Six Nations Schedule & Fixtures 2015
Saturday 27 December 2014
Saturday 20 December 2014
Tuesday 25 November 2014
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Saturday 22 November 2014
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Friday 21 November 2014
Thursday 20 November 2014
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Saturday 15 November 2014
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Wales VS Fije Rugby Live Stream
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Hong Kong vs Russia Rugby Match Live Stream
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Friday 14 November 2014
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Tuesday 11 November 2014
Sharks sign Ben Barba on three-year deal
It's official - Cronulla have signed Ben Barba on a three year NRL deal.
The former Dally M Medallist is Sharks-bound after securing a release from the final two seasons of his Brisbane Broncos contract.
He is expected to slot into the five-eighth vacancy created by Todd Carney's axing.
"I'm sure Sharks fans will be really excited about watching Benny play," Sharks coach Shane Flanagan said.
"He has flair, x-factor and try scoring ability, but it's not just about the tries he scores, it's the tries he creates and the opportunities he provides for others.
"Our attack is an area we need to improve. I've focused a lot of my recruitment around that and Benny fits perfectly into the team I'm trying to build."
Barba is expected to start training at Cronulla within the next week.
"I realise I am a professional sportsman and must go where the work is to support and provide for my young family although it is unfortunate I have had to leave the Brisbane Broncos after just one year," Barba said in a statement.
"I am grateful to Shane and the Sharks board for providing me with this opportunity to join their club."
Barba had been tipped to sign with Cronulla after returning Broncos coach Wayne Bennett told the playmaker he could not guarantee him a start in the 2015 season.
"We want to thank Ben for all the efforts he put in over the past year in what was a very long and tough season," Broncos CEO Paul White said.
Barba has scored 80 tries in a total of 122 NRL games after making his debut for the Bulldogs in 2008
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The former Dally M Medallist is Sharks-bound after securing a release from the final two seasons of his Brisbane Broncos contract.
He is expected to slot into the five-eighth vacancy created by Todd Carney's axing.
"I'm sure Sharks fans will be really excited about watching Benny play," Sharks coach Shane Flanagan said.
"He has flair, x-factor and try scoring ability, but it's not just about the tries he scores, it's the tries he creates and the opportunities he provides for others.
"Our attack is an area we need to improve. I've focused a lot of my recruitment around that and Benny fits perfectly into the team I'm trying to build."
Barba is expected to start training at Cronulla within the next week.
"I realise I am a professional sportsman and must go where the work is to support and provide for my young family although it is unfortunate I have had to leave the Brisbane Broncos after just one year," Barba said in a statement.
"I am grateful to Shane and the Sharks board for providing me with this opportunity to join their club."
Barba had been tipped to sign with Cronulla after returning Broncos coach Wayne Bennett told the playmaker he could not guarantee him a start in the 2015 season.
"We want to thank Ben for all the efforts he put in over the past year in what was a very long and tough season," Broncos CEO Paul White said.
Barba has scored 80 tries in a total of 122 NRL games after making his debut for the Bulldogs in 2008
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Australia v New Zealand 4 Nations Rugby preview
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Australia v New Zealand
Westpac Stadium
Saturday 6:45pm
With Samoa and England now in the rear view mirror, Australia and New Zealand face off this Saturday in the 2014 Four Nations final at Wellington's Westpac Stadium.
The home side, who enter the final undefeated in this tournament, are certainly better placed having destroyed the Kangaroos three weeks ago before winning tough encounters against Samoa and England.
The Australians have improved since that first-up defeat, regaining their composure with a tight win against England before slaying Samoa last Sunday. With a bit of form behind them and their rookie squad growing in leaps and bounds, the world champions can catch the Kiwis out if taken lightly this weekend.
Coach Tim Sheens has blooded nine debutants throughout Australia's three Tests, but no amount of inexperience measured up to the loss of Daly Cherry-Evans (hip) and Greg Inglis (illness) during their game against New Zealand in the first round.
The Kiwis, despite their winning ways, will need to find another gear if they are to overpower the control and poise of the Australian spine. They will have to make do without hooker Thomas Leuluai, who was close to the best player on the paddock against England last week but has been ruled out with a shoulder complaint. Issac Luke has been promoted to the starting team with Lewis Brown coming on to the interchange. Bodene Thompson and Gerard Beale have been named as cover on the extended bench.
Australia have named the same starting team that smashed Samoa last weekend but have added hooker Robbie Farah and back-rowers Ryan Hoffman and Aiden Guerra to the bench, accompanying Ben Hunt, David Klemmer, Josh Jackson and Boyd Cordner.
Official Four Nations Final team lists
Watch out Australia: New Zealand's wingers Jason Nightingale and Manu Vatuvei have been on fire. Dragons wide man Nightingale is in especially hot form, racking up four tries to add to his 412 run metres, the fourth-most of any player in the tournament. Vatuvei (who missed the Kiwis' first Test) has averaged the second-most metres (154 per game) tournament-wide, with only Samoan winger Tautau Moga punching out more in his single appearance. The Beast has been typically hard to stop with ball in hand, with 12 tackle busts from two matches.
