Posts

Showing posts from May, 2021

Premier 15s: Saracens edge out Loughborough after Harlequins beat Wasps

Saracens edge out Loughborough Lightning and will face Harlequins in a third straight Premier 15s final next weekend. Original source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/57213056 https://therugbystore.com.au/premier-15s-saracens-edge-out-loughborough-after-harlequins-beat-wasps/

European Champions Cup: Toulouse edge out La Rochelle to claim record fifth title

Toulouse claim the European Champions Cup for a record fifth time with a 22-17 win against 14-man La Rochelle at Twickenham. Original source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/57214852 https://therugbystore.com.au/european-champions-cup-toulouse-edge-out-la-rochelle-to-claim-record-fifth-title/

“A real shame”: Scott Robertson laments the “gulf” between NZ and Australian rugby

Image
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson laments the undeniable gulf while Michael Cheika says Australian rugby has been “welcomed to first grade” after New Zealand sides again dominated Super Rugby Trans-Tasman. The Queensland Reds’ record 63-28 loss to the Crusaders in Saturday’s battle of the respective Super Rugby champions made it two perfect rounds and a 10-0 head-to-head record for New Zealand teams. It followed a heavy loss for the Brumbies, while the NSW Waratahs suffered a franchise-record 10th straight loss and defeats for the Melbourne Rebels and Western Force ensured Australian outfits occupy the bottom five spots on the ladder. A combined score of 416-214 across the 10 games, with an average margin of 20 points – even with the Brumbies’ and Force’s two and one-point losses last week – has swallowed up the feelgood factor that had built in Australian rugby ahead of Tests against France in July. Robertson believes the Reds, the new benchmark of Australian rugby after pipping the

Challenge Cup final: Leicester Tigers 17-18 Montpellier - Leicester miss out on European title

Leicester Tigers miss out on a first European trophy in 19 years as Montpellier edge a feisty Challenge Cup final at Twickenham. Original source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/57186246 https://therugbystore.com.au/challenge-cup-final-leicester-tigers-17-18-montpellier-leicester-miss-out-on-european-title/

Ill-disciplined Force fall to Highlanders

Image
The Western Force have been made to pay dearly for their ill discipline during a 25-15 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman loss to the Highlanders in Perth. The Force trailed 20-3 after 36 minutes of Friday night’s match before launching a brave comeback that almost saw them reduce the margin to three points. Down by ten points early in the second half, the Force came close to scoring on three occasions – only for penalties to bring them undone each time with the line in sight. A 60th-minute yellow card to reserve prop Greg Holmes – and a Highlanders try a minute later – killed off the Force’s victory hopes in front of 13,587 fans at HBF Park, ensuring Australian teams remain without a win after seven matches against Kiwi sides. The penalty count read 9-3 against the Force at halftime and 12-6 late in the match before the Highlanders committed some ill-disciplined acts in the dying minutes for the final count to read 12-9. “First half, we let ourselves down a fair bit. It was a 9-3 penalty c

O’Connor re-signs with Reds and Wallabies until 2023

James O’Connor has re-signed with the Queensland Reds and will remain in Australian rugby until the 2023 World Cup in France. The Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) and Rugby Australia (RA) have secured the signature of Reds flyhalf James O’Connor. The 30-year-old has re-signed for the next two seasons that will see him remain at Ballymore and in Australian Rugby until the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. “Queensland is my home. I was born here. I love this State, I love pulling on the maroon jersey, and this is where I want to finish my career,” O’Connor said. “We have a great team now and I think we are going to do some special things. I’m excited to be part of it and to help take them forward.” O’Connor captained the Reds to a breakthrough premiership, scoring every point in the 19-16 victory over the Brumbies to secure the Super Rugby AU title a fortnight ago. MORE TO COME Original source: https://www.theroar.com.au/2021/05/21/oconnor-re-signs-with-reds-and-wallabies-until-2023/ ht

Mike Brown: Harlequins full-back to appeal against six-week ban

Harlequins full-back Mike Brown is to appeal against his six-week ban for his sending-off against Wasps. Original source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/57191250 https://therugbystore.com.au/mike-brown-harlequins-full-back-to-appeal-against-six-week-ban/

Why the Queensland Reds hit a speed bump in Dunedin

Image
Forget the power merchants. Forget those who tell you the only way to win matches is by brute force. That is the long and winding route to oblivion for the game of rugby. Speed, and more accurately speed of thought, kills. Six of the nine teams to have won a World Cup have been based squarely on it. A seventh – South Africa in 2007 – hired it on their coaching staff in the form of Eddie Jones, just before the tournament began. They had the on-field brain they needed, with Fourie du Preez a world-leading intellect at scrumhalf. Sir Clive Woodward abbreviated this rugby essential to TCUP in the build-up to England’s 2003 World Cup success: thinking correctly under pressure. England sides of the past had always tended to respond to pressure by trying to exert more force, or put more size on the field. Not by thinking more clearly or correctly. Woodward changed the culture, at least temporarily, in England’s prime years of the professional era between 2001 and 2003. Speed and accuracy o

