies' second most-capped players after scrum-half great George Gregan.
    ***
    Nathan Sharpe of Australia is tackled by Matthew Rees of Wales during the International match between Wales and Australia at Millennium Stadium on December 1, 2012 in Cardiff, Wales.
    (November 30, 2012 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)
    **
    Posted by at
    Labels:

    Saturday, December 1, 2012

    All Blacks run into a Buzz Saw

    **

    Brilliant England stun New Zealand


     Brodie Retallick of New Zealand tries to disturb the maul during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on December 1, 2012 in London, England.
    (November 30, 2012 - Source: Hannah Johnston/Getty Images Europe)
    **
    Delirium was the order of the day on Saturday at Twickenham as England defeated New Zealand 38-21 with three second-half tries.
    New Zealand responded to a 15-0 defecit with scores from Julian Savea and Kieran Read, before England took charge thanks to three of their own from Brad Barritt, Chris Ashton and Manu Tuilagi in an astonishing second-half performance.
    *
     Kieran Read of New Zealand runs through to score a try during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on December 1, 2012 in London, England.
    (November 30, 2012 - Source: Hannah Johnston/Getty Images Europe)
    **
    Man of the match: Two assists and one crucial interception try from Manu Tuilagi make him the player of the day.
    Moment of the match: With New Zealand edging back into the match, Brad Barritt's score swung the momentum back in England's favour.
    Villain of the match: The mystery bug that struck New Zealand earlier in the week. McCaw might have denied it would have an effect, but the All Blacks looked exhausted.
    ***
     Owen Farrell of England tackles Conrad Smith of New Zealand during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on December 1, 2012 in London, England.
    (November 30, 2012 - Source: Clive Rose/Getty Images Europe)
    **

    All Blacks stunned by England

    By Gregor Paul in London
    The unbeaten record has gone. The season has ended in stunningly bad fashion with England bursting into astonishing life at Twickenham to not only beat the All Blacks - but to beat them well and to beat them playing inspired rugby.
    England looked a lot more like the All Blacks than New Zealand did. They were smart, they were committed and they were creative. And on top of that they were relentlessly physical. They won because they deserved it - ran the All Blacks off their feet in the end after blasting them off in the first half. New Zealand didn't have a lot of answers - it's been a long season for sure but they were in London to win and didn't stand a chance, not because of fatigue but because they weren't allowed to play the game they wanted.
    They weren't really allowed to play any game as England controlled things for most of the game bar the first 10 minutes of the second half when the All Blacks scored two tries and gave the impression they were going to storm home at a canter.
    Didn't happen. It was England all the way from there. Much like France did on the same ground in 1999 at about the same stage in the game, England went a little crazy.
    *
     Israel Dagg of New Zealand kicks the ball up field during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on December 1, 2012 in London, England.
    (November 30, 2012 - Source: Clive Rose/Getty Images Europe)
    **
    England are peppered with criticism for not playing a Southern Hemisphere style of rugby. But why should they? When they play their own style, they can be deadly.
    They were impressive in the way they mixed their brutality with a bit of trickery and movement in the midfield to keep the momentum going. Why take the All Blacks on at the high tempo business? No one wins when they try. So England kept it simple and they kept it effective and once they had built the pressure, then they went wider and harder and faster.
    It was a supremely well constructed performance that had flow and momentum all of its own.
    The pack worked the one off runners around the fringes and then Owen Farrell would bring Manu Tuilaigi into the game on direct busts up the middle and off they would go again. Some good tactical kicking was mixed in and New Zealand were made to look ordinary - rattled and scrambling, easily the toughest 40 minutes they have endured in 2012.
    read the whole thing here:
    ***
     Victor Vito of New Zealand is tackled by Brad Barritt of England during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on December 1, 2012 in London, England.
    (November 30, 2012 - Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)
    **

    England v New Zealand: Stuart Lancaster's men hit new heights with record win over the All Blacks

    England came of age under Stuart Lancaster on Saturday, producing one of their greatest performances of recent years to inflict a record-breaking defeat on the mighty New Zealand.