Watch out New Zealand: There is no doubt Tim Sheens failed to get the balance of his Kangaroos squad right, with a surplus of outside backs and a lack of specialist props, but in saying that big men Aaron Woods, David Klemmer and Josh Papalii have represented the Australian engine room admirably. Papalii has arguably put forward his best performances of the year, having averaged 104 metres per Test. The importance of Woods (28.7 tackles and 90.3 metres per game) and Klemmer (19.5 tackles and 115 metres per game) will also be made clear up against Kiwi trio Jesse Bromwich, Martin Taupau and Adam Blair.
Plays to Watch: Shaun Johnson and his Warriors teammate Sam Tomkins had a running battle last weekend when the Kiwis halfback constantly peppered the English fullback with his kicking game. With bombs as big as the roof of Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium, Tomkins' impact with the ball was lessened immensely with the defence catching up with him as he would catch the football. Undoubtedly Inglis has been earmarked as Johnson's next victim.
Before their clash against Toa Samoa, Australia had only scored five tries in the tournament – a tally they had almost tripled by the end of their Samoan fixture. Their second-phase play was a big factor in the Kangaroos' success, with Inglis and Corey Parker's offloading capabilities again looming as a threat this week.
Where It Will Be Won: Australia well and truly found their feet last weekend but it might have been a completely different tale if Samoa's ill-discipline didn't rear its head. The Kiwis can learn plenty of lessons from Samoa's performance after they gifted the Australians piggybacks out of trouble time and time again. Despite the influx of rookies in their side, the Kangaroos still have superstars Inglis, Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith calling the shots and they certainly made the Samoans pay. They will have no troubles doing the same to New Zealand if the hosts get on the wrong side of the referee's whistle.
Of course this won't count for much if the Kangaroos fail to prevent the Kiwis ambushing them again for the second time in a matter of weeks. While their dominant performance didn't pay dividends until the second half, New Zealand enjoyed a 55-45 per cent disparity in possession and eventually ran away with the game – with eight individual Kiwis making more than 100 metres compared to just three Kangaroos.
The History: Played 128; Australia 95, New Zealand 30, drawn 3. New Zealand come into the final with all the momentum after destroying the Kangaroos three weeks ago 30-12. It was their first win over Australia in four years, a stretch going all the way back to New Zealand's 16-12 win in the 2010 Four Nations Final. In saying that, the last time Australia lost in New Zealand was in 2003, while the last time the Kangaroos were defeated in Wellington was way back in 1953.
Match Officials: Referee – Phil Bentham; Touch Judges – Jason Walsh & Robert Hicks; Video Referees – Bernard Sutton & Henry Perenara.
Televised: Channel Nine – Live, 6.45pm AEDT.
The Way We See It: Before the Kiwis ran riot in their early tournament clash with Australia, the game had been all balanced up at 12-all. That all changed when Cherry-Evans and Inglis failed to return after half-time, with the Kiwis taking advantage of their under-strength opponents. Barring injuries, this game won't be a blowout. With Australia finding their feet over the past fortnight, a brilliant Trans-Tasman clash beckons. But regardless of the Kangaroos' improvement against England and Samoa the Kiwis' experience will give them an advantage, especially on home turf with their undefeated and – quite frankly – classier squad. New Zealand by four points.
Westpac Stadium
Saturday 6:45pm
With Samoa and England now in the rear view mirror, Australia and New Zealand face off this Saturday in the 2014 Four Nations final at Wellington's Westpac Stadium.
The home side, who enter the final undefeated in this tournament, are certainly better placed having destroyed the Kangaroos three weeks ago before winning tough encounters against Samoa and England.
The Australians have improved since that first-up defeat, regaining their composure with a tight win against England before slaying Samoa last Sunday. With a bit of form behind them and their rookie squad growing in leaps and bounds, the world champions can catch the Kiwis out if taken lightly this weekend.
Coach Tim Sheens has blooded nine debutants throughout Australia's three Tests, but no amount of inexperience measured up to the loss of Daly Cherry-Evans (hip) and Greg Inglis (illness) during their game against New Zealand in the first round.
The Kiwis, despite their winning ways, will need to find another gear if they are to overpower the control and poise of the Australian spine. They will have to make do without hooker Thomas Leuluai, who was close to the best player on the paddock against England last week but has been ruled out with a shoulder complaint. Issac Luke has been promoted to the starting team with Lewis Brown coming on to the interchange. Bodene Thompson and Gerard Beale have been named as cover on the extended bench.
Australia have named the same starting team that smashed Samoa last weekend but have added hooker Robbie Farah and back-rowers Ryan Hoffman and Aiden Guerra to the bench, accompanying Ben Hunt, David Klemmer, Josh Jackson and Boyd Cordner.
Official Four Nations Final team lists
Watch out Australia: New Zealand's wingers Jason Nightingale and Manu Vatuvei have been on fire. Dragons wide man Nightingale is in especially hot form, racking up four tries to add to his 412 run metres, the fourth-most of any player in the tournament. Vatuvei (who missed the Kiwis' first Test) has averaged the second-most metres (154 per game) tournament-wide, with only Samoan winger Tautau Moga punching out more in his single appearance. The Beast has been typically hard to stop with ball in hand, with 12 tackle busts from two matches.
