Three youngsters take first step towards NRL careers...

Three promising youngsters have taken the first step towards fulfilling their rugby league dreams, gaining scholarships to train with the NRL champions Melbourne Storm.

The trio will travel to Melbourne in April for a week's training after being picked out by Storm coach Craig Bellamy and scout Darren Bell during a camp in Wainuiomata at the weekend.

Upper Hutt pair Pride Petterson-Robati (Wellington under-14) and Frederick Lika Pule (Wellington under-16) and New Plymouth's Isaac Robinson (Taranaki under-16) all have one foot in the door at a club widely regarded as the NRL's most professional.

Wellington Rugby League general manager Jason Hemson said the relationship with the Storm was going from strength to strength.

"It was very good," Hemson said.

"We had nearly 105 kids and about 30-odd coaches. The Melbourne guys are very keen to keep things moving and come back again, so it's a good opportunity for us to formalise something a little bit stronger over the next year or so with them."

Hemson said the Storm were targeting young New Zealand talent because their under-18 and under-20 squads were strong but Melbourne lacked younger, home-grown talent.

"Being down in Melbourne, it's a little bit more difficult for them to get the numbers in those younger age groups."

Hemson said Bellamy's coaching forum, in which he fielded questions from local mentors, was invaluable.

"For us, it's more about our coaches than the kids. Because once our coaches can see the type of things that those guys are looking at, then they can start training for it.

"If we can get kids at 10, 11, 12 and start coaching them the things those NRL clubs are looking for, then what it means is we can keep them here a little bit longer because we know they're getting trained well.

"And when it comes time for the NRL clubs to be looking at them, they can see where the kids are at in terms of their development along the NRL lines."



Acknowledgements: Stuff, Dominion Post.

All Blacks demolish France in a beautiful display of running rugby...

The All Blacks demolish France in a beautiful display of running rugby - five tries to none. Who was the ignorant fool who claimed the the All Blacks aura had dimmed?

At the end the end of this great performance a capacity French crowd rose as one to give the All Blacks a standing ovation.

It was the least Richie McCaw and his team of bravehearts deserved as they put an exclamation point on their test match season with a quite special performance.

The All Blacks saved their best for last on this long northern tour, putting on a masterclass in Marseille today as they carved up the French in as expressive a display of rugby as they've produced all year.

Running in five quite magnificent tries, and outplaying the French team all over the park, Graham Henry's New Zealanders - playing beautiful rugby in an ugly combination of black shorts and white jerseys - won 39-12 with a display that was possibly even more commanding than the score indicated. At the end skipper McCaw was also named the IRB's Player of the Year - a just reward for a magnificent competitor whose standards have remained sky-high all year.

After the muddled mess that has been much of this autumn programme in the north, it was a delight to see rugby finally serve up a test match it could be proud of. The capacity crowd of mainly southern French oval ball diehards were completely won over by a New Zealand performance of the highest class, and they showed their appreciation when an at-times heated contest came to its end.

It was billed as the "Battle of the Hemispheres" as it pitted the form teams of the autumn carnival together in an unofficial final; and the All Blacks responded brilliantly as they finally unleashed the all-round package they've been desperate to serve up for the last five weeks.

It was a treat to watch as the All Black attacking game was finally unleashed. Allied with their trademark stout defence, which is now a given with this team, they had way too much class for a French team that had been heavily touted as the form team of the northern hemisphere. They led 22-12 at halftime and put the game away with two more second-half touchdowns, as they kept the French scoreless after the break. They also kept their line intact for a second straight tour in the north - which in itself is a remarkable achievement.

It was the All Blacks' 10th win of the year and regained the prized Dave Gallaher Trophy with the second victory of three over the French for the season.

The All Blacks backs had a field day in perfect conditions. Dan Carter finally unleashed one of those virtuoso displays that's been in the works for a while now, Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith were outstanding in midfield and the back three of Mils Muliaina and his two flying wings had way too much for the French to handle.

Up front the All Blacks found the French a handful at scrum time, but it mattered not. They won the lineout contest with something to spare and led by the incomparable McCaw were all over the French at the breakdown. Big Brad Thorn battled tirelessly to the end (and his well-earned early trip home), while Kieran Read produced another eye-catching display at No 8.

As is now to be expected, their defence was of the highest class, and you could see the determination in them right to the final whistle not to let their line be breached.

McCaw and his men will be rapt that they've been able to sign off so splendidly in a test they'd happily billed as defining. That was the messages out of the All Blacks camp pretty much from the minute they walked off Twickenham last weekend.

This was the match on which their season hung. With four defeats already, it could never be called a resounding success, but victory would at least make it a run of six straight test wins and a continuation of their remarkable record under Graham Henry on the northern autumn swing.

They have never lost up here under him (excepting, of course, that Cardiff World Cup aberration), and heading into this match they had not conceded a try either for the past two tours. There can be no questioning the will and determination of this group.

But defeat would not only have burst that bubble, but handed the season series to the French, surrendered the prized Dave Gallaher and placed a disappointing fifth tick in the loss column. That would not do at all.

The other big factor to bear in mind was the fatigue one. The All Blacks looked tired this week and their challenge was to shrug off those aching limbs and wandering minds, and find one more peak, one more big effort.

They certainly achieved that magnificently in the opening 40 minutes, producing probably their best half of football of the year... It was at times nearly perfect stuff from the All Blacks who attacked with precision, crossed for three fine tries - which even the 65,000 Marseille faithful had to applaud vigorously - and took a significant 22-12 led into the sheds.

