Sunday, November 28, 2010

AAADD- know the symptoms...

AAADD- KNOW THE SYMPTOMS...

Thank goodness there's a name for this disorder. Somehow I feel better, even though I have it!!

Recently, I was diagnosed with A.A..A.D.D. -

Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.

This is how it manifests itself:

I decide to water my garden.

As I turn on the hose in the driveway, I look over at my car and decide it needs washing.

As I head towards the garage, I notice post on the porch table that I picked up from the postman earlier.

I decide to go through it before I wash the car.

I put my car keys on the table, put the junk mail in the recycling box under the table, and notice that the recycling box is full.

So, I decide to put the bills back on the table and take out the recycling first.

But then I think, since I'm going to be near the postbox when I take out the recycling paper anyway, I may as well pay the bills first.

I take my cheque book off the table and notice that there is only one cheque left.

My extra cheques are in the desk in my study, so I go into the house to my desk where I find the cup of tea I'd been drinking.

I'm going to look for my cheques but first I need to push the tea aside so that I don't accidentally knock it over.

The tea is getting cold, and I decide to make another cup..

As I head toward the kitchen with the cold tea, a vase of flowers on the work-top catches my eye - the flowers need water.

I put the tea on the work-top and discover my glasses that I've been searching for all morning.

I decide I'd better put them back on my desk, but first I'm going to water the flowers..

I put the glasses back down on the work-top, fill a container with water and suddenly spot the TV remote control. Someone left it on the kitchen table.

I realise that tonight when we go to watch TV,I'll be looking for the remote, but I won't remember that it's on the kitchen table, so I decide to put it back where it belongs, but first I'll water the flowers.

I pour some water in the flowers, but quite a bit of it spills on the floor.

So, I put the remote back on the table, get some towels and wipe up the spill.

Then, I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do.

At the end of the day:

The car isn't washed

The bills aren't paid

There is a cold cup of tea sitting on the kitchen work-surface

The flowers don't have enough water,

There is still only 1 cheque in my cheque book,

I can't find the remote,

I can't find my glasses,

And I don't remember what I did with the car keys.

Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done today, I'm really baffled because I know I was busy all bloody day and I'm really tired.

I realise this is a serious problem, and I'll try to get some help for it, but first I'll check my e-mail.....

Do me a favour. Forward this message to everyone you know, Because I can't remember who the hell I've sent it to.

Don't laugh - if this isn't you yet, your day is coming!!

Acknowledgements: Barbara, Taita

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Great night for New Zealand rugby and league...

Image via WikipediaWhat a great weekend for Kiwi sports fans - great wins for the All Blacks against Scotland, after a scratchy win against England and that rusty incompetent loss to the Australian Wallabies. The latter getting their arse kicked by England last night.
And the Kiwis beating the Australian Kangaroos in the league four Nations final at Suncorp stadium in Brisbane
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The kiwis have now won three tournaments in the last five years.
However the Wellington Phoenix soccer team in the Aussie A team competition, (notice I said soccer because that is the real name for their code - Association Football, abbreviated to "soccer". At least the Americans are spot on and haven't fallen for that "football" crap. Couple of more games for the AB's and another Grand Slam against the so-called home unions
.
What to you think of SBW? Sonny Bill Williams the former NRL rugby league and Kiwis test player. He's learning the art of the more complicated rugby union code - and making a good fist of it too. Player of the day last night!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Richie McCaw and Mils Muliaina poised to emulate ABs record...

Image via Wikipedia

Richie McCaw and Mils Muliaina will equal the All Blacks record for most international caps when they face Scotland on Saturday in a team that shows four changes from the side that defeated England 26-16 at Twickenham last Saturday.

Scotland v New Zealand: All Blacks make four changes as Richie McCaw and Mils Muliaina equal record

Right behind you: Richie McCaw is supported by Mils Muliaina Photo: REUTERS

By Brendan Gallagher

McCaw and Muliaina will be keen to keep New Zealand's unbeaten record against Scotland intact as they match the achievement of former captain Sean Fitzpatrick at Murrayfield.

"I couldn't think of two better people than Richie and Mils to beat my record," said Fitzpatrick. "They are outstanding All Blacks, good leaders of men and for me it's an honour to pass the baton on to those two."

"Richie is just leading by example, with the way he has captained the team this year ... while Mils is a very, very special talent and very down to earth," the 1987 World Cup winner added.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

NZ Super 15 squads selected for 2011...

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - NOVEMBER 10: New Zeal...

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

NZ Super 15 squads selected for 2011...

The 32-strong 2011 Super 15 squads have been announced at Eden Park, with 40 new players picking up contracts.