Watch out New Zealand: There is no doubt Tim Sheens failed to get the balance of his Kangaroos squad right, with a surplus of outside backs and a lack of specialist props, but in saying that big men Aaron Woods, David Klemmer and Josh Papalii have represented the Australian engine room admirably. Papalii has arguably put forward his best performances of the year, having averaged 104 metres per Test. The importance of Woods (28.7 tackles and 90.3 metres per game) and Klemmer (19.5 tackles and 115 metres per game) will also be made clear up against Kiwi trio Jesse Bromwich, Martin Taupau and Adam Blair.
Plays to Watch: Shaun Johnson and his Warriors teammate Sam Tomkins had a running battle last weekend when the Kiwis halfback constantly peppered the English fullback with his kicking game. With bombs as big as the roof of Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium, Tomkins' impact with the ball was lessened immensely with the defence catching up with him as he would catch the football. Undoubtedly Inglis has been earmarked as Johnson's next victim.
Before their clash against Toa Samoa, Australia had only scored five tries in the tournament – a tally they had almost tripled by the end of their Samoan fixture. Their second-phase play was a big factor in the Kangaroos' success, with Inglis and Corey Parker's offloading capabilities again looming as a threat this week.
Where It Will Be Won: Australia well and truly found their feet last weekend but it might have been a completely different tale if Samoa's ill-discipline didn't rear its head. The Kiwis can learn plenty of lessons from Samoa's performance after they gifted the Australians piggybacks out of trouble time and time again. Despite the influx of rookies in their side, the Kangaroos still have superstars Inglis, Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith calling the shots and they certainly made the Samoans pay. They will have no troubles doing the same to New Zealand if the hosts get on the wrong side of the referee's whistle.
Of course this won't count for much if the Kangaroos fail to prevent the Kiwis ambushing them again for the second time in a matter of weeks. While their dominant performance didn't pay dividends until the second half, New Zealand enjoyed a 55-45 per cent disparity in possession and eventually ran away with the game – with eight individual Kiwis making more than 100 metres compared to just three Kangaroos.
The History: Played 128; Australia 95, New Zealand 30, drawn 3. New Zealand come into the final with all the momentum after destroying the Kangaroos three weeks ago 30-12. It was their first win over Australia in four years, a stretch going all the way back to New Zealand's 16-12 win in the 2010 Four Nations Final. In saying that, the last time Australia lost in New Zealand was in 2003, while the last time the Kangaroos were defeated in Wellington was way back in 1953.
Match Officials: Referee – Phil Bentham; Touch Judges – Jason Walsh & Robert Hicks; Video Referees – Bernard Sutton & Henry Perenara.
Televised: Channel Nine – Live, 6.45pm AEDT.
The Way We See It: Before the Kiwis ran riot in their early tournament clash with Australia, the game had been all balanced up at 12-all. That all changed when Cherry-Evans and Inglis failed to return after half-time, with the Kiwis taking advantage of their under-strength opponents. Barring injuries, this game won't be a blowout. With Australia finding their feet over the past fortnight, a brilliant Trans-Tasman clash beckons. But regardless of the Kangaroos' improvement against England and Samoa the Kiwis' experience will give them an advantage, especially on home turf with their undefeated and – quite frankly – classier squad. New Zealand by four points.
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Kaplan critical of late Springboks penalty
Retired South
African referee Jonathan Kaplan says the decision to award a last-gasp
penalty against the All Blacks in their loss to the Springboks sets a
dangerous precedent. First five-eighth Pat Lambie slotted a 78th-minute
penalty to hand the hosts a 27-25 win in Johannesburg on Saturday, after
All Blacks flanker Liam Messam committed a high tackle on opposite
Schalk Burger.
Kaplan, who whistled a world record 68 Tests, says the tackle deserved
to be penalised but he was concerned about how the incident came to the
attention of referee Wayne Barnes. Writing for the website
ratetheref.co.za, Kaplan noted Barnes and his assistant referees all
missed the tackle, which was then brought to their attention by
broadcasters who controlled what was shown by replay on the big screen
at Ellis Park.
"After finding the clip, and then replaying it over and over, eventually
the match officials decided it was worthy of review, and correctly
awarded a penalty to the Boks," Kaplan said. "I doubt [very much]
whether that clip would have been brought up on the screen by producers
in Aus or NZ and replayed over and over.
"Is it right that someone outside of the domain of the match officials
can affect the outcome of a major Test match? And how neutral is he?"
Kaplan had few concerns about other aspects of Barnes' game. He even
handed the Englishman praise for a surprisingly good rendition of
American singer Don McLean's Bye Bye Miss American Pie at a barbecue he
hosted earlier in the week.
"So much for those people who regularly say the Northern referees are not up to it!"
However, Kaplan wasn't as complimentary about Welsh referee Nigel Owens,
savaging his performance in the other Rugby Championship Test on
Saturday in Mendoza, where Argentina beat Australia 21-17
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Beale, McKenzie to face ARU investigator
Under-pressure
Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie may be forced to name his squad for next
week's Bledisloe Cup match before an Australian Rugby Union (ARU)
investigation into Kurtley Beale is completed.
Troubled star Beale was immediately whisked away by ARU officials upon
touching down in Sydney on Tuesday night with his playing future unclear
following a mid-air confrontation with Wallabies staffer Di Patston.
The ARU's integrity unit is looking to finalise its investigation into
the incident, which occurred when the team was en route between South
Africa and Argentina, by the end of the week.
