Tri Nations 2009

[Pukana]

Tokyo chosen for Bledisloe test
4:00AM Wednesday Jul 01, 2009

The All Blacks will play the Wallabies in a money-spinning fourth Bledisloe Cup rugby match in Tokyo on October 31, continuing moves begun in Hong Kong last year.

The Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) today confirmed it would stage the match at the National Stadium in Tokyo, centrepiece of the 1964 Olympic Games with a capacity of more than 57,000.

The formal announcement followed several months of negotiation between the JRFU and the New Zealand and Australian Rugby Unions.

New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) chief executive Steve Tew, in Tokyo for the announcement, said the match was an opportunity to continue to expand rugby in new markets.

"But importantly, in the current economic environment, it is a key revenue opportunity for all three rugby unions.

"Building on the success of the Hong Kong match last year, we have agreed with Australia and our match hosts Japan, to schedule an additional Bledisloe Cup fixture again this year with the dual aim of growing the rugby footprint internationally and securing additional revenue which we can channel into our game in New Zealand."

The NZRU and ARU were first approached by Japan rugby officials during the Bledisloe Cup match in Hong Kong last November, which was the first played outside of Australia or New Zealand. The All Blacks won 19-14.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry said the fixture would add to the rich Bledisloe Cup history and also posed an additional challenge for the All Blacks on their end of year tour.

"The All Blacks have not played in Japan since 1987 so this is a rare opportunity for rugby fans in Japan to see the team, and for the All Blacks and their supporters to go somewhere we have a rugby affinity with, but visit less often."

The first three matches of the Bledisloe Cup series -- at Auckland on July 18, Sydney on August 22 and Wellington on September 19 -- will also be part of the Tri-Nations series.

- NZPA

[DVD]

beh, interessante...ma cosa si dice in NZ per l'espansione del S14?! ormai e' quasi certa una squadra a Melbourne (anche se fonti interne all'ARU dicono che la federazione del VIctoria stia rovinando la candidatura....), e per quella Giapponese...

Comunque qui i giornali ormai esalatano i Wallabies, sembra che hanno una prima linea da paura..(mah). Certo, sui 3/4 sono davvero forti, ma in mischia...bah

[Pukana]

beh, interessante...ma cosa si dice in NZ per l'espansione del S14?! ormai e' quasi certa una squadra a Melbourne (anche se fonti interne all'ARU dicono che la federazione del VIctoria stia rovinando la candidatura....), e per quella Giapponese...

Comunque qui i giornali ormai esalatano i Wallabies, sembra che hanno una prima linea da paura..(mah). Certo, sui 3/4 sono davvero forti, ma in mischia...bah

interessante qui invece prorpio ieri in radio ho sentito che mai come ora la scelta della 15esima squadra e' un po' confusa e stanno ancora discutendo su soldi e altri cavoli.

vedremo.

qui danno il SA vincitore del 3N. Second me la Bledisloe trova casa nuova quest'anno....

[DVD]

mmm secondo me e' presto per dire che la Bledisloe cambi aria....qui non lo dicono apertamente ma sottovoce...ehehe

Per la 15esima squadra allora e' come si sospetta, infatti compara lel due cose, a quanto pare la ARU pensa che la VRU (Victorian Rugby Union) stia fu..ked up the bid....il perche' non mi fu' detto apertamente.....mah....vedremo....

[DVD]

ahahah Pukana leggi quest'articolo...
Palu has Kiwis firmly in his sights
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July 02, 2009

Article from: The Australian
WALLABIES wrecking ball Wycliff Palu has declared himself physically and mentally ready to take on the All Blacks in the Tri-Nations series this month.

Palu made his comeback from a broken hand in Sydney club rugby at the weekend and is expected to be named today in a 30-man squad for the series, which starts in Auckland on July 18.

"The body pulled up fine, the hand pulled up fine and I got through the 80 minutes," Palu said yesterday.

"That was my goal when I got injured, just to get my body right in the weeks I've been off because I know how hard (coach) Robbie (Deans) works the boys in the squad."

Palu, 26, said the lay-off since injuring his left hand on NSW's season-ending Super 14 tour of South Africa had him keen to confront the inconsistent All Blacks.

"I think it's come as a blessing in disguise really," he said. "(In) the Super 14 my body got battered and bruised a bit, so it's good to get a bit of time off and (be) mentally and physically refreshed.

"... If I get the opportunity, I'm not going to take it for granted."

Palu's likely recall means one member of the squad for Australia's first four internationals will be cut.

If selectors Deans, Jim Williams and David Nucifora opt to continue with 16 forwards and 14 backs, Peter Kimlin's place is in jeopardy with Matt Hodgson expected to recover from a shoulder injury in time.

In the absence of Lote Tuqiri, sacked yesterday by the ARU, young Waratahs centre Rob Horne is a chance to come into the squad. Horne is known to be well liked by Deans.

Prop Matt Dunning is also a possibility of deposing early season bolter Pek Cowan.

Palu met Deans last week, but said the coach gave little away.

"He just told me to try to get fit and try to get as much game time as I can and it was good to get 80 minutes out last week," he said.