10 November 2010

Tana Umaga

The 2011 Super 15 squads have been announced at the newly opened South Stand at the redeveloped Eden Park.

The five Super 15 coaches - Pat Lam, Ian Foster, Mark Hammett, Todd Blackadder and Jamie Joseph - along with NZRU professional rugby manager Neil Sorenson were on hand to make the announcements.

The NZRU has dished out 160 fulltime contacts with squads expanded to 32-strong to accommodate the longer season in 2011. There are 40 new players picking up contracts for the first time, while 12 existing players have moved franchises. There are seven members of this year's New Zealand Under 20 world champion team that have been selected in the squads.

The Blues have looked in house to fill their squad. They have recruited speedster Sherwin Stowers from Counties Manukau, though the winger came through the grades in Auckland rugby before moving south. Experienced campaigners Daniel Braid and Brad Mika return after playing overseas, while Northland skipper Jared Payne comes back to the franchise after a couple of seasons with the Crusaders.

Stephen Brett and Alby Mathewson reunite at halfback and first-five, while promising young Auckland flyhalf Gareth Anscombe is a notable absentee from all squads.

The Chiefs have recruited experienced forwards Hayden Triggs, Scott Waldrom, former All Black lock Isaac Ross and the experienced former All Blacks skipper Tana Umaga.

Counties Manukau backrower Fritz Lee is rewarded after a stellar ITM Cup campaign, while Bay of Plenty hooker Daniel Perrin will provide cover for All Blacks Hika Elliott and Aled de Malmanche.

James McGoughan's long term back injury has ruled him out of contention though Nathan White, Ben Afeaki, Ben May, Toby Smith and Sona Taumalolo should cover the loss of the Bay of Plenty prop.

Taniela Moa is one of three halfbacks alongside Waikato pair Brendon Leonard and Tawera Kerr-Barlow.

The Hurricanes will look to Tyson Keats and Chris Eaton to fill the void left by injured All Blacks halfback Piri Weepu early in the season.

Julian Savea, Charlie Ngatai, Mark Reddish, Michael Bent and Laurence Corlett all make their Super rugby debuts this season but surprisingly there is no space for promising first five Lima Sopoaga, who has moved to the Highlanders.

Veteran former All Blacks number eight Rodney So'oialo keeps his contract, while Waikato openside Jack Lam will make his Super rugby debut in Hurricanes colours.

The Crusaders have predictably stuck largely within their franchise encatchment area with rookies Tom Marshall, Luke Romano, Tyler Bleyendaal, Willi Heinz, Andrew Olorenshaw, Matt Todd and Joe Wheeler all picking up contracts from Canterbury or Tasman.

Young Southland prop Nick Barrett, veteran hooker David Hall, first five Matt Berquist and injured All Blacks wing/fullback Israel Dagg move up from the Highlanders.

The most movement comes with the Highlanders, who have former All Blacks blindside flanker Jamie Joseph coaching them this season.

The southern franchise has recruited well, picking up Canterbury first five Colin Slade, Manawatu halfback Aaron Smith and flanker Nick Crosswell, promising Wellington first five Lima Sopoaga, Lions midfield back Shaun Treeby, tough Taranaki blindside Jarrad Hoeata, impressive Canterbury number eight Nasi Manu, electric Canterbury winger Telusa Veainu, Counties Manukau midfield back Siale Piutau and sevens star Kurt Baker from Taranaki.

Southland openside John Hardie and promising hooker Brayden Mitchell get their first Super rugby contracts as well.

The most obvious players to miss contracts were Anscombe and promising Taranaki back Beauden Barrett

Blues: John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Daniel Braid, Luke Braid, Stephen Brett, Ash Dixon, Charlie Faumuina, Kurtis Haiu, Jerome Kaino, Chris Lowrey, Matthew Luamanu, Tevita Mailau, Alby Mathewson, Luke McAlister, Tom McCartney, Keven Mealamu, Brad Mika, Liaki Moli, Toby Morland, Lachie Munro, Filo Paulo, Jared Payne, Rene Ranger, Joesevata Rokocoko, Peter Saili, Chris Smylie, Benson Stanley, Winston Stanley, Sherwin Stowers, Isaia Toeava, Ali Williams, Tony Woodcock. Coach: Pat Lam.