Both Beale and McKenzie are set to be interviewed at the game's
headquarters in St Leonards on Wednesday and the Wallabies coach will
announce his squad for the third Bledisloe - against New Zealand in
Brisbane on October 18 - on either Thursday or Friday this week.
Depending how far integrity unit boss Phil Thompson is already through
his investigation, findings into Beale may not be finalised by the time
the squad is announced. With inside back Matt Toomua battling a
concussion problem, McKenzie would be hard-pressed leaving Beale out of
his squad on form alone.
Beale arrived home from Australia's disastrous tour, where they lost to
the Springboks and then historically to Argentina, to waiting media, and
was immediately escorted away by David Crombie, the ARU President.
The off-contract New South Wales Waratahs playmaker has been linked to
possible moves to the National Rugby League or French rugby.
McKenzie emerged through the arrival gate and told reporters he couldn't
confirm whether Beale would be included in his squad to face the All
Blacks should the investigation into his off-field behaviour still be
ongoing.
"You're asking questions I haven't even got around to thinking about the
squad," said McKenzie, who reportedly sat next to Patston at the time
of the alleged incident and later accompanied the Business Manager to
Buenos Aires airport for her immediate flight home to Australia.
"Obviously we've already flagged the ARU has undertaken an investigation and that will happen.
I don't know the exact timing. Obviously it's been targeted for this week. It's been a tough period."
McKenzie has flagged that personnel changes could be on the horizon for
the end-of-year Spring Tour, after several stars have failed to impress
from extended opportunities.
Stars Will Genia and Quade Cooper are both expected to play in an NRC
game on Thursday at Brookvale Oval and are on the comeback trail.
McKenzie confirmed the coaching staff was looking through options.
"We've got lots of situations now with injuries," he said. "We've gone
through the replays and spent all Sunday on that topic looking at the
football side of it. There are some bits and pieces that will be a
discussion amongst the coaching staff and there are things we're looking
at. I've had lots of challenges in the job but it's quite clear we're
trying to make progress and not everything is going our way
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Condensed Rugby Championship format revealed
Australia will play New Zealand twice in a week as part of their preparation for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
The draw for the condensed 2015 Rugby Championship sees champions New
Zealand host Argentina in Christchurch but travelling to South Africa
and Australia. The competition will take place over three rounds with a
fourth added that will not contribute to the tournament.
SANZAR CEO Greg Peters said: "The Rugby Championship continues to be one
of the game's greatest tests, pitting the world's elite rugby nations
against one another. The intense rivalry between New Zealand and South
Africa has risen to lofty new heights in recent years and subsequently
evolved into one of sport's 'must watch' events, captivating crowds in
stadiums, bars and living rooms around the world.
"Argentina recently returned to the IRB's top 10 and will seek to build
on their inaugural victory in the championship while the Wallabies and
All Blacks renew another rivalry steeped in history and tradition with
clashes in Sydney and Auckland."
Round One:
July 17: New Zealand v Argentina - AMI Stadium, Christchurch
July 18: Australia v South Africa - Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
July 17: New Zealand v Argentina - AMI Stadium, Christchurch
July 18: Australia v South Africa - Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Round Two:
Saturday July 25: South Africa v New Zealand - Venue TBC
Saturday July 25: Argentina v Australia - Venue TBC
Saturday July 25: South Africa v New Zealand - Venue TBC
Saturday July 25: Argentina v Australia - Venue TBC
Round Three:
Saturday August 8: Australia v New Zealand - ANZ Stadium, Sydney
Saturday August 8: South Africa v Argentina - Venue TBC
Saturday August 8: Australia v New Zealand - ANZ Stadium, Sydney
Saturday August 8: South Africa v Argentina - Venue TBC
Additional Week (not for competition points):
Saturday August 15: New Zealand v Australia - Eden Park, Auckland
Saturday August 15: Argentina v South Africa - Venue TBc
Saturday August 15: New Zealand v Australia - Eden Park, Auckland
Saturday August 15: Argentina v South Africa - Venue TBc
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Christchurch gets Friday night rugby Test
The All
Blacks' sole meaningful home Test in the Rugby Championship next year
will be against Argentina in Christchurch on a Friday night. A shortened
championship schedule has been announced to allow for the Rugby World
Cup later in the year.
Each of the four Rugby Championship sides - New Zealand, Australia,
South Africa and Argentina - will play each other just once. The All
Blacks' Friday night match will give them more time to travel to South
Africa for their match the following weekend, at a venue which is yet to
be confirmed.
It will be their first Friday Test for 12 years.
Argentina have played only once before in Christchurch, losing 67-19 to the All Blacks in 2001.
The Rugby Championship winner will be known following the final round on August 8, when New Zealand face Australia in Sydney.
Another non-competition round will be played the following week, with
the All Blacks meeting the Wallabies in Auckland five weeks out from
their World Cup opener against Argentina in London.
Ten of Australia's last 16 Tests in New Zealand have been at Eden Park.
The All Blacks' open their season with a historic Test against Samoa in Apia on July 8, four days after the Super Rugby final.