"I wouldn't say I'm confident (of being named) but you just never know."

The Wallabies are keen to bolster their depth at number eight, the position flanker George Smith was forced to cover in the last squad with in-form Richard Brown the only specialist.

"I think that goes to show how close it is amongst the back row," Palu said.

"You get injured and you give someone else a chance and Richard Brown's taken the number eight and he's played well every time he's worn the Australian jersey, so it's up to me to try to take it off him."

Mark Chisholm has conceded he would need a miracle to play any part in the Tri-Nations series.

Chisholm played in every match of Australia's 2008 end-of-year tour but has been sidelined since fracturing a wrist playing for the Brumbies against the Cheetahs in South Africa

in April.

[Pakeha_70]

Lo squad Australiano:

Backs: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Luke Burgess, Quade Cooper, Ryan Cross, Will Genia, Matt Giteau, Peter Hynes, Drew Mitchell, Stirling Mortlock (capt), James O'Connor, Timana Tahu, Lachie Turner.

Forwards: Ben Alexander, Al Baxter, Richard Brown, Pek Cowan, Rocky Elsom, Matt Hodgson, James Horwill, Peter Kimlin, Stephen Moore, Dean Mumm, Wycliff Palu, David Pocock, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson, Nathan Sharpe, George Smith, Phil Waugh.

[DVD]

Genia goes from PNG to Wallaby gold
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Bret Harris | July 03, 2009

Article from: The Australian
WILL Genia was sitting in a classroom at Ballymore yesterday doing his diploma in business course when he was handed a piece of paper.

It was the Wallabies' Tri-Nations squad and Genia's name was highlighted in yellow.

Genia was the only bolter in the 30-man squad, replacing back-up halfback Josh Valentine.

"I'm stoked. I couldn't believe it," Genia said.

The 21-year-old was poised to be selected in Australia's squad for the in-bound Tests, but was ruled out after damaging a finger tendon in a two-try performance for Queensland against the Brumbies on May 2. He will be fit to play again in two weeks, which is when the Wallabies tackle the All Blacks in Auckland on July 18.

"Robbie (Deans) called me after the Brumbies game," Genia said. "He said 'keep working hard and our paths will cross before the end of the year'.

"All I wanted to do this year was play good, consistent rugby for Queensland and now I've been rewarded with a place in the Wallabies. If I get picked, I'll be right to play in two weeks. All I can do is do everything I can to get fit and prepare.

"It would be awesome to face the haka in Auckland and play against the All Blacks, one of the best teams in the world."

Genia will become one of the few players of Papua New Guinean birth to become a Wallaby. After moving to Australia as a 12 year old, he was plucked from obscurity by former Queensland coach Eddie Jones to make his Super rugby debut for the Reds' season opener against the Hurricanes in 2007 without having played a senior club game for Brisbane Wests.

A member of the Australian under-20 team last year, Genia continued his development this season, competing with Australia A halfback Ben Lucas for the Reds' No9 jersey. While Genia has been out of sight, he has not been out of Deans' mind.

"As a young man he is very strong," Deans said. "He's got a good passing game and he's strong in the carry. In his last outing against the Brumbies, he scored two tries that day as well as distributing effectively.

"He is a bloke who we believe will add a lot to our game.

"Against a tiring defence a bloke like him is going to be pretty challenging and we've seen that in Super rugby."

Genia, who is finalising a two-year deal with the ARU and the Reds, will play a key role in maintaining the Wallabies' pace and pressure for 80 minutes.

"That's something I've concentrated on this season," Genia said. "I was given some advice by (former Australia and Reds halfback) Sam Cordingley. Whatever time you get make the most of it and make a difference. It doesn't matter if it's two minutes or 20 minutes."

The only other change to the Wallabies squad was the inclusion of number eight Wycliff Palu, who has recovered from a broken hand and has effectively replaced the sacked Lote Tuqiri.

[Pukana]

All Blacks squad for Tri Nations named
Updated 10:17AM Saturday Jul 04, 2009

The 30-man squad features the return of world class captain and flanker Richie McCaw, No 8 Rodney So'oialo and winger Sitiveni Sivivatu, who missed the tests against France and Italy last month due to injury.

Also introduced are two members of the Junior All Blacks - winger Hosea Gear and lock Jason Eaton - while prop Owen Franks and lock Bryn Evans are officially included in the squad after being classified as on standby through June.

The inclusion of Franks as a fifth prop boosts the number of forwards to 17, representing a change of heart from the selectors' pronouncement last week that they would select a 16-14 forwards-backs split.

Masaga is squeezed out, despite a solid debut against Italy in Christchurch last weekend. Gear's form in the Pacific Nations Cup proved hard to ignore and he joins Joe Rokocoko and Sivivatu - who has overcome a dislocated shoulder - as the wing specialists.

Also welcomed back are McCaw from a knee injury and long-time loose forward comrade So'oialo, who was officially on "recovery and rehabilitation" last month.