The French, after a passionate pre-match, picked up on the electricity of the occasion and opened with a couple of big scrums and an early Julien Dupuy penalty. They looked ready for the rumble, all right, and early signs were ominous for the All Black 'n Whites.

But they then settled. And struck. Sitiveni Sivivatu had his 27th test try after just seven minutes, and what a beaut it was. Jimmy Cowan and Nonu - having a whale of a game - made the initial thrust off crisp lineout ball and Carter's pinpoint flat pass gave his wing the perfect hole to dance through for the 7-3 lead.

The French regained the lead via two more Dupuy penalties while continuing to win the scrum battle pretty conclusively, but Muliaina had the New Zealanders back in front just past the opening quarter with the try of the tour - the season, even.

Cowan sparked a sensational 90m try when he gathered an aimless French kick deep in his 22, and immediately sensed something was on. Muliaina took the wide pass, Smith shovelled it on to Sivivatu who left David Marty in his dust and then timed the inpass to Muliana beautifully for a clean run-on for the fullback.

By now the All Blacks were humming. After their attacking struggles on this trip, it was a treat to see the shackles finally unleashed.

In some ways the New Zealanders' third try of their half might have been their most satisfying. It came eight minutes from the break and was served up via - of all places - the scrum.

Kieran Read probably could have scored when he steamed on to a break opened up by a Carter chip-kick that sat up perfectly for Nonu, but when he slipped the pass to Tom Donnelly the big lock couldn't quite hang on in the tackle.

Never mind. From the resultant scrum the All Blacks caught the French napping, Neemia Tialata put a huge hit on and when ball popped loose Jeroma Kaino was on hand to grab the score.

Only a late Francois Trinh-Duc dropped goal cut the deficit to 10 by the break; but it was hard to shake the feeling that the French were just hanging on.

After only a Carter penalty to show for the third quarter, Cory Jane put the issue beyond doubt when he scored a fabulous individual try to take the margin to 20.

He scooped up a bounced Cowan pass, fended off his marker, then put in a pinpoint kick that he won the chase to like it was a Sunday stroll.

That left just time for Smith to grab try No 5 - the first time this season they've amassed more than three touchdowns - off a superb McCaw turnover, and for a couple of melees to erupt that showed how much feeling was in the contest.

And then the All Blacks trudged off to take their bows, their trophy and no doubt to toast the most perfect of ends to their test programme. Tres magnifique!

France 12 (Julien Dupuy 3 pens; Francois Trinh-Duc - drop goal),

New Zealand 39 (Sitiveni Sivivatu, Mils Muliaina, Jerome Kaino, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith tries; Dan Carter 2 pens, 4 cons).

Ht: 12-22

Next week the 'dirt trackers' will be let loose against the Barbarians in what is the only non-test match of this tour. These second stringers and development players will have their chance in the sun to prove they are worthy of future selection in the AB's squad.

Acknowledgements: Stuff.com

All Blacks beat Wales at Millennium Stadium 2009...

The All Blacks take on Wales at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff in the start of their northern hemisphere campaign. All Blacks beat Wales. Wales claim refs intimidated by All Blacks. All Blacks more desperate in win over Wales Brad Thorn at the top of his game. Relevant offers

Drama. Passion. Intensity. And a hell of a finish. This was one test match that lived up to its billing as the All Blacks had to dig deep to continue their stranglehold over Wales at the Millennium Stadium today.

Warren Gatland's Wales couldn't quite manage the upset their coach had suggested was on the cards this week, but they gave it one heck of a try, taking the All Blacks to the brink as they held on for a 19-12 victory that preserves their 56-year, 21-test winning streak against this proud rugby nation.

But you have to say if the Welsh keep turning up with this sort of attitude and aptitude, surely their day will come sooner rather than later.

And this time they even hung in the contest in the second half as the All Blacks, playing much to the script of last year's similarly stirring encounter, took their game up a gear after halftime to wrest control of a contest that had looked to be slipping from their grasp.

In fact, with the match winding down into its final minutes, the Welsh had looked as though they might have snatched a dramatic draw, when big lock Alun-Wyn Jones snaffled a Jimmy Cowan pass and dashed off 60 metres upfield in a run that nearly lifted the roof off this magnificent packed stadium.

He was eventually hauled in by Zac Guildford, who had a fine test debut, and the All Blacks were able to scramble back on defence and avert the crisis.

Still, they spent the last couple of minutes in batten-down-the-hatches mode as the Welsh camped in their red zone. Alas there was to be no late try to snatch, if not a famous victory, a probably meritorious draw.

The All Blacks hung on and banked the win to keep their seven year unbeaten run in these autumn internationals intact, but boy did they know they had been in a test match by the final whistle.

Big Brad Thorn, that ageless wonder, had a magnificent match for the All Blacks as he once again turned back the clock, and behind him the black pack took their game to the level they needed to in the second spell. Hooker Andrew Hore also toiled mightily.

Conrad Smith and Guildford were probably the pick of the backs, though Mils Muliaina had one of his better matches of the year at the back. Still, it was to Wales' immense credit that they kept the New Zealanders to just the single try as they attacked them with a venom in the second half.

Three times the New Zealanders looked to have crossed the line in the second spell, and three times the TMO ruled that desperate Welsh defence had denied them. It was magnificent stuff.

Ad Feedback Wales gave it their best shot, all right, and in the end were worthy of their coach's brave words in the buildup. This is some team Gatland is building, and the canny Kiwi is right to talk them up.

And Graham Henry's All Blacks will also take some satisfaction in this rollercoaster year of theirs that they stared adversity in the face, and didn't blink.