THE RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DRAW FOR 2015
ROUND 1 Friday 17 July: New Zealand v Argentina - AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Saturday 18 July: Australia v South Africa - Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
ROUND 2 Saturday 25 July: South Africa v New Zealand - Venue TBC
Saturday 25 July: Argentina v Australia - Venue TBC
ROUND 3 Saturday 8 August: Australia v New Zealand - ANZ Stadium, Sydney Saturday 8 August: South Africa v Argentina - Venue TBC
ADDITIONAL WEEK (not for competition points): Saturday 15 August: New Zealand v Australia - Eden Park, Auckland
Saturday 15 August: Argentina v South Africa - Venue TBC.
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Monday 10 November 2014
Dan Biggar's groin injury not as bad as anticipated
Dan Biggar could return from his groin injury in time for Wales' Tests against New Zealand and South Africa.
The Ospreys fly-half, 25, was taken off during the
33-28 defeat by Australia,
prompting Wales to
call up James Hook.
In a further boost, centres Jonathan Davies, Scott Williams and number eight Dan Baker are all fit again.
"I'd expect Dan to be available, if not for this weekend, then definitely the last two games," said Wales assistant coach Rob Howley.
Regardless how quickly Biggar recovers, he is expected to be rested for Wales' next match against Fiji on Saturday, 15 November.
Howley confirmed there will be changes for that encounter, with Rhys Priestland likely to start at fly-half after replacing the injured Biggar against the Wallabies.
"Competition for places is key," said Howley.
"It's nice to have them [Davies, Williams and Baker] back. It's nice to have decisions to make in terms of selections.
"James [Hook] comes in with an open chance [of starting against Fiji]. Rhys [Priestland] will probably start with James possibly on the bench.
"It's nice to have Hooky in the squad, and I'm sure James will want the opportunity to say 'I should have been selected in the squad in the first place'."
Leigh Halfpenny went off against Australia with concussion and is likely to be rested for the Fiji Test, but Howley expects the Toulon full-back to be available for the remaining matches.
Fiji's autumn tour began with a 40-15 defeat by France.
Ex-Wales captain Gareth Thomas has backed Gloucester's 76-times capped fly-half Hook for a Wales place, in the belief Warren Gatland's side need an instinctive playmaker.
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England and Leicester Tigers prop ready for full return
England and Leicester Tigers prop ready for full return
England prop Dan Cole says he is ready to start for Leicester Tigers
after playing his first game for nine months in Sunday's LV= Cup win
over Sale.
The 27-year-old, who had been
sidelined since January with a neck injury,
played for 30 minutes as a substitute in the 29-13 victory at Welford Road.
Tigers face Saracens when their Premiership campaign resumes on Sunday.
"If picked I feel good to go. I have had nine months of doing not a lot," Cole told BBC Radio Leicester.
Tigers earned a bonus-point cup win against the Sharks with a dominant second-half performance, having been down 13-3 at the break.
Harry Thacker scored soon after the restart and, after Cole came on, tries from Matt Smith and a Miles Benjamin double helped secure an emphatic win.
Cole, who could come into contention for England's remaining autumn internationals, added: "The crowd were getting a bit frustrated in the first half and they vocalised that in the second half and were fantastic - and the team responded. That inspired the young boys.
"I was just pleased to get out there and run about.
"It's a bit of auto pilot when you get on the field. There are a few nerves beforehand but once you are on, the adrenaline takes over. There isn't time to think about things.
"Nothing you can do of the field compares to the tempo and pace of the game when playing.
"The body will take some adjusting. The club have been great and I have worked hard."
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Wales v Fiji: Gareth Thomas backs James Hook for Wales spot
Wales v Fiji: Gareth Thomas backs James Hook for Wales spot
Former captain Gareth Thomas believes Wales need a player such as James Hook to improve their attacking instincts.
The 76-times capped Gloucester fly-half has been
recalled into the squad
for the November Tests amid Dan Biggar's groin injury concerns.
"I think we need more of a playmaker," Thomas told Scrum V.
Dual code international Thomas says centres Jonathan Davies and Scott Williams should face Fiji on Saturday, if fit.
"These two guys should play. We need someone to break up this structure that we all know what's happening," he continued.
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"I like somebody who goes in there and you don't know [what he's going to do], a Matthew Morgan type.
"It's a shame he's injured because I like to watch somebody that can play within the structure, when he sees something, it's instinctive and he'll go for it.
Wales coach Warren Gatland and his fellow coaches were limited in their options by injuries.
Cardiff Blues' Rhys Patchell (hamstring) and Bristol's former Ospreys fly-half Matthew Morgan (broken ankle) were ruled out of immediate contention.
Gatland also said after Wales' defeat by Australia on Saturday that new Blues stand-off Gareth Anscombe would not be considered following his arrival in Wales the day after the loss to the Wallabies.
Former England centre Jeremy Guscott says Hook's attacking instincts may be hard for team-mates to capitalise upon.
Guscott said: "I think the difficulty in the modern-day game is having someone who is instinctive.
"It's difficult to fit them into a structured, organised team.
"James needs to fit into the style that Wales play, which I don't think is difficult because they keep going the same way.
"He's certainly a talented kid. He plays the game extremely well. He's got a great rugby brain. It's a shame he's not being used."
Labels:
Other Rugby
ARU slap Kurtley Beale with second fine
ARU slap Kurtley Beale with second fine
Beale was found guilty following an ARU Integrity investigation into a verbal altercation with members of the Wallaby management team on a flight on 28 September 2014 during the Rugby championship.