Chiefs: Ben Afeaki, Colin Bourke, Craig Clarke, Mike Delany, Aled de Malmanche, Stephen Donald, Hikawera Elliott, Romana Graham, Richard Kahui, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Tanerau Latimer, Fritz Lee, Brendon Leonard, Lelia Masaga, Ben May, Liam Messam, Taniela Moa, Malili Muliaina, Tim Nanai-Williams, Dan Perrin, Culum Retallick, Isaac Ross, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Toby Smith, Dwayne Sweeney, Sona Taumalolo, Save Tokula, Hayden Triggs, Tana Umaga, Scott Waldrom, Nathan White, Jackson Willison. Coach: Ian Foster.

Hurricanes: Michael Bent, James Broadhurst, Dane Coles, Laurence Corlett, Aaron Cruden, Chris Eaton, Jason Eaton, Jacob Ellison, Bryn Evans, Hosea Gear, Andrew Hore, Cory Jane, Tyson Keats, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Jack Lam, Alipati Leiua, Faifili Levave, Serge Lilo, Karl Lowe, Charlie Ngatai, Ma'a Nonu, Anthony Perenise, Mark Reddish, Julian Savea, John Schwalger, Conrad Smith, Rodney So'oialo, Andre Taylor, Jeremy Thrush, Neemia Tialata, Victor Vito, Piri Weepu. Coach: Mark Hammett.

Crusaders: Nicholas Barrett, Matt Berquist, Tyler Bleyendaal, Daniel Carter, Wyatt Crockett, Ryan Crotty, Israel Dagg, Andy Ellis, Corey Flynn, Kahn Fotuali'i, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Robbie Fruean, Zac Guildford, David Hall, Willi Heinz, Chris Jack, Quentin MacDonald, Sean Maitland, Tom Marshall, Richie McCaw, Andrew Olorenshaw, Jonathan Poff, Kieran Read, Luke Romano, Brad Thorn, Matt Todd, Joe Wheeler, Adam Whitelock, George Whitelock, Sam Whitelock, Sonny Bill Williams. Coach: Todd Blackadder.

Highlanders: Halani Aulika, Kurt Baker, Josh Bekhuis, Jimmy Cowan, Nick Crosswell, Elliott Dixon, Tom Donnelly, John Hardie, Jarrad Hoeata, Chris King, Kendrick Lynn, Jamie Mackintosh, Nasi Manu, Brayden Mitchell, Bronson Murray, James Paterson, Siale Piutau, Robbie Robinson, Sean Romans, Jason Rutledge, Matt Saunders, Mahonri Schwalger, Colin Slade, Aaron Smith, Ben Smith, Alando Soakai, Lima Sopoaga, David Te Moana, Adam Thomson, Shaun Treeby, Joe Tuineau, Telusa Veainu. Coach: Jamie Joseph.

Acknowledgements: NZ City

Monday, November 8, 2010

All Blacks beat England in dour test...

LONDON - DECEMBER 01: Coaches of Pool A rival...

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

All Blacks beat England in dour test...

The All Blacks rumble on and poor old England stumble on, though at least Martin Johnson's men were able to make a lot more of a game of it at Twickenham today than their critics were predicting.

In the end the All Blacks, still playing as though they've left their handbrake on, were comfortable 19-6 winners as they kept alive a couple of remarkable records in these autumn internationals

They still haven't lost in one of these November test matches since Graham Henry took charge in 2004, and they kept their line intact for another international in a run up here which stretches back to 2006. Defensively, these All Blacks are right on top of their game.

The same can't quite be said of the black attack, which once again managed just one try in 80 minutes of rugby, and despite a succession of promising raids, the final pass or the key break just couldn't be made. Once more you were left with a suspicion that despite their success, these New Zealanders still have a long way to go on the improvement chart

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Still, this is test rugby. And as the All Blacks told us in the buildup, it's about winning first and foremost. By doing so with a degree of comfort today the New Zealanders not only retained the Hillary Shield but left English rugby with another week of navel-gazing

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Kiwis won opener against English - still more to come in Four Nations...

Shaun Kenny-Dowall at Roosters Coaching Clinic

Image via Wikipedia
The NZ Kiwis might have won the opening battle of the Four Nations against England but they suffered a major blow to their campaign after wing Manu Vatuvei left the field with a fracture to the right arm.

Vatuvei, the Warriors marquee signing, looks to be ruled out for the rest of the campaign.

His arm was hit making a tackle in the third minute and he left the field immediately.

He went straight to the hospital for X-rays and it was confirmed later in the match he had fractured his radius bone.

The blokes holding up the "time for the beast to feast" banner got short-changed but it didn't stop Junior Sau from feasting as he moved to the left wing and Simon Mannering moved into the centres from the second row.

Coach Stephen Kearney said an injury to Vatuvei was something he was dreading, given they didn't take an extra winger into the game, preferring to leave Sam Perrett out of the 17.