It was a case of déjà-vu as another furious first-half effort from the Welsh had them well in this contest after 40 minutes, with the scores locked at 6-6 (two penalties apiece) and Gatland's men having very much the better of the opening skirmishes.

Of course a year ago the Welsh had led the All Blacks 9-6 at halftime at this very stadium, only to be outscored 23-0 over the second stanza. Would history repeat for a side desperate to end 56 years of test match agony at the hands of the New Zealanders?

You had to say by the break, the Welsh had set themselves up perfectly. They had managed to lure the All Blacks into a one-dimensional contest of kick-and-chase football that saw the New Zealanders unable to establish any continuity of possession.

With the home team, buoyed by the capacity crowd of 74,330 in full voice as per usual, clearly winning the possession battle - if not the breakdown one - it became a case of the All Blacks hanging in rather than dictating anything.

Instead it was the Welsh who looked the more likely with ball in hand and the All Blacks who were called on to make some big tackles against some promising attacking forays. To their credit, New Zealand's defence was as secure as it was severe, a succession of Welsh sorties halted in their tracks in furious fashion.

After Carter had edged the All Blacks in front with an early second-half penalty, hooker Hore drove across for the key try just past the quarter-hour mark.

It was classic Hore. The All Blacks had attacked the left flank and Thorn and Guildford had found some space, with Hore picking up off the deck and bulldozing over. Carter's conversion took the All Blacks out to 16-6, and it was then that they threatened to blow the game open.

But the Welsh held on. Somehow. Carter extended the lead to 13, then Stephen Jones slotted a couple of three-pointers himself to get his side back within striking distance.

That they couldn't quite get there should not detract from a fabulous Welsh effort. The coach can be proud of his men.

New Zealand 19 (Andrew Hore try; Dan Carter 4 pen, con)

Wales 12 (Stephen Jones 4 pen). Halftime: 6-6.

Monkey King wins 2009 New Zealand Trotting Cup at Addington Raceway, Christchurch...

Favourite Monkey King won the $1 million New Zealand Trotting Cup at Addington today, mounting a big late finish in the 3200m race.

The protest siren sounded moments after Monkey King roped in the pace-setting Australian Smoken Up close to home, then held the fast finishing Bettor's Strike off by a neck.

Monkey King posted the second-fastest time in the history of the Christchurch race. Smoken Up, which went clear at the turn, was provisionally third.

The protest was against Bettor's Strike, who may have interfered with second favourite Kiwi Ingenuity at the turn.

Australian pacers Smoken Up and Karloo Mick set much of the early running.

- NZPA

The Melbourne Cup great - The mighty Kiwi...

The Melbourne Cup:

Kiwi - one of the all time greats. The Melbourne Cup is Australia's major annual thoroughbred horse race. Billed as 'the race that stops a nation', it is for three-year-olds and over, and covers a distance of 3200 metres. The event has been held on the first Tuesday in November since 1861 by the Victoria Racing Club, at Flemington Park in Melbourne. It is generally regarded as the most prestigious "two-mile" handicap in the world.

The race was originally held over two miles, about 3,218 metres, but following Australia's adoption of the metric system in 1972 the current distance of 3200 metres was adopted. This reduced the distance by 61ft 6in, and Rain Lover's 1968 race record of 3min.19.1sec was accordingly adjusted to 3min.17.9sec. The present record holder is the 1990 winner Kingston Rule with a time of 3min 16.3sec.

New Zealand success:Since the race was first run; New Zealand-breds have won 41 Melbourne Cups starting in 1883 with Martini Henry. In recent years their success has been remarkable with NZ breds taking 28 of the past 50 Melbourne Cups.

Famous NZ-breds to land the famous race in recent years include Ethereal (2001), Might and Power (1997) and Doriemus (1995), all of whom also won Australia's famous Caulfield Cup.

However possibly the most famous New Zealand bred Melbourne Cup Winner was a horse named Kiwi. Kiwi was a race horse who in 1983 won the Wellington Cup and the Melbourne Cup.

Kiwi raced from 1980 to 1987, and he was purchased by Waverley sheep farmer Snow Lupton for only NZ$1000, originally to be used as a stock horse on the farm, and was never intended to be tried as a thoroughbred racing galloper.

Legend has it that as Kiwi proved to be a fast horse with plenty of stamina around the Lupton farm, Lupton was convinced by his friends to enter Kiwi in the Derby at nearby Wanganui, to see how he ran under race conditions. He instantly showed promise, especially over longer distances. He was an unknown quantity at the two mile distance when he was entered in the 1983 Wellington Cup, and won handily.

Despite having won over the two mile distance, he was still a distant long shot with the bookmakers and punters alike on race day, and started at 10/1. Yet he managed to come from last in the final straight to take the victory and capture the hearts of racing aficionados.

He was retired to the Lupton's farm.


Melbourne Cup Day Racing in New Zealand:

The first Tuesday in November is generally a day where even here in New Zealand the entire nation stops to watch the great race. This day is also known for office sweepstakes, and for many New Zealanders the one day of the year where they will venture down to the TAB to make an investment on the big race.

Domestically there are three thoroughbred meetings conducted on this day for the Auckland Racing Club at Ellerslie, the Wellington Racing Club at Trentham, and the Otago Racing Club at Wingatui. For the Otago Racing Club the day mirrors Flemington and has a glamorous image and a noticeable fashion theme highlighted by the 'Fashions on the Field' competition. The day is extremely popular with Otago businesses who utilize the event to entertain clients and staff.

All Blacks thrash Wallabies 33-6 in final game...