The incident was deemed to be a moderate breach of team protocols and the ARU Integrity investigation found Beale guilty of inappropriate public behaviour as a result of being rude and disrespectful of Wallaby management in public.
The investigation by the ARU's Integrity Unit into the in-flight argument was separate from the investigation into Beale's distribution of an offensive text message which warranted a Code of Conduct Tribunal hearing last week.
The timing of the hearing was determined by the Tribunal, following a request by Beale's lawyers for additional time to prepare their case.
The Tribunal found Beale guilty of a serious violation of the ARU Code of Conduct and Beale was fined $45,000 for the offence.
Australian Rugby Union Chairman Michael Hawker said the ARU had now concluded both investigations and said that proper processes in line with the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Rugby Union Players' Association had comprehensively dealt with both offences.
"There has been significant public debate about these offences and significant criticism of the ARU's management of the issues. We have carefully investigated the offences, evaluated all available evidence and applied proper process to ensure that the judgements have been arrived at fairly and impartially."
"While the Code of Conduct Tribunal hearing was pending, we chose not to engage in public speculation or promote unsubstantiated claims, to respect the integrity and confidentiality of the Tribunal and Integrity Unit processes.
The ARU will re-open negotiations with Kurtley Beale regarding his future in Australian Rugby when his current contract expires at the end of this year, with all contractual arrangements to remain confidential.
"The ARU is deeply disappointed that an offensive text message was sent, the in-flight incident occurred and the aftermath of these events were factors in the resignations of Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie and Business Manager Di Patston. There is no basis on which it was acceptable for Ms Patston to have been subjected to the offensive text message.
"As a result of these events, we have identified a need for greater off-field leadership and support for the Wallabies. ARU General Manager Pathways and Performance Ben Whitaker is providing that support for the current Spring Tour with a longer term solution to be determined after the tour.
"Our focus now is on building on the significant achievements of the past couple of years, supporting the growth of Rugby in Australia and celebrating the major upcoming events including this weekend's National Rugby Championship final in Brisbane and the Spring Tour for the Wallabies which starts tomorrow at Twickenham," Mr Hawker said.
Labels:
Super 15
Wallabies coach McKenzie quits after NZ defeat
Wallabies coach McKenzie quits after NZ defeat
McKenzie was in charge for 22 Test matches and leaves with a record of winning 11 Test matches, one draw and 10 losses.
McKenzie took charge of Australia last year in July after the Wallabies lost 1-2 to the British and Irish Lions and replaced Robbie Deans.
McKenzie has been under intense pressure in recent weeks due to turmoil in the Australian camp and his private life has also been under the spotlight.
McKenzie said that he had planned to quit regardless of the result between his Wallabies and the All Blacks.
"It's been a disappointing time for a number of reasons. I'm not going to go into the details, you guys can work it out," McKenzie told reporters.
"I've been unhappy with a bunch of things and the easiest thing for me is to exit stage left. I'll leave you guys to speculate or ponder, I'll write a chapter in my book."
The coach's departure will send Australian rugby even deeper into turmoil as they have a five match tour of Europe coming up next month and they are also in a difficult Rugby World Cup pool with hosts England and Wales.
Australian Rugby Union CEO Bill Pulver paid tribute to McKenzie who has led Australia in 22 Tests since starting in the role in August 2013.
"I did not ask Ewen to resign, but understand his decision. He informed me this morning of his intention to resign, regardless of tonight's result."
"Ewen is a world-class coach and a world-class individual who has been committed to playing entertaining Rugby for our fans since he started in the role.
"During his tenure, he has overseen a seven match winning streak, drew against the All Blacks and beat South Africa – all achievements that had not been met in the previous year.
"We sincerely wish Ewen well for the future professionally and personally."
Mr Pulver said the process to find a replacement has now begun.
"We hope to have the new Head Coach in place before the team leaves for the Spring Tour on Friday."
"Criteria for the role includes identifying a coach who can lead us to victory in next year's Rugby World Cup; represents Rugby's core values; has the support of the playing group; and is available.
"As part of this process, we will also identify structural improvements to the off-field element of the Wallabies, with a senior leadership role to be created to support the team.
"We will work with the incoming coach on that structure, with a solution to be in place as soon as possible," Pulver said.
Labels:
Super 15
Origin lure still strong for Samoa stars
Origin lure still strong for Samoa stars
Toa Samoa halfback Kyle Stanley says he's unsure whether the day will come when young Samoans born in Australia will reject the lure of State of Origin football for the nation's blue jumper.
The world's seventh-ranked rugby league nation bowed out of the Four Nations without a victory in its three games after being belted by the Kangaroos on Sunday, but made great strides in the tournament by impressing in clashes against the England and then New Zealand.But despite their brave showings against the global elite, Stanley remains unconvinced that rising Samoan talents wouldn't shun their home country for the financial rewards of playing representative football in Australia.
"Money talks, you know?" Stanley told NRL.com.
"We weren't about money, this group. We love our country, we love playing rugby league. That's what this campaign is based on: honesty, family and respect. We've done well for ourselves.
"I'm not too sure if players will reject the jumper. If they love their culture, they'll definitely come here. The boys did it for each other and the country."
Two of Samoa's best performers over the three weeks include fringe Origin candidates Joseph Leilua and Josh McGuire, with the latter one of the last cut from the Kangaroos squad late last month.