British & Irish Lions: Japan match at Murrayfield set to have 16,500 spectators

A crowd of 16,500 is set to watch the British and Irish Lions' warm-up match against Japan at Murrayfield. Original source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/57170632 https://therugbystore.com.au/british-irish-lions-japan-match-at-murrayfield-set-to-have-16500-spectators/

Tipping panel week 14: Bounce back week

Image
A really interesting opening round of Super Rugby trans-Tasman, with three comfortable New Zealand wins and a couple of heartbreaking Australian losses. The question now is going to be whether the comfortable wins just confirm suspicions, or whether the heartbreaking losses will see some recognition of the Australian sides. Either way, this second week is going to see bounce back of some sort. Whether that’s from the Rebels, Reds, and Hurricanes, or from the Crusaders and Chiefs is anyone’s guess. Some teams will have been enthused by their showing, and others will and should be really disappointed. A big test for a number of teams – and a number of coaches – is already here. LAST WEEK: Harry, Dan, Digger, and Geoff 5; The Crowd 4, Brett 3. OVERALL: Dan 38, Harry 37, Geoff 36, The Crowd 35, Digger 33, Brett 31. Dan TIPS: HURRICANES, FORCE, BLUES, CHIEFS, CRUSADERS It was an absolutely dire start to the Trans-Tasman competition for the Rebels, and a trip over to Wellington with

London Irish 12-31 Exeter Chiefs - Sam Simmonds sets try-scoring record

Sam Simmonds breaks the Premiership try-scoring record for a season in his side's 31-12 win at London Irish. Original source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/57088881 https://therugbystore.com.au/london-irish-12-31-exeter-chiefs-sam-simmonds-sets-try-scoring-record/

Get your questions in for Issue 13 of Coach’s Corner

It’s that time of the week, rugby fans: the weekend’s games are all done and dusted and we need your questions for the next edition of Coach’s Corner. If you’re not familiar with the series, Coach’s Corner is the weekly Friday column where Nick Bishop answers your rugby-related questions. » Miss the latest Coach’s Corner offering? It’s not too late to catch up on last week’s issue With the first weekend of Super Rugby Trans-Tasman in the books, there have been plenty of Antipodean talking points from the last week. While it was a clean sweep for the Kiwi sides and there was plenty to cheer about for Highlanders, Rebels and Hurricanes fans to cheer about (although less so for the latter’s defence coach), the Brumbies and Force only lost after missed conversions after full-time. This weekend is offering up a host of tantalizing clashes, as the two domestic runners up face off on Saturday evening as the Chiefs host the Brumbies before each country’s champion meet in Queensland when th

Premiership: Bristol Bears 39-7 Gloucester - leaders brush aside struggling visitors

Premiership leaders Bristol Bears comfortably beat 14-man Gloucester 39-7, despite having eight tries ruled out. Original source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/57088695 https://therugbystore.com.au/premiership-bristol-bears-39-7-gloucester-leaders-brush-aside-struggling-visitors/

Why Australian rugby should go it alone

Image
How good was it to see 42,000 screaming rugby fans watching the two best rugby teams in Australia fight out an epic final on home soil in prime time on free-to-air TV? Exhilarating. Spine-tingling. Rugby’s back, baby! As a proud Brumbies supporter I’ll admit to a few sour grapes over one or two decisions on the night, but it was a fitting end to an enjoyable competition and a great night for the sport in this country. More Rugby Why Australian rugby should go it alone Six talking points from Super Rugby Trans-Tasman, Round 1 The Wrap: Goldilocks, Super Rugby and the three bears Read it and weep: Former All Blacks captain announces retirement Tim Sampson defends "world class" Domingo Miotti after conversion heartbreak Rugby Let’s fast-forwar

Pro14 Rainbow Cup: Dragons 26-42 Ospreys

Ospreys secure their second Pro14 Rainbow Cup win with a 42-26 bonus-point triumph against Dragons at Rodney Parade. Original source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/57111902 https://therugbystore.com.au/pro14-rainbow-cup-dragons-26-42-ospreys/

Premiership: Leicester 35-29 Harlequins - Genge scores brace as Tigers beat play-off contenders