Players not considered for selection due to injury include lock Ali Williams (achilles), winger Rudi Wulf (shoulder), flanker Adam Thomson (hand), centre Richard Kahui (shoulder), lock Anthony Boric (toe), halfback Andy Ellis (ribs), hooker Corey Flynn (forearm), flanker Scott Waldrom (back) and first-five eighths Daniel Carter (achilles).

Also, utility back Isaia Toeava is likely to miss the first three tests of the Tri-Nations because of injury. He was named in the squad today despite a scan late this week confirming that he has a stress fracture in his left foot.

First five-eighth Stephen Donald is also recovering from a hamstring strain that ruled him out of the Italy test.

Four players will be present as cover when the All Blacks have a training camp in Wellington on Wednesday and Thursday. They are Wellington utility back Tamati Ellison, Canterbury first five-eighth Stephen Brett, Canterbury prop Ben Franks and North Harbour outside back Anthony Tuitavake, who were all members of the Junior All Blacks.

All Blacks Coach Graham Henry was under no illusions how challenging this year's Tri Nations would be.

"It's going to be a huge contest right from the first test," he said.

"But this group of players has the resolve and the character to meet that challenge head on so we are expecting it to be another massive competition between the three top-ranked countries in world rugby."

The All Blacks open the tournament against Australia in Auckland on July 18, followed by concurrent tests in South Africa against the Springboks - in Bloemfontein on July 25 and Durban on August 1.

They play the Wallabies at Sydney, on August 22 and finish the competition with two home tests against the Springboks in Hamilton, on September 12 and the Wallabies in Wellington, on September 19.

Full squad list:

Backs: Mils Muliaina, Cory Jane, Joe Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Hosea Gear, Isaia Toeava, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Luke McAlister, Stephen Donald, Piri Weepu, Jimmy Cowan, Brendon Leonard

Forwards: Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw (captain), Tanerau Latimer, Kieran Read, Jerome Kaino, Jason Eaton, Isaac Ross, Bryn Evans, Brad Thorn, John Afoa, Neemia Tialata, Owen Franks, Tony Woodcock, Wyatt Crockett, Andrew Hore, Keven Mealamu, Aled de Malmanche.

- NZPA

[EmmePi]

E adesso l'IRB cosa farà? Ci saranno conseguenze per il Tri Nations?


IRB Confirms Misconduct Charge Against South Africa Rugby Union

The International Rugby Board today confirmed it will bring charges against the South Africa Rugby Union for alleged Misconduct in breach of the IRB Regulations Relating to the Game including breaches of the IRB Code of Conduct.

The action arises from the Springboks wearing armbands during the Third Test with the British & Irish Lions on Saturday as a symbol of solidarity for Bakkies Botha following the upholding of his two-week suspension by an independent Appeal Committee for dangerously charging into a ruck without binding on a player.

The IRB takes the view that such an act demonstrates a clear disregard of the disciplinary process and does so in a manner which brings, or has the potential to bring, the Game into disrepute.

The IRB has notified the South Africa Rugby Union that it intends to begin the disciplinary proceedings. The matter will now be referred to the independent Judicial Panel Chairman who will appoint a Judicial Officer or Committee.

[Pukana]

E adesso l'IRB cosa farà? Ci saranno conseguenze per il Tri Nations?


IRB Confirms Misconduct Charge Against South Africa Rugby Union

The International Rugby Board today confirmed it will bring charges against the South Africa Rugby Union for alleged Misconduct in breach of the IRB Regulations Relating to the Game including breaches of the IRB Code of Conduct.

The action arises from the Springboks wearing armbands during the Third Test with the British & Irish Lions on Saturday as a symbol of solidarity for Bakkies Botha following the upholding of his two-week suspension by an independent Appeal Committee for dangerously charging into a ruck without binding on a player.

The IRB takes the view that such an act demonstrates a clear disregard of the disciplinary process and does so in a manner which brings, or has the potential to bring, the Game into disrepute.

The IRB has notified the South Africa Rugby Union that it intends to begin the disciplinary proceedings. The matter will now be referred to the independent Judicial Panel Chairman who will appoint a Judicial Officer or Committee.

mmmmh se il SA e' escluso arriviamo secondi EVVAI!!!

[EmmePi]

Questa mi sa di scaramanzia del tifoso All Black...

In effetti un'esclusione del Sudafrica dal Tri Nations è probabile come un successo dell'Italia nel prossimo Sei Nazioni, anzi, nei prossimi test di novembre

[Pakeha_70]

Intanto la NZRU ha prolungato il contratto a Henry & co. fino al 2011.

[Steyn12]

McAlister a rischio per l esordio al 3 nations.. fanno giocare Brett o Weepu a 10?

[Laporte]

McAlister a rischio per l esordio al 3 nations..

non diteglielo a Nacewa......... E' arrivato a mangiarsi i gomiti....

[Pukana]

McAlister a rischio per l esordio al 3 nations..

non diteglielo a Nacewa......... E' arrivato a mangiarsi i gomiti....

perche' mai? tanto non puo giocare in nero cmq con Luke or senza Luke, Stephen, Dan-the-man, Ice, piwi, etc...