A third, centre Tim Lafai, has already signalled his intentions on being available for New South Wales selectors next year.
But Stanley said veteran leaders like Frank Pritchard had been a positive influence on the younger members of the playing group like himself and would encourage them to remain loyal to their country.
"When I saw 'Tank' come to the first session, I was shocked. I was like, 'What's he doing here?'" he said.
"When he said he put his hand up for Samoa, it just lifts everyone, you know? Seeing where he's been in his career, it really lifts the whole group. It was awesome."
While Stanley was uncertain about Samoa's long-term depth, the Dragons utility still described his country's first outing in the tournament as a success.
"It's just been a great experience you know. I've never been on a Four Nations before. We all came here as individuals but we're all family now," he said.
"The feeling that we have all the way through this tournament, it's overwhelming. There' s no words to describe it. I've enjoyed it and all the boys have as well.
"Everyone knows who Samoa is now, we've definitely made our mark on rugby league. We're all proud of what we've achieved. Now we move forward from here. We're heading in the right direction."
Stanley, 23, has yet to sign with a club after coming off contract with the Dragons at the end of last season. However reports emerged over the weekend that the Hurstville product will soon sign with the Sharks.
Stanley was reluctant to divulge details on his immediate future, saying only that playing consistent first grade football was his number one priority.
"I'm not too sure what's happening yet. I just wanna get on the field and play first grade, that's my only goal. Until that happens, it's out of my hands," he said.
Labels:
NRL
Kiwis glad to face 'Roos in decider
Kiwis glad to face 'Roos in decider
He could have been preparing to face England or even Samoa in a Four Nations final this week, but veteran New Zealand back-rower Adam Blair says he's happy the world champion Kangaroos are the Kiwis' opponents for Saturday's tournament decider.All four teams were still in the running to make the final heading into last weekend's matches, but Blair said he was happy Australia is the team that now stands between New Zealand and Four Nations glory.
"You always want to play the best. You know you're in for a big match-up then. They are coming in off the back of some good footy and watching them [play Samoa] they played really well," Blair said.
"They're gelling a lot better than they were in the first game and obviously we're up for a massive Test match.
"We both want to win the game and we both have everything to play for so we just have to turn up with the right attitude and play some good footy."
Blair's Wests Tigers and New Zealand teammate Martin Taupau also was looking forward to taking on Australia again after their convincing 30-12 win over the Kangaroos three weeks ago.
"We know what we're capable of and we know what we have to do to come away with a win. We'll stick to what we've been doing the last few weeks and go into Saturday ready," Taupau said.
"I'm glad [we play Australia]. Everyone is looking forward to the opportunity. We'll just do what we normally do. There's no need to do change anything. We'll just go in and play as hard as we can."
Australia bounced back from that first-up 18-point defeat with a tight victory over England and an impressive rout of Samoa, but Blair insists the undefeated Kiwis can lift to another level when it counts.
"I'm confident with what we have done so far but [we have only played] three games," Blair said. "If we go out there and do what we have done in this tournament, and a little bit extra, I'm confident we can go out there and win."
Labels:
NRL
Jackson expects hostile Kiwis
Jackson expects hostile Kiwis
He's the newest Joey in the Kangaroos side, but Test rookie Josh Jackson is under no illusions about the task Australia faces in their Four Nations rugby league final against New Zealand.The highly rated Bulldogs back rower became the ninth Australian Test debutant of the tournament, when he came off the bench in Sunday's 44-18 thumping of Samoa in Wollongong.
The victory secured Australia's place in Saturday's final in Wellington against a New Zealand side that inflicted a 30-12 defeat on Australia in the first round of matches back on October 25 in Brisbane.
"The first week was really disappointing, but the last couple of weeks the boys have put in a couple of good performances," Jackson said at Sydney Airport on Monday.
"But there's still a lot that we can improve on."
While he's an international novice, Jackson knows exactly what to expect from the New Zealand forwards should he get the call to face them from coach Tim Sheens.
"New Zealand have always had a really strong forward pack," Jackson said.
"They play their game through the middle and they do it well, so it will be a good test for us.
"Any time we go over to New Zealand it's a tough game. They've been a quality side for a number of years now.
"We've got to give them the respect and try and hold on to the ball and do the simple things to try and win the game."
Sunday's game was another landmark in the rising career of the well regarded Bulldogs forward.
While he has yet to represent NSW at Origin level, he is no stranger to the big occasion.
Jackson played in two losing Bulldogs grand final sides in 2012 and 2014 but Kangaroos selection fulfilled a childhood dream.
"After getting off the field last night, I thought to myself `I've just played for Australia,'" Jackson said.
"As a kid, that's all I wanted to do, so thats a very surreal moment."
"Growing up watching players like Greg Inglis and Cameron Smith on the television and being part of their team and training with guys like that, I guess you just learn different things from them."
Labels:
NRL
Klemmer selection was turning point: Woods
Klemmer selection was turning point: Woods
Kangaroos prop Aaron Woods says coach Tim Sheens' bold decision to introduce rookie big man David Klemmer against England was the turning point in Australia's Four Nations campaign.The Kangaroos were staring at the prospect of missing the final of a major tournament for the first time in 60 years after going down to the Kiwis in the opener in Brisbane.