Leicester Tigers survive a ferocious fightback to check Harlequins' play-off hopes with a thrilling 35-29 win at Welford Road. Original source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/57088563 https://therugbystore.com.au/premiership-leicester-35-29-harlequins-genge-scores-brace-as-tigers-beat-play-off-contenders/

Bath 20-24 Sale: Sharks earn late bonus-point Premiership win at The Rec

Sale survive three sin-binnings as they come from behind to win at Bath and boost their Premiership play-off bid. Original source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/57087666 https://therugbystore.com.au/bath-20-24-sale-sharks-earn-late-bonus-point-premiership-win-at-the-rec/

Brumbies fall heartbreakingly short in titanic struggle with Crusaders

Image
Brumbies flyhalf Noah Lolesio has missed a sideline conversion on the final siren as the Crusaders escaped with a thrilling 31-29 win in Christchurch. The Crusaders were cruising to victory after skipping out to a 31-17 lead with just 10 minutes remaining in Saturday night’s Super Rugby Trans-Tasman clash. A magical solo try to Brumbies fullback Tom Banks – when he shook off three tacklers in a 62 metre sprint to the line – got the visitors back in the game in the 72nd minute. A 79th-minute yellow card to Crusaders substitute Ereatara Enari further opened the door, and the margin was just two points when a clever inside flick from Brumbies winger Tom Wright sent No.8 Rob Valetini over. It left Lolesio with a chance to draw the game, but he squeezed the tough sideline conversion to the left to narrowly miss as the final siren sounded. Lolesio hunched over in disappointment, but his teammates ran in to console him after what had been a remarkable late fightback from the Brumbies. “

Lions tour schedule revised due to COVID

Image
The British and Irish Lions’ match schedule for their rugby tour of South Africa has been changed to mitigate the risks posed by the coronavirus pandemic, while there will almost certainly be no fans at any of the games. The announcement on Friday gave final confirmation that the tour will go ahead in July and August with the Lions playing eight games, including three Tests against the reigning world champion Springboks. But seven of the eight games will now be in either Johannesburg or Cape Town, with the other in the capital, Pretoria. That means the Lions will not travel to Durban, Port Elizabeth or Nelspruit, as originally planned for the tour. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images) SA Rugby chief executive Jurie Roux said they were hopeful that the South African government might relax some restrictions on fans being allowed back into sports stadiums by July “but, for the moment, we are planning for an event behind closed doors.” The Lions regularly take tens of thousands of the

Coach’s Corner Issue 12: Can Taniela Tupou keep it straight for Super Rugby Trans-Tasman?

Image
Statistically, who are the most effective loose forwards in Super Rugby AU and Super Rugby Aotearoa? – KiwiHaydn How does Fraser McReight go about his business and what roles does he fulfil in the reds attack and defence? – Numpty Everyone rates the work rate of carries and tackles etc of McReight, how does he compare to Hooper last year in this regard? – PeterK With the new Antipodean crossover competition kicking off this weekend, it is the right time to return to this question, which originally spanned the back-rows on both sides of the Tasman. The following table includes the top All Black candidates from Super Rugby Aotearoa in 2021, plus the likeliest Wallaby counterparts in each position. Michael Hooper’s 2020 Super Rugby AU stats are also added as a point of comparison. First, on attack: Min played Mins between carries Gainline +/- Defenders beaten/offloads Decisive outcomes (breaks/assists) Lineouts won/stolen Akira Ioane 437 7.3 11 22/5 8 4 Luke Jacobs

Alex Goode: Saracens and England full-back returns from loan for Championship run in

Saracens welcome back full-back Alex Goode from his season-long loan at NEC Green Rockets in Japan. Original source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/57107926 https://therugbystore.com.au/alex-goode-saracens-and-england-full-back-returns-from-loan-for-championship-run-in/

Anti Barking Vibration Control Device for Small Medium Large Dogs – No Shock

Image
FAST OUTCOMES: Are you searching for a secure as well as efficient service to quit your canine barking? Utilizing our anti bark control collar you need to see outcomes QUICK. Our faithful clients are surprised just how swiftly it has actually aided them. The anti barking tool produces a TRANQUILITY, SILENT area. It will certainly NOT HURT your family pet in all. It utilizes resonance as well as audio (unlike ultrasonic or citronella) for optimal impact. SMART NO BARK INNOVATION: New Improved for 2019, Our barking collars make use of a smart caution system that offers a high level of improvement and also control as well as instructs your pet to discover to quit barking promptly. Train your pet dog without a muzzle or a whistle. A real antibark deterrent that can find and also overlook barking from various other pets. Obedience guaranteed. Not a shock collar for pets. Look into todays bargains/ free gifts FITS ALL TYPES: Tiny, Tool or Huge pet dog? Interior or Outside? Persistent type? L