    Lancaster’s side, inspired by the exceptional Manu Tuilagi, banished the memory of their frustrating defeats against Australia and South Africa to rip apart the reigning world champions with an exhilarating performance that saw them lead 12-0 at half-time and then run in three tries in eight giddy minutes midway through the second period, just when the All Blacks were threatening a trademark comeback.
    It was enough to secure the hosts’ first triumph against the Kiwis - who had been unbeaten in their previous 20 Tests - since 2003 while the margin was England’s best against these opponents.
    *
     Brad Barritt of England goes over to score the first try during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on December 1, 2012 in London, England.
    (November 30, 2012 - Source: Clive Rose/Getty Images Europe)
    **
    New Zealand, the world’s No 1-ranked side, were 1-12 favourites to beat an inexperienced England team with barely 200 caps between them. However, Owen Farrell kicked England into a 15-point lead just after the interval and, while the All Blacks hit back with two converted tries of their own, Tuilagi then took charge by setting up two and scoring the third try himself.
    New Zealand’s squad had been affected by the norovirus in the build-up to the game but Richie McCaw, the All Blacks captain, refused to use that as an excuse for a below-par performance.
    “If we had fallen off at the end then probably we could have blamed it on that,” McCaw said. “But we just struggled to get into the game and, apart from that period after half-time, we were on the back foot.”
    History Boys
     Cory Jane of New Zealand is marshalled by Mike Brown of England during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on December 1, 2012 in London, England.
    (November 30, 2012 - Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)
    **
    England 38 New Zealand 21: Sensational display of character sees Lancaster's men turn their autumn around
    As Twickenham Man bellowed Swing Low, Sweet Chariot and Irish referee George Clancy blew for full-time after 80 tumultuous minutes, England — much maligned and virtually written off by the pundits — completed one of their greatest-ever victories.
    New Zealand began their final match of an unbeaten year as 12-1 on favourites to brush aside an England team that, for all their physicality in losing to South Africa last week, had not given even their most ardent supporters a shred of hope that they were capable of halting the All Black juggernaut.
    But an extraordinary performance by Chris Robshaw’s men simply made a mockery both of the odds that had been stacked against them and, for that matter, the experts who had expected the English to be steamrollered.
    The records tumbled. It was the highest ever score by England against the All Blacks and a record winning margin of 17 points — beating England’s previous best of 13 in 1936.
    *
    It was also New Zealand’s second-heaviest defeat in their long and largely successful history — and this despite the fact that they started the game on an unbeaten run of 20 Tests and with a line-up boasting 788 caps to England’s paltry 206. 
    And it was England’s first win over the All Blacks since Martin Johnson’s men won in 2003 in Wellington, five months before they lifted the World Cup in Australia.  
    *
    In halting a run of nine defeats by New Zealand, England were, to a man, magnificent. Tom Wood was made man of the match, and rightly so. He brought the ‘dog’ he had promised to the breakdown and how England benefited from his pitbull aggression. 
    But Wood was not alone. Joe Launchbury is the find of the autumn and produced yet another outstanding display in the loose, the lineout and at the re-starts. And Tom Youngs, in just his fourth Test, carried the ball like a man possessed.
    ***

    Dan Carter of New Zealand tries to burst through the England defense during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on December 1, 2012 in London, England.
    (November 30, 2012 - Source: Clive Rose/Getty Images Europe)
    **
    The rankings for the 2015 Rugby World Cup draw have been completed following Saturday's two internationals.
    1 New Zealand - 90.08
    2 South Africa - 86.94
    3 Australia - 86.87
    4 France - 85.07
    5 England - 83.90
    6 Ireland - 80.22
    7 Samoa - 78.71
    8 Argentina - 78.71
    9 Wales - 78.39
    10 Italy - 76.24
    11 Tonga - 76.10
    12 Scotland - 75.83
    England will remain fifth in the rankings but the gap to France above them will be slashed by nearly three points after the win over New Zealand, who remain the number one side in the world.
    ****
    Posted by at
    Labels:

    Monday, November 26, 2012

    France survive Samoan scare

    **
    Scrum-half Kahn Fotuali'i was excellent for Samoa
    **
    France completed a clean sweep of their November Tests at the Stade de France on Saturday with a 22-14 win over Samoa.