The New Zealand All Blacks excised some of their demons of the current season while losing three times during the Tri-Nations tournament against South Africa; last night they made it three zip against the Australian Wallabies

New Zealand 33-6 Australia
New Zealand (16) 33
Tries: Jane, Nonu, Rokocoko Cons: Carter 3 Pens: Carter 4
Australia (6) 6
Pen: Giteau Drop-goal: Barnes



Nonu scored a stunning solo try with five minutes remaining
New Zealand thrashed Australia in Wellington on Saturday to finish second in the 2009 Tri-Nations table behind runaway champions South Africa.

A converted Cory Jane try and three Dan Carter penalties, to a Matt Giteau penalty and Berrick Barnes drop-goal, gave the hosts a 16-6 half-time lead.

Carter added a fourth penalty before Ma'a Nonu thundered over from the 22.

Joe Rokocoko dived over in the corner late on as the All Blacks made it six wins in a row over the Wallabies.

The two teams meet again in Tokyo on 31 October, the week before the All Blacks face Wales in Cardiff and England host Australia at Twickenham.

The convincing nature of the victory will have come as a big relief to under-pressure New Zealand coach Graham Henry.

606: DEBATE
Well the AB's are back - they may not be back to their best but the win over Australia was convincing

biltongbek
The All Blacks dominated Australia in the line-out and with their pack monopolising possession, the backs had too much pace and power for the visitors.

New Zealand showed their attacking intent from the kick-off as they opted to keep the ball in hand but it was the Wallabies who scored first, Giteau slotting a penalty after Brad Thorn was ruled offside.

However, the Wallabies fly-half was off-target with his second attempt three minutes later and never got another chance to kick at goal.

Three Carter penalties edged the All Blacks 9-3 ahead and although Barnes reduced the gap to three with a drop-goal after Isaia Toeava was yellow carded for a high tackle on James O'Connor, that was as good as it got for the struggling visitors.


Rokocoko's late score was the icing on the cake for New Zealand
The All Blacks shrugged off the absence of Toeava to score their first try in the 31st minute.

A well-judged kick by Mils Muliaina was claimed by Jane off O'Connor's shoulder and the winger stepped another tackle before diving over the line.

Carter landed the conversion and added a fourth penalty soon after the break to make it 19-6.

The hosts hammered away at the Wallabies, who were barely able to mount a worthwhile attack in the second half, and the visitors' defence finally cracked with five minutes to go.

When the ball was fed into midfield the Wallabies looked well set but Nonu burst between tacklers to break the initial line of defence before his power took him through three more defenders to score a typically powerful try.

Carter converted and he was on target from the touchline after the All Blacks finished with a flourish, Rokocoko scoring with a trademark dive after New Zealand had spun the ball down the line.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New Zealand: Muliaina; Jane, Toeava, Nonu, Rokocoko; Carter, Cowan; Tialata, Hore, Woodcock, Donnelly, Thorn, Read, McCaw (c), Thomson.
Replacements: de Malmanche, Afoa, Eaton, So'oialo, Leonard, Donald, Gear.

Australia: O'Connor; Turner, Ashley-Cooper, Barnes, Mitchell; Giteau, Genia; Alexander, Polota-Nau, Robinson, Chisholm, Horwill, Smith (c), Pocock, Elsom.
Replacements: Moore, Cowan, Mumm, Palu, Burgess, Cooper, Hynes

Countdown to AB'S v Wallabies Part Two...

Countdown to AB's v Wallabies Part Two:


McCaw notices an edge at All Blacks training:

An edge at All Black training pleases skipper Richie McCaw ahead of Saturday's test against the Wallabies in Sydney.

Captain Richie McCaw has observed an edge at training as the All Blacks build towards Saturday's rugby test against the Wallabies in Sydney.

McCaw says it is due to having time off to reflect on the opening three games of the Tri-Nations.

" We've addressed some things we haven't got right. I guess we won't know 'til Saturday how that's gone, but I know the guys are a lot more confident that we have got things sorted".

McCaw has also acknowledged the impact a returning Rocky Elsom could have on the Wallabies.

Like Dan Carter for the All Blacks, Australian fans are hoping the tenacious blindside flanker can help turn around the Wallabies fortunes in Sydney.

McCaw says a player like Elsom brings a lot to their team.

"He brings experience to the team. He's a tough footballer and a pretty smart footballer as well and in the times we've played him in the last few years he's always had a big impact on things".

The Wallabies are expecting Elsom to last 80 minutes, despite having not played in three months.

The All Blacks coaching staff spent yesterday afternoon at Sydney Swans AFL training.



>> More Rugby News
© 2009 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Muralitharan to reinforce Sri Lanka against NZ cricket team in first test,,,

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA - World bowling record holder Muttiah Muralitharan will reinforce Sri Lanka for next week's first test against New Zealand after missing the Pakistan series due to injury.


Muralitharan, who has a record 770 test wickets, recovered from the knee injury and was included in a 15-man squad for the first test at Galle from August 18, Sri Lanka Cricket said.

Wicket-keeper Prasanna Jayawardene, who also missed the three tests against Pakistan because of a finger injury, was back in the squad for the first of two tests against the Black Caps.

Tillakaratne Dilshan, who kept wickets against Pakistan in place of Jayawardene and suffered injuries in the hand and face during the third test, was also named in the squad.

The second test will be played at the Sinhalese sports club in Colombo from August 26.