But, short on fire and rugby league brimstone, coach Tim Sheens handed the 20-year-old his first Test jumper in a comeback win over England before the Bulldogs front-rower turned heads with a fine performance off the bench against Samoa last Sunday that included his first Test try.
Now the Aussies are 80 minutes away from defending their Four Nations crown.
"I was happy with my game, sort of, against the Kiwis. I got some good time, but we just defended the whole game,"
"[But] credit to Sheensy, he showed a lot of faith in us. He brought Klemmer in the next week and we were a lot better through the middle, a lot tighter. He put Sammy [Thaiday] on an edge this week and put 'Pup' up front. Whatever Sheensy's thrown us, it's done well."
Woods was Klemmer's roommate for the slickers in the annual City-Country fixture earlier this year and the pair instantly formed a strong friendship.
While the Wests Tigers prop went on to help bring an end to Queensland's reign in the interstate rivalry, Woods said he knew his younger counterpart was destined for similar things.
"I didn't know him at all before that. I got to know him well and he's my roomie then and he is now. We're pretty good mates now. It's good fun. I can't talk too much – loose lips sink ships. But he's a legend," he said.
"I'm not surprised at what he's done at all. He's coming off the bench doing his job. He got a try – I was very proud of him. I haven't got one yet. I thought he was a big difference [on Sunday] on the field, he carted the ball up forward we were in that grind. He changed the game."
Klemmer described his Kangaroos debut against clubmate James Graham and the twin Burgesses as a tough initiation into the international arena. In 27 minutes, the second-year pro made 89 metres off nine carries against England.
"It's pretty tough versing your teammates. Me and [Graham] got stuck into each other last week, a bit of push and shove. But you know, whatever happens on the field, stays on the field. We're good teammates, we're very competitive," he said.
In fact, the All Saints product said the entire representative experience has been an eye-opener, and admitted he was still stunned to be playing alongside many of the NRL's elite.
"You think about it, and you see Greg Inglis walk past you or Cameron Smith talking to you. I've literally slapped myself after talking to them," he said.
"But they're all good blokes, guys like Robbie Farah and Greg Bird... I just love being around those sorts of blokes. Just being around them, it's good for me. It builds my confidence up, that I can be around these players, and this calibre of the game, Test match footy. I'm going to take a lot out of this Four Nations tournament."
When the final whistle blows in their final against the Kiwis on Sunday, Klemmer will have ended his second season in the NRL with a City jumper, a grand final appearance, and three games in the green and gold.
Next year, he hopes to complete the representative treble with a maiden NSW jumper.
"I know Australia's the pinnacle, but growing up watching State of Origin footy, I'm very passionate about New South Wales. I love when it comes on. I just love the physicality of it," he said.
"[But] I gotta keep playing good football to be picked for those sorts of teams. That'll be on the back of my mind. Bulldogs are first priority and whatever happens after that is just a bonus."
Labels:
NRL
Sunday 9 November 2014
Lancaster closes in on World Cup squad
Lancaster closes in on World Cup squad
England coach Stuart Lancaster has 80% of his Rugby World Cup squad inked in but has left the door open for Sam Burgess.
England have 12 games between now and the World Cup and take on
Australia, South Africa and New Zealand in November. While he has cast
his eye over the majority of his potential squad, Lancaster is yet to
see rugby league convert Sam Burgess take on union.
Burgess excelled for the Rabbitohs in their NRL Grand Final win but
fractured his cheekbone in the process, an injury that sees him ruled
out until December. For Lancaster, he has been hugely impressed by
Burgess and says the injury is a blessing in disguise.
"It is probably a good thing for Sam as it gives him a bit of a break,"
Lancaster told Sky Sports. "He's an incredible rugby player and a great
leader. He wants to make the World Cup squad and will have to learn
quickly.
"He's a leader and mentally tough. He's a very good player but an
impressive person. He's played against huge stars in rugby league. "
Burgess will have to impress in a short amount of time if he is to force
his way into the World Cup reckoning as Lancaster is close to
finalising his squad for the tournament.
"It's a really exciting time for English rugby, we have such a good
young, talented team coming through," Lancaster said. "I am 80% there
but the camp will be competitive and so it should be as it is the World
Cup - is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The pain of losing certainly
drives us. It's quite a good thing to have it sit inside us."
Labels:
Rugby WC
Brown named player of the championship
Brown named player of the championship
Continue Reading...
Brown, who
scored four tries as England narrowly missed out on the title, secured
34% of the public vote from a shortlist of 16 players.
Accepting the award, he said: "I'd like to say a massive thank you to
everyone who voted for me. I'm extremely grateful and proud to win this
award, particularly as it's decided by the supporters.
"It was disappointing not to win the tournament overall but
congratulations to Ireland, and I'm sure we'll come back stronger next
season.
"Finally a big thank you to all my team-mates, backroom staff, and
coaches for all the help they've given me through the tournament. I
couldn't perform on the field without them and it's great to have that
support."
Stuart Lancaster added: "Congratulations to Mike for winning this
accolade. He's been consistently strong for us throughout the
competition and put in some outstanding performances.
"I am very proud of what Mike and the whole squad - players, coaches and
management - have achieved this Six Nations. We are really looking
forward to building on this as we head to New Zealand in the summer for
our tour."
Labels:
Six Nations
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