"No doubt it had an effect on the balance of the side. But that was only initially before we became accustomed to it. I thought Junior did a pretty good job filling in.

Sau's try came came a minute after Vatuvei exited with a broken forearm. The Newcastle centre said it was intimidating because he hadn't played out wide for a while.

"It left a massive gap with the Beast gone early in the game but I had a job to do. Last time I played wing was four or five years ago in the under-20s, but it felt good out there. Mind you, I still needed the help of Fieny [Nathan Fien] and [Frank] Pritchard to feed off. They gave me a hand.

"If Manu was there that would have been his try. I got a good ball from Thomas [Leuluai] and fortunately the English winger [Tom Briscoe] was turned in."

Vatuvei's absence means Perrett is likely to return to the side for next week's test against Papua New Guinea in Rotorua.

Post-match, Perrett was hauling the team gear piece by piece to the bus. He's likely to have another job next week.

"I am always ready to play," Perrett says. "As soon as the call comes, I'll be ready and willing to get there. It's unfortunate for Manu - he really adds something to the team."

But Perrett said reforming the Roosters centre-wing combination with Shaun Kenny-Dowall is something to anticipate in Vatuvei's absence. The pair helped take the Roosters from 2009 wooden-spooners to grand finalists this year.

"We've had a whole season there and that'll be an advantage in its own way."

New Zealand was able to dominate with a wealth of possession, helped by a significantly better completion rate (86 per cent v 67 per cent), midway through the first half. That steadily declined as weariness set in but the damage was done in those first 20 minutes.

Consequently England were run ragged and sapped of energy through tackling which left them little to offer by way of attack.

It resulted in some ineffectual runs and dropped balls, the most notable coming from second-rower Sam Burgess who had an unforced spill in the 22nd minute which further lowered morale after they had set themselves up for a decent set of six midfield.

Fullback Gareth Widdop also dropped a crucial Marshall bomb four minutes into the second half as he wilted under Mannering's pressure. The resulting set of six saw Shaun Kenny-Dowall score after evading no less than five weak attempted tackles.

He managed to gallop his way across, continuing what has been a rich run of try-scoring form. The New Zealand player of the year picked up 21 tries with the Roosters in the NRL season.

The Kiwis capitalised on such English errors throughout. To their credit, there was also some slick movement through the hands. Both tries in the first half were set up in that fashion.

The first came with Thomas Leuluai flicking on a pass to Sau out on the left and he bustled over to set the tone.

The second came courtesy of some vintage Marshall jinking in midfield. He double-dummied to inside runners and worked his way to the right - then flicked a pass back to put Jason Nightingale in space.

He combined with Lance Hohaia backing up in the midfield to score by the posts. It sent the Kiwis out to a 12-0 lead at the break.

The English fought back strongly midway through the second half.

Coach Stephen Kearney would have been happy with the Kiwis' defensive line with just a solitary line break until hooker James Roby was able to weave his way inside and press the ball down off a grubber to the left of the posts.

That was followed by a dynamic counter-attack move to the right which went through the hands of centre Michael Shenton, five-eighth Kevin Brown and finally rested in the hands of Widdop.

It was a beautiful try but Widdop let himself down with a sloppy conversion just to the left of the upright which, if it had gone over, would have narrowed the gap to six points with 22 minutes to go.

The England resurgence was not over. Sam Tomkins banana-kicked for the corner and the New Zealand defence got sloppier as only prop Greg Eastwood was left to track back. Brown almost got the ball down in the follow through.

The only lapse in the first half came when lock Sean O'Loughlin busted through the line. He was tracked down and Junior Sau - one of the Kiwis' most impressive players of the night - hammered the receiver of his pass, Luke Robinson.

The game was only placed beyond doubt when Marshall literally stepped up to the task with 13 minutes to go.

It was another double-dummy move, complete with Marshall feints and goose steps on the 30 metre line. He worked his way right - and the English failed to put a finger on him for 10 metres.

Marshall found Nightingale again on an inside cut - and he continued his NRL grand final-winning form in support. He was half-tackled but flicked it back to the skipper whose dive breezed inside the corner flag with millimetres to spare.

It was a fine try and a good, but not entirely convincing, win. The Kiwis have the Kumuls next and will need to do better to beat Australia.

New Zealand 24 (J Sau, L Hohaia, S Kenny-Dowall, B Marshall tries, Marshall 4 goals) England 10 (J Roby, G Widdop tries; G Widdop goal) Halftime: NZ 12-0.

