Super 14 rugby preview - Round Two...

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ROUND TWO

GAME OF THE WEEK

BULLS v BRUMBIES

When: Saturday February 20, 5.05pm (4.05am NZT, Feb. 21)
Where: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Referee: Mark Lawrence (RSA)
Head-to-Head: Played 14, Brumbies 9, Bulls 5
In Pretoria: Played 6, Bulls 3, Brumbies 3
Last season: Round 10, April 17, 2009: Brumbies beat Bulls 32-31 at Canberra Stadium, Canberra

There is an extra edge to this game, an intangible quality that might just ignite at Loftus.
Two of the competition favourites, and both two-time champions, clash. The winner will be well on the way for 2010 with a 2-0 record, while the vanquished will need to do some serious head-scratching ahead of another challenging campaign.
The Bulls were on the right side of a 51-34 nine-try thriller in Bloemfontein last week, and did not appear to be hampered by the loss of Bryan Habana from the Pretoria citadel. They may not have Bakkies Botha, but they had a hot-shot five-eighths combination last week of Morné Steyn and Wynand Olivier (the latter will be tasked with keeping Stirling Mortlock quiet), and will fancy their chances of hurting the Brumbies after their journey across the Indian Ocean.
The Brumbies looked as though they could have put 40 on the Force, but never got going in the scrums due to constant resets, and coughed up too much ball on a sweaty night in the west. Christian Lealiifano and Matt Toomua looked a potentially threatening 10-12 duo inside Mortlock but they will demand more accuracy.
On the injury front, centre Jaco Pretorius looks to be out for the Bulls, while Brumbies stars Matt Giteau and Rocky Elsom should be available for selection, which will increase the ACT chances of victory immeasurably.
Last season the Brumbies won a 63 point thriller in the Australian capital.




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HIGHLANDERS v BLUES

When: Friday February 19, 7.35pm
Where: Carisbrook, Dunedin
Referee: Bryce Lawrence (NZL)
Head-to-Head: Played 15, Blues 10, Highlanders 5
In Dunedin: Played 7, Highlanders 4, Blues 3
Last season: Round 10, April 17, 2009: Blues beat Highlanders 26-6 at Eden Park, Auckland

The pressure has gone back on the Blues already.
So promising in the first half against the Hurricanes, they wilted badly to emerge with no points from round one, and now face a real challenge to retain the Gordon Hunter Memorial Trophy. The Blues copped a stack of penalties for playing the breakdown like it was 2009. They’d better be fast learners or referee Bryce Lawrence will make them pay. The Highlanders were very disappointed with their 32-17 loss to the Crusaders, in which they were right in the contest until two late tries. Michael Hobbs, one of the star performers, faces his 2009 franchise.
Surely there cannot be a repeat of last year’s corresponding clash, which featured constant scrum resets and ran for nearly two hours.


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REDS v CRUSADERS

When: Friday February 19, 7.45pm (10.45pm NZT)
Where: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Referee: Craig Joubert (RSA)
Head-to-Head: Played 15, Crusaders 12, Reds 3
In Brisbane: Played 8, Crusaders 6, Reds 2
Last season: Round 13, May 8, 2009: Crusaders beat Reds 32-12 at AMI Stadium, Christchurch

It will get hot and sweaty in Brisbane this weekend, but one would think there will be less niggle than we saw in the Reds-Waratahs grudge match in round one.
Those two states slugged it out in an ugly but brutal, engrossing encounter. It will be some time before Queensland skipper James Horwill gets over the two-point loss, but they will need at least the same attitude they took into the Waratahs clash.
Quade Cooper, so hot and cold against NSW, should have an interesting battle with Dan Carter, who looked to be in his classy cruise control mode against the Highlanders. But watch for Will Genia to keep Andy Ellis on his toes in the halfbacks battle. Dan Braid v George Whitelock is worth watching at the breakdown.


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SHARKS v CHEETAHS

When: Friday February 19, 6.00pm (5.00am NZT, Feb. 20)
Where: Absa Stadium, Durban
Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (RSA)
Head-to-Head: Played 5, Cheetahs 3, Sharks 2
In Durban: Played 2, Sharks 1, Cheetahs 1
Last season: Round 9, April 11, 2009: Cheetahs beat Sharks 31-6 at Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein

There is sure to be plenty of feeling in this one. For a start, the Sharks lost at the death against the Chiefs in Durban, and that should ensure no shortage of teeth in their approach to this match against a union from which it has poached its share of talent over the professional age.
John Plumtree’s men could do little about the rain last weekend, but they could have adapted better to the referee’s rulings. Maybe Jonathan Kaplan will meet with their approval. Juan Smith returned in good nick at the helm of the Cheetahs and he will fancy getting stuck into the Sharks’ vaunted loosies.
Last season saw one of the great upsets, with Naka Drotske’s charges winning a crushing victory which put a permanent dent in the Sharks.