Sri Lanka squad:
Kumar Sangakkara (capt), Malinda Warnapura, Tharanga Paranavitana, Mahela Jayawardene, Thilan Samaraweera, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Angelo Mathews, Chamara Kapugedera, Muttiah Muralitharan, Ajantha Mendis, Thilan Thushara, Nuwan Kulasekara, Dhammika Prasad, Prasanna Jayawardene, Rangana Herath.



Acknowlegements: AFP

Should Dan Carter be rushed back into the All Blacks against the Wallabies

Dan Carter's rapid recall is a no-brainer - or desperation.


Should Dan Carter have been rushed back into the All Blacks

No-brainer or desperation? There will be opposing viewpoints about the merits and speed of Daniel Carter's return to the All Blacks squad but the big question now is whether he will start in the Sydney test in a fortnight.

Carter will play for Canterbury against Waikato on Friday night to bring his tally of games to four since he resumed rugby after six months out of the game recovering from surgery to repair his snapped Achilles tendon.

On that workload, scouts' reports and their own observation, the selectors have picked Carter for a training camp in Auckland tomorrow and the rest of the Tri-Nations campaign.

That rapid recall suggests many things but clearly Carter has passed the criteria espoused recently by Steve Hansen when he suggested that unless the five-eighths was 100 per cent fit "it would be a form of panic I think".

On that medical evidence and the combination of Carter's cautious return and skills which place him in the superstar category, he must be in the starting XV or reserves in Sydney.

If he starts it would not be an indictment of Stephen Donald, more a recognition that Carter is a once in a generation player; or perhaps once in a lifetime, like his fellow Cantabrian and captain, Richie McCaw.

Donald was one of the more consistent players in the messy campaign against the Springboks and goaled eight from nine kicks in Bloemfontein and Durban.

But a fit, sharp Carter will give the All Blacks extra confidence, authority and experience if they use him in Sydney. There would be a parallel with the cult movie Get Carter, where the star sets out to avenge the death of his brother.

Yesterday Carter said one person could not change a team's fortunes. "It is a team performance."

He described the transition to test rugby as a "huge step up from what I have experienced in the last three weeks". "If I get the opportunity that would be great but it would be extremely tough."

Carter would be seen as a talisman by the All Blacks and a feared rival by the Wallabies who are likely to be without their skipper, Stirling Mortlock.

"He is a key member of the All Blacks, has recovered well from his injury and has made a great return to rugby so now is the right time to bring him back into the squad," coach Graham Henry said.

All Blacks backs coach Wayne Smith said Carter should not be seen as "the cavalry riding over the hill to save us". Smith had been surprised at how quickly the experienced pivot has returned to form.

"His ability to break, and the speed that he has got, has been a surprise to me, having seen that sort of injury before."

Carter has not played a test since late last year when he piloted the All Blacks to a 32-6 win against England.

He will begin his next step towards that international stage when he joins an extended All Blacks squad for the training camp tomorrow.

Tamati Ellison and Tom Donnolly will also attend the camp to cover for the injured Isaia Toeava and Bryn Evans while the squad travelling to Sydney will be trimmed to 26 on Saturday.

Toeava has been resting a stress fracture in his foot while Evans has been suffering from lower back and leg pain and withdrew from the weekend's latest NPC round.

Acknowledgements: Wynne Grey, NZ Herald

Dan Carter back for red and blacks...

Dan Carter back for red and blacks...

All Black first five-eighth Dan Carter will make his return to top-level rugby this weekend.

Carter has been named to start for Canterbury in their Air New Zealand Cup opening round clash against North Harbour on Saturday.

Carter has not played a top-level game since injuring his Achilles while playing for Perpignan in France six months ago.

It will be Carter's first game for Canterbury since October 6, 2006, when he played against Wellington in an NPC quarter-final.

He played 80 minutes for Southbridge against Hornby in the Ellesmere sub-union competition last weekend, scoring a try and kicking two conversions in his team's 34-13 victory.

Canterbury
Colin Slade, James Paterson, Tim Bateman, Ryan Crotty, Sean Maitland, Dan Carter, Tyson Keats, Nasi Manu, George Whitelock (captain), Michael Paterson, James Broadhurst, Sam Whitelock, Peter Borlase, Ti'i Paulo, Wyatt Crockett.

Reserves: Will Catherwood, Andrew Olorenshaw, Luke Romano, Matt Todd, Willi Heinz, Stephen Brett, Adam Whitelock.


Acknowledgements: NZ HERALD STAFF

Dexter Dunn it - first in NZ to drive or ride 200 winners in a season...

Teenager Dexter Dunn became the first New Zealand harness racing driver to achieve 200 wins in a season by winning the fifth race at Addington, Christchurch, on Friday night.

Dunn, 19, was left stranded on 199 wins at Cambridge, Waikato, Thursday night after two second placings, and it took him another four attempts last night before guiding hot favourite Smiling Shard to an easy win in a 1950-metre two-year-old pace.

Dunn became the most successful harness driver or thoroughbred jockey in New Zealand history on Tuesday when he overtook jockey Lisa Cropp's record of 197 wins in the 2004-05 season.

Dunn, in only his second full season of driving, won last year's premiership and on June 1 this year beat champion Maurice McKendry's New Zealand record of 161 wins in a season.

He had six wins on the Forbury, Dunedin, card last Tuesday. He'll be pretty good when he grows up?

Many teens his age are still hooning around the main streets of their towns on a Friday or Saturday night in their hotted up cars - not this young guy!

Acknowledgements: NZPA

Whitelock brothers in arms for Canterbury rugby 2009...

Whitelock brothers in arms gearing up for Canterbury Air NZ Cup season.