    Unlike their convincing successes over Australia and Argentina this month, victory didn't come easily for the French, who were trailing the Islanders going into the final quarter.
    The result means France will end the month as Europe's highest-ranked side and will be one of the four top seeds at the 2015 World Cup Draw on December 3.
    *
    Louis Picamoles and Yannick Nyanga put in the hard yards
    **
    Man of the match: We usually pick someone from the winning side but a few Samoans really impressed. Kahn Fotuali'i was excellent and Census Johnston was awesome in both the scrums and the tight-loose. But we'll go for Taiasina Tuifua who made huge yards with ball in hand.
    Moment of the match: Samoa's first try was a wake up call for France. Census Johnston's chip ahead to create the try will was straight out of front-row fantasy land!
    ****
    Posted by at
    Labels:

    Rampant Ireland destroy Pumas

    **
     Ireland's Simon Zebo is challenged by Argentina's Gonzalo Camacho as he scores in the corner against the Pumas at the Aviva Stadium.
     Photograph: Cathal McNaughton/Reuters
    **
    Ireland silenced their critics with an impressive 46-24 victory over Argentina at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday.
    Ireland led from start to finish in a dominant display, outscoring their visitors seven tries to two.
    Few would have expected such a one-sided clash after Argentina's recent win over Wales but the home side produced their best performance since pushing the All Blacks close in June to run the Pumas ragged.
    The result ends Ireland's five-Test losing streak and secures their place among the second seeds for the 2015 World Cup draw.

    Ireland's Craig Gilroy side steps inside Gonzalo Camacho of Argentina to score the opening try against the Pumas.
     Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
    **
    Man of the match: A few candidates here and Jonathan Sexton deserves a mention for his two tries and getting the Irish backline going. But Ireland really won the game up front andDonnacha Ryan stood out, not only in the line-outs but for his tireless work cleaning out at the breakdown.
    Moment of the match: The writing was on the wall early for the Pumas. Craig Gilroy's try was a great start to both the game and a promising Test career.

    ***
    Posted by at
    Labels:

    Saturday, November 24, 2012

    DOMINANT ALL BLACKS SEE OFF WALES

    ***
    Liam Williams (R) of Wales holds off Israel Dagg (L) of New Zealand during the International match between Wales and New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium on November 24, 2012 in Cardiff, Wales.
    (November 23, 2012 - Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)
    **
    A devastating first-half performance from New Zealand was enough to consign Wales to their third straight defeat at the Millennium Stadium.
    The All Blacks showed just why they are the world's best side as they led 23-0 at half-time before eventually running out 33-10 winners.
    Match Report:
    Liam Williams (R) of Wales is tackled by Israel Dagg.
    (November 23, 2012 - Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)
    **

    All Blacks compound Wales' woes

    Wales slumped to a sixth consecutive defeat after going down 33-10 to New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday.
    Predictions the All Blacks' attack would incinerate Wales' defence came to fruition in the first half especially. However even though the scoreline may read otherwise, it was a much better effort from the Welsh - the second half especially.
    Be that as it may, coach Warren Gatland must have been shifting uncomfortably in his seat as he contemplated another difficult week following the home side's previous November defeats.
    **
    Kieran Read (R) of New Zealand powers his way past Justin Tipuric (C) and Toby Faletau (L) of Wales.
    (November 23, 2012 - Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)
    **
    The hosts never threatened to end a 59-year drought at the hands of their southern hemisphere rivals, and their hopes were all but dashed by half-time when the clinical All Blacks put the result beyond doubt thanks to a 23-0 lead.
    *
    It proved too big a mountain for Wales to climb in the second half, though - bouyed by their parochial crowd in full voice - showed plenty of character and determination to fight back and outscore the world champions two tries to nill. There were no fist-pumps, high fives or backslaps from New Zealand after the final whistle as they knew that were some way from their best after being held 10-10 after the break.
    *
     New Zealand All Blacks centre Conrad Smith runs at the Wales defence.
    (November 23, 2012 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe)
    **
    Man of the match: Aaron Cruden and Conrad Smith were the pick of the New Zealand backs, but it was difficult to overlook loose forward Richie McCaw - who was his usual industrious self - as our man of the match. He was immense, smashing bodies in defence and proving to be the Kiwis everywhere man.
    Moment of the match: Wales' first try only served to spark the hosts into action, and from there on in the Welsh raised their game.
    Villain of the match: Andrew Hore's cheap shot from behind will surely interest citing commissioner Mike Rafter.
    **
     New Zealand All Blacks forward Tony Woodcock rumbles in for the try.
    (November 23, 2012 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe)
    **