Acknowledgements: NZ Herald/Andrew Alderson

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Sonny Bill WILLIAMS auteur du 1er essai toulon...

Image by Taneroa via Flickr

Sonny Bill Williams in All Blacks end of year squad..

SBW named in All Blacks end of year squad...

Former league star Sonny Bill Williams has won a place in the All Blacks end of year tour squad to the northern hemisphere.

The All Blacks have named their squad for this year's end of tour, with Sonny Bill Williams the only new cap.

The full squad is: John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Daniel Braid, Tom Donnelly, Hika Elliot, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Andrew Hore, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (capt), Keven Mealamu, Liam Messam, Kieran Read, Brad Thorn, Sam Whitelock, Tony Woodcock, Andy Ellis, Daniel Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Hosea Gear, Cory Jane, Alby Mathewson, Mils Muliaina, Ma?a Nonu, Joe Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Conrad Smith, Isaia Toeava, Sonny Bill Williams.

Coach Graham Henry made special mention for the only player named in the squad not to have worn the black jersey - Williams. He says he's had an outstanding ITM Cup for Canterbury and has won his spot on form.

Manawatu's Aaron Cruden, Auckland second five Benson Stanley, Northland's Rene Ranger, Wellington's Victor Vito and Canterbury's Colin Slade have all missed selection.

Players not considered because of injury were Piri Weepu, Israel Dagg, Ali Williams, Corey Flynn, Richard Kahui and Luke McAlister.

http://anzacbloggersunite.blog.co.uk/

Thursday, October 14, 2010

NZ beats Australia in Commonwealth Games Sevens...

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - DECEMBER 04: She...

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

New Zealand beat Australia 24-17 to claim their fourth successive Commonwealth Games gold medal...

New Zealand won their fourth successive Commonwealth Games gold medal, beating Australia 24-17 in the final of the 2010 Games in Delhi.

It was an enthralling climax to the second day of competition which also saw South Africa win bronze, Samoa win the Plate and Papua New Guinea deservedly collect some silverware, defeating Canada 17-10 in the Bowl final.

Following a dramatic end to the first day with Kenya beating Samoa, there were a further 18 matches for the crowd at the Delhi University stadium to savour, ending with New Zealand's historic victory over Australia.

Trailing 17-7 in the second half following tries from Wallaby Lachie Turner, Luke Morahan and James Stannard, it seemed as though New Zealand would suffer their first ever defeat in the history of the Commonwealth Games.

But tries from DJ Forbes, replacement Sherwin Stowers and Kurt Baker ensured Gordon Tietjens' side went home with the gold medal in front of a packed crowd at the Delhi University stadium.

Who was your player of the tournament? >>

Lote Raikabula had given the defending gold medallists a 7-0 lead but without the injured Tomasi Cama they seemed unable to unlock the Australian defence.

The three Australian tries followed either side of half time, including a sensational individual effort from Morahan, but when flyer Stowers came on as a second half replacement he had an immediate impact against some tired legs.

Australia's silver medal is their first since a bronze in 1998 and although they will be disappointed, the medal caps a successful year, with Michael O'Connor's side winning their first leg on the World Series since 2002 at the 2010 London Sevens.

Final word from IRB CEO/Secretary General, Mike Miller, on Twitter in Delhi (@irbmikemiller): "Congratulations to New Zealand for winning a fourth-successive Commonwealth Games Rugby Sevens Gold. Heartbreak for the young Australians, but they go home with a first ever Commonwealth Games Rugby Sevens silver."

In the bronze medal match, South Africa dramatically claimed their first medal since 2002, beating England 17-14 having trailed 14-5 at half time.

Bernard Botha scored the opening try of the match but converted tries from Matthew Turner and Dan Caprice gave the 2006 silver medallists the lead going into the interval of the penultimate match in the competition.

Cecil Afrika and Lubabalo Mtembu clinched the title in a nervy second half, however, as Paul Treu's men held firm to deny the efforts of the spirited Ben Gollings at the death to claim an historic bronze medal.

Medal competition lights up Comm Games

New Zealand became the first side to reach the final, beating England 33-12 in a repeat of the 2006 gold medal match, when New Zealand were 29-21 victors.

Forbes (two) and Cama got the defending champions off to a flying start before Isoa Damudamu hit back for England. But Raikabula and Cama cemented the victory for Tietjens' men.

The second semi final between Australia and South Africa was a closer affair and although Ryno Benjamin put Treu's men on the front foot after two minutes, Turner, Liam Gill and the influential Stannard ensured O'Connor's side were guaranteed their first medal since 1998.