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LIONS v CHIEFS

When: Friday February 19, 8.00pm (7.00am NZT, Feb. 20)
Where: Coca-Cola, Johannesburg
Referee: Marius Jonker (RSA)
Head-to-Head: Played 14, Chiefs 9, Lions 5
In Johannesburg: Played 4, Lions 4, Chiefs 0
Last season: Round 8, April 4, 2009: Chiefs beat Lions 36-29 at Waikato Stadium, Hamilton

The Chiefs have shrugged a rather hefty ape off their backs.
A rare opening weekend win in Durban would have given them a massive shot of confidence in a land where they suffered a devastating defeat in the 2009 final. Not that their work was flawless against the Sharks, but for a unit missing Sione Lauaki, Mils Muliaina, Callum Bruce and Dwayne Sweeney, this was resilient stuff. But they will need to be more clinical in Johannesburg, where they have never won in four attempts.
This already shapes as being a long year for Dick Muir, a man with three jobs and not enough hours in the day, nor quality of cattle, to turn these Lions into tigers.


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HURRICANES v FORCE

When: Saturday February 20, 7.35pm
Where: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Referee: Vinny Munro (NZL)
Head-to-Head: Played 4, Hurricanes 3, Force 1
In Wellington: Played 1, Hurricanes 1, Force 0
Last season: Round 9, April 10, 2009: Hurricanes beat Force 28-27 at Subiaco Oval, Perth

The Hurricanes should be overwhelming favourites for the encounter, and rightly so.
The Force cannot expect to compete with a prop at hooker and a greenhorn No 10, though in fairness they showed plenty of grit in their 24-15 loss to the Brumbies in Perth last weekend. The Hurricanes are clearly not the finished article, and more will be expected of the likes of Aaron Cruden and Victor Vito, but we know Piri Weepu will take the right options, Andrew Hore will give nothing except the odd wonky lineout throw, and Hosea Gear will burn you given ample space.
We do not yet know exactly what the Force will bring in offence, as they did not score a try in the loss to the Brumbies.


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STORMERS v WARATAHS

When: Saturday February 20, 7.10pm (6.10am, NZT, Feb. 21)
Where: Newlands, Cape Town
Referee: Keith Brown (NZL)
Head-to-Head: Played 13, Stormers 6, Waratahs 6, Drawn 1
In Cape Town: Played 6, Waratahs 3, Stormers 2, Drawn 1
Last season: Round 8, April 4, 2009: Waratahs beat Stormers 12-6 at Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney

This is where we see if the Stormers are all they are cracked up to be, against a side that similarly likes to talk itself up.
But the Waratahs almost came a cropper last weekend against the Reds, outgunned and out-enthused for about 75 minutes by their northern neighbours. Their pack was solid in the scrum but listless around the track, and if they switch on with just four minutes to play in Cape Town, it will be too late. The Stormers midfield duo of Jaque Fourie and Juan de Jongh looked the goods, especially in a dominant first half against the Lions.
This 2009 encounter was as turgid a game as we saw all season. Let us pray for no more of the same.

Will Counties- Manakau grab Tana Umaga for Air New Zealand Cup...

Will Counties-Manukau grab Tana Umaga for Air New Zealand Cup?



Off-contract former All Black Tana Umaga has caught the attention of Counties-Manukau who have an interest in the 74 test player



Counties-Manukau have expressed an interest in bringing Tana Umaga back to New Zealand.

The 74 test All Black is off contract with French club Toulon at the end of the current season and is understood to be exploring his options in New Zealand.

Counties-Manukau chief executive Phil McConnell says they have been in talks with Umaga's agent, but denies they have started contract negotiations.

"We've been talking to a lot of agents over in the UK in regards to player recruitment and there's a lot of names that have been thrown up in the air and talked about, but we haven't signed anybody."

However it is believed the franchise is interested in Umaga playing in the 2010 Air New Zealand Cup season, as well as having him assist head coach Milton Haig.

McConnell says if Umaga is interested they would only offer him a contract the union could afford.

Umaga is currently playing a 10s tournament in Cape Town.

Is their truth in this story? Tana Umaga is over the hill, even by CM standards, surely?




Acknowledgements:© 2010 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Stacey Jones unaware of new US competition...

Stacey Jones unaware of new US competition:

Stacey Jones has denied he's signed up for a new US league competition which will feature 40 overseas players and coaches

NZ Rugby League

Kiwis legend Stacey Jones has poured cold water on reports he is a target of a new US professional rugby league competition.

The eight team competition will reportedly be launched on Independence Day, July 4, and is likely to be played over six weeks and feature up to 40 overseas players and coaches.

It has been reported Jones has already been signed up for the competition. But he insists he knows nothing about it and is too busy here coaching Point Chevalier to participate.




Acknowledgements © 2010 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Richie McCaw senses positive vibe over rugby...

Richie McCaw senses positive vibe over rugby:

Signs of increased enthusiam for rugby with big crowds turning up for pre-season games ahead of the Super 14 starting next week.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw senses a fresh enthusiasm for rugby, just over a week out from the start of the Super 14 competition.