The Whitelock brothers will all play for Canterbury in this years Air NZ Cup.



New Zealand rugby has many examples of brothers turning out for the same province.

There were five Clarke’s playing for Waikato in the sixties. North Auckland had the Going’s and their famous ‘triple scissors’ move. Auckland had the trio of Zinzan, Robin and Marty Brooke.

This season Canterbury has three Whitelock brothers in its squad, one of them will captain the side.

They are country boys at heart, and as lads on the family farm near Palmerston North, a bit of rough housing was never far away for the Whitelock boys.

George is the oldest at 23 - and after last month's All Black debut against Italy,the openside flanker was this week named as captain of the Canterbury Air New Zealand Cup squad.

“Nine times out of way there'd be some crying somewhere - so we'd stop halfway through,” says George.

Adam, who is a centre, was the first to move to Christchurch, followed by George, and then Sam, a two metre plus lock.

A fourth brother Luke is currently overseas.

They have all played rugby since they were tots.

“Dad played for Manawatu in his early days and mum's dad Nelson Dalziel was an All Black is 53-54,” says George.

Ironically the only Air New Zealand Cup game the three Whitelocks have all played in together was last year's season opener against Manawatu - they lost 25-24.
“It was quite funny - we hope to change that result this year,” says Scott.

The three have played a total 53 games for Canterbury and the Crusaders.

“12 months ago I was playing club rugby, then NPC and Super 14 - so it's been a great 12 months,” says Adam.

George it is agreed is the bossiest, he also says he is the best in the kitchen.

“I'm a big roast fan - done a bit of hunting and that - so I dish it up,” he says.

All three hope they will get plenty of game time this season

The Manawatu rematch is set down for October the ninth.

Acknowledgements:TV3 News

All Blacks 22-16 - Wallabies blew it - lack of discipline...

The Wallabies blew it - big time. This was their best chance in ages to end the 23-year Eden Park hoodoo and once again they suffered from stage fright, squandering an early 10-point lead and wasting several massive opportunities to put the All Blacks away.


The Wallabies cannot blame anyone but themselves for once again leaving Auckland with nothing when they had many chances to get well ahead of a committed but far from impressive New Zealand outfit, only to constantly lose possession in the opposition quarter.

Gift tries were missed through wrong back-line options and nearly every time they found themselves with the upper hand in the All Blacks' quarter someone in the Australian team would lose the ball at the breakdown. Good lead-up work was over and over again ruined by the Wallabies' inability to maintain the pressure.

For the upteenth time since 1986, the Wallabies showed they are not yet mentally up to beating the All Blacks on home soil. They are too easily intimidated. The skills and fitness have improved in the past year but the killer instinct is not there.

And, most importantly, the Wallabies cannot match the All Blacks in keeping their composure or momentum, especially in the second half when the home team picked up the pace. As usual, the Wallabies had great moments but then fluffed their lines at the crucial time.

One of the few Wallabies who did stand up to the tension was fullback Adam Ashley-Cooper, but too many others in the green and gold didn't.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans and his players tried to remain upbeat after the game, but the pain was obvious.

"We didn't take the opportunities and we enabled the All Blacks to play conservative and grind it out," Deans said. "It is frustrating to finish short."

Adding to the pain was that the Wallabies began the Test in spectacular fashion when inside-centre Berrick Barnes showed his deft skills by bluffing the All Blacks defence with a smart weave and a sneaky dummy pass, which opened the way for him to score the opening try in just the fourth minute.

Sadly, the Wallabies were unable to take full advantage of the excellent start. A critical moment occurred in the 17th minute when Barnes had the chance to put Stirling Mortlock into a gap - the captain was charging in on an acute angle - or to throw wide to winger Drew Mitchell, who had no one in front of him.

An Australian try appeared certain, and with it a 14-point lead, but Barnes took the wrong option of going himself and was swamped before throwing a high pass to George Smith, which crashed into his head. The moment was lost. And moments like these win Test matches.

As Barnes said last night: "If I had my time again, I would have passed it."

Another bad moment for Australia came just before half-time when they were unable to sustain the pressure and - after finding themselves perched on the All Blacks' line - lost possession. Again another try-scoring opportunity was wasted.

Nonetheless, the Wallabies kept their composure for most of the first half and were deserving 13-10 leaders at the break after a fast, entertaining and dramatic session.

All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen admitted it took time for his side to adjust to the wet and windy weather.

"I think the slow start came down to the conditions," Hansen said. "We didn't really master the conditions that well and we allowed ourselves to be put under pressure at lineout time."

As expected, the breakdown tussle was intense, with Australia having the early ascendancy until All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, who was not sighted in the opening quarter, found his legs and broke the Wallabies defence in the 23rd minute, scoring from a precise pass from outside-centre Conrad Smith.

The South African referee, Craig Joubert, was - as expected - extremely jittery and appeared obsessed in keeping control by repeatedly penalising both sides.

For much of the the second half, Joubert continued to irritate both teams by finding fault with them and the the game degenerated into a penalty goal shoot-out between Giteau and Stephen Donald. At times the Wallabies had no idea why Joubert found fault with tight-head prop Al Baxter at scrum time. But they were also their own worst enemies, repeatedly losing possession in the All Blacks quarter.

NEW ZEALAND 22 (Richard McCaw try Stephen Donald con 5 pens)

AUSTRALIA 16 (Berrick Barnes try Matt Giteau con 3 pens)

Daniel Carter, the world class No 10 close to returning to rugby

Canterbury's national championship campaign begins on August 1 and Daniel Carter, a worldclass veteran of 59 tests for the All Blacks, could be available for the Cantebury province's first home game on August 14.