New Zealand had earlier beaten RWC Sevens 2009 winners Wales 33-10 in the quarter finals despite conceding the opening try to Ifan Evans, with Baker (two), Ben Smith, Hosea Gear and Toby Arnold securing victory.

England set up a repeat of the 2006 final after a hard-fought victory over Samoa, a side they lost 15-12 to in one of the most dramatic matches of this year's World Series in Edinburgh, edging a tough encounter 7-5.

Alatasi Tupou gave Stephen Betham's men a 5-0 lead after a period of possession and territory on the England try line before Greg Barden drew the scores level and Ben Gollings added the conversion to give England a crucial two-point lead in a very tight affair. It is the second successive time England have beaten Samoa at this stage of the competition, having won 17-14 in Melbourne.

Kenya caused the biggest upset in the final pool match of the opening day, beating Samoa 12-10, but Australia proved a step too far in the quarter finals, with the 2010 London Sevens champions reaching the semi finals with a 27-5 victory thanks to two tries from Stannard.

South Africa and Scotland completed the quarter final line-up, and it was Treu's side who reached the semi finals with a 10-7 victory thanks to a decisive try from Benjamin. Scotland had scored one of the tries of the tournament through Mike Adamson with the last play of the opening half, but their hearts were broken early in the second.

Samoa too strong for Scotland in Plate final

Samoa scored six tries as the reigning World Series champions put the disappointment of missing out on a medal behind them, beating Scotland 34-0 in the final.

Afa Aiono and IRB Sevens Player of the Year Mikaele Pesamino both scored two tries against a Scotland side who will have done head coach Stephen Gemmell proud in his final Sevens hurrah.

Earlier the two teams had reached the final after respective 38-12 and 22-17 victories over Wales and Kenya, following their losses in the medal quarter finals.

The eventual winners avenged a Plate semi final loss to Wales in 2006 as Stephen Betham's men crossed for six tries against the current RWC Sevens holders, whilst Scotland beat Kenya dramatically in sudden death extra time with Lee Jones the hero.

Having earlier lost 27-5 to Australia in the medal quarter final, Kenya were unable to build on their 100% record and dramatic victory over Samoa on day one.

Papua New Guinea beat Canada in Bowl final

Papua New Guinea recorded a memorable victory over World Series regulars Canada to win the Bowl final 17-10 at the 2010 Commonwealth Games thanks to two tries from Albert Levi.

It was just reward for PNG who entertained the crowd at the Delhi University stadium with some exhilarating Sevens throughout the tournament, scoring three tries against reigning World Series champions Samoa and narrowly missing out on a huge upset with a 17-12 defeat to Pool C winners Kenya on day one.

Earlier Canada and PNG had come through two thrilling semi finals with Geraint John's side beating Uganda 22-17 despite trailing 12-5 at half time and the eventual winners proving too strong for Tonga, winning 24-5.

Henry Liliket gave a Sevens master class in the opening half, showing great strength and speed to score the first two tries before turning provider for PNG's third through Shadrach Ghabiliha, with 18-year-old Eugene Tokavai sealing the victory.

In the first semi final Uganda had opened up a 12-0 lead after Lawerence Wakabi, picking up where he left off earlier in the day, and Ambrose Kamanyire scored the opening two tries of the match, but Canada hit back with the next four tries.

Nathan Hirayama and Conor Trainor both scored twice - the former taking his tournament tally to seven - and although Kamanyire scored his second of the match, Canada held on to reach the final.

The two bottom placed teams from each of the four pools on day one moved into the Bowl competition and although no medals were on offer for them, the players put on an exhilarating competition for the spectators.

Canada had begun proceedings on day two against India and a hat-trick from Hirayama helped them through to the semi final. The home crowd were delighted, however, when Puneeth Krishnamurthy and Rohaan Sethna scored the host's points, whilst Wakabi scored two tries for Uganda in their 26-14 victory over Malaysia.

PNG earlier defeated Sri Lanka 26-12 with Levi adding to his tournament try tally with two more against the Asian side, before Tonga scored three times against Guyana to secure their position in the semi finals.