After years of declining crowd numbers, there are signs of renewed interest. Big crowds have turned up at pre-season games in the provinces with 10,000 set to pack the ground in Motueka for tomorrow's hit out between the Blues and Crusaders.

McCaw says there is a positive feel especially with the way the Air New Zealand Cup was played last year and the way the All Blacks played in the last test against France.

Meanwhile, McCaw is relishing changes in interpretations at the breakdown heading into the Super 14 season. The breakdown area has been tweaked yet again with the emphasis on the tackler releasing the ball and the ball carrier, after hitting the ground in the tackle.

McCaw says it is quite different to last year when players made a tackle and then tied the ball up as they were getting to their feet. He says that was what was causing turnovers and slow ball.

The All Blacks skipper will not be donning the Crusaders jersey until round three of the competition at the earliest.




Acknowledgements: © 2010 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Former All Black, Leon MacDonald, appointed as assistant coach of Tasman rugby team...

Former All Black, Crusaders and Canterbury fullback Leon MacDonald has been appointed assistant coach of the Tasman rugby team.

MacDonald, who played 56 tests for New Zealand between 2000 and 2008, will also manage the Nelson rugby academy.

Tasman rugby chief executive Peter Barr said the union was delighted to have MacDonald's services.

"Having had 13 years as a professional rugby player including 122 matches for the Crusaders and seven for the Chiefs, his experience and knowledge can only be beneficial to the young up and coming players within our region."

Born and bred in Marlborough, MacDonald first played for Marlborough at age 16. He later moved to Canterbury. He has also had stints in Japan.

Tasman coach Kieran Keane said he was looking forward to working with MacDonald who will take up his roles in April after completing his contract with Japanese club Kintetsu.

Acknowledgements: NZPA

The new Deans Stand opened at AMI Stadium in Christchurch, NZ...

The Deans Stand opened at (Lancaster Park's) AMI Stadium in Christchurch, NZ.

The country's first big-city stadium re-development opened its doors to the public today.

The new Deans Stand at Christchurch's AMI Stadium lifts its permanent capacity to 38,500.

The challenge now is to get paying crowds back through the gates.

Despite the damp weather, thousands of fans turned up to check out the newly-finished stadium today.

“Oh I think it's perfect, really is, it's wonderful,” said one fan.

“I just hope that the people come along and support the boys.”

It was officially reopened this week by John Key and Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker.

It's the first big stadium project completed for the Rugby World Cup.

Work is well underway in Auckland on Eden Park's upgrade, while the new covered stadium in Dunedin is due to be completed just before the world cup.

The major upgrade in Christchurch is the new Deans Stand.

Its 32 metre-long roof aimed at enticing crowds back to the stadium for both music and sporting events.

“The turnout today's a good indication of where everyone's at, so it's good to let everyone on the field and have a look around at what the new facilities are like,” said Crusader’s flanker George Whitelock.

Canterbury rugby needs fans to return, the organisation lost $800,000 for the year, as game attendances and season ticket numbers crashed.

Chief executive Hamish Riach is confident this $60 million upgrade will do the trick.

“We've had a construction site here for two years, so we've been playing rugby in a stadium that hasn't been like this. Now it's done, it's back, and it'll make a difference alright,” he said.

There's a busy schedule ahead for the redeveloped stadium – next weekend it hosts the Phoenix, before a Black Caps; one-dayer and the Crusaders' opening game against the Highlanders in mid-February.

Acknowledgements: TV3 News

Dan Carter all fired up for new 2010 Super 14 season...

Dan Carter all fired up for new 2010 Super 14 season...

There were plenty of critics of the New Zealand Rugby Union's decision to allow Daniel Carter to miss last year's Super 14, in favour of a six-month stint with French club Perpignan.

They soon had even more to bay about when the star first five-eighth ruptured an Achilles tendon, playing against Stade Francais.

A year on, though, Carter credits that ill-fated sojourn with helping him re-discover his enthusiasm for the game.

"I'm really excited," Carter said after completing his first training session with the Crusaders yesterday.

"2008 was the last time I played in a Crusaders jersey and it was a pretty tough year for myself. The motivation wasn't as high as it should have been and having that break – and now the fact that I'm pretty close to getting back into it – means I'm really pumped up for the season."

Carter is the the first of the Crusaders big-name All Blacks to front for training, with Richie McCaw, Brad Thorn and Kieran Read not expected until February 1 and Andy Ellis and Corey Flynn still a week away.

"I was still feeling pretty fresh [after the All Blacks end of year tour], hence coming back to training today. I'll be in and out for the next couple of weeks because I'm pretty keen to get back into it after missing last year," Carter said.

"I haven't played under Toddy [head coach Todd Blackadder] or Gibbo [backs coach Daryl Gibson] before and I'll be pretty keen to talk to them a bit and see the way that they want to play this season, rather than just come in a week before the first competition game not knowing."

The recently retired Leon MacDonald was also at Rugby Park yesterday. After suffering injury problems with the Japanese team Kintetsu, MacDonald is understood to have come back to Christchurch with an eye toward a future in coaching.