"I've done so much rehab on it now that the tendon is strong and it's just a matter of getting that last 10 per cent out of it," Carter said.

"I'm keen to get back out there and that's positive, because it shows the hunger is there. But I won't play unless I'm 100 per cent."

If Carter quickly recaptures his form he might be considered for New Zealand's Tri-Nations tests against South Africa and Australia in September.

He was previously thought likely to make his international return on the All Blacks' end-of-year tour to Europe.

ACknowledgements: NZAP

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw out of home tests...

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw out of home tests with knee injury...


All Blacks captain Richie McCaw is to miss the home tests against France and Italy after suffering a knee injury.

Richie McCaw is out of next month's tests against France and Italy, although he is likely to be available for the Tri-Nations starting in July.

The All Blacks captain was injured in the semifinal loss to the Bulls last weekend and scans have revealed torn ligaments in the outside of his right knee.

All Blacks doctor Deb Robinson says McCaw's symptoms worsened on the flight home from South Africa this week and he had the scan in Christchurch yesterday afternoon.

While he does not require surgery, McCaw needs a period of rest to let the swelling and pain subside before resuming training.

One of his potential back-ups, Scott Waldrom, is out for three months with broken bones in his back.

That makes the Super 14 final even more important for Chiefs number seven Tanerau Latimer, who is sure to come under further scrutiny. If the Crusaders had made it through to the finals it would have proved tragic for the Canterbury men. Lucky!

Super 14 rugby becomes Super 15 in 2010...

Super 24 rugby becomes Super 15 in 2010...


There is no guarantee there will be another Australian side when the Super 14 expands to fifteen teams from 2010. It could come from anywhere?


SANZAR's plans for an expanded competition have been unveiled, with the three countries splitting into conferences where those teams will play each other home and away.

The 15th team will play in the Australian conference but NZRU CEO Steve Tew says the Pacific Islands has express an interest and it is possible for other areas of New Zealand to at least consider the criteria. Tew says Australia's talent pool is an issue.

"The Australians are obviously very keen, as they have a strong desire to grow their game, but I think there's a question mark over their talent depth, which is why they are looking for a change in the eligibility criteria, which we've said no to at this stage"

The competition will start in late February and run through to August, with a three week break in June for the international season.

Teams will also play four franchises in each of the other two conferences, making a 16-game schedule.



Acknowledgements:
© 2009 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

A less powerful Super 14 Rugby crusade moves to South Africa...

This Crusaders side does not have the firepower of those predecessors - men like Daniel Carter, Aaron Mauger, Greg Somerville, Reuben Thorne, Mose Tuiali'i - but it carries the same conviction and drive which have marked almost every crusade.

They have also reclaimed lock Brad Thorn after his recent hamstring troubles to combat abrasive Bulls forwards like Bakkies Botha, Victor Matfield, Pierre Spies and Deon Stegmann.

That combat will be brutal though Botha and combative centre JP Nel have to survive disciplinary hearings to be involved after they were cited for foul play in their final round victory against the Sharks. Botha has already been suspended for three weeks this season while midfielder Wynand Olivier is an unlikely starter because of a hip injury.

The sides met in pool play this year in Christchurch where the Crusaders, without the injured McCaw, beat the visitors 16-13 to maintain their push to defend their crown.

"The Crusaders are one of the toughest teams to play in a semifinal," said Matfield.

"They know how to win semifinals and finals. They have won the Super rugby title seven times and they have enough talent and experience to do it again. Obviously we are happy to be playing at Loftus but Loftus won't win the game for us. We have to go back to zero and work hard," he said.

The Bulls are the only side outside New Zealand in the playoffs but they were the top qualifiers and if they win this weekend will host either the Chiefs or Hurricanes in the Pretoria final the following weekend.

The Crusaders though will be looking to repeat their 1999 effort when they were the fourth qualifier but won the title against the Highlanders in Dunedin. That is the only time the last qualifier has claimed the honours.

Aussie road agent scouts target NZ secondary school football stars...

Aussie road agent scouts target NZ secondary school football stars...

The following may kindle memories if you happened to be a Canadian, perhaps, but lets read the story first and see if there is something similar there:

Most adult Kiwis and Aussies know all about the competition betwween Australia and New Zealand in sport, especially if you are male and kick the oval ball around. A bit of the big brother and little brother scenario, perhaps?

Its still a bit of a raw subject over on this side of the Tasman ditch that Canterbury and Crusaders coaching icon, and former All Black test player, Robbie Deans couldn't get the coaching job at the All Blacks through to The Rugby World Cup in 2011, especially if you are a Crusaders fan like myself; the third biggest sporting event behind the Soccer (football) World Cup and the Olympics!

Americans who don't know much about rugby would probably find this statement amazing - but its true. Rugby, and especially Sevens, is an international sport.

Now the Sunday papers today report those Aussie, latter day road agents are raiding our secondary schools for football talent. They are targeting the brightest up and comers with lucrative packages to entice them over to Aussie clubs with deals up to $130,000 each - not bad deals for 14 - 16 year old teenage prodigies?

Previously they had concentrated on Pacific rim players - Polynesian players who had come over to New Zealand for their secondary education.

So its all out war to discover the next Richie McCaw (current All Blacks captain) or another goal-kicking legend like Andrew Merhtens. A former All Blacks captain, Taine Randall described the Aussies as clever buggers! Recruit top-end Kiwis and you don't have to develop your own.

So back to where I started: How many Canadians have been recruited in the same manner by American scouts? I bet there has been quite a few in baseball, basketball and ice-hockey?