Day two results:

Gold medal match: New Zealand 24-17 Australia

Bronze medal match: England 14-17 South Africa

Plate final: Samoa 34-0 Scotland

Bowl final: Canada 10-17 Papua New Guinea

Medal semi final: Australia 17-7 South Africa

Medal semi final: New Zealand 33-12 England

Plate semi final: Kenya 17-22 Scotland

Plate semi final: Wales 12-38 Samoa

Bowl semi final: Tonga 5-24 Papua New Guinea

Bowl semi final: Canada 22-17 Uganda

Medal quarter final: South Africa 7-5 Scotland

Medal quarter final: Kenya 5-27 Australia

Medal quarter final: England 7-5 Samoa

Medal quarter final: New Zealand 33-10 Wales

Bowl quarter final: Tonga 21-14 Guyana

Bowl quarter final: Papua New Guinea 26-12 Sri Lanka

Bowl quarter final: Uganda 26-14 Malaysia

Bowl quarter final: Canada 43-10 India

Go to cwgdelhi2010.org for more information, or click HERE for match details>>

Acknowldgements: © International Rugby Board

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Canterbury defeat Southland in Ranfurly Shield classic...

INVERCARGILL, NEW ZEALAND - OCTOBER 09: Robbi...

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Canterbury defeat Southland in Ranfurly Shield classic...

Southland 16

Canterbury 26

Canterbury celebrate their 26-16 Ranfurly Shield victory over Southland. Photo / Getty ImagesIt was bitter-sweet, even for newly-elected Invercargill mayor Tim Shadbolt as, with heavy hearts, Southlanders farewelled the Ranfurly Shield last night.

Re-elected yesterday for a sixth term, Shadbolt had correctly predicted earlier this season Southland would beat Auckland 9-6 but his forecast the Stags would beat Canterbury 17-14 last night was, sadly, astray.

The Stags fought with every fibre but this was a bridge too far against more polished opposition.

It was a humdinger of a match, a shield classic.

It was no disgrace for Southland. Canterbury were simply too good, as they usually are at the business end of the season.

There were heroes aplenty on both sides. For Canterbury, Colin Slade, who contributed 21 points and controlled play so coolly; composed halfback and captain Andy Ellis; hard-running centre Robbie Fruean; the inimitable Sonny Bill Williams; and forwards like Nasi Manu and Matt Todd.

For Southland, the front rowers Jamie Mackintosh and Jason Rutledge; the workaholic flankers John Hardie and Tim Boys; and hard-running three-quarter, Tony Koonwaiyou.

But it's a cruel world. There was not even a bonus point for all that endeavour.

"It's been one hell of a ride," Mackintosh said as he handed over the log of wood, and no one would disagree.

It was 13 days short of a year since Southland beat Canterbury 9-3 to take the shield and, in the course of it defending it six times this year, the Stags had formed an impenetrable defensive barrier.

They had conceded just three tries in those matches but, conversely, their attacking momentum had stalled. They had scored just one try, by the injured Kenny Lynn, and not reached double figures in their last three games.

Of their eight wins in the championship this season, six had been by five points or less. They had lived on the edge, sustained by their physical endurance and their indomitable spirit.

Canterbury were fuelled by revenge and bolstered by players with international experience in Sam Whitelock, Wyatt Crockett, Isaac Ross, Ellis, Slade and All Black-in-waiting Williams.

Canterbury went into the match with momentum and with a proud shield challenging record.

They had won the shield 13 times before, including four times since 2000 and, understandably, they began as favourites. They had lost just twice to Southland since 1981.

Canterbury had first use of a cool, southerly breeze on an overcast evening in front of an almost capacity crowd of more than 14,500 but there was early encouragement for Southland when Robinson kicked an angled 35m penalty after Canterbury infringed at a scrum. Slade soon cancelled that out with a penalty for Canterbury.

Shield matches are won and lost on mistakes and James Wilson made a howler midway through the way. His timid chip was blocked by Williams who gathered, drew in the defence and wing Telusa Veauinu sprinted 25m for the try and a 10-3 lead.

There was a controversial moment three minutes before halftime when Southland flanker John Hardie touched down after taking an in-pass from Koonwaiyou but, after an interminable delay, television match official Doug Rodgers ruled Koonwaiyou had put a foot out before he delivered the pass.

But the Stags' persistence paid off as Koonwaiyou ran off Jimmy Cowan and No 8 Kane Thompson scored by the posts. Robinson's conversion made it 16-13 as the crowd and players caught their breaths at the break.

Southland had 62 per cent territory and 72 per cent possession in the first half, dominated the breakdowns 65-26 and would possibly have been disappointed not to have been in front. But they would also have been encouraged to be just three points behind after trailing 3-16 after 30 minutes.

The pivotal moment arrived 11 minutes into the second spell when Whitelock won a lineout on halfway, Fruean burst through midfield and, from the ensuing ruck, Slade scampered 20m down the blindside to score and convert and increase Canterbury's lead to 23-13.

It was a double whammy for Southland for Robinson was injured in making the tackle on Fruean and had to leave the field. Two minutes later, James Wilson kicked an angled penalty and the Stags, at 16-23, were still not without hope.