    Julian Savea of the All Blacks fends off Alex Cuthbert of Wales.
    (November 23, 2012 - Source: Hannah Johnston/Getty Images Europe)
    **
    Jonathan Davies (R) of Wales spills the ball under the challenge of Andrew Hore.
    (November 23, 2012 - Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)
    **

    All Blacks triumph over Wales

    By Gregor Paul in Cardiff
    Evolution is the theme of the 2012 All Blacks and, for periods at least, they enhanced their offering in Cardiff this morning - playing as they did a game with more variation and a lethal edge.
    They were, when they flowed, fast, sharp, accurate and more polished then they have been on this tour so far. Wales, Grand Slam champions, were splattered all over the Millennium Stadium in the first half. It could have been worse for them, much worse, but the All Blacks lost some sting later in the game, didn't have the venom they needed to make it one of those defeats from which Wales would have taken an age to recover.
    A black bus was driven through them in that first 40 minutes and that left them battered, out of the game and hoping that as often happens when things are so clear-cut so early, that the All Blacks would come off the boil.
    They got their wish - the All Blacks lost their rhythm after the break and much of their accuracy as well. Wales have to be credited for some of that - they got tighter, started to believe a bit more in themselves and showed some signs of life; some recognition they are a quality side.
    *
    with video:
    ***
    Julian Savea of the All Blacks fends off Alex Cuthbert of Wales.
    (November 23, 2012 - Source: Hannah Johnston/Getty Images Europe)
    **

    Wales 10 New Zealand 33: match report

    World champions New Zealand destroyed Wales with a Millennium Stadium masterclass tonight - but they also graphically displayed the ugly side of rugby.
    The All Blacks stretched their unbeaten record to 20 Tests against all opponents and inflicted a 25th successive defeat on Wales, stretching back 59 years.
    Tries by flanker Liam Messam, prop Tony Woodcock and lock Luke Romano, plus 18 points from an injured Dan Carter's deputy Aaron Cruden confirmed Wales' worst losing run since current All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen was in charge 10 years ago.
    Wales claimed consolation tries by substitute Scott Williams and wing Alex Cuthbert, yet they lost three players injured inside the opening 20 minutes, including lock Bradley Davies, who was floored by a sickening act of foul play.
    All Blacks hooker Andrew Hore punched Davies from behind, and although he escaped censure from erratic match referee Craig Joubert, citing commissioner Mike Rafter is likely to take a different view.
    ***

    Richie McCaw (R) of New Zealand runs at Leigh Halfpenny (L) of Wales.
    (November 23, 2012 - Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)
    **
    Captain Richie McCaw had a dominant day in the loose and made some fearless breaks with the ball in hand. Again, the support from flanker Liam Messam and No.8 Kieran Read was consistently better than Wales could manage. Lock Luke Romano was strong in his running and his try was deserved reward.
    *
    Richie McCaw (2R) of New Zealand powers through the challenge of Jonathan Davies (R), Leigh Halfpenny and Gethin Jenkins (L) of Wales during the International match between Wales and New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium on November 24, 2012 in Cardiff, Wales.
    (November 23, 2012 - Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)
    **
    Richie McCaw (2R) of New Zealand powers through the challenge of Jonathan Davies (R), Leigh Halfpenny and Gethin Jenkins (L) of Wales.
    (November 23, 2012 - Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)
    **
    The win extended Welsh misery to a 59-year losing streak while leaving New Zealand with the chance to complete an unbeaten 2012 if they can get past England in London next week.
    *
    New Zealand All Blacks fullback Israel Dagg runs at the Wales defence.
    (November 23, 2012 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe)
    **
    Wales wing Alex Cuthbert (l) dives in to score.
    (November 23, 2012 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe)
    **
    Wales wing Alex Cuthbert (l) dives in to score despite the attentions of Israel Dagg.
    (November 23, 2012 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe)
    **
     Wales wing Alex Cuthbert (l) is tackled by Israel Dagg during the International Match between Wales and New Zealand at Millennium Stadium on November 24, 2012 in Cardiff, Wales.
    (November 23, 2012 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe)
    **
    next test:
    England v New Zealand
    ****
    Posted by at
    Labels:
    Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)