Test rugby the lure to Luke McAlister's return to New Zealand...

Test rugby was McAlister's lure:

It wasn't until he visited his former All Blacks team-mates when they played England at Twickenham that Luke McAlister realised how much he missed Test rugby.



Initially, after moving to Sale, after the failed 2007 Rugby World Cup campaign, he hadn't missed Test rugby.

"It was nice to get away from it and have a break. But then watching it later on you do miss it.

"I went down to watch the boys in London and being there I sort of felt like I was missing being there.

"It's not easy, but you still support the boys and you want them to do their best.

I loved it at Sale, it was hard leaving. It was different to here in lots of ways - good and bad I suppose but you get that wherever you go," he said.

While he didn't know if he was a better player, he did feel he was a better person and more rounded.

"I had to grow up a bit and learn a few things over there," he said.

British rugby was demanding, not only for its duration but also for the variety of conditions involved.

"It's a long season over there, week in, week out, you're going for 10 months which is a long time. So it is a grind," he said.

"You're playing in conditions that probably aren't as good as Super 14 so you learn how to play in different conditions and you are playing with guys who are a bit more reserved.

"You've got to bite your tongue a bite and go with what the team is trying to do but in saying that you will want to play your natural game which you can't do all the time.

It's slower, so it's a bit more crash, bash type of thing but they are trying to expand the game and throw the ball around a bit more I suppose now that it is coming towards the end of the year.

"You can afford to throw the ball around a bit more otherwise if you make any mistakes near your own goal-line or in your own 22m you get turned over and you get punished. There are a lot of big forwards over there and you don't really want to be caught around them."

He said his preferred position was second five-eighths but he was prepared to fit in where it best suited his team.

He knew when he left that players would step into his position and make it their own and that happened.

He said he thought it was good for New Zealand rugby that 18 players had re-signed for the All Blacks from last year.

From what he had seen of the Rebel Sport Super 14 this year he thought the standard had been better than many British commentators were prepared to acknowledge and he shrugged that off as the chip on the shoulder that many have about the Southern Hemisphere.

One of the areas of his game that had advanced as a result of his move was the ability to close games out.

With England and Lions five-eighths Charlie Hodgson playing inside him there had been plenty to learn from the kicking five-eighths approach and the safer option in winning games with drop-kicks and the like.

"But in saying that I still like to play my natural game which is to run with the ball but you have got to work in with the team.

"When I first got over there I tried to throw the ball and there were a couple of intercepts, chip kick and they scored, in my first two games. It wasn't a good start really.
He's still carrying a leg injury and it is to be assessed before he confirms whether he will play for the Barbarians.

"I have told the Barbarians that if it is not right I am not going to risk it," he said. "My priority is over June-July."

As regards his return to playing in New Zealand for the Junior All Blacks, he said he had no problems and he had no idea how he would go but he was being chucked right back in and would soon know.

Brumbies Super 14 player, Shawn Mackay has died in a Durban hospital...

Brumbies Super 14 rugby player Shawn Mackay has died in a Durban hospital.

Mackay, 26, died at about 11am AEST, having suffered a cardiac arrest, a Brumbies spokesman said.

He had been in hospital, critically ill with multiple injuries, since the early hours of March 29 when he was hit by an armed response car in a Durban street.

He had shown some positive signs after being brought out of a medically induced coma late last week and underwent surgery.

"After his surgery Shawn contracted an infection in his bloodstream," said Brumbies chief executive Andrew Fagan.

"He deteriorated rapidly and suffered a cardiac arrest from which he didn't recover."

"It's devastating news for his family and for all of the Brumbies community.

"Our thoughts and those of the players are with his family at this most difficult time."

Mackay had been admitted to St Augustine's hospital in Durban with a cervical spinal fracture and dislocation, a fractured skull as well as a broken leg and multiple facial fractures after being struck by the vehicle.

The incident occurred about 4.15am Durban time when Mackay and a number of other Brumbies were leaving a nightclub, having wound down after their Super 14 loss to the Sharks the previous evening.

Mackay's parents, John and Leonie, and girlfriend Trish flew to South Africa on Tuesday to be by his side.

The Brumbies were flying back to Australia on Monday after completing their three-match trip to South Africa with a win over the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein at the weekend.

Former All Black, Luke McAllister to return to NZ rugby...

Former All Black Luke McAlister to leave Sale and return to NZ rugby

Wayne Smith, All Blacks backs coach, wants Luke McAlister rushed straight back into the national squad upon his May return - could replace Dan Carter this season:

All Blacks' backs coach Wayne Smith wants Luke McAlister rushed straight back into the squad when he returns to New Zealand in May.

The 25-year-old has signed on with the NZRU through until 2012 and will leave English club Sale at the end of this season. McAlister has cited a desire to be closer to his family for his decision to return.

Smith says it is great news. He says McAlister should be given dispensation to play international rugby without having to play in the Air New Zealand Cup first.

"My personal view is that if he signed a long term contract to be here playing then it would be enough for me, but I don't make those decisions."

Smith says McAlister will be taking a big hit financially, which shows his commitment to playing in New Zealand.

Former All Black first five Grant Fox is thrilled with McAlister's decision.

"He's still a young man. I guess he's done his OE and he's got good reasons to come home and making that commitment to New Zealand rugby till 2012. It's just good - at a time when the game I love's got a few issues - this is good news."

Fox is also a member of the Blues board and hopes McAlister signs for the franchise. He will make a decision on which province he will play for when he returns to New Zealand.

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