Southland twice turned down kickable penalties but Canterbury turned the ball over and Williams almost scored 100m downfield, just beaten to the touch by Pehi Te Whare.

Five minutes from the end Slade kicked his fourth penalty and Canterbury had a 10-point buffer.

Southland 16 (K. Thompson try, R. Robinson con, 2 pens, J. Wilson pen); Canterbury 26 (T. Veauinu, C. Slade tries, C. Slade 2 cons, 4 pens). Halftime: Canterbury, 16-13.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Kiwis in Delhi happy with what they have seen - Commonwealth Games start in six days...

Image via WikipediaKiwis in Delhi happy with what they've seen - Commonwealth Games start in six days...

More than a dozen Kiwi Commonwealth Games competitors are among the 1200 athletes who have arrived in Delhi so far.

After a week of doubts and criticism, optimism is growing that the venues and accommodation will be ready in time.

With just five days to go until the start of the Games, the rest of the New Zealand team is due to arrive in India over the next 24 hours.

And the athletes themselves told ONE News they were reasonably impressed with what they had seen so far, including security levels.

Archer Stephen Clifton said, "It looks pretty impressive, there are lots of guys with guns, hopefully to keep us safe."

Chef de Mission Dave Currie said today the venue was very different from the "bomb site" it was two weeks ago.

The accommodation was not five star, "but it's clean and tidy," he said.

"One of the challenges we feared would happen was that, as they (the organisers) have more pressure on the village, they would struggle to keep ahead of it," he told NZPA.

"They're keeping ahead of it. They've got a lot of cleaners and workers here, but I understand there are still a few countries experiencing problems."

New Zealand's lawn bowls team, coached by Dave Edwards, arrived in Delhi this morning.

"The facilities are not up to the standards the team is used to but they are habitable and functional," Edwards said.

"Obviously, there's been a bit of work go in over the past few days, but as far as we're concerned, it's fine."

There were still a few disappointing aspects which were not up to New Zealand standards, he said.

"But the plumbing is working at the moment and the air conditioning is working. It will be fine, I'm sure it won't be a problem for us," Edwards said.

And Edwards said the rooms were a good size.

"There's horror stories from previous Commonwealth Games where you roll over in the middle of the night and give your neighbour in the bed next door a black eye," he said.

"But these are roomy and spacious in that regard and the rest of the village is all fine. The dining hall is excellent."

Tight security slows movement

Currie said transport was "a bit of a problem" in getting fine-tuned because of the tight security measures in place, but he said organisers were "certainly doing what they said they would".

"There's some delays... with the security at the village here... and getting into the training venues. Because of the heightened security, getting these movements streamlined has been a challenge."

It was starting to look more like a games venue and less like the ghost town it had been, Currie told Radio New Zealand.

Currie also confirmed it had been decided that the only reason the athletes could leave the village is to train and compete.

He said while it's a sad decision to make, it was also a necessary one.

The team had been briefed on the importance of wearing insect repellent to avoid contracting dengue fever, a mosquito-borne virus, and using hand sanitiser to keep hygiene levels up.

Last week the unhygienic state of the accommodation areas, and the amount of work that still needed to be done, cast doubt on the Games, which are due to open on Sunday and run until October 14.

The situation led the New Zealand Olympic Committee to delay the arrival of the first New Zealand athletes into the village from last Saturday to today.

Today Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said that they were racing against time, but that "we will perform".

"Please don't take a negative story, I wish you could all be more positive, because these will be very good games."

Smiling Kiwi athlete:

Acknowledgements: NZPA, One http://tvnz.co.nz/

Hutts Sportsworld

Sunday, November 28, 2010

AAADD - know the symptoms...

AAADD- know the symptoms...

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Great night for New Zealand rugby and league...

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Richie McCaw and Mils Muliaina poised to emulate ABs record...

Richie McCaw and Mils Muliaina will equal the All Blacks record for most international caps when they face Scotland on Saturday in a team that shows four changes from the side that defeated England 26-16 at Twickenham last Saturday.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

NZ Super 15 squads selected for 2011...

The 32-strong 2011 Super 15 squads have been announced at Eden Park, with 40 new players picking up contracts.

Monday, November 8, 2010

All Blacks beat England in dour test...

All Blacks beat England in dour test...

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Kiwis won opener against English - still more to come in Four Nations...

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Thursday, October 14, 2010

NZ beats Australia in Commonwealth Games Sevens...

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Canterbury defeat Southland in Ranfurly Shield classic...

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Kiwis in Delhi happy with what they have seen - Commonwealth Games start